Form 20-F
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 28, 2008

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 20-F

(Mark One)

 

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from             to             .

OR

 

¨ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report                    .

Commission file number 001-15258

 

 

Kookmin Bank

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Kookmin Bank

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

The Republic of Korea

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

9-1, 2-ga, Namdaemoon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul 100-703, Korea

(Address of principal executive offices)

Kyu Sul Choi

36-3 Yeoido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul 150-758, Korea

Telephone No.: +82-2-2073-8354

Facsimile No.: +82-2-2073-8360

(Name, telephone, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)

 

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

 

Title of each class

  

Name of each exchange on which registered

American Depositary Shares, each representing

one share of Common Stock

   New York Stock Exchange
Common Stock, par value (Won)5,000 per share    New York Stock Exchange*

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

None

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

336,379,116 shares of Common Stock, par value (Won)5,000 per share

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    x  Yes    ¨  No

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    ¨  Yes    x  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    x  Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

x  Large accelerated filer   ¨  Accelerated filer   ¨  Non-accelerated filer

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

x  U.S. GAAP   ¨  IFRS   ¨  Other

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

 

¨  Item 17    x  Item 18

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    ¨  Yes    x  No

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.    ¨  Yes    ¨  No

 

* Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of the American Depositary Shares.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION

   1

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

   2

Item 1.

  IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGERS AND ADVISERS    3

Item 2.

  OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE    3

Item 3.

  KEY INFORMATION    4
 

Item 3A.

   Selected Financial Data    4
 

Item 3B.

   Capitalization and Indebtedness    12
 

Item 3C.

   Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds    12
 

Item 3D.

   Risk Factors    12

Item 4.

  INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY    29
 

Item 4A.

   History and Development of the Company    29
 

Item 4B.

   Business Overview    32
 

Item 4C.

   Organizational Structure    98
 

Item 4D.

   Property, Plants and Equipment    99

Item 4.A.

  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS    99

Item 5.

  OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS    100
 

Item 5A.

   Operating Results    100
 

Item 5B.

   Liquidity and Capital Resources    124
 

Item 5C.

   Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.    143
 

Item 5D.

   Trend Information    143
 

Item 5E.

   Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements    143
 

Item 5F.

   Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations    143

Item 6.

  DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES    143
 

Item 6A.

   Directors and Senior Management    143
 

Item 6B.

   Compensation    148
 

Item 6C.

   Board Practices    149
 

Item 6D.

   Employees    152
 

Item 6E.

   Share Ownership    153

Item 7.

  MAJOR STOCKHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS    156
 

Item 7A.

   Major Stockholders    156
 

Item 7B.

   Related Party Transactions    156
 

Item 7C.

   Interests of Experts and Counsel    158

Item 8.

  FINANCIAL INFORMATION    158
 

Item 8A.

   Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information    158
 

Item 8B.

   Significant Changes    161

Item 9.

  THE OFFER AND LISTING    161
 

Item 9A.

   Offering and Listing Details    161
 

Item 9B.

   Plan of Distribution    163

 

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Item 9C.

   Markets    163
 

Item 9D.

   Selling Shareholders    170
 

Item 9E.

   Dilution    170
 

Item 9F.

   Expenses of the Issue    170

Item 10.

  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION    170
 

Item 10A.

   Share Capital    170
 

Item 10B.

   Memorandum and Articles of Association    170
 

Item 10C.

   Material Contracts    176
 

Item 10D.

   Exchange Controls    177
 

Item 10E.

   Taxation    178
 

Item 10F.

   Dividends and Paying Agents    182
 

Item 10G.

   Statements by Experts    182
 

Item 10H.

   Documents on Display    182
 

Item 10I.

   Subsidiary Information    183

Item 11.

  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK    183

Item 12.

  DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES    201

Item 13.

  DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES    201

Item 14.

  MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS    201

Item 15.

  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    201

Item 16.

  RESERVED    202
 

Item 16A.

   Audit Committee Financial Expert    202
 

Item 16B.

   Code of Ethics    202
 

Item 16C.

   Principal Accountant Fees and Services    203
 

Item 16D.

   Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees    203
 

Item 16E.

   Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers    203

Item 17.

  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    203

Item 18.

  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    204

Item 19.

  EXHIBITS    204

 

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PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION

As of and for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, we have prepared financial information in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP. Unless indicated otherwise, the financial information in this annual report as of and for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 has been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

In this annual report:

 

   

references to “we,” “us” or “Kookmin Bank” are to Kookmin Bank and, unless the context otherwise requires, its subsidiaries and, for periods of time prior to the merger with H&CB, the former Kookmin Bank;

 

   

references to “Korea” are to the Republic of Korea;

 

   

references to the “government” are to the government of the Republic of Korea;

 

   

references to “Won” or “(Won)” are to the currency of Korea; and

 

   

references to “U.S. dollars,” “$” or “US$” are to United States dollars.

Discrepancies between totals and the sums of the amounts contained in any table may be a result of rounding.

For your convenience, this annual report contains translations of Won amounts into U.S. dollars at the noon buying rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for Won in effect on December 31, 2007, which was (Won)935.8 = US$1.00.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission encourages companies to disclose forward-looking information so that investors can better understand a company’s future prospects and make informed investment decisions. This annual report contains forward-looking statements.

Words and phrases such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “plan,” “predict,” “positioned,” “project,” “risk,” “seek to,” “shall,” “should,” “will likely result,” “will pursue,” “plan” and words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance or our expectations, plans, projections or business prospects identify forward-looking statements. In particular, the statements under the headings “Item 3D. Risk Factors,” “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and “Item 4B. Business Overview” regarding our financial condition and other future events or prospects are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are management’s present expectations of future events and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

In addition to the risks related to our business discussed under “Item 3D. Risk Factors,” other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to:

• our ability to successfully implement our strategy;

• future levels of non-performing loans;

• our growth and expansion;

• the adequacy of allowance for credit and investment losses;

• technological changes;

• interest rates;

• investment income;

• availability of funding and liquidity;

• cash flow projections;

• our exposure to market risks; and

• adverse market and regulatory conditions.

By their nature, certain disclosures relating to these and other risks are only estimates and could be materially different from what actually occurs in the future. As a result, actual future gains, losses or impact on our income or results of operations could materially differ from those that have been estimated. For example, revenues could decrease, costs could increase, capital costs could increase, capital investment could be delayed and anticipated improvements in performance might not be fully realized.

In addition, other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by the forward-looking statements contained in this annual report could include, but are not limited to:

 

   

general economic and political conditions in Korea or other countries that have an impact on our business activities or investments;

 

   

the monetary and interest rate policies of Korea;

 

   

inflation or deflation;

 

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unanticipated volatility in interest rates;

 

   

foreign exchange rates;

 

   

prices and yields of equity and debt securities;

 

   

the performance of the financial markets in Korea and globally;

 

   

changes in domestic and foreign laws, regulations and taxes;

 

   

changes in competition and the pricing environments in Korea; and

 

   

regional or general changes in asset valuations.

For further discussion of the factors that could cause actual results to differ, see the discussion under “Item 3D. Risk Factors” contained in this annual report. We caution you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this annual report. Except as required by law, we are not under any obligation, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

All subsequent forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this annual report.

 

Item 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGERS AND ADVISERS

Not applicable

 

Item 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not applicable

 

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Item 3. KEY INFORMATION

 

Item 3A. Selected Financial Data

The selected consolidated financial and operating data set forth below as of and for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004 have been audited by independent registered public accounting firm Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers and our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 have been audited by independent registered public accounting firm Deloitte Anjin LLC.

You should read the following data together with the more detailed information contained in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. Historical results do not necessarily predict future results.

Consolidated income statement data

 

    Year ended December 31,
    2003   2004   2005   2006     2007   2007 (1)
    (in billions of Won, except common share data)   (in millions of US$,
except common
share data)

Interest and dividend income

  (Won) 13,755   (Won) 12,092   (Won) 10,658   (Won) 11,405     (Won) 12,792   US$ 13,670

Interest expense

    6,462     5,516     4,757     5,342       6,687     7,146
                                     

Net interest income

    7,293     6,576     5,901     6,063       6,105     6,524

Provision for credit losses

    7,167     3,861     613     (100 )     18     20

Non-interest income

    2,914     2,800     2,844     2,880       4,013     4,288

Non-interest expense

    4,406     4,032     4,314     4,522       5,135     5,485

Income tax expense (benefit)

    (367)     448     1,099     1,423       1,206     1,289

Minority interests

    (52)     3     3     5       4     5

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

    (947)     1,032     2,716     3,093       3,755     4,013

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

    —       —       —       (2 )     —       —  
                                     

Net income (loss)

  (Won) (947)   (Won) 1,032   (Won) 2,716   (Won) 3,091     (Won) 3,755   US$ 4,013
                                     

Net income (loss) from continuing operations per common share

           

Net income (loss)—basic

  (Won) (2,905)   (Won) 3,367   (Won) 8,415   (Won) 9,194     (Won) 11,164   US$ 11.93

Net income (loss)—diluted (2)

    (2,905)     3,365     8,411     9,193       11,164     11.93

Net income (loss) per common share

           

Net income (loss)—basic

  (Won) (2,905)   (Won) 3,367   (Won) 8,415   (Won) 9,189     (Won) 11,164   US$ 11.93

Net income (loss)—diluted (2)

    (2,905)     3,365     8,411     9,188       11,164     11.93

Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic (in thousands of common shares)

    326,000     306,432     322,786     336,351       336,346     336,346

Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted (in thousands of common shares)

    326,000     306,650     322,948     336,353       336,346     336,346

Cash dividends declared per common share (3)

  (Won) 1,000   (Won) —     (Won) 550   (Won) 550     (Won) 3,650   US$ 3.90

 

(1)

Won amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars at the rate of (Won)935.8 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on December 31, 2007 as quoted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in the United States.

 

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(2)

Diluted earnings per share gives effect to the potential dilution that could occur if convertible securities, options or other contracts to issue common stock were converted into or exercised for common stock for the relevant periods. Effective from 2003, we had one category of potentially dilutive common shares, which was shares issuable on exercise of stock options granted to directors and employees. Effective from August 2005, we changed the settlement method for such stock options to a cash settlement method (excluding certain outstanding stock options which were exercised in full in 2006), and accordingly there were no potentially dilutive common shares in 2007.

(3)

U.S. GAAP requires that dividends be recorded in the period in which they are declared rather than the period to which they relate unless these are the same.

Consolidated balance sheet data

 

    As of December 31,
    2003     2004   2005   2006   2007   2007 (1)
    (in billions of Won)   (in millions
of US$)

Assets

           

Cash and cash equivalents

  (Won) 3,170     (Won) 2,818   (Won) 3,086   (Won) 3,775   (Won) 2,770   US$ 2,961

Restricted cash

    2,770       1,822     2,259     3,277     3,996     4,271

Interest-bearing deposits in other banks

    563       597     515     423     69     74

Call loans and securities purchased under resale agreements

    3,959       2,993     1,716     1,738     1,628     1,740

Trading assets

    3,517       6,096     4,754     3,744     6,594     7,047

Investments (2)

    22,427       23,095     25,372     25,348     24,685     26,378

Loans (net of allowance for loan losses of (Won)5,772 billion in 2003, (Won)4,461 billion in 2004, (Won)3,212 billion in 2005, (Won)2,468 billion in 2006 and (Won)1,864 billion in 2007 )

    140,213       133,794     134,939     149,216     170,721     182,433

Due from customers on acceptances

    605       743     627     620     1,106     1,182

Premises and equipment, net

    1,909       1,637     1,516     1,612     1,660     1,773

Accrued interest and dividends receivable

    995       871     1,060     802     899     961

Security deposits

    1,331       1,285     1,185     1,190     1,335     1,427

Goodwill

    395       422     394     394     394     422

Other intangible assets, net

    423       308     217     185     183     196

Other assets

    1,702       1,055     868     654     1,643     1,752
                                     

Total assets

  (Won) 183,979     (Won) 177,536   (Won) 178,508   (Won) 192,978   (Won) 217,683   US$  232,617
                                     

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

           

Deposits:

           

Interest bearing

  (Won) 128,144     (Won) 123,203   (Won) 121,787   (Won) 125,195   (Won) 134,760   US$ 144,005

Non-interest bearing

    3,460       3,017     3,912     4,345     3,678     3,930

Call money

    225       652     1,253     168     794     849

Trading liabilities

    762       2,297     1,078     1,223     1,812     1,936

Acceptances outstanding

    605       743     627     620     1,106     1,182

Other borrowed funds

    12,895       9,514     6,118     10,627     7,776     8,310

Accrued interest payable

    3,938       3,495     3,307     3,698     4,196     4,483

Secured borrowings

    8,207       6,121     8,118     7,463     6,315     6,748

Long-term debt

    16,607       17,899     16,751     21,675     36,307     38,798

Other liabilities

    2,552       2,900     4,151     3,174     3,953     4,224
                                     

Total liabilities

    177,395       169,841     167,102     178,188     200,697     214,465
                                     

Minority interests

    16       13     14     18     20     22

Common stock

    1,682       1,682     1,682     1,682     1,682     1,797

Additional paid-in capital

    5,393       5,400     5,416     5,404     5,405     5,776

Other

    (507 )     600     4,294     7,686     9,879     10,557
                                     

Stockholders’ equity

    6,568       7,682     11,392     14,772     16,966     18,130
                                     

Total liabilities, minority interests and stockholders’ equity

  (Won) 183,979     (Won) 177,536   (Won) 178,508   (Won) 192,978   (Won) 217,683   US$  232,617
                                     

 

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(1)

Won amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars at the rate of (Won)935.8 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on December 31, 2007 as quoted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in the United States.

(2)

Consists of available-for-sale securities, held-to-maturity securities, venture capital securities and other securities.

Profitability ratios and other data

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007  
     (percentages)  

Net income as a percentage of:

          

Average total assets (1)

   (0.49 )%   0.56 %   1.50 %   1.61 %   1.80 %

Average stockholders’ equity (1)

   (7.17 )   13.36     25.51     22.52     22.66  

Dividend payout ratio (2)

   —       16.33     6.81     39.73     21.95  

Net interest spread (3)

   3.68     3.62     3.29     3.15     2.84  

Net interest margin (4)

   4.01     3.84     3.53     3.43     3.17  

Efficiency ratio (5)

   43.17     43.00     49.33     50.56     50.75  

Cost-to-average assets ratio (6)

   2.28     2.19     2.38     2.36     2.46  

Won loans (gross) as a percentage of Won deposits

   108.30     108.00     106.34     112.16     119.48  

Total loans (gross) as a percentage of total deposits

   110.83     109.43     109.80     116.88     124.38  

 

(1)

Average balances are based on daily balances for our primary banking operations and monthly or quarterly balances for our subsidiaries.

(2)

Represents the ratio of total dividends declared on common stock as a percentage of net income.

(3)

Represents the difference between the yield on average interest earning assets and cost of average interest bearing liabilities.

(4)

Represents the ratio of net interest income to average interest earning assets.

(5)

Represents the ratio of non-interest expense to the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.

(6)

Represents the ratio of non-interest expense to average total assets.

Capital ratios

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007  
     (percentages)  

Total capital adequacy ratio (1)

   9.81 %   11.01 %   12.95 %   14.17 %   12.62 %

Tier I capital adequacy ratio (1)

   6.03     6.67     9.67     10.07     9.74  

Tier II capital adequacy ratio (1)

   3.78     4.34     3.28     4.10     2.88  

Average stockholders’ equity as a percentage of average total assets

   6.83     4.20     5.87     7.17     7.95  

 

(1)

Our capital adequacy ratios are computed in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Financial Services Commission. The computation is based on our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP, which may differ in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. See “Item 5B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Financial Condition—Capital Adequacy.”

 

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Credit portfolio ratios and other data

 

     As of December 31,  
     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007  
     (in billions of Won, except percentages)  

Total loans

   (Won) 145,858     (Won) 138,124     (Won) 138,012     (Won) 151,403     (Won) 172,189  

Total non-performing loans (1)

     4,116       3,175       3,149       2,143       1,339  

Other impaired loans not included in non-performing loans

     3,072       2,034       1,615       1,195       887  

Total of non-performing loans and other impaired loans

     7,188       5,209       4,764       3,338       2,226  

Total allowance for loan losses

     5,772       4,461       3,212       2,468       1,864  

Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans

     2.82 %     2.30 %     2.28 %     1.42 %     0.78 %

Non-performing loans as a percentage of total assets

     2.24       1.79       1.76       1.11       0.62  

Total of non-performing loans and other impaired loans as a percentage of total loans

     4.93       3.77       3.45       2.21       1.29  

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans

     3.96       3.23       2.33       1.63       1.08  

 

(1)

Non-performing loans are defined as those loans, including corporate, retail and other loans, which are past due more than 90 days.

 

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Selected Statistical Information

Average Balance Sheets and Related Interest

The following table shows our average balances and interest rates for the past three years:

 

    Year ended December 31,  
    2005     2006     2007  
    Average
balance (1)
    Interest
income (2) (3) (4)
  Average
yield
    Average
balance (1)
    Interest
income (2) (3) (4)
  Average
yield
    Average
balance (1)
    Interest
income (2) (3) (4)
  Average
yield
 
    (in billions of Won, except percentages)  

Assets

                 

Cash and interest-earning deposits in other banks

  (Won) 1,069     (Won) 27   2.53 %   (Won) 860     (Won) 28   3.26 %   (Won) 487     (Won) 19   3.90 %

Call loans and securities purchased under resale agreements

    2,378       78   3.28       1,415       60   4.24       1,201       60   5.00  

Trading securities

    3,342       129   3.86       3,318       159   4.79       5,070       247   4.87  

Investment securities (5)

    23,357       960   4.11       27,605       1,217   4.41       24,695       1,171   4.74  

Loans:

                 

Commercial and industrial

    39,031       2,352   6.03       44,631       2,694   6.04       55,759       3,484   6.25  

Construction loans

    4,283       284   6.63       5,194       349   6.72       6,959       471   6.77  

Other commercial

    1,295       65   5.02       1,514       86   5.68       1,623       98   6.04  

Mortgage and home equity

    58,376       3,355   5.75       60,373       3,724   6.17       64,419       4,182   6.49  

Other consumer

    24,506       2,002   8.17       22,046       1,811   8.21       21,834       1,802   8.25  

Credit cards (4)

    8,369       1,362   16.27       8,547       1,221   14.29       9,451       1,200   12.70  

Foreign commercial and industrial

    1,219       44   3.61       1,152       56   4.86       1,112       58   5.22  
                                                           

Loans (total)

    137,079       9,464   6.90       143,457       9,941   6.93       161,157       11,295   7.01  
                                                           

Total average interest earning assets

    167,225       10,658   6.37       176,655       11,405   6.46       192,610       12,792   6.64  
                                                           

Cash and due from banks

    4,997       —     —         5,102       —     —         5,964       —     —    

Foreign exchange spot contracts and derivatives

    5,786       —     —         5,798       —     —         4,869       —     —    

Premises and equipment

    1,641       —     —         1,504       —     —         1,649       —     —    

Due from customers on acceptance

    1,092       —     —         594       —     —         757       —     —    

Loan loss allowance

    (3,844 )     —     —         (2,396 )     —     —         (1,570 )     —     —    

Other non-interest earning assets

    4,411       —     —         4,261       —     —         4,192       —     —    
                                                           

Total average non-interest earning assets

    14,083       —     —         14,863       —     —         15,861       —     —    
                                                           

Total average assets

  (Won) 181,308     (Won) 10,658   5.88     (Won) 191,518     (Won) 11,405   5.96     (Won) 208,471     (Won) 12,792   6.14  
                                               

 

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    Year ended December 31,  
    2005     2006     2007  
    Average
balance (1)
  Interest
expense
  Average
cost
    Average
balance (1)
  Interest
expense
  Average
cost
    Average
balance (1)
  Interest
expense
  Average
cost
 
    (in billions of Won, except percentages)  

Liabilities

                 

Deposits:

                 

Demand deposits

  (Won) 614   (Won) 7   1.14 %   (Won) 625   (Won) 11   1.76 %   (Won) 605   (Won) 13   2.15 %

Certificates of deposit

    5,007     185   3.69       8,386     379   4.52       14,628     759   5.19  

Other time deposits

    66,229     2,388   3.61       62,015     2,433   3.92       63,082     2,778   4.40  

Savings deposits

    38,343     219   0.57       41,652     296   0.71       42,001     351   0.84  

Mutual installment deposits

    10,589     382   3.61       8,511     289   3.40       6,900     231   3.35  
                                             

Deposits (total)

    120,782     3,181   2.63       121,189     3,408   2.81       127,216     4,132   3.25  

Call money

    1,218     40   3.28       2,825     119   4.21       2,069     101   4.88  

Borrowings from the Bank of Korea

    687     14   2.04       653     15   2.30       539     16   2.97  

Other short-term borrowings

    7,474     275   3.68       7,574     339   4.48       9,335     462   4.95  

Secured borrowings

    7,109     310   4.36       8,622     389   4.51       7,688     379   4.93  

Long-term debt

    17,114     937   5.48       20,285     1,072   5.28       29,099     1,597   5.49  
                                             

Total average interest bearing liabilities

    154,384     4,757   3.08       161,148     5,342   3.31       175,946     6,687   3.80  
                                             

Demand deposits

    3,010     —     —         3,173     —     —         3,126     —     —    

Foreign exchange spot contracts and derivatives

    5,748     —     —         5,739     —     —         4,870     —     —    

Acceptances to customers

    760     —     —         593     —     —         813     —     —    

Other non-interest bearing liabilities

    6,759     —     —         7,139     —     —         7,142     —     —    
                                         

Total average non-interest bearing liabilities

    16,277     —     —         16,644     —     —         15,951     —     —    
                                         

Total average liabilities

    170,661     4,757   2.79       177,792     5,342   3.00       191,897     6,687   3.48  
                                         

Stockholders’ equity

    10,647     —     —         13,726     —     —         16,574     —     —    
                                         

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  (Won) 181,308   (Won) 4,757   2.62     (Won) 191,518   (Won) 5,342   2.79     (Won) 208,471   (Won) 6,687   3.21  
                                         

 

(1)

Average balances are based on daily balances for our primary banking operations and monthly or quarterly balances for our subsidiaries.

(2)

Interest income figures include dividends on securities and cash interest received on non-accruing loans. See “Item 4B. Business Overview—Assets and Liabilities—Loan Portfolio—Non-Accrual Loans and Past Due Accruing Loans.”

(3)

We do not invest in any tax-exempt securities.

 

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(4)

Interest income from credit cards includes principally cash advance fees of (Won)880 billion, (Won)708 billion and (Won)597 billion and interest on credit card loans of (Won)217 billion, (Won)274 billion and (Won)370 billion for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively, but does not include interchange fees.

(5)

Information related to investment securities classified as available-for-sale has been computed using amortized cost, and therefore does not give effect to changes in fair value that are reflected as a component of stockholders’ equity.

The following table presents our net interest spread, net interest margin, and asset liability ratio for the past three years:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2005     2006     2007  
     (percentages)  

Net interest spread (1)

   3.29 %   3.15 %   2.84 %

Net interest margin (2)

   3.53     3.43     3.17  

Average asset liability ratio (3)

   108.32     109.62     109.47  

 

(1)

The difference between the average rate of interest earned on interest earning assets and the average rate of interest paid on interest bearing liabilities.

(2)

The ratio of net interest income to average interest earning assets.

(3)

The ratio of average interest earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities.

Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income—Volume and Rate Analysis

The following table provides an analysis of changes in interest income, interest expense and net interest income based on changes in volume and changes in rate for 2006 compared to 2005 and 2007 compared to 2006. Information is provided with respect to: (1) effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate) and (2) effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). Changes attributable to the combined impact of changes in rate and volume have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to volume changes and changes due to rate changes.

 

     2006 vs. 2005
Increase/(decrease)
due to change in
    2007 vs. 2006
Increase/(decrease)
due to change in
 
     Volume     Rate     Total     Volume     Rate     Total  
     (in billions of Won)  

Interest earning assets

            

Cash and interest earning deposits in other banks

   (Won) (6 )   (Won) 7     (Won) 1     (Won) (14 )   (Won) 5     (Won) (9 )

Call loans and securities purchased under resale agreements

     (37 )     19       (18 )     (10 )     10       —    

Trading securities

     (1 )     31       30       85       3       88  

Investment securities

     184       73       257       (134 )     88       (46 )

Loans

            

Commercial and industrial

     338       4       342       692       98       790  

Construction loans

     61       4       65       119       3       122  

Other commercial

     12       9       21       6       6       12  

Mortgage and home equity

     117       252       369       257       201       458  

Other consumer

     (202 )     11       (191 )     (17 )     8       (9 )

Credit cards

     28       (169 )     (141 )     122       (143 )     (21 )

Foreign commercial and industrial

     (3 )     15       12       (2 )     4       2  
                                                

Total interest income

     491       256       747       1,104       283       1,387  
                                                

 

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     2006 vs. 2005
Increase/(decrease)
due to change in
    2007 vs. 2006
Increase/(decrease)
due to change in
 
     Volume     Rate     Total     Volume     Rate     Total  
     (in billions of Won)  

Interest bearing liabilities

            

Deposits:

            

Demand deposits

     0       4       4       0       2       2  

Certificates of deposit

     146       48       194       317       63       380  

Other time deposits

     (158 )     203       45       42       303       345  

Savings deposits

     20       57       77       3       52       55  

Mutual installment deposits

     (72 )     (21 )     (93 )     (54 )     (4 )     (58 )

Call money

     65       14       79       (35 )     17       (18 )

Borrowings from the Bank of Korea

     (1 )     2       1       (3 )     4       1  

Other short-term borrowings

     4       60       64       85       38       123  

Secured borrowings

     68       11       79       (44 )     34       (10 )

Long-term debt

     169       (34 )     135       482       43       525  
                                                

Total interest expense

     241       344       585       793       552       1,345  
                                                

Total net interest income

   (Won) 250     (Won) (88 )   (Won) 162     (Won) 311     (Won) (269 )   (Won) 42  
                                                

Exchange Rates

The tables below set forth, for the periods and dates indicated, information concerning the noon buying rate for Won, expressed in Won per one U.S. dollar. The “noon buying rate” is the rate in New York City for cable transfers in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Unless otherwise stated, translations of Won amounts into U.S. dollars in this annual report were made at the noon buying rate in effect on December 31, 2007, which was (Won)935.8 to US$1.00. We do not intend to imply that the Won or U.S. dollar amounts referred to herein could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars or Won, as the case may be, at any particular rate, or at all. On May 23, 2008, the noon buying rate was (Won)1,045.5 = US$1.00.

 

     Won per U.S. dollar (noon buying rate)
     Low    High    Average (1)    Period-End

2003

   (Won)1,146.0    (Won)1,262.0    (Won)1,193.0    (Won)1,192.0

2004

   1,035.1    1,195.1    1,139.3    1,035.1

2005

   997.0    1,059.8    1,023.8    1,010.0

2006

   913.7    1,002.9    954.3    930.0

2007

   903.2    950.2    929.0    935.8

November

   905.2    932.8    918.1    920.9

December

   918.9    943.4    931.1    935.8

2008 (through May 23)

   935.2    1,047.0    976.0    1,045.5

January

   935.2    953.2    942.1    943.4

February

   937.2    948.2    943.9    942.8

March

   947.1    1,021.5    981.7    988.6

April

   973.5    1,005.0    986.9    1,005.0

May (through May 23)

   1,004.0    1,047.0    1,034.3    1,045.5

 

Source:    Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

(1)

The average of the daily noon buying rates of the Federal Reserve Bank in effect during the relevant period (or portion thereof).

 

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Item 3B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not Applicable

 

Item 3C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not Applicable

 

Item 3D. Risk Factors

Risks relating to our retail credit portfolio

Future changes in market conditions as well as other factors may lead to increases in delinquency levels of our retail loan portfolio.

In recent years, consumer debt has increased rapidly in Korea. As the leading retail bank in Korea, our portfolio of retail loans, in particular, mortgage and home equity loans, has grown from (Won)81,204 billion as of December 31, 2003 to (Won)88,839 billion as of December 31, 2007. As of December 31, 2007, our retail loans represented 51.6% of our total lending. Within our retail loan portfolio, the outstanding balance of other consumer loans, which unlike mortgage or home equity loans is often unsecured and therefore tends to carry a higher credit risk, has decreased from (Won)28,727 billion as of December 31, 2003 to (Won)23,020 billion as of December 31, 2007; as a percentage of total outstanding retail loans, such balance has also decreased from 29.8% as of December 31, 2003 to 25.9% as of December 31, 2007. The growth of our retail lending business, which generally offers higher margins than other lending activities, contributed significantly to our interest income and profitability in recent years. Although the size of our retail portfolio decreased in 2005 due to increased delinquencies in 2003 and 2004, heightened competition and government regulation in the retail loan lending segment, in 2006 and 2007, our retail portfolio increased primarily as a result of increases in mortgage and home equity loans.

The growth of our retail loan portfolio in prior years led to significant increases in delinquency levels in 2003 and 2004, although delinquency levels stabilized starting in 2005. Higher delinquencies in 2003 and 2004 required us to increase our loan loss provisions and charge-offs, which in turn adversely affected our financial condition and results of operations. While our non-performing retail loans (defined as those that are over 90 days past due) decreased from (Won)1,613 billion as of December 31, 2003 to (Won)398 billion as of December 31, 2007 due to the relative stabilization of delinquency levels from 2005, there is no assurance that delinquency levels for our retail loans will not rise in the future.

Our large exposure to consumer debt means that we are exposed to changes in economic conditions affecting Korean consumers. Accordingly, a rise in unemployment, an increase in interest rates, a downturn in the real estate market, or a general contraction or other difficulties in the Korean economy that have an adverse effect on Korean consumers could result in reduced growth and further deterioration in the credit quality of our retail loan portfolio. In order to minimize our risk as a result of such exposure, we are continuing to strengthen our risk management processes, including further improving the retail lending process, upgrading our retail credit rating system, as well as strengthening the overall management of our portfolio. Despite our efforts, however, there is no assurance that we will be able to prevent significant credit quality deterioration in our retail loan portfolio.

Until 2004, our credit card operations recorded losses, and may again generate losses in the future, which could hurt our financial condition and results of operations.

In September 2003, we merged Kookmin Credit Card, our credit card subsidiary, into us in response to its liquidity problems stemming from the deteriorating asset quality of its credit card portfolio. The acquisition of minority interest was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, and we stepped up the assets and liabilities acquired to their fair values at the date of acquisition. The excess of fair value of purchase consideration over the fair value of net assets acquired was recognized as goodwill. Following the merger, our

 

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Table of Contents

credit card operations continued to record significant additional net losses through the first three quarters of 2004. This was primarily due to high delinquency levels and substantial charge-offs and loan loss provisions. Our delinquency ratio (which represents the ratio of amounts that are overdue by one day or more to total outstanding balances) with respect to our credit card portfolio was 21.6%, 8.42%, 5.8%, 4.81% and 3.60% as of December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. While our strengthened risk management efforts have resulted in decreases in the delinquency ratio, credit card delinquencies may increase in the future as a result of, among other things, adverse economic developments in Korea and the inability of Korean consumers to manage increased household debt.

In addition, in line with industry practice, we have restructured a portion of delinquent credit card account balances (defined as balances overdue for one day or more) as loans and also replaced a portion of our delinquent credit card account balances with cash advances that are rolled over from month to month. We have discontinued the practice of providing substituted cash advances from January 2004. As of December 31, 2007, these restructured loans outstanding amounted to (Won)64 billion. Because these loans are not treated as being delinquent at the time of conversion or for a period of time thereafter, our delinquency ratios may not fully reflect all delinquent amounts relating to our outstanding loans. Including all restructured loans, outstanding balances overdue by one day or more accounted for 4.05% of our credit card receivables (including credit card loans) as of December 31, 2007.

Despite our successful efforts to improve our credit card asset quality and performance, we may again experience losses on our credit card operations in the future, which may adversely affect our overall financial condition and results of operations.

Risk relating to our small- and medium-sized enterprise loan portfolio

We have significant exposure to small- and medium-sized enterprises, and any financial difficulties experienced by these customers may result in a deterioration of our asset quality and have an adverse impact on us.

One of our core businesses is lending to small- and medium-sized enterprises (as defined under “Item 4B. Business Overview—Corporate Banking—Small- and Medium-sized Enterprise Banking”). We estimate, based on our internal classifications made for Korean GAAP purposes, that our loans to small- and medium-sized enterprises increased from (Won)41,540 billion as of December 31, 2003 to (Won)54,116 billion as of December 31, 2007. During that period, we estimate that non-performing loans to small- and medium-sized enterprises decreased from (Won)1,416 billion to (Won)882 billion and the non-performing loan ratio for such loans decreased from 3.4% as of December 31, 2003 to 1.6% as of December 31, 2007. According to data compiled by the Financial Supervisory Service, the delinquency ratio for Won-currency loans by Korean commercial banks to small- and medium-sized enterprises was 1.1% as of December 31, 2007. Until December 31, 2006, the delinquency ratio for loans to small- and medium-sized enterprises was calculated as the ratio of (1) the outstanding balance of such loans in respect of which either principal payments are overdue by one day or more or interest payments are overdue by 14 days or more (unless prior interest payments on a loan were made late on more than three occasions, in which case the loan is considered delinquent if interest payments are overdue by one day or more) to (2) the aggregate outstanding balance of such loans. From January 1, 2007, the delinquency ratio for loans to small- and medium-sized enterprise is calculated as the ratio of (1) the outstanding balance of such loans in respect of which either principal or interest payments are overdue by one month or more to (2) the aggregate outstanding balance of such loans. Our delinquency ratio for such Won currency loans on a Korean GAAP basis decreased from 1.04% as of December 31, 2006, calculated using the old method of calculation, to 0.56% as of December 31, 2007, calculated using the new method of calculation, but may rise again in the future. We have taken measures to stem rising delinquencies in our loans to small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through strengthening the review of loan applications and closer monitoring of the post-loan performance of small- and medium-sized enterprise borrowers in industry sectors that are relatively more sensitive to downturns in the economy and have shown higher delinquency ratios, such as construction, hotels, restaurants and real

 

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estate. Despite such efforts, however, there is no assurance that delinquency levels for our loans to small- and medium-sized enterprises will not rise in the future.

Among other things, aggressive marketing and intense competition among banks in the small- and medium-sized enterprise lending market contributed to a deterioration in profitability and in the asset quality of our loans to this segment, especially in 2003 and 2004. Such deterioration also led to increased charge-offs and higher provisioning and reduced interest and fee income from this segment during such periods. The ability of our small- and medium-sized enterprise customers to service their debt may be further undermined by adverse economic developments in the future, including sustained high levels of oil prices and other raw material costs or the continued strength of the Won leading to reduced competitiveness for exported Korean goods, which may lead to further deterioration in the asset quality of our loans to such customers. In addition, many small- and medium-sized enterprises have close business relationships with the largest Korean commercial conglomerates, known as “chaebols,” primarily as suppliers. Any difficulties encountered by those chaebols would likely hurt the liquidity and financial condition of related small- and medium-sized enterprises, including those to which we have exposure, also resulting in an impairment of their ability to repay loans.

A substantial part of our small- and medium-sized enterprise lending comprises loans to “small office/home office” customers, or SOHOs. SOHOs, which we currently define to include sole proprietorships and individual business interests, are usually dependent on a limited number of suppliers or customers. SOHOs tend to be affected to a greater extent than larger corporate borrowers by fluctuations in the Korean economy. In addition, SOHOs often maintain less sophisticated financial records than other corporate borrowers. Although we continue to make efforts to improve our internally developed credit rating systems to rate potential borrowers, particularly with respect to SOHOs, and intend to manage our exposure to these borrowers closely in order to prevent any deterioration in the asset quality of our loans to this segment, we may not be able to do so as intended.

Risks relating to our strategy

Although increasing our fee income is an important part of our strategy, we may not be able to do so.

We have historically relied on interest income as our primary revenue source. While we have developed new sources of fee income as part of our business strategy, our ability to increase our fee income and thereby reduce our dependence on interest income will be affected by the extent to which our customers generally accept the concept of fee-based services. Historically, customers in Korea have generally been reluctant to pay fees in return for value-added financial services, and their continued reluctance to do so will adversely affect the implementation of this aspect of our strategy.

In March 2007, we reduced or waived many of the fees we charge on our banking services, in response to customer demand. Specifically, we reduced or waived our fees on fund transfers through our Internet, mobile and telephone banking services, as well as on transfers and after-hour withdrawals through ATMs. We also reduced our wire transfer fees and eliminated the fees we charge on issuance of bankers’ checks and certain tax-related statements. These measures may continue to limit the growth in our banking-related fee income.

We may suffer customer attrition or our net interest margin may decrease as a result of our competition strategy.

We have been pursuing, and intend to continue to pursue, a strategy of maintaining or enhancing our margins where possible and avoid, to the extent possible, entering into price competition. In order to execute this strategy, we will need to maintain relatively low interest rates on our deposit products while charging relatively higher rates on loans. If other banks and financial institutions adopt a strategy of expanding market share through interest rate competition, we may suffer customer attrition due to rate sensitivity. In addition, we may in the future decide to compete to a greater extent based on interest rates, which could lead to a decrease in our net interest margins. Any future decline in our customer base or our net interest margins as a result of our future competition strategy could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Risks relating to competition

Competition in the Korean banking industry is intense, and we may experience declining market share as a result.

We compete principally with other financial institutions in Korea, including Korean banks and branches of foreign banks operating in Korea. In the retail and small- and medium-sized enterprise lending business, which has been our traditional core business, competition has increased significantly and is expected to increase further. Most Korean banks have been focusing on retail customers and small- and medium-sized enterprises in recent years, although they are beginning to increase their exposure to large corporate borrowers, and they have engaged in aggressive marketing campaigns and made significant investments in the retail and small- and medium-sized enterprise segments. In addition, the profitability of our retail and credit card operations may decline as a result of growing market saturation in the retail lending and credit card segments, increased interest rate competition, pressure to lower the fee rates applicable to our credit cards (particularly merchant fee rates) and higher marketing expenses. Intense and increasing competition has made and continues to make it more difficult for us to secure retail, credit card and small- and medium-sized customers with the credit quality and on credit terms necessary to achieve our business objectives in a commercially acceptable manner.

In addition, we believe that regulatory reforms, including the enactment of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Market Act in 2007, and the general modernization of business practices in Korea will lead to increased competition among financial institutions in Korea. We also believe that foreign financial institutions, many of which have greater experience and resources than we do, will seek to compete with us in providing financial products and services either by themselves or in partnership with existing Korean financial institutions. Furthermore, a number of significant mergers and acquisitions in the industry have taken place in Korea over the last few years, including the acquisition of Koram Bank by an affiliate of Citibank in 2004, Standard Chartered Bank’s acquisition of Korea First Bank in 2005 and Chohung Bank’s merger with Shinhan Bank in April 2006, as well as the proposed acquisition of Korea Exchange Bank by HSBC. We expect that consolidation in the financial industry will continue. Some of the financial institutions resulting from this consolidation may, by virtue of their increased size and business scope, provide significantly greater competition for us. Increased competition and continuing consolidation may lead to decreased margins, resulting in a material adverse impact on our future profitability. Accordingly our results of operations and financial condition may suffer as a result of increasing competition in the Korean financial industry.

We face full competition with respect to our mortgage business, which may result in a further decrease of our market share and adversely affect our margins.

We were formed through a merger between the former Kookmin Bank and H&CB in 2001. Until 1997, by law, H&CB was the only financial institution in Korea that could offer a full range of mortgage products. Among other things, it had the exclusive ability to offer mortgages with terms longer than ten years, provide housing-related deposit accounts and offer preferential rights to subscribe for newly built apartments.

In 1997, the laws giving H&CB exclusive rights to offer these mortgage-related products began to be repealed. By March 2000, all commercial banks in Korea could offer a full range of mortgage products, and H&CB began to lose market share. The increased competition in the mortgage sector has also contributed to lower margins from our mortgage lending activities. While we continue to hold the largest share of this market, we may not be able to maintain our market share or margins with respect to mortgage lending in the face of increased competition. Any decrease in such market share or margins may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Risks relating to our large corporate loan portfolio

We have exposure to chaebols, and, as a result, recent and any future financial difficulties of chaebols may have an adverse impact on us.

Of our 20 largest corporate exposures (including loans, debt and equity securities, guarantees and acceptances and other exposures) as of December 31, 2007, nine were to companies that were members of the 42 largest chaebols in Korea. As of that date, the total amount of our exposures to the 42 largest chaebols was (Won)15,524 billion, or 7.4% of our total exposures. If the credit quality of our exposures to chaebols declines, we could require substantial additional loan loss provisions, which would hurt our results of operations and financial condition. See “Item 4B. Business Overview—Assets and Liabilities—Loan Portfolio—Exposure to Chaebols.”

We cannot assure you that the allowances we have established against these exposures will be sufficient to cover all future losses arising from these exposures. In addition, with respect to those companies that are in or in the future enter into workout or liquidation proceedings, we may not be able to make any recoveries against such companies. We may, therefore, experience future losses with respect to those loans.

We have exposure to companies that are currently or may in the future be put in restructuring, and we may suffer losses as a result of additional loan loss provisions required and/or the adoption of restructuring plans with which we do not agree.

As of December 31, 2007, our loans and guarantees to companies that were in workout or court-supervised restructuring (including composition and corporate reorganization) amounted to (Won)391 billion or 0.2% of our total loans and guarantees, of which (Won)221 billion or 56.5% was classified as substandard or below and all of which was classified as impaired. As of the same date, our allowances for losses on these loans and guarantees amounted to (Won)184 billion, or 47.1% of these loans and guarantees. These allowances may not be sufficient to cover all future losses arising from our exposure to these companies. Furthermore, we have other exposure to such companies, in the form of debt and equity securities of such companies held by us (including equity securities we acquired as a result of debt-to-equity conversions). Our exposures as of December 31, 2007 with respect to such securities of companies in workout or court-supervised restructuring (including composition and corporate reorganization) amounted to (Won)36 billion, or less than 0.1% of our total exposures, but may increase in the future. In addition, in the case of borrowers that are or become subject to workout, we may be forced to restructure our credits pursuant to restructuring plans approved by other creditor financial institutions holding 75% or more of the total outstanding debt (as well as 75% or more of the total outstanding secured debt) of the borrower, or to dispose of our credits to other creditors on unfavorable terms.

Our current allowances for losses on loans and guarantees to construction companies may not be sufficient to cover all future related losses.

We have established allowances for losses on loans and guarantees to construction companies that we consider to have a greater likelihood of becoming non-performing. As of December 31, 2007, we had loans and guarantees outstanding to construction companies in the amount of (Won)9,151 billion, or 5.1% of our total loans and guarantees, of which (Won)187 billion or 2.0% was classified as substandard or below. As of the same date, our allowance for losses on these loans and guarantees amounted to (Won)115 billion, or 61.5% of the amount classified as substandard or below, and 1.3% of the total. More than half of our exposure to construction companies consists of loans to small- and medium-sized enterprises. These allowances may not be sufficient to cover all future losses arising from our exposure to construction companies.

A large portion of our credit exposure is concentrated in a relatively small number of large corporate borrowers, which increases the risk of our corporate credit portfolio.

As of December 31, 2007, our loans and guarantees to our 20 largest borrowers totaled (Won)6,528 billion and accounted for 3.6% of our total loans and guarantees. As of that date, our single largest corporate credit exposure

 

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was to Hyundai Heavy Industries, to which we had outstanding credit exposures (all of which was in the form of guarantees and acceptances) of (Won)1,550 billion, representing 0.9% of our total loans and guarantees. Any further deterioration in the financial condition of our large corporate borrowers may require us to take substantial additional provisions and may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

Other risks relating to our business

We are generally subject to Korean corporate governance and disclosure standards, which may differ from those in other countries.

Companies in Korea, including us, are subject to corporate governance standards applicable to Korean public companies which may differ in some respects from standards applicable in other countries, including the United States. As a reporting company registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and listed on the New York Stock Exchange, we are subject to certain corporate governance standards as mandated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. However, foreign private issuers, including us, are exempt from certain corporate governance requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. There may also be less publicly available information about Korean companies, such as us, than is regularly made available by public or non-public companies in other countries. Such differences in corporate governance standards and less public information could result in corporate governance practices or disclosures that are perceived as less than satisfactory by investors in certain countries.

A decline in the value of the collateral securing our loans and our inability to realize full collateral value may adversely affect our credit portfolio.

A substantial portion of our loans is secured by real estate, the values of which have fluctuated significantly in recent years. Although it is our general policy to lend up to 40% to 60% of the appraised value of collateral (except in areas of high speculation designated by the government where we are required to limit our lending to 40% of the appraised value of collateral) and to periodically re-appraise our collateral, downturns in the real estate markets in Korea from time to time have resulted in declines in the value of the collateral securing some loans to levels below their outstanding principal balance. Future declines in real estate prices would reduce the value of the collateral securing our mortgage and home equity loans. If collateral values decline in the future, they may not be sufficient to cover uncollectible amounts in respect of our secured loans. Any declines in the value of the real estate or other collateral securing our loans, or our inability to obtain additional collateral in the event of such declines, could result in a deterioration in our asset quality and may require us to take additional loan loss provisions.

In Korea, foreclosure on collateral generally requires a written petition to a court. An application, when made, may be subject to delays and administrative requirements that may result in a decrease in the value realized with respect to such collateral. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to realize the full value on our collateral as a result of, among other factors, delays in foreclosure proceedings and defects in the perfection of our security interest in collateral. Our failure to recover the expected value of collateral could expose us to losses.

The secondary market for corporate bonds in Korea is not fully developed, and, as a result, we may not be able to realize the full “marked-to-market” value of debt securities we hold at the time of any sale of such securities.

As of December 31, 2007, we held debt securities issued by Korean companies and financial institutions (other than those issued by government-owned or -controlled enterprises or financial institutions, which include the Korea Electric Power Corporation, the Bank of Korea, the Korea Development Bank and the Industrial Bank of Korea) with a total book value of (Won)5,540 billion in our trading and investment securities portfolio. The market value of these securities could decline significantly due to various factors, including future increases in interest rates or a deterioration in the financial and economic condition of any particular issuer or of Korea in

 

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general. Any of these factors individually or a combination of these factors would require us to write down the fair value of these debt securities, resulting in impairment losses. Because the secondary market for corporate bonds in Korea is not fully developed, the market value of many of these securities as reflected on our balance sheet is determined by references to suggested prices posted by Korean rating agencies or the Korea Securities Dealers Association. These valuations, however, may differ significantly from the actual value that we could realize in the event we elect to sell these securities. As a result, we may not be able to realize the full “marked-to-market” value at the time of any such sale of these securities and thus may incur losses.

We have been assessed additional income taxes in respect of prior years as a result of a tax audit by the National Tax Service of Korea, and our appeal with respect to a portion of such assessment may not be successful.

During the first half of 2007, the National Tax Service of Korea completed a tax audit in respect of us for the fiscal years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005, as a result of which we were assessed (Won)190 billion (including residence tax) for tax deficiencies. In addition, during the second half of 2007, the National Tax Service of Korea assessed additional income taxes for prior years amounting to (Won)292 billion (including residence tax) for tax deficiencies. We paid the entire amount of such additional assessments in 2007. We have filed an appeal with the National Tax Tribunal with respect to tax assessments made in 2007 amounting to (Won)482 billion (including residence tax) and recorded (Won)481 billion of such income taxes paid as “Other Assets” in our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2007 upon adoption of FIN No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” See “Item 5A. Operating Results—Critical Accounting Policies—Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets and Uncertain Tax Positions.” However, there is no guarantee that such appeal will be successful or that we will not be assessed additional income taxes in respect of prior years as a result of further tax audits by the National Tax Service of Korea.

We may be required to make transfers from our general banking operations to cover shortfalls in our guaranteed trust accounts, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

We manage a number of money trust accounts. Under Korean law, trust account assets of a bank are required to be segregated from the assets of that bank’s general banking operations. Those assets are not available to satisfy the claims of a bank’s depositors or other creditors of its general banking operations. For some of the trust accounts we manage, we have guaranteed the principal amount of the investor’s investment. Since January 2004, banks have been prohibited from providing new trust accounts that guarantee the principal amount of investments, other than certain retirement trust and annuity trust products. However, we will continue to provide guarantees with respect to existing accounts, which contain the aforementioned guarantee provisions.

If, at any time, the income from our guaranteed trust accounts is not sufficient to pay any guaranteed amount, we will have to cover the shortfall first from the special reserves maintained in these trust accounts, then from our fees from such trust accounts and finally from funds transferred from our general banking operations. As of December 31, 2007, we had (Won)64 billion as special reserves in trust account assets for which we provided guarantees of principal. There were no significant transfers from general banking operations to cover deficiencies in guaranteed trust accounts in 2005, 2006 and 2007. However, we may be required to make transfers from our general banking operations to cover shortfalls, if any, in our guaranteed trust accounts in the future. Such transfers may adversely impact our results of operations.

Our Internet banking services are subject to security concerns relating to the commercial use of the Internet.

We provide Internet banking services to our retail and corporate customers, which require sensitive customer information, including passwords and account information, to be transferred over a secure connection on the Internet. However, connections on the Internet, although secure, are not free from security breaches. We may experience security breaches or unexpected disruptions in connection with our Internet banking service in the future, which may result in liability to our customers and third parties and have an adverse effect on our business or reputation.

 

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We may experience disruptions, delays and other difficulties from our information technology systems.

We rely on our information technology systems for our daily operations including customer service, transactions, billing and record keeping. We may experience disruptions, delays or other difficulties from our information technology systems, which may have an adverse effect on our business and adversely impact our customers’ confidence in us.

We do not prepare interim financial information on a U.S. GAAP basis.

Neither we nor our subsidiaries are required to, and we and our subsidiaries do not, prepare interim financial information on a U.S. GAAP basis. U.S. GAAP differs in significant respects from Korean GAAP, particularly with respect to the establishment of provisions and loan loss allowance. See “Item 5B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Selected Financial Information under Korean GAAP” and “—Reconciliation with Korean GAAP.” As a result, our provision and allowance levels reflected under Korean GAAP in our results as of the end of and for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 may differ significantly from comparable figures under U.S. GAAP for these and future periods.

Risks relating to liquidity and capital management

Difficult conditions in the global credit and financial markets could adversely affect our liquidity and performance.

During the second and third quarter of 2007, credit markets in the United States started to experience difficult conditions and volatility that in turn have affected worldwide financial markets. In particular, in late July and early August 2007, market uncertainty in the U.S. sub-prime mortgage sector increased dramatically and further expanded to other markets such as those for leveraged finance, collateralized debt obligations and other structured products. These conditions have resulted in reduced liquidity, greater volatility, widening of credit spreads and a lack of price transparency in the United States and global credit and financial markets. Recent increases in credit spreads, as well as limitations on the availability of credit, may affect our ability to borrow, which may adversely affect our liquidity and performance. In the event that the current difficult conditions in the global credit markets continue, we may be forced to fund our operations at a higher cost or we may be unable to raise as much funding as we need to support our lending and other activities. This could cause us to curtail our business activities and could increase our cost of funding, both of which may reduce our profitability.

A considerable increase in interest rates could decrease the value of our debt securities portfolio and raise our funding costs while reducing loan demand and the repayment ability of our borrowers, which, as a result, could adversely affect us.

From 2000 to 2004, interest rates in Korea declined to historically low levels as the government sought to stimulate economic growth through active rate-lowering measures. Interest rates started to rebound in the second half of 2005 and continued to rise in 2006 and 2007, although they have remained relatively flat in the first quarter of 2008. The vast majority of debt securities we hold pay interest at a fixed rate. However, all things being equal and assuming that the interest rate sensitivity gap of our assets and liabilities is narrow, a considerable increase in interest rates would lead to a decline in the value of the debt securities in our portfolio. A sustained increase in interest rates will also raise our funding costs, while reducing loan demand, especially among consumers. A considerable rise in interest rates may therefore require us to rebalance our assets and liabilities in order to minimize the risk of potential mismatches and maintain our profitability.

In addition, rising interest rate levels may adversely affect the Korean economy and the financial condition of our corporate and retail borrowers, including holders of our credit cards, which in turn may lead to a deterioration in our credit portfolio. Since most of our retail and corporate loans bear interest at rates that adjust periodically based on prevailing market rates, a sustained increase in interest rate levels will increase the interest costs of our retail and corporate borrowers and could adversely affect their ability to make payments on their outstanding loans.

 

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Our funding is highly dependent on short-term deposits, which dependence may adversely affect our operations.

We meet a significant amount of our funding requirements through short-term funding sources, which consist primarily of customer deposits. As of December 31, 2007, approximately 93.6% of our deposits had maturities of one year or less or were payable on demand. In the past, a substantial proportion of our customer deposits have been rolled over upon maturity. We cannot guarantee, however, that depositors will continue to roll over their deposits in the future. In the event that a substantial number of our short-term deposit customers withdraw their funds or fail to roll over their deposits as higher-yielding investment opportunities emerge, our liquidity position could be adversely affected. We may also be required to seek more expensive sources of short-term and long-term funding to finance our operations. See “Item 5B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Financial Condition—Liquidity.”

We may be required to raise additional capital to maintain our capital adequacy ratios, which we may not be able to do on favorable terms or at all.

Pursuant to the capital adequacy requirements of the Financial Services Commission, we are required to maintain a minimum Tier I capital adequacy ratio of 4.0% and a combined Tier I and Tier II capital adequacy ratio of 8.0%, on a consolidated Korean GAAP basis. Tier II capital is included in calculating the combined Tier I and Tier II capital adequacy ratio up to 100% of Tier I capital. As of December 31, 2007, our Tier I capital adequacy ratio was 9.74% and our combined Tier I and Tier II capital adequacy ratio was 12.62%, which exceeded the minimum levels required by the Financial Services Commission. However, our capital base and capital adequacy ratio may deteriorate in the future if our results of operations or financial condition deteriorates for any reason, including as a result of a deterioration in the asset quality of our retail loans (including credit card balances) and loans to small- and medium-sized enterprises, or if we are not able to deploy our funding into suitably low-risk assets.

If our capital adequacy ratio deteriorates, we may be required to obtain additional Tier I or Tier II capital in order to remain in compliance with the applicable capital adequacy requirements. We may not be able to obtain additional capital on favorable terms, or at all. Our ability to obtain additional capital at any time may be constrained to the extent that banks or other financial institutions in Korea or from other Asian countries are seeking to raise capital at the same time. To the extent that we fail to maintain our capital adequacy ratios in the future, Korean regulatory authorities may impose penalties on us ranging from a warning to suspension or revocation of our license. For a description of the capital adequacy requirements of the Financial Services Commission, see “Item 5B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Financial Condition—Capital Adequacy.”

We may face increased capital requirements under the new Basel Capital Accord.

Beginning on January 1, 2008, the Financial Supervisory Service implemented the new Basel Capital Accord, referred to as Basel II, in Korea, which has substantially affected the way risk is measured among Korean financial institutions, including us. Building upon the initial Basel Capital Accord of 1988, which focused primarily on credit risk and market risk and on capital adequacy and asset soundness as measures of risk, Basel II expands this approach to contemplate additional areas of risk such as operational risk. Our implementation of Basel II may require an increase in our capital requirements, which may require us to either improve our asset quality or raise additional capital.

In addition, under Basel II, we are permitted to follow either a standardized approach or an internal ratings-based approach with respect to calculating credit risk capital requirements. We have voluntarily chosen to establish and follow an internal ratings-based approach, which is more risk-sensitive in assessing our credit risk capital requirements. In December 2007, the Financial Supervisory Service approved our internal ratings-based approach for credit risk, and we became the first Korean bank permitted to use such internal ratings-based approach. For regulatory reporting purposes, from January 1, 2008, we have implemented our internal ratings-based approach for credit risk, beginning with our credit risk with respect to retail and small and medium-sized

 

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enterprise loan and asset-backed securities portfolios, and plan to further implement our internal ratings-based approach to other classes of credit risk exposure on a phased rollout basis between 2008 and 2010 based on consultations with the Financial Supervisory Service. A standardized approach will be used in measuring credit risk for those classes of exposure for which our internal ratings-based approach has not yet been implemented, as well as for certain classes of exposure (including those to the government, public institutions and other banks) for which the internal ratings-based approach will not be applied. We plan to implement the “Advanced Internal Ratings-based Approach” for credit risk in the near future. We have also implemented a standardized approach for operational risk beginning on January 1, 2008, and plan to implement the “Advanced Measurement Approach” for operational risk from January 2009. For internal measurement purposes, we began to implement the Advanced Internal Ratings-based Approach for credit risk commencing in 2007 and the Advanced Measurement Approach for operational risk commencing in 2008. We recently conducted a Quantitative Impact Study (or QIS) as of June 30, 2007, in accordance with instructions from the Financial Supervisory Service. The results of the QIS indicated that our capital adequacy ratio increased under the internal ratings-based approach, whereas our capital adequacy ratio decreased marginally under the standardized approach. While we believe that the implementation of our internal ratings-based approach in 2008 has increased our capital adequacy ratio and led to a decrease in our credit risk-related capital requirements as compared to those under our previous approach under the initial Basel Capital Accord of 1988, there can be no assurance that such internal ratings-based approach under Basel II will not require an increase in our credit risk capital requirements in the future, which may require us to either improve our asset quality or raise additional capital.

See “Item 5A. Operating Results—Overview—New Basel Capital Accord” and “Item 5B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Financial Condition—Capital Adequacy.”

Risks relating to government regulation and policy

New loan loss provisioning guidelines implemented by the Financial Services Commission may require us to increase our provisioning levels under Korean GAAP, which could adversely affect us.

In recent years, the Financial Services Commission (formerly the Financial Supervisory Commission) has implemented changes to the loan loss provisioning requirements applicable to Korean banks under Korean GAAP, which have resulted in increases to our provisions and have adversely impacted our reported results of operations and financial condition under Korean GAAP. Until 2004, the requirement to establish allowances for possible losses in respect of confirmed acceptances and guarantees applied only to those classified as substandard or below. Commencing in the second half of 2005, the requirement was extended to cover confirmed acceptances and guarantees classified as normal or precautionary, as well as unconfirmed acceptances and guarantees and bills endorsed. Similarly, until 2004, the requirement to establish other allowances in respect of unused credit lines applied only to the unused credit limit for cash advances on active credit card accounts, defined as those with a transaction recorded during the past year. Commencing in the second half of 2005, the requirement was extended to cover the unused credit limit for credit card purchases on active accounts, as well as the unused credit limit on consumer and corporate loans. These changes resulted in a significant increase in our allowance for acceptances and guarantees and other allowances under Korean GAAP, and a corresponding decrease in our income before income tax under Korean GAAP, in 2005.

Furthermore, in the second half of 2006, the Financial Services Commission increased the minimum required provisioning levels applicable to loans, confirmed and unconfirmed acceptances and guarantees, bills endorsed and unused credit lines that are classified as normal and precautionary. The Financial Services Commission also extended the requirement to establish other allowances on unused credit lines to cover inactive credit card accounts. These changes resulted in a significant increase in our allowance for loan losses, allowance for acceptances and guarantees and other allowances under Korean GAAP, and a corresponding decrease in our income before income tax under Korean GAAP, in 2006.

In addition, in the second half of 2007, the Financial Services Commission increased the minimum required provisioning levels applicable to corporate loans and other credits classified as normal. See “Item 4B. Business

 

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Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Principal Regulations Applicable to Banks—Capital Adequacy and Allowances.” This change resulted in a significant increase in our allowance for loan losses, allowance for acceptances and guarantees and other allowances for unused lines of credit under Korean GAAP, and a corresponding decrease in our income before income tax under Korean GAAP, in 2007.

Also, in November 2004, the Financial Services Commission announced that it will implement new loan loss provisioning guidelines by the end of 2007 under which Korean banks will take into account “expected losses” with respect to credits in establishing their allowance for loan losses, instead of establishing such allowances based on the classification of credits under the current asset classification criteria. Under the new guidelines, all Korean banks were advised to establish systems to calculate their “expected losses” based on their historical losses during 2005. The Financial Services Commission also announced that Korean banks could voluntarily comply with the new loan loss provisioning guidelines commencing in 2005. Specifically, in the second half of 2005, banks that had implemented a credible internal system for evaluating “expected losses” could establish their allowance for loan losses based on their historical losses, so long as the total allowance for loan losses established exceeded the levels required under the asset classification-based provisioning guidelines. Similarly, in the first half of 2006, banks that had implemented a credible system for evaluating “expected losses” could establish their allowance for loan losses based on such expected losses, so long as the total allowance established exceeded required levels. We complied with the new guidelines and developed a system for evaluating “expected losses” in establishing our allowance for loan losses. However, the Financial Services Commission has not since released any further details regarding the new guidelines, and it is unclear when such new guidelines will be implemented in the future. Full compliance with the new guidelines may increase our provisions for loan losses under Korean GAAP compared to previous levels established under the asset classification-based provisioning guidelines.

Any future required increases in our provisions for loan losses under Korean GAAP could have an adverse effect on our reported results of operations and financial condition under Korean GAAP and our reported capital adequacy ratio, which in turn may adversely affect the market price of our common stock and ADSs.

Government regulation of retail lending, particularly mortgage and home equity lending, has become more stringent, which may adversely affect our retail banking operations.

In light of concerns regarding the potential risks of excessive retail lending, particularly mortgage and home equity lending, the Korean government has in recent years adopted more stringent regulations with respect to retail lending by Korean banks. The Korean government has also expressed a continuing commitment to stabilize rising prices in the real estate market and a willingness to implement necessary measures for this purpose. For example, in 2004, 2005 and 2006, the Korean government:

 

   

raised the residential property tax applicable to residential properties in cases where such property represents the third or more residential property owned by a single individual;

 

   

placed a ceiling on the sale price of newly constructed residential properties and, under certain circumstances, required developers to disclose the costs incurred in connection with the construction of such properties;

 

   

amended the Urban and Residential Environment Improvement Act to require that at least 25% of any increased floor space resulting from the redevelopment of existing residential properties be devoted to the construction of rental residential properties;

 

   

adopted more stringent guidelines that require financial institutions to impose debt-to-income ratio limits on customers, in addition to loan-to-value ratio requirements, in connection with mortgage loans for real estate located in areas of wide-spread real property speculation or excessive investment;

 

   

issued unofficial guidance recommending that Korean banks further limit their mortgage and home equity lending; and

 

   

adopted new measures to increase the supply of residential properties, including long-term residential lease properties.

 

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See “Item 4B. Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Principal Regulations Applicable to Banks—Recent Regulations Relating to Retail Household Loans.”

These regulations and measures, as well as any similar regulations that the Korean government may adopt in the future, may have the effect of constraining the growth and profitability of our retail banking operations, especially in the area of mortgage and home equity lending. Furthermore, these regulations and measures may result in substantial future declines in real estate prices in Korea, which will reduce the value of the collateral securing our mortgage and home equity lending. See “—Other risks relating to our business—A decline in the value of the collateral securing our loans and our inability to realize full collateral value may adversely affect our credit portfolio.”

Government regulation of the credit card business has increased significantly in recent years, which may hurt our credit card operations.

Due to the rapid growth of the credit card market and rising consumer debt levels in Korea in prior years, the Korean government has heightened its regulatory oversight of the credit card industry. From mid-2002 through early 2003, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance (formerly the Ministry of Finance and Economy) and the Financial Services Commission adopted a variety of amendments to existing regulations governing the credit card industry. Among other things, these amendments increased minimum required provisioning levels applicable to credit card receivables, required the reduction in volumes for certain types of credit card loans, increased minimum capital ratios and allowed the imposition of new sanctions against credit card companies that failed to meet applicable requirements. The Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service also implemented a number of changes to the rules governing the evaluation and reporting of credit card balances and delinquency ratios, as well as procedures governing which persons may receive credit cards. For more details relating to these regulations, see “Item 4B. Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Principal Regulations Applicable to Banks—Credit Card Business.”

The Korean government may adopt further regulatory changes in the future that affect the credit card industry. Depending on their nature, such changes may adversely affect our credit card operations, by restricting its growth or scope, subjecting it to stricter requirements and potential sanctions or greater competition, constraining its profitability or otherwise.

The Korean government from time to time provides policy loans, which we may choose to accept, and may announce policies involving the participation of financial institutions, including us, in providing financial support for particular sectors.

The Korean government has in the past provided and may continue to provide policy loans, which encourage lending to particular types of borrowers. It has generally done this by identifying sectors of the economy it wishes to promote and making low-interest funding available to financial institutions that may voluntarily choose to lend to these sectors. The government has in this manner provided policy loans intended to promote mortgage lending to low-income individuals and lending to small- and medium-sized enterprises. All loans or credits we choose to make pursuant to these policy loans would be subject to review in accordance with our credit approval procedures. However, the availability of policy loans may influence us to lend to certain sectors or in a manner in which we otherwise would not in the absence of such loans from the government.

In the past, the Korean government has also announced policies under which financial institutions in Korea may voluntarily choose to provide financial support to particular sectors, including remedial programs for troubled corporate borrowers. For example, in light of the financial market instability in Korea resulting from the liquidity problems faced by credit card companies during the first quarter of 2003, the Korean government announced temporary measures in April 2003 intended to provide liquidity support to credit card companies. These measures included, among other things, requesting banks and other financial institutions to agree to extend the maturity of debt securities of credit card companies that they held and to make contributions to mutual funds to enable them to purchase debt securities of credit card companies.

 

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The Korean government may in the future request financial institutions in Korea, including us, to make investments in or provide other forms of financial support to particular sectors of the Korean economy as a matter of policy, which financial institutions, including us, may decide to accept. We may incur costs or losses as a result of providing such financial support.

The Korean government has enacted the Financial Investment Services and Capital Market Act, which may intensify competition in the Korean financial industry.

In July 2007, the National Assembly of Korea enacted the Financial Investment Services and Capital Market Act, a new law relating to the integration and rationalization of the Korean capital markets and financial investment products industry. The new law will become effective in February 2009. When the Financial Investment Services and Capital Market Act becomes effective, we and other banks in Korea may face greater competition in the Korean financial services market from securities companies and other non-bank financial institutions. For example, securities companies currently are not permitted to accept deposits other than for purposes of securities investment by customers and may not provide secondary services in connection with securities investments such as settlement and remittance relating to such deposits. However, under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Market Act, financial investment companies, which will replace the current securities companies, among others, will be able to provide such secondary services. See “Item 4B. Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Financial Investment Services and Capital Market Act.” Accordingly, we and other banks in Korea may experience a loss of customer deposits (which in turn may result in a need to seek alternative funding sources and an increase in our funding costs), as well as a decrease in our settlement and remittance service fee income.

Risks relating to Korea

Escalations in tensions with North Korea could have an adverse effect on us and the market price of our ADSs.

Relations between Korea and North Korea have been tense throughout Korea’s modern history. The level of tension between the two Koreas has fluctuated and may increase abruptly as a result of current and future events. In recent years, there have been heightened security concerns stemming from North Korea’s nuclear weapon and long-range missile programs and increased uncertainty regarding North Korea’s actions and possible responses from the international community. In December 2002, North Korea removed the seals and surveillance equipment from its Yongbyon nuclear power plant and evicted inspectors from the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency. In January 2003, North Korea renounced its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Since the renouncement, Korea, the United States, North Korea, China, Japan and Russia have held numerous rounds of six party multi-lateral talks in an effort to resolve issues relating to North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.

In addition to conducting test flights of long-range missiles, North Korea announced in October 2006 that it had successfully conducted a nuclear test, which increased tensions in the region and elicited strong objections worldwide. In response, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution that prohibits any United Nations member state from conducting transactions with North Korea in connection with any large scale arms and material or technology related to missile development or weapons of mass destruction and from providing luxury goods to North Korea, imposes an asset freeze and travel ban on persons associated with North Korea’s weapons program, and calls upon all United Nations member states to take cooperative action, including through inspection of cargo to or from North Korea. In response, North Korea agreed in February 2007 at the six-party talks to shut down and seal the Yongbyon nuclear facility, including the reprocessing facility, and readmit international inspectors to conduct all necessary monitoring and verifications. In October 2007, Korea and North Korea held a summit meeting to discuss easing tensions and fostering peace on the Korean peninsula. Despite these recent initiatives, there can be no assurance that the level of tension on the Korean peninsula will not escalate in the future.

 

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In particular, there is no guarantee that the new administration in Korea, which took office in February 2008, will continue the policy on North Korea of the previous administration or that the high-level contacts between Korea and North Korea will continue. Any further increase in tension, including a breakdown of high-level contacts between Korea and North Korea or occurrence of military hostilities, could have a material adverse effect on our operations and the market value of our common stock and ADSs.

Unfavorable financial and economic developments in Korea may have an adverse effect on us.

We are incorporated in Korea, and substantially all of our operations are located in Korea. As a result, we are subject to political, economic, legal and regulatory risks specific to Korea. The economic indicators in Korea in recent years have shown mixed signs of growth and uncertainty, and future growth of the economy is subject to many factors beyond our control. Recent developments in the Middle East, including the war in Iraq and its aftermath, higher oil and commodity prices, the general weakness of the U.S. and global economy, the possibility of an outbreak of avian flu in Asia and other parts of the world, and recent difficult conditions and volatility in the U.S. and worldwide credit markets have increased the uncertainty of global economic prospects in general and may continue to adversely affect the Korean economy for some time. Any future deterioration of the Korean or global economy could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Developments that could hurt Korea’s economy in the future include:

 

   

financial problems relating to chaebols, or their suppliers, and their potential adverse impact on the Korean economy;

 

   

failure or lack of progress in restructuring of chaebols, the financial industry and other large troubled companies;

 

   

loss of investor confidence arising from corporate accounting irregularities and corporate governance issues at certain chaebols;

 

   

a slowdown in consumer spending and the overall economy;

 

   

increasing delinquencies and credit defaults by retail and small- and medium-sized enterprise borrowers;

 

   

adverse changes or volatility in foreign currency reserve levels, commodity prices (including a further increase in oil prices), exchange rates (including fluctuation of the U.S. dollar or Japanese yen exchange rates or revaluation of the Chinese renminbi), interest rates and stock markets;

 

   

adverse developments in the economies of countries that are important export markets for Korea, such as the United States, Japan and China, or in emerging market economies in Asia or elsewhere that could result in a loss of confidence in the Korean economy;

 

   

the continued emergence of China, to the extent its benefits (such as increased exports to China) are outweighed by its costs (such as competition in export markets or for foreign investment and the relocation of the manufacturing base from Korea to China);

 

   

the economic impact of any pending or future free trade agreements, including the Free Trade Agreement recently negotiated with the United States;

 

   

social and labor unrest;

 

   

substantial decreases in the market prices of Korean real estate;

 

   

a decrease in tax revenues and a substantial increase in the Korean government’s expenditures for unemployment compensation and other social programs that, together, would lead to an increased government budget deficit;

 

   

geo-political uncertainty and risk of further attacks by terrorist groups around the world;

 

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the recurrence of severe acute respiratory syndrome or an outbreak of avian flu in Asia and other parts of the world;

 

   

deterioration in economic or diplomatic relations between Korea and its trading partners or allies, including such deterioration resulting from trade disputes or disagreements in foreign policy;

 

   

political uncertainty or increasing strife among or within political parties in Korea ;

 

   

hostilities involving oil producing countries in the Middle East and any material disruption in the supply of oil or increase in the price of oil resulting from those hostilities; and

 

   

an increase in the level of tensions or an outbreak of hostilities between North Korea and Korea and/or the United States.

Labor unrest in Korea may adversely affect our operations.

Any future economic downturn in Korea or an increase in corporate reorganizations and bankruptcies could result in layoffs and higher unemployment. Such developments could lead to social unrest and substantially increase government expenditures for unemployment compensation and other costs for social programs. According to statistics from the Korea National Statistics Office, the unemployment rate increased slightly from 3.6% in 2003 and 3.7% in 2004 and 2005 but decreased slightly to 3.5% in 2006. In 2007, the unemployment rate decreased to 3.2%. An increase in unemployment and any resulting labor unrest in the future could adversely affect our operations, as well as the operations of many of our customers and their ability to repay their loans, and could adversely affect the financial condition of Korean companies in general, depressing the price of their securities. These developments would likely have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Financial instability in other countries, particularly emerging market countries in Asia, could adversely impact our business and cause the price of the ADSs to go down.

The Korean market and the Korean economy are influenced by economic and market conditions in other countries, particularly emerging market countries in Asia, including China. Financial turmoil in Asia, Russia and elsewhere in the world in the past has adversely affected the Korean economy. Although economic conditions are different in each country, investors’ reactions to developments in one country can have adverse effects on the securities of companies in other countries, including Korea. A loss of investor confidence in the financial systems of emerging and other markets may cause increased volatility in Korean financial markets. In December 2003, we invested approximately 121 million Singapore dollars for an approximately 25% interest in Sorak Financial Holdings, which acquired an approximately 57% interest in Bank Internasional Indonesia. In March 2008, our board of directors approved the sale of our ownership interest in Sorak Financial Holdings to Malayan Banking Berhad, the closing of which remains subject to regulatory approvals. In March 2008, we also entered into an agreement to acquire a 29.99% stake in JSC Bank CenterCredit, a Kazakhstan bank, for approximately (Won)621 billion and plan to acquire a controlling stake of 50.1% or more in JSC Bank CenterCredit within 30 months from the closing of the initial investment. We may make similar investments outside Korea in the future. We cannot be certain that financial events of the type that occurred in emerging markets in Asia in 1997 and 1998 will not happen again in Asia or in other markets in which we may invest, or that such events will not have an adverse effect on our business or the price of our common stock and ADSs.

Risks relating to our common stock and ADSs

Ownership of our common stock is restricted under Korean law.

Under Korean law, a single stockholder, together with its affiliates, is generally prohibited from owning more than 10.0% of the outstanding shares of voting stock of a nationwide bank such as us, with the exception of certain stockholders that are non-financial group companies, whose applicable limit is 4.0%. The Korean government, the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation and bank holding companies are exempt from this limit,

 

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and investors may also exceed the 10.0% limit upon filing a report with, or approval by, the Financial Services Commission. See “Item 4B. Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Principal Regulations Applicable to Banks—Restrictions on Bank Ownership.” To the extent that the total number of shares of our common stock (including those represented by ADSs) that a holder and its affiliates own together exceeds the applicable limits, that holder will not be entitled to exercise the voting rights for the excess shares, and the Financial Services Commission may order that holder to dispose of the excess shares within a period of up to six months. Failure to comply with such an order would result in an administrative fine of up to 0.03% of the book value of such shares per day until the date of disposal.

A holder of our ADSs may not be able to exercise dissent and appraisal rights unless it has withdrawn the underlying shares of our common stock and become our direct stockholder.

In some limited circumstances, including the transfer of the whole or any significant part of our business and the merger or consolidation of us with another company, dissenting stockholders have the right to require us to purchase their shares under Korean law. However, holders of our ADSs will not be able to exercise such dissent and appraisal rights if the depositary refuses to do so on their behalf. Our deposit agreement does not require the depositary to take any action in respect of exercising dissent and appraisal rights. In such a situation, holders of our ADSs must withdraw the underlying common stock from the ADS facility (and incur charges relating to that withdrawal) and become our direct stockholder prior to the record date of the stockholders’ meeting at which the relevant transaction is to be approved, in order to exercise dissent and appraisal rights.

A holder of our ADSs may be limited in its ability to deposit or withdraw common stock.

Under the terms of our deposit agreement, holders of common stock may deposit such stock with the depositary’s custodian in Korea and obtain ADSs, and holders of ADSs may surrender ADSs to the depositary and receive common stock. However, to the extent that a deposit of common stock exceeds the difference between:

(1) the aggregate number of common shares we have deposited or we have consented to allow to be deposited for the issuance of ADSs (including deposits in connection with offerings of ADSs and stock dividends or other distributions relating to ADSs); and

(2) the number of shares of common stock on deposit with the custodian for the benefit of the depositary at the time of such proposed deposit,

such common stock will not be accepted for deposit unless

(A) our consent with respect to such deposit has been obtained; or

(B) such consent is no longer required under Korean laws and regulations.

Under the terms of the deposit agreement, no consent is required if the shares of common stock are obtained through a dividend, free distribution, rights offering or reclassification of such stock. We have consented, under the terms of the deposit agreement, to any deposit to the extent that, after the deposit, the number of deposited shares does not exceed 115,840,996 shares or any other number of shares we determine from time to time, unless the deposit would be prohibited by applicable laws or violate our articles of incorporation. We might not consent to the deposit of any additional common stock. As a result, if a holder surrenders ADSs and withdraws common stock, it may not be able to deposit the stock again to obtain ADSs.

A holder of our ADSs will not have preemptive rights in some circumstances.

The Korean Commercial Code of 1962, as amended, and our articles of incorporation require us, with some exceptions, to offer stockholders the right to subscribe for new shares of our common stock in proportion to their existing shareholding ratio whenever new shares are issued. If we offer any rights to subscribe for additional

 

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shares of our common stock or any rights of any other nature, the depositary, after consultation with us, may make the rights available to holders of our ADSs or use reasonable efforts to dispose of the rights on behalf of such holders and make the net proceeds available to such holders. The depositary, however, is not required to make available to holders any rights to purchase any additional shares of our common stock unless it deems that doing so is lawful and feasible and:

 

   

a registration statement filed by us under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is in effect with respect to those shares; or

 

   

the offering and sale of those shares is exempt from or is not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

Similarly, holders of our common stock located in the United States may not exercise any such rights they receive absent registration or an exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act.

We are under no obligation to file any registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or to endeavor to cause such a registration statement to be declared effective. Moreover, we may not be able to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly, a holder of our ADSs may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in its holdings. If a registration statement is required for a holder of our ADSs to exercise preemptive rights but is not filed by us or is not declared effective, the holder will not be able to exercise its preemptive rights for additional ADSs and it will suffer dilution of its equity interest in us. If the depositary is unable to sell rights that are not exercised or not distributed or if the sale is not lawful or feasible, it will allow the rights to lapse, in which case the holder will receive no value for these rights.

Dividend payments and the amount a holder of our ADSs may realize upon a sale of its ADSs will be affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Won.

Our common stock is listed on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange and quoted and traded in Won. Cash dividends, if any, in respect of the shares represented by the ADSs will be paid to the depositary in Won and then converted by the depositary into U.S. dollars, subject to certain conditions. Accordingly, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Won and the U.S. dollar will affect, among other things, the amounts a holder of our ADSs will receive from the depositary in respect of dividends, the U.S. dollar value of the proceeds that it would receive upon sale in Korea of the shares of our common stock obtained upon surrender of ADSs and the secondary market price of ADSs. Such fluctuations will also affect the U.S. dollar value of dividends and sales proceeds received by holders of our common stock.

The market value of an investment in our ADSs may fluctuate due to the volatility of the Korean securities market.

Our common stock is listed on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange, which has a smaller market capitalization and is more volatile than the securities markets in the United States and many European countries. The market value of ADSs may fluctuate in response to the fluctuation of the trading price of shares of our common stock on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange. The Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange has experienced substantial fluctuations in the prices and volumes of sales of listed securities and the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange has prescribed a fixed range in which share prices are permitted to move on a daily basis. In the 1990’s, the Korea Composite Stock Price Index, known as the “KOSPI,” reached a peak for the decade of 1,138.75 in 1994 and subsequently fell to a low of 280.00 in 1998. On May 23, 2008, the KOSPI closed at 1,827.94. Like other securities markets, including those in developed markets, the Korean securities market has experienced problems including market manipulation, insider trading and settlement failures. The recurrence of these or similar problems could have a material adverse effect on the market price and liquidity of the securities of Korean companies, including our common stock and ADSs, in both the domestic and the international markets.

 

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The Korean government has the potential ability to exert substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector business community, and in the past has exerted that influence from time to time. For example, the Korean government has promoted mergers to reduce what it considers excess capacity in a particular industry and has also encouraged private companies to publicly offer their securities. Similar actions in the future could have the effect of depressing or boosting the Korean securities market, whether or not intended to do so. Accordingly, actions by the government, or the perception that such actions are taking place, may take place or has ceased, may cause sudden movements in the market prices of the securities of Korean companies in the future, which may affect the market price and liquidity of our common stock and ADSs.

If the Korean government deems that emergency circumstances are likely to occur, it may restrict holders of our ADSs and the depositary from converting and remitting dividends and other amounts in U.S. dollars.

If the Korean government deems that certain emergency circumstances, including, but not limited to, severe and sudden changes in domestic or overseas economic circumstances, extreme difficulty in stabilizing the balance of payments or implementing currency exchange rate and other macroeconomic policies, have occurred or are likely to occur, it may impose certain restrictions provided for under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Law, including the suspension of payments or requiring prior approval from governmental authorities for any transaction. See “Item 10D. Exchange Controls—General.”

Other Risks

A holder of our ADSs may not be able to enforce a judgment of a foreign court against us.

We are a corporation with limited liability organized under the laws of Korea. Substantially all of our directors and officers and other persons named in this document reside in Korea, and all or a significant portion of the assets of our directors and officers and other persons named in this document and substantially all of our assets are located in Korea. As a result, it may not be possible for holders of our ADSs to effect service of process within the United States, or to enforce against them or us in the United States judgments obtained in United States courts based on the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States. There is doubt as to the enforceability in Korea, either in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of United States courts, of civil liabilities predicated on the United States federal securities laws.

 

Item 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

 

Item 4A. History and Development of the Company

Our legal and commercial name is Kookmin Bank. Our registered office and principal executive offices are located at 9-1, 2-ga, Namdaemoon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea 100-703. Our telephone number is 822-2073-8354. Our agent in the United States, Kookmin Bank, New York Branch, is located at 565 Fifth Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10017. Its telephone number is (212) 697-6100.

History of the Former Kookmin Bank

The former Kookmin Bank was established by the Korean government in 1963 under its original name of Citizens National Bank under the Citizens National Bank Act of Korea with majority government ownership. Under this Act, we were limited to providing banking services to the general public and to small- and medium-sized enterprises. See “Item 4B. Business Overview—Corporate Banking—Small- and Medium-sized Enterprise Banking” for an exact definition of small- and medium-sized enterprises. In September 1994, we completed our initial public offering in Korea and listed our shares on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange.

In January 1995, the Citizens National Bank Act of Korea was repealed and replaced by the Repeal Act of the Citizens National Bank Act. Our status was changed from a specialized bank to a nationwide commercial bank and in February 1995, we changed our name to Kookmin Bank. The Repeal Act allowed us to engage in

 

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lending to large businesses. Following the repeal, however, under our articles of incorporation at that time, only up to 20% of our total Won-currency loans outstanding was allowed to be made to large businesses. Currently, under our articles of incorporation, financial services to individuals and small- and medium-sized enterprises (including mortgage lending) are required to be equal to or more than 60% of the total amount of our loans denominated in Won.

In June 1998, we acquired certain assets, including loans the majority of which were considered performing as of the purchase date, and assumed most of the liabilities of DaeDong Bank, pursuant to a directive from the Financial Services Commission in connection with a government program to support the deteriorating financial sector in Korea. We assumed 519 out of 1,740 employees and 49 out of 108 branches of DaeDong Bank. As of the date of the acquisition, there was a net shortfall of (Won)1,687 billion between the value of the assets we acquired and the value of the liabilities we assumed. We received cash and debt securities issued by the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Korea Asset Management Corporation in connection with the acquisition.

In December 1998, we merged with the Korea Long Term Credit Bank, which focused on providing large corporate banking services. Through this acquisition, we were able to selectively expand our large corporate business, while continuing to concentrate on the retail sector. This expansion resulted in increased product and service offerings, including wholesale deposits, corporate overdraft facilities, bills and receivables discounting, export/import financing, payment remittances, foreign exchange transactions, standby letters of credit and guarantees and acceptances.

In June 1999, Goldman Sachs Capital Koryo, L.P., a fund managed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., acquired (through its wholly owned subsidiaries Goldman Sachs Capital Chosun, Ltd. and Goldman Sachs Capital Shilla, Ltd.) an interest in the former Kookmin Bank as a result of an investment of US$500 million in new common shares and convertible bonds, consisting of (Won)360 billion of new common shares (17,768,870 common shares at (Won)20,260 per share, as adjusted for the merger ratio of 1.688346:1) and US$200 million principal amount of subordinated convertible bonds with an original conversion price of (Won)14,200 per common share. Goldman Sachs Capital Koryo subsequently sold substantially all of the shares of our common stock it owned (including common stock obtained upon conversion of the convertible bonds) in June 2002 and November 2003.

History of H&CB

H&CB was established by the Korean government in 1967 under the name Korea Housing Finance Corporation. In 1969, Korea Housing Finance Corporation became the Korea Housing Bank pursuant to the Korea Housing Bank Act. H&CB was originally established to provide low and middle income households with long-term, low-interest mortgages in order to help them purchase their own homes, and to promote the increase of housing supply in Korea by providing low-interest housing loans to construction companies. Under the Korea Housing Bank Act, up to 20% of H&CB’s lending (excluding lending pursuant to government programs) could be non-mortgage lending. Until 1997 when the Korea Housing Bank Act was repealed, H&CB was the only entity in Korea allowed to provide mortgage loans with a term of longer than ten years. H&CB also had the exclusive ability to offer housing-related deposit accounts offering preferential rights to subscribe for newly-built apartments.

In June 1998, H&CB acquired certain assets, including loans the majority of which were considered performing as of the purchase date, and assumed most of the liabilities of DongNam Bank, pursuant to a directive from the Financial Services Commission in connection with a government program to support the deteriorating financial sector in Korea. H&CB assumed 650 out of 1,661 employees and 49 out of 116 branches of DongNam Bank. As of the date of the DongNam Bank acquisition, there was a net shortfall of (Won)1,453 billion between the value of the assets it acquired and the value of the liabilities it assumed. As in the case of the former Kookmin Bank, H&CB received cash and debt securities issued by the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Korea

 

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Asset Management Corporation in connection with the acquisition. The acquisition of DongNam Bank strengthened H&CB’s business presence in the southeastern region of Korea where DongNam Bank was based.

In July 1999, H&CB entered into an investment agreement with certain affiliates of the ING Groep N.V., a leading global financial services group. Through ING Insurance International B.V. and ING International Financial Holdings, ING Groep N.V. invested (Won)332 billion to acquire 9,914,777 new common shares of H&CB representing 9.99999% of H&CB’s outstanding common shares. As of December 31, 2007, ING Groep N.V. beneficially owned 4.08% of our outstanding common stock. For more details regarding our relationship with ING Groep N.V., see “Item 4B. Business Overview—Other Businesses—Bancassurance,” “Item 7B. Related Party Transactions” and “Item 10C. Material Contracts.”

The Merger of the Former Kookmin Bank and H&CB

In November 2000, the former Kookmin Bank and H&CB entered into discussions regarding a possible merger. On December 22, 2000, the two banks entered into a memorandum of understanding regarding the merger. The proposed merger was publicly announced in Korea on that date. On April 23, 2001, the two banks executed a merger agreement approved by their respective boards of directors. The merger was structured as a merger of the two banks into a new entity in order to ensure that the transaction was properly understood by the security holders and customers of the two banks, as well as their employees, as a merger of equals rather than an absorption by one bank of the other. Under U.S. GAAP, however, the former Kookmin Bank was deemed the accounting acquiror of H&CB in the merger. We accounted for the acquisition using the purchase method of accounting.

On September 29, 2001, the merger proposal was approved by the stockholders of both banks at extraordinary general meetings called for that purpose. The merger became effective on November 1, 2001. This merger resulted in Kookmin Bank becoming the largest commercial bank in Korea. Our ADSs were listed on the New York Stock Exchange on November 1, 2001 and our common shares were listed on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange on November 9, 2001. As of October 31, 2001, H&CB’s total assets were (Won)67,399 billion, its total deposits were (Won)51,456 billion, its total liabilities were (Won)64,537 billion and it had stockholders’ equity of (Won)2,849 billion. As required by U.S. GAAP, we recognized H&CB’s total assets and liabilities at their estimated fair values of (Won)68,329 billion and (Won)64,840 billion, respectively. These amounts reflect the recognition of (Won)562 billion of negative goodwill, which was allocated to the fixed assets, core deposit intangible assets and credit card relationship intangible assets assumed.

At the time of the merger, we issued 179,775,233 shares of our common stock to holders of former Kookmin Bank shares and 119,922,229 shares of our common stock to holders of former H&CB shares. The merger ratio was such that holders of former Kookmin Bank common stock received one of our shares for every 1.688346 shares of former Kookmin Bank they owned, and holders of H&CB common stock received one of our shares for every share of H&CB common stock they owned.

In December 2003, the Korean government sold all of our common stock it held to us, through an auction process in which we were chosen as the winning bidder. We subsequently sold all of these shares in an over-the-counter transaction in June 2005.

The Merger with Kookmin Credit Card

On May 30, 2003, we entered into a merger agreement with Kookmin Credit Card, previously a 75% owned and consolidated subsidiary. On July 23, 2003, our board approved the merger with Kookmin Credit Card and on September 5, 2003, the merger was approved by the shareholders of Kookmin Credit Card. On September 30, 2003, we merged with Kookmin Credit Card.

The merger was effected by the issuance of 8,120,431 shares of our common stock, and the former minority shareholders of Kookmin Credit Card received 0.442983 shares of our common stock for every one share of

 

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Kookmin Credit Card common stock that they owned and cash instead of fractional shares that they would have otherwise been entitled to receive in the merger. Immediately following the merger, former shareholders of Kookmin Credit Card common stock, other than us, owned approximately 2.4% of our outstanding common stock.

The acquisition of minority interest was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, and we stepped up the assets and liabilities acquired to their fair values at the date of acquisition. The excess of fair value of purchase consideration over the fair value of net assets acquired was recognized as goodwill.

The goals of this merger were to:

 

   

alleviate the difficulties that Kookmin Credit Card was experiencing with respect to its liquidity and capital adequacy;

 

   

maximize management efficiency and further enhance our credit card business;

 

   

assist us in developing a leading credit card business in Korea;

 

   

enable us to effectively cross-sell our financial products by integrating our database; and

 

   

develop and launch products and services that integrated our credit card and banking businesses.

 

Item 4B. Business Overview

Business

We are the largest commercial bank in Korea. As of December 31, 2007, we had total assets of (Won)217,683 billion and total deposits of (Won)138,438 billion. On the asset side, we provide credit and related financial services to individuals and small- and medium-sized enterprises and, to a lesser extent, to large corporate customers. On the deposit side, we provide a full range of deposit products and related services to both individuals and enterprises of all sizes.

By their nature, our core consumer and small- and medium-sized enterprise operations place a high premium on customer access and convenience. Our combined network of 1,205 branches as of December 31, 2007, the most extensive in Korea, provides a solid foundation for our business and is a major source of our competitive strength. This network provides us with a large, stable and cost effective funding source, enables us to provide our customers convenient access and gives us the ability to provide the customer attention and service essential to conducting our business, particularly in an increasingly competitive environment. Our branch network is further enhanced by automated banking machines and fixed-line, mobile telephone and Internet banking. As of December 31, 2007, we had a customer base of over 26 million retail customers, which represented approximately one-half of the Korean population. Of the population in Korea between the ages of 20 and 40, approximately two-thirds have accounts with us. As of December 31, 2007, we also had over 135,000 small- and medium-sized enterprise customers on the deposit-taking side.

 

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The following table sets forth the principal components of our lending business as of the dates indicated. As of December 31, 2007 retail loans, credit card loans and credit card receivables accounted for 57.7% of our total loan portfolio:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2005     2006     2007  
     (in billions of Won, except percentages)  

Retail

               

Mortgage and home equity (1)

   (Won) 59,143    42.9 %   (Won) 63,982    42.3 %   (Won) 65,819    38.2 %

Other consumer (2)

     23,114    16.7       21,589    14.2       23,020    13.4  

Total retail

     82,257    59.6       85,571    56.5       88,839    51.6  

Credit card

     8,369    6.1       8,955    5.9       10,429    6.1  

Corporate

     46,157    33.4       56,096    37.1       71,585    41.6  

Capital markets activities and international banking

     1,229    0.9       781    0.5       1,336    0.7  
                                       

Total loans

   (Won) 138,012    100.0 %   (Won) 151,403    100.0 %   (Won) 172,189    100.0 %
                                       

 

(1)

Includes (Won)1,174 billion, (Won)1,137 billion and (Won)1,144 billion of overdraft loans secured by real estate in connection with home equity loans as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

(2)

Includes (Won)7,620 billion, (Won)7,481 billion and (Won)7,924 billion of overdraft loans as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

We provide a full range of personal lending products and retail banking services to individual customers, including mortgage loans. We are the largest private sector mortgage lender in Korea.

Lending to small- and medium-sized enterprises is the single largest component of our non-retail credit portfolio and represents a widely diversified exposure to a broad spectrum of the Korean corporate community, both by type of lending and type of customer, with one of the newest categories being collateralized loans to SOHO customers that are among the smallest of the small- and medium-sized enterprises. The volume of our loans to small- and medium-sized enterprises requires a customer-oriented approach that is facilitated by our large and geographically diverse branch network.

In keeping with current industry trends, our credit exposure to large corporate customers has recently increased as a percentage of our total loan portfolio, and we continue to seek to maintain and expand quality relationships by providing these customers with an increasing range of fee-related services.

Since the former Kookmin Bank initiated the issuance of domestic credit cards in 1980, we have seen our credit card business grow rapidly in recent years as the nationwide trend towards credit card use accelerated. As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately 9 million holders of KB Card.

Strategy

Our strategic focus is to be the leading bank in Korea and a world-class financial service provider. We plan to continue to develop our business on the basis of our core strengths in mortgage financing and retail banking. We believe our strong market position is an important competitive advantage, which will enable us to compete more effectively based on convenient delivery, product breadth and differentiation, and service quality while focusing on our profitability.

 

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The key elements of our strategy are as follows:

Identifying, targeting and marketing to attractive customer segments and providing superior customer value and service to such segments

In recent years, rather than focusing on developing products and services to satisfy the overall needs of the general population, we have increasingly targeted specific market segments that we expect to generate superior growth and profitability. We will continue to implement a targeted marketing approach that seeks to identify the most attractive customer segments and to develop strategies to build market share in those segments. In particular, we intend to increase our “wallet share” of superior existing customers by using our advanced customer relationship management technology to better identify and meet the needs of our most creditworthy and high net worth customers, on whom we intend to concentrate our marketing efforts.

As part of this strategy, we are also focusing on attracting and retaining creditworthy customers by offering more differentiated fee-based products and services that are tailored to meet their specific needs. The development and marketing of our products and services are, in part, driven by customer segmentation to ensure we meet the needs of each customer segment. For instance, we currently offer customized mortgage products and electronic banking promotions, and have enhanced our private banking services for high net worth individuals, including opening new branches specializing in such services. We also continue to develop more complex financial products, including trust commodities and other investment products, for which consumer demand has increased in recent years. We are also focusing on addressing the needs of our customers by providing the highest-quality products and services and developing an open-architecture strategy, which allows us to sell such products through the largest branch network in Korea. In short, we aim to offer our customers a convenient one-stop financial services destination where they can meet their traditional retail and corporate banking requirements, as well as find a broad array of fee-based products and services tailored to address more specific banking needs. We believe such differentiated, comprehensive services and cross-selling will not only enhance customer loyalty but also increase profitability.

One of our key customer-related strategies continues to be creating greater value and better service for our customers. We intend to continue improving our customer service, including through:

 

   

Improved customer relationship management technology. Management has devoted substantial resources toward development of our customer relationship management system, which is designed to provide our employees with the needed information to continually improve the level of service and incentives offered to our preferred customers. Our system is based on an integrated customer database, which allows for better customer management and streamlines our customer reward system. We have also developed state-of-the-art call centers and online Internet capabilities to provide shorter response times to customers seeking information or to execute transactions. Our goals are to continually focus on improving customer service to satisfy our customer’s needs through continuing efforts to deliver new and improved services and to upgrade our customer relationship management system to provide the best possible service to our customers in the future.

 

   

Enhanced distribution channels. We also believe we can improve customer retention and usage rates by increasing the range of products and services we offer and by developing a differentiated, multi-channel distribution network, including branches, ATMs, call centers, mobile-banking and Internet banking. We believe that our leading market position gives us a competitive advantage in developing and enhancing our distribution capabilities.

 

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Focusing on expanding and improving credit quality in our corporate lending business

We plan to focus on corporate lending as one of our core businesses through attracting top-tier corporate customers and providing customized and distinctive products and services to build our position as a leading bank in the corporate financial market. To increase our market share in providing financial services to the corporate market, we intend to:

 

   

promote a more balanced and strengthened portfolio with respect to our corporate business by developing our large corporate customer base and utilizing our improved credit management operations to better evaluate new large corporate and small- and medium-sized enterprise customers;

 

   

develop and sell more varied corporate financial products, consisting of transactional banking products which provide higher margin and less risk such as “cyber branch” products to large corporate customers and “cyber CFO” products to small- and medium-sized enterprise customers;

 

   

generate more fee income from large corporate customers through business-to-business transactions, foreign exchange transactions and derivative and other investment products;

 

   

strengthen our marketing system based on our accumulated expertise in order to attract top-tier corporate customers;

 

   

focus on enhancing our channel network in order to provide the best service by strengthening our corporate customer management; and

 

   

further develop and train our core professionals with respect to this market, including through programs such as the “career development path.”

Strengthening internal risk management capabilities

We believe that ensuring strong asset quality through effective credit risk management is critical to maintaining stable growth and profitability and risk management will continue to be one of our key focus areas. One of our highest priorities is to improve our asset quality and more effectively price our lending products to take into account inherent credit risk in our portfolio. Our goal is to maintain the soundness of our credit portfolio, profitability and capital base. To this end, we intend to continue to strengthen our internal risk management capabilities by tightening our underwriting and management policies and improving our internal compliance policies. To accomplish this objective, we have undertaken the following initiatives:

 

   

Strengthening underwriting procedures with advanced credit scoring techniques. We have centralized our credit management operations into our credit group. Our prior structure had divided such operations into four groups and ten teams. As a result of such centralization, we aim to enhance our credit management expertise and improve our system of checks-and-balances with respect to our credit portfolio. We have also improved our ability to evaluate the credit of our small- and medium-sized enterprise customers through assigning experienced credit loan officers to our regional credit offices. We have also introduced a policy requiring the same officer to evaluate, review and monitor the outstanding loans and other credits with respect to a customer, which will enhance expertise and improve efficiency and accountability of such officer, while enabling us to maintain a consistent credit policy. We have also, as a general matter, implemented enhanced credit analysis and scoring techniques, which we believe will enable us to make better-informed decisions about the credit we extend and improve our ability to respond more quickly to incipient credit problems. We are also focusing on enhancing our asset quality through improvement of our early monitoring systems and collection procedures.

 

   

Improving our internal compliance policy and ensuring strict application in our daily operations. We have improved our monitoring capabilities with respect to our internal compliance by providing training and educational programs to our management and employees. We have also implemented strict compliance policies to maintain the integrity of our risk management system.

 

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Cultivating a performance-based, customer-oriented culture that emphasizes market best practices

We believe a strong and dedicated workforce is critical to our ability to offer our customers the highest quality banking services and is integral to our goal of maintaining our position as one of Korea’s leading financial service providers. In the past, we have dedicated significant resources to develop and train our core professionals, and we intend to continue to enhance the productivity of our employees, including by regularly sponsoring in-house training and educational programs. We have also been seeking to cultivate a performance-based culture to create a work environment where members of our staff are incentivized to maximize their potential and in which our employees are directly rewarded for superior performance. We intend to maintain a professional workforce whose high quality of customer service reflects our goal to achieve and maintain global best practice standards in all areas of operations.

We plan to establish new mid- to long-term strategies to address changes in our operations and market conditions, including the pending effectiveness of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Market Act in February 2009.

Becoming a comprehensive financial service provider by reorganizing into a financial holding company structure

We believe the Korean financial services market has been undergoing significant change, including as a result of the recent enactment of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Market Act, and that the resulting trend toward consolidation and convergence, as well as the growing presence of foreign financial institutions in the Korean financial market and the expansion of the overseas presence and operations of Korean financial institutions, may provide significantly greater competition for us in the future. In light of such changes, our management has determined that there is a growing need for our bank to become a comprehensive financial service provider that offers customers multiple services including investment banking, insurance, wealth management and other services and to become a global firm that can effectively compete with foreign financial institutions. Our management, after considering a range of options to improve our competitive position, has determined that we and certain of our subsidiaries need to reorganize under a financial holding company structure in order to achieve the objectives mentioned above. On April 30, 2008, our board of directors approved a plan for a “comprehensive stock transfer” under Article 360-15 of the Korean Commercial Code, whereby we and certain of our subsidiaries will become subsidiaries of a new financial holding company and holders of shares of our common stock will transfer all of their shares to such new financial holding company for our bank, tentatively to be called KB Financial Group, and in return receive KB Financial Group common stock. We plan to submit such stock transfer plan to our stockholders for their approval in an extraordinary general meeting of stockholders, which is expected to be held in the third quarter of 2008.

Branch Network

As of December 31, 2007, we had 1,205 branches and sub-branches in Korea, which were the largest number of branches among Korean commercial banks. An extensive branch network is important to attracting and maintaining retail customers, who use branches extensively and value convenience. We believe that our extensive branch network in Korea and retail customer base provide us with a source of stable and relatively low cost funding. Approximately 40% of our branches and sub-branches are located in Seoul, and approximately 24% of our branches are located in the six next largest cities. The following table presents the geographical distribution of our branch network in Korea as of December 31, 2007:

 

Area

   Number of
branches
   Percentage  

Seoul

   477    39.6 %

Six largest cities (other than Seoul)

   283    23.5  

Other

   445    36.9  
           

Total

   1,205    100.0 %
           

 

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In addition, we have continued to implement the specialization of branch functions. Of our branch network as of December 31, 2007, we had 102 branches dedicated exclusively to handling corporate transactions and providing comprehensive services to our corporate customers (including seven branches that primarily handled large corporate banking).

In order to support our branch network, we have established an extensive network of automated banking machines, which are located in branches and in unmanned outlets known as “autobanks.” These automated banking machines consist of ATMs, cash dispensers and passbook printers. As of December 31, 2007, we had 9,569 ATMs, 10 cash dispensers and 226 passbook printers.

We have actively promoted the use of these distribution outlets in order to provide convenient service to customers, as well as to maximize the marketing and sales functions at the branch level, reduce employee costs and improve profitability. The following table sets forth information, for the periods indicated, regarding the number of transactions and the fee revenue of our ATMs, including those that only dispense cash:

 

     For the year ended
December 31,
     2005    2006    2007

Number of transactions (millions)

     621      675      676

Fee revenue (in billions of Won)

   (Won) 90    (Won) 89    (Won) 83

Retail Banking

Due to our development as a retail bank and the know-how and expertise we have acquired from our activities in that market, retail banking has been and will continue to remain one of our core businesses. Our retail banking activities consist primarily of lending and deposit-taking.

Lending Activities

We offer various loan products that target different segments of the population, with features tailored to each segment’s financial profile and other characteristics. The following table sets forth the balances and the percentage of our total lending represented by our retail loans as of the dates indicated:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2005     2006     2007  
     (in billions of Won, except percentages)  

Retail:

               

Mortgage and home equity loans

   (Won) 59,143    42.9 %   (Won) 63,982    42.3 %   (Won) 65,819    38.2 %

Other consumer loans (1)

     23,114    16.7       21,589    14.2       23,020    13.4  
                                       

Total

   (Won) 82,257    59.6 %   (Won) 85,571    56.5 %   (Won) 88,839    51.6 %
                                       

 

(1)

Excludes credit card loans, but includes overdraft loans.

Our retail loans consist of:

 

   

Mortgage loans, which are loans made to customers to finance home purchases, construction, improvements or rentals; and home equity loans, which are loans made to our customers secured by their homes to ensure loan repayment. We also provide overdraft loans in connection with our home equity loans.

 

   

Other consumer loans, which are loans made to customers for any purpose (other than mortgage and home equity loans). These include overdraft loans, which are loans extended to customers to cover insufficient funds when they withdraw funds from their demand deposit accounts with us in excess of the amount in such accounts up to a limit established by us.

 

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For secured loans, including mortgage and home equity loans, our policy is to lend up to 100% of the adjusted collateral value (except in areas of high speculation designated by the government where we are required to limit our lending to 40% of the appraised value of collateral) minus the value of any lien or other security interest that is prior to our security interest. In calculating the adjusted collateral value for real estate, we use the appraisal value of the collateral multiplied by a factor, generally between 40% to 60%. This factor varies depending upon the location and use of the real estate and is established in part by taking into account court-supervised auction prices for nearby properties.

A borrower’s eligibility for our mortgage loans depends on value of the mortgage property, the appropriateness of the use of proceeds and the borrower’s creditworthiness. A borrower’s eligibility for home equity loans is determined by the borrower’s credit and the value of the property, while the borrower’s eligibility for other consumer loans is primarily determined by the borrower’s credit. If the borrower’s credit deteriorates, it may be difficult for us to recover the loan. As a result, we review the borrower’s creditworthiness, collateral value, credit scoring and third party guarantees when evaluating a borrower. In addition, to reduce the interest rate of a loan or to qualify for a loan, a borrower may provide collateral, deposits or guarantees from third parties.

Due to a rapid increase in retail loans and increased credit risks relating thereto, as well as to stabilize the real estate market in Korea, the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service have been adopting more stringent guidelines applicable to mortgage and home equity lending by Korean banks since 2002. See “Item 3D. Risk Factors—Risks relating to government regulation and policy” and “—Supervision and Regulation—Principal Regulations Applicable to Banks—Liquidity—Recent Regulations Relating to Retail Household Loans.”

Mortgage and Home Equity Lending

Our mortgage and home equity lending has substantially expanded in recent years.

The Housing Finance Market in Korea. The housing finance market in Korea is divided into public sector and private sector lending. In the public sector, two government entities, the National Housing Fund and the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, are responsible for most of the mortgage lending.

Mortgage and Home Equity Loan Products. We provide customers with a number of mortgage and home equity loan products that have flexible features, including terms, repayment schedules, amounts and eligibility for loans, and we offer interest rates on a commercial basis. Although the maximum term of mortgage loans is 35 years, the majority of our mortgage loans have significantly shorter maturities, which may be renewed. Non-amortizing home equity loans have an initial maturity of three years, which may be extended on an annual basis for a maximum of ten years. Home equity loans subject to amortization of principal may have a maximum term of up to 35 years. Any customer is eligible for a mortgage or an individual home equity loan regardless of whether it participates in one of our housing related savings programs and so long as that customer is not barred by regulation from obtaining a loan because of bad credit history. However, customers with whom we frequently transact business and provide us with significant revenue receive preferential interest rates on loans.

As of December 31, 2007, 63.3% of our mortgage loans were secured by residential property which is the subject of the loan, 7.1% of our mortgage loans were guaranteed by the Housing Finance Credit Guarantee Fund, a government housing-related entity, and the remaining 29.5% of our mortgage loans, contrary to general practices in the United States, were unsecured (although the use of proceeds from these loans are restricted for the purpose of financing home purchases and some of these loans were guaranteed by a third party). One reason that a relatively high percentage of our mortgage loans are unsecured is that we, along with other Korean banks, provide advance loans to borrowers for the down payment of new housing (particularly apartments) that is in the process of being built. Once construction is completed, which may take several years, these mortgage loans become secured by the new housing purchased by these borrowers. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the

 

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average initial loan-to-value ratio of our mortgage loans, which is a measure of the amount of loan exposure to the appraised value of the security collateralizing the loan, was approximately 49.3%. There are three reasons that our loan-to-value ratio is relatively lower (as is the case with other Korean banks) compared to similar ratios in other countries, such as the United States. The first reason is that housing prices are high in Korea relative to average income, so most people cannot afford to borrow an amount equal to the entire value of their collateral and make interest payments on such an amount. The second reason relates to the “jeonsae” system, through which people provide a key money deposit while residing in the property prior to its purchase. At the time of purchase, most people use the key money deposit as part of their payment and borrow the remaining amount from Korean banks, which results in a loan that will be for an amount smaller than the appraised value of the property for collateral and assessment purposes. The third reason is that Korean banks discount the appraised value of the borrower’s property for collateral and assessment purposes so that a portion of the appraised value is reserved in order to provide recourse to a renter who lives at the borrower’s property. This is in the event that the borrower’s property is seized by a creditor, and the renter is no longer able to reside at that property. See “Item 3D. Risk Factors—Other risks relating to our business—A decline in the value of the collateral securing our loans and our inability to realize full collateral value may adversely affect our credit portfolio.” As a result of government initiatives, we have also tightened our mortgage loan guidelines.

Pricing. The interest rates on our retail mortgage loans are generally based on a periodic floating rate (which is based on a base rate determined for three-month, six-month or twelve-month periods derived using our Market Opportunity Rate system, which reflects our internal cost of funding, further adjusted to account for our expenses related to lending). Our interest rates also incorporate a margin based among other things on the type of security, the credit score of the borrower and the estimated loss on the security. We can adjust the price to reflect the borrower’s current and/or expected future contribution to us. The applicable interest rate is determined at the time of the loan. If a loan is terminated prior to its maturity, the borrower is obligated to pay us an early termination fee of approximately 0.7% to 1.4% of the loan amount in addition to the accrued interest.

The interest rates on our home equity loans are determined on the same basis as our retail mortgage loans.

As of December 31, 2007, our current three-month, six-month and twelve-month base rates were 7.01%, 6.97% and 7.51%, respectively.

As of December 31, 2007, 99.8% of our outstanding mortgage and home equity loans was priced based on a floating rate.

Other Consumer Loans

Other consumer loans are primarily unsecured. However, such loans may be secured by real estate, deposits or securities. As of December 31, 2007, approximately (Won)13,192 billion, or 56.9% of our consumer loans (other than mortgage and home equity loans) were unsecured loans (although some of these loans were guaranteed by a third party). Overdraft loans are also classified as other consumer loans, are primarily unsecured and typically have a maturity between one and three years. The amount of overdraft loans as of December 31, 2007 was approximately (Won)7,924 billion.

Pricing. The interest rates on our other consumer loans (including overdraft loans) are determined on the same basis as on our home equity loans, except that, for unsecured loans, the borrower’s credit score as determined during our loan approval process is also taken into account. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk—Credit Risk Management.”

As of December 31, 2007, 99.5% of our other consumer loans had interest rates that were not fixed but were variable in reference to our base rate, which is based on the Market Opportunity Rate.

 

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Deposit-taking Activities

Due to our extensive nationwide network of branches, together with our long history of development and our resulting know-how and expertise, as of December 31, 2007, we had the largest number of retail customers and retail deposits among Korean commercial banks. The balance of our deposits from retail customers was (Won)94,817 billion, (Won)89,356 billion and (Won)86,981 billion as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively, which constituted 75.4%, 69.0% and 62.8%, respectively, of the balance of our total deposits.

We offer many deposit products that target different segments of our retail customer base, with features tailored to each segment’s financial profile, characteristics and needs, including:

 

   

Demand deposits, which either do not accrue interest or accrue interest at a lower rate than time deposits. Demand deposits allow the customer to deposit and withdraw funds at any time and, if they are interest bearing, accrue interest at a variable rate depending on the amount of deposit. Retail and corporate demand deposits constituted 3.1% of our total deposits as of December 31, 2007 and paid average interest of 2.2% for 2007.

 

   

Time deposits, which generally require the customer to maintain a deposit for a fixed term, during which the deposit accrues interest at a fixed rate or a variable rate based on the Korea Composite Stock Prices Index (known as “KOSPI”), or to deposit specified amounts on an installment basis. If the amount of the deposit is withdrawn prior to the end of the fixed term, the customer will be paid a lower interest rate than that originally offered. The term for time deposits typically range from one month to five years, and the term for installment savings deposits range from six months to ten years. Retail and corporate time deposits constituted 47.9% of our total deposits as of December 31, 2007 and paid average interest of 4.4% for 2007. Most installment savings deposits offer fixed interest rates.

 

   

Savings deposits, which allow depositors to deposit and withdraw money at any time and accrue interest at an adjustable interest rate, which is currently below 3.65%. Retail and corporate savings deposits constituted 30.7% of our total deposits as of December 31, 2007 and paid average interest of 0.8% for 2007.

 

   

Certificates of deposit, the maturities of which range from 30 days to 730 days with a required minimum deposit of (Won)5 million. Interest rates on certificates of deposit are determined based on the length of the deposit and prevailing market rates. Our certificates of deposit are sold at a discount to their face value, reflecting the interest payable on the certificate of deposit.

 

   

Foreign currency deposits, which accrue interest at an adjustable rate and are available to Korean residents, non-residents and overseas immigrants. We offer foreign currency time deposits and checking and passbook accounts in ten currencies.

We offer varying interest rates on our deposit products depending upon average funding costs, the rate of return on our interest earning assets and the interest rates offered by other commercial banks.

We also offer deposits that provide the holder with preferential rights to housing subscriptions and eligibility for mortgage loans. These products include:

 

   

Housing subscription time deposits, which are special purpose time deposit accounts providing the holder with a preferential right to subscribe for new private apartment units under the Housing Law. This law is the basic law setting forth various measures supporting the purchase of houses and the supply of such houses by construction companies. These products accrue interest at a fixed rate for one year, and at an adjustable rate after one year. Deposit amounts per account range from (Won)2 million to (Won)15 million depending on the location of the holder’s current residence and the size of the desired apartment unit. These deposit products target high and middle income households.

 

   

Housing subscription installment savings deposits, which are monthly installment savings programs providing the holder with a preferential subscription right for new private apartment units under the

 

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Housing Law. Account holders are also eligible for our mortgage loans. These deposits require monthly installments of (Won)50,000 to (Won)500,000, have maturities of between two and five years and accrue interest at fixed or variable rates depending on the term. These deposit products target low-and middle-income households.

We have a “priority customer” program called KB Star Club that categorizes our customers by their average deposit balance for the most recent three-month period, the amount of their transactions with us and their program points based on such balances and transactions. A customer may receive preferential treatment in various areas, including interest rates and transaction fees, depending upon how the customer is classified. As of December 31, 2007, we had over three million KB Star Club customers, representing approximately 14% of our total retail customer base of over 26 million retail customers. In 2007, on an average balance basis, our KB Star Club customers held approximately 52% of our total retail customer deposits, and revenues from our KB Star Club customers accounted for approximately 57% of our revenues derived from our retail customers.

In 2002, after significant research and planning, we launched private banking operations at our headquarters. Shortly thereafter, we launched a comprehensive strategy with respect to customers with higher net worth, which included staffing appropriate representatives, marketing aggressively, establishing IT systems, selecting appropriate branch locations and readying such branches with the necessary facilities to service such customers. As of December 31, 2007, we had established 27 private banking centers and plan to increase the number of private banking centers as necessary. We believe that by offering high quality personal wealth management services to these customers, including through our exclusive brand “Gold & Wise”, we can increase our share of the priority customer market, which will increase our profitability and our position in the retail banking market.

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Korea (the “Monetary Policy Committee”) imposes a reserve requirement on Won currency deposits of commercial banks based generally on the type of deposit instrument. The reserve requirement is currently up to 7%. See “—Supervision and Regulation—Principal Regulations Applicable to Banks—Liquidity.”

The Depositor Protection Act provides for a deposit insurance system where the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation guarantees to depositors the repayment of their eligible bank deposits, which do not include foreign currency deposits. The deposit insurance system insures up to a total of (Won)50 million per depositor per bank. See “—Supervision and Regulation—Principal Regulations Applicable to Banks—Deposit Insurance System.” We pay a premium rate of 0.2% of our average deposits and we paid (Won)213 billion for 2007.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are another of our core retail products. As a result of the merger with H&CB, for a period of time we issued and operated two brands of credit cards, Kookmin Card and BC Card. Following our merger with our subsidiary, Kookmin Credit Card, in September 2003, we adopted a strategy of trying to unify the two brands. Accordingly, commencing in October 2003, we have been issuing most of our new credit cards under the “KB Card” brand.

 

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The following table sets forth certain data relating to our credit card operations. All financial figures appearing below have been prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP, which differs significantly from U.S. GAAP. See “Item 5B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Reconciliation with Korean GAAP.”

 

     As of and for the year ended
December 31,
 
     2005     2006     2007  
     (in billions of Won, except number of
holders, accounts and percentages)
 

Number of credit cardholders (at year end) (thousands)

      

General accounts

     9,343       8,883       8,518  

Corporate accounts

     159       173       173  
                        

Total

     9,502       9,056       8,691  
                        

Number of merchants (at year end) (thousands)

     1,507       1,610       1,752  

Active ratio (at year end) (1)

     62.7 %     68.4 %     75.9 %

Credit card fees

      

Merchant fees (2)

   (Won) 788     (Won) 868     (Won) 1,007  

Installment and cash advance fees

     1,018       864       768  

Annual membership fees

     41       37       34  

Other fees

     234       286       397  
                        

Total

   (Won) 2,081     (Won) 2,055     (Won) 2,206  
                        

Charge volume (3)

      

General purchase

   (Won) 29,836     (Won) 34,307     (Won) 40,310  

Installment purchase

     6,748       7,019       7,708  

Cash advance

     24,261       19,837       16,452  

Card loan (4)

     1,002       2,554       3,593  
                        

Total

   (Won) 61,847     (Won) 63,717     (Won) 68,063  
                        

Outstanding balance (at year end) (5)

      

General purchase

   (Won) 2,491     (Won) 2,832     (Won) 3,753  

Installment purchase

     1,544       1,740       1,867  

Cash advance

     2,562       2,348       2,480  

Card loan (4)

     975       1,748       2,336  
                        

Total (6)

   (Won) 7,572     (Won) 8,668     (Won) 10,436  
                        

Average outstanding balances (5)

      

General purchase

   (Won) 2,045     (Won) 2,564     (Won) 3,177  

Installment purchase

     1,479       1,559       1,740  

Cash advance

     2,689       2,396       2,297  

Card loan (4)

     1,111       1,338       2,020  

Delinquency ratios (at year end) (7)

      

Less than 1 month (8)

     1.03 %     0.97 %     2.55 %

From 1 month to 3 months

     1.70       1.13       0.81  

From 3 months to 6 months

     0.18       0.27       0.24  

Over 6 months

     0.11       0.11       0.06  
                        

Total

     3.01 %     2.47 %     3.66 %
                        

 

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     As of and for the year ended
December 31,
 
     2005     2006     2007  
     (in billions of Won, except number of
holders, accounts and percentages)
 

Non-performing loan ratio

      

Reported

     2.19 %     1.29 %     0.87 %

Managed

     2.05 %     1.26 %     0.88 %

Write-offs (gross)

   (Won) 868     (Won) 496     (Won) 340  

Recoveries (9)

     233       236       294  
                        

Net write-offs

   (Won) 635     (Won) 260     (Won) 46  
                        

Gross write-off ratio (10)

     11.85 %     6.31 %     3.68 %

Net write-off ratio (11)

     8.67 %     3.31 %     0.50 %

Asset sales

     —         —         —    

Asset securitization (12)

   (Won) 810     (Won) 305     (Won) —    

 

(1)

The active ratio represents the ratio of accounts used at least once within the last six months to total accounts as of year end.

(2)

Merchant fees consist of merchant membership and maintenance fees, costs associated with prepayment by us (on behalf of customers) of sales proceeds to merchants, processing fees relating to sales and membership applications, costs relating to the management of delinquencies and recoveries, bad debt expenses, general variable expenses and other fixed costs that are charged to our member merchants. We typically charge our member merchants fees that range from 1.5% to 4.5%.

(3)

Represents the aggregate cumulative amount charged during the year.

(4)

Card loans consist of loans that are provided on either a secured or unsecured basis to cardholders upon prior agreement. Payment of principal, fees and interest on such a loan can be due either in one payment or in installments after a fixed period.

(5)

Includes certain interest trust certificates issued by special purpose entities in connection with asset securitization transactions of our underlying credit card balances. Transfers of credit card balances to special purpose entities in connection with asset securitization transactions are recognized as sales under Korean GAAP but not under U.S. GAAP.

(6)

The total outstanding balances pursuant to U.S. GAAP for all of our credit cards were (Won)8,369 billion as of December 31, 2005, (Won)8,955 billion as of December 31, 2006 and (Won)10,429 billion as of December 31, 2007.

(7)

Represents ratio of delinquencies to outstanding balance. In line with industry practice, we have restructured a portion of delinquent credit card account balances as loans and have also replaced a portion of our delinquent credit card account balances with cash advances that are rolled over from month to month. We discontinued the practice of providing substituted cash advances from January 2004. As of December 31, 2007, these restructured loans amounted to (Won)64 billion. Because these restructured loans are not treated as being delinquent at the time of conversion or for a period of time thereafter, our delinquency ratios may not fully reflect all delinquent amounts relating to our outstanding balances.

(8)

For the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006, the amount of delinquent credit card balances recognized for the calculation of the delinquency ratio for less than one month was only such portion of the outstanding credit card balances due and payable within such period. Beginning with the year ended December 31, 2007, the amount of delinquent credit card balances recognized for the calculation of the delinquency ratio for less than one month is the total amount of such credit card balance for which the payments are overdue by less than one month, including those portions not yet due and payable.

(9)

Does not include proceeds that we received from sales of our non-performing loans that were written off.

(10)

Represents the ratio of gross write-offs for the year to average outstanding balance for the year. Under Korean GAAP, our charge-off policy is generally to write off balances which have been overdue for four payment cycles or more or which have been classified as expected loss.

 

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(11)

Represents the ratio of net write-offs for the year to average outstanding balances for the year. Under Korean GAAP, our charge-off policy is generally to write off balances which have been overdue for four payment cycles or more or which have been classified as expected loss.

(12)

Comprises credit card balances that were transferred in asset securitization transactions. Under U.S. GAAP, these transfers are not recognized as sales.

In contrast to the system in the United States and many other countries, where most credit cards are revolving cards that allow outstanding amounts to be rolled over from month to month so long as a required minimum percentage is repaid, credit cardholders in Korea are generally required to pay for their purchases within approximately 15 to 47 days of purchase depending on their payment cycle. However, we also offer revolving cards to individuals that allow outstanding amounts to be rolled over to subsequent payment periods. Delinquent accounts (defined as amounts overdue for one day or more) are charged penalty interest and closely monitored. For installment purchases, we charge interest on unpaid installments at rates that vary according to the terms of repayment.

We believe that by establishing a unified credit card business through our merger with Kookmin Credit Card and our promotion of the KB Card brand, we have further enhanced this business by strengthening our risk management and maximizing our operational efficiency. In addition, we believe that our extensive branch network, brand recognition and overall size will enable us to cross-sell products such as credit cards to our existing and new customers.

To promote our credit card business, we offer services targeted to various financial profiles and customer requirements and are concentrating on:

 

   

strengthening cross-sales to existing customers and offering integrated financial services;

 

   

offering cards that provide additional benefits such as frequent flyer miles and reward program points that can be redeemed by the customer for complementary services, prizes and cash;

 

   

offering platinum cards, VVIP cards and other prime members’ cards, which have a higher credit limit and provide additional services in return for a higher fee;

 

   

acquiring new customers through strategic alliances and cross-marketing with retailers;

 

   

encouraging increased use of credit cards by existing customers through special offers for frequent users;

 

   

introducing new features such as revolving credit cards as well as travel services and insurance through alliance partners;

 

   

developing fraud detection and security systems to prevent the misuse of credit cards and to encourage the use of credit cards over the Internet; and

 

   

issuing smart cards and preparing for a cardless business environment in which customers can use credit cards to make purchases by mobile phone or over the Internet.

As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately 9 million cardholders. Of the credit cards outstanding, 75.9% were active, meaning that they had been used at least once during the previous six months. For 2007, our market share with respect to charge volume was 15.6% according to the Financial Supervisory Service.

Our card revenues consist principally of cash advance fees, merchant fees, credit card installment fees, interest income from credit card loans, annual fees paid by cardholders, interest and fees on late payments and, with respect to revolving cards we offer, interest and fees relating to revolving balances. Cardholders are generally required to pay for their purchases within 15 to 47 days after the date of purchase, depending on their payment cycle. Except in the case of installment purchases, accounts which remain unpaid after this period are deemed to be delinquent.

 

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We generate other fees through a processing charge on merchants, with the average charge equaling approximately 2.45%.

Under non-exclusive license agreements with MasterCard International Incorporated and Visa International Service Association, we also issue MasterCard and Visa credit cards.

We launched our debit card business in 1996 in response to changing customer needs. We charge merchants an average commission of approximately 1.57% of the amounts purchased using a debit card. We also issue “check cards”, which are similar to debit cards except that “check cards” are accepted by all merchants that accept credit cards. Much like debit cards, “check card” purchases are also debited directly from customers’ accounts with us. As of December 31, 2007, we had approximately 7.3 million “check card” holders, who effected “check card” transactions totaling approximately (Won)4,046 billion in 2007.

Corporate Banking

We lend to and take deposits from small- and medium-sized enterprises and, to a lesser extent, large corporate customers. As of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, we had 143,838, 153,213 and 170,059 small- and medium-sized enterprise borrowers and 679, 719 and 1,045 large corporate borrowers, respectively. For 2005, 2006 and 2007, we received fee revenue from “firm banking” services offered to corporate customers, which include inter-account transfers, transfers of funds from various branches and agencies of a company (such as insurance premium payments) to the account of the headquarters of such company and transfers of funds from various customers of a company to the main account of such company, in the amount of (Won)78 billion, (Won)86 billion and (Won)100 billion, respectively. Of our branch network as of December 31, 2007, we had 102 branches dedicated exclusively to corporate banking (including seven branches that primarily handled large corporate banking). Currently, we have 103 such branches (including eight branches that primarily handle large corporate banking).

The following table sets forth the balances and the percentage of our total lending represented by our small- and medium-sized enterprise business loans and our large corporate business loans as of the dates indicated, estimated based on our internal classifications of corporate borrowers under Korean GAAP:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2005     2006     2007  
     (in billions of Won, except percentages)  

Corporate:

               

Small- and medium-sized enterprise loans

   (Won) 36,344    26.3 %   (Won) 41,498    27.4 %   (Won) 54,116    31.4 %

Large corporate loans

     9,813    7.1       14,598    9.7       17,469    10.2  
                                       

Total

   (Won) 46,157    33.4 %   (Won) 56,096    37.1 %   (Won) 71,585    41.6 %
                                       

On the deposit-taking side, we currently offer our corporate customers several types of corporate deposits. Our corporate deposit products can be divided into two general categories: (1) demand deposits that have no restrictions on deposits or withdrawals, but which offer a relatively low interest rate; and (2) deposits from which withdrawals are restricted for a period of time, but offer higher interest rates. We also offer installment savings deposits, certificates of deposit and repurchase instruments. We offer varying interest rates on deposit products depending upon the rate of return on our income-earning assets, average funding costs and interest rates offered by other nationwide commercial banks.

The total amount of deposits from our corporate customers amounted to (Won)42,314 billion as of December 31, 2007, or 30.6% of our total deposits.

 

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Small- and Medium-sized Enterprise Banking

Our small- and medium-sized enterprise banking business has traditionally been and will remain one of our core businesses because of both our historical development and our accumulated expertise. We believe that we possess the necessary elements to succeed in the small- and medium-sized enterprise market, including our extensive branch network, our credit rating system for credit approval, our marketing capabilities (which we believe have provided us with significant brand loyalty) and our ability to take advantage of economies of scale.

We use the term “small- and medium-sized enterprises” as defined in the Small and Medium Industry Basic Act and related regulations. The general criterion used to define small- and medium-sized enterprises is either the number of full-time employees (less than 300), paid-in capital (equal to or less than (Won)8 billion) or sales revenues (equal to or less than (Won)30 billion). Criteria differ from industry to industry. In all cases, however, the number of full-time employees may not equal or exceed 1,000, and the total amount of assets may not equal or exceed (Won)500 billion.

Lending Activities

Our principal loan products for our small- and medium-sized enterprise customers are working capital loans and facilities loans. Working capital loans are provided to finance working capital requirements and include notes discounted and trade financing. Facilities loans are provided to finance the purchase of equipment and the establishment of manufacturing assembly plants. As of December 31, 2007, working capital loans and facilities loans accounted for 79.8% and 20.2%, respectively, of our total small- and medium-sized enterprise loans. As of December 31, 2007, we had over 170,000 small- and medium-sized enterprise customers on the lending side.

Loans to small- and medium-sized enterprises may be secured by real estate or deposits or may be unsecured. As of December 31, 2007, secured loans and guaranteed loans accounted for, in the aggregate, 85.5% of our small- and medium-sized enterprise loans. Among the secured loans, 52.9% were secured by real estate and 47.1% were secured by deposits or securities. Working capital loans generally have a maturity of one year, but may be extended on an annual basis for an aggregate term of three years. Facilities loans have a maximum maturity of ten years.

When evaluating the extension of working capital loans, we review the corporate customer’s creditworthiness and capability to generate cash. Furthermore, we take personal guarantees and credit guaranty letters from other financial institutions and use time and savings deposits that the borrower has with us as collateral, and may require additional collateral. We receive fees in relation to credit evaluation, collateral appraisal and other services provided in connection with a loan extension.

The value of any collateral is defined using a formula that takes into account the appraised value of the property, any prior liens or other claims against the property and an adjustment factor based on a number of considerations including, with respect to property, the value of any nearby property sold in a court-supervised auction during the previous 5 years. We revalue any collateral on a periodic basis (generally every year) or if a trigger event occurs with respect to the loan in question.

We also offer collective housing loans. Our collective housing loans are mortgage loans to home builders or developers who build or sell single- or multi-family housing units, principally apartment buildings. Many of these builders and developers are categorized as small- and medium-sized enterprises. We offer a variety of collective housing loans, including loans to purchase property or finance the construction of housing units, loans to contractors used for working capital purposes, and loans to educational establishments, small- and medium-sized enterprises and non-profit entities to finance the construction of dormitories. Collective housing loans subject us to the risk that the housing units will not be sold. As a result, we review the probability of the sale of the housing unit when evaluating the extension of a loan. We also review the borrower’s creditworthiness and the adequacy of the intended use of proceeds. Furthermore, we take a lien on the land on which the housing unit is to

 

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be constructed as collateral. If the collateral is not sufficient to cover the loan, we also take a guarantee from the Housing Finance Credit Guarantee Fund as security.

A substantial number of our small- and medium-sized enterprise customers are SOHOs, which we currently define to include sole proprietorships and individual business interests. With respect to SOHOs, we apply credit risk evaluation models, which not only uses quantitative analysis related to a customer’s accounts, personal credit and financial information and due amounts but also requires our credit officers to perform a qualitative analysis of each potential SOHO customer. With respect to SOHOs with annual revenues in excess of (Won)2 billion or SOHO loans in excess of (Won)300 million, our credit risk evaluation model also includes a quantitative analysis of the financial statements of the underlying business. We generally lend to SOHOs on a secured basis, although a small portion of our SOHO exposures are unsecured.

Pricing

We establish the price for our corporate loan products (other than collective housing loans) based principally on transaction risk, our cost of funding and market considerations. Transaction risk is measured by such factors as the credit rating assigned to a particular borrower, the size of the borrower and the value and type of collateral. Our loans are priced based on the Market Opportunity Rate system.

Our Market Opportunity Rate system is a periodic floating rate system which takes into account the current market interest rate and an activity-based cost, and a spread calculated to achieve a target “return on asset” ratio set for the year. As of December 31, 2007, the Market Opportunity Rate was 5.81% for three months, 5.77% for six months and 6.31% for one year.

While we generally utilize the Market Opportunity Rate system, depending on the price and other terms set by competing banks for similar borrowers, we may adjust the interest rate we charge to compete more effectively with other banks.

The interest rates on our collective housing loans are based on a periodic floating rate, which in turn is based on a base rate determined for three-month, six-month or twelve-month periods derived using our Market Opportunity Rate system. After selecting the appropriate periodic floating rate, our loan analysis system raises or lowers the floating rate based on various factors related to the loan and the borrower. In addition, we take into account the market conditions and our expenses and services to be provided with respect to such loan. The repayment schedule differs according to the variable term, repayment method and the particular loan. If a loan is terminated prior to its maturity, the corporate borrower is obligated to pay us an early termination fee in addition to the accrued interest.

Large Corporate Banking

Large corporate customers include all companies that are not small- and medium-sized enterprise customers. Due to our history of development and limitations in our articles of incorporation, large corporate banking was not a core business of the former Kookmin Bank or of H&CB prior to the merger. Our articles of incorporation provide that financial services to large corporate customers must be no more than 40% of the total amount of our Won-denominated loans. Our business focus with respect to large corporate banking has shifted from a concentration on risk management to selective expansion, within the constraints of our articles of incorporation. Specifically, we are carrying out various initiatives to improve our customer relationship with large corporate customers and have been seeking to expand our service offerings to this segment.

 

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Lending Activities

Our principal loan products for our large corporate customers are working capital loans and facilities loans. As of December 31, 2007, working capital loans and facilities loans accounted for 90.1% and 9.9%, respectively, of our total large corporate loans. We also offer collective housing loans, as described above under “—Small- and Medium-sized Enterprise Banking—Lending Activities,” to large corporate clients.

As of December 31, 2007, secured loans and guaranteed loans accounted for, in the aggregate, 18.5% of our large corporate loans. Among the secured loans, 27.7% were secured by real estate and 72.3% were secured by deposits or securities. Working capital loans generally have a maturity of one year but are extended on an annual basis for an aggregate term of three years. Facilities loans have a maximum maturity of 10 years.

We evaluate creditworthiness and collateral for our large corporate loans in essentially the same way as we do for small- and medium-sized enterprise loans. See “—Small- and Medium-sized Enterprise Banking—Lending Activities” above.

As of December 31, 2007, in terms of our outstanding loan balance, 33.9% of our large corporate loans was extended to borrowers in the manufacturing industry, 16.4% was extended to borrowers in the construction industry, and 13.1% was extended to borrowers in the financial and insurance industry.

Pricing

We determine pricing of our large corporate loans in the same way as we determine the pricing of our small- and medium-sized enterprise loans. See “—Small- and Medium-sized Enterprise Banking—Pricing” above. As of December 31, 2007, the Market Opportunity Rate, which is utilized in pricing loans offered by us, was the same for our large corporate loans as for our small- and medium-sized enterprise loans.

Capital Markets Activities and International Banking

Through our capital markets operations, we invest and trade in debt and equity securities and, to a lesser extent, engage in derivatives and asset securitization transactions and make call loans.

Securities Investment and Trading

We invest in and trade securities for our own account in order to maintain adequate sources of liquidity and to generate interest and dividend income and capital gains. As of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, our investment portfolio, which consists primarily of held-to-maturity securities and available-for-sale securities, and our trading portfolio had a combined total book value of (Won)28,924 billion, (Won)27,922 billion and (Won)29,689 billion and represented 16.2%, 14.5% and 13.6% of our total assets, respectively.

Our trading and investment portfolios consist primarily of Korean treasury securities and debt securities issued by Korean government agencies, local governments or certain government-invested enterprises and debt securities issued by financial institutions. As of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, we held debt securities with a total book value of (Won)27,876 billion, (Won)26,033 billion and (Won)28,337 billion, respectively, of which:

 

   

held-to-maturity debt securities accounted for (Won)10,498 billion, (Won)10,963 billion and (Won)11,058 billion, or 37.7%, 42.1% and 39.0%, respectively;

 

   

available-for-sale debt securities accounted for (Won)14,027 billion, (Won)12,641 billion and (Won)12,524 billion, or 50.3%, 48.6% and 44.2%, respectively; and

 

   

trading debt securities accounted for (Won)3,351 billion, (Won)2,429 billion and (Won)4,755 billion, or 12.0%, 9.3% and 16.8%, respectively.

 

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Of these amounts, debt securities issued by the Korean government and government agencies as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 amounted to:

 

   

(Won)6,209 billion, (Won)8,316 billion and (Won)8,601 billion, or 59.1%, 75.9% and 77.8%, respectively, of our held-to-maturity debt securities;

 

   

(Won)3,394 billion, (Won)3,708 billion and (Won)4,131 billion, or 24.2%, 29.3% and 33.0%, respectively, of our available-for-sale debt securities; and

 

   

(Won)1,756 billion, (Won)478 billion and (Won)1,055 billion, or 52.4%, 19.7% and 22.2%, respectively, of our trading debt securities.

From time to time we also purchase equity securities for our securities portfolios. Our equity securities consist primarily of marketable beneficiary certificates and equities listed on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange or KOSDAQ Market Division of the Korea Exchange. As of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007:

 

   

equity securities in our available-for-sale portfolio had a book value of (Won)128 billion, (Won)1,007 billion and (Won)305 billion, or 0.9%, 7.4% and 2.4% of our available-for-sale portfolio, respectively; and

 

   

equity securities in our trading portfolio had a book value of (Won)201 billion, (Won)145 billion and (Won)250 billion, or 5.7%, 5.6% and 5.0% of our debt and equity trading portfolio, respectively.

Our trading portfolio also includes foreign exchange spot contracts and derivative instruments. See “—Derivatives Trading.” Our investment portfolio also includes venture capital activities, non-marketable or restricted equity securities, investments under the equity method and investments held by our asset management subsidiary. As of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, these investments had an aggregate book value of (Won)719 billion, (Won)737 billion and (Won)797 billion, respectively.

 

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The following tables show, as of the dates indicated, the gross unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities within our investment securities portfolio, and the amortized cost and fair value of the portfolio by type of investment security:

 

     As of December 31, 2005
     Amortized
cost
   Gross
unrealized gain
   Gross
unrealized loss
   Fair value
     (in billions of Won)

Available-for-sale securities:

           

Debt securities

           

Korean treasury securities and government agencies

   (Won) 3,426    (Won) 3    (Won) 35    (Won) 3,394

Corporate (1)

     569      9      8      570

Financial institutions (2)

     9,969      3      41      9,931

Foreign governments

     17      2      —        19

Asset-backed securities

     114      —        2      112

Other debt securities

     1      —        —        1

Subtotal

     14,096      17      86      14,027
                           

Marketable equity securities

     93      39      4      128
                           

Total available-for-sale securities

   (Won) 14,189    (Won) 56    (Won) 90    (Won) 14,155
                           

Held-to-maturity securities:

           

Korean treasury securities and government agencies

   (Won) 6,209    (Won) 37    (Won) 168    (Won) 6,078

Corporate (3)

     125      —        5      120

Financial institutions (4)

     3,870      —        42      3,828

Foreign governments

     —        —        —        —  

Asset-backed securities

     294      —        4      290
                           

Total held-to-maturity securities

   (Won) 10,498    (Won) 37    (Won) 219    (Won) 10,316
                           

 

     As of December 31, 2006
     Amortized
cost
   Gross
unrealized gain
   Gross
unrealized loss
   Fair value
     (in billions of Won)

Available-for-sale securities:

           

Debt securities

           

Korean treasury securities and government agencies

   (Won) 3,716    (Won) 1    (Won) 9    (Won) 3,708

Corporate (1)

     573      20      4      589

Financial institutions (2)

     8,198      1      15      8,184

Foreign governments

     9      —        —        9

Asset-backed securities

     152      —        1      151

Other debt securities

     —        —        —        —  

Subtotal

     12,648      22      29      12,641
                           

Marketable equity securities

     378      675      46      1,007
                           

Total available-for-sale securities

   (Won) 13,026    (Won) 697    (Won) 75    (Won) 13,648
                           

Held-to-maturity securities:

           

Korean treasury securities and government agencies

   (Won) 8,316    (Won) 47    (Won) 92    (Won) 8,271

Corporate (3)

     215      —        3      212

Financial institutions (4)

     2,227      —        13      2,214

Foreign governments

     —        —        —        —  

Asset-backed securities

     205      —        2      203
                           

Total held-to-maturity securities

   (Won) 10,963    (Won) 47    (Won) 110    (Won) 10,900
                           

 

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     As of December 31, 2007
     Amortized
cost
   Gross
unrealized gain
   Gross
unrealized loss
   Fair value
     (in billions of Won)

Available-for-sale securities:

           

Debt securities

           

Korean treasury securities and government agencies

   (Won) 4,197    (Won) —      (Won) 66    (Won) 4,131

Corporate (1)

     685      16      2      699

Financial institutions (2)

     7,715      5      78      7,642

Foreign governments

     9      —        —        9

Asset-backed securities

     43      —        —        43

Other debt securities

     —        —        —        —  

Subtotal

     12,649      21      146      12,524
                           

Marketable equity securities

     293      25      13      305
                           

Total available-for-sale securities

   (Won) 12,942    (Won) 46    (Won) 159    (Won) 12,829
                           

Held-to-maturity securities:

           

Korean treasury securities and government agencies

   (Won) 8,601    (Won) 7    (Won) 298    (Won) 8,310

Corporate (3)

     194      —        8      186

Financial institutions (4)

     1,972      —        59      1,913

Foreign governments

     —        —        —        —  

Asset-backed securities

     291      —        3      288
                           

Total held-to-maturity securities

   (Won) 11,058    (Won) 7    (Won) 368    (Won) 10,697
                           

 

(1)

Includes debt securities issued by Korea Electric Power Corporation, which is controlled by the Korean government, in the amount of (Won)14 billion as of December 31, 2005, (Won)48 billion as of December 31, 2006 and (Won)68 billion as of December 31, 2007.

(2)

Includes debt securities issued by the Bank of Korea, the Korea Development Bank and the Industrial Bank of Korea in the aggregate amount of (Won)8,100 billion as of December 31, 2005, (Won)6,667 billion as of December 31, 2006 and (Won)5,093 billion as of December 31, 2007. These financial institutions are controlled by the Korean government.

(3)

Includes debt securities issued by Korea Electric Power Corporation, which is controlled by the Korean government, in the amount of (Won)90 billion as of December 31, 2005, (Won)90 billion as of December 31, 2006 and (Won)120 billion as of December 31, 2007.

(4)

Includes debt securities issued by the Bank of Korea, the Korea Development Bank and the Industrial Bank of Korea in the aggregate amount of (Won)3,476 billion as of December 31, 2005, (Won)2,042 billion as of December 31, 2006 and (Won)698 billion as of December 31, 2007. These financial institutions are controlled by the Korean government.

Derivatives Trading

Until the full-scale launch of our derivative operations in mid-1999, we had been engaged in limited volumes of derivatives trading, mostly on behalf of our customers. Since then, our trading volume significantly increased to (Won)112,785 billion in 2005, (Won)149,438 billion in 2006 and (Won)181,322 billion in 2007. Our net trading revenue from derivatives and foreign exchange contracts for the year ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 was (Won)268 billion, (Won)248 billion and (Won)64 billion, respectively.

We provide and trade a range of derivatives products, including:

 

   

Won interest rate swaps, relating to Won interest rate risks;

 

   

cross-currency swaps, relating to foreign exchange risks, largely for Won against U.S. dollars;

 

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foreign exchange forwards, swaps and options, relating to foreign exchange risks; and

 

   

equity options on the KOSPI index.

Our derivative operations focus on addressing the needs of our corporate clients to hedge their risk exposure and to hedge our risk exposure that results from such client contracts. We also engage in derivative trading activities to hedge the interest rate and foreign currency risk exposure that arise from our own assets and liabilities. A substantial portion of these hedge-purposed derivative contracts, however, do not qualify for hedge accounting under U.S. GAAP and are consequently treated as trading derivatives. In addition, we engage in proprietary trading of derivatives within our regulated open position limits.

The following shows the estimated fair value of our derivatives and foreign exchange spot contracts as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007:

 

     As of December 31,
     2005    2006    2007
     Estimated
fair value
assets
   Estimated
fair value
liabilities
   Estimated
fair value
assets
   Estimated
fair value
liabilities
   Estimated
fair value
assets
   Estimated
fair value
liabilities
     (in billions of Won)

Foreign exchange spot contracts

   (Won) —      (Won) —      (Won) —      (Won) —      (Won) 2    (Won) 2

Foreign exchange derivatives

     906      820      968      958      1,130      1,046

Interest rate derivatives (1)

     234      245      177      219      391      640

Equity derivatives

     62      62      26      46      62      134

Credit derivatives

     —        —        —        —        —        —  

Commodity derivatives

     —        —        —        —        3      3

Others

     —        —        —        —        2      2
                                         

Total

   (Won) 1,202    (Won) 1,127    (Won) 1,171    (Won) 1,223    (Won) 1,590    (Won) 1,827
                                         

 

(1)

Includes those for trading purposes and hedging purposes.

The following table shows the unrealized gains and losses of derivatives held or issued for hedging purposes that qualified for hedge accounting under U.S. GAAP, as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2005    2006    2007  
     Unrealized
gains
   Unrealized
losses
   Unrealized
gains
   Unrealized
losses
   Unrealized
gains
    Unrealized
losses
 
     (in billions of Won)  

Interest rate derivatives (1)

   (Won) 52    (Won) 52    (Won) 2    (Won) 2    (Won) 18  (2)   (Won) 18  (2)

Total

   (Won) 52    (Won) 52    (Won) 2    (Won) 2    (Won) 18  (2)   (Won) 18  (2)

 

(1)

Includes the unrealized gains and losses of the underlying hedged items.

(2)

Includes losses related to hedge ineffectiveness of (Won)224 million.

Asset Securitization Transactions

We are active in the Korean asset-backed securities market. Based on our diverse experience with respect to product development and management capabilities relating to asset securitization, we offer customers a wide range of financial products to reinforce our position as a leading bank with respect to the asset securitization market. We were involved in asset securitization transactions with an initial aggregate issue amount of (Won)6,865 billion in 2005, (Won)6,738 billion in 2006 and (Won)4,069 billion in 2007, of which (Won)4,671 billion, (Won)3,222 billion and (Won)2,168 billion, respectively, were public offerings of asset-backed securities. Most of these securities were sold to institutional investors through Korean securities houses.

 

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Call Loans

We make call loans and borrow call money in the short-term money market. Call loans are defined as short-term lending among banks and financial institutions either in Won or in foreign currencies with maturities of 90 days or less. Typically, call loans have maturities of one day. As of December 31, 2007, we had made call loans of (Won)1,627 billion and borrowed call money of (Won)794 billion, compared to (Won)1,237 billion and (Won)168 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2006.

Investment Banking

We have focused on selectively expanding our investment banking activities in order to increase our fee income and diversify our revenue base. The main focus of our investment banking operations is project finance and financial advisory services. Our principal investment banking services include:

 

   

project finance and financial advisory services for social overhead capital projects such as highway, port, power, water and sewage projects;

 

   

financing and financial advisory services for real estate development projects; and

 

   

structured finance and venture financing.

In 2007, under Korean GAAP, we generated investment banking revenue of (Won)163.9 billion, consisting of (Won)40.3 billion of interest income and (Won)123.6 billion of fee income.

In March 2008, we acquired 95.8% of the issued and outstanding common stock of Hannuri Investment & Securities Co., Ltd. for (Won)266.3 billion, which was renamed KB Investment & Securities Co., Ltd. and became our subsidiary. We believe that the acquisition of KB Investment & Securities will provide us with opportunities to leverage our existing base of small- and medium-sized enterprise and large corporate customers to cross-sell investment banking services, particularly under the proposed financial holding company structure, will seek to increase our fee income and diversify our investment banking operations by taking advantage of such opportunities.

International Banking

We engage in various international banking activities, including foreign exchange services and derivatives dealing, import and export-related services, offshore lending, syndicated loans and foreign currency securities investment. These services are provided primarily to our domestic customers and overseas subsidiaries and affiliates of Korean corporations. We also raise foreign currency funds through our international banking operations.

The table below sets forth certain information regarding our foreign currency assets and borrowings:

 

     As of December 31,
     2005    2006    2007
     (in millions of US$)

Total foreign currency assets

   US$ 7,435    US$ 10,211    US$ 10,753

Foreign currency borrowings:

        

Long-term borrowings

     1,714      3,771      5,657

Short-term borrowings

     1,830      2,088      2,576
                    

Total borrowings

   US$ 3,544    US$ 5,859    US$ 8,233
                    

 

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The table below sets forth our overseas subsidiaries, branches and representative offices currently in operation as of December 31, 2007:

 

Business Unit (1)

  

Location

Subsidiaries

  

Kookmin Bank Hong Kong Ltd.

   Hong Kong

Kookmin Bank International Ltd.

   United Kingdom

Branches

  

Kookmin Bank, Tokyo Branch

   Japan

Kookmin Bank, Auckland Branch

   New Zealand

Kookmin Bank, New York Branch

   United States

Kookmin Bank, Guangzhou Branch

   China

Representative Offices

  

Kookmin Bank, Almaty Representative Office

   Kazakhstan

Kookmin Bank, Ho Chi Minh City Representative Office

   Vietnam

Kookmin Bank, Kyiv Representative Office

   Ukraine

 

(1)

Does not include subsidiaries and branches in liquidation or dissolution.

Our overseas branches and subsidiaries principally provide Korean companies and nationals in overseas markets with trade financing, local currency funding and foreign exchange services, in conjunction with the operations of our headquarters. In 2007, we opened representative offices in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Kyiv, Ukraine.

In December 2003, we invested approximately 121 million Singapore dollars for an approximately 25% interest in Sorak Financial Holdings, which was originally owned by Temasek Holdings, the Singapore government’s investment vehicle. We made this investment as part of a consortium with Temasek and other parties that was formed to bid for a majority interest in Bank Internasional Indonesia, an Indonesian commercial bank, being auctioned by the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency. With the capital contributions made by the consortium members, Sorak Financial Holdings acquired an approximately 57% interest in Bank Internasional Indonesia and, as of December 31, 2007, held an approximately 56% interest. As a member of the consortium, we participate in the management of Bank Internasional Indonesia. In March 2008, our board of directors approved the sale of our ownership interest in Sorak Financial Holdings to Malayan Banking Berhad, the closing of which remains subject to regulatory approvals.

In March 2008, we entered into agreements to acquire a 29.99% stake in JSC Bank CenterCredit, a Kazakhstan bank, for approximately (Won)621 billion. Pursuant to the terms of such agreement, we will participate in the management of JSC Bank CenterCredit and plan to acquire a controlling stake of 50.1% or more in JSC Bank CenterCredit within 30 months from the closing of the initial investment. The closing of the initial investment is subject to and will occur after the receipt of approvals from regulatory authorities in Korea and Kazakhstan.

Trustee and Custodian Services Relating to Investment Trusts and Other Functions

We act as a trustee for 48 asset management companies, which invest in investment assets using funds raised by the sale of beneficiary certificates of investment trusts to investors. We also act as custodian for 125 financial institutions and as fund administrator for 68 financial institutions with respect to various investments, as well as acting as settlement agent in connection with such services. We receive a fee for acting in these capacities and generally perform the following functions:

 

   

holding assets for the benefit of the investment trusts or institutional investors;

 

   

receiving and making payments in respect of such investments;

 

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acting as settlement agent in respect of such investments on behalf of the investment trust or institutional investors, in the domestic and overseas markets;

 

   

providing reports on assets held in custody;

 

   

providing foreign exchange services for overseas investment and foreign investors; and

 

   

providing fund-related administration and accounting services.

For the year ended December 31, 2007, our fee income from our trustee and custodian services was (Won)28.2 billion and revenues collected as a result of administration of the underlying investments were (Won)5.4 billion.

Other Businesses

Trust Account Management Services

Money Trust Management Services

We provide trust account management services for unspecified money trusts, which are trusts the assets of which we generally have broad discretion in investing. We receive fees for our trust account management services consisting of basic fees that are based upon a percentage of the net asset value of the assets under management and, for certain types of trust account operations, performance fees that are based upon the performance of the trust account operations. In 2007, our basic fees ranged from 0.1% to 2.0% of total assets under management depending on the type of trust account. We also charge performance fees with respect to certain types of trust account products. We receive penalty payments when customers terminate their trust accounts prior to the original contract maturity.

We currently provide trust account management services for 24 types of money trusts. The money trusts we manage are generally trusts with a fixed maturity. Approximately half of our money trusts also provide periodic payments of dividends which are added to the assets held in such trusts and not distributed.

Under Korean law, the assets of our trust accounts are segregated from our banking account assets and are not available to satisfy the claims of any of our potential creditors. We are, however, permitted to deposit surplus funds generated by trust assets into our banking accounts.

As of December 31, 2007, the total balance of our money trusts (under Korean GAAP) was (Won)8,364 billion. As for unspecified money trust accounts, we have investment discretion over all money trusts, which are pooled and managed jointly for each type of trust account. Specified money trust accounts are established on behalf of individual customers who direct our investment of trust assets.

The following table shows the balances of our money trusts by type as of the dates indicated as determined in accordance with Korean GAAP. Under U.S. GAAP, we historically did not consolidate money trust accounts in our financial statements or recognize the acquisition of such accounts in accordance with the purchase method of accounting due to the fact that these are not our assets but customer assets. However, beginning in 2004, we began consolidating money trusts for which we guaranteed both the principal and a fixed rate of interest (as described below) under U.S. GAAP. Under Korean GAAP, we consolidate money trusts for which we guaranteed the principal amount invested as well as those for which we guaranteed both the principal and a fixed rate of interest.

 

     As of December 31,
     2005    2006    2007
     (in billions of Won)

Principal and interest guaranteed trusts

   (Won) 0.3    (Won) 0.3    (Won) 0.3

Principal guaranteed trusts

     3,188      3,301      3,259

Performance trusts (1)

     4,218      6,326      5,105
                    

Total

   (Won) 7,406    (Won) 9,627    (Won) 8,364
                    

 

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(1)

Trusts which are primarily non-guaranteed.

The balance of our money trusts increased 12.9% between December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2007.

As of December 31, 2007, the trust assets we managed consisted principally of securities investments and loans from the trust accounts. As of December 31, 2007, under Korean GAAP, our trust accounts had invested in securities in the aggregate amount of (Won)6,313 billion, of which (Won)5,815 billion was debt securities. Securities investments consist of government-related debt securities, corporate debt securities, including bonds and commercial paper, equity securities and other securities. Loans made by our trust account operations are similar in type to the loans made by our bank account operations. As of December 31, 2007, under Korean GAAP, our trust accounts had made loans in the principal amount of (Won)416 billion (excluding loans from the trust accounts to our banking accounts of (Won)917 billion), which accounted for 4.7% of our money trust assets. Loans by our money trusts are subject to the same credit approval process as loans from our banking accounts. As of December 31, 2007, substantially all of loans from our money trust accounts were collateralized or guaranteed.

Our money trust accounts also invest, to a lesser extent, in equity securities, including beneficiary certificates issued by asset management companies. On a Korean GAAP basis, as of December 31, 2007, equity securities in our money trust accounts amounted to (Won)498 billion, which accounted for 5.7% of our total money trust assets. Of this amount, (Won)408 billion was from specified money trusts and (Won)90 billion was from unspecified money trusts.

We currently continue to offer pension-type money trusts that provide a guarantee of the principal amount of the investment. On a Korean GAAP basis, as of December 31, 2007, the balance of the money trusts for which we guaranteed the principal was (Won)3,259 billion.

If the income from a money trust for which we provide a guarantee is less than the amount of the payments we have guaranteed, we will need to pay the amount of the shortfall with funds from special reserves maintained with respect to trust accounts followed by basic fees from that money trust and funds from our general banking operations. In 2005, 2006 and 2007 we made no significant payments from our banking accounts to cover shortfalls in our guaranteed trusts. On a Korean GAAP basis, we derived trust fees with regard to trust account management services (including those fees related to property trust management services) of (Won)121 billion in 2005, (Won)78 billion in 2006 and (Won)70 billion in 2007.

The Indirect Investment Asset Management Business Act, which applies to unspecified money trusts, took effect in January 2004. Under that law, a bank is not permitted to offer unspecified money trust products, which was a core product in our trust business, after July 2004 (except under certain limited circumstances) and is required to qualify as an asset management company in order to manage any newly offered unspecified money trust products. See “—Principal Regulations Applicable to Banks—Trust Business.” Because we did not qualify as an asset management company under the Indirect Investment Asset Management Business Act, since July 2004, we have continued to directly manage only trust products sold before July 2004. Trust products sold after July 2004 are managed by KB Asset Management. We believe that we can leverage our extensive sales network in connection with KB Asset Management’s unspecified money trust operations.

Property Trust Management Services

We also offer property trust management services, where we manage non-cash assets in return for a fee. Non-cash assets include mostly securities, but can also include other liquid receivables and real estate. Under these arrangements, we render custodial services for the property in question and collect fee income in return.

In 2007, our property trust fees ranged from 0.001% to 0.3% of total assets under management depending on the type of trust accounts. As of December 31, 2007, the aggregate balance of our property trusts decreased to (Won)5,365 billion, compared to (Won)6,631 billion as of December 31, 2006.

 

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The property trusts are not consolidated within our U.S. GAAP financial statements.

Investment Trust Management

We offer investment trust products to customers and manage the funds invested by them in investment trusts, through our subsidiary, KB Asset Management, which is 80% owned by us and 20% owned by ING Insurance International B.V. As of December 31, 2007, KB Asset Management had (Won)16,174 billion of assets under management.

Management of the National Housing Fund

Until February 2008, we acted as one of the managers of the National Housing Fund. The National Housing Fund is a government fund that provides financial support to low-income households in Korea by providing mortgage financing and construction loans for projects to build small-sized housing. The operations of the National Housing Fund include providing and managing National Housing Fund loans, issuing National Housing Fund bonds and collecting subscription savings deposits.

In return for managing the operations of the National Housing Fund we received quarterly fund management fees, calculated based on activity levels for the relevant quarter. In 2007, we received total fees of (Won)122 billion for managing the National Housing Fund, compared to (Won)172 billion in 2006.

The financial accounting for the National Housing Fund is entirely separate from our financial accounting, and the non-performing loans and loan losses of the National Housing Fund, in general, do not impact our financial condition. Regulations and guidelines for managing the National Housing Fund are issued by the Minister of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs pursuant to the Housing Act.

In February 2008, the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs (formerly the Ministry of Construction and Transportation) designated several financial institutions to manage the National Housing Fund, but we chose not to participate in the bidding process due to the low fees involved. As a result, we are no longer a designated manager of the National Housing Fund and currently only manage pre-existing Fund accounts.

Bancassurance

The Korean government’s liberalization of the bancassurance market in Korea has allowed us to offer insurance products of other institutions since September 2003. We currently market a wide range of bancassurance products and hope to develop additional fee-based revenues by expanding our offering of these products.

Currently, our bancassurance business has alliances with 15 life insurance companies and 9 non-life insurance companies and offers 52 different products through our branch network. These products are composed of 35 types of life insurance policies such as annuities, savings insurance and variable life insurance, and 17 types of non-life insurance products. In 2007, our commission income from our bancassurance business amounted to (Won)188 billion.

Lottery Business

In the past, we have acted as a government-designated “lottery operator” and had been permitted to conduct ticket sales, marketing and sales network management in connection with two lotteries, the “Housing Lottery” and the “Lotto 6/45,” since 1969 and 2002, respectively. These lotteries are owned by the Korean government. Our contracts with the Korean government to operate the “Housing Lottery” and the “Lotto 6/45” expired in March 2007 and December 2007, respectively, and were not renewed. In 2007, we received (Won)12 billion in fees in connection with managing lottery prize payouts and marketing activities.

 

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Other Distribution Channels

The following table sets forth information under Korean GAAP, for the periods indicated, on the number of users and transactions and the fee revenue of the other services provided to our retail and corporate customers, which are discussed below:

 

     For the year ended December 31,
     2005    2006    2007

Internet banking:

        

Number of users (1)

     4,337,349      6,050,196      7,499,609

Number of transaction (thousands)

     903,769      1,099,105      1,388,371

Fee revenue (in millions of Won)

   (Won) 25,722    (Won) 29,850    (Won) 21,864

Phone banking:

        

Number of users (2)

     1,678,791      1,774,717      1,826,911

Number of transaction (thousands)

     308,714      309,174      315,433

Fee revenue (in millions of Won)

   (Won) 20,770    (Won) 19,672    (Won) 12,681

 

(1)

Number of users is defined as the total cumulative number of persons who have registered through our branch offices to use our Internet banking services.

(2)

Number of users is defined as the number of persons who had recorded a transaction within the past six months (excluding overlapping and inactive customers).

In March 2007, we reduced or waived many of the fees we charge on our banking services, in response to customer demand. Specifically, we reduced or waived our fees on fund transfers through our Internet, mobile and telephone banking services, as well as on transfers and after-hour withdrawals through ATMs. We also reduced our wire transfer fees and eliminated the fees we charge on issuance of bankers’ checks and certain tax-related statements.

Internet Banking

Our goal is to consolidate our position as a market leader in on-line banking. Our Internet banking services currently include:

 

   

Basic Banking Services—these include all of the banking services offered through our telephone banking services, including fund transfers, balance and transaction inquiries, credit card transaction inquiries, pre-set automatic transfers and product inquiries;

 

   

Processing of Loan Applications—we quickly process and approve on-line loan applications; and

 

   

Electronic Certification—we offer an electronic certification service, which permits Internet users to authenticate transactions on a confidential basis through digital signatures.

Phone Banking

We offer a variety of phone banking services, including inter-account fund transfers, balance and transaction inquiries, credit card transaction inquiries and customer service inquiries. We also have call centers, which we primarily use to:

 

   

advise clients with respect to deposits, loans and credit cards and to provide our customers a way to report any emergencies with respect to their accounts;

 

   

allow our customers to conduct transactions with respect to their accounts, such as transfers or payments, opening or closing accounts, processing loans through automated systems and conducting credit card transactions;

 

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conduct telemarketing to our customers or potential customers to advertise products or services through phone, fax or text messaging; and

 

   

provide automated banking services, mobile services or other services relating to affinity programs.

Mobile Banking

Mobile banking services allow customers to use mobile phones or PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) to make inter-account transfers and balance and other transaction inquiries. There are currently three mobile phone service providers in Korea, SK Telecom, KTF, and LG Telecom, and we provide our services in association with all three. Our mobile banking services currently include:

 

   

Basic Banking Services—these include fund transfers and balance and transaction inquiries;

 

   

Mobile Stock Trading—mobile banking customers can use their mobile phone to trade stocks; and

 

   

Mobile Lottery and Application for Housing—we offer a mobile lottery purchasing service (Instant Lotto, Housing Lotto, Keno) and mobile submissions of applications for housing.

Other Channels

We provide cash management services, which include automatic transfers, connection services to other financial institutions, real-time firm banking, automatic fund concentration and transmittal of trading information. We have continued to develop our firm banking services and, as of December 31, 2007, we provided cash management services to over 1,405 large corporations and small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Competition

We compete principally with other nationwide commercial banks in Korea, but we also face competition from a number of additional sources including regional banks, development banks, specialized banks and branches of foreign banks operating in Korea and installment finance corporations for mortgage loan products. We also compete for customer funds with other types of financial service institutions, including savings institutions (such as mutual savings and finance companies and credit unions and credit cooperatives), investment institutions (such as merchant banking corporations), life insurance companies and securities companies. Competition in the domestic banking industry is generally based on the types and quality of the products and services offered, including the size and location of retail networks, the level of automation and interest rates charged and paid.

Competition has increased significantly in our traditional core businesses, retail banking, small- and medium-sized enterprise banking and credit card lending, contributing to some extent to the asset quality deterioration in retail and small- and medium-sized loans. As a result, our margins on lending activities may decrease in the future.

In addition, general regulatory reforms in the Korean financial industry have increased competition among banks and financial institutions in Korea. We expect that competition within the Korean financial industry may intensify as a result of the enactment of the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act in July 2007, which will become effective in February 2009. See “Item 3D. Risk Factors—Risks relating to government regulation and policy—The Korean government has enacted the Financial Investment Services and Capital Market Act, which may intensify competition in the Korean financial industry.” As the reform of the financial sector continues, foreign financial institutions, some with greater resources than us, have entered, and may continue to enter, the Korean market either by themselves or in partnership with existing Korean financial institutions and compete with us in providing financial and related services.

In addition, the Korean commercial banking sector is undergoing significant consolidation. A number of significant mergers and acquisitions in the industry have taken place in Korea during the last five years, including

 

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the establishment of financial holding companies, which have reduced the number of nationwide commercial banks in Korea from 16 as of December 31, 1997, to seven banks and three financial holding companies as of December 31, 2007. Furthermore, a number of significant mergers and acquisitions in the industry have taken place in Korea over the last few years, including the acquisition of Koram Bank by an affiliate of Citibank in 2004, Standard Chartered Bank’s acquisition of Korea First Bank in April 2005 and Chohung Bank’s merger with Shinhan Bank in April 2006, as well as the proposed acquisition of Korea Exchange Bank by HSBC. Merger and acquisition activity in the Korean commercial banking sector may continue, and we intend to review potential acquisition opportunities as they arise. We cannot guarantee that we will not be involved in any future mergers. In addition, some of the banks resulting from these mergers may, by virtue of the increased size, provide significantly greater competition than what exists at present.

For additional information, you should read the section entitled “Item 3D. Risk Factors—Risks relating to competition.”

Information Technology

Our mainframe-based banking and credit card IT systems are designed to ensure continuity of services even where there is a failure of the host data center due to a natural disaster or other accidents by utilizing backup systems in disaster recovery data centers. In addition, through the implementation of Parallel Sysplex, a “multi-CPU system,” our bank and credit card systems are designed and operated to be able to process transactions without material interruption in the event of CPU failure.

The integrity of our IT systems, and their ability to withstand potential catastrophic events (such as natural calamities and internal system failures), is crucial to our continuing operations. We currently test our disaster recovery systems on a quarterly basis. For additional information, see “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk—Operational Risk Management.”

We believe that continuous improvement of our IT system is crucial in supporting our operations management and providing high-quality customer service. Accordingly, we continue to upgrade and improve our system through various initiatives, including projects to develop next generation banking systems, further strengthen system security and timely develop and implement various new IT systems and services that support our business operations and risk management activities.

In 2007, we spent approximately (Won)499 billion for our IT systems, including expenses related to upgrades and stability enhancement for our IT systems and development and implementation of next generation banking systems, including upgraded Basel II-compliant risk management models and systems as well as product information, SOHO and trust and custodian services management systems. As of December 31, 2007, we employed a total of approximately 680 full-time employees in our IT operations.

Assets and Liabilities

The tables below set out selected financial highlights regarding our banking operations and individual assets and liabilities.

Loan Portfolio

As of December 31, 2007, our total loan portfolio increased to (Won)172,189 billion compared to (Won)151,403 billion at December 31, 2006. As of December 31, 2007, 95.3% of our total loans were Won-denominated loans.

 

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Loan Types

The following table presents loans by type for the periods indicated. Except where we specify otherwise, all loan amounts stated below are before deduction of allowance for loan losses. Total loans reflect our loan portfolio, including past due amounts.

 

     As of December 31,
     2003    2004    2005    2006    2007
     (in billions of Won)

Domestic:

              

Corporate

              

Commercial and industrial (1)

   (Won) 41,096    (Won) 38,427    (Won) 39,636    (Won) 48,183    (Won) 60,945

Construction

     6,061      4,459      5,025      6,504      8,843

Lease financing

     —        —        —        —        —  

Other corporate

     742      771      1,496      1,409      1,797

Retail

              

Mortgage and home equity

     52,477      57,965      59,143      63,982      65,819

Other consumer

     28,727      25,963      23,114      21,589      23,020

Credit cards

     15,322      9,421      8,369      8,955      10,429
                                  

Total domestic

     144,425      137,006      136,783      150,622      170,853
                                  

Foreign:

              

Corporate

              

Commercial and industrial

     1,433      1,118      1,229      781      1,336
                                  

Total foreign

     1,433      1,118      1,229      781      1,336
                                  

Total gross loans

   (Won) 145,858    (Won) 138,124    (Won) 138,012    (Won) 151,403    (Won) 172,189
                                  

 

(1)

Commercial and industrial loans include (Won)3 billion, (Won)335 billion, (Won)222 billion, (Won)400 billion and (Won)314 billion of loans to Korean government and government related agencies (including the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation) as of December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

Loan Concentrations

We limit our exposure to any single borrower to 10% of our total Tier I and Tier II capital, depending on their rating under our credit scoring system. We also limit our exposure to any single chaebol to 20.0% of our total Tier I and Tier II capital (less any capital deductions).

 

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20 Largest Exposures by Borrower

As of December 31, 2007, our 20 largest exposures totaled (Won)20,561 billion and accounted for 9.8% of our total exposures. The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2007, our total exposures to these top 20 borrowers:

 

    Loans   Equity
securities
  Debt
securities
  Guarantees
and
acceptances
  Total
exposures
  Amounts
classified as
impaired
loans

Company

  Won
currency
  Foreign
currency
         
    (in billions of Won)

Bank of Korea

  (Won) 0   (Won) 0   (Won) 0   (Won) 6,144   (Won) 0   (Won) 6,144   (Won) 0

Hyundai Heavy Industries

    0     0     3     5     1,550     1,558     0

The Korea Development Bank

    13     0     0     1,484     0     1,497     0

Woori Bank

    70     0     0     1,157     0     1,227     0

Industrial Bank of Korea

    0     0     1     1,152     0     1,153     0

Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation

    0     0     0     1,067     0     1,067     0

Shinhan Bank

    0     0     0     949     0     949     0

Korea National Housing Corporation

    631     0     0     273     0     904     0

Shinsegae

    300     396     1     19     0     716     0

LG Electronics

    4     628     2     69     0     703     0

Hana Bank

    0     33     0     611     0     644     0

Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering

    0     0     1     0     520     521     0

Kia Motors

    100     306     0     84     24     514     0

Samsung Electronics

    0     412     15     0     78     505     0

Samsung Heavy Industries

    0     0     5     0     477     482     0

Shinhan Financial Group

    120     0     3     356     0     479     0

Citibank Korea Inc.

    0     0     0     399     0     399     0

Korea Express Way Corporation

    100     98     6     170     0     374     0

Hyundai Capital

    320     0     0     52     0     372     0

LG Philips LCD

    0     348     5     0     0     353     0

Total

  (Won) 1,658   (Won) 2,221   (Won) 42   (Won) 13,991   (Won) 2,649   (Won) 20,561   (Won) 0
                                         

As of December 31, 2007, nine of these top 20 borrowers were companies belonging to the 42 largest chaebols in Korea.

 

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Exposure to Chaebols

As of December 31, 2007, 7.4% of our total exposure was to the 42 largest chaebols in Korea. The following table shows, as of December 31, 2007, our total exposures to the ten chaebol groups to which we have the largest exposure:

 

     Loans    Equity
securities
   Debt
securities
   Guarantees
and
acceptances
   Total
exposures
   Amounts
classified as
impaired
loans

Chaebol

   Won
currency
   Foreign
currency
              
     (in billions of Won)

Samsung (1)

   (Won) 703    (Won) 537    (Won) 33    (Won) 31    (Won) 739    (Won) 2,043    (Won) 0

Hyundai Motors (2)

     663      545      5      164      293      1,670      0

Hyundai Heavy Industries (3)

     0      0      3      5      1,612      1,620      0

LG (4)

     108      1,117      10      83      14      1,332      0

SK (5)

     261      156      19      39      288      763      0

Shinsegae (6)

     316      403      1      19      8      747      0

Kumho Asiana (7)

     432      1      271      0      11      715      0

Hanjin (8)

     296      283      1      9      80      669      0

Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (9)

     40      0      1      0      536      577      0

KT (10)

     271      27      2      49      171      520      0

Total

   (Won) 3,090    (Won) 3,069    (Won) 346    (Won) 399    (Won) 3,752    (Won) 10,656    (Won) 0
                                                

 

(1)

Includes principally Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Samsung Corporation and Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.

(2)

Includes principally Hyundai Motor Company Co., Ltd., Kia Motors Corporation and INI Steel Company.

(3)

Includes principally Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd.

(4)

Includes principally LG Electronics Inc., LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd. and LG Petrochemical Co., Ltd.

(5)

Includes principally SK Corporation, SK Telecom Co., Ltd. and SK Shipping Co., Ltd.

(6)

Includes principally Shinsegae Co., Ltd., Shinsegae International Co., Ltd. and Chosun Hotel Bakery Co., Ltd.

(7)

Includes principally Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd., Korea Integrated Freight Terminal Co., Ltd., Kumho Industrial Co., Ltd. and Asiana Airlines.

(8)

Includes principally Hanjin Shipping Co., Ltd., Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd. and Hanjin Corporation.

(9)

Includes principally Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. Shinhan Machinery Co.Ltd. and DSEC Co.,Ltd.

(10)

Includes principally KT Corporation, KT Linkus and KT Freetel Co., Ltd.

Loan Concentration by Industry

The following table shows the aggregate balance of our domestic and foreign corporate loans, by industry concentration, as of December 31, 2007:

 

Industry

   Aggregate loan
balance
   Percentage of
total loan balance
 
     (in billions of Won)  

Manufacturing

   (Won) 20,909    28.7 %

Retail and wholesale

     10,762    14.8  

Hotel, leisure or transportation

     7,324    10.0  

Real estate

     15,103    20.7  

Construction

     8,912    12.2  

Finance and insurance

     2,647    3.6  

Other

     7,264    10.0  

Total

   (Won) 72,921    100.0 %
             

 

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Loan Concentration by Size of Loans

The following table shows the aggregate balances of our loans, by outstanding loan amount, as of December 31, 2007:

 

     Aggregate loan
balance
   Percentage of
total loan balance
 
     (in billions of Won)  

Commercial and industrial loans

     

Up to (Won)10 million

   (Won) 205    0.1 %

Over (Won)10 million to (Won)50 million

     3,210    1.9  

Over (Won)50 million to (Won)100 million

     3,775    2.2  

Over (Won)100 million to (Won)500 million

     16,679    9.7  

Over (Won)500 million to (Won)1 billion

     7,405    4.3  

Over (Won)1 billion to (Won)5 billion

     10,616    6.2  

Over (Won)5 billion to (Won)10 billion

     2,730    1.6  

Over (Won)10 billion to (Won)50 billion

     8,458    4.8  

Over (Won)50 billion to (Won)100 billion

     4,254    2.5  

Over (Won)100 billion

     3,613    2.1  
             

Sub-total

     60,945    35.4  
             

Construction loans

     

Up to (Won)10 million

   (Won) 21    0.0 %

Over (Won)10 million to (Won)50 million

     237    0.1  

Over (Won)50 million to (Won)100 million

     314    0.2  

Over (Won)100 million to (Won)500 million

     1,201    0.7  

Over (Won)500 million to (Won)1 billion

     485    0.3  

Over (Won)1 billion to (Won)5 billion

     865    0.5  

Over (Won)5 billion to (Won)10 billion

     357    0.2  

Over (Won)10 billion to (Won)50 billion

     2,641    1.6  

Over (Won)50 billion to (Won)100 billion

     1,276    0.7  

Over (Won)100 billion

     1,446    0.8  
             

Sub-total

     8,843    5.1  
             

Other corporate loans

     

Up to (Won)10 million

   (Won) 12    0.0 %

Over (Won)10 million to (Won)50 million

     116    0.1  

Over (Won)50 million to (Won)100 million

     135    0.1  

Over (Won)100 million to (Won)500 million

     587    0.3  

Over (Won)500 million to (Won)1 billion

     198    0.1  

Over (Won)1 billion to (Won)5 billion

     395    0.2  

Over (Won)5 billion to (Won)10 billion

     203    0.1  

Over (Won)10 billion to (Won)50 billion

     151    0.1  
             

Sub-total

     1,797    1.0  
             

Credit cards

     

Up to (Won)10 million

   (Won) 8,728    5.0 %

Over (Won)10 million to (Won)50 million

     545    0.3  

Over (Won)50 million to (Won)100 million

     24    0.0  

Over (Won)100 million to (Won)500 million

     107    0.1  

Over (Won)500 million to (Won)1 billion

     100    0.1  

Over (Won)1 billion to (Won)5 billion

     267    0.2  

Over (Won)5 billion to (Won)10 billion

     61    0.0  

Over (Won)10 billion to (Won)50 billion

     336    0.2  

Over (Won)50 billion to (Won)100 billion

     133    0.1  

Over (Won)100 billion

     128    0.1  
             

Sub-total

     10,429    6.1  
             

 

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     Aggregate loan
balance
   Percentage of
total loan balance
 
     (in billions of Won)  

Mortgage and home equity loans

     

Up to (Won)10 million

   (Won) 1,646    1.0 %

Over (Won)10 million to (Won)50 million

     17,683    10.3  

Over (Won)50 million to (Won)100 million

     19,269    11.2  

Over (Won)100 million to (Won)500 million

     26,199    15.1  

Over (Won)500 million to (Won)1 billion

     952    0.6  

Over (Won)1 billion to (Won)5 billion

     70    0.0  

Over (Won)5 billion to (Won)10 billion

     —      —    

Over (Won)10 billion to (Won)50 billion

     —      —    
             

Sub-total

     65,819    38.2  
             

Other consumer loans

     

Up to (Won)10 million

   (Won) 6,902    4.0 %

Over (Won)10 million to (Won)50 million

     9,014    5.3  

Over (Won)50 million to (Won)100 million

     2,214    1.3  

Over (Won)100 million to (Won)500 million

     4,075    2.4  

Over (Won)500 million to (Won)1 billion

     598    0.3  

Over (Won)1 billion to (Won)5 billion

     210    0.1  

Over (Won)5 billion to (Won)10 billion

     7    0.0  
             

Sub-total

     23,020    13.4  
             

Foreign commercial and industrial loans

     

Up to (Won)10 million

   (Won) 0    0.0 %

Over (Won)10 million to (Won)50 million

     4    0.0  

Over (Won)50 million to (Won)100 million

     9    0.0  

Over (Won)100 million to (Won)500 million

     89    0.1  

Over (Won)500 million to (Won)1 billion

     79    0.0  

Over (Won)1 billion to (Won)5 billion

     401    0.2  

Over (Won)5 billion to (Won)10 billion

     199    0.1  

Over (Won)10 billion to (Won)50 billion

     412    0.3  

Over (Won)50 billion to (Won)100 billion

     143    0.1  

Over (Won)100 billion

     —      —    
             

Sub-total

     1,336    0.8  
             

Total

   (Won) 172,189    100.0 %
             

Maturity Analysis

We typically roll over our working capital loans and consumer loans (other than those payable in installments) after we conduct our normal loan review in accordance with our loan review procedures. Working capital loans may be extended on an annual basis for an aggregate term of three years and consumer loans may be extended for another term of up to 12 months for an aggregate term of ten years.

 

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The following table sets out the scheduled maturities (time remaining until maturity) of our loan portfolio as of December 31, 2007. The amounts disclosed are before deduction of allowance for loan losses:

 

     1 year or less    Over 1 year
but not more

than 5 years
   Over 5 years    Total
     (in billions of Won)

Domestic:

           

Corporate

           

Commercial and industrial

   (Won) 38,681    (Won) 18,566    (Won) 3,698    (Won) 60,945

Construction

     4,769      3,957      117      8,843

Other corporate

     1,797      —        —        1,797
                           

Total corporate

     45,247      22,523      3,815      71,585

Retail

           

Mortgage and home equity

     10,787      14,400      40,632      65,819

Other consumer

     15,555      6,130      1,335      23,020
                           

Total retail

     26,342      20,530      41,967      88,839

Credit cards

     9,232      1,188      9      10,429
                           

Total domestic

     80,821      44,241      45,791      170,853

Foreign:

           

Corporate

           

Commercial and industrial

     388      581      367      1,336
                           

Total foreign

     388      581      367      1,336
                           

Total gross loans

   (Won) 81,209    (Won) 44,822    (Won) 46,158    (Won) 172,189
                           

Interest Rate Sensitivity

The following table shows, as of December 31, 2007, the total amount of loans due after one year, which have fixed interest rates and variable or adjustable interest rates:

 

     As of December 31,
2007
     (in billions of Won)

Fixed rate (1)

   (Won) 2,906

Variable or adjustable rates (2)

     88,074
      

Total gross loans

   (Won) 90,980
      

 

(1)

Fixed rate loans are loans for which the interest rate is fixed for the entire term.

(2)

Variable or adjustable rate loans are loans for which the interest rate is not fixed for the entire term.

For additional information regarding our management of interest rate risk, see “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk—Market Risk Management—Market Risk Management for Non-Trading Activities.”

Credit Exposures to Companies in Workout or Court-Supervised Restructuring

Workout is a voluntary procedure through which we, together with borrowers and other creditors, restructure a borrower’s credit terms. On July 18, 2001, the National Assembly of Korea adopted the Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act, which became effective in September 2001 and expired on December 31, 2005. The Act applied to more than 420 financial institutions in Korea, which include commercial banks, insurance companies, asset management companies, securities companies, merchant banks, the Korea Deposit Insurance

 

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Corporation and the Korea Asset Management Corporation. Under the Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act, all creditor financial institutions of a financially troubled borrower were required to participate in a creditors’ committee to prepare a restructuring plan. The approval of creditor financial institutions holding not less than 75% of the total debt outstanding of a borrower (as well as 75% of the total outstanding secured debt, if the restructuring plan includes debt restructuring) finalized the borrower’s restructuring plan, including debt restructuring and provision of additional funds. Once approved, the plan was also binding on all the creditor financial institutions of the borrower. Any creditor financial institution that disagreed with the final restructuring plan approved by the creditors’ committee had the right to request the creditors’ committee to purchase its claims at a mutually agreed price. In the event that the creditors’ committee and the dissenting creditor financial institution failed to come to an agreement on the terms of purchase, a coordination committee consisting of seven experts would be set up to resolve the matter.

As the Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act expired on December 31, 2005 and no other law replacing this Act or with similar effect was enacted, the Korean government presented an amendment bill to extend the effective term of the Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act until December 31, 2010 to the National Assembly of Korea. In July 2007, the National Assembly of Korea, instead of passing such amendment bill, adopted a new Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act, or the New Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act, which became effective in November 2007. The New Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act contains provisions almost identical to those in the Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act. The main differences between the Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act and the New Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act are: (i) when debts are converted into shares of the borrower in the process of restructuring, the Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act required that a transferee of any such shares agree to be bound by the terms of the restructuring, whereas under the New Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act, such requirement does not apply if a transferor of such shares holds more than 50% plus one share of the total voting shares of the borrower after such transfer; (ii) under the New Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act, creditor financial institutions are no longer required to perform periodic assessments of credit risks of the borrower; and (iii) under the New Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act, creditor financial institutions are no longer required to advise a borrower which is likely to show “signs of insolvency” (as determined by such borrower’s principal creditor financial institution following a credit risk assessment) to take measures to improve its business management, as was the case under the Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act.

The New Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2010. However, so far as a creditor financial institution gives notice to convene a meeting of the creditors’ committee regarding a restructuring of a borrower prior to December 31, 2010, the New Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act will continue to apply to such restructuring until it is completed or discontinued. The New Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act provides that any restructuring begun under the Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act will be deemed to continue under the New Corporate Restructuring Promotion Act.

Currently, all of our workout loans are managed by our Credit Management Department. Upon approval of the workout plan, a credit exposure is initially classified as precautionary or lower and thereafter cannot be classified higher than precautionary with limited exceptions. If a corporate borrower is in workout or court-supervised restructuring (including composition or corporate reorganization), we take the status of the borrower into account in valuing our loans to and collateral from that borrower for purposes of establishing our allowances for loan losses.

The Law Concerning Credit Restoration and Bankruptcy was enacted on March 31, 2005 and became effective on April 1, 2006. After the Law Concerning Credit Restoration and Bankruptcy became effective, each of the Company Reorganization Act, the Composition Act, the Bankruptcy Act and the Individual Debtor Recovery Act was abolished. The Law Concerning Credit Restoration and Bankruptcy contains notable changes to previously existing corporate reorganization and composition procedures, including nullification of the composition procedures currently in place and the modification of reorganization procedures, whereby existing management would continue to oversee a company’s reorganization process (except that the court would be

 

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empowered to appoint a third-party receiver under certain circumstances). Notwithstanding this legislative change, any composition or company reorganization proceedings that were pending at the time the new law became effective will continue to be governed under the Composition Act and the Company Reorganization Act, respectively.

A portion of our loans to and debt securities of corporate customers are currently in workout or court-supervised restructuring. As of December 31, 2007, (Won)393 billion or 0.2%of our total loans and debt securities were in workout or court-supervised restructuring. This included (Won)116 billion of loans to and debt securities of large corporate borrowers and (Won)277 billion of loans to and debt securities of small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The following table shows, as of December 31, 2007, our ten largest exposures that were in workout or court-supervised restructuring (including composition or corporate reorganization):

 

    Loans   Equity
securities
  Debt
securities
  Guarantees
and
acceptances
  Total
exposures
  Amounts
classified as
impaired
loans

Company

  Won
currency
  Foreign
currency
         
    (in billions of Won)

Korea Non-Bank Lease Financing Co., Ltd.

  (Won) 23   (Won) 4   (Won) 0   (Won) 0   (Won) 0   (Won) 27   (Won) 27

Pantech & Curitel Communications, Inc.

    21     0     1     0     0     22     21

Tongkook

    14     0     0     0     0     14     14

Pantech Co., Ltd.

    11     0     0     0     1     12     12

Daewoo Electronics

    12     0     1     0     0     13     12

Saehan Industries Inc.

    0     8     27     7     1     43     8

Woo Am Paint & Coating Co., Ltd.

    7     0     0     0     0     7     7

Korea Express Co., Ltd.

    7     0     0     0     0     7     7

Baekchun Medical Foundation

    7     0     0     0     0     7     7

Good Samjeong Hospital

    7     0     0     0     0     7     7

Total

  (Won) 109   (Won) 12   (Won) 29   (Won) 7   (Won) 2   (Won) 159   (Won) 122
                                         

Provisioning Policy

We base our provisioning on the following loan classifications that classify corporate and consumer loans, with the exception of credit card receivables which are classified based on the number of days past due, as required by the Financial Services Commission:

 

Loan classification

  

Loan characteristics

Normal

   Loans made to customers whose financial position, future cash flows and nature of business are deemed financially sound. No problems in recoverability are expected.

Precautionary

   Loans made to customers whose financial position, future cash flows and nature of business show potential weakness, although there is no immediate risk of non-repayment.

Substandard

   Loans to customers whose adverse financial position, future cash flows and nature of business have a direct effect on the repayment of the loan.

Doubtful

   Loans to customers whose financial position, future cash flows and nature of business are so weak that significant risk exists in the recoverability of the loan to the extent the outstanding amount exceeds any collateral pledged.

Estimated loss

   Loans where write-off is unavoidable.

We consider the following corporate loans to be impaired loans:

 

   

loans classified as “substandard” or below according to the Financial Services Commission’s asset classification guidelines;

 

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loans that are over 30 days past due;

 

   

loans to companies that have received a warning from the Korea Federation of Banks indicating that the company has exhibited difficulties in making timely payments of principal and interest; and

 

   

loans which are “troubled debt restructurings” as defined under U.S. GAAP.

We establish loan loss allowances for corporate loans based on whether a particular loan is identified as impaired or not. Loan loss allowances are established for impaired loans, in general, by discounting the estimated future cash flow (both principal and interest) we expect to receive on such loans. Where the entire impaired loan or a portion of the impaired loan is secured by collateral or a guarantee, the fair value of the collateral or the guarantee payment is considered in establishing the level of the allowance. Alternatively, for impaired loans that are considered collateral-dependent, the amount of impairment is determined by reference to the fair value of the collateral. In addition, for certain foreign corporate loans that are considered impaired, the fair value is determined by reference to observable market prices, when available. We also establish allowances for losses for corporate loans that have not been individually identified as impaired. These allowances are based on historical migration and loss information.

The following table sets out, at the dates indicated, the percentage of our impaired corporate loans covered by loan loss allowances, based on their loan classification:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007  
     (percentages)  

Normal

   3.7 %   3.8 %   6.6 %   4.9 %   11.6 %

Precautionary

   19.5     9.7     8.3     41.0     44.8  

Substandard

   23.5     21.9     23.2     21.2     24.0  

Doubtful

   69.7     77.7     74.0     58.7     66.2  

Estimated loss

   85.8     89.9     92.2     93.3     93.1  

For consumer loans, we establish loan loss allowances based on historical performance, previous loan loss history and charge-off information. Additional factors that management considers when establishing reserves for homogeneous pools of consumer loans include, but are not limited to, economic events, delinquencies and changes in underwriting and credit monitoring policies.

The actual amount of incurred credit losses may vary from loss estimates due to changing economic conditions or changes in industry or geographic concentrations. We have procedures in place to monitor differences between estimated and actual incurred credit losses, which include detailed periodic assessments by senior management of both individual loans and credit portfolios and the use of models to estimate incurred credit losses in those portfolios.

Management regularly evaluates the adequacy of the overall allowance for credit losses and we believe that the allowance for credit losses reflects management’s best estimate of probable credit losses as of each balance sheet date.

 

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Loan Aging Schedule

The following table shows our loan aging schedule (excluding accrued interest) as of the dates indicated:

 

As of December 31,

   Normal
amount
   %     Amount
past due
1-3 months
   %     Amount
past due

3-6 months
   %     Amount
past due
more than

6 months
   %     Total
amount
     (in billions of Won, except percentages)

2005

   (Won) 134,079    97.1 %   (Won) 784    0.6 %   (Won) 561    0.4 %   (Won) 2,588    1.9 %   (Won) 138,012

2006

     148,723    98.2       537    0.4       302    0.2       1,841    1.2       151,403

2007

     170,340    98.9       510    0.3       316    0.2       1,023    0.6       172,189

Non-Accrual Loans and Past Due Accruing Loans

We generally place loans on non-accrual status when payments of interest and/or principal become past due by one day. We no longer recognize interest on these loans from the date the loan is placed on non-accrual status. We reclassify loans as accruing when interest and principal payments are up-to-date and future payments of principal and interest are reasonably assured. We generally do not recognize interest income on non-accrual loans unless collected.

Interest foregone is the interest due on non-accrual loans that has not been accrued in our books of account. For the year ended December 31, 2007, we would have recorded gross interest income of (Won)379 billion compared to (Won)484 billion for the year ended December 31, 2006 and (Won)599 billion for the year ended December 31, 2005 on loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis throughout the year, or since origination for loans held for part of the year, had we not foregone interest on those loans. The amount of interest income on those loans that was included in our net income for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 was (Won)434 billion, (Won)340 billion and (Won)285 billion, respectively.

The category “accruing but past due one day” includes loans which are still accruing interest but on which principal or interest payments are contractually past due one day or more. We continue to accrue interest on loans that are fully secured by cash on deposit or on which there are financial guarantees from the government, Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation or certain financial institutions.

The following table shows, at the dates indicated, the amount of loans that were placed on a non-accrual basis and accruing loans which were past due one day or more:

 

     As of December 31,
     2003    2004    2005    2006    2007
     (in billions of Won)

Loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis

              

Corporate

   (Won) 2,883    (Won) 2,975    (Won) 2,818    (Won) 1,875    (Won) 1,319

Consumer

     9,298      6,590      5,271      4,416      3,557
                                  

Sub-total

     12,181      9,565      8,089      6,291      4,876
                                  

Accruing loans which are contractually past due one day or more as to principal or interest (1)

              

Corporate

     167      91      111      60      51

Consumer

     2,481      1,020      1,198      688      281
                                  

Sub-total

     2,648      1,111      1,309      748      332
                                  

Total

   (Won) 14,829    (Won) 10,676    (Won) 9,398    (Won) 7,039    (Won) 5,208
                                  

 

(1)

Includes accruing loans which are contractually past due 90 days or more in the amount of (Won)39 billion, (Won)11 billion, (Won)22 billion, (Won)5 billion and (Won)4 billion of corporate loans as of December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

 

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Troubled Debt Restructurings

The following table presents, at the dates indicated, our loans which are “troubled debt restructurings” as defined under U.S. GAAP. These loans consist principally of corporate loans that are accruing interest at rates lower than the original contractual terms as a result of a variation of terms upon restructuring.

 

     As of December 31,
     2003    2004    2005    2006    2007
     (in billions of Won)

Loans, which are classified as “troubled debt restructurings”

   (Won) 1,338    (Won) 1,050    (Won) 613    (Won) 446    (Won) 271

For 2007, interest income that would have been recorded under the original contract terms of restructured loans amounted to (Won)23 billion, out of which (Won)17 billion was reflected as interest income during 2007.

Potential Problem Loans

As of December 31, 2007, we had (Won)744 billion of loans which were current as to payment of principal and interest but where there existed serious doubt as to the ability of the borrower to comply with repayment terms in the near future.

Other Problematic Interest Earning Assets

We have certain other interest earning assets received in connection with troubled debt restructurings that, if they were loans, would be required to be disclosed as part of the non-accrual, past due or restructuring or potential problem loan disclosures provided above. As of December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, we did not have any debt securities on which interest was past due.

Non-Performing Loans

Non-performing loans are defined as loans greater than 90 days past due. These loans are generally classified as “substandard” or below. For further information on the classification of non-performing loans under Korean regulatory requirements, see “—Provisioning Policy” above.

The following table shows, as of the dates indicated, certain details of our total non-performing loan portfolio:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007  
     (in billions of Won, except percentages)  

Total non-performing loans

   (Won) 4,116     (Won) 3,175     (Won) 3,149     (Won) 2,143     (Won) 1,339  

As a percentage of total loans

     2.8 %     2.3 %     2.3 %     1.4 %     0.8 %

The above table does not reflect the amount of loans classified as substandard or below that we or any of our predecessor operations sold to Korea Asset Management Corporation in connection with a government program to assist the Korean banking industry and other parties.

We have also issued securities backed by non-performing loans and collateralized bond obligations. Some of these transactions involved transfers of loans through securitizations where control of the loans has not been surrendered and, therefore, are not treated as sale transactions. Instead, the assets remain on our balance sheet with the securitization proceeds treated as secured borrowings.

 

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Analysis of Non-Performing Loans

The following table sets forth, as of the dates indicated, our total non-performing loans by type of borrower:

 

     As of December 31,  
     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007  
     Amount   %     Amount   %     Amount   %     Amount   %     Amount   %  
     (in billions of Won, except percentages)  

Domestic:

  

Corporate

                    

Commercial and industrial

   (Won) 1,376   33.4 %   (Won) 1,548   48.8 %   (Won) 1,526   48.5 %   (Won) 1,335   62.3 %   (Won) 822   61.4 %

Construction

     264   6.4       250   7.9       223   7.1       149   7.0       88   6.6  

Lease financing

     —     —         —     —         —     —         —     0.0       —     —    

Other corporate

     13   0.4       11   0.4       5   0.2       3   0.1       3   0.2  
                                                            

Total corporate

     1,653   40.2       1,809   57.0       1,754   55.7       1,487   69.4       913   68.2  

Retail

                    

Mortgage and home equity

     1,150   27.9       1,088   34.3       855   27.1       484   22.6       297   22.2  

Other consumer

     463   11.4       241   7.6       516   16.4       145   6.8       101   7.5  
                                                            

Total retail

     1,613   39.3       1,329   41.9       1,371   43.5       629   29.4       398   29.7  

Credit cards

     723   17.4       32   1.0       21   0.7       26   1.2       27   2.0  

Total domestic

     3,989   96.9       3,170   99.9       3,146   99.9       2,142   100       1,338   99.9  
                                                            

Foreign:

                    

Corporate

                    

Commercial and industrial

     127   3.1       5   0.1       3   0.1       1   0.0       1   0.1  
                                                            

Total foreign

     127   3.1       5   0.1       3   0.1       1   0.0       1   0.1  
                                                            

Total non-performing loans

   (Won) 4,116   100.0 %   (Won) 3,175   100.0 %   (Won) 3,149   100.0 %   (Won) 2,143   100.0 %   (Won) 1,339   100.0 %
                                                            

 

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Top 20 Non-Performing Loans

As of December 31, 2007, our 20 largest non-performing loans accounted for 8.8% of our total non-performing loan portfolio. The following table shows, as of December 31, 2007, certain information regarding our 20 largest non-performing loans:

 

    

Industry

   Gross principal
outstanding
   Allowance
for loan losses
     (in billions of Won)

Borrower A

   Finance and insurance    (Won) 23    (Won) 21

Borrower B

   Manufacturing      10      6

Borrower C

   Real estate      9      3

Borrower D

   Construction      7      0

Borrower E

   Transportation      7      3

Borrower F

   Retail and wholesale      7      2

Borrower G

   Manufacturing      6      2

Borrower H

   Construction      5      5

Borrower I

   Manufacturing      5      4

Borrower J

   Manufacturing      5      5

Borrower K

   Other      5      0

Borrower L

   Real estate      4      1

Borrower M

   Manufacturing      4      0

Borrower N

   Other      3      1

Borrower O

   Other      3      1

Borrower P

   Construction      3      2

Borrower Q

   Manufacturing      3      3

Borrower R

   Manufacturing      3      3

Borrower S

   Other      3      2

Borrower T

   Retail and wholesale      3      1

Total

      (Won) 118    (Won) 65
                

Most of our loans to companies in workout or restructuring were not classified as non-performing as of December 31, 2007 because such loans had been rescheduled and payments on such rescheduled loans were not past due by more than 90 days.

Non-Performing Loan Strategy

One of our primary objectives is to prevent our loans from becoming non-performing. Through our corporate credit rating systems, we believe that we have reduced our risks relating to future non-performing loans. Our credit rating systems are designed to prevent our loan officers from extending new loans to borrowers with high credit risks based on the borrower’s credit rating. Our early warning system is designed to bring any sudden increase in a borrower’s credit risk to the attention of our loan officers, who then closely monitor such loans. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk—Credit Risk Management—Credit Review and Monitoring.”

Notwithstanding the above, if a loan becomes non-performing, an officer at the branch level responsible for monitoring non-performing loans will commence a due diligence review of the borrower’s assets, send a notice either demanding payment or stating that we will take legal action and prepare for legal action.

At the same time, we also initiate our non-performing loan management process, which begins with:

 

   

identifying loans subject to a proposed sale by assessing the estimated losses from such sale based on the estimated recovery value of collateral, if any, for such non-performing loans;

 

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identifying loans subject to charge-off based on the estimated recovery value of collateral, if any, for such non-performing loans and the estimated rate of recovery of unsecured loans; and

 

   

on a limited basis, identifying corporate loans subject to normalization efforts based on the cash-flow situation of the borrower.

Once the details of a non-performing loan are identified, we pursue early solutions for recovery. While the overall process is the responsibility of the Credit Group, actual recovery efforts on non-performing loans are handled by one of our regional credit management centers or the Credit Management Department.

In addition, we use the services of our loan collection subsidiary, KB Credit Information Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Kookeun Credit Information Co., Ltd.), of which we own 99.7% of the outstanding share capital. KB Credit Information receives payments from recoveries made on charged-off loans and loans that are overdue for over six months (three months in the case of credit card loans). KB Credit Information has over 1,500 employees, including loan recovery experts, legal experts and management employees. The fees that it receives are based on the amounts of non-performing and charged off loans that are recovered. The amount recovered was (Won)660 billion in 2005, (Won)545 billion in 2006 and (Won)435 billion in 2007.

Methods for resolving non-performing loans include the following:

 

  (i) For loans in arrears for more than three months but less than six months and for loans to bankrupt companies:

 

   

non-performing loans are transferred from the operating branch to our regional credit management centers;

 

   

a demand note is dispatched by mail if payment is generally one month past due;

 

   

calls and visits are made by our regional credit management center staff to customers encouraging them to make payments;

 

   

borrowers who are past due on payments of interest and principal are registered on the Korea Federation of Banks’ database of non-performing loans;

 

   

preparations are made to use judicial means, including foreclosure and auction of the collateral; and

 

   

credit card loans are transferred to KB Credit Information for collection.

 

  (ii) For loans in arrears for more than six months but less than one year and for loans to bankrupt companies over three months after bankruptcy:

 

   

for mortgage loans other than individual housing loans, foreclosure and auction proceedings are commenced;

 

   

for unsecured loans other than credit card loans, the loans are transferred to KB Credit Information for collection; and

 

   

borrowers who are past due on payments of interest and principal are registered on the Korea Federation of Banks’ database of non-performing loans.

 

  (iii) For loans in arrears for over one year:

 

   

for individual housing loans, foreclosure and auction proceeding are commenced;

 

   

in the case of unsecured loans, the loans are treated as loan losses; and

 

   

charged off loans are given to KB Credit Information for collection, except for loans where the cost of collection exceeds the possible recovery or where the statute of limitations for collection has expired.

 

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In order to promote speedy recovery on loans subject to foreclosures and litigation, our policy is to permit the branch responsible for handling these loans to transfer them to our Credit Management Department, to one of our regional credit management centers or to KB Credit Information.

In addition to making efforts to collect on these non-performing loans, we also undertake measures to reduce the level of our non-performing loans, which include:

 

   

selling our non-performing loans to third parties including the Korea Asset Management Corporation; and

 

   

entering into asset securitization transactions with respect to our non-performing loans.

We generally expect to suffer a partial loss on loans that we sell or securitize, to the extent such sales and securitizations are recognized under U.S. GAAP as sale transactions.

Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses

The following table presents, as of the dates indicated, the allocation of our loan loss allowance by loan type. The ratio represents the percentage of loans in each category to total loans.

 

    As of December 31,  
    2003     2004     2005     2006     2007  
    Amount   %     Amount   %     Amount   %     Amount   %     Amount   %  
    (in billions of Won, except percentages)  

Domestic

                   

Corporate

                   

Commercial and industrial

  (Won) 1,644   28.1 %   (Won) 1,912   27.8 %   (Won) 1,691   28.7 %   (Won) 1,444   31.9 %   (Won) 1,071   35.5 %

Construction

    332   4.2       376   3.2       240   3.6       179   4.3       175   5.1  

Lease financing

    —     —         —     —         —     —         —     —         —     —    

Other corporate

    28   0.5       25   0.6       18   1.1       12   0.9       14   1.0  
                                                           

Total corporate

    2,004   32.8       2,313   31.6       1,949   33.4       1,635   37.1       1,260   41.6  

Retail

                   

Mortgage and home equity

    68   36.0       246   42.0       173   42.9       173   42.3       114   38.2  

Other consumer

    1,102   19.7       1,168   18.8       739   16.7       441   14.2       314   13.3  
                                                           

Total retail

    1,170   55.7       1,414   60.8       912   59.6       614   56.5       428   51.5  

Credit cards

    2,537   10.5       696   6.8       331   6.1       205   5.9       165   6.1  

Foreign (1)

    61   1.0       38   0.8       20   0.9       14   0.5       11   0.8  
                                                           

Total allowance for loan losses

  (Won) 5,772   100.0 %   (Won) 4,461   100.0 %   (Won) 3,212   100.0 %   (Won) 2,468   100.0 %   (Won) 1,864   100.0 %
                                                           

 

(1)

Consists of loans to corporations.

Our total allowance for loan losses was (Won)3,212 billion as of December 31, 2005. During 2006, the allowance for loans losses decreased by (Won)744 billion, or 23.2%, to (Won)2,468 billion as of December 31, 2006. During 2007, the allowance for loans losses decreased by (Won)604 billion, or 24.5%, to (Won)1,864 billion as of December 31, 2007 .

 

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Analysis of Allowance for Loan Losses

The following table analyzes our loan loss experience for each of the years indicated:

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007  
     (in billions of Won, except percentages)  

Balance at the beginning of the period

   (Won) 5,195     (Won) 5,772     (Won) 4,461     (Won) 3,212     (Won) 2,468  

Amounts charged against income

     7,192       3,860       433       (195 )     109  

Allowance relating to loans repurchased from the Korea Asset Management Corporation

     6       —         —         —         —    

Allowance relating to other loans repurchased

     —         6       —         —         1  

Allowance relating to newly consolidated entities

     —         9       —         —         —    

Gross charge-offs:

          

Domestic:

          

Corporate

          

Commercial and industrial

     1,056       976       726       480       580  

Construction

     80       103       9       55       108  

Lease financing

     —         —         —         —         —    

Other corporate

     13       8       9       15       4  

Retail

          

Mortgage and home equity

     34       181       112       90       49  

Other consumer

     745       1,313       533       394       275  

Credit cards

     5,290       3,313       868       301       331  

Foreign:

     59       20       —         —         —    
                                        

Total gross charge-offs

     (7,277 )     (5,914 )     (2,257 )     (1,335 )     (1,347 )

Recoveries:

          

Domestic:

          

Corporate

          

Commercial and industrial

     99       56       114       86       98  

Construction

     7       40       3       6       21  

Other corporate

     16       2       2       2       1  

Retail

          

Mortgage and home equity

     5       1       3       137       16  

Other consumer

     59       71       114       198       196  

Credit cards

     452       554       338       357       301  

Foreign:

     18       4       1       —         —    
                                        

Total recoveries

     656       728       575       786       633  
                                        

Net charge-offs

     (6,621 )     (5,186 )     (1,682 )     (549 )     (714 )
                                        

Balance, at the end of the period

   (Won) 5,772     (Won) 4,461     (Won) 3,212     (Won) 2,468     (Won) 1,864  
                                        

Ratio of net charge-offs during the period to average loans outstanding during the period

     4.5 %     3.6 %     1.2 %     0.4 %     0.4 %

Loan Charge-Offs

Basic Principles

We attempt to minimize loans to be charged off by adhering to a sound credit approval process based on credit risk analysis prior to extending loans and a systematic management of outstanding loans. However, if charge-offs are necessary, we charge off loans subject to our charge-off policy at an early stage in order to maximize accounting transparency, to minimize any waste of resources in managing loans which have a low probability of being collected and to reduce our non-performing loan ratio.

 

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Loans To Be Charged Off

Loans are charged off if they are deemed to be uncollectible by falling under any of the following categories:

 

   

loans for which collection is not foreseeable due to insolvency, bankruptcy, compulsory execution, disorganization, dissolution or the shutting down of the business of the debtor;

 

   

loans for which collection is not foreseeable due to the death or disappearance of the debtor;

 

   

loans for which expenses of collection exceed the collectable amount;

 

   

loans on which collection is not possible through legal or any other means;

 

   

payments in arrears in respect of credit cards that have been overdue for four payment cycles or more and have been classified as expected loss (excluding instances where there has been partial payment of the overdue balance, where a related balance is not overdue or where a charge off is not possible due to Korean regulations), and those that have been overdue for more than six months; and

 

   

the portion of loans classified as “estimated loss,” net of any recovery from collateral, which is deemed to be uncollectible.

Procedure for Charge-off Approval

In order to charge off corporate loans under Korean GAAP, an application for a charge-off must be submitted to our Credit Management Department promptly after the corporate loan is classified as estimated loss or deemed uncollectible. The Credit Management Department refers the charge-off application to our Branch Audit Department for their review to ensure compliance with our internal procedures for charge-offs. Then, the Credit Management Department, after reviewing the application to confirm that it meets relevant requirements, seeks an approval from the Financial Supervisory Service for our charge-offs, which is typically granted. Once we receive approval from the Financial Supervisory Service, we must also obtain approval from our senior management to charge off those loans. With respect to corporate loans under U.S. GAAP, we follow a similar procedure (although we will not seek approval from the Financial Supervisory Service).

With respect to credit card balances (and, under U.S. GAAP, unsecured retail loans), we follow a different process to determine which credit card balances and unsecured retail loans should be charged off, based on the length of time those loans or balances are past due. Under Korean GAAP, we charge off unsecured retail loans deemed to be uncollectible and credit card balances which have been overdue for four payment cycles or more or which have been classified as expected loss. Under U.S. GAAP, we follow a similar procedure, in addition to charging off any unsecured retail loans or credit card balances which have not been charged off under Korean GAAP but are more than six months overdue.

Treatment of Loans Charged Off

Once loans are charged off, we classify them as charged-off loans and remove them from our balance sheet. These loans are managed based on a different set of procedures. We continue our collection efforts in respect of these loans, including through our subsidiary, KB Credit Information, although loans may be charged off before we begin collection efforts in some circumstances.

If a collateralized loan is overdue, we will, typically within one year from the time that such loan became overdue (or after a longer period in certain circumstances), petition a court to foreclose and sell the collateral through a court-supervised auction. If a debtor ultimately fails to repay and the court grants its approval for foreclosure, we will sell the collateral, net of expenses incurred from the auction.

 

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Credit Rehabilitation Programs for Delinquent Consumer Borrowers

In light of the rapid increase in delinquencies in credit card and other consumer credit in recent years, and concerns regarding potential social issues posed by the growing number of individuals with bad credit, the Korean government has implemented a number of measures intended to support the rehabilitation of the credit of delinquent consumer borrowers. These measures may affect the amount and timing of our collections and recoveries on our delinquent consumer credits.

In 2002, the Financial Services Commission established the Credit Counseling and Recovery Service based upon an agreement among approximately 160 financial institutions in Korea. Upon application to the Credit Counseling and Recovery Service and approval of a majority of unsecured and two-thirds of secured creditor financial institutions, a qualified “credit delinquent person” with outstanding debts to two or more financial institutions in an aggregate amount not exceeding (Won)500 million may participate in an individual work-out program designed to restructure such person’s debt and rehabilitate such person’s credit.

On April 1, 2006, the Law Concerning Credit Restoration and Bankruptcy took effect and replaced the Individual Debtor Rehabilitation Law. Under the Law Concerning Credit Restoration and Bankruptcy, a qualified individual debtor with outstanding debts in an aggregate amount not exceeding threshold amounts of (Won)500 million of unsecured debt and/or (Won)1 billion of secured debt may restructure his or her debts through a court-supervised debt restructuring that is binding on creditors.

Investment Portfolio

Investment Policy

We invest in and trade Won-denominated and, to a lesser extent, foreign currency-denominated securities for our own account to:

 

   

maintain the stability and diversification of our assets;

 

   

maintain adequate sources of back-up liquidity to match our funding requirements; and

 

   

supplement income from our core lending activities.

The Investment Banking/Global Business Group, Capital Markets & Treasury Group and the Risk Management Department supervise our investment and trading activities. In making securities investments, we take into account a number of factors, including macroeconomic trends, industry analysis and credit evaluation in determining whether to make particular investments in securities.

Our investments in securities are also subject to a number of guidelines, including limitations prescribed under the Bank Act. Under these regulations, we must limit our investments in equity securities and bonds with a maturity in excess of three years (other than monetary stabilization bonds issued by the Bank of Korea and national government bonds) to 60.0% of our total Tier I and Tier II capital amount (less any capital deductions). Generally, we are also prohibited from acquiring more than 15.0% of the shares with voting rights issued by any other corporation subject to certain exceptions. Pursuant to an amendment to the Bank Act which became effective in July 2002, a bank and its trust accounts are prohibited from acquiring the shares of a major shareholder (for the definition of “major shareholder,” see “—Supervision and Regulation—Principal Regulations Applicable to Banks—Financial Exposure to Any Individual Customer and Major Shareholders”) of that bank in excess of an amount equal to 1% of the sum of the bank’s Tier I and Tier II capital (less any capital deductions). Further information on the regulatory environment governing our investment activities is set out in “—Supervision and Regulation—Principal Regulations Applicable to Banks—Liquidity” and “—Supervision and Regulation—Principal Regulations Applicable to Banks—Restrictions on Shareholdings in Other Companies.”

 

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The following table sets out the definitions of the primary categories of investments we hold:

 

Investment category

  

Definition

Held-to-maturity securities

   Held-to-maturity securities are securities for which we have the positive ability and intent to hold to maturity and are recorded at amortized cost, adjusted for accretion or amortization of discounts and premiums. Declines in the fair value of individual held-to-maturity securities below their cost that are other-than-temporary result in write-downs of the individual securities to their fair values. Such write-downs are reflected as realized losses in our income statement and cannot be subsequently reversed.

Available-for-sale securities

   Securities are classified as available-for-sale when we intend to hold the securities for an indefinite period of time or when the securities may be utilized for tactical asset/liability purposes and may be sold from time to time to effectively manage interest rate exposure and resultant prepayment risk and liquidity needs. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses being recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity. Other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of available-for-sale securities below cost result in write-downs to their fair value. Such write-downs are reflected as realized losses in our income statement and cannot be subsequently reversed.

Trading securities

   Trading assets include securities held in anticipation of short-term market movements. Trading securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized and realized gains and losses being recorded immediately in our income statement.

We also hold limited balances of venture capital securities, non-marketable and restricted equity securities and derivative instruments:

 

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Book Value and Market Value

The following table sets out the book value and market value of securities in our investment portfolio as of the dates indicated:

 

     As of December 31,
     2005    2006    2007
     Book value    Market value    Book value    Market value    Book value    Market value
     (in billions of Won)

Available-for-sale securities:

                 

Equity securities

   (Won) 128    (Won) 128    (Won) 1,007    (Won) 1,007    (Won) 305    (Won) 305

Debt securities

                 

Korean treasury securities and government agency securities

     3,394      3,394      3,708      3,708      4,131      4,131

Debt securities issued by financial institutions

     9,931      9,931      8,184      8,184      7,642      7,642

Corporate debt securities

     570      570      589      589      699      699

Debt securities issued by foreign governments

     19      19      9      9      9      9

Asset-backed securities

     112      112      151      151      43      43

Other debt securities

     1      1      —        —        —        —  
                                         

Total available-for-sale

     14,155      14,155      13,648      13,648      12,829      12,829
                                         

Held-to-maturity securities:

                 

Debt securities

                 

Korean treasury securities and government agency securities

     6,209      6,078      8,316      8,271      8,601      8,310

Debt securities issued by financial institutions

     3,870      3,828      2,227      2,214      1,972      1,913

Corporate debt securities

     125      120      215      212      194      186

Debt securities issued by foreign governments

     —        —        —        —        —        —  

Asset-backed securities

     294      290      205      203      291      288
                                         

Total held-to-maturity

     10,498      10,316      10,963      10,900      11,058      10,697
                                         

Trading securities:

                 

Equity securities

     201      201      145      145      250      250

Debt securities

                 

Korean treasury securities and government agency securities

     1,756      1,756      478      478      1,055      1,055

Debt securities issued by financial institutions

     1,595      1,595      1,951      1,951      3,667      3,667

Corporate debt securities

     —        —        —        —        32      32

Asset-backed securities

     —        —        —        —        1      1
                                         

Total trading

     3,552      3,552      2,574      2,574      5,005      5,005
                                         

Total securities

   (Won) 28,205    (Won) 28,023    (Won) 27,185    (Won) 27,122    (Won) 28,892    (Won) 28,531
                                         

 

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Maturity Analysis

The following table categorizes our debt securities by maturity and weighted average yield as of December 31, 2007:

 

    As of December 31, 2007  
    Within
1 year
  Weighted
average
yield (1)
    Over 1 but
within 5
years
  Weighted
average
yield (1)
    Over 5 but
within 10
years
  Weighted
average
yield (1)
    Over 10
years
  Weighted
average
yield (1)
    Securities
not due at a
single
maturity
  Weighted
average
yield (1)
    Total   Weighted
average
yield (1)
 
    (in billions of Won, except percentages)  

Available-for-sale securities:

                       

Korean treasury securities and government agencies

  (Won) 426   4.96 %   (Won) 3,686   3.49 %   (Won) 19   5.45 %     —     —         —     —       (Won) 4,131   3.65 %

Debt securities issued by financial institutions

    2,699   3.50       4,785   3.18       142   3.92     (Won) 16   4.31 %     —     —         7,642   3.31  

Corporate debt securities

    147   6.10       507   4.02       20   5.76       —     —       (Won) 25   2.51 %     699   4.46  

Debt securities issued by foreign governments

    —     —         —     —         9   5.37       —     —         —     —         9   5.37  

Asset-backed securities

    20   5.06       11   2.56       12   7.49       —     —         —     —         43   5.05  

Other debt securities

    —     —         —     —         —     —         —     —         —     —         —     —    
                                               

Total

  (Won) 3,292   3.82 %   (Won) 8,989   3.35 %   (Won) 202   4.52 %   (Won) 16   4.31 %   (Won) 25   2.51 %   (Won) 12,524   3.49 %
                                               

Held-to-maturity securities

                       

Korean treasury securities and government agencies

    1,404   4.71       4,701   4.20       2,481   4.67       10   2.26       5   0.73       8,601   4.42  

Debt securities issued by financial institutions

    55   3.96       1,778   2.23       130   4.24       —     —         9   3.50       1,972   2.42  

Debt securities issued by foreign governments

    —     —         —     —         —     —         —     —         —     —         —     —    

Corporate debt securities

    50   4.45       144   3.83       —     —         —     —         —     —         194   3.99  

Asset-backed securities

    175   4.13       86   3.13       30   4.15       —     —         —     —         291   3.84  

Other debt securities

    —     —         —     —         —     —         —     —         —     —         —     —    
                                               

Total

  (Won) 1,684   4.62 %   (Won) 6,709   3.66 %   (Won) 2,641   4.64 %   (Won) 10   2.26 %   (Won) 14   2.53 %   (Won) 11,058   4.04 %
                                               

Trading securities:

                       

Korean treasury securities and government agencies

    66   2.77       922   1.18       67   1.99       —     —         —     —         1,055   1.33  

Debt securities issued by financial institutions

    291   2.83       3,376   2.52       —     —         —     —         —     —         3,667   2.55  

Debt securities issued by foreign government

    —     —         —     —         —     —         —     —         —     —         —     —    

Corporate debt securities

    12   2.64       20   1.13       —     —         —     —         —     —         32   1.69  

Asset-backed securities

    1   2.37       —     —         —     —         —     —         —     —         1   2.37  

Other trading securities

    —     —         —     —         —     —         —     —         —     —         —     —    
                                               

Total

  (Won) 370   2.81 %   (Won) 4,318   2.23 %   (Won) 67   1.99 %     —     —         —     —       (Won) 4,755   2.27 %
                                               

 

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(1)

The weighted average yield for the portfolio represents the yield to maturity for each individual security, weighted using its book value (which is the amortized cost in the case of held-to-maturity securities and the fair value in the case of available-for-sale securities and trading securities).

Concentrations of Risk

As of December 31, 2007, we held the following securities of individual issuers where the aggregate book value of those securities exceeded 10% of our stockholders’ equity at such date, which was (Won)16,966 billion:

 

     Book value    Market value
     (in billions of Won)

Name of issuer:

     

Korean government

   (Won) 11,182    (Won) 10,984

Bank of Korea

     6,144      6,144
             

Total

   (Won) 17,326    (Won) 17,128
             

The Bank of Korea is controlled by the Korean government.

Funding

We obtain funding for our lending activities from a variety of sources, both domestic and foreign. Our principal source of funding is customer deposits. In addition, we acquire funding through long-term debt, short-term borrowings, including borrowings from the Bank of Korea, and call money.

Our primary funding strategy has been to achieve low-cost funding by increasing the average balances of low-cost retail deposits, in particular demand deposits and savings deposits. We also have focused our marketing efforts on higher net worth individuals, who account for a significant portion of the assets in our retail deposit base. Customer deposits accounted for 79.6% of total funding as of December 31, 2005, 76.4% of total funding as of December 31, 2006 and 73.0% of total funding as of December 31, 2007.

In addition, we acquire funding by issuing bonds. Our borrowings consist mainly of borrowings from financial institutions, the Korean government and government-affiliated funds. Such borrowings are generally long-term borrowings, with maturities ranging from one year to 20 years.

Deposits

Although the majority of our deposits are short-term, it has been our experience that the majority of our depositors generally roll over their deposits at maturity, providing us with a stable source of funding. The following table shows the average balances of our deposits and the average rates paid on our deposits for the periods indicated:

 

     2005     2006     2007  
     Average
balance (1)
   Average
rate paid
    Average
balance (1)
   Average
rate paid
    Average
balance (1)
   Average
rate paid
 
     (in billions of Won, except percentages)  

Demand deposits:

               

Non-interest bearing

   (Won) 3,010    —       (Won) 3,173    —       (Won) 3,126    —    

Interest-bearing

     614    1.14 %     625    1.76 %     605    2.15 %

Time deposits:

               

Certificates

     5,007    3.69       8,386    4.52       14,628    5.19  

Other time deposits

     66,229    3.61       62,015    3.92       63,082    4.40  

Savings deposits

     38,343    0.57       41,652    0.71       42,001    0.84  

Mutual installment deposits (2)

     10,589    3.61       8,511    3.40       6,900    3.35  
                                       

Average total deposits

   (Won) 123,792    2.57     (Won) 124,362    2.74     (Won) 130,342    3.17  
                                       

 

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(1)

Average balances are based on daily balances for our primary banking operations and subsidiaries.

(2)

Mutual installment deposits are interest-bearing deposits offered by us, which enable customers to become eligible for our loans while they maintain an account with us. The customer’s account does not have to secure loan amounts once made but is a requirement for loan eligibility. Prior to qualifying for a loan a customer must make required periodic deposits to the mutual installment account for a contracted term of less than five years. A customer is not required to fulfill the deposit term prior to requesting a loan from us, but loan amounts and terms are not as favorable in the event of a loan request prior to completing the deposit contract term.

For a description of our retail deposit products, see “—Business—Retail Banking—Lending Activities—Mortgage and Home Equity Lending” and “—Business—Retail Banking—Deposit-Taking Activities.”

Certificates of Deposit and Other Time Deposits

The following table presents the remaining maturities of our time deposits, certificates of deposit and mutual installment deposits which had a fixed maturity in excess of (Won)100 million as of December 31, 2007:

 

     Certificates
of deposit
   Other time
deposits
   Mutual installment
deposits
   Total
     (in billions of Won)

Maturing within three months

   (Won) 6,811    (Won) 7,224    (Won) 152    (Won) 14,187

After three but within six months

     4,140      5,477      117      9,734

After six but within 12 months

     5,278      13,494      136      18,908

After 12 months

     373      2,004      166      2,543
                           

Total

   (Won) 16,602    (Won) 28,199    (Won) 571    (Won) 45,372
                           

A majority of our other time deposits issued by our overseas branches is in the amount of US$100,000 or more.

Long-term debt

The aggregate amount of contractual maturities of all long-term debt at December 31, 2007 was as follows:

 

     At December 31,
2007
 
     (in billions of
Won)
 

Due in 2008

   (Won) 10,413  

Due in 2009

     7,567  

Due in 2010

     8,347  

Due in 2011

     1,202  

Due in 2012

     4,174  

Thereafter

     4,606  
        

Gross long-term debt

     36,309  

Discount

     (2 )
        

Total long-term debt, net

   (Won) 36,307  
        

 

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Short-term borrowings

The following table presents information regarding our short-term borrowings (borrowings with an original maturity of one year or less) for the periods indicated:

 

     As of and for the year ended December 31,  
     2005     2006     2007  
     (in billions of Won, except percentages)  

Call money:

      

Year-end balance

   (Won) 1,254     (Won) 168     (Won) 794  

Average balance (1)

     1,218       2,825       2,069  

Maximum balance

     2,305       3,220       4,409  

Average interest rate (2)

     3.28 %     4.21 %     4.88 %

Year-end interest rate

     3.40-4.45 %     4.08-7.50 %     0.55-8.50 %

Borrowings from the Bank of Korea: (3)

      

Year-end balance

   (Won) 647     (Won) 682     (Won) 488  

Average balance (1)

     687       653       539  

Maximum balance

     972       1,059       705  

Average interest rate (2)

     2.04 %     2.30 %     2.97 %

Year-end interest rate

     2.00-4.67 %     2.75 %     3.25 %

Other short-term borrowings: (4)

      

Year-end balance

   (Won) 5,471     (Won) 9,945     (Won) 7,288  

Average balance (1)

     7,474       7,574       9,335  

Maximum balance

     9,387       10,020       10,616  

Average interest rate (2)

     3.68 %     4.48 %     4.95 %

Year-end interest rate

     0.00-7.73 %     0.53-5.95 %     1.07-6.91 %(5)

 

(1)

Average outstanding balances have been calculated using daily averages.

(2)

Average interest rates for the year are calculated by dividing the total interest expense by the average amount borrowed.

(3)

Borrowings from the Bank of Korea generally mature within one month for borrowings in Won and six months for borrowings in foreign currencies.

(4)

Other short-term borrowings include borrowings from trust accounts, bills sold, borrowings and debentures. Other short-term borrowings have maturities of 30 days to one year and are unsecured with the exception of borrowings from the Bank of Korea. These short-term borrowings are secured by securities totaling (Won)533 billion as of December 31, 2007.

(5)

Excludes interest rates of 9.00%, 25.00% and 25.00% on short-term borrowings of (Won)520 million, (Won)300 million and (Won)200 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2007 by three of our special purpose entities.

Supervision and Regulation

Legal and Regulatory Framework

The banking system in Korea is governed by the Bank Act of 1950, as amended (the “Bank Act”) and the Bank of Korea Act of 1950, as amended (the “Bank of Korea Act”). In addition, Korean banks come under the regulations and supervision of the Bank of Korea, the Monetary Policy Committee, the Financial Services Commission and its executive body, the Financial Supervisory Service.

The Bank of Korea, established in June 1950 under the Bank of Korea Act, performs the customary functions of a central bank. It seeks to contribute to the sound development of the national economy by price stabilization through establishing and implementing efficient monetary and credit policies. The Bank of Korea acts under instructions of the Monetary Policy Committee, the supreme policy-making body of the Bank of Korea.

 

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Under the Bank of Korea Act, the Monetary Policy Committee’s primary responsibilities are to formulate monetary and credit policies and to determine the operations, management and administration of the Bank of Korea.

The Financial Services Commission, established on April 1, 1998, regulates commercial banks pursuant to the Bank Act, including establishing guidelines on capital adequacy of commercial banks, and prepares regulations relating to supervision of banks. Furthermore, pursuant to the Amendment to the Government Organization Act and the Bank Act on May 24, 1999, the Financial Services Commission, instead of the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, now regulates market entry into the banking business.

The Financial Supervisory Service was established on January 2, 1999 as a unified body of the former Bank Supervisory Authority (the successor to the Office of Bank Supervision), the Securities Supervisory Board, the Insurance Supervisory Board and the Credit Management Fund. The Financial Supervisory Service is subject to the instructions and directives of the Financial Services Commission and carries out supervision and examination of commercial banks. In particular, the Financial Supervisory Service sets requirements both for prudent control of liquidity and for capital adequacy and establishes reporting requirements within the authority delegated to it under the Financial Services Commission regulations, pursuant to which banks are required to submit annual reports on financial performance and shareholdings, regular reports on management strategy and non-performing loans, including write-offs, and management of problem companies and plans for the settlement of bad loans.

Under the Bank Act, permission to commence a commercial banking business or a long-term financing business must be obtained from the Financial Services Commission. Commercial banking business is defined as the lending of funds acquired predominantly from the acceptance of deposits for a period not exceeding one year or subject to the limitation established by the Financial Services Commission, for a period between one year and three years. Long-term financing business is defined as the lending, for periods in excess of one year, of funds acquired predominantly from paid-in capital, reserves or other retained earnings, the acceptance of deposits with maturities of at least one year, or the issuance of bonds or other securities. A bank wishing to enter into any business other than commercial banking and long-term financing businesses, such as the trust business, must obtain permission from the Financial Services Commission. Permission to merge with any other banking institution, to liquidate, to close a banking business or to transfer all or a part of a business must also be obtained from the Financial Services Commission.

If the Korean government deems our financial condition to be unsound or if we fail to meet the applicable capital adequacy ratio set forth under Korean law, the government may order:

 

   

capital increases or reductions;

 

   

stock cancellations or consolidations;

 

   

transfers of business;

 

   

sales of assets;

 

   

closures of branch offices;

 

   

mergers with other financial institutions;

 

   

suspensions of a part or all of business operation; or

 

   

assignments of contractual rights and obligations relating to financial transactions.

Principal Regulations Applicable to Banks

Capital Adequacy and Allowances

The Bank Act requires nationwide banks, such as us, to maintain a minimum paid-in capital of (Won)100 billion and regional banks to maintain a minimum paid-in capital of (Won)25 billion. All banks, including foreign bank

 

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branches in Korea, are also required to maintain a prescribed solvency position. A bank must also set aside in its legal reserve an amount equal to at least 10% of the net income after tax each time it pays dividends on net profits earned until its legal reserve reaches at least the aggregate amount of its paid-in capital.

Under the Enforcement Detailed Rules on the Supervision of Banking Business, the capital of a bank is divided into two categories, Tier I and Tier II capital. Tier I capital (core capital) consists of shareholders’ equity, capital surplus, retained earnings, unpaid stock dividends and hybrid Tier I capital instruments. Tier II capital (supplementary capital) consists of revaluation reserves, gains on valuation of investment securities (up to certain limits), allowance for loan losses set aside for loans classified as normal or precautionary (up to certain limits), perpetual subordinated debt, cumulative preferred shares and certain other subordinated debt.

All banks must meet minimum ratios of Tier I and Tier II capital (less any capital deductions) to risk-weighted assets, determined in accordance with Financial Services Commission requirements that have been formulated based on Bank of International Settlements (“BIS”) standards. These standards were adopted and became effective in 1996. All domestic banks and foreign bank branches must meet a minimum ratio of Tier I and Tier II capital (less any capital deductions) to risk-weighted assets of 8%.

In November 2002, the Financial Supervisory Service amended the Enforcement Detailed Rules on the Supervision of the Banking Business to include a more conservative risk-weighting system for certain newly extended home mortgage loans, which set the risk-weighted ratios of Korean banks in respect of home mortgage loans between 50% and 70% depending on the borrower’s debt ratio and whether the home mortgage loans are overdue. On June 28, 2007, the FSC further amended the Enforcement Detailed Rules on the Supervision of the Banking Business and, as a result, the following risk-weight ratios must be applied by Korean banks in respect of home mortgage loans from January 1, 2008:

 

  (1) for those banks which adopted a standardized approach for calculating credit risk capital requirements, a risk-weight ratio of 35%; and

 

  (2) for those banks which adopted an internal ratings-based approach for calculating credit risk capital requirements, a risk-weight ratio calculated with reference to the probability of default, loss given default and exposure at default, each as defined under the Enforcement Detailed Rules on the Supervision of the Banking Business.

Under the Regulation on the Supervision of the Banking Business most recently amended on December 28, 2007, banks must generally maintain allowances for credit losses in respect of their outstanding loans and other credits (including guarantees, and acceptances and trust account loans) in an aggregate amount covering not less than:

 

   

0.85% of normal credits (or 0.9% in the case of normal credits comprising loans to borrowers in the construction, wholesale and retail, accommodation and restaurant or real estate and housing industries (as classified under the Korean Industry Classification Standard), 1.0% in the case of normal credits comprising loans to individuals and households, and 1.5% in the case of normal credits comprising outstanding credit card receivables and card loans);

 

   

7% of precautionary credits (or 10% in the case of precautionary credits comprising loans to individuals and households, and 15% in the case of precautionary credits comprising outstanding credit card receivables and card loans);

 

   

20% of substandard credits;

 

   

50% of doubtful credits (or 55% in the case of doubtful credits comprising loans to individuals and households, and 60% in the case of doubtful credits comprising outstanding credit card receivables and card loans); and

 

   

100% of estimated loss credits.

 

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Furthermore, under a recent amendment to the Regulation on the Supervision of the Banking Business, Korean banks must establish allowances in respect of any confirmed guarantees (including confirmed acceptances) and outstanding unused credit line as of the date of settlement in an aggregate amount calculated at the same rates applicable to normal, precautionary, substandard and doubtful credits comprising their outstanding loans and other credits as set forth above.

See “—Recent Regulations Relating to Retail Household Loans” and “—Credit Card Business.”

Liquidity

All banks are required to ensure adequate liquidity by matching the maturities of their assets and liabilities in accordance with the Rules on the Supervision of the Banking Business. Banks may not invest an amount exceeding 60% of their Tier I and Tier II capital (less any capital deductions) in stocks and other securities with a maturity of over three years. This stipulation does not apply to Korean government bonds or to Monetary Stabilization Bonds issued by the Bank of Korea. The Financial Services Commission also requires each Korean bank to:

 

   

maintain a Won liquidity ratio (defined as Won assets due within three months, including marketable securities, divided by Won liabilities due within three months) of not less than 100% and to make monthly reports to the Financial Supervisory Service;

 

   

maintain a foreign currency liquidity ratio (defined as foreign currency liquid assets due within three months divided by foreign currency liabilities due within three months) of not less than 85%;

 

   

maintain a ratio of foreign currency liquid assets due within seven days less foreign currency liabilities due within seven days, divided by total foreign currency assets, of not less than 0%; and

 

   

maintain a ratio of foreign currency liquid assets due within a month less foreign currency liabilities due within a month, divided by total foreign currency assets, of not less than negative 10%.

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Korea is empowered to fix and alter minimum reserve requirements that banks must maintain against their deposit liabilities. The current minimum reserve ratio is:

 

   

7% of average balances for Won currency demand deposits outstanding;

 

   

0% of average balances for Won currency employee asset establishment savings deposits, employee long-term savings deposits, employee house purchase savings deposits, long-term house purchase savings deposits, household long-term savings deposits and employee preferential savings deposits outstanding; and

 

   

2% of average balances for Won currency time and savings deposits, mutual installments, housing installments and certificates of deposit outstanding.

For foreign currency deposit liabilities, a 2% minimum reserve ratio is applied to time deposits with a maturity of one month or longer, certificates of deposit with a maturity of 30 days or longer and savings deposits with a maturity of six months or longer and a 7% minimum reserve ratio is applied to demand deposits and other deposits. A 1% minimum reserve ratio applies to offshore accounts, immigrant accounts and resident accounts opened by foreign exchange banks.

Financial Exposure to Any Individual Customer and Major Shareholder

Under the Bank Act, the sum of large exposures by a bank—in other words, the total sum of its credits to single individuals, juridical persons or business groups that exceed 10% of the sum of Tier I and Tier II capital (less any capital deductions)—generally must not exceed five times the sum of Tier I and Tier II capital (less any capital deductions). In addition, banks generally may not extend credit (including loans, guarantees, purchases of securities (only in the nature of a credit) and any other transactions that directly or indirectly create credit risk) in

 

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excess of 20% of the sum of Tier I and Tier II capital (less any capital deductions) to a single individual or juridical person, or grant credit in excess of 25% of the sum of Tier I and Tier II capital (less any capital deductions) to a single group of companies as defined in the Monopoly Regulations and Fair Trade Act.

Amendments to the Bank Act which became effective on July 28, 2002 strengthened restrictions on extending credits to a major shareholder. A “major shareholder” is defined as:

 

   

a shareholder holding (together with persons who have a special relationship with that shareholder) in excess of 10%; (or 15% in the case of regional banks) in the aggregate of the bank’s total issued voting shares; or

 

   

a shareholder holding (together with persons who have a special relationship with that shareholder) in excess of 4% in the aggregate of the bank’s (excluding regional banks) total issued voting shares (excluding shares subject to the shareholding restrictions on “non-financial business group companies” as described below), where the shareholder is the largest shareholder or has actual control over the major business affairs of the bank through, for example, appointment and dismissal of the officers pursuant to the Enforcement Decree of the Bank Act. Non-financial business group companies primarily consist of: (i) any single shareholding group whose non-financial company assets comprise no less than 25% of its aggregate net assets; (ii) any single shareholding group whose non-financial company assets comprise no less than (Won)2 trillion in aggregate; or (iii) any mutual fund of which any single shareholding group identified in (i) or (ii) above, owns more than 4% of the total issued and outstanding shares.

Under these amendments, banks may not extend credits to a major shareholder (together with persons who have a special relationship with that shareholder) in an amount greater than the lesser of (x) 25% of the sum of the bank’s Tier I and Tier II capital (less any capital deductions) and (y) the relevant major shareholders’ shareholding ratio multiplied by the sum of the bank’s Tier I and Tier II capital (less any capital deductions). In addition, the total sum of credits granted to all major shareholders must not exceed 25% of the bank’s Tier I and Tier II capital (less any capital deductions). However, the foregoing restrictions do not apply to the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation, in the event that the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation becomes a major shareholder in the process of restructuring of a bank.

Interest Rates

Korean banks generally depend on deposits as their primary funding source. There are no legal controls on interest rates on loans made by registered banks in Korea. Historically, interest rates on deposits and lending rates were regulated by the Monetary Policy Committee. Controls on deposit interest rates in Korea have been gradually reduced and, in February 2004, the Korean government removed restrictions on all interest rates, except for the prohibition on interest payments on current account deposits. This deregulation process has increased competition for deposits based on interest rates offered and, therefore, may increase a bank’s interest expense.

Lending to Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises

In order to obtain funding from the Bank of Korea at concessionary rates for their small- and medium-sized enterprise loans, banks are required to allocate a certain minimum percentage of any monthly increase in their Won currency lending to small- and medium-sized enterprises. Currently, this minimum percentage is 45% in the case of nationwide banks and 60% in the case of regional banks. If a bank does not comply with this requirement, the Bank of Korea may:

 

   

require the bank to prepay all or a portion of funds provided to that bank in support of loans to small- and medium-sized enterprises; or

 

   

lower the bank’s credit limit.

 

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Disclosure of Management Performance

In order to assist the general public, especially depositors and shareholders, in monitoring bank management performance, the Financial Services Commission requires commercial banks to make mandatory public disclosures of the following in addition to the disclosure regulations generally applicable to listed companies:

 

   

loans bearing no profit made to a single business group in an amount exceeding 10% of the sum of the bank’s Tier I and Tier II capital (less any capital deductions) as of the end of the previous month (where the loan exposure to that borrower is calculated as the sum of substandard credits, doubtful credits and estimated loss credits), unless the loan exposure to that group is not more than (Won)4 billion;

 

   

the occurrence of any financial incident involving embezzlement, malfeasance or misappropriation of funds in an amount exceeding 1% of the sum of the bank’s Tier I and Tier II capital (less any capital deductions), unless the bank has lost or expects to lose not more than (Won)1 billion as a result of that financial incident, or the governor of the Financial Supervisory Service has made a public announcement regarding the incident; and

 

   

any loss due to court judgments or similar decisions in civil proceedings in an amount exceeding 1% of the sum of the bank’s Tier I and Tier II capital (less any capital deductions) as of the end of the previous month, unless the loss is not more than (Won)1 billion.

Restrictions on Lending

Pursuant to the Bank Act, commercial banks may not provide:

 

   

loans for the purpose of speculation in commodities or securities;

 

   

loans directly or indirectly secured by a pledge of a bank’s own shares, or secured by a pledge of shares in excess of 20% of the issued and outstanding shares of any other corporation (subject to certain exceptions with respect to financing for infrastructure projects);

 

   

loans directly or indirectly to enable a natural or juridical person to buy the bank’s own shares;

 

   

loans directly or indirectly to finance political campaigns or related activities;

 

   

loans to any of the bank’s officers or employees, other than petty loans of up to (Won)20 million in the case of a general loan, (Won)50 million in the case of a general loan plus a housing loan or (Won)60 million in the aggregate for general loans, housing loans and loans to pay damages arising from wrongful acts of employees in financial transactions;

 

   

credit (including loans) secured by a pledge of shares of a subsidiary corporation of the bank or to enable a natural or juridical person to buy shares of a subsidiary corporation of the bank; or

 

   

loans to any officers or employees of a subsidiary corporation of the bank, other than general loans of up to (Won)20 million or general and housing loans of up to (Won)50 million in the aggregate.

 

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Recent Regulations Relating to Retail Household Loans

The Financial Services Commission recently implemented a number of changes to the mechanisms by which a bank evaluates and report its retail household loan balances and has proposed implementing further changes. As a result of the rapid increase in retail household loans and related credit risks, the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service increased the minimum provisioning requirements for retail household loans. These requirements, set forth in the following table, became effective on December 31, 2006:

 

Asset Quality Classification

   Provisioning ratio on retail household loans
     Before    Current

Normal

   0.75% or above    1.0% or above

Precautionary

   8.0% or above    10.0% or above

Substandard

   20.0% or above    20.0% or above

Doubtful

   55.0% or above    55.0% or above

Estimated loss

   100.0%    100.0%

In addition, due to a rapid increase in the number of loans secured by homes and other forms of housing, the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service implemented regulations designed to curtail extension of new or refinanced loans secured by housing, including the following:

 

   

as to loans secured by a collateral of housing located nationwide, the loan-to-value ratio (the aggregate principal amount of loans secured by such collateral over the appraised value of the collateral) should not exceed 60%;

 

   

as to loans secured by collateral of housing located in areas of excessive investment as designated by the government, (i) the loan-to-value ratio for loans with a maturity of not more than three years should not exceed 50% and (ii) the loan-to-value ratio for loans with a maturity of more than three years should not exceed 60%;

 

   

as to loans secured by apartments located in areas of high speculation as designated by the government, (i) the loan-to-value ratio for loans with a maturity of not more than ten years should not exceed 40%; and (ii) the loan-to-value ratio for loans with a maturity of more than ten years should not exceed (a) 40%, if the price of such apartment is over (Won)600 million, and (b) 60%, if the price of such apartment is (Won)600 million or lower;

 

   

as to loans secured by apartments with appraisal value of more than (Won)600 million in areas of high speculation as designated by the government or certain metropolitan areas designated as areas of excessive investment by the government, the borrower’s debt-to-income ratio (calculated as (i) the aggregate annual total payment amount of (x) the principal of and interest on loans secured by such apartment(s) and (y) the interest on other debts of the borrower over (ii) the borrower’s annual income) should not exceed 40%;

 

   

as to apartments located in areas of high speculation as designated by the government, a borrower is permitted to have only one new loan secured by such apartment;

 

   

where a borrower has two or more loans secured by apartments located in areas of high speculation as designated by the government, the loan with the earliest maturity date must be repaid first and the number of loans must be eventually reduced to one; and

 

   

in the case of a borrower (i) whose spouse already has a loan secured by housing or (ii) who is single and under 30 years old, the debt-to-income ratio of the borrower in respect of loans secured by apartment(s) located in areas of high speculation as designated by the government should not exceed 40%.

See “Item 3D. Risk Factors—Risks relating to government regulation and policy—Government regulation of retail lending, particularly mortgage and home equity lending, has recently become more stringent, which may adversely affect our retail banking operations.”

 

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Restrictions on Investments in Property

A bank may possess real estate property only to the extent necessary for the conduct of its business, unless the aggregate value of that property does not exceed 60% of the sum of the bank’s Tier I and Tier II capital (less any capital deductions). Any property that a bank acquires by exercising its rights as a secured party, or which a bank is prohibited from acquiring under the Bank Act, must be disposed of within one year.

Restrictions on Shareholdings in Other Companies

Under the Bank Act, a bank may not own more than 15% of shares outstanding with voting rights of another corporation, except where, among other reasons:

 

   

that corporation engages in a category of financial businesses set forth by the Financial Services Commission; or

 

   

the acquisition is necessary for the corporate restructuring of the corporation and is approved by the Financial Services Commission.

In the above exceptional cases, a bank must satisfy either of the following requirements:

 

   

the total investment in corporations in which the bank owns more than 15% of the outstanding shares with voting rights does not exceed 15% of the sum of Tier I and Tier II capital (less any capital deductions); or

 

   

the acquisition satisfies the requirements determined by the Financial Services Commission.

The Bank Act provides that a bank using its bank accounts and its trust accounts may not acquire the shares of another corporation that is a major shareholder of the bank in excess of an amount equal to 1% of the sum of Tier I and Tier II capital (less any capital deductions).

Restrictions on Bank Ownership

Under the Bank Act, a single shareholder and persons who have a special relationship with that shareholder generally may acquire beneficial ownership of no more than 10% of a nationwide bank’s total issued and outstanding shares with voting rights and no more than 15% of a regional bank’s total issued and outstanding shares with voting rights. The Korean government, the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation and bank holding companies qualifying under the Financial Holding Company Act are not subject to this limit. However, non-financial business group companies may not acquire beneficial ownership of shares of a nationwide bank in excess of 4% of that bank’s outstanding voting shares, unless they obtain the approval of the Financial Services Commission and agree not to exercise voting rights in respect of shares in excess of the 4% limit, in which case they may acquire beneficial ownership of up to 10% of a nationwide bank’s outstanding voting shares. In addition, if a foreign investor, as defined in the Foreign Investment Promotion Act, owns in excess of 4% of a nationwide bank’s outstanding voting shares, non-financial business group companies may acquire beneficial ownership of up to 10% of that bank’s outstanding voting shares, and in excess of 10%, 25% or 33% of that bank’s outstanding voting shares with the approval of the Financial Services Commission in each instance, up to the number of shares owned by the foreign investor. Any other person (whether a Korean national or a foreign investor), with the exception of non-financial business group companies described above, may acquire no more than 10% of a nationwide bank’s total voting shares issued and outstanding, unless they obtain approval from the Financial Services Commission in each instance where the total holding will exceed 10% (or 15% in the case of regional banks), 25% or 33% of the bank’s total voting shares issued and outstanding provided that, in addition to the foregoing threshold shareholding ratios, the Financial Services Commission may, at its discretion, designate a separate and additional threshold shareholding ratio.

 

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Deposit Insurance System

The Depositor Protection Act provides insurance for certain deposits of banks in Korea through a deposit insurance system. Under the Depositor Protection Act, all banks governed by the Bank Act are required to pay an insurance premium to the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation on a quarterly basis. The rate is determined under the Enforcement Decree to the Depositor Protection Act, and may not exceed 0.5% of the bank’s insurable deposits in any given year. The current insurance premium is 0.05% of insurable deposits for each quarter. If the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation makes a payment on an insured amount, it will acquire the depositors’ claims with respect to that payment amount. The Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation insures a maximum of (Won)50 million for deposits and interest, regardless of when the deposits were made and the size of the deposits. This limit does not apply to interest-free settlement accounts (for example, a checking account) during the period from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2003 and therefore the whole amount deposited in such accounts is protected.

Restrictions on Foreign Exchange Position

Under the Korean Foreign Exchange Transaction Law, each of a bank’s net overpurchased and oversold positions may not exceed 50% of its shareholders’ equity as of the end of the prior month.

Laws and Regulations Governing Other Business Activities

A bank must register with the Ministry of Strategy and Finance to enter the foreign exchange business, which is governed by the Foreign Exchange Transaction Law. A bank must obtain the permission of the Financial Services Commission to enter the securities business, which is governed by regulations under the Korean Securities and Exchange Act. Under these laws, a bank may engage in the foreign exchange business, securities repurchase business, governmental/public bond underwriting business and governmental bond dealing business.

Trust Business

A bank must obtain approval from the Financial Services Commission to engage in trust businesses. The Trust Act and the Trust Business Act govern the trust activities of banks, and they are subject to various legal and accounting procedures and requirements, including the following:

 

   

under the Bank Act, assets accepted in trust by a bank in Korea must be segregated from other assets in the accounts of that bank, which requires that banks engaged in both banking and trust businesses must maintain two separate accounts and two separate sets of records; and

 

   

depositors and other general creditors cannot obtain or assert claims against the assets comprising the trust accounts in the event the bank is liquidated or wound-up.

The bank must make a special reserve of 25% or more of fees from each unspecified money trust account for which a bank guarantees the principal amount and a fixed rate of interest until the total reserve for that account equals 5% of the trust amount. Since January 1999, the Korean government has prohibited Korean banks from offering new guaranteed fixed rate trust account products whose principal and interest are guaranteed. In addition, a trust bank must deposit with a court an amount equal to 0.02% of its paid-in capital for each fiscal year, until the aggregate amount of those deposits equals 2.5% or more of its paid-in capital. If that bank breaches its duty of care as a trustee and causes losses to its customers, the court deposits are available as compensation.

The Indirect Investment Asset Management Business Act, which applies to unspecified money trust accounts under the Trust Business Act, securities investment trusts under the Securities Investment Trust Business Act, securities investment companies under the Securities Investment Company Act and variable insurance products under the Insurance Business Act, took effect on January 5, 2004. Under the Indirect

 

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Investment Asset Management Business Act, a bank is not permitted to offer current unspecified money trust account products after July 5, 2004 (except under certain limited circumstances), unless it is qualified as an asset management company by such date. Investment trust products will need to be established pursuant to a trust contract entered into between an asset management company and a trustee.

In the event that a bank qualifies and operates as an asset management company, a trustee or a custodian under the Indirect Investment Asset Management Business Act, it is required to establish relevant operation and management systems to prevent potential conflicts of interest among the banking business, the asset management business and the trustee or custodian business. These measures include:

 

   

prohibitions against officers, directors and employees of one particular business operation from serving as an officer, director and employee in another business operation;

 

   

prohibitions against the joint use or sharing of computer equipment or office equipment; and

 

   

prohibitions against the sharing of information by and among officers, directors and employees engaged in the different business operations.

In addition, a bank is also required to establish an Indirect Investment Asset Management Committee consisting of three directors, two of whom must be non-standing directors of such bank.

Credit Card Business

General

In order to enter the credit card business, a bank must register with the Financial Services Commission. Credit card businesses are governed by the Specialized Credit Financial Business Act, enacted on August 28, 1997 and last amended on February 29, 2008. A registered bank engaging in the credit card business is regulated by the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service.

Disclosure and Reports

Pursuant to the Specialized Credit Financial Business Act, a registered bank engaging in the credit card business must submit its business reports and reports with respect to its results of operations to the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service within one month from the end of each quarter and each month.

Risk of Loss Due to Lost, Stolen, Forged or Altered Credit Cards

Under the Specialized Credit Financial Business Act, a registered bank engaging in the credit card business is liable for any loss arising from the unauthorized use of credit cards or debit cards after it has received notice from the holder of the loss or theft of the card. A registered bank engaging in the credit card business is also responsible for any losses resulting from the use of forged or altered credit cards, debit cards and pre-paid cards. A registered bank engaging in the credit card business may, however, transfer all or part of this latter risk of loss to holders of credit card in the event of willful misconduct or gross negligence by holders of credit card if the terms and conditions of the agreement entered between the registered bank engaging in the credit card business and members of such cards specifically provide for that transfer.

For these purposes, disclosure of a customer’s password that is made intentionally or through gross negligence, or the transfer of or giving as collateral of the credit card or debit card, is considered willful misconduct or gross negligence. However, a disclosure of a cardholder’s password that is made under irresistible force or threat to cardholder or his/her relatives’ life or health will not be deemed as willful misconduct or negligence of the cardholder.

Each registered bank engaging in the credit card business must institute appropriate measures to fulfill these obligations, such as establishing provisions, purchasing insurance or joining a cooperative association.

 

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Pursuant to the Enforcement Decree to Specialized Credit Financial Business Act, a registered bank engaging in the credit card business will be liable for any losses arising from loss or theft of a credit card (which was not from the holder’s willful misconduct or negligence) during the period beginning 60 days before the notice by the holder to the registered bank engaging in the credit card business.

Pursuant to the Specialized Credit Financial Business Act, the Financial Services Commission may either restrict the limit or take other necessary measures against the registered bank engaging in the credit card business with respect to the following:

 

   

maximum limits for cash advances on credit cards;

 

   

use restrictions on debit cards with respect to per day or per transaction usage; or

 

   

aggregate issuance limits and maximum limits on the amount per card on pre-paid cards.

Lending Ratio in Ancillary Business

Pursuant to the Enforcement Decree to the Specialized Credit Financial Business Act issued in December 2003, a registered bank engaging in the credit card business must maintain an aggregate quarterly average outstanding lending balance to credit cardholders (including cash advances and credit card loans, but excluding restructured loans) no greater the sum of (i) its aggregate quarterly average outstanding credit card balance arising from the purchase of goods and services and (ii) the aggregate quarterly debit card transaction volume.

Issuance of New Cards and Solicitation of New Cardholders

The Enforcement Decree to the Specialized Credit Financial Business Act establishes the conditions under which a registered bank engaging in the credit card business may issue new cards and solicit new members. New credit cards may be issued only to the following persons:

 

   

persons who are at least 18 years old when they apply for a credit card;

 

   

persons whose capability to pay bills as they come due has been verified using standards established by the registered bank engaging in the credit card business; and

 

   

in the case of minors who are at least 18 years and younger than 20 years, persons who submit a guardian’s consent along with documents evidencing income, such as an employment certificate or a tax certificate.

In addition, a registered bank engaging in the credit card business may not solicit credit card members by:

 

   

providing economic benefits or promising to provide economic benefits in excess of 10% of the annual credit card fee (in the case of no-annual fee credit cards, the average annual fees will be deemed to be (Won)10,000) in connection with issuing a credit card;

 

   

soliciting applicants on roads, public places or along corridors used by the general public;

 

   

soliciting applicants through visits, except those visits made upon prior consent and visits to a business area; and

 

   

soliciting applicants through pyramid sales methods.

Compliance Rules on Collection of Receivable Claims

Pursuant to Supervisory Regulation on the Specialized Credit Financial Business, a registered bank engaging in the credit card business may not:

 

   

exert violence or threaten violence;

 

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inform a related party (a guarantor of the debtor, blood relative or fiancée of the debtor, a person living in the same household as the debtor or a person working in the same workplace as the debtor) of the debtor’s obligations without just cause;

 

   

provide false information relating to the debtor’s obligation to the debtor or his or her related parties;

 

   

threaten to sue or sue the debtor for fraud despite lack of affirmative evidence to establish that the debtor has submitted forged or false documentation with respect to his/her capacity to make payment;

 

   

visit or telephone the debtor during late evening hours (between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.); and

 

   

utilize other uncustomary methods to collect the receivables that interfere with the privacy or the peace in the workplace of the debtor or his or her related parties.

Regulations on Class Actions Regarding Securities

The Law on Class Actions Regarding Securities was enacted as of January 20, 2004 and an amendment to such law was enacted as of March 10, 2005. The Law on Class Actions Regarding Securities governs class actions suits instituted by one or more representative plaintiff(s) on behalf of 50 or more persons who claim to have been damaged in a capital markets transaction involving securities issued by a listed company in Korea.

Applicable causes of action with respect to such suits include:

 

   

claims for damages caused by misleading information contained in a securities statement;

 

   

claims for damages caused by the filing of a misleading business report, semi-annual report, or quarterly report;

 

   

claims for damages caused by insider trading or market manipulation; and

 

   

claims instituted against auditors for damages caused by accounting irregularities.

Any such class action may be instituted upon approval from the presiding court and the outcome of such class action will have a binding effect on all potential plaintiffs who have not joined the action, with the exception of those who have filed an opt out notice with such court.

The Law on Class Actions Regarding Securities took effect on January 1, 2007 with respect to companies with a total asset value of less than (Won)2 trillion, and took effect on January 1, 2005 for all other companies and will apply retroactively to all applicable claims arising out of acts committed since its enactment.

An amendment of the new law delayed its effectiveness until December 31, 2006 with respect to claims against companies and their auditors in cases where such companies took steps to correct any accounting irregularities.

Financial Investment Services and Capital Market Act

On July 3, 2007, the National Assembly of Korea passed the Financial Investment Services and Capital Market Act (the “FCA”), a new law consolidating six laws regulating capital markets. The FCA will become effective from February 2009. Prior to the effective date, certain procedural matters will be initiated from July 2008, as discussed further below. In addition, specific details regarding the implementation of the FCA will be set forth in the related presidential decree and regulations to be prepared by the Ministry of Finance and Economy, which are scheduled to be finalized prior to July 2008.

The following is a summary of the major changes introduced under the FCA.

 

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Consolidation of Capital Markets-Related Laws

Currently, there are separate laws regulating various types of financial institutions depending on the type of financial institution (for example, securities companies, futures companies, trust business companies and asset management companies) and subjecting financial institutions to different licensing and ongoing regulatory requirements (for example, the Securities and Exchange Act, the Futures Business Act and the Indirect Investment Asset Management Business Act). By applying one uniform set of rules to the same financial business having the same economic function, the FCA attempts to improve and address issues caused by the current regulatory system under which the same economic function relating to capital markets-related businesses are governed by multiple regulations. To this end, the FCA categorizes capital markets-related businesses into six different functions, as follows:

 

   

dealing (trading and underwriting of “financial investment products” (as defined below)),

 

   

brokerage (brokerage of financial investment products),

 

   

collective investment (establishment of collective investment schemes and the management thereof),

 

   

investment advice,

 

   

discretionary investment management, and

 

   

trusts (together with the five businesses set forth above, the “Financial Investment Businesses”).

Therefore, all current financial businesses relating to financial investment products will be reclassified as one or more of the Financial Investment Businesses described above, and financial institutions will be subject to the regulations applicable to their relevant Financial Investment Business(es), irrespective of the type of the financial institution (for example, in principle, derivative businesses conducted by securities companies and futures companies will be subject to the same regulations under the FCA).

The banking business and insurance business are not subject to the FCA and continue to be regulated under separate laws.

Comprehensive Definition of Financial Investment Products

In an effort to encompass the various types of securities and derivative products available in the capital markets, the FCA sets forth a comprehensive term “financial investment products,” defined to mean all financial products with a risk of loss in the invested amount (in contrast to “deposits,” which are financial products for which the invested amount is protected or preserved). Financial investment products are classified into two major categories: (i) “securities” (relating to financial investment products where the risk of loss is limited to the invested amount) and (ii) “derivatives” (relating to financial investment products where the risk of loss may exceed the invested amount). As a result of the general and open-ended manner in which financial investment products are defined, any future financial product could potentially come within the scope of the definition of financial investment products, thereby enabling Financial Investment Companies (as defined below) to handle a broader range of financial products. Under the FCA, securities companies, asset management companies, futures companies and other entities engaging in any Financial Investment Business are classified as “Financial Investment Companies.”

New License System and the Conversion of Existing Licenses

Financial Investment Companies will be able to choose what Financial Investment Business to engage in (via a “check the box” method set forth in the relevant license application), by specifying the desired (i) Financial Investment Business, (ii) financial investment product and (iii) target customers to which financial investment products may be sold or dealt to (i.e., general investors or professional investors). Licenses will be issued under the specific business sub-categories described in the foregoing sentence. For example, it would be possible for a Financial Investment Company to obtain a license to engage in the Financial Investment Business of (i) dealing (ii) over the counter derivatives products (iii) only with sophisticated investors.

 

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Financial institutions currently engaging in business activities constituting a Financial Investment Business will have to take certain steps, such as renewal of their license or registration, in order to continue engaging in such business activities. The period to complete the necessary steps will be two months, commencing in July 2008, subject to extension as further described in the FCA. Financial institutions that are not licensed Financial Investment Companies will not be permitted to engage in any Financial Investment Business, subject to the following exceptions: (i) banks and insurance companies will be permitted to engage in certain categories of Financial Investment Business; and (ii) other financial institutions that engaged in any Financial Investment Business prior to the effective date of the FCA (whether in the form of a concurrent business or an incidental business) will be permitted to continue such Financial Investment Business for a period not exceeding six months commencing on the effective date of the FCA.

Expanded Business Scope of Financial Investment Companies

Under the current regulatory system in Korea, it is difficult for a financial institution to explore a new line of business or expand upon its existing line of business. For example, a financial institution licensed as a securities company generally may not engage in the asset management business. In contrast, under the FCA, pursuant to the integration of its current businesses involving financial investment products into a single Financial Investment Business, a licensed Financial Investment Company will be permitted to engage in all types of Financial Investment Businesses, subject to satisfying relevant regulations for example, maintaining an adequate “Chinese Wall,” to the extent required. As to incidental businesses (i.e., a financial related business which is not a Financial Investment Business), the FCA generally allows a Financial Investment Company to freely engage in such incidental businesses by shifting away from the current positive-list system towards a more comprehensive system. In addition, a Financial Investment Company will be permitted to outsource marketing activities by contracting “introducing brokers” that are individuals but not employees of the Financial Investment Company. It is expected that Financial Investment Companies will be permitted (i) to engage in foreign exchange businesses related to their Financial Investment Business and (ii) to participate in the settlement network, pursuant to an agreement among the settlement network participants.

Improvement in Investor Protection Mechanism

While the FCA widens the scope of financial businesses in which financial institutions are permitted to engage, a more rigorous investor-protection mechanism will be imposed upon Financial Investment Companies dealing in financial investment products. The FCA distinguishes general investors from sophisticated investors and provides new or enhanced protections to general investors. For instance, the FCA expressly provides for a strict know-your-customer rule for general investors and imposes an obligation that Financial Investment Companies should market financial investment products suitable to each general investor, using written explanatory materials. Under the FCA, a Financial Investment Company could be liable if a general investor proves (i) damage or losses relating to such general investor’s investment in financial investment products solicited by such Financial Investment Company and (ii) the absence of the requisite written explanatory materials (without having to prove fault or causation). With respect to conflicts of interest between Financial Investment Companies and investors, the FCA expressly requires (i) disclosure of any conflict of interest to investors and (ii) mitigation of conflicts of interest to a comfortable level or abstention from the relevant transaction.

Other Changes of Securities/Fund Regulations

The FCA aims to change various securities regulations including those relating to public disclosure, insider trading and proxy contests, which are currently governed by the Securities and Exchange Act. For example, the 5% and 10% reporting obligations under the Securities and Exchange Act will become more stringent. The Indirect Investment and Asset Management Business Act strictly limits the kind of vehicles that could be utilized under a collective investment scheme, restricting the range of potential vehicles to trusts and corporations, and the type of funds that can be used for investments. However, under the FCA, these restrictions will be

 

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significantly liberalized, permitting all vehicles that may be created under Korean law, such as limited liability companies or partnerships, to be used for the purpose of collective investments and allowing investment funds to be much more flexible as to their investments.

 

Item 4C.    Organizational Structure

We are the direct or indirect parent company of a number of subsidiaries. The following table provides summary information for our operating subsidiaries that are consolidated in our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007, including their total assets, net income, operating income and stockholders’ equity:

 

Subsidiary

   Percentage of
ownership
    Total assets    Stockholders’
equity
   Operating
Income
   Net
Income
     (in millions of Won)

KB Data Systems Co., Ltd.

   99.99 %   (Won) 49,112    (Won) 21,019    (Won) 5,964    (Won) 4,242

KB Futures Co., Ltd.

   99.98       126,139      29,893      4,568      3,215

KB Investment Co., Ltd.

   99.99       117,804      114,660      8,173      8,173

KB Asset Management Co., Ltd.

   80.00       104,827      96,088      30,808      22,221

KB Real Estate Trust Co., Ltd.

   99.99       291,771      147,750      32,461      23,367

KB Credit Information Co., Ltd.

   99.73       47,484      40,516      7,303      5,313

Kookmin Bank Hong Kong Ltd.

   100.00       402,857      80,192      5,518      4,729

Kookmin Bank International Ltd.

   100.00       432,003      73,991      4,407      3,342

Further information regarding our subsidiaries is provided below:

 

   

KB Data Systems Co., Ltd. was established in Korea in September 1991 to provide software services to us and other financial institutions.

 

   

KB Futures Co., Ltd. was established in Korea in March 1997 to act as a broker-dealer for domestic and overseas futures transactions.

 

   

KB Investment Co., Ltd. was established in Korea in March 1990 to invest in and finance small- and medium-sized enterprises. KB Investment was merged with Frontier Investment Co., Ltd. and Kookmin Venture Capital Co., Ltd. effective as of December 31, 2001 and June 27, 2002, respectively. KB Investment was formerly known as Kookmin Bank Venture Capital Co., Ltd. until May 25, 2002.

 

   

KB Asset Management Co., Ltd. was established in April 1988 as a subsidiary of Citizens Investment Trust Company to provide trust account investment services. KB Asset Management was formerly known as Jooeun Investment Management Co., Ltd. until June 10, 2002.

 

   

KB Real Estate Trust Co., Ltd. was established in December 1996 to provide real estate development and brokerage services and assist small- and medium-sized construction companies by managing trusts related to the real estate industry. KB Real Estate Trust was formerly known as Jooeun Real Estate Trust Co., Ltd. until September 16, 2002.

 

   

KB Credit Information Co., Ltd. was established in October 1999 to collect delinquent loans and to check credit history. KB Credit Information was formerly known as Kookeun Credit Information Co., Ltd. (and prior to that was known as Jooeun Credit Information Co, Ltd.) and was merged with KM Credit Information Co., Ltd. on May 2, 2002.

 

   

Kookmin Bank Hong Kong Ltd. was established in July 1995 to provide a broad range of corporate banking services.

 

   

Kookmin Bank International Ltd. was established in the United Kingdom in November 1991 to provide a broad range of corporate banking services.

 

   

Other Subsidiaries. For the year ended December 31, 2007, we derived operating loss of (Won)355 billion (primarily reflecting non-recurring losses of our special purpose vehicle subsidiaries) and net loss of (Won)1 billion from our remaining subsidiaries, which individually do not account for a significant amount of our business.

 

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In addition, in March 2008, we acquired 95.8% of the outstanding common stock of KB Investment & Securities Co., Ltd., formerly known as Hannuri Investment & Securities Co., Ltd., for an aggregate purchase price of (Won)266.3 billion. KB Investment & Securities, which was established in Korea in August 1995, provides various investment banking services and became our consolidated subsidiary following such acquisition.

 

Item 4D.    Property, Plants and Equipment

Our registered office and corporate headquarters are located at 9-1, 2-ga, Namdaemoon-ro, Jung-Gu, Seoul 100-703, Korea. The following table presents information regarding certain of our properties in Korea:

 

Type of facility/building

  

Location

   Area
(square meters)

Registered office and corporate headquarters

  

9-1, 2-ga, Namdaemoon-ro,

Jung-gu, Seoul 100-703

   1,749

Headquarters building

   36-3, Yeoido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu,    5,354
   Seoul 150-758   

Headquarters building

   Yeoido, Seoul    5,928

Headquarters building

   Yeoido, Seoul    2,006

Headquarters building

   Jongro-gu, Seoul    3,704

Training institute

   Ilsan    207,659

Training institute

   Daechon    4,158

Training institute

   Sokcho    15,584

Training institute

   Cheonan    196,649

IT center

   Seoul    13,116

IT center

   Seoul    4,748

As of December 31, 2007, we had a countrywide network of 1,205 branches and sub-branches. Approximately one-third of these facilities are housed in buildings owned by us, while the remaining branches are leased properties. Lease terms are generally from two to three years and seldom exceed five years. We also have subsidiaries in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom and branches in Tokyo in Japan, Auckland in New Zealand, New York in the United States and Guangzhou in China, as well as representative offices in Almaty in Kazakhstan, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Kyiv in the Ukraine. We do not own any material properties outside of Korea.

The net book value of all the properties owned by us at December 31, 2007 was (Won)1,826 billion.

Item 4.A.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

We do not have any unresolved comments from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission staff regarding our periodic reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act.

 

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Item 5.    OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

 

Item 5A.    Operating Results

Overview

The following discussion is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, except for (1) the segment analyses, which are prepared based on Korean GAAP and (2) the selected financial information under Korean GAAP, which is based on our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP.

Trends in the Korean Economy

Our financial position and results of operations have been and will continue to be significantly affected by financial and economic conditions in Korea.

Substantial growth in lending in Korea to small- and medium-sized enterprises has in recent years led to increasing delinquencies and a deterioration in overall asset quality, which began to stabilize in 2006. In 2007, under Korean GAAP, we recorded charge-offs of (Won)290 billion and provisions of (Won)369 billion in respect of our loans to small- and medium-sized enterprises, compared to charge-offs of (Won)391 billion and provisions of (Won)271 billion in 2006. See “Item 3D. Risk Factors—Risk relating to our small- and medium-sized enterprise loan portfolio.”

In recent years, commercial banks, credit card companies, consumer finance companies and other financial institutions in Korea have also made significant investments and engaged in aggressive marketing in retail lending (including mortgage and home equity loans), leading to substantially increased competition in this segment. The rapid growth in retail lending led to increasing delinquencies, loan loss provisions, non-performing loans and charge-offs, which began to stabilize in 2005. In 2007, we recorded charge-offs of (Won)324 billion in respect of our retail loan portfolio, compared to charge-offs of (Won)484 billion in 2006. See “Item 3D. Risk Factors—Risks relating to our retail credit portfolio.”

The Korean economy is also closely tied to, and is affected by developments in, the global economy. During the second and third quarter of 2007, credit markets in the United States started to experience difficult conditions and volatility that in turn have affected worldwide financial markets. In particular, in late July and early August 2007, market uncertainty in the U.S. sub-prime mortgage sector increased dramatically and further expanded to other markets such as those for leveraged finance, collateralized debt obligations and other structured products. These conditions have resulted in reduced liquidity, greater volatility, widening of credit spreads and a lack of price transparency in the United States and global credit and financial markets. Recent increases in credit spreads, as well as limitations on the availability of credit, may affect our ability to borrow, which may adversely affect our liquidity and performance. See “Item 3D. Risk Factors—Risks relating to liquidity and capital management.”

As a result of the developments in the Korean and global economy described above, as well as factors such as high oil prices, the weakness of the economy in certain parts of the world, and tensions with North Korea, the economic outlook for the financial services sector in Korea in 2008 and for the foreseeable future is uncertain.

New Basel Capital Accord

Beginning on January 1, 2008, the Financial Supervisory Service implemented Basel II in Korea, which has substantially affected the way risk is measured among Korean financial institutions, including us. Building upon the initial Basel Capital Accord of 1988, which focused primarily on credit risk and market risk and on capital adequacy and asset soundness as measures of risk, Basel II expands this approach to contemplate additional areas of risk such as operational risk when calculating risk-weighted assets. While we believe that the implementation of our internal ratings-based approach in 2008 has increased our capital adequacy ratio and led to a decrease in

 

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our credit risk-related capital requirements as compared to those under our previous approach under the initial Basel Capital Accord of 1988, there can be no assurance that such internal ratings-based approach under Basel II will not require an increase in our credit risk capital requirements in the future, which may require us to either improve our asset quality or raise additional capital. See “Item 5B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Financial Condition—Capital Adequacy.”

Changes in Securities Values, Exchange Rates and Interest Rates

Fluctuations of exchange rates, interest rates and stock prices affect, among other things, the demand for our products and services, the value of and rate of return on our assets, the availability and cost of funding and the financial condition of our customers. The following table shows, for the dates indicated, the stock price index of all equities listed on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange as published in the KOSPI, the Won to U.S. dollar exchange rates and benchmark Won borrowing interest rates.

 

    Dec. 31,
2003
    June 30,
2004
    Dec. 31,
2004
    June 30,
2005
    Dec. 30,
2005
    June 30,
2006
    Dec. 29,
2006
    June 29,
2007
    Dec. 31,
2007
 

KOSPI

    810.71       785.79       895.92       1,008.16       1,379.37       1,295.15       1,434.46       1,743.60       1,897.13  

Won/US$ exchange rates (1)

  (Won) 1,192.0     (Won) 1,156.0     (Won) 1,035.1     (Won) 1,034.5     (Won) 1,010.0     (Won) 948.5     (Won) 930.0     (Won) 922.6     (Won) 935.8  

Corporate bond rates (2)

    5.7 %     5.0 %     3.9 %     4.4 %     5.7 %     5.3 %     5.2 %     5.6 %     6.9 %

Treasury bond rates (3)

    4.8 %     4.2 %     3.3 %     4.0 %     5.1 %     4.9 %     4.9 %     5.3 %     5.7 %

 

(1)

Represents the noon buying rate on the dates indicated.

(2)

Measured by the yield on three-year Korean corporate bonds rated as A+ by the Korean credit rating agencies.

(3)

Measured by the yield on three-year treasury bonds issued by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance of Korea.

Critical Accounting Policies

The notes to our consolidated financial statements contain a summary of our significant accounting policies, including a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements. Certain of these policies are critical to the portrayal of our financial condition, since they require management to make difficult, complex or subjective judgments, some of which may relate to matters that are inherently uncertain. We discuss these critical accounting policies below.

Allowance for Credit Losses

We evaluate our credit portfolio for impairment on an ongoing basis. We have established an allowance for credit losses, which is available to absorb probable losses that have been incurred in our credit portfolio as of the balance sheet date. If we believe that additions or changes to the allowance for credit losses are required, then we record provisions for credit losses, which are treated as charges against current income. Credit exposures that we deem to be uncollectible, including actual credit losses, net of recoveries of previously charged-off amounts, are charged directly against the allowance for credit losses.

We base the level of our allowance for credit losses on an evaluation of the risk characteristics of our credit portfolio. The evaluation considers factors such as historical loss experience, the financial condition of our borrowers and current economic conditions. We evaluate corporate loans, consumer loans and off-balance sheet credit instruments in different ways, due to their respective characteristics, as follows:

 

   

We generally evaluate impaired corporate loans individually, due to the unique characteristics of individual corporate borrowers, and establish an allowance for loan losses for such loans. As described

 

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in more detail in Note 1 of our consolidated financial statements, we consider a loan impaired when, after considering risk characteristics and current information and events, we believe it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement, including principal and interest. Once we have identified loans as impaired, we generally value them either based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at a loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if a loan is collateral dependent. If the resulting value is less than the carrying value of the loan, we establish a specific allowance for the difference, which is deemed uncollectible.

 

   

We also establish an allowance for loan losses for corporate loans that we do not believe are impaired. This allowance is established for each homogeneous pool of these loans based on our historical loss experience for these types of loans.

 

   

We establish an allowance for losses related to leases based on historical loss experience for these types of loans.

 

   

We generally evaluate consumer loans and certain smaller balance corporate loans, including mortgages and home equity loans and credit card balances, as individual pools for loan loss reserve purposes due to their homogeneous nature, and establish an allowance for loan losses relating to each pool based on historical loss experience.

 

   

We establish an allowance for losses for off-balance sheet credit instruments based on the probability of usage and historical loss experience.

Factors that we consider when establishing reserves for homogeneous pools of corporate and consumer loans include, but are not limited to, global and local economic events, delinquencies and changes in underwriting and credit monitoring policies.

We believe that the accounting estimate related to our allowance for credit losses is a “critical accounting policy” because: (1) it is highly susceptible to change from period to period because it requires us to make assumptions about future default rates and losses relating to our credit portfolio; and (2) any significant difference between our estimated credit losses (as reflected in our allowance for credit losses) and actual credit losses could require us to take additional provisions which, if significant, could have a material impact on our net income. Our assumptions about estimated losses require significant judgment because actual losses have fluctuated in the past and are expected to continue to do so, based on a variety of factors.

Our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 included a total allowance for credit losses of (Won)2,107 billion as of that date (including allowances of (Won)243 billion with respect to off-balance sheet credit instruments). Our total loan charge-offs, net of recoveries, amounted to (Won)714 billion and we recorded a provision for credit losses of (Won)18 billion in 2007.

Valuation of Securities and Financial Instruments

We invest in various financial instruments including debt and equity securities, derivatives and investments in venture capital activities. Depending on the accounting treatment specific to each type of financial instrument, an estimate of fair value is required to determine the instrument’s effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 

   

Trading assets and liabilities: Trading assets include securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Trading assets and liabilities also include derivatives used for trading purposes as well as those used for other than trading purposes that do not qualify for hedge accounting and foreign exchange spot contracts. Trading positions are carried at fair value and recorded on a trade date basis, with changes in fair value recognized in net trading revenue as they occur.

 

   

Debt and marketable equity securities: We classify our investments in debt and marketable equity securities as available-for-sale when we intend to hold the securities for an indeterminable period of time or when the securities may be sold from time to time to effectively manage interest rate exposure

 

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and liquidity needs. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported in the “accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax” component of stockholders’ equity. Any other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of available-for-sale securities results in the recognition of realized loss in earnings. We classify our investments in debt securities as held-to-maturity if we intend, and have the ability, to hold them until maturity. Held-to-maturity securities are reported at amortized cost. Declines in fair value of individual held-to-maturity securities below their amortized cost that are other-than-temporary result in write-downs of the securities to their fair value.

 

   

Nonmarketable or restricted equity securities: Some equity securities do not have readily determinable marketable values or have sales restrictions exceeding one year. We carry such securities at cost, with any other-than-temporary impairment recorded in earnings. The fair values of nonmarketable equity securities are based on the latest obtainable net asset value of the investees, which often reflect cost or other reference events or valuation performed by qualified independent valuators. The fair values of restricted equity securities are based on the latest market value of the related nonrestricted securities less a restriction discount. Any changes in the information or assumptions used in obtaining the fair values could significantly affect the fair value of these investments.

 

   

Investments in venture capital activities: Certain of our subsidiaries engage exclusively in venture capital activities. We carry venture capital investments at fair value with net changes in fair value recognized as non-interest income or expense. The fair values of publicly traded securities these subsidiaries hold are generally based on quoted market prices. Securities that these subsidiaries hold that are not publicly traded are originally recorded at cost, which is deemed to be fair value as of the acquisition date. Subsequent to that date we estimate fair value based on investee transactions with unaffiliated parties or based on our review of the investee’s financial results and condition. If such information is not readily available, the fair values are based on the latest obtainable net asset value of the investees. Any changes to these assumptions could significantly affect the fair values of these investments.

If available, quoted market prices provide the best indication of fair value. We determine the fair value of our securities and financial instruments using quoted market prices when available, including third party broker quotations. If quoted market prices are not available, we determine the fair value based on pricing or valuation models, quoted prices of instruments with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. The fair values calculated based on pricing and valuation models or discounted cash flow analysis are subject to various assumptions used which, if changed, could significantly affect the fair values of the investments. These assumptions relate to discount rates, cash flows and certain modeling techniques, among other things. For certain nonmarketable or restricted securities, we may periodically utilize external valuations performed by qualified independent evaluators.

Factors we consider in determining whether declines in value are other-than-temporary include the length of time and extent to which fair value is less than cost, the status, financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, the status of the security, our intent and ability to hold the related security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any recovery in market value, and (for domestic securities only) the state of the Korean economy. Any changes in these assumptions could significantly affect the valuation and timing of recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment.

We believe that the accounting estimates related to the fair market value of our various securities is a “critical accounting policy” because: (1) they may be highly susceptible to change from period to period based on factors beyond our control; and (2) any significant difference between our estimated fair value of these securities on any particular date and either their estimated fair value on a different date or the actual proceeds that we receive upon sale of these securities could result in valuation losses or losses on disposal which may have a material impact on our net income. Our assumptions about the fair market value of securities we hold, and in particular whether or not any decline in the value of our available-for-sale or held-to-maturity securities is

 

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temporary, require significant judgment because actual valuations have fluctuated in the past and are expected to continue to do so, based on a variety of factors.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

We recognized a significant amount of goodwill in connection with our merger with Korea Long Term Credit Bank and our acquisition of Kookmin Credit Card. In addition, we acquired core deposit and credit card relationship intangible assets upon our merger with H&CB, and credit card relationship intangible assets upon our acquisition of Kookmin Credit Card.

Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination. We allocated goodwill to the reporting unit level, which we define as an operating segment, or one level below. We do not amortize goodwill. Instead, we perform tests for impairment of goodwill annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that it might be impaired. Such tests include comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value is less than the carrying amount, a second test is required to measure the amount of goodwill impairment. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess. Impairment assessments are performed using a variety of valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flow estimates. Management estimates the future cash flows expected to be derived from the use and, if applicable, the terminal value of the assets. The key variables that management must estimate include, among other factors, market trading volume, market share, fee income, growth rate and profitability margin. Although the assumptions used are consistent with internal planning, significant management judgment is involved in estimating these variables, which include inherent uncertainties. A discount rate is applied to the cash flow estimates considering our cost of capital rate and specific country and industry risk factors.

We recorded the other intangible assets at their estimated fair values. The core deposit intangible assets reflects the value of the base of demand deposits and savings accounts acquired, which we can expect to maintain for an extended period because of generally stable customer relationships. The fair value of this asset was based principally upon the estimates of: (1) the funding benefits that these deposits provide relative to our alternative funding sources; and (2) the projected run-off of the related customer accounts. The credit card relationship intangible assets reflect the value of the credit card relationships acquired from which we expect to derive future benefits over the estimated life of such relationships. The fair value of this asset was based principally upon the estimates of: (1) the profitability of the acquired accounts; and (2) the projected run-off of the acquired accounts. We will amortize these intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, which range from approximately six to ten years, on an accelerated basis. Any changes to the assumptions used in determining the fair values or the estimated useful lives of such assets could significantly affect the carrying values of these intangible assets. We periodically perform an impairment review on these intangible assets when circumstances warrant such an evaluation, and any impaired amounts are written off.

We believe that the accounting estimates related to the fair values of our acquired goodwill and other intangible assets is a “critical accounting policy” because: (1) they may be highly susceptible to change from period to period because they require assumptions about future cash flows, run-off rates and profitability; and (2) any significant difference between our estimates and the actual amounts could result in valuation losses which may have a material impact on our net income. Our assumptions about estimated future cash flows, run-off rates and profitability require significant judgment and the fair values of the goodwill and other intangible assets could fluctuate in the future, based on a variety of factors.

Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets and Uncertain Tax Positions

In the normal course of business, we and our subsidiaries enter into transactions for which the tax treatment is unclear or subject to varying interpretations. We evaluate and assess the relative risks and merits of the

 

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appropriate tax treatment of transactions, filing positions and taxable income calculations after considering statutes, regulations, judicial precedent, and other information, and maintain tax accruals consistent with our evaluation of these relative risks and merits. The result of our evaluation and assessment is by its nature an estimate. We and our subsidiaries are routinely subject to audit and challenges from tax authorities. In the event we resolve a challenge for an amount different than amounts previously accrued, we will account for the difference in the period in which we resolve the matter. From January 1, 2007, with respect to accounting for uncertainty in our tax positions, we adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN No. 48”), which sets out a consistent framework to determine the appropriate level of tax reserves to maintain for uncertain tax positions.

This interpretation uses a two-step approach, wherein a tax benefit is recognized if a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities, and the amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authorities. Differences between tax positions taken in a tax return and amounts recognized are reflected in the financial statements as adjustments of income tax expense or deferred tax assets (liabilities). In addition, interest and penalties related to tax positions are classified as a component of income tax expense. FIN No. 48 also requires enterprises to make explicit disclosures at the end of each reporting period about uncertainties in their income tax positions, including detailed carry-forwards of tax benefits taken that do not qualify for financial statement recognition.

As a result of the substantial losses incurred by certain of our subsidiaries, we had an aggregate of (Won)69 billion of net operating loss carry-forwards as of December 31, 2007, which expire from 2008 to 2012. We may be able to use these net operating loss carry-forwards, as well as temporary differences in the amount of tax recorded for tax purposes and accounting purposes, to reduce the amount of tax that we would otherwise be required to pay in future periods. We recognize all existing future tax benefits arising from these tax attributes as deferred tax assets and then, based on our internal estimates of our future profits, establish a valuation allowance equal to the extent that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized. We record a benefit or expense under the income tax expense/benefit line of our income statement when there is a net change in our total deferred tax assets and liabilities in a period. In 2005, 2006 and 2007, we recorded a valuation allowance for a certain amount of deferred tax assets resulting from net operating loss carry-forwards and land revaluation due to the uncertainty of the amount of our future profitability.

We believe that the estimates related to our recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions and the establishment of the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is a “critical accounting policy” because: (1) they may be highly susceptible to change from period to period based on our assumptions regarding the final outcome of our uncertain tax positions and our future profitability; and (2) any significant difference between our estimates of such outcomes and future profits on any particular date and estimates of such outcomes and future profits on a different date could result in an income tax expense or benefit which may have a material impact on our net income from period to period. Our assumptions about the final outcomes of our uncertain tax positions and our future profitability require significant judgment and are inherently subjective.

 

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Results of Operations

Net Interest Income

The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the principal components of our net interest income:

 

     Year ended December 31,     Year ended December 31,  
     2005     2006     2007     2006/2005     2007/2006  
    

(in billions of Won,

except percentages)

    (% change)  

Interest and dividend income

          

Loans, including fees

   (Won) 9,464     (Won) 9,941     (Won) 11,295     5.0 %   13.6 %

Trading securities

     129       159       247     23.3     55.3  

Investment securities

     960       1,217       1,171     26.8     (3.8 )

Call loans and securities purchased under resale agreements

     78       60       60     (23.1 )   0.0  

Deposits

     27       28       19     3.7     (32.1 )
                            

Total interest and dividend income

     10,658       11,405       12,792     7.0     12.2  
                            

Interest expense

          

Deposits

     3,181       3,408       4,132     7.1     21.2  

Call money

     40       119       101     197.5     (15.1 )

Other borrowed funds

     289       354       478     22.5     35.0  

Secured borrowings

     310       389       379     25.5     (2.6 )

Long-term debt

     937       1,072       1,597     14.4     49.0  
                            

Total interest expense

     4,757       5,342       6,687     12.3     25.2  
                            

Net interest income

   (Won) 5,901     (Won) 6,063     (Won) 6,105     2.7     0.7  
                            

Net interest margin (1)

     3.53 %     3.43 %     3.17 %    

 

(1)

The ratio of net interest income to average interest earning assets. See “Item 3A. Selected Financial Data—Profitability ratios and other data.”

Comparison of 2007 to 2006

Interest and dividend income. Interest and dividend income increased 12.2% from (Won)11,405 billion in 2006 to (Won)12,792 billion in 2007, primarily due to a 13.6% increase in interest and fees on loans, which was enhanced by a 55.3% increase in interest and dividends on trading securities. The average balance of our interest earning assets increased 9.0% from (Won)176,655 billion in 2006 to (Won)192,610 billion in 2007, and the average yields on our interest earning assets increased from 6.46% in 2006 to 6.64% in 2007.

The 13.6% increase in interest and fees on loans from (Won)9,941 billion in 2006 to (Won)11,295 billion in 2007 was primarily the result of:

 

   

a 24.9% increase in the average volume of commercial and industrial loans from (Won)44,631 billion in 2006 to (Won)55,759 billion in 2007, which was enhanced by an increase of 21 basis points in average yields on such loans from 6.04% in 2006 to 6.25% in 2007;

 

   

a 6.7% increase in the average volume of mortgage and home equity loans from (Won)60,373 billion in 2006 to (Won)64,419 billion in 2007, which was enhanced by an increase of 32 basis points in average yields on such loans from 6.17% in 2006 to 6.49% in 2007; and

 

   

a 34.0% increase in the average volume of construction loans from (Won)5,194 billion in 2006 to (Won)6,959 billion in 2007.

The increase in the average volume of commercial and industrial loans was primarily a result of increased lending to small- and medium-sized enterprises due to increased marketing efforts to procure such customers.

 

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The average volume of mortgage and home equity loans increased mainly as the result of higher demand for such loans in Korea. The increase in the average yields for commercial and industrial and mortgage and home equity loans was primarily a result of the general rise in market interest rates in Korea from 2006 to 2007. The increase in the average volume of construction loans primarily reflected higher demand for such loans to finance new real estate projects.

Overall, the average volume of our loans increased 12.3%, from (Won)143,457 billion in 2006 to (Won)161,157 billion in 2007, and the average yields on our loans increased eight basis points, from 6.93% in 2006 to 7.01% in 2007, reflecting the higher interest rate environment.

Our securities portfolio consists primarily of investment securities, of which 91.3% represented debt securities issued by government-owned or -controlled enterprises or financial institutions (including the Korea Electric Power Corporation, the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Bank of Korea, the Korea Development Bank and the Industrial Bank of Korea) and debt securities issued by financial institutions and other Korean banks as of December 31, 2007. Interest and dividends on investment securities decreased 3.8% from (Won)1,217 billion in 2006 to (Won)1,171 billion in 2007. This decrease was primarily due to a 10.5% decrease in the average volume of investment securities from (Won)27,605 billion in 2006 to (Won)24,695 billion in 2007, which mainly reflected our decreased purchases of debt securities issued by financial institutions in the first half of 2007 for investment purposes. The effect of this decrease was partially offset by an increase of 33 basis points in average yields on such investment securities from 4.41% in 2006 to 4.74% in 2007, primarily due to the general rise in market interest rates in Korea.

Our securities portfolio also includes trading securities, of which 95.0% represented debt securities issued by government-owned or -controlled enterprises or financial institutions and debt securities issued by financial institutions and other Korean banks as of December 31, 2007. Interest and dividends on trading securities increased 55.3% from (Won)159 billion in 2006 to (Won)247 billion in 2007. This increase was primarily due to a 52.8% increase in the average volume of trading securities from (Won)3,318 billion in 2006 to (Won)5,070 billion in 2007, which was principally the result of our increased purchases of debt securities of financial institutions for trading purposes.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased 25.2% from (Won)5,342 billion in 2006 to (Won)6,687 billion in 2007, primarily due to a 21.2% increase in interest expense on deposits, a 49.0% increase in interest expense on long-term debt and a 35.0% increase in interest expense on other borrowed funds. The average balance of our interest bearing liabilities increased 9.2% from (Won)161,148 billion in 2006 to (Won)175,946 billion in 2007, principally as a result of increases in long-term debt, deposits and other borrowed funds, which was enhanced by a 49 basis point increase in average cost from 3.31% in 2006 to 3.80% in 2007.

The 21.2% increase in interest expense on deposits from (Won)3,408 billion in 2006 to (Won)4,132 billion in 2007 was primarily the result of:

 

   

a 74.4% increase in the average volume of certificates of deposit from (Won)8,386 billion in 2006 to (Won)14,628 billion in 2007, which was enhanced by an 67 basis point increase in the average interest rate paid on certificates of deposit from 4.52% in 2006 to 5.19% in 2007;

 

   

a 48 basis point increase in the average interest rate paid on other time deposits from 3.92% in 2006 to 4.40% in 2007; and

 

   

a 13 basis point increase in the average interest rate paid on savings deposits from 0.71% in 2006 to 0.84% in 2007.

The increase in the average volume of certificates of deposit was primarily attributable to our increased focus on marketing such certificates of deposit as a cost-effective source for our higher funding requirements. The increases in the average interest rates paid on certificates of deposit, other time deposits and savings deposits resulted from the general increase in market interest rates in Korea from 2006 to 2007.

 

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These increases were partially offset by a 18.9% decrease in the average volume of mutual installment deposits from (Won)8,511 billion in 2006 to (Won)6,900 billion in 2007, which was principally due to the continuing decrease in our customers’ preference for mutual installment deposits relative to investment-related banking products.

The 49.0% increase in interest expense on long-term debt from (Won)1,072 billion in 2006 to (Won)1,597 billion in 2007 was mainly due to a 43.5% increase in the average volume of such debt from (Won)20,285 billion in 2006 to (Won)29,099 billion in 2007, due primarily to our increased use of long-term debt in order to meet our greater funding needs. This was enhanced by a 21 basis point increase in the average cost of such debt from 5.28% in 2006 to 5.49% in 2007, which was attributable mainly to the general increase in market interest rates in Korea.

Other borrowed funds consist primarily of short-term borrowings, borrowings from the Bank of Korea, short-term foreign currency borrowings, short-term debentures and borrowing from our trust accounts. The 35.0% increase in interest expense on other borrowed funds from (Won)354 billion in 2006 to (Won)478 billion in 2007 resulted mainly from an increase in the average volume of such borrowings, which was enhanced by an increase in the average interest rate paid with respect to such borrowings. The average volume of short-term borrowings other than borrowings from the Bank of Korea increased 23.3% from (Won)7,574 billion in 2006 to (Won)9,335 billion in 2007, primarily as a result of the increase in our overall funding needs. The average interest rate paid on short-term borrowings other than borrowings from the Bank of Korea increased 47 basis points from 4.48% in 2006 to 4.95% in 2007. Such increase mainly reflected the higher interest rate environment.

Net interest margin. Net interest margin represents the ratio of net interest income to average interest earning assets. Our overall net interest margin decreased from 3.43% in 2006 to 3.17% in 2007, as the increase in the average volume of interest earning assets outpaced the increase in our net interest income. The average volume of our interest earning assets increased 9.0% from (Won)176,655 billion in 2006 to (Won)192,610 billion in 2007, while net interest income increased 0.7% from (Won)6,063 billion in 2006 to (Won)6,105 billion in 2007. However, the net interest spread, which represents the difference between the average yield on our interest-earning assets and the average cost of our interest-bearing liabilities, declined from 3.15% in 2006 to 2.84% in 2007. The decline in net interest spread reflected a larger increase in the average cost of our interest bearing liabilities (including as a result of sharp growth in the average volume of certificates of deposit, where the increase in average cost was also relatively large) relative to the increase in the average yield on our interest earning assets (which was slowed by a relatively small increase in the average yield on commercial and industrial loans, where the growth in average volume was relatively large).

Comparison of 2006 to 2005

Interest and dividend income. Interest and dividend income increased 7.0% from (Won)10,658 billion in 2005 to (Won)11,405 billion in 2006, primarily due to a 5.0% increase in interest and fees on loans, which was enhanced by a 26.8% increase in interest and dividends on investment securities. The average balance of our interest earning assets increased 5.6% from (Won)167,225 billion in 2005 to (Won)176,655 billion in 2006, and the average yields on our interest earning assets increased from 6.37% in 2005 to 6.46% in 2006.

The 5.0% increase in interest and fees on loans from (Won)9,464 billion in 2005 to (Won)9,941 billion in 2006 was primarily the result of:

 

   

an increase of 42 basis points in average yields on mortgage and home equity loans from 5.75% in 2005 to 6.17% in 2006, which was enhanced by a 3.4% increase in the average volume of such loans from (Won)58,376 billion in 2005 to (Won)60,373 billion in 2006; and

 

   

a 14.3% increase in the average volume of commercial and industrial loans from (Won)39,031 billion in 2005 to (Won)44,631 billion in 2006, which was enhanced by an increase of 1 basis point in average yields on such loans from 6.03% in 2005 to 6.04% in 2006.

 

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The increase in the average yields for mortgage and home equity loans was primarily a result of a general rise in market interest rates in Korea from 2005 to 2006 as well as our efforts to improve our yields on such loans. The average volume of mortgage and home equity loans increased mainly as the result of higher demand for such loans in Korea as well as our increased marketing efforts with respect to such loan products. The increase in the average volume of commercial and industrial loans reflected our continuing efforts to expand our corporate lending business.

These increases were partially offset by decreases in interest on loans resulting from:

 

   

a 10.0% decrease in the average volume of other consumer loans from (Won)24,506 billion in 2005 to (Won)22,046 billion in 2006, which was partially offset by an increase of 4 basis points in average yields on such loans from 8.17% in 2005 to 8.21% in 2006; and

 

   

a decrease of 198 basis points in average yields on credit card balances, primarily in cash advances and credit card loans, from 16.27% in 2005 to 14.29% in 2006, which was partially offset by a 2.1% increase in the average volume of such loans from (Won)8,369 billion in 2005 to (Won)8,547 billion in 2006.

The decrease in average volume of other consumer loans reflected our continuing efforts, particularly with respect to other consumer loans, to improve the asset quality of our loans rather than increasing the size of our loan portfolio. The decrease in the average yield of our credit card balances reflected a decrease in our customers’ use of high-interest cash advances, while the average volume for such credit card balances increased primarily a result of our increased marketing efforts to procure new credit card subscribers.

Overall, the average volume of our loans increased 4.7%, from (Won)137,079 in 2005 to (Won)143,457 in 2006, and the average yields on our loans increased 3 basis points, from 6.90% in 2005 to 6.93% in 2006, reflecting the higher interest rate environment.

Our securities portfolio consists primarily of investment securities, of which 89.1% represented debt securities issued by government-owned or -controlled enterprises or financial institutions (including the Korea Electric Power Corporation, the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Bank of Korea, the Korea Development Bank and the Industrial Bank of Korea) and debt securities issued by financial institutions and other Korean banks as of December 31, 2006. Interest and dividends on investment securities increased 26.8% from (Won)960 billion in 2005 to (Won)1,217 billion in 2006. This increase was primarily due to a 18.2% increase in the average volume of investment securities from (Won)23,357 billion in 2005 to (Won)27,605 billion in 2006 as a result of our increased purchases of debt securities issued by financial institutions in the first half of 2006. The effect of this increase was enhanced by an increase of 30 basis points in average yields on such investment securities from 4.11% in 2005 to 4.41% in 2006, primarily due to the general rise in market interest rates in Korea.

Our securities portfolio also includes trading securities, of which 94.4% represented debt securities issued by government-owned or -controlled enterprises or financial institutions and debt securities issued by financial institutions and other Korean banks as of December 31, 2006. Interest and dividends on trading securities increased 23.3% from (Won)129 billion in 2005 to (Won)159 billion in 2006. This increase was primarily due to a 93 basis point increase in average yields on such securities from 3.86% in 2005 to 4.79% in 2006, reflecting the general rise in market interest rates in Korea.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased 12.3% from (Won)4,757 billion in 2005 to (Won)5,342 billion in 2006, primarily due to a 7.1% increase in interest expense on deposits, a 14.4% increase in interest expense on long-term debt, a 25.5% increase in interest expense on secured borrowings, a 197.5% increase in interest expense on call money and a 22.5% increase in interest expense on other borrowed funds. The average balance of our interest bearing liabilities increased 4.4% from (Won)154,384 billion in 2005 to (Won)161,148 billion in 2006, principally as a result of increases in long-term debt, secured borrowings and call money, which was enhanced by a 23 basis point increase in average cost from 3.08% in 2005 to 3.31% in 2006.

 

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The 7.1% increase in interest expense on deposits from (Won)3,181 billion in 2005 to (Won)3,408 billion in 2006 was primarily the result of:

 

   

a 67.5% increase in the average volume of certificates of deposit from (Won)5,007 billion in 2005 to (Won)8,386 billion in 2006, which was enhanced by an 83 basis point increase in the average interest rate paid on certificates of deposit from 3.69% in 2005 to 4.52% in 2006;

 

   

a 14 basis point increase in the average interest rate paid on savings deposits from 0.57% in 2005 to 0.71% in 2006, which was enhanced by a 8.6% increase in the average volume of such deposits from (Won)38,343 billion in 2005 to (Won)41,652 billion in 2006; and

 

   

a 31 basis point increase in the average interest rate paid on other time deposits from 3.61% in 2005 to 3.92% in 2006, which was partially offset by a 6.4% decrease in the average volume of such deposits from (Won)66,229 billion in 2005 to (Won)62,015 billion in 2006.

The increases in the average interest rates paid on certificates of deposit, savings deposits and other time deposits resulted from the general rise in market interest rates in Korea from 2005 to 2006. The increases in the average volume of certificates of deposit and savings deposits were primarily attributable to our increased focus on marketing such deposits as a cost-effective method of meeting our higher funding requirements. The decrease in the average volume of other time deposits mainly reflected our customers’ preference for certificates of deposit or investment-related banking products, which offered higher interest rates.

These increases were partially offset by a 19.6% decrease in the average volume of mutual installment deposits from (Won)10,589 billion in 2005 to (Won)8,511 billion in 2006, which in turn was enhanced by a 21 basis point decrease in the average interest rates paid on such mutual installment deposits. The decrease in the average volume of such deposits was principally due to our customers’ decreased preference for mutual installment deposits relative to investment-related banking products, while the decrease in the average interest rates paid on mutual installment deposits reflected our reduced focus on such deposits as a source of funding.

The 14.4% increase in interest expense on long-term debt from (Won)937 billion in 2005 to (Won)1,072 billion in 2006 was mainly due to an 18.5% increase in the average volume of such debt from (Won)17,114 billion in 2005 to (Won)20,285 billion in 2006, due primarily to our increased funding needs. This was partially offset by a 20 basis point decrease in the average cost of such debt from 5.48% in 2005 to 5.28% in 2006, which was attributable mainly to the maturity of a portion of our previously incurred higher-interest rate long-term debt.

The 25.5% increase in interest expense on secured borrowings from (Won)310 billion in 2005 to (Won)389 billion in 2006 resulted from a 21.3% increase in the average volume of such borrowings from (Won)7,109 billion in 2005 to (Won)8,622 billion in 2006, enhanced by a 15 basis point increase in the average cost of such borrowings from 4.36% in 2005 to 4.51% in 2006. The average volume of our secured borrowings increased due primarily to our increasing use of secured borrowings as a cost-effective way to meet our increased funding needs, while the average interest rate paid on our secured borrowings mainly reflected the general rise in market interest rates in Korea.

The 197.5% increase in interest expense on call money from (Won)40 billion in 2005 to (Won)119 billion in 2006 was mainly due to a 131.9% increase in the average volume of call money from (Won)1,218 billion in 2005 to (Won)2,825 billion in 2006, which was principally the result of our need to address short-term funding gaps in light of our increased funding needs. This increase was enhanced by a 93 basis point increase in the average interest rate paid on such call money from 3.28% in 2005 to 4.21% in 2006, primarily due to the Bank of Korea’s increase of call money interest rates.

The 22.5% increase in interest expense on other borrowed funds from (Won)289 billion in 2005 to (Won)354 billion in 2006 resulted mainly from an increase in the average interest rate paid with respect to such borrowings, which was enhanced by an increase in the average volume of such borrowings. The average interest rate paid on short-term borrowings other than borrowings from the Bank of Korea increased 80 basis points from 3.68% in 2005 to

 

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4.48% in 2006, while the average interest rate paid on borrowings from the Bank of Korea increased 26 basis points from 2.04% in 2005 to 2.30% in 2006. Such increases mainly reflected the general rise in market interest rates in Korea. The average volume of short-term borrowings other than borrowings from the Bank of Korea increased 1.3% from (Won)7,474 billion in 2005 to (Won)7,574 billion in 2006, which was partially offset by the 4.9% decline of the average volume of borrowings from the Bank of Korea from (Won)687 billion in 2005 to (Won)653 billion in 2006.

Net interest margin. Our overall net interest margin decreased from 3.53% in 2005 to 3.43% in 2006, as the increase in the average volume of interest earning assets outpaced the increase in our net interest income. The average volume of our interest earning assets increased 5.6% from (Won)167,225 billion in 2005 to (Won)176,655 billion in 2006, while net interest income increased 2.7% from (Won)5,901 billion in 2005 to (Won)6,063 billion in 2006. However, our net interest spread declined from 3.29% in 2005 to 3.15% in 2006. The decline in net interest spread reflected a larger increase in the average cost of our interest bearing liabilities (including as a result of sharp growth in the average volume of certificates of deposit, where the increase in average cost was also relatively large) relative to the increase in the average yield on our interest earning assets (which was slowed by the small increase in average yield on commercial and industrial loans, where the growth in average volume was relatively large).

Provision for Credit Losses

For a discussion of our loan loss provisioning policy, see “Item 4B. Business Overview—Assets and Liabilities—Loan Portfolio—Provisioning Policy.”

Comparison of 2007 to 2006

Our provision for credit losses increased from a reversal of provision of (Won)100 billion in 2006 to provisions of (Won)18 billion in 2007, primarily due to a significant increase in the outstanding volume of our corporate loans. This increase was partially offset by a reversal of provisions in respect of unused lines of credits and guarantees other than loans, mainly due to an improvement in the overall asset quality of our loans.

Our loan charge-offs, net of recoveries, increased 30.1% from (Won)549 billion in 2006 to (Won)714 billion in 2007, which was attributable mainly to a (Won)116 billion increase in net charge-offs of corporate loans.

Comparison of 2006 to 2005

Our provision for credit losses decreased from (Won)613 billion in 2005 to a reversal of provision of (Won)100 billion in 2006, primarily due to significant improvement in the asset quality of our consumer loans and credit card loans, as reflected in a decrease in delinquency rates. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in our provisions in respect of credits other than loans, due mainly to additional provisions relating to unused lines of credit for credit cards.

Our loan charge-offs, net of recoveries, decreased 67.4% from (Won)1,682 billion in 2005 to (Won)549 billion in 2006, which was attributable mainly to (Won)586 billion and (Won)379 billion decreases in net charge-offs of outstanding credit card balances and consumer loans, respectively.

Allowance for Loan Losses

For information on allowance for loan losses, see “—Critical Accounting Policies—Allowance for Loan Losses” and “Item 4B. Business Overview—Assets and Liabilities—Loan Portfolio—Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses.”

Corporate Loans. We establish specific loan loss allowances for corporate loans based on whether a particular loan is impaired or not. See “Item 4B. Business Overview—Assets and Liabilities—Loan Portfolio—

 

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Provisioning Policy.” We also establish an allowance for loan losses for corporate loans that we do not believe are impaired based on our historical loss experience for those types of loans. Smaller balance commercial loans (which are commercial loans of (Won)1 billion or less) are managed on a portfolio basis and evaluated collectively for impairment. The following table shows, for the periods indicated, certain information regarding our impaired corporate loans.

 

     As of December 31,  
     2005     2006     2007  

Impaired loans as a percentage of total corporate loans

   7.1 %   4.7 %   2.5 %

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total corporate loans

   4.2     2.9     1.7  

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of impaired loans

   45.4     51.7     53.0  

During 2007, impaired loans and allowance for loan losses, each as a percentage of total corporate loans, decreased due to significant growth in our corporate loans which resulted in a decrease in the overall outstanding balance of both total impaired loans and allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total corporate loans. However, a greater portion of relatively higher-quality impaired loans with lower levels of allowances for loan losses were repaid in 2007 as compared to lower-quality impaired loans, which led to a worse overall mix of impaired loans and in turn resulted in an increase in allowance for loan losses as a percentage of impaired loans.

During 2006, impaired loans and allowance for loan losses, each as a percentage of total corporate loans, decreased, while the level of allowance for loan losses as a percentage of impaired loans increased. Although significant loan growth resulted in a decrease in the overall outstanding balance of both total impaired loans and allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total corporate loans, repayments of relatively higher-quality impaired loans with lower levels of allowances for loan losses led to a worse overall mix of impaired loans, resulting in an increase in allowance for loan losses as a percentage of impaired loans.

Consumer Loans. We establish allowances for loan losses for consumer loans (including credit card receivables) based on historical losses as well as delinquencies and changes in underwriting and credit monitoring policies. We also analyze government economic data when considering consumer bankruptcies and delinquency rates as well as the build-up of consumer debt in Korea. The following table shows, for the periods indicated, certain information regarding our non-performing loans to the consumer sector.

 

     As of December 31,  
     2005     2006     2007  

Non-performing loans as a percentage of total consumer loans

   1.5 %   0.7 %   0.4 %

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total consumer loans

   1.4     0.9     0.6  

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans

   9.2     15.7     16.1  

During 2007, non-performing consumer loans and allowance for loan loss, each as a percentage of total consumer loans, decreased as a result of the growth in our consumer loan portfolio, especially in mortgage and home equity loans, which led to a decrease in the overall outstanding balance of both total non-performing consumer loans and allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total consumer loans. However, a deterioration in the asset quality of our existing non-performing consumer loans led to a worse overall mix of non-performing consumer loans, which caused the level of allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing consumer loans to increase slightly.

During 2006, non-performing consumer loans and allowance for loan loss, each as a percentage of total consumer loans, decreased while the level of allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing consumer loans increased. Although significant loan growth, especially in mortgage and home equity loans, resulted in a decrease in the overall outstanding balance of both total non-performing consumer loans and allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total consumer loans, a deterioration in the asset quality of existing consumer loans led to a worse overall mix of non-performing consumer loans, resulting in an increase in allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing consumer loans.

 

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Non-Interest Income

The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the components of our non-interest income:

 

     Year ended December 31,    Year ended December 31,  
     2005    2006    2007    2006/2005     2007/2006  
     (in billions of Won)    (% change)  

Credit card merchant fees

   (Won) 811    (Won) 884    (Won) 976    9.0 %   10.4  

Other fees and commission income (excluding credit card merchant fees)

     1,065      1,251      1,448    17.5     15.7  

Net trading revenue

     292      263      41    (9.9 )   (84.4 )

Trust fees, net

     146      156      159    6.8     1.9  

Net gain on investments

     98      85      1,017    (13.3 )   1,096.5  

Other non-interest income

     432      241      372    (44.2 )   54.4  
                         

Total non-interest income

   (Won) 2,844    (Won) 2,880    (Won) 4,013    1.3     39.3  
                         

Comparison of 2007 to 2006

Non-interest income increased 39.3% from (Won)2,880 billion in 2006 to (Won)4,013 billion in 2007. This increase was attributable primarily to:

 

   

a (Won)932 billion increase in net gain on investments from (Won)85 billion in 2006 to (Won)1,017 billion in 2007;

 

   

a (Won)197 billion increase in other fees and commission income from (Won)1,251 billion in 2006 to (Won)1,448 billion in 2007; and

 

   

a (Won)131 billion increase in other non-interest income from (Won)241 billion in 2006 to (Won)372 billion in 2007.

These increases were partially offset by a (Won)222 billion decrease in net trading revenue from (Won)263 billion in 2006 to (Won)41 billion in 2007.

The 1,096.5% increase in net gain on investments was attributable mainly to an increase in gains on disposal of investment securities, principally gains from the disposal of our shares in LG Card Co., Ltd. in the first half of 2007.

Other fees and commission income consists of commissions received on fund management, credit cards, cash dispenser services and letters of credit, commissions and fees received for brokerage and agency activities, commissions received on remittances and bancassurance fees. The 15.7% increase in other fees and commission income was attributable principally to an increase in commissions and fees received for brokerage and agency activities relating to investment-related banking products, reflecting our customers’ increased preference for such products.

Other non-interest income consists mainly of gains on the sale of loans and extinguishment of our debt obligations and insurance premiums. The 54.4% increase in other non-interest income was attributable principally to proceeds received from sales of assets by one of our subsidiaries currently in liquidation.

Net trading revenue consists of net realized and unrealized gains on securities and derivatives in our trading portfolio. The 84.4% decrease in net trading revenue resulted mainly from a decrease of net gains on derivatives trading.

 

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Comparison of 2006 to 2005

Non-interest income increased 1.3% from (Won)2,844 billion in 2005 to (Won)2,880 billion in 2006. This increase was attributable primarily to:

 

   

a (Won)186 billion increase in other fees and commission income from (Won)1,065 billion in 2005 to (Won)1,251 billion in 2006; and

 

   

a (Won)73 billion increase in credit card merchant fees from (Won)811 billion in 2005 to (Won)884 billion in 2006.

These increases were largely offset by a (Won)191 billion decrease in other non-interest income from (Won)432 billion in 2005 to (Won)241 billion in 2006 and a (Won)29 billion decrease in net trading revenue from (Won)292 billion in 2005 to (Won)263 billion in 2006.

The 17.5% increase in other fees and commission income was attributable principally to an increase in commissions received for brokerage and agency activities.

The 9.0% increase in credit card merchant fees was principally a result of increases in credit purchases by our customers reflecting their increased preference for such purchases relative to cash advances.

The 44.2% decrease in other non-interest income was attributable principally to lower gains on sales of loans resulting from a decrease of loan sale transactions to third parties.

The 9.9% decrease in net trading revenue resulted mainly from a decrease of gains on disposal of trading securities.

Non-Interest Expense

The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the components of our non-interest expense:

 

     Year ended December 31,    Year ended December 31,
     2005    2006    2007    2006/2005     2007/2006
     (in billions of Won)    (% change)

Salaries and employee benefits

   (Won) 2,193    (Won) 2,054    (Won) 2,281    (6.3 )%   11.1

Other administrative expenses

     628      770      836    22.6     8.6

Other fees and commissions

     524      654      729    24.8     11.5

Depreciation and amortization

     353      324      419    (8.2 )   29.3

Credit card fees

     188      239      338    27.1     41.4

Other non-interest expenses

     428      481      532    12.4     10.6
                         

Total non-interest expense

   (Won) 4,314    (Won) 4,522    (Won) 5,135    4.8     13.6
                         

Comparison of 2007 to 2006

Non-interest expense increased 13.6% from (Won)4,522 billion in 2006 to (Won)5,135 billion in 2007. This increase was primarily due to a (Won)227 billion increase in salaries and employee benefits, a (Won)99 billion increase in credit card fees, a (Won)95 billion increase in depreciation and amortization, a (Won)75 billion increase in other fees and commissions, a (Won)66 billion increase in other administrative expenses and a (Won)51 billion increase in other non-interest expenses.

The 11.1% increase in salaries and benefits was due mainly to increases in the number of our employees, as well as an overall increase in compensation levels.

 

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Credit card fees include fees and commissions paid to our sales agents, expenses related to awarding mileage and bonus points to our credit card customers and fees and commissions paid to our member merchants. The 41.4% increase in credit card fees resulted mainly from marketing costs in connection with our continued efforts to expand our credit card operations.

The 29.3% increase in depreciation and amortization was primarily due an increase in depreciation on premises and equipment.

Other fees and commissions include deposit insurance fees paid to the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation, contributions to guarantee funds and miscellaneous fees for consulting and other services provided by third party service providers. The 11.5% increase in other fees and commissions was attributable principally to an increase in contributions to guarantee funds.

Other administrative expenses include leasing, advertising, public relations, sales promotion, telecommunication and data processing expenses. The 8.6% increase in other administrative expenses was primarily due to increased leasing costs associated with our branch operations.

Other non-interest expenses include losses in connection with the sale of loans, losses on the disposal of premises and equipment, tax expenses other than income tax, insurance expense, losses on impairment of other assets, provision for other losses, donations and penalties. The 10.6% increase in other non-interest expenses resulted mainly from expenses incurred in connection with sales of assets by one of our subsidiaries currently in liquidation.

Comparison of 2006 to 2005

Non-interest expense increased 4.8% from (Won)4,314 billion in 2005 to (Won)4,522 billion in 2006. This increase was primarily due to a (Won)142 billion increase in other administrative expenses, a (Won)130 billion increase in other fees and commissions, a (Won)53 billion increase in other non-interest expenses and a (Won)51 billion increase in credit card fees, partially offset by a (Won)139 billion decrease in salaries and employee benefits and a (Won)29 billion decrease in depreciation and amortization.

The 22.6% increase in other administrative expenses was primarily due to an increase in advertising and sales promotion expenses.

The 24.8% increase in other fees and commissions was attributable principally to increases in consulting and miscellaneous fees.

The 12.4% increase in other non-interest expenses resulted mainly from an increase in provision for other losses.

The 27.1% increase in credit card fees resulted mainly from increased marketing costs in connection with our credit card operations.

The 6.3% decrease in salaries and employee benefits resulted mainly from a decrease in termination benefits paid in connection with our voluntary early retirement program.

The 8.2% decrease in depreciation and amortization resulted mainly from an increase in disposal of property and equipment.

 

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Income Tax Expense

Comparison of 2007 to 2006

Income tax expense decreased 15.2% from (Won)1,423 billion in 2006 to (Won)1,206 billion in 2007, although our earnings increased and our deferred income tax assets decreased in 2007, primarily as a result of our adoption of FIN No. 48 in 2007. We recognized in 2007 tax benefits with respect to our uncertain tax positions in accordance with the criteria and guidelines set forth in FIN No. 48, which reduced our income tax expense as compared to 2006, when we did not recognize tax benefits relating to uncertain tax positions until such benefits were realized. See “—Critical Accounting Policies—Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets and Uncertain Tax Positions.” The statutory tax rate applicable to us was approximately 27.5% in 2006 and 2007. Our effective tax rate was 31.5% in 2006 and 24.3% in 2007.

Comparison of 2006 to 2005

Income tax expense increased 29.4% from (Won)1,099 billion in 2005 to (Won)1,423 billion in 2006 as a result of an increase in earnings and a decrease in our deferred income tax assets from 2005 to 2006, as well as due to (Won)190 billion of additional tax imposed on us following a tax audit with respect to prior years. The statutory tax rate applicable to us was approximately 27.5% in 2005 and 2006. Our effective tax rate was 28.8% in 2005 and 31.5% in 2006.

Net Income

As a result of the above, our net income was (Won)3,755 billion in 2007, compared to (Won)3,091 billion in 2006 and (Won)2,716 billion in 2005.

Results under Korean GAAP by Principal Business Segment

We are organized into four major business segments: retail banking, credit card operations, corporate banking and capital markets. The following discussion is based upon our internal management account information, prepared based on Korean GAAP. The following table shows, for the periods indicated, our results of operation by segment based on this information:

 

     Net income (1)
Year ended December 31,
    Total revenue
Year ended December 31,
     2005    2006    2007     2005    2006    2007
     (in billions of Won)

Retail banking

   (Won) 1,320    (Won) 1,231    (Won) 1,338     (Won) 9,169    (Won) 10,372    (Won) 11,466

Credit card operations

     494      491      505       2,193      2,256      2,239

Corporate banking

     360      345      414       4,267      5,265      7,048

Capital markets

     151      12      (19 )     7,109      8,967      9,020

Other

     7      477      622       2,797      2,457      3,482
                                          

Total

   (Won) 2,332    (Won) 2,556    (Won) 2,860     (Won) 25,535    (Won) 29,317    (Won) 33,255
                                          

 

(1)

After deduction of income tax allocated proportionately among each segment.

 

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Retail Banking

Our retail banking segment products include mortgage and home equity loans and other consumer loans, deposits and other savings products. The following table shows, for the periods indicated, our income statement data for this segment:

 

     Year ended December 31,    Year ended December 31,  
     2005    2006    2007    2006/2005     2007/2006  
     (in billions of Won)    (% change)  

Interest income

   (Won) 8,592    (Won) 9,504    (Won) 10,305    10.6 %   8.4 %

Interest expense

     5,373      6,418      7,351    19.4     14.5  

Provision for credit losses

     372      421      84    13.2     (80.0 )

Non-interest income

     577      868      1,161    50.4     33.8  

Non-interest expense including depreciation and amortization

     1,604      1,840      2,177    14.7     18.3  
                         

Net income before tax

     1,820      1,693      1,854    (7.0 )   9.5  

Income tax (1)

     500      462      516    (7.6 )   11.7  
                         

Net income

   (Won) 1,320    (Won) 1,231    (Won) 1,338    (6.7 )   8.7  
                         

 

(1)

Portion of income tax allocated to this segment based on income before tax.

Comparison of 2007 to 2006

Our net income before tax for this segment increased 9.5% from (Won)1,693 billion in 2006 to (Won)1,854 billion in 2007.

Interest income from our retail banking activities increased 8.4% from (Won)9,504 billion in 2006 to (Won)10,305 billion in 2007. This increase was primarily due to a 4.4% increase in the average volume of retail loans from (Won)82,617 billion in 2006 to (Won)86,258 billion in 2007, reflecting greater consumer demand for retail loans, the effect of which was enhanced by an increase in average interest rates in respect of such loans from 6.69% in 2006 to 6.93% in 2007 as a result of the general increase in market interest rates in Korea.

Our largest and most important funding source is deposits from retail customers, which represent approximately two-thirds of our total deposits. Interest expense in the retail banking segment increased 14.5% from (Won)6,418 billion in 2006 to (Won)7,351 billion in 2007, due primarily to an increase in average rates on deposit and savings products from 2.85% in 2006 to 3.27% in 2007.

Provision for credit losses on retail loans decreased 80.0% from (Won)421 billion in 2006 to (Won)84 billion in 2007, reflecting the non-recurrence of additional provisioning we were required to undertake in 2006 to meet the Financial Services Commission’s new minimum required provisioning levels under Korean GAAP, as well as overall improvement in the asset quality of our retail loan portfolio.

Non-interest income increased 33.8% from (Won)868 billion in 2006 to (Won)1,161 billion in 2007, primarily due to an increase in bancassurance commission fees and fees from sales of beneficiary certificates.

Non-interest expense, which includes depreciation and amortization, increased 18.3% from (Won)1,840 billion in 2006 to (Won)2,177 billion in 2007, primarily due to increased labor costs as well as higher marketing costs due to our increased marketing activities relating to bancassurance beneficiary certificates sales.

Comparison of 2006 to 2005

Our net income before tax for this segment decreased 7.0% from (Won)1,820 billion in 2005 to (Won)1,693 billion in 2006.

 

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Interest income from our retail banking activities increased 10.6% from (Won)8,592 billion in 2005 to (Won)9,504 billion in 2006. This increase was primarily due to an increase in average interest rates on loans from 6.46% in 2005 to 6.69% in 2006, principally as a result of a general rise in market interest rates. The average volume of retail loans remained relatively stable at (Won) 82,617 billion in 2006 compared to (Won)82,990 billion in 2005.

Interest expense in the retail banking segment increased 19.4% from (Won)5,373 billion in 2005 to (Won)6,418 billion in 2006, due primarily to an increase in average interest rates on deposit and savings products from 2.63% in 2005 to 2.85% in 2006.

Provision for credit losses on retail loans increased 13.2% from (Won)372 billion in 2005 to (Won)421 billion in 2006, primarily as a result of an increase by the Financial Services Commission in 2006 in the minimum required provisioning levels applicable under Korean GAAP to loans classified as normal and precautionary.

Non-interest income increased 50.4% from (Won)577 billion in 2005 to (Won)868 billion in 2006, primarily due to an increase in bancassurance commission fees and fees from sales of beneficiary certificates, as well as the inter-segment adjustment of fee income between this segment and our “other” segment resulting from refinements to our data tracking methods in implementing the management policy adopted in 2005 regarding allocations of certain income and expense items among our business segments.

Non-interest expense increased 14.7% from (Won)1,604 billion in 2005 to (Won)1,840 billion in 2006, primarily due to an increase in labor costs as well as higher marketing costs due to our increased marketing activities with respect to retail lending.

Credit Card Operations

Our credit card segment handles our credit card activities. Prior to its merger into us in September 2003, these activities were managed principally by Kookmin Credit Card, our consolidated subsidiary. Subsequent to the merger, these activities and the related assets and liabilities have been combined with us and are managed by the relevant units of our bank. The following table shows, for the periods indicated, our income statement data for this segment:

 

     Year ended December 31,    Year ended December 31,  
     2005    2006    2007    2006/2005     2007/2006  
     (in billions of Won)    (% change)  

Income statement data:

             

Interest income

   (Won) 2,057    (Won) 1,907    (Won) 1,997    (7.3 )%   4.7 %

Interest expense

     296      347      449    17.2     29.4  

Provision for credit losses

     608      388      19    (36.2 )   (95.1 )

Non-interest income

     136      348      241    155.9     (30.7 )

Non-interest expense including depreciation and amortization

     608      786      1,064    29.3     35.4  
                         

Net income (loss) before tax

     681      734      706    7.8     (3.8 )

Income tax (1)

     187      243      201    29.9     (17.3 )
                         

Net income (loss)

   (Won) 494    (Won) 491    (Won) 505    (0.6 )   2.9  
                         

 

(1)

Portion of income tax allocated to this segment based on income before tax.

Comparison of 2007 to 2006

Our net income before tax for this segment decreased 3.8% from (Won)734 billion in 2006 to (Won)706 billion in 2007.

 

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Interest income from our credit card operations increased 4.7% from (Won)1,907 billion in 2006 to (Won)1,997 billion in 2007. This increase was primarily due to a 17.2% increase in the average volume of our credit card receivables from (Won)7,880 billion in 2006 to (Won)9,234 billion in 2007.

Interest expense increased 29.4% from (Won)347 billion in 2006 to (Won)449 billion in 2007 principally due to an increase in the average volume of inter-segment borrowings to support our credit card operations, which was enhanced by an increase in the average interest rates of such borrowings in line with the general rise in market interest rates.

Provision for credit losses decreased 95.1% from (Won)388 billion in 2006 to (Won)19 billion in 2007. This decrease was primarily due to continuing improvement in the overall asset quality of our credit card portfolio.

Non-interest income decreased 30.7% from (Won)348 billion in 2006 to (Won)241 billion in 2007. This decrease resulted principally from decreases in various non-operating income items due to the liquidation of one of our special purpose entities in the credit card segment.

Non-interest expense, which includes depreciation and amortization, increased 35.4% from (Won)786 billion in 2006 to (Won)1,064 billion in 2007, primarily due to an increase in marketing costs as a result of increased marketing efforts to procure new credit card subscribers.

Comparison of 2006 to 2005

Our net income before tax for this segment increased 7.8% from (Won)681 billion in 2005 to (Won)734 billion in 2006.

Interest income from our credit card operations decreased 7.3% from (Won)2,057 billion in 2005 to (Won)1,907 billion in 2006. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the average volume of our credit card receivables, from (Won)8,635 billion in 2005 to (Won)7,880 billion in 2006.

Interest expense increased 17.2% from (Won)296 billion in 2005 to (Won)347 billion in 2006 due to increased funding costs resulting from higher average interest rates in respect of inter-segment borrowings as a result of a rise in market interest rates.

Provision for credit losses decreased 36.2% from (Won)608 billion in 2005 to (Won)388 billion in 2006. This decrease was primarily due to an improvement in the overall asset quality of our credit card portfolio.

Non-interest income increased 155.9% from (Won)136 billion in 2005 to (Won)348 billion in 2006. This increase resulted principally from further refinements to the 2005 reclassification of interest on credit card loans, fees and commissions, as well as increases in various non-operating income items.

Non-interest expense increased 29.3% from (Won)608 billion in 2005 to (Won)786 billion in 2006, primarily due to an increase in marketing costs as a result of increased marketing efforts to procure new credit card subscribers.

 

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Corporate Banking

Our corporate banking segment handles our transactions with private and public enterprises. Activities within the segment include loans, overdrafts and other credit facilities, deposits in Won and foreign currencies and foreign currency activities. The following table shows, for the periods indicated, our income statement data for this segment:

 

     Year ended December 31,    Year ended December 31,  
     2005    2006    2007    2006/2005     2007/2006  
     (in billions of Won)    (% change)  

Income statement data:

             

Interest income

   (Won) 4,126    (Won) 4,938    (Won) 6,373    19.7 %   29.1 %

Interest expense

     2,900      3,858      5,281    33.0     36.9  

Provision for credit losses

     376      353      416    (6.1 )   17.8  

Non-interest income

     141      327      676    131.9     106.7  

Non-interest expense including depreciation and amortization

     494      549      767    11.1     39.7  
                         

Net income (loss) before tax

     497      505      585    1.6     15.8  

Income tax (1)

     137      160      171    16.8     6.9  
                         

Net income

   (Won) 360    (Won) 345    (Won) 414    (4.2 )   20.0  
                         

 

(1)

Portion of income tax allocated to this segment based on income before tax.

Comparison of 2007 to 2006

Our net income before tax for this segment increased 15.8% from (Won)505 billion in 2006 to (Won)585 billion in 2007.

Interest income from our corporate banking activities increased 29.1% from (Won)4,938 billion in 2006 to (Won)6,373 billion in 2007. This increase was primarily due to a 27.7% increase in the average volume of corporate loans from (Won)43,767 billion in 2006 to (Won)55,879 billion in 2007, reflecting our increased marketing efforts to corporate customers, and which was enhanced by an increase in average interest rates on corporate loans, resulting principally from a general rise in market interest rates.

Interest expense increased 36.9% from (Won)3,858 billion in 2006 to (Won)5,281 billion in 2007. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the average volume of inter-segment borrowings to support our corporate lending growth, the effect of which was enhanced by an increase in the average interest rates on such borrowings in line with the general rise in market interest rates.

Provision for credit losses on commercial loans increased 17.8% from (Won)353 billion in 2006 to (Won)416 billion in 2007, primarily due to an increase in the average corporate lending volume.

Non-interest income increased 106.7% from (Won)327 billion in 2006 to (Won)676 billion in 2007. This increase was primarily due to an increase in fees and commission income, particularly with respect to foreign currency transactions and investment banking activities, which reflected an increase in the number of our corporate customers.

Non-interest expense, which includes depreciation and amortization, increased 39.7% from (Won)549 billion in 2006 to (Won)767 billion in 2007, primarily due to an increase in labor costs and other administrative expenses.

Comparison of 2006 to 2005

Our net income before tax for this segment increased 1.6% from (Won)497 billion in 2005 to (Won)505 billion in 2006.

 

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Interest income from our corporate banking activities increased 19.7% from (Won)4,126 billion in 2005 to (Won)4,938 billion in 2006. This increase was primarily due to an increase in average interest rates on corporate loans from 6.03% in 2005 to 6.40% in 2006, resulting principally from a general rise in market interest rates. The effect of this increase was enhanced by an increase in the average corporate lending volume.

Interest expense increased 33.0% from (Won)2,900 billion in 2005 to (Won)3,858 billion in 2006. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the average interest rates on inter-segment borrowings in line with the general rise in market interest rates.

Provision for credit losses on commercial loans decreased 6.1% from (Won)376 billion in 2005 to (Won)353 billion in 2006, primarily due to an improvement in the overall asset quality of our commercial loans.

Non-interest income increased 131.9% from (Won)141 billion in 2005 to (Won)327 billion in 2006. This increase was primarily due to the inter-segment adjustment of fee income between this segment and our “other” segment resulting from refinements to our data tracking methods in implementing the management policy adopted in 2005 regarding allocations of certain income and expense items among our business segments.

Non-interest expense increased 11.1% from (Won)494 billion in 2005 to (Won)549 billion in 2006, primarily due to an increase in labor costs and other administrative expenses.

Capital Markets

Our capital markets segment handles our treasury activities and dealing of trading and investment securities as well as raising foreign currency funding through debentures and borrowings in foreign currencies. The following table shows, for the periods indicated, our income statement data for this segment:

 

     Year ended December 31,     Year ended December 31,  
     2005    2006    2007     2006/2005     2007/2006  
     (in billions of Won)     (% change)  

Income statement data:

            

Interest income

   (Won) 1,872    (Won) 2,739    (Won) 3,459     46.3 %   26.3 %

Interest expense

     1,871      2,838      3,517     51.7     23.9  

Provision for credit losses

     —        —        —       —       —    

Non-interest income

     5,237      6,229      5,561     18.9     (10.7 )

Non-interest expense including depreciation and amortization

     5,029      6,113      5,529     21.6     (9.6 )
                          

Net income before tax (1)

     209      17      (26 )   (91.9 )   N/M  

Income tax (1), (2)

     58      5      (7 )   (91.4 )   N/M  
                          

Net income (1)

   (Won) 151    (Won) 12    (Won) (19 )   (92.1 )   N/M  
                          

 

(1)

N/M = not meaningful.

(2)

Portion of income tax allocated to this segment based on income before tax.

Comparison of 2007 to 2006

Our net income before tax for this segment changed from (Won)17 billion in 2006 to a net loss of (Won)26 billion in 2007.

Interest income increased 26.3% from (Won)2,739 billion in 2006 to (Won)3,459 billion in 2007, primarily due to an increase in the average interest rates on our investment and trading securities, which reflected the general rise in market interest rates in Korea during 2007.

 

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Interest expense increased 23.9% from (Won)2,838 billion in 2006 to (Won)3,517 billion in 2007, due primarily due to an increase in the average volume of our long-term debt mainly as a result of our increased funding needs.

Non-interest income decreased 10.7% from (Won)6,229 billion in 2006 to (Won)5,561 billion in 2007, primarily due to an 18.5% decrease in revenues and valuation gains on derivatives from (Won)5,365 billion in 2006 to (Won)4,374 billion in 2007, which resulted mainly from decreased transaction volume.

Non-interest expense, which includes depreciation and amortization, decreased 9.6% from (Won)6,113 billion in 2006 to (Won)5,529 billion in 2007, primarily due to a 15.8% decrease in losses (including valuation losses) on derivatives from (Won)5,111 billion in 2006 to (Won)4,306 billion in 2007, which resulted mainly from decreased transaction volume.

Comparison of 2006 to 2005

Our net income before tax for this segment decreased 91.9% from (Won)209 billion in 2005 to (Won)17 billion in 2006.

Interest income increased 46.3% from (Won)1,872 billion in 2005 to (Won)2,739 billion in 2006, primarily due to an increase in average interest rates on investment securities as a result of the general rise in market interest rates, as well as the inter-segment adjustment of interest income between this segment and our “other” segment resulting from refinements to our data tracking methods in implementing the management policy adopted in 2005 regarding allocations of certain income and expense items among our business segments.

Interest expense increased 51.7% from (Won)1,871 billion in 2005 to (Won)2,838 billion in 2006, due primarily to an increase in interest expense relating to borrowings in both Won and foreign currencies mainly as a result of the general rise in market interest rates as well as the inter-segment adjustment of certain debentures and related funding costs between the “other” segment and this segment in 2006 resulting from refinements to our data tracking methods as described above.

Non-interest income increased 18.9% from (Won)5,237 billion in 2005 to (Won)6,229 billion in 2006, primarily due to an 11.7% increase in revenues and valuation gains on derivatives from (Won)4,804 billion in 2005 to (Won)5,365 billion in 2006, which resulted mainly from increased transaction volume.

Non-interest expense increased 21.6% from (Won)5,029 billion in 2005 to (Won)6,113 billion in 2006, primarily due to a 9.4% increase in losses (including valuation losses) on derivatives from (Won)4,672 billion in 2005 to (Won)5,111 billion in 2006, which resulted mainly from increased transaction volume.

 

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Other

“Other” includes our “back office” administrative operations, operations of our consolidated subsidiaries (including our guaranteed trust accounts) and other income or expense (including severance payments) that cannot be categorized in other segments. The following table shows, for the periods indicated, our income statement data for this segment:

 

     Year ended December 31,    Year ended December 31,  
     2005    2006    2007    2006/2005     2007/2006  
     (in billions of Won)    (% change)  

Income statement data

             

Interest income

   (Won) 1,082    (Won) 1,042    (Won) 1,339    (3.7 )%   28.5 %

Interest expense

     974      278      342    (71.5 )   23.0  

Provision for credit losses

     16      19      28    18.7     47.4  

Non-interest income

     1,715      1,414      2,143    (17.6 )   51.6  

Non-interest expense including depreciation and amortization

     1,682      1,594      1,587    (5.2 )   (0.4 )
                         

Net income (loss) before tax

   (Won) 125    (Won) 565    (Won) 1,525    352.0     169.9  

Income tax (1)

     118      88      903    (25.4 )   926.1  
                         

Net income

   (Won) 7    (Won) 477    (Won) 622    6,714.2     30.4  
                         

 

(1)

Portion of income tax allocated to this segment based on income before tax.

Comparison of 2007 to 2006

Our net income before tax for this segment increased 169.9% from (Won)565 billion in 2006 to (Won)1,525 billion in 2007.

Interest income increased 28.5% from (Won)1,042 billion in 2006 to (Won)1,339 billion in 2007. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the average volume of inter-segment loans, which was enhanced by an increase in average interest rates of such loans due to the general increase in market interest rates.

Interest expense increased 23.0% from (Won)278 billion in 2006 to (Won)342 billion in 2007 due to an increase in average interest rates of borrowings attributable to this segment, principally borrowings by our consolidated subsidiaries, as a result of the general increase in market interest rates.

Non-interest income increased 51.6% from (Won)1,414 billion in 2006 to (Won)2,143 billion in 2007 primarily due to gains from disposal of our shares in LG Card Co., Ltd. in the first half of 2007.

Non-interest expense, which includes depreciation and amortization, decreased 0.4% from (Won)1,594 billion in 2006 to (Won)1,587 billion in 2007.

Comparison of 2006 to 2005

Our net income before tax for this segment increased 352.0% from (Won)125 billion in 2005 to (Won)565 billion in 2006.

Interest income decreased 3.7% from (Won)1,082 billion in 2005 to (Won)1,042 billion in 2006. This decrease was primarily due to the aforementioned inter-segment adjustment of interest income between this segment and the capital markets segment resulting from refinements to our data tracking methods in implementing the management policy adopted in 2005 regarding allocations of certain income and expense items among our business segments.

 

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Interest expense decreased 71.5% from (Won)974 billion in 2005 to (Won)278 billion in 2006 primarily due to the aforementioned inter-segment adjustment of certain debentures and related funding costs between this segment and the capital markets segment in 2006 resulting from refinements to our data tracking methods as described above.

Non-interest income decreased 17.6% from (Won)1,715 billion in 2005 to (Won)1,414 billion in 2006 primarily due to the aforementioned inter-segment adjustment of fee income between this segment and the corporate and retail banking segments resulting from refinements to our data tracking methods as described above.

Non-interest expense decreased 5.2% from (Won)1,682 billion in 2005 to (Won)1,594 billion in 2006, primarily due to a decrease in miscellaneous expenses associated with our voluntary early retirement program.

 

Item 5B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

Financial Condition

Assets

The following table sets forth, as of the dates indicated, the principal components of our assets:

 

    As of December 31,     % Change  
    2005     2006     2007     2006/2005     2007/2006  
    (in billions of Won)              

Cash and cash equivalents

  (Won) 3,086     (Won) 3,775     (Won) 2,770     22.3 %   (26.6 )

Restricted cash

    2,259       3,277       3,996     45.1     21.9  

Interest-bearing deposits in other banks

    515       423       69     (17.9 )   (83.7 )

Call loans and securities purchased under resale agreements

    1,716       1,738       1,628     1.3     (6.3 )

Trading assets

    4,754       3,744       6,594     (21.2 )   76.1  

Investments (1)

    25,372       25,348       24,685     (0.1 )   (2.6 )

Loans:

         

Domestic:

         

Commercial:

         

Commercial and industrial

    39,636       48,183       60,945     21.6     26.5  

Construction

    5,025       6,504       8,843     29.4     36.0  

Lease financing

    —         —         —       —       —    

Other commercial

    1,496       1,409       1,797     (5.8 )   27.5  

Total commercial

    46,157       56,096       71,585     21.5     27.6  

Consumer:

         

Credit cards

    8,369       8,955       10,429     7.0     16.5  

Mortgage and home equity

    59,143       63,982       65,819     8.2     2.9  

Other consumer

    23,114       21,589       23,020     (6.6 )   6.6  

Total consumer

    90,626       94,526       99,268     4.3     5.0  
                           

Total domestic

    136,783       150,622       170,853     10.1     13.4  
                           

Foreign:

         

Commercial and industrial

    1,229       781       1,336     (36.5 )   71.1  

Total foreign

    1,229       781       1,336     (36.5 )   71.1  

Deferred origination costs

    139       281       396     102.2     40.9  

Less allowance for loan losses

    (3,212 )     (2,468 )     (1,864 )   (23.2 )   (24.5 )
                           

Total loans

    134,939       149,216       170,721     10.6     14.4  
                           

Due from customers on acceptances

    627       620       1,106     (1.1 )   78.4  

Premises and equipment, net

    1,516       1,612       1,660     6.3     3.0  

Accrued interest and dividends receivable

    1,060       802       899     (24.3 )   12.1  

Security deposits

    1,185       1,190       1,335     0.4     12.2  

Goodwill and other intangible assets

    611       579       577     (5.2 )   (0.3 )

Other assets

    868       654       1,643     (24.7 )   151.2  
                           

Total assets

  (Won) 178,508     (Won) 192,978     (Won) 217,683     8.1     12.8  
                           

 

(1)

Consists of available-for-sale securities, held-to-maturity securities, venture capital securities and other investments.

 

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Comparison of 2007 to 2006

Our assets increased 12.8% from (Won)192,978 billion as of December 31, 2006 to (Won)217,683 billion as of December 31, 2007, as increases in commercial loans, trading assets and mortgage and home equity loans were partially offset by decreases in cash and cash equivalents and investments.

Our loans (net of loan loss allowances) increased 14.4% from (Won)149,216 billion as of December 31, 2006 to (Won)170,721 billion as of December 31, 2007.

Commercial loans increased 27.6% from (Won)56,096 billion as of December 31, 2006 to (Won)71,585 billion as of December 31, 2007. Trading assets increased 76.1% from (Won)3,744 billion as of December 31, 2006 to (Won)6,594 billion as of December 31, 2007. Mortgage and home equity loans increased 2.9% from (Won)63,982 billion as of December 31, 2006 to (Won)65,819 billion as of December 31, 2007.

These increases were partially offset by a 26.6% decrease in cash and cash equivalents from (Won)3,775 billion as of December 31, 2006 to (Won)2,770 billion as of December 31, 2007 and a 2.6% decrease in investments from (Won)25,348 billion as of December 31, 2006 to (Won)24,685 billion as of December 31, 2007.

Comparison of 2006 to 2005

Our assets increased 8.1% from (Won)178,508 billion as of December 31, 2005 to (Won)192,978 billion as of December 31, 2006, as increases in commercial loans, mortgage and home equity loans and restricted cash were partially offset by decreases in other consumer loans and trading assets.

Our loans (net of loan loss allowances) increased 10.6% from (Won)134,939 billion as of December 31, 2005 to (Won)149,216 billion as of December 31, 2006.

Commercial loans increased 21.5% from (Won)46,157 billion as of December 31, 2005 to (Won)56,096 billion as of December 31, 2006. Mortgage and home equity loans increased 8.2% from (Won)59,143 billion as of December 31, 2005 to (Won)63,982 billion as of December 31, 2006. Restricted cash increased 45.1% from (Won)2,259 billion as of December 31, 2005 to (Won)3,277 billion as of December 31, 2006.

These increases were partially offset by a 6.6% decrease in other consumer loans from (Won)23,114 billion as of December 31, 2005 to (Won)21,589 billion as of December 31, 2006 and a 21.2% decrease in trading assets from (Won)4,754 billion as of December 31, 2005 to (Won)3,744 billion as of December 31, 2006.

 

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Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

The following table sets forth, as of the dates indicated, the principal components of our liabilities and our stockholders’ equity:

 

     As of December 31,    % Change  
     2005    2006    2007    2006/2005     2007/2006  
     (in billions of Won)       

Deposits

           

Interest bearing

   (Won) 121,787    (Won) 125,195    (Won) 134,760    2.8 %   7.6  

Non-interest bearing

     3,912      4,345      3,678    11.1     (15.4 )

Call money

     1,253      168      794    (86.6 )   372.6  

Trading liabilities

     1,078      1,223      1,812    13.5     48.2  

Acceptances outstanding

     627      620      1,106    (1.1 )   78.4  

Other borrowed funds

     6,118      10,627      7,776    73.7     (26.8 )

Accrued interest payable

     3,307      3,698      4,196    11.8     13.5  

Secured borrowings

     8,118      7,463      6,315    (8.1 )   (15.4 )

Long-term debt

     16,751      21,675      36,307    29.4     67.5  

Other liabilities

     4,151      3,174      3,953    (23.5 )   24.5  
                         

Total liabilities

     167,102      178,188      200,697    6.6     12.6  
                         

Minority interest

     14      18      20    28.6     11.1  

Common stock

     1,682      1,682      1,682    0.0     0.0  

Additional paid-in capital

     5,416      5,404      5,405    (0.2 )   0.0  

Other

     4,294      7,686      9,879    79.0     28.5  
                         

Stockholders’ equity

     11,392      14,772      16,966    29.7     14.9  
                         

Total liabilities, minority interest and stockholders’ equity

   (Won) 178,508    (Won) 192,978    (Won) 217,683    8.1 %   12.8  
                         

Comparison of 2007 to 2006

Our total liabilities increased 12.6% from (Won)178,188 billion as of December 31, 2006 to (Won)200,697 billion as of December 31, 2007, principally due to increases in long-term debt and interest bearing deposits, which were partially offset by decreases in other borrowed funds and secured borrowings.

Long-term debt increased 67.5% from (Won)21,675 billion as of December 31, 2006 to (Won)36,307 billion as of December 31, 2007.

Our interest bearing deposits increased 7.6% from (Won)125,195 billion as of December 31, 2006 to (Won)134,760 billion as of December 31, 2007, primarily due to an increase in certificates of deposit.

Other borrowed funds decreased 26.8% from (Won)10,627 billion as of December 31, 2006 to (Won)7,776 billion as of December 31, 2007.

Secured borrowings decreased 15.4% from (Won)7,463 billion as of December 31, 2006 to (Won)6,315 billion as of December 31, 2007.

Our stockholders’ equity increased by 14.9% from (Won)14,772 billion as of December 31, 2006 to (Won)16,966 billion as of December 31, 2007. This increase resulted principally from an increase in retained earnings, which was attributable mainly to our significant net income in 2007.

 

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Comparison of 2006 to 2005

Our total liabilities increased 6.6% from (Won)167,102 billion as of December 31, 2005 to (Won)178,188 billion as of December 31, 2006, principally due to increases in long-term debt, other borrowed funds and interest bearing deposits, which were partially offset by decreases in other liabilities and secured borrowings.

Long-term debt increased 29.4% from (Won)16,751 billion as of December 31, 2005 to (Won)21,675 billion as of December 31, 2006.

Other borrowed funds increased 73.7% from (Won)6,118 billion as of December 31, 2005 to (Won)10,627 billion as of December 31, 2006.

Our interest bearing deposits increased 2.8% from (Won)121,787 billion as of December 31, 2005 to (Won)125,195 billion as of December 31, 2006, primarily due to an increase in certificates of deposit.

Other liabilities decreased 23.5% from (Won)4,151 billion as of December 31, 2005 to (Won)3,174 billion as of December 31, 2006.

Secured borrowings decreased 8.1% from (Won)8,118 billion as of December 31, 2005 to (Won)7,463 billion as of December 31, 2006.

Our stockholders’ equity increased by 29.7% from (Won)11,392 billion as of December 31, 2005 to (Won)14,772 billion as of December 31, 2006. This increase resulted principally from an increase in retained earnings, which was attributable mainly to our significant net income in 2006.

Liquidity

Since we are a retail bank, our primary source of funding (which includes deposits, long-term debt, borrowings from the Bank of Korea and other short-term borrowings, secured borrowings and call money) has historically been and continues to be customer deposits. Deposits amounted to (Won)125,699 billion, (Won)129,540 billion and (Won)138,438 billion as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, which represented approximately 79.6%, 76.4% and 73.0% of our total funding, respectively. We have been able to use customer deposits to finance our operations generally, including meeting a portion of our liquidity requirements. We also use cash and cash equivalents, payments on loans and sales of short-term securities to meet our liquidity needs. Other sources of liquidity available to us include call money, borrowings from the Bank of Korea and other short-term borrowings which amounted to (Won)7,371 billion, (Won)10,795 billion and (Won)8,570 billion as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 and represented 4.7%, 6.4% and 4.5% of our total funding, respectively. These types of borrowings have maturities of less than one year. For a more detailed description of our funding sources, see “Item 4B. Business Overview—Funding.”

Although most of our customer deposits have maturities of less than one year or are payable on demand, our experience has been that the majority of our depositors generally roll over their deposits at maturity, providing us with a stable source of funding. However, in the event that a substantial number of our depositors do not roll over their deposits or otherwise decide to withdraw their deposited funds, we would need to place increased reliance on alternative sources of funding, some of which may be more expensive than customer deposits, in order to finance our operations. See “Item 3D. Risk Factors—Risks relating to liquidity and capital management—Our funding is highly dependent on short-term deposits, which dependence may adversely affect our operations.” In particular, we may increase our utilization of alternative funding sources such as short-term borrowings and cash and cash equivalents (including funds from maturing loans), as well as liquidating our positions in trading and investment securities and using the proceeds to fund parts of our operations, as necessary. In addition, we are seeking to increase our reliance on long-term funding sources such as secured borrowings (including asset securitizations), issuance of debentures and long-term borrowings.

 

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The Financial Services Commission of Korea requires each Korean bank to maintain specific Won and foreign currency liquidity ratios. These ratios require us to keep the ratio of liquid assets to liquid liabilities above certain minimum levels. For a description of these requirements, see “Item 4B. Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Principal Regulations Applicable to Banks—Liquidity.”

We are exposed to liquidity risk arising from withdrawals of deposits and maturities of our borrowings, as well as the need to fund our lending, trading and investment activities and the management of our trading positions. The goal of liquidity management is for us to be able, even under adverse conditions, to meet all of our liability repayments on time and fund all investment opportunities. For an explanation of how we manage our liquidity risk, see “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk—Liquidity Risk Management.”

Contractual Cash Obligations

The following table sets forth our contractual cash obligations (excluding short-term borrowings) as of December 31, 2007.

 

     Payments due by period
     Total    1 year or less    1-3 years    3-5 years    More than
5 years
     (in billions of Won)

Long-term debt obligations (1)

   (Won) 36,309    (Won) 10,413    (Won) 15,914    (Won) 5,376    (Won) 4,606

Secured borrowings (2)

     401      343      58      —        —  

Operating lease obligations (3)

     270      108      117      42      3

Deposits (4)

     90,799      81,881      5,398      909      2,611
                                  

Total

   (Won) 127,779    (Won) 92,745    (Won) 21,487    (Won) 6,327    (Won) 7,220
                                  

 

(1)

Long-term debt includes senior debt and subordinated debt, as contained in Note 17 to our consolidated financial statements.

(2)

Excluding securities sold under repurchase agreements.

(3)

This line item is not included within our consolidated balance sheet.

(4)

Excluding demand deposits and savings deposits.

Commitments and Guarantees

The following table sets forth our commitments and guarantees as of December 31, 2007. These commitments, apart from certain guarantees and acceptances, are not included within our consolidated balance sheet. Guarantees are recorded at their fair value at inception, which is amortized over the life of guarantees.

 

     Payments due by period
     Total    Less than
1 year
   1-3 years    3-5 years    More than
5 years
     (in billions of Won)

Financial guarantees

   (Won) 284    (Won) 102    (Won) 181    (Won) 0    (Won) 1

Performance guarantees

     3,205      1,851      1,211      143      0

Credit derivatives

     3      0      3      0      0

Liquidity facilities to special purpose entities (1)

     1,372      508      799      55      10

Trust fund guarantees

     3,288      500      289      420      2,079
                                  

Total

   (Won) 8,152    (Won) 2,961    (Won) 2,483    (Won) 618    (Won) 2,090
                                  

 

(1)

Including securities purchased under resale agreements.

 

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Capital Adequacy

The following discussion and the figures herein are based on the Korean GAAP statistics we prepared for regulatory reporting purposes in Korea. We are subject to Financial Services Commission capital adequacy requirements, which have been formulated based on, and are consistent in all material respects with, the “International Convergence of Capital Measurement and Capital Standards, a Revised Framework,” also known as Basel II, first published by the Basel Committee of Banking Supervision, Bank for International Settlements in 2004. We are required to maintain a minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets, as determined by a specified formula, of 8.0%. See “Item 4B. Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Principal Regulations Applicable to Banks—Capital Adequacy and Allowances.”

As of December 31, 2007, our capital adequacy ratio was 12.62%, compared to 14.17% as of December 31, 2006. This decrease was primarily due to an increase in our risk-weighted assets due to an increase in the overall volume of our loans, as well as a (Won)1.2 trillion decrease in the portion of our subordinated debt recognized in the calculation of our Tier II capital.

As of December 31, 2006, our capital adequacy ratio was 14.17%, compared to 12.95% as of December 31, 2005. This increase resulted primarily from an increase in our retained earnings due to our net income, as well as the issuance of subordinated notes. In March 2006, we issued subordinated notes in the amount of (Won)1.9 trillion, which will be due in 2012.

The following table sets forth a summary of our capital and capital adequacy ratios as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

 

     As of December 31,  
     2005     2006     2007  
     (in billions of Won, except percentage)  

Tier I capital:

   (Won) 11,708     (Won) 13,329     (Won) 15,157  

Paid-in capital

     1,682       1,682       1,682  

Capital reserves

     6,092       6,098       6,097  

Retained earnings

     3,968       6,242       7,775  

Minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries

     39       44       44  

Others

     (73 )     (737 )     (441 )

Tier II capital:

     4,789       6,059       4,858  

Revaluation reserves

     177       177       177  

Allowance for credit losses (1)

     1,524       1,667       1,953  

Hybrid debt

     505       472       440  

Subordinated debt (2)

     2,415       3,432       2,227  

Valuation gain on investment securities

     168       311       61  

Investment in non-consolidated equity investees (3)

     (162 )     (217 )     (129 )

Subordinated notes from securitizations

     (652 )     (420 )     (252 )

Total core and supplementary capital

     15,683       18,751       19,634  

Risk-weighted assets

     121,073       132,373       155,599  

On-balance sheet

     115,204       127,229       148,631  

Off-balance sheet

     5,403       4,856       6,517  

Market risk (4)

     466       288       451  

Capital adequacy ratio

     12.95 %     14.17 %     12.62 %

Tier I capital

     9.67       10.07       9.74  

Tier II capital

     3.28       4.10       2.88  

 

(1)

Reserves for possible credit losses in respect of credits classified as normal or precautionary are used to calculate Tier II capital only to the extent they represent up to 1.25% of risk-weighted assets.

(2)

Subordinated debt up to an amount equal to 50% of Tier I capital may be used in the calculation of Tier II capital.

 

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(3)

Equity investees engaged in banking and financial activities of which we own more than 15% are deducted from total capital, not deducted directly from Tier I and Tier II pursuant to the guidelines of the Financial Supervisory Service.

(4)

Net of risk-weighted assets related to credit risk with respect to our trading activities account.

In June 2004, the Basel Committee for Banking Supervision published materials regarding Basel II. The Financial Supervisory Service provided Korean banks with related guidelines in October 2004 and implemented Basel II in Korea beginning on January 1, 2008.

Under Basel II, we are permitted to follow either a standardized approach, or an internal ratings-based approach with respect to calculating credit risk capital requirements. We have voluntarily chosen to establish and follow an internal ratings-based approach, which is more risk-sensitive in assessing our credit risk capital requirements. In December 2007, the Financial Supervisory Service approved our internal ratings-based approach for credit risk, and we became the first Korean bank permitted to use such internal ratings-based approach. For regulatory reporting purposes, from January 1, 2008, we have implemented our internal ratings-based approach for credit risk, beginning with our credit risk with respect to retail and small and medium-sized enterprise loan and asset-backed securities portfolios, and plan to further implement our internal ratings-based approach to other classes of credit risk exposure on a phased rollout basis between 2008 and 2010 based on consultations with the Financial Supervisory Service. A standardized approach will be used in measuring credit risk for those classes of exposure for which our internal ratings-based approach has not yet been implemented, as well as for certain classes of exposure (including those to the government, public institutions and other banks) for which the internal ratings-based approach will not be applied. We plan to implement the “Advanced Internal Rating-based Approach” for credit risk in the near future. We have also implemented a standardized approach for operational risk beginning on January 1, 2008, and plan to implement the “Advanced Measurement Approach” for operational risk from January 2009. For internal measurement purposes, we began to implement the Advanced Internal Ratings-based Approach for credit risk commencing in 2007 and the Advanced Measurement Approach for operational risk commencing in 2008. We recently conducted a Quantitative Impact Study (or QIS) as of June 30, 2007, in accordance with instructions from the Financial Supervisory Service. The results of the QIS indicated that our capital adequacy ratio increased under the internal ratings-based approach, whereas our capital adequacy ratio decreased marginally under the standardized approach. While we believe that the implementation of our internal ratings-based approach in 2008 has increased our capital adequacy ratio and led to a decrease in our credit risk-related capital requirements as compared to those under our previous approach under the initial Basel Capital Accord of 1988, there can be no assurance that such internal ratings-based approach under Basel II will not require an increase in our credit risk capital requirements in the future, which may require us to either improve our asset quality or raise additional capital.

As part of the ongoing development of our infrastructure related to the introduction of “Pillar 1” of Basel II, a number of important achievements were realized over the last few years. First, we completed the development of our credit risk system, including the following:

 

   

Implementation of new credit rating and credit scoring systems for large corporate borrowers, small- and medium-sized enterprises (including SOHOs), specialized lending exposures, retail borrowers and credit card customers, covering approximately 90% of the risk-weighted assets in our credit portfolio;

 

   

Improvement of our integrated collateral assessment system and post-loan management system;

 

   

Development and refinement of our Basel II-compliant risk components;

 

   

Implementation of our Basel II-compliant risk-weighted assets and expected loss calculation systems; and

 

   

Ongoing independent validation of our credit rating and scoring models and risk components.

Second, we have developed and applied a methodology that we believe satisfies the qualitative and quantitative standards of both the Basel II Advanced Measurement Approach, or AMA, and the guidelines of the

 

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Financial Supervisory Service. Implementation of our operational risk management system was completed in 2005, and we now calculate our operational risk “value at risk,” or VaR, under the AMA, taking loss data, scenario analysis, business environment and internal controls into consideration for such calculations.

Third, in July 2005, after evaluation of numerous quantitative and qualitative aspects of our market risk management, involving both documentary and on-site examinations, the Financial Supervisory Service approved the use of our market risk internal model to calculate market risk VaR, and we became the first Korean bank to be permitted to use its internal model.

In addition, we established our implementation plan for development of our internal capital adequacy assessment process in October 2005, in order to meet the requirements of “Pillar 2” of Basel II. In compliance with Pillar 2 requirements, we developed an economic capital-based risk management framework and established our Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process, or ICAAP, and we have enacted internal regulations on ICAAP, which was approved by our Risk Management Committee in February 2007, which cover both regulatory rules pertaining to our capital adequacy ratio and internal standards for risk appetite and economic capital. This required implementing an automated credit risk economic capital measurement engine to reduce measurement time and minimize manual computations, and developing more advanced portfolio analytics to provide detailed information to management. We have also completed significant upgrades to our credit risk EC and risk-adjusted return on capital (or RAROC) methodologies. The new system serves as a platform for advanced portfolio management and risk adjusted performance measurement. Under such framework and process, we have developed and refined quantitative and qualitative assessment methodologies for credit risk, operational risk, market risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, credit concentration risk and strategic and reputational risk. Stress testing is also conducted. We also expect to meet the Pillar 2 use-test requirements of the Financial Supervisory Service by utilizing ICAAP throughout our management practices and reflecting the results in the performance evaluations of our key business groups.

Regarding “Pillar 3” of Basel II, we have defined specific business reporting requirements related to “Pillar 3” in close cooperation with the Financial Supervisory Service and completed the initial development of our Basel II disclosure system in November 2005. We plan to further update our Basel II disclosure system to reflect any additional guidance from the Financial Supervisory Service following its current ongoing discussions with us and other Korean banks regarding specific business disclosure requirements under Basel II.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”

On September 15, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which enhances existing guidance for measuring assets and liabilities using fair value. Prior to the issuance of SFAS No. 157, guidance for applying fair value was incorporated in several accounting pronouncements. SFAS No. 157 provides a single definition of fair value, together with a framework for measuring it, and requires additional disclosure about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 also emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and sets out a fair value hierarchy with the highest priority being quoted prices in active markets. Under SFAS No. 157, fair value measurements are disclosed by level within that hierarchy. SFAS No. 157 is effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008, and requires that the cumulative effect of the adoption of SFAS No. 157 be reflected as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings in the year of adoption. Our management is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of SFAS No.157 on our consolidated financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”

The FASB has issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which permits an entity to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. The

 

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objective of SFAS No. 159 is to improve financial reporting by allowing companies to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by the measurement of related assets and liabilities using different attributes, without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. Under SFAS No. 159, companies that elect the fair value option will report unrealized gains and losses in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The fair value option may be elected on an instrument-by-instrument basis, with a few exceptions, as long as it is applied to the instrument in its entirety. The fair value option election is irrevocable, unless a new election date occurs. SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements to help financial statement users understand the effect of the company’s election on its earnings, but does not eliminate disclosure requirements of other accounting standards. SFAS No. 159 is effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008, and requires that the cumulative effect of the adoption of SFAS No. 159 be reflected as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings in the year of adoption. Our management is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 159 on our consolidated financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

FASB Staff Position FIN 39-1, “Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39, ‘Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts’”

In April 2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FIN 39-1, “Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39” (“FSP FIN 39-1”). FSP FIN 39-1 amends certain provisions of FIN 39, “Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts,” and permits companies to offset fair value amounts recognized for cash collateral receivables or payables against fair value amounts recognized for net derivative positions executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement. FSP FIN 39-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, with early application permitted. Our management is currently evaluating the impact and timing of adoption of FSP FIN 39-1, but does not expect that it will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

Emerging Issues Task Force 06-11, “Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards”

On June 27, 2007, the FASB ratified the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) consensus on Issue No. 06-11, “Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards” (“EITF 06-11”). Effective January 1, 2008, EITF 06-11 requires on a prospective basis that the tax benefit related to dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock and restricted stock units which are expected to vest be recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital. Our management is currently evaluating the impact of adopting EITF 06-11 on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Statement of Position 07-1, “Clarification of the Scope of the Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and Accounting by Parent Companies and Equity Method Investors for Investments in Investment Companies” and FSP FIN 46R-7, “Application of FIN 46R to Investment Companies”

In July 2007, the AICPA issued Statement of Position 07-1, “Clarification of the Scope of the Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and Accounting by Parent Companies and Equity Method Investors for Investments in Investment Companies” (“SOP 07-1”), which was expected to be effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2007. However, in February 2008, the FASB delayed the effective date indefinitely by issuing an FSP SOP 07-1-1, “Effective Date of AICPA Statement of Position 07-1.” SOP 07-1 sets forth more stringent criteria for qualifying as an investment company than does the predecessor audit guidance. In addition, SOP 07-1 establishes new criteria for a parent company or equity method investor to retain investment company accounting in their consolidated financial statements. Investment companies record all their investments at fair value with changes in value reflected in earnings. In May 2007, the FASB issued FSP FIN 46R-7, “Application of FIN 46R to Investment Companies,” which amends FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“FIN 46R”) to make permanent the temporary deferral of the application of FIN 46R to entities within the scope of the revised audit guidance under SOP 07-1. FSP FIN 46R-7 is effective upon adoption of SOP 07-1. In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP SOP

 

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07-1-1, which delays indefinitely the effective date of SOP 07-1. The delay is intended to allow the FASB staff to consider a number of significant issues relating to the implementation of SOP 07-1. As a result, the FASB determined that early adoption of SOP 07-1 would be prohibited.

Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 109, “Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value Through Earnings”

On November 5, 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 109, “Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value Through Earnings” (“SAB 109”). SAB 109 requires that the expected net future cash flows related to servicing of a loan be included in the measurement of all written loan commitments that are accounted for at fair value through earnings. The adoption of SAB 109 is on a prospective basis and effective for our loan commitments measured at fair value through earnings which are issued or modified after January 1, 2008. Our management is currently evaluating the impact and timing of the adoption of SAB 109, but does not expect that it will have a significant impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

SFAS No. 141R, “Business Combinations”

On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141R”). SFAS No. 141R modifies the accounting for business combinations and requires, with limited exceptions, the acquirer in a business combination to recognize 100% of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition-date fair value. In addition, SFAS No. 141R requires the expensing of acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs, and certain contingent assets and liabilities acquired, as well as contingent consideration, to be recognized at fair value. SFAS No. 141R also modifies the accounting for certain acquired income tax assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 141R is effective for new acquisitions consummated on or after January 1, 2009 and early adoption is not permitted. Our management is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No.141R on our consolidated financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements”

On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 requires all entities to report noncontrolling (i.e., minority) interests in subsidiaries as equity in the consolidated financial statements and to account for transactions between an entity and noncontrolling owners as equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest in the subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 also requires expanded disclosure that distinguishes between the interests of the controlling owners and the interests of the noncontrolling owners of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 is effective for our financial statements for the year beginning on January 1, 2009 and earlier adoption is not permitted. Our management is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No.160 on our consolidated financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

FSP FAS 140-3, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions”

On February 20, 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 140-3, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions.” The objective of FSP FAS 140-3 is to provide implementation guidance on whether the security transfer and contemporaneous repurchase financing involving the transferred financial asset must be evaluated as one linked transaction or two separate de-linked transactions. Current practice records the transfer as a sale and the repurchase agreement as a financing. FSP FAS 140-3 requires the recognition of the transfer and the repurchase agreement as one linked transaction, unless all of the following criteria are met: (1) the initial transfer and the repurchase financing are not contractually contingent on one another; (2) the initial transferor has full recourse upon default, and the repurchase agreement’s price is fixed and not at fair value; (3) the financial asset is readily obtainable in the marketplace and the transfer and repurchase financing are executed at market rates; and (4) the maturity of the repurchase financing is before the maturity of the financial

 

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asset. The scope of this FSP is limited to transfers and subsequent repurchase financings that are entered into contemporaneously or in contemplation of one another. FSP FAS 140-3 will become effective as of January 1, 2009. Early adoption is prohibited. Our management is currently evaluating the impact of adopting FSP FAS 140-3 on our consolidated financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” which modified the existing disclosure requirements in FASB Statement No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS No. 161 enhances disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities and thereby improves the transparency of financial reporting. SFAS No. 161 requires enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement No. 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS No.161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. SFAS No.161 encourages, but does not require, comparative disclosures for earlier periods at initial adoption. Our management is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No.161 on our consolidated financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

FSP FAS 142-3-”Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets”

On April 25, 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets.” FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” The objective of FSP FAS 142-3 is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No.142 and the period of expected cash flows to measure the fair value of an asset under SFAS No. 141R, “Business Combinations,” and other U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. FSP FAS 142-3 is effective on January 1, 2009 and early adoption is prohibited. Our management is currently evaluating the impact of adopting FSP FAS 142-3 on our consolidated financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

Selected Financial Information under Korean GAAP

The selected consolidated financial and other data shown below have been derived from our consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP.

Under Korean GAAP, consolidated financial statements include the accounts of fully- or majority-owned subsidiaries and substantially controlled affiliates that have assets in excess of (Won)7 billion. Substantial control is deemed to exist when the investor is the largest stockholder and owns more than 30% of the investee’s voting shares. Korean GAAP does not require the consolidation of subsidiaries, or substantially controlled affiliates, where activities are dissimilar from ours.

Under Korean GAAP, financial statements of our trust accounts on which we guarantee a fixed rate of return and/or the repayment of principal are consolidated, whereby assets and liabilities of third parties held by such trusts are reflected as part of our consolidated assets and liabilities, and revenues and expenses generated from such third-party assets are reflected in our consolidated statement of operations. Activities between trusts and us are eliminated in consolidation.

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with financial accounting standards generally accepted for banking institutions issued by the Korean Securities and Futures Commission.

 

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Capital adequacy ratios have been calculated from the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP and using the guidelines issued by the Financial Supervisory Service.

Consolidated Income Statement Data under Korean GAAP

 

     Year ended December 31,
     2003     2004     2005    2006    2007    2007 (1)
     (in billions of Won, except per common share data)    (in millions
of US$, except
per common
share data)

Interest income (2)

   (Won) 13,085     (Won) 12,284     (Won) 11,453    (Won) 12,267    (Won) 13,877    US$  14,829

Interest expense

     6,476       5,541       4,731      5,392      6,798      7,264
                                           

Net interest income

     6,609       6,743       6,722      6,875      7,079      7,565

Provision for possible credit losses

     2,029       3,065       1,029      1,028      547      585
                                           

Net interest income after provision for possible credit losses

     4,580       3,678       5,693      5,847      6,532      6,980

Non-interest revenue (2) (3) (6)

     4,936       8,547       6,834      8,052      8,277      8,845

Non-interest expense (4) (6)

     6,595       10,546       9,438      10,649      10,529      11,251
                                           

Operating income

     2,921       1,679       3,089      3,250      4,280      4,574

Non-operating (loss) income, net (6)

     (4,181 )     (1,056 )     170      174      264      282
                                           

Net (loss) income before income tax expense

     (1,260 )     623       3,259      3,424      4,544      4,856

Income tax (benefit) expense (6)

     (418 )     264       1,006      957      1,782      1,905
                                           

Net income (7)

   (Won) (842 )   (Won) 359     (Won) 2,253    (Won) 2,467    (Won) 2,762    US$ 2,951
                                           

Controlling company interests

     (919 )     356       2,241      2,458      2,757      2,946

Minority interests

     77       3       12      9      5      5

Per common share data:

               

Earnings per share-basic

   (Won) (2,818 )   (Won) 1,162     (Won) 6,943    (Won) 7,308    (Won) 8,197    US$ 8.76

Earnings per share-diluted

     (2,818 )     1,161       6,938      7,308      8,179      8.74

Cash dividends per common share (5)

     —         550       550      3,650      2,450      2.62

 

(1)

Won amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars at the rate of (Won)935.8 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on December 31, 2007 as quoted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in the United States.

(2)

Commencing with the year ended December 31, 2005, certain income items relating to our credit card operations (including merchant fees on credit card purchases and interest on credit card installment purchases) have been reclassified from non-interest income to interest income. Corresponding amounts for 2004 have been restated to reflect such reclassification.

(3)

Non-interest revenue includes fees and commission income, dividends on securities, gains on security valuations and disposals, gains on foreign currency transactions and gains from derivative transactions.

(4)

Non-interest expense is composed of fees and commissions paid or payable, general and administrative expenses, losses on security valuations and disposals, losses on foreign currency transactions and losses from derivative transactions.

(5)

Ratios represent the periods to which the dividends relate.

(6)

Commencing with the year ended December 31, 2007, we reclassified a number of line items in our income statement, including gains or losses on disposal of available-for-sale securities and sale of loans, which have been reclassified from non-operating (loss) income to non-interest (expense) revenue, and refund of a prior year’s income tax and additional income tax paid for a prior year, which have been reclassified from non-operating (loss) income to income tax (benefit) expense. Certain income statement amounts for 2006 have been restated to reflect such reclassification.

(7)

Commencing with the year ended December 31, 2007, net income is presented as the sum of controlling company interests and minority interests. In prior years, controlling company interests were presented as net income. Corresponding amounts for 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 have been restated to reflect such change.

 

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Consolidated Balance Sheet Data under Korean GAAP

 

     As of December 31,  
     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2007 (1)  
     (in billions of Won)     (in millions of
US$)
 

Cash and cash equivalents

   (Won) 6,561     (Won) 5,213     (Won) 5,943     (Won) 6,689     (Won) 6,727     US$ 7,189  

Foreign exchange (2)

     —         —         —         —         —         —    

Loans (3)(4)(5)

     145,067       138,969       138,281       152,383       174,235       186,188  

Less: allowance for doubtful accounts

     (3,922 )     (3,131 )     (2,459 )     (2,365 )     (2,505 )     (2,677 )

Trading securities (6)

     7,178       6,523       6,463       5,552       7,786       8,320  

Investment securities (6)

     22,159       24,147       27,016       27,036       26,454       28,269  

Premises and equipment, net

     3,025       2,637       2,442       2,513       2,640       2,821  

Other assets (7)(8)

     6,755       8,331       5,217       7,105       7,707       8,236  
                                                

Total assets

   (Won) 186,823     (Won) 182,689     (Won) 182,903     (Won) 198,913     (Won) 223,044     US$  238,346  
                                                

Deposits

     135,373       130,134       129,616       133,297       142,101       151,849  

Borrowings (9)(10)

     10,751       9,359       13,328       13,804       15,275       16,324  

Debentures

     19,183       21,875       16,548       24,983       34,895       37,289  

Other liabilities (11)

     13,205       12,059       10,960       11,701       14,666       15,672  
                                                

Total liabilities

     178,512       173,427       170,452       183,785       206,937       221,134  
                                                

Stockholders’ equity (12)

     8,311       9,262       12,451       15,128       16,107       17,212  
                                                

Total liabilities, minority interests and stockholders’ equity

   (Won) 186,823     (Won) 182,689     (Won) 182,903     (Won) 198,913     (Won) 223,044     US$ 238,346  
                                                

 

(1)

Won amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars at the rate of (Won)935.8 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on December 31, 2007 as quoted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in the United States.

(2)

Foreign exchange represents holdings of foreign currency and bills bought in foreign currencies and are included in cash and cash equivalents and loans, respectively. The amounts of foreign currency and bills bought in foreign currencies as of December 31, 2003, were (Won)228 billion and (Won)534 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2004, the amounts were (Won)125 billion and (Won)575 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2005, the amounts were (Won)150 billion and (Won)1,378 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2006, the amounts were (Won)151 billion and (Won)1,274 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2007, the amounts were (Won)189 billion and (Won)1,628 billion, respectively.

(3)

Loans represent the gross amount of loans, before adjustment for the allowance for loan losses. Accrued interest income is included within other assets.

(4)

Credit card assets are included in loans. The amount of credit card assets was (Won)11,665 billion, (Won)7,644 billion, (Won)7,571 billion, (Won)8,667 billion and (Won)10,436 billion as of December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

(5)

Call loans are included in loans. The amounts of call loans at December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were (Won)1,659 billion, (Won)2,824 billion, (Won)1,535 billion, (Won)1,189 billion and (Won)1,621 billion, respectively.

(6)

Under Korean GAAP, all debt securities and marketable equity securities are accounted for on a similar basis to U.S. GAAP. However, adjustments for impairment can be reversed up to the original cost of the investment.

(7)

Guarantees and acceptances for which the amounts were determined do not appear on the balance sheet but are recorded as an off-balance sheet item in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. The amounts of guarantees and acceptances at December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were (Won)811 billion, (Won)976 billion, (Won)1,790 billion, (Won)2,715 billion and (Won)5,300 billion, respectively.

 

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(8)

Other assets include leasehold deposits, accounts receivables, accrued interest income, prepaid expenses and unsettled debit of domestic exchange (which represents outstanding balances due from other banks generated in the process of fund settlements of domestic exchange, such as checks, bills, drafts, remittance exchange, ATM use and credit card network). Leasehold deposits are recorded as other assets on the balance sheet. Accumulated depreciation is recorded as a deduction from premises and equipment.

(9)

Borrowings consist mainly of borrowings from the Bank of Korea, the Korean government and other banking institutions.

(10)

Call money is included in borrowings at December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. The balances of call money as of those dates were (Won)522 billion, (Won)655 billion, (Won)1,254 billion, (Won)168 billion and (Won)794 billion, respectively.

(11)

Under Korean GAAP, contingent losses with respect to guarantees and acceptances are recognized by applying the same classification methods and provision percentages used in determining the allowance for loan losses. Provisions are only applied to acceptances and guarantees classified as substandard, doubtful and estimated loss. The amounts of allowance as of December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were (Won)1 billion, (Won)1 billion, (Won)10 billion, (Won)19 billion and (Won)37 billion, respectively. These amounts are included in other liabilities.

(12)

Under Korean GAAP, minority interests are included in stockholders’ equity. The amounts of minority interests as of December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were (Won)17 billion, (Won)28 billion, (Won)39 billion, (Won)44 billion and (Won)44 billion, respectively.

Profitability and Other Ratios under Korean GAAP

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007  
     (percentages)  

Net income as a percentage of:

          

Average total assets (1)

   (0.43 )%   0.19 %   1.23 %   1.27 %   1.31 %

Average stockholders’ equity (1)

   (6.74 )   3.78     19.41     17.21     17.12  

Dividend payout ratio (2)

   —       46.95     8.21     49.77     29.84  

Net interest spread (3)

   3.57     4.04     3.98     3.69     3.39  

Net interest margin (4)

   3.76     4.05     4.10     3.90     3.65  

Efficiency ratio (5)

   57.13     68.97     69.62     71.70     71.11  

Cost-to-average assets ratio (6)

   3.75     5.66     5.13     5.38     5.29  

Fee income as a percentage of total income (7)

   13.56     7.28     6.13     6.69     7.02  

 

(1)

Average balances are based on (a) daily balances for our primary banking operations and (b) quarterly balances for subsidiaries.

(2)

The dividend payout ratio represents the ratio of total dividends paid on common stock as a percentage of net income attributable to common stock.

(3)

Net interest spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest earning assets and cost of average interest bearing liabilities.

(4)

Net interest margin represents the ratio of net interest income to average interest earning assets.

(5)

Efficiency ratio represents the ratio of non-interest expense to the sum of net interest income and non-interest revenue.

(6)

Cost-to-average assets ratio represents the ratio of non-interest expense to average total assets.

(7)

Fee income represents income other than interest income and other operating income, and excludes fees and commissions classified in those categories under Korean GAAP.

 

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Capital Ratios under Korean GAAP

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007  
     (percentages)  

Tier I capital adequacy ratio (1)

   6.03 %   6.67 %   9.67 %   10.07 %   9.74 %

Tier II capital adequacy ratio (1)

   3.78     4.34     3.28     4.10     2.88  

Average stockholders’ equity as a percentage of average total assets

   6.33     5.10     6.31     7.37     7.63  

 

(1)

The capital adequacy ratios are computed in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Financial Services Commission, which guidelines are consistent with the capital adequacy accord reached by the Basel Committee of Banking Supervision, Bank for International Settlements in all material respects. The computation is prepared on a consolidated Korean GAAP basis.

Credit Portfolio Ratios under Korean GAAP

 

     As of December 31,  
     2003     2004     2005     2006     2007  
     (in billions of Won, except percentages)  

Non-performing loans (1)

   (Won) 4,962     (Won) 3,524     (Won) 2,297     (Won) 1,551     (Won) 1,297  
                                        

Non performing loans as a percentage of total loans

     3.45 %     2.53 %     1.66 %     1.02 %     0.74 %

Non performing loans as a percentage of total assets

     2.66       1.93       1.26       0.78       0.58  

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans

     44.62       47.86       52.83       52.31       53.62  

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans

     2.59       2.25       1.78       1.55       1.44  

Non-performing credits as a percentage of total credits (2)

     3.44       2.52       1.63       1.00       0.71  

Won loans as a percentage of Won deposits (3)

     97.35       99.41       96.94       103.01       119.40  

Precautionary loans as a percentage of total loans

     5.35       4.37       2.30       1.13       0.82  

Precautionary and below loans as a percentage of total loans (4)

     8.81       6.90       3.97       2.15       1.56  

Precautionary and below loans as a percentage of total assets (4)

     6.78       5.26       3.00       1.64       1.22  

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of precautionary and below loans (4)

     22.20       23.53       28.29       31.03       31.20  

 

(1)

Non-performing loans are defined in accordance with regulatory guidance in Korea. See “Item 4B. Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Principal Regulations Applicable to Banks.”

(2)

Credits include loans and confirmed guarantees and acceptances provided from our trust accounts (including bills purchased and privately placed debentures), as well as the total loan portfolio of the banking accounts. Loans, as defined for Korean GAAP purposes, include loans provided from our trust accounts (including bills purchased and privately placed debentures), as well as the total loan portfolio of the banking accounts.

(3)

Under Korean GAAP, Won loans do not include bills bought in Won, advances for customers, credit card accounts, bonds purchased under resale agreements, call loans, private placement corporate bonds and loans in restructurings that have been swapped for equity in the restructured borrower. Including these items, our ratios as of December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 would have been 109.74%, 109.55%, 107.40%, 117.65% and 134.40%, respectively.

(4)

As defined by the Financial Services Commission.

 

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Reconciliation with Korean GAAP

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles and policies as summarized in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements. These principles and policies differ in some respect from generally accepted accounting principles applicable in Korea. The following are reconciliations of net income and stockholders’ equity of the consolidated statements with Korean GAAP:

 

     2007  
     (in millions of Won)  

U.S. GAAP net income

   (Won) 3,755,107  
        

1 Provision for credit losses

     (506,397 )

2 Deferred loan costs

     (74,846 )

3 Equity method investments

     (24,551 )

4 Securities and hedging derivatives accounting

     160,240  

5 Other loan sale accounting

     26,681  

6 Fixed assets

     2,002  

7 Merger with Korea Long Term Credit Bank

     0  

8 Reversal of amortization of present value discounts

     5,435  

9 Foreign currency translation

     21,927  

10 Merger with H&CB

     (38,345 )

11 Minority interest

     4,882  

12 Merger with Kookmin Credit Card

     5,770  

13 Consolidation of fund represented by the wholly owned beneficiary certificates

     6,693  

14 Others

     (6,285 )
        

Total of adjustments

     (416,794 )

Tax effect of adjustments

     (576,115 )
        

Korean GAAP net income

   (Won) 2,762,198  
        

U.S. GAAP stockholders’ equity

   (Won) 16,965,577  
        

1 Provision for credit losses

     (2,063,823)  

2 Deferred loan costs

     (214,892)  

3 Equity method investments

     (78,870)  

4 Securities and hedging derivatives accounting

     648,323  

5 Other loan sale accounting

     (537,667)  

6 Fixed assets

     334,659  

7 Merger with Korea Long Term Credit Bank

     363,550  

8 Reversal of amortization of present value discounts

     170,679  

9 Foreign currency translation

     (1,250)  

10 Merger with H&CB

     541,091  

11 Minority interest

     44,232  

12 Merger with Kookmin Credit Card

     (237,651)  

13 Consolidation of fund represented by the wholly owned beneficiary certificates

     2,027  

14 Others

     70,283  
        

Total of adjustments

     (959,309)  

Tax effect of adjustments

     100,839  
        

Korean GAAP stockholders’ equity

   (Won) 16,107,107  
        

 

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The following is a summary of the significant adjustments made to consolidated net income and stockholders’ equity to reconcile the U.S. GAAP results with those under Korean GAAP. The numbered paragraphs below refer to the corresponding item numbers set forth above.

1. We established the U.S. GAAP loan loss allowance for impaired non-homogeneous loans based on (1) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, (2) the fair value of the collateral if the loan was collateral dependent or (3) observable market prices if available. For small balance homogeneous impaired loan portfolios and consumer loans, we established the allowance for the loan losses based on an evaluation of the historical performance of the loan portfolios. Allowance for loans that were not impaired was based principally on historical migration patterns. Other factors that management considered when establishing reserves for loans include, but were not limited to, global and local economic events, delinquencies, changes in underwriting and changes in credit monitoring policies. See “Item 4B. Business Overview—Assets and Liabilities—Loan Portfolio—Provisioning Policy.”

Prior to 2004 year-end, the allowance for loan losses under Korean GAAP was determined based on the classification guidelines promulgated by the Financial Services Commission (“FSC”), which require that the allowance should be equal to or greater than the allowance based on the minimum provisioning rate determined by the classification of the loan. Beginning with 2004 year-end, the allowance for loan losses under Korean GAAP has been determined at the larger of the allowance based on historical loss rates of loan portfolios or the one based on the loan classification guidelines of the FSC. For 2007 year-end, we used the allowance based on the FSC guidelines as it was greater than the one based on the historical loss rates. Our reserve under Korean GAAP was established based on the following percentages as of December 31, 2007:

 

      

2007

      

Corporate loans

    

Retail loans

  

Credit card balances

       (percentages)

Normal (1)

     0.85% or more      1.00% or more    1.50% or more

Precautionary

     7.00% or more      10.00% or more    15.00% or more

Substandard

     20.00% or more      20.00% or more    20.00% or more

Doubtful

     50.00% or more      55.00% or more    60.00% or more

Estimated loss

     100.00%      100.00%    100.00%
 
 

(1)

In the case of normal credits comprising loans to borrowers in the construction, wholesale and retail, accommodation and restaurant or real estate and housing industries (as classified under the Korean Industry Classification Standard), the applicable figure is 0.9% or more.

The historical loss rates used under Korean GAAP were different from those under U.S. GAAP as a result of differences in methodologies and industry practice including approaches for estimating charge-off recovery rates and loss factors from migration and roll rate analyses.

This adjustment also reflected the offsetting effects of (1) the consolidation of our trust accounts, which include loans and related reserves under Korean GAAP and (2) the deconsolidation of certain securitized loans and related reserves which we recorded as sales under Korean GAAP.

2. Under U.S. GAAP, certain employee and other costs associated with originating loans are deferred and amortized as a yield adjustment over the life of the related loans, net of any related fees received. These costs relate to direct loan origination activities performed by us which include evaluating the prospective borrower’s financial condition, recording guarantees, collateral and other security arrangements, negotiating loan terms, preparing and processing loan documents and closing the transaction. Prior to January 1, 2003, Korean GAAP required that these origination fees and costs be recognized as income or expense when accrued and did not provide for deferral or amortization. Effective January 1, 2003, certain origination fees and costs were required to be deferred and amortized as a yield adjustment over the life of the related loans.

 

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3. In our consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP, we must include a proportionate share of the results of operations of our investments accounted for under the equity method, which would be also prepared on a U.S. GAAP basis. Consequently, the results of each of our equity method investments have been affected by the conversion from each investment’s respective local GAAP to U.S. GAAP.

4. Under U.S. GAAP, decreases in fair value with respect to all securities classified as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity as well as unlisted equity securities below the cost basis of an individual security and deemed to be other-than-temporary must be written off through a charge to income. In determining whether a decrease in fair value is other-than-temporary, the following factors were considered: the length of time and the extent to which the market value had been less than cost; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; and the intent and ability of the holder to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. Under Korean GAAP, when the recoverable value of available-for-sale or held-to-maturity securities is less than their amortized acquisition costs (in the case of equity securities, their acquisition costs), and there is any objective evidence of impairment, then their book value is adjusted to their recoverable amount, and the amount of their amortized acquisition costs (in the case of equity securities, their acquisition costs) in excess of the recoverable amount less the amount of impairment loss already recognized in the prior periods is reflected in current loss as impairment loss.

Under U.S. GAAP, to qualify for hedge accounting, derivatives must be highly effective at reducing the risk associated with the exposure being hedged. Each derivative must be formally designated as a hedge, with documentation of the risk management objective and strategy for the hedge, identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item and risk exposure, and how effectiveness would be assessed prospectively and retrospectively. Under Korean GAAP, the criteria that must be met in order to apply hedge accounting were less prescriptive. This adjustment reflected the effects of the reversal of the hedge accounting treatment under Korean GAAP.

5. Under U.S. GAAP, the transfer of loans was recorded as a sale if specific and prescriptive criteria were met relating to the transferor’s relinquishing control. If these criteria were not met, the transfer would be treated as a secured borrowing. Certain loan transfers (including those in connection with asset securitization transactions) that qualified for derecognition as sales under Korean GAAP did not meet U.S. GAAP criteria for derecognition as sales.

6. Under Korean GAAP, we revalued certain fixed assets in accordance with Korean GAAP with the revaluation increment credited to capital surplus. As a result of this revaluation, depreciation expense on these assets was adjusted to reflect the increased basis. Under U.S. GAAP, such a revaluation is not permitted and depreciation expense should be based on historical cost. As part of our normal operations, we occasionally dispose of fixed assets. Due to the difference in carrying value under U.S. GAAP and Korean GAAP noted above, there was an adjustment to reflect the difference in the gain or loss on disposal of those fixed assets.

7. In accordance with Korean GAAP, the value of consideration paid for Korea Long Term Credit Bank was based on the price of our common stock on the date that the transaction was consummated. In addition, the assets were recorded at their carrying values. This transaction created negative goodwill under Korean GAAP which was recorded in stockholders’ equity. The application of U.S. GAAP resulted in goodwill because of differences in the measurement of the purchase price and recording the related assets and liabilities at fair value. The income statement adjustment represented the accretion to income of the difference between book value and fair value on the net assets acquired.

8. Under Korean GAAP, loans modified through troubled debt restructurings were carried at the lower of (1) the book value of the loan prior to restructuring and (2) the present value of the restructured loan. If carried at present value, the related present value discount was accreted to income over the remaining term of the restructured loans. Under U.S. GAAP, such trouble debt restructured loans were treated as impaired loans and the related allowance for loan losses were established based on (1) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted, (2) the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent, or (3) observable market prices if available. Accordingly, this difference reflects the reversal of the present value discount.

 

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9. U.S. GAAP requires that all unrealized gains and losses arising from available-for-sale securities be recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Under Korean GAAP, the portion of unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities arising from foreign currency translation were recognized in earnings.

10. Under Korean GAAP, the value of consideration paid for H&CB was measured based on our stock price on the consummation date of the merger, whereas under U.S. GAAP, the value of consideration was measured based on our average closing stock price on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange two days before and after the date the merger was agreed to and announced. The application of U.S. GAAP resulted in negative goodwill due to the fact that the consideration paid was less than the fair value of H&CB’s net assets acquired. Under Korean GAAP, goodwill was created because the value of consideration measured based on the consummation date was significantly higher. The income statement adjustment primarily reflected the following:

 

  (a) Reversal of goodwill amortization that was recorded under Korean GAAP.

 

  (b) Costs that were directly related to the merger were expensed under Korean GAAP, whereas such costs were included in the cost of the merger under U.S. GAAP.

 

  (c) Accretion to income or amortization to expense of the difference between the fair value and book value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

 

  (d) The amortization related to the core deposit and credit card relationship intangible assets acquired in the merger based on their estimated useful lives in proportion to the estimated run-off of the related depositor and customer relationships, respectively.

11. The operating results of each of our subsidiaries have been affected by the conversion to U.S. GAAP from Korean GAAP. Consequently, the allocation to minority of their shares of the respective subsidiaries has been affected as a result of the conversion.

Under Korean GAAP, minority interest is treated as a component of stockholders’ equity. Under U.S. GAAP, minority interest is not considered part of stockholders’ equity and is disclosed in the consolidated balance sheet between the liability section and the stockholders’ equity section.

12. Under Korean GAAP, the value of consideration paid for the step-up acquisition of a subsidiary is measured based on book value of the subsidiary’s net assets on the consummation date of the merger. Accordingly the value of consideration paid for the acquisition of Kookmin Credit Card (“KCC”) was measured based on book value of KCC’s net assets. However, under U.S. GAAP, the value of consideration was measured based on our average closing stock price on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange two days before and after the date the merger was agreed to and announced. The application of U.S. GAAP resulted in goodwill due to the fact that the consideration paid was more than the fair value of KCC’s net assets acquired. Under Korean GAAP, goodwill was not recognized because the value of consideration measured based on the consummation date was the same as the book value of KCC’s net assets. The adjustment primarily reflected the following:

 

  (a) Costs that were directly related to the merger were expensed under Korean GAAP, whereas such costs were included in the cost of the merger under U.S. GAAP.

 

  (b) The operating results of KCC was affected by the conversion to U.S. GAAP from Korean GAAP. Consequently, the allocation to minority of their shares of KCC was also affected as a result of the conversion.

 

  (c) Accretion to income or amortization to expense of the difference between the fair value and book value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

 

  (d) The amortization related to the credit card relationship intangible asset acquired in the merger based on their estimated useful lives in proportion to the estimated run-off of customer relationships.

 

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13. Under Korean GAAP, beneficiary certificates were treated as trading and available-for-sale securities. Unrealized gains or losses of beneficiary certificates classified as available-for-sale securities were recorded in the other comprehensive income of the stockholders’ equity. When beneficiary certificates were sold, related realized gains or losses were recorded in net income. However, under U.S. GAAP, the underlying funds represented by the wholly owned beneficiary certificates were consolidated into our financial statements, resulting in the net income or loss of the funds being reflected in our annual net income. The difference in the stockholders’ equity mostly relates to the unrealized gains or losses on the beneficiary certificates treated as available for sale securities.

 

  14. This adjustment reflected the effect of miscellaneous items, which were not individually material.

With respect to tax effect of adjustments, under U.S. GAAP, we recognize the income tax effect of adjustments using the marginal income tax rate. Also, under U.S. GAAP, a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return is evaluated to determine whether it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. Only tax positions that meet the more likely than not criteria are measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authorities. Differences between tax positions taken in a tax return and amounts recognized are reflected in the financial statements as adjustments of income tax expense or deferred tax assets (liabilities). In addition, interest and penalties related to tax positions are classified as a component of income tax expense. Under Korean GAAP, there is no clear guideline on recognizing and measuring the benefits of uncertain tax positions. As a result, in practice, they are recognized as adjustments to income tax expense when realized.

 

Item 5C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

Not Applicable.

 

Item 5D. Trend Information

These matters are discussed under Item 5A and Item 5B above where relevant.

 

Item 5E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

See “Item 5B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Financial Condition—Contractual Cash Obligations” and “Item 5B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Financial Condition—Commitments and Guarantees.”

 

Item 5F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

See “Item 5B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Financial Condition—Contractual Cash Obligations.”

 

Item 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

 

Item 6A. Directors and Senior Management

Board of Directors

Our board of directors, currently consisting of five executive directors and nine non-executive directors, has the ultimate responsibility for the management of our affairs. We currently have an executive director, Yong Hwa Cheong, who serves as a standing member of the Audit Committee.

Our articles of incorporation provide that:

 

   

we may have no more than 30 directors;

 

   

the number of executive directors must be less than 50% of the total number of directors; and

 

   

we have five or more non-executive directors.

 

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Each of our executive and non-executive directors has been elected for a three-year term of office. Terms are renewable and are subject to the Korean Commercial Code, the Bank Act and related regulations.

Our board of directors meets on a regular basis to discuss and resolve material corporate matters. Additional extraordinary meetings may also be convened at the request of any director or any committee that serves under the board of directors.

The names and positions of our directors are set forth below. The business address of all of the directors is our registered office at 9-1, 2-ga, Namdaemoon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul 100-703, Korea.

Executive Directors

The table below identifies our executive directors as of the date of this annual report:

 

Name

   Age   

Position

  

Director Since

   End of Term (1)

Chung Won Kang

   57    President and Chief Executive Officer    November 1, 2004    2010

Yong Hwa Cheong

   55    Chief Audit Executive    March 20, 2008    2011

Ki Hong Kim

   51    Senior Executive Vice President; Holding Company Planning Group    March 24, 2006    2009

Donald H. MacKenzie

   59    Chief Financial Officer and Senior Executive Vice President; Finance Group    March 20, 2008    2011

In Gyu Choi

   52    Senior Executive Vice President; Strategy Group    March 20, 2008    2011

 

(1)

Unless otherwise indicated, the date on which each term will end will be the date of the general stockholders’ meeting in the relevant year.

None of the executive directors have any significant activities outside Kookmin Bank.

Chung Won Kang is our president and chief executive officer. He was an advisor to Kim & Chang, non-executive director of LG Investment & Securities Co., Ltd., an advisor to World Bank Group, president and chief executive officer of the former Seoul Bank, chief country officer of Deutsche Bank Group, Korea and chief country officer of Bankers Trust Group, Korea. He received a B.A. in economics from Dartmouth College and an M.A. in law and diplomacy from The Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy.

Yong Hwa Cheong is our chief audit executive and a standing member of our Audit Committee. He was the director of business operating division at the National Credit Union Federation of Korea and an assistant governor of the Financial Supervisory Service. He received a B.A. in law and an M.S. in business administration from Korea University.

Ki Hong Kim is our executive director and head of the Holding Company Planning Group. He was a non-executive director from 2003 to 2005. He was a professor of business administration at Chungbuk National University, a research fellow at the Korea Institute of Fiscal Policy, a research director at the Korea Insurance Development Institute and an assistant governor at the Financial Supervisory Service. He received a B.A. in business and economics from Barat College, an M.B.A. from the University of Missouri and a Ph.D. in business administration from the University of Georgia.

Donald H. MacKenzie is our chief financial officer, senior executive vice president and head of the Finance Group. He was the head of our former Risk Management Group and an executive director and senior executive

 

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vice president. He was seconded to us by ING Groep N.V. in 2000 as a senior advisor on risk management matters. Before coming to Korea, he was the country manager for ING Bank N.V. in Japan, managing director of ING Barings Limited, a vice president with Goldman, Sachs & Co. and a partner at KPMG Peat Marwick. He is a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. He received a B.A. in economics from British Columbia University and a degree in accounting, finance and business administration from Simon Fraser University.

In Gyu Choi is our executive director, senior executive vice president and head of the Strategy Group. He was an executive vice president and head of the Strategic Planning Division and a general manager of Human Resources Supporting Department and Seochobuk Branch. He received a B.A. in business administration from Yonsei University and an M.B.A. from The George Washington University.

Non-executive Directors

Our non-executive directors are selected based on the candidates’ talents and skills in diverse areas, such as law, finance, economy, management and accounting. All nine non-executive directors below were nominated by our Non-executive Director Nominating Committee, and five were elected at the ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on March 20, 2008 and one non-executive director, Chee Joong Kim, was elected at the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting held on October 31, 2007.

The table below identifies our non-executive directors as of the date of this annual report:

 

Name

   Age   

Position

  

Director Since

   Year Term Ends (1)

Kee Young Chung

   59    Non-executive Director    March 24, 2006    2009

Jacques P.M. Kemp

   59    Non-executive Director    March 23, 2007    2010

Dam Cho

   55    Non-executive Director    March 18, 2005    2011

Bo Kyung Byun

   54    Non-executive Director    March 24, 2006    2009

Suk Sig Lim

   54    Non-executive Director    March 20, 2008    2011

Sang Moon Hahm

   54    Non-executive Director    March 20, 2008    2011

Han Kim

   54    Non-executive Director    March 20, 2008    2011

Chee Joong Kim

   52    Non-executive Director    October 31, 2007    2010

Chan Soo Kang

   46    Non-executive Director    March 20, 2008    2011

 

(1)

The date on which each term will end will be the date of the general stockholders’ meeting in the relevant year.

Kee Young Chung has been a non-executive director since 2006. He is currently a professor of Keimyung University. He was President of Korea Accounting Institute, Chairman of Korea Accounting Standards Board and Chief Accountant of Financial Supervisory Service. He received a B.A. in business administration from Seoul National University, an M.B.A from Seoul National University, and a Ph.D. in accounting from the University of Texas at Austin.

Jacques P.M. Kemp has been a non-executive director since 2007. He is currently the CEO of ING Insurance Asia/Pacific. He was a Global Head e-Business of ING Group and a Chairman of ING Bank International. He received an M.B.A from the University of Chicago.

Dam Cho has been a non-executive director since 2005. He is currently a professor at Chonnam National University. He was president of Korean Financial Management Association and a lecturer at Hongik University. He received a B.A. in business administration, an M.S. in business administration and a Ph.D. in finance from Korea University.

Bo Kyung Byun has been a non-executive director since 2006. He is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Kolon I’net Co., Ltd. He was President and Chief Executive Officer of LG IBM PC Co., Ltd. and a

 

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managing director of IBM Korea. He received a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Seoul National University and an Executive Education M.B.A. Program Certificate from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

Suk Sig Lim has been a non-executive director since March 2008. He is currently a professor at the University of Seoul. He was Vice President of Korea Accounting Institute, a member of the examination committee at the Financial Supervisory Service and an assistant professor at the University of Alberta. He received a B.A. in business administration from Seoul National University, an M.S. in industrial engineering from KAIST and an M.S. in business administration from Pennsylvania State University.

Sang Moon Hahm has been a non-executive director since March 2008. He is currently dean of KDI School of Public Policy and Management. He was a chief researcher at the Korea Institute of Finance and an assistance professor at Virginia Tech. He received a B.A. in economics from Georgetown University, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago.

Han Kim has been a non-executive director since March 2008. He is currently President and Chairman of Uclick. He was an executive director at Daishin Securities Co., Ltd., Vice Chairman of Meritz Securities Co., Ltd. and a non-executive director at Dongyang Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Ltd. He received a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Seoul National University and an M.B.A. from Yale University.

Chee Joong Kim has been a non-executive director since 2007. He is currently a partner at Barun Law. He was a presiding judge at Seoul Eastern District Court, Seoul Administrative Court, Patent Court and Seoul High Court. He received a B.A. and an M.A. in law from Seoul National University.

Chan Soo Kang has been a non-executive director since 2008. He is currently President and Chairman of Kang & Company Ltd. and a non-executive director at SK Holdings Co., Ltd. He was an executive director at BT Wolfensohn, a Chief Executive Officer of Seoul Securities Co., Ltd. and an adjunct professor at Ewha Womans University. He received a B.A. in economics from Harvard University and an M.B.A. from Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

Any director having an interest in a transaction that is subject to approval by the board of directors may not vote at the meeting during which the board approves the transaction.

 

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Executive Officers

The table below identifies our senior executive officers who are not executive directors as of the date of this annual report:

 

Name

   Age   

Position

Hyung Goo Sim

   54    Senior Executive Vice President; Marketing Group

Dal Soo Lee

   56    Senior Executive Vice President; Commercial Banking Group I

Jeung Ho Lee

   55    Senior Executive Vice President; Commercial Banking Group II

Yong Kook Oh

   58    Senior Executive Vice President; Investment Banking/Global Business Group

Hyo Sung Won

   47    Senior Executive Vice President; Credit Card Group

Kyung Woo Nam

   57    Senior Executive Vice President; Trust/National Housing Fund Management Group

Young Han Choi

   49    Senior Executive Vice President; Capital Markets and Treasury Group

Byung Kun Oh

   55    Senior Executive Vice President; Credit Group

Sai Yoon Hong

   54    Senior Executive Vice President; Sales Supporting Group

Heung Woon Kim

   50    Senior Executive Vice President; Information Technology Group

Kwang Chun Shon

   51    Senior Executive Vice President; Human Resources Group

None of the executive officers have any significant activities outside Kookmin Bank.

Hyung Goo Sim is a senior executive vice president and the head of the Marketing Group. Prior to that, he was the head of Gangseo regional head office and the representative director at KB Real Estate Trust. He graduated from KangKyung Commercial High School.

Dal Soo Lee is a senior executive vice president and the head of the Commercial Banking Group I. Prior to that, he was head of the Marketing/Product Group and head of the Consumer Marketing Group. He graduated from Daegu Commercial High School.

Jeung Ho Lee is a senior executive vice president and the head of the Commercial Banking Group II. Prior to that, he was the head of the Credit Group and head of Seobusan regional headquarters. He received a B.A. in public administration from Chungnam National University.

Yong Kook Oh is a senior executive vice president and the head of the Investment Banking/Global Business Group. Prior to that, he was the head of the Corporate Banking Group, a deputy president and executive vice president at Shinhan Bank and head of the Local Corporation Banking Group at Citibank, Korea. He received a B.A. in business administration from Korea University.

Hyo Sung Won is a senior executive vice president and the head of the Credit Card Group. Prior to that, he was senior executive vice president of the Consumer Marketing Group, executive vice president at KorAm Bank and a marketing director at Citibank, Korea. He received a B.A. in business administration from Seoul National University and an M.B.A. from Indiana University.

Kyung Woo Nam is a senior executive vice president and the head of the Trust/National Housing Fund Management Group. Prior to joining us, he was a general director of the Planning and Management Bureau at the

 

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National Economic Advisory Council. He received a B.A. in political science and diplomacy from Korea University, and an M.A. in economics from Washington University.

Young Han Choi is a senior executive vice president and the head of the Capital Markets and Treasury Group. Prior to that, he was a consultant at Accolate Inc. and the head of the Trading and Treasury Group at Deutsche Bank Korea. He received a B.A. in business administration from Yonsei University and an M.B.A. from University of Michigan.

Byung Kun Oh is a senior executive vice president and the head of the Credit Group. Prior to that, he was the head of Namseoul regional head office and Gyeongsu regional head office. He received a B.A. in business administration from Chongju University.

Sai Yoon Hong is a senior executive vice president and the head of the Sales Supporting Group. Prior to that, he was the head of Nambu regional head office and the general manager of the Gwacheon Branch. He received a B.A. in business administration from Youngnam University.

Heung Woon Kim is a senior executive vice president and the head of the Information Technology Group. Prior to that, he was an executive vice president and the head of the IT Development Division and a general manager of the IT Application Development Department and the Gwangjangdong Branch. He received a B.A in Economics from Korea National Open University.

Kwang Chun Shon is a senior executive vice president and the head of the Human Resources Group. Prior to that, he was an executive vice president and the head of the Human Resources Division and a general manager of the Human Resources Development Department. He received a B.A in political science and diplomacy from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.

 

Item 6B. Compensation

The aggregate remuneration paid and benefits-in-kind paid by us to our chairman, our president and chief executive officer, our other executive directors, our non-executive directors and our executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2007 was (Won)11,764 million. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2007, we set aside (Won)1,214 million for allowances for severance and retirement benefits for our president and chief executive officer, the other executive directors and our executive officers.

We do not have service contracts with any of our directors or officers providing for benefits upon termination of their employment with us.

We have granted stock options to our president and chief executive officer, other directors and executive officers and employees as described below. For all of the options granted, we may elect either to issue common shares or allocate treasury shares, or pay in cash or treasury shares, the difference between the exercise and the market price at the date of exercise. Generally, upon vesting, options may be exercised from after three years from the grant date up to eight years after such date, once restrictions on the exercise of options, including continued employment for at least two years from the grant date, lapse.

On November 1, 2004, we granted 700,000 options to our current president and chief executive officer, Chung Won Kang. Of the 700,000 options granted:

 

   

300,000 options will become exercisable if we reach a return on equity target of 25%;

 

   

200,000 options will become exercisable if we reach a BIS target ratio of 12%; and

 

   

200,000 options will become exercisable if we reach a total return target for our shareholders, which is 100% of the rate of increase in the KOSPI banking industry index.

 

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Our financial performance, as well as the rate of increase in the KOSPI banking industry index, will be measured at the commencement of the exercise period. In the case of early retirement, prior to the date of retirement, the number of options exercisable will be determined based on the duration of employment and the exercise price will depend on the KOSPI banking industry index on the date of such early retirement. On November 1, 2007, 610,000 of the 700,000 options granted to our current president and chief executive officer vested and 90,000 options expired without vesting. The 610,000 vested options may be exercised up to eight years from the grant date. The current exercise price is (Won)50,600, which reflects the increased rate of the KOSPI banking industry index, and the exercised options can be settled through the issuance of shares, the allocation of treasury shares, or the payment in cash or treasury shares the difference between the exercise and the market price at the date of exercise, at our discretion. For additional information regarding our stock option plan, see Note 28 to our consolidated financial statements.

In 2007, we recognized (Won)7,513 million as compensation expense for the stock options granted under our incentive stock option plan. For additional information regarding our compensation expense in connection with our incentive stock option plan, see Note 28 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

Item 6C. Board Practices

See “Item 6A. Directors and Senior Management” above for information concerning the terms of office and contractual employment arrangements with our directors and executive officers.

Committees of the Board of Directors

We currently have the following committees that serve under the board:

 

   

the Audit Committee; the Board Steering Committee;

 

   

the Management Strategy Committee;

 

   

the Risk Management Committee;

 

   

the Evaluation and Compensation Committee; and

 

   

the Non-executive Director Nominating Committee.

Each committee member is appointed by the board of directors, except for members of the Audit Committee, who are elected at the general meeting of stockholders.

Audit Committee

The committee currently consists of five non-executive directors, Suk Sig Lim, Kee Young Chung, Dam Cho, Han Kim and Chee Joong Kim, together with our chief audit executive, Yong Hwa Cheong, who serves as a standing member. The chairperson of the Audit Committee is Suk Sig Lim. The Audit Committee oversees our financial reporting and approves the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm. The committee also reviews our financial information, auditor’s examinations, key financial statement issues, the plans and evaluation of internal control and the administration of our financial affairs by the board of directors. In connection with the general meetings of stockholders, the committee examines the agenda for, and financial statements and other reports to be submitted by, the board of directors to each general meeting of stockholders. The committee holds regular meetings every quarter.

Board Steering Committee

The committee currently consists of five non-executive directors, Kee Young Chung, Suk Sig Lim, Bo Kyung Byun, Dam Cho and Chee Joong Kim, together with our president and chief executive officer, Chung Won Kang. The chairperson of the Board Steering Committee is currently Kee Young Chung. The committee is

 

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responsible for discussion and review of overall matters with respect to the governance of the bank, promoting the efficiency and active function of the Board and each committee, coordination and the conferring of opinions between the board and the president and evaluations of the board, committees and non-executive directors. The committee’s responsibilities also include planning the board’s agenda, development and monitoring director education programs and reviewing the structure of committees. The committee holds regular meetings every quarter.

Management Strategy Committee

The committee currently consists of four non-executive directors, Bo Kyung Byun, Jacques Kemp, Han Kim and Chan Soo Kang, together with senior executive vice president, In Gyu Choi. The chairperson of the Management Strategy Committee is currently Bo Kyung Byun. The Management Strategy Committee reviews vision and mid-long term management strategy, the annual business plan, the annual budget plan, new strategic businesses, major financial strategy and major issues with respect to our management. The committee holds regular meetings every quarter.

Risk Management Committee

The committee currently consists of four non-executive directors, Dam Cho, Jacques Kemp, Suk Sig Lim and Sang Moon Hahm, together with our chief financial officer and senior executive vice president Donald H. MacKenzie. The chairperson of the Risk Management Committee is Dam Cho. The Risk Management Committee oversees and makes determinations on all issues relating to our comprehensive risk management function. In order to ensure our stable financial condition and to maximize our profits, the committee monitors our overall risk exposure and reviews our compliance with risk policies and risk limits. In addition, the committee reviews risk and control strategies and policies, evaluates whether each risk is at an adequate level, establishes or abolishes risk management divisions and reviews risk-based capital allocations. The committee holds regular meetings every quarter.

Evaluation and Compensation Committee

The committee currently consists of four non-executive directors, Chee Joong Kim, Bo Kyung Byun, Sang Moon Hahm and Chan Soo Kang. The chairperson of the committee is Chee Joong Kim. The Evaluation and Compensation Committee reviews compensation schemes and compensation levels. The committee is also responsible for deliberating and deciding compensation of directors, evaluating management’s performance and deciding the performance-based annual salary of the president and the chief audit executive. The committee holds regular meetings every six months.

Non-executive Director Nominating Committee

The committee currently has no members. The last meeting of the committee was on January 28, 2008 to nominate new non-executive directors, Suk Sig Lim, Sang Moon Hahm, Han Kim and Chan Soo Kang. The committee oversees the selection of non-executive director candidates and recommends them annually sometime prior to the general stockholders meeting. The term of office of its members is from the first meeting of the committee held to nominate the non-executive directors until the nominated non-executive directors are appointed. The committee shall be composed of four non-executive directors.

 

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Differences in Corporate Governance Practices

Pursuant to the rules of the New York Stock Exchange applicable to foreign private issuers like us that are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, we are required to disclose significant differences between the New York Stock Exchange’s corporate governance standards and those that we follow under Korean law and in accordance with our own internal procedures. The following is a summary of such significant differences:

 

NYSE Corporate Governance Standards

  

Kookmin Bank

Director independence

  
Listed companies must have a majority of independent directors.    The majority of our board of directors is independent (as defined in accordance with the New York Stock Exchange’s standards), as 9 out of 14 directors are non-executive directors.

Executive Session

  
Listed companies must hold meetings solely attended by non-management directors to more effectively check and balance management directors.    Our non-executive directors hold quarterly executive sessions in accordance with the Regulation of the Board of Directors.

Nomination/Corporate Governance Committee

  
Listed companies must have a nomination/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors.    Our Non-executive Director Nominating Committee is generally composed of four non-executive directors, and the committee presents proposals for the nomination of non-executive directors to the board.

Compensation Committee

  
Listed companies must have a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors.    We maintain an Evaluation and Compensation Committee composed of four non-executive directors.

Audit Committee

  
Listed companies must have an audit committee that satisfies the requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.    We maintain an Audit Committee comprised of five non-executive directors and a standing member who satisfies the New York Stock Exchange’s independence requirements. Accordingly, we are in compliance with Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.

Audit Committee Additional Requirements

  
Listed companies must have an audit committee that is composed of more than three directors.    Our Audit Committee has six members, as described above.

Shareholder Approval of Equity Compensation Plan

  
Listed companies must allow its shareholders to exercise their voting rights with respect to any material revision to the company’s equity compensation plan.    We currently have three equity compensation plans: one providing for the grant of stock options to officers and directors; an employee stock ownership plan, or ESOP; and performance share agreements with certain of our directors.
   All material matters related to our stock option plan are provided in our Articles of Incorporation, and any amendments to the Articles of Incorporation are subject to shareholders’ approval.
   Matters related to the ESOP and the performance share agreements are not subject to shareholders’ approval under Korean law.

 

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NYSE Corporate Governance Standards

  

Kookmin Bank

Corporate Governance Guidelines

  
Listed companies must adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines.    We have adopted, but have not disclosed, corporate governance guidelines.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

  
Listed companies must adopt and disclose a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees, and promptly disclose any waivers of the code for directors or executive officers.    We have adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct for Employees, a copy of which was filed as an exhibit to our annual report on Form 20-F for 2004 and which is also available on our website.

 

Item 6D. Employees

The following table sets forth information, for the periods indicated, regarding our employees:

 

     As of December 31,
     2005    2006    2007

Full-time employees

   16,960    17,307    18,159

Contractual employees

   7,085    8,239    8,592

Managerial or executive employees

   10,360    10,907    11,442

Members of Korea Financial Industry Union

        

Kookmin Bank Chapter

   14,816    14,413    14,804

Subsidiary full-time employees (1)

   1,145    1,722    897

 

(1)

Including executive officers.

We consider our relations with our employees to be satisfactory. Every year, usually in May, our unions and our management negotiate and enter into a new collective bargaining agreement and negotiate annual wage adjustments. Following the merger of former Kookmin Bank and H&CB, we had two union chapters of the Korea Financial Industry Union and one labor union of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. These three union bodies merged into the Kookmin Bank Chapter of the Korea Financial Industry Union in January 2005.

In February 2005, after 2,200 employees chose to take voluntary early retirement, we established a human resources outsourcing organization to assist those who wished to come out of retirement to return to work for us.

Our compensation packages consist of base salary and base bonuses. We also provide performance-based compensation to employees and management. Executive officers, heads of regional headquarters and employees in positions that require professional skills, such as fund managers and dealers, are compensated depending on their individual annual performance evaluation. Recently, we have also implemented a profit-sharing system in order to enhance the performance of our employees. Under this system, we pay bonuses to our employees, in addition to the base salary and depending on our annual performance.

We provide a wide range of benefits to our employees, including our executive directors. These benefits include medical insurance, employment insurance, workers compensation, employee and spouse life insurance, free medical examinations, child tuition and fee reimbursement, disabled child financial assistance and reimbursement for medical expenses.

Pursuant to the Korean National Pension Law, we prepay a portion of our accrued severance liabilities to the National Pension Corporation at the rate of 4.5% of each employee’s annual wages. Our employees are also responsible for payment to the National Pension Corporation of 4.5% of their wages. Our employees are entitled to receive an annuity from the National Pension Corporation following their retirement, commencing at the age of 60.

 

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Upon termination, our employees are entitled to receive severance payments pursuant to the Labor Standards Act of Korea. The amount received by any employee equals the amount equivalent to (1) 30 days’ salary, calculated by averaging the employee’s daily salary for the three months prior to the date of the employee’s departure, multiplied by (2) the number of continuous years during which the employee worked. For information regarding our severance payments, see Note 27 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

All of our employees are eligible to participate in our employee stock ownership association plan. We are not required to, and do not, make cash contributions to this plan. Members of our employee stock ownership association plan have pre-emptive rights to acquire up to 20% of our shares in public offerings by us pursuant to the Korean Securities and Exchange Act. In April 2005, we contributed 2,000,000 shares to our employee stock ownership association. The association will need to hold these shares for three years, after which such shares may be sold.

We operate various employee training programs in order to improve the operational capabilities of our employees. These programs, which are aimed at cultivating financial specialists with higher levels of management and business skills, developing regional experts for increased global capabilities and enhancing employee loyalty, comprise a number of customized programs such as training courses for employees of different positions, domestic and foreign MBA courses and intensive human resources development programs for high performers to cultivate future leaders. In addition, we offer training programs at our employees’ worksites to facilitate access to training, as well as a foreign regional expert training program and overseas training to develop a global mind-set. The broad spectrum of training programs, combined with the state-of-the-art technologies such as cyber training and satellite broadcasting, maximizes the level of exposure of the trainees to the contents of the programs. We also believe that our training scheme based on classified training courses and a development evaluation system has facilitated systemic development of employee skills and a spontaneous learning environment.

 

Item 6E. Share Ownership

Common Stock

As of March 31, 2008, the persons who are currently our directors or executive officers, as a group, held an aggregate of 3,043 shares of common stock of Kookmin Bank, representing approximately 0.001% of the outstanding Kookmin Bank common stock as of such date. None of these persons individually held more than 1% of the outstanding common stock of Kookmin Bank as of such date.

 

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Stock Options

The following table is the breakdown of stock options with respect to our common stock which we have granted to our directors and employees. It describes grant date, position, exercise period and price and the number of options as of March 31, 2008, not including previously issued options which are no longer exercisable as of such date.

 

Grant Date

  

Position when granted

  Exercise period   Exercise
price
    Number of
granted
options (1)
  Number of
exercised
options
  Number of
exercisable
options
     From   To        

15-Mar-01

   Chief Audit Executive   16-Mar-04   15-Mar-09   28,027     14,807   2,807   12,000

15-Mar-01

   5 Non-executive Directors   16-Mar-04   15-Mar-09   28,027     12,623   0   12,623

15-Mar-01

   4 Senior Executive Vice Presidents   16-Mar-04   15-Mar-09   28,027     47,380   12,690   34,690

15-Mar-01

   11 Employees   16-Mar-04   15-Mar-09   28,027     14,740   4,922   9,818

22-Mar-01

   Auditor (2)   23-Mar-04   22-Mar-11   71,538     6,644   0   6,644

22-Mar-01

   3 Vice Presidents (2)   23-Mar-04   22-Mar-11   71,538     15,502   0   15,502

16-Nov-01

   Chairman   17-Nov-04   16-Nov-09   51,200     150,000   75,000   75,000

22-Mar-02

   7 Non-executive Directors   23-Mar-05   22-Mar-10   57,100     29,284   1,021   28,263

22-Mar-02

   6 Senior Executive Vice Presidents   23-Mar-05   22-Mar-10   57,100     97,790   16,405   81,385

22-Mar-02

   12 Employees   23-Mar-05   22-Mar-10   57,100     120,446   5,000   115,446

29-Mar-02

   3 Non-executive Directors (2)   30-Mar-04   29-Mar-11   129,100     9,990   0   9,990

26-Jul-02

   Senior Executive Vice President   27-Jul-05   26-Jul-10   58,800     23,899   0   23,899

21-Mar-03

   6 Non-executive Directors   22-Mar-06   21-Mar-11   47,360  (3)   40,063   0   40,063

21-Mar-03

   Senior Executive Vice President   22-Mar-06   21-Mar-11   35,500     9,443   4,443   5,000

21-Mar-03

   6 Employees   22-Mar-06   21-Mar-11   35,500     62,993   0   62,993

27-Aug-03

   Senior Executive Vice President   28-Aug-06   27-Aug-11   40,500     5,091   0   5,091

09-Feb-04

   3 Senior Executive Vice Presidents   10-Feb-07   09-Feb-12   46,100     19,250   0   19,250

09-Feb-04

   7 Employees   10-Feb-07   09-Feb-12   46,100     35,000   0   35,000

23-Mar-04

   4 Non-executive Directors   24-Mar-07   23-Mar-12   48,650  (3)   20,000   0   20,000

01-Nov-04

   President and CEO   02-Nov-07   01-Nov-12   50,600     610,000   0   610,000

18-Mar-05

   Chief Audit Executive   19-Mar-08   18-Mar-13   51,600     30,000   0   30,000

18-Mar-05

   9 Non-executive Directors   19-Mar-08   18-Mar-13   55,618  (3)   95,362   0   95,362

18-Mar-05

   14 Senior Executive Vice Presidents   19-Mar-08   18-Mar-13   46,800     276,431   0   276,431

18-Mar-05

   22 Employees   19-Mar-08   18-Mar-13   46,800     233,576   0   233,576

27-Apr-05

   Employee   28-Apr-08   27-Apr-13   45,700     8,827   0   8,827

22-Jul-05

   Senior Executive Vice President   23-Jul-08   22-Jul-13   49,200     30,000   0   30,000

23-Aug-05

   Employee   24-Aug-08   23-Aug-13   53,000     7,212   0   7,212

24-Mar-06

   Chief Audit Executive   25-Mar-09   24-Mar-14   77,900     19,917   0   19,917

24-Mar-06

   8 Non-executive Directors   25-Mar-09   24-Mar-14        (4)   144,833   0   144,833

24-Mar-06

   5 Senior Executive Vice Presidents   25-Mar-09   24-Mar-14        (4)   294,210   0   294,210

24-Mar-06

   15 Employees   25-Mar-09   24-Mar-14        (4)   367,225   0   367,225

28-Apr-06

   Employee   29-Apr-09   28-Apr-14        (5)   30,000   0   30,000

27-Oct-06

   Employee   28-Oct-09   27-Oct-14        (6)   20,000   0   20,000

8-Feb-07

   4 Senior Executive Vice Presidents   9-Feb-10   8-Feb-15        (7)   73,026   0   73,026

8-Feb-07

   27 Employees   9-Feb-10   8-Feb-15        (7)   810,000   0   810,000

23-Mar-07

   Non-executive Director   24-Mar-10   23-Mar-15        (8)   30,000   0   30,000
                    
           3,815,564   122,288   3,693,276
                    

 

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(1)

Some numbers of the granted options have been adjusted due to the merger and the early retirement of the grantees.

(2)

Originally options with respect to common stock of Kookmin Credit Card, which have been converted into options with respect to our common stock.

(3)

Weighted average of the exercise price of all granted options.

(4)

Exercise Price = (Won)75,200 x (1 + TRS of the three major competitors x 0.4). “TRS of the three major competitors” shall mean (the sum of each of the three major competitor’s total market cap at the expected exercise share confirmation date less the sum of each of the three major competitor’s total market cap at the grant date) divided by the sum of each of the three major competitor’s total market cap at the grant date.

(5)

Exercise Price = (Won)81,900 x (1 + TRS of the three major competitors x 0.4).

(6)

Exercise Price = (Won)76,600 x (1 + TRS of the three major competitors x 0.4).

(7)

Exercise Price = (Won)77,100 x (1 + TRS of the three major competitors x 0.4).

(8)

Exercise Price = (Won)84,500 x (1 + TRS of the three major competitors x 0.4).

Performance Share Agreements

In October 2007, our board of directors approved the disbursement of a maximum of 140,000 shares of our common stock (or the equivalent monetary amount based on the market value of such shares at the time of disbursement) between October 30, 2007 and October 29, 2010 to directors who have been elected on or after October 30, 2007, as long-term incentive performance shares over the term of their office in accordance with the performance targets set forth in performance share agreements between us and such directors, and further resolved that no new stock options would be granted to such directors. In March 2008, our shareholders approved the disbursement of a maximum of 140,000 shares of our common stock as long-term incentive performance shares to our directors.

We have also entered into performance share agreements with certain of our executive officers and senior management who are not directors, pursuant to which we may grant shares of our common stock (or the equivalent monetary amount based on the market value of such shares at the time of the grant) within specified periods as long-term incentive performance shares in accordance with pre-determined performance targets.

We expect that actual disbursements under the performance share agreements with our directors and senior management will generally be in the form of cash disbursements of equivalent monetary amounts based on the market value of our shares at such time. To date, we have not disbursed any shares or equivalent monetary amounts under the performance share agreements.

 

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Item 7. MAJOR STOCKHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Item 7A. Major Stockholders

The following table presents information regarding the beneficial ownership of our shares at December 31, 2007 by each person or entity known to us to own beneficially more than 5% of our outstanding shares.

Except as otherwise indicated, each stockholder identified by name has:

 

   

sole voting and investment power with respect to its shares; and

 

   

record and beneficial ownership with respect to its shares.

 

Beneficial Owner

   Number of shares of
common stock
   Percentage of
total shares of
common stock (%)
    Percentage of
total shares on a
fully diluted basis (%)
 

Citibank N.A. (1)

   55,868,485    16.61 %   16.61 %

Euro-Pacific Growth Fund (2)

   18,377,910    5.46 %   5.46 %

 

(1)

As depositary bank.

(2)

As of February 20, 2008, Euro-Pacific Growth Fund’s ownership of our shares was 11,629,660 shares, representing 3.46% of the total shares of our common stock.

As of March 31, 2008, executive and non-executive directors collectively owned 899 shares of our common stock, and our executive officers, excluding our chairman, our president and chief executive officer, and chief audit executive owned 2,144 shares of our common stock.

Other than as set forth above, no other person or entity known by us to be acting in concert, directly or indirectly, jointly or separately, owned 5.0% or more of the outstanding shares of our common stock or exercised control or could exercise control over us as of December 31, 2007.

In December 2003, we purchased 27,423,761 shares of our common stock in the Korean government’s auction of the shares that it had owned. In June 2005, we disposed of all of these shares in an over-the-market transaction. With respect to any shares that we own, we cannot exercise any voting rights with respect to those shares pursuant to Korean law.

 

Item 7B. Related Party Transactions

As of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, we had an aggregate of (Won)4,283 million, (Won)6,396 million and (Won)9,883 million, respectively, in loans outstanding to our executive officers and directors. In addition, as of such dates, we had loans outstanding to various companies whose directors or executive officers were serving concurrently as our directors or executive officers. See Note 33 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements. All of these loans were made in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms, including interest rate and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features.

None of our directors or officers have or had any interest in any transactions effected by us that are or were unusual in their nature or conditions or significant to our business which were effected during the current or immediately preceding year or were effected during an earlier year and remain in any respect outstanding or unperformed.

 

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In December 2002, we formally extended our strategic alliance agreement with ING Bank N.V., replacing its prior investment agreement with H&CB. In August 2003, our board approved and ratified an amended and restated strategic alliance agreement with ING Bank N.V. As a result:

 

   

we are required to cause one nominee of ING Bank N.V. to be appointed as a non-executive director so long as ING Groep N.V. and its subsidiaries maintain a minimum shareholding in us as defined in the strategic alliance agreement, and to cause another nominee of ING Bank N.V. to be appointed as an executive director so long as ING Groep N.V. and its subsidiaries hold 6% or more of our issued and outstanding common shares;

 

   

the exclusive alliance with respect to our bancassurance business was revised to a non-exclusive, commercial relationship-based alliance;

 

   

ING Groep N.V. is required to maintain beneficial ownership of no less than 12,716,691 shares of our common stock, subject to adjustment for any share consolidations or share splits or, in the event of a merger with another entity, as adjusted accordingly pursuant to the merger ratio for the merger; and

 

   

each of the parties agreed to maintain its level of investment in ING Life Insurance Company, Korea Ltd. (which was 20% owned by us and 80% owned by ING Insurance International B.V.) and KB Asset Management (which remains 80% owned by us and 20% by ING Insurance International B.V.) until August 29, 2006.

In August 2003, we amended and restated our joint venture agreement with ING Insurance International B.V. and ING Life Insurance Company, Korea, Ltd. This agreement establishes the terms of the joint venture between us and ING Insurance International with respect to ING Life Insurance Company, Korea. Pursuant to this agreement, we have agreed to use our best commercial efforts to source and distribute insurance products produced and underwritten by ING Life Insurance Company, Korea at a percentage level that is approximately 30% of our total sales of insurance products produced and underwritten from all life insurance companies. In September 2004, we further amended the joint venture agreement with ING Insurance International and ING Life Insurance Company, Korea, which modified the terms of our agreement to source and distribute insurance products produced and underwritten by ING Life Insurance Company, Korea and pursuant to which we were granted a put option, expiring at the end of 2007, to require ING Insurance International to purchase a certain portion of shares of ING Life Insurance Company, Korea then held by us. In September 2007, we exercised such put option in full and sold 357,000 shares of ING Life Insurance Company, Korea held by us. We currently own 14.9% of the outstanding common shares of ING Life Insurance Company, Korea.

In August 2003, we also amended certain provisions in our joint venture agreement with ING Insurance International B.V. and KB Asset Management Co., Ltd. This agreement expands and establishes the terms of the joint venture between us and ING Insurance International with respect to KB Asset Management.

In April 2004, we established a new wholly-owned insurance subsidiary, KB Life Insurance Co., Ltd., to which we contributed the acquired assets and liabilities of Hanil Life Insurance. KB Life focuses on bancassurance, and offers life insurance and wealth management products through our branch network. ING Insurance International B.V. purchased a 49% interest in KB Life in January 2005.

In April 2008, we and KB Asset Management Co., Ltd., our consolidated subsidiary, entered into an agreement with ING Bank B.V. and ING Insurance International B.V. related to the planned establishment of KB Financial Group Co., Ltd through a comprehensive stock transfer. Pursuant to this agreement and subject to certain conditions, ING Bank and ING Insurance International approved and agreed to support the stock transfer. The parties also agreed, among others, that the stock transfer shall not constitute a change of control or termination event for purposes of various agreements in effect between the parties and that we and ING Bank agree to effect an assignment of our rights and obligations under the amended and restated strategic alliance agreement to KB Financial Group.

 

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Item 7C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

Not Applicable

 

Item 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 8A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

See “Item 18. Financial Statements” and pages F-1 through F-71.

Legal Proceedings

Excluding the legal proceedings discussed below, we and our subsidiaries are not a party to any legal or administrative proceedings and no proceedings are known by any of us or our subsidiaries to be contemplated by governmental authorities or third parties, which, if adversely determined, may have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

The Merger with H&CB

In March 2001, an individual filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court requesting the court to order a revocation of the merger. Despite the dismissal of certain motions filed in connection with the lawsuit, the case is still pending. In the meantime, additional persons have joined the lawsuit as plaintiffs. In November 2003, the Seoul Central District Court decided the case in our favor. The individual, however, appealed the decision to the Seoul High Court. On March 30, 2005, Seoul High Court denied the plaintiff’s appeal. The plaintiff then appealed the decision to the Supreme Court in May 2005. The case is still pending.

Other Proceedings

In February 2006, the Korean government indicted the former team head of our lottery department and several other individuals in connection with excessive fees paid to a subcontractor by the government. The subcontractor, Korea Lottery Service Inc., was hired by us with the Korean government’s approval in connection with our lottery operations, and fees paid to such subcontractor were deducted prior to transferring any profit received by us to the government. In December 2007, the Seoul Central District Court found the former team head of our lottery department guilty but ruled in favor of the other defendants. Both the former team head of our lottery department and the prosecutor’s office appealed the case to the Seoul High Court, and the appeal is currently pending.

In August 2006, the government filed a lawsuit seeking the return of (Won)321 billion of excessive fees relating to the lottery operations against us, Ernst & Young Han Young, Korea Lottery Service Inc. and our and their relevant employees. The lawsuit is currently pending at the Seoul Central District Court.

In April 2004, the Lottery Commission of the Korean government revised the fee rate for fees payable to Korea Lottery Service Inc. by reducing it from 9.523% to 3.144%. Korea Lottery Service Inc. filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court claiming that such reduction by the Lottery Commission was invalid and demanding the payment of approximately (Won)20 billion of unpaid fees by us, which is the difference between the fees payable by us under the previous rate and the revised rate in respect of fees incurred in May 2004. In December 2006, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of Korea Lottery Service Inc., and we appealed to the Seoul High Court in January 2007. In May 2008, the Seoul High Court ruled in favor of Korea Lottery Service Inc. in part but reduced the amount of damages to (Won)4.5 billion, and we are currently evaluating whether to appeal such decision.

In addition, in January 2007, Korea Lottery Service Inc. filed another lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court seeking payment of unpaid fees in the aggregate amount of (Won)446 billion, which is the difference between the fees payable by us under the previous rate and the revised rate, for fees incurred from June 2004 to December 2006. The lawsuit is currently pending at the Seoul Central District Court.

 

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In September 2006, the Korea Fair Trade Commission ordered us to cease, and assessed an administrative fine against us in the aggregate amount of (Won)6.4 billion in connection with, the following practices:

 

   

not reducing the interest rates on certain of our adjustable-rate home equity loans in prior years despite a decline in market interest rates;

 

   

collecting unauthorized early repayment commissions from our customers in connection with certain of our housing loans; and

 

   

paying KB Asset Management a management fee higher than that of other asset management companies with respect to certain money market fund products.

In November 2006, we paid the full amount of such (Won)6.4 billion fine, after filing a lawsuit with the Seoul High Court in October 2006 to revoke the order. In January 2008, the Seoul High Court ruled in favor of the Korea Fair Trade Commission regarding the orders with respect to the first and third practices described above, and in favor of us regarding the order with respect to the second practice described above. Furthermore, the Seoul High Court ruled that the administrative fine imposed in connection with the first practice described above was excessive and ordered a reassessment. We and the Korea Fair Trade Commission both appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court, where it is still pending.

Furthermore, in September 2006, the Korea Fair Trade Commission announced that it would issue a formal warning to us for:

 

   

canceling accumulated bonus points given to our credit card holders whose card transactions were suspended for more than a year; and

 

   

not giving certain bonus points to our credit card holders who were in default on their payments.

However, we have not received any formal warning from the Korea Fair Trade Commission on this matter to date.

In addition, in May 2006 the Korea Fair Trade Commission commenced an investigation into whether various domestic banks (including us) engaged in collusive or anti-competitive activity in connection with various commission fees. As a result of such investigation, in March 2008, the Korea Fair Trade Commission took the following actions:

 

   

The Korea Fair Trade Commission ordered seven credit card issuers (including us) to stop certain allegedly collusive practices in reducing draft capture fees payable to value-added network companies and to pay administrative fines in an aggregate amount of (Won)1.1 billion. We have submitted an objection notice to the Korea Fair Trade Commission in connection with such determination, and the Korea Fair Trade Commission is re-examining the case; and

 

   

The Korea Fair Trade Commission ordered us to stop alleged price-fixing practices in charging certain new fees in connection with export bills of exchange and banker’s usance letters of credit and to pay administrative fines in the amount of (Won)257 million and (Won)439 million, respectively, for such activities.

Furthermore, in April 2008, the Korea Fair Trade Commission ordered us to stop alleged price-fixing practices in connection with direct deposit fees, and to pay administrative fines in the amount of (Won)537 million for such activities. We have not yet received official notice of such orders from the Korea Fair Trade Commission.

In 2005, certain individuals, including one of our employees, fabricated and distributed counterfeit certificates of deposit, or CDs, with us as issuer. Korea Real Estate Investment Trust Co., Ltd. and Electric Contractors’ Financial Cooperative came to own the counterfeit CDs and requested us to make payments on the CDs, which were rejected by us. Korea Real Estate Investment Trust Co., Ltd. and Electric Contractors’ Financial Cooperative commenced legal proceedings against us in the Seoul Central District Court in September

 

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2005 in the amount of approximately (Won)40 billion and (Won)25 billion, respectively, and the district court ruled for the plaintiffs in both proceedings. We appealed both cases to the Seoul High Court, which dismissed our appeals in June 2007. We have appealed both cases to the Supreme Court of Korea, where the lawsuits are currently pending. Also as a result of this incident, the Financial Supervisory Service closed for three months our bank branch in which the implicated individual was employed, issued warnings to certain of our executive officers and required us to discipline 26 other employees.

During the first quarter of 2004, the National Tax Service of Korea completed a tax audit in respect of us for the fiscal years 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001, as a result of which we were assessed (Won)124 billion (including residence tax) for tax deficiencies. We have paid the entire amount, but appealed the assessment to the National Tax Tribunal, which ruled in favor of the National Tax Service of Korea in part. In 2005 and 2006, we filed various administrative lawsuits appealing the judgment of the National Tax Tribunal. We previously had one lawsuit pending at the Seoul High Court, which was decided in our favor in April 2008. The National Tax Service of Korea appealed the case to the Supreme Court of Korea, where it remains pending. We have two additional lawsuits on this matter currently pending at the Supreme Court of Korea.

During the first half of 2007, the National Tax Service of Korea completed a tax audit in respect of us for the fiscal years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005, as a result of which we were assessed (Won)190 billion (including residence tax) for tax deficiencies. In addition, during the second half of 2007, the National Tax Service of Korea assessed additional income taxes for prior years amounting to (Won)292 billion (including residence tax) for tax deficiencies. We paid the entire amount of such additional assessments in 2007. We have filed an appeal with the National Tax Tribunal with respect to tax assessments made in 2007 amounting to (Won)482 billion (including residence tax) and recorded (Won)481 billion of such income taxes paid as “Other Assets” in our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2007 upon adoption of FIN No. 48. See “Item 3D. Risk Factors—Other risks relating to our business—We have been assessed additional income taxes in respect of prior years as a result of a tax audit by the National Tax Service of Korea, and our appeal with respect to a portion of such assessment may not be successful.”

In April and June 2006, 414 and 612 of our customers filed suits against us, respectively, in the Seoul Central District Court for our alleged violations of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communication Network Utilization and Information Protection and related damages in connection with our accidental dissemination in March 2006 of the names of holders of our Internet lottery accounts. In February 2007, the district court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in part, and both the plaintiffs and we appealed the ruling to the Seoul High Court. In November 2007, the Seoul High Court dismissed our appeal and ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in part by increasing their damage awards. Both the plaintiffs and we declined to appeal the ruling of the Seoul High Court, and we paid the full judgment amount of (Won)222 million to the plaintiffs in December 2007. In addition, in March 2007, an additional 373 individuals commenced legal proceedings against us in the Seoul Central District Court for damages relating to the same incident. In February 2008, pursuant to a settlement decision of the Seoul Central District Court finding in favor of the plaintiffs in part, we paid the full judgment amount of (Won)79 million to the plaintiffs. In March 2008, an additional 75 individuals commenced proceedings against us in the Seoul Central District Court for damages relating to the same incident, where it is currently pending.

In addition, we were informed in May 2008 that the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs of the Korean government was planning to file a suit against us to recover (Won)116 billion of ATM transaction fees that were allegedly overcharged by us during the period from July 2003 to February 2007, by applying the higher bank teller transaction fees to ATM transactions. The proposed lawsuit has not yet been filed in court.

Dividends

Dividends must be approved by the stockholders at the annual general meeting of stockholders. Cash dividends may be paid out of retained earnings that have not been appropriated to statutory reserves. See “Item 10B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Description of Capital Stock—Dividends and Other Distributions.”

 

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The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the dividend per share of common stock and the total amount of dividends declared and paid by us in respect of each of the five years ended December 31, 2007. The dividends set out for each of the years below were paid within 30 days after our annual stockholders meeting, which is held no later than March of the following year.

 

Fiscal year

   Dividends per
common share (1)
  

Dividends per

preferred share

   Total amount of cash
dividends paid
                         (in millions of Won)

2003 (2)

     —        —      —      —        —  

2004 (3)

   (Won) 550    US$  0.53    —      —      (Won) 168,574

2005 (4)

     550      0.54    —      —        184,889

2006 (5)

     3,650      3.92    —      —        1,227,784

2007 (6)

     2,450      2.62    —      —        824,129

 

(1)

Won amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars at the noon buying rate in effect at the end of the relevant periods as quoted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in the United States.

(2)

On February 9, 2004, our board of directors passed a board resolution recommending that no dividends be paid for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. This resolution was approved and ratified by our stockholders on March 23, 2004.

(3)

On February 3, 2005, our board of directors passed a board resolution recommending a cash dividend of (Won)550 per common share (before dividend tax), representing 11% of the par value of each share, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. This resolution was approved and ratified by our stockholders on March 18, 2005.

(4)

On February 8, 2006, our board of directors passed a board resolution recommending a cash dividend of (Won)550 per common share (before dividend tax), representing 11% of the par value of each share, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. This resolution was approved and ratified by our stockholders on March 24, 2006.

(5)

On February 8, 2007, our board of directors passed a board resolution recommending a cash dividend of (Won)3,650 per common share (before dividend tax), representing 73% of the par value of each share, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. This resolution was approved and ratified by our stockholders on March 23, 2007.

(6)

On February 4, 2008, our board of directors passed a board resolution recommending a cash dividend of (Won)2,450 per common share (before dividend tax), representing 49% of the par value of each share, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. This resolution was approved and ratified by our stockholders on March 20, 2008.

Future dividends will depend upon our revenues, cash flow, financial condition and other factors. As an owner of ADSs, you will be entitled to receive dividends payable in respect of the shares of common stock represented by such ADSs.

For a description of the tax consequences of dividends paid to our stockholders, see “Item 10E. Taxation—United States Taxation” and “—Korean Taxation—Taxation of Dividends.”

 

Item 8B. Significant Changes

Not Applicable.

 

Item 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

 

Item 9A. Offering and Listing Details

Market Price Information

The principal trading market for our common stock is the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange. Our common stock has been listed on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange since November 9, 2001, and the ADSs have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “KB” since November 1, 2001. The ADSs are identified by the CUSIP number 50049M109.

 

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The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing prices and the average daily volume of trading activity on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange for our common stock, and the high and low closing prices and the average daily volume of trading activity on the New York Stock Exchange for our ADSs.

 

     Stock Market Division of Korea Exchange (1)    New York Stock Exchange (2)
     Closing price per
common stock
   Average daily
trading volume
(in thousands

of shares)
   Closing price per ADS    Average daily
trading volume
(in thousands
of shares)
     High    Low       High    Low   

2003

                 

First Quarter

   (Won) 44,300    (Won) 29,600    1,777.8    US$  37.87    US$  22.90    306.0

Second Quarter

     39,900      29,150    2,532.1      33.25      23.39    355.5

Third Quarter

     46,200      36,400    1,683.6      39.23      30.86    405.0

Fourth Quarter

     48,100      38,100    2,068.1      40.34      33.46    238.9

2004

                 

First Quarter

     50,600      44,000    1,456.0      44.20      37.40    231.5

Second Quarter

     49,000      32,650    1,894.1      42.94      28.94    352.9

Third Quarter

     39,900      31,450    1,573.4      35.83      27.11    366.1

Fourth Quarter

     41,200      35,000    1,414.5      39.08      31.70    308.2

2005

                 

First Quarter

     49,300      40,000    1,270.0      48.76      37.70    332.8

Second Quarter

     48,400      41,750    945.7      47.74      41.70    269.7

Third Quarter

     64,500      47,200    1,194.5      61.00      45.63    288.9

Fourth Quarter

     77,800      56,300    1,442.6      75.67      54.10    374.9

2006

                 

First Quarter

     84,200      66,300    1,503.8      86.10      66.25    490.8

Second Quarter

     89,900      69,800    1,301.8      97.50      72.45    501.1

Third Quarter

     83,400      72,000    1,144.1      89.32      75.48    368.8

Fourth Quarter

     79,500      70,100    1,247.7      83.80      76.00    435.2

2007

                 

First Quarter

     89,500      70,400    1,116.6      95.29      75.52    461.6

Second Quarter

     89,500      81,100    1,258.8      96.57      87.25    386.0

Third Quarter

     88,500      71,900    1,922.4      96.10      75.74    584.2

Fourth Quarter

     83,500      61,600    1,968.1      92.90      64.57    657.9

2007

                 

November

     72,300      61,600    2,029.5      78.26      64.57    798.3

December

     72,600      63,400    1,957.9      77.85      68.73    598.6

2008 (through May 23)

                 

January

     67,100      59,700    1,922.1      70.00      63.85    895.8

February

     62,000      57,000    1,873.8      66.09      60.88    771.3

March

     57,500      49,100    2,476.5      60.77      48.78    1,058.9

April

     69,900      57,800    2,306.4      69.75      61.79    756.8

May (through May 23)

     71,500      64,300    2,202.8      71.26      61.11    583.8

 

Source: Global Stock Information Financial Network and Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange

(1)

Trading of common shares on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange commenced on November 9, 2001.

(2)

Trading of ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange commenced on November 1, 2001. Each ADS represents the right to receive one share.

 

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Item 9B. Plan of Distribution

Not Applicable.

 

Item 9C. Markets

The Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange

The Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange began its operations in 1956. Currently it is the only stock exchange in Korea. It has a single trading floor located in Seoul. The Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange is a membership organization consisting of most of the Korean securities companies and some Korean branches of foreign securities companies.

As of December 31, 2007, the aggregate market value of equity securities listed on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange was approximately (Won)952 trillion. The average daily trading volume of equity securities for 2007 was approximately 364 million shares with an average transaction value of (Won)5,540 billion.

The Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange has the power in some circumstances to suspend trading in the shares of a given company or to de-list a security pursuant to the Listing Regulation of the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange. The Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange also restricts share price movements. All listed companies are required to file accounting reports annually, semiannually and quarterly and to release immediately all information that may affect trading in a security.

The Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange publishes the Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or KOSPI, every ten seconds, which is an index of all equity securities listed on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange. On January 1, 1983, the method of computing KOSPI was changed from the Dow Jones method to the aggregate value method. In the new method, the market capitalizations of all listed companies are aggregated, subject to certain adjustments, and this aggregate is expressed as a percentage of the aggregate market capitalization of all listed companies as of the base date, January 4, 1980.

The following table sets out movements in KOSPI:

 

     Opening    High    Low    Closing

1982

   123.60    134.48    105.99    128.99

1983

   122.52    134.46    115.59    121.21

1984

   115.25    142.46    115.25    142.46

1985

   139.53    163.37    131.40    163.37

1986

   161.40    279.67    153.85    272.61

1987

   264.82    525.11    264.82    525.11

1988

   532.04    922.56    527.89    907.20

1989

   919.61    1,007.77    844.75    909.72

1990

   908.59    928.82    566.27    696.11

1991

   679.75    763.10    586.51    610.92

1992

   624.23    691.48    459.07    678.44

1993

   697.41    874.10    605.93    866.18

1994

   879.32    1,138.75    855.37    1,027.37

1995

   1,013.57    1,016.77    847.09    882.94

1996

   888.85    986.84    651.22    651.22

1997

   653.79    792.29    350.68    376.31

1998

   385.49    579.86    280.00    562.46

1999

   587.57    1,028.07    498.42    1,028.07

2000

   1,059.04    1,059.04    500.60    504.62

2001

   520.95    704.50    468.76    693.70

2002

   724.95    937.61    584.04    627.55

2003

   635.17    822.16    515.24    810.71

2004

   821.26    936.06    719.59    895.92

2005

   893.71    1,379.37    870.84    1,379.37

2006

   1,389.27    1,464.70    1,203.86    1,434.46

2007

   1,435.26    2,064.85    1,355.79    1,897.13

2008 (through May 23)

   1,853.45    1,888.88    1,574.44    1,827.94

 

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Source: The Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange

Shares are quoted “ex-dividend” on the first trading day of the relevant company’s accounting period. Since the calendar year is the accounting period for the majority of listed companies, this may account for the drop in KOSPI between its closing level at the end of one calendar year and its opening level at the beginning of the following calendar year.

With certain exceptions, principally to take account of a share being quoted “ex-dividend” and “ex-rights,” permitted upward and downward movements in share prices of any category of shares on any day are limited under the rules of the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange to 15% of the previous day’s closing price of the shares, rounded down as set out below:

 

Previous day’s closing price (Won)

   Rounded down
to (Won)

Less than 5,000

   5

5,000 to less than 10,000

   10

10,000 to less than 50,000

   50

50,000 to less than 100,000

   100

100,000 to less than 500,000

   500

500,000 or more

   1,000

As a consequence, if a particular closing price is the same as the price set by the fluctuation limit, the closing price may not reflect the price at which persons would have been prepared, or would be prepared to continue, if so permitted, to buy and sell shares. Orders are executed on an auction system with priority rules to deal with competing bids and offers.

Due to the deregulation of restrictions on brokerage commission rates, the brokerage commission rate on equity securities transactions may be determined by the parties, subject to commission schedules being filed with the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange by the securities companies. In addition, a securities transaction tax will generally be imposed on the transfer of shares or certain securities representing rights to subscribe for shares. An agriculture and fishery special surtax of 0.15% of the sales prices will also be imposed on transfer of these shares and securities on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange. See “Item 10E. Taxation—Korean Taxation.”

 

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The following table sets forth the number of companies listed on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange, the corresponding total market capitalization at the end of the periods indicated and the average daily trading volume for those periods:

 

     Market capitalization on the last day of each
period
   Average daily trading volume, value

Year

   Number
of listed
companies
   (Billions of
Won)
   (Millions of
US$) (1)
   Thousands
of shares
   (Millions of
Won)
   (Thousands of
US$) (1)

1982

   334    (Won) 3,001    US$ 4,279    9,704    (Won) 6,667    US$ 9,507

1983

   328      3,490      4,666    9,325      5,941      7,944

1984

   336      5,149      6,434    14,847      10,642      13,301

1985

   342      6,570      7,921    18,925      12,315      14,846

1986

   355      11,994      13,439    31,755      32,870      36,830

1987

   389      26,172      30,250    20,353      70,185      81,120

1988

   502      64,544      81,177    10,367      198,364      249,483

1989

   626      95,477      138,997    11,757      280,967      409,037

1990

   669      79,020      115,610    10,866      183,692      268,753

1991

   686      73,118      101,623    14,022      214,263      297,795

1992

   688      84,712      110,691    24,028      308,246      402,779

1993

   693      112,665      142,668    35,130      574,048      726,919

1994

   699      151,217      185,657    36,862      776,257      953,047

1995

   721      141,151      178,266    26,130      487,762      616,016

1996

   760      117,370      151,289    26,571      486,834      627,525

1997

   776      70,989      82,786    41,525      555,759      648,115

1998

   748      137,799      81,297    97,716      660,429      389,634

1999

   725      349,504      294,319    278,551      3,481,620      2,931,891

2000

   704      188,042      166,703    306,163      2,602,211      2,306,925

2001

   689      255,850      200,039    473,241      1,997,420      1,561,705

2002

   683      258,681      217,379    857,245      3,041,598      2,308,789

2003

   684      355,363      298,123    542,010      2,216,636      1,859,594

2004

   683      412,588      398,597    372,895      2,232,108      2,156,418

2005

   702      655,075      648,589    467,629      3,157,662      3,126,398

2006

   731      704,588      757,621    279,096      3,435,180      3,693,742

2007

   745      951,900      1,017,205    363,732      5,539,588      5,919,628

2008 (through May 23)

   756      927,412      887,051    299,947      5,351,011      5,118,136

 

Source: The Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange

(1)

Converted at the noon buying rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in effect on the last business day of the period indicated.

The Korean securities markets are principally regulated by the Financial Services Commission and the Korean Securities and Exchange Act. The Korean Securities and Exchange Act was fundamentally amended numerous times in recent years to broaden the scope and improve the effectiveness of official supervision of the securities markets. As amended, the law imposes restrictions on insider trading and price manipulation, requires specified information to be made available by listed companies to investors and establishes rules regarding margin trading, proxy solicitation, takeover bids, acquisition of treasury shares and reporting requirements for stockholders holding substantial interests.

Further Opening of the Korean Securities Market

A stock index futures market was opened on May 3, 1996 and a stock index option market was opened on July 7, 1997, in each case at the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange. Remittance and repatriation of

 

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funds in connection with foreign investment in stock index futures and options are subject to regulations similar to those that govern remittance and repatriation in the context of foreign investment in Korean stocks.

In addition, on January 28, 2002 the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange opened a new options market for seven stocks (Samsung Electronics, SK Telecom, KT Corporation, Korea Electric Power Corporation, POSCO, Kookmin Bank and Hyundai Motor Company). Foreigners are permitted to invest in such options subject to the same procedural requirements and investment limitations applicable to Korean investors.

Starting from May 1, 1996, foreign investors were permitted to invest in warrants representing the right to subscribe for shares of a company listed on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange or on the KOSDAQ Market Division of the Korea Exchange, subject to certain investment limitations. A foreign investor may not acquire such warrants with respect to shares of a class of a company for which the ceiling on aggregate investment by foreigners has been reached or exceeded.

As of December 30, 1997, foreign investors were permitted to invest in all types of corporate bonds, bonds issued by national or local governments and bonds issued in accordance with certain special laws without being subject to any aggregate or individual investment ceiling. The Financial Services Commission sets forth procedural requirements for such investments. The government announced on February 8, 1998 its plans for the liberalization of the money market with respect to investment in money market instruments by foreigners in 1998. According to the plan, foreigners have been permitted to invest in money market instruments issued by corporations, including commercial paper, starting February 16, 1998 with no restrictions as to the amount. Starting May 25, 1998, foreigners have been permitted to invest in certificates of deposit and repurchase agreements.

Currently, foreigners are permitted to invest in certain securities including shares of all Korean companies that are not listed on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange nor on the KOSDAQ Market Division of the Korea Exchange and in bonds that are not listed.

Protection of Customer’s Interest in Case of Insolvency of Securities Companies

Under Korean law, the relationship between a customer and a securities company in connection with a securities sell or buy order is deemed to be consignment and the securities acquired by a consignment agent (i.e., the securities company) through such sell or buy order are regarded as belonging to the customer in so far as the customer and the consignment agent’s creditors are concerned. Therefore, in the event of a bankruptcy or reorganization procedure involving a securities company, the customer of the securities company is entitled to the proceeds of the securities sold by the securities company.

When a customer places a sell order with a securities company which is not a member of the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange, and that securities company places a sell order with another securities company, which is a member of the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange, the customer is still entitled to the proceeds of the securities sold and received by the non-member company from the member company regardless of the bankruptcy or reorganization of the non-member company.

Under the Korean Securities and Exchange Act, the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange is obliged to indemnify any loss or damage incurred by a counterparty as a result of a breach by its members. If a securities company which is a member of the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange breaches its obligation in connection with a buy order, the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange is obliged to pay the purchase price on behalf of the breaching member. Therefore, the customer can acquire the securities that have been ordered to be purchased by the breaching member.

When a customer places a buy order with a non-member company and the non-member company places a buy order with a member company, the customer has the legal right to the securities received by the non-member

 

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company from the member company because the purchased securities are regarded as belonging to the customer in so far as the customer and the non-member company’s creditors are concerned.

As the cash deposited with a securities company is regarded as belonging to the securities company, which is liable to return the same at the request of its customer, the customer cannot take back deposited cash from the securities company if a bankruptcy or reorganization procedure is instituted against the securities company and, therefore, can suffer from loss or damage as a result. However, the Depositor Protection Act provides that the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation will, upon the request of the investors, pay investors an amount equal to the full amount of cash deposited with a securities company prior to August 1, 1998 in case of the securities company’s bankruptcy, liquidation, cancellation of securities business license or other insolvency events. However, this indemnification was available only until the end of 2000. From 2001, the maximum amount to be paid to each customer is limited to W50 million. Pursuant to the Korean Securities and Exchange Act, as amended, securities companies are required to deposit the cash received from its customers to the extent the amount is not covered by the insurance with the Korea Securities Finance Corporation, a special entity established pursuant to the Korean Securities and Exchange Act. Set-off or attachment of cash deposits by securities companies is prohibited. The premiums related to this insurance are paid by securities companies.

Reporting Requirements for Holders of Substantial Interests

Any person whose direct or beneficial ownership of our common stock with voting rights, whether in the form of shares of common stock or ADSs, certificates representing the rights to subscribe for shares or equity-related debt securities including convertible bonds and bonds with warrants (which we refer to collectively as “Equity Securities”), together with the Equity Securities beneficially owned by certain related persons or by any person acting in concert with the person, accounts for 5% or more of the total outstanding shares (plus Equity Securities of us held by such persons) is required to report the status and purpose (in terms of whether the purpose of the shareholding is to exercise control over our management) of the holdings to the Financial Services Commission and the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange within five business days after reaching the 5% ownership interest. In addition, any change in (i) the ownership interest subsequent to the report that equals or exceeds 1% of the total outstanding Equity Securities of us or (ii) the purpose of the shareholding is required to be reported to the Financial Services Commission and the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange within five business days from the date of the change.

Violation of these reporting requirements may subject a person to criminal sanctions such as fines or imprisonment and/or a loss of voting rights with respect to the ownership of Equity Securities exceeding 5%. Furthermore, the Financial Services Commission may order the disposal of the unreported Equity Securities.

In addition to the reporting requirements described above, any person whose direct or beneficial ownership of our stock accounts for 10% or more of the total issued and outstanding stock (which we refer to as a “major stockholder”) must report the status of his/her shareholding to the Korea Securities and Futures Commission and the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange within ten days after he/she becomes a major stockholder. In addition, any change in the ownership interest subsequent to the report must be reported to the Korea Securities and Futures Commission and the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange within the 10th day of the month following the month in which the change occurred. Violation of these reporting requirements may subject a person to criminal sanctions such as fines or imprisonment.

Any single stockholder and persons who stand in a special relationship with that stockholder that acquire more than 4% of the voting stock of a nationwide Korean bank pursuant to the Bank Act will be subject to reporting requirements. In addition, any single stockholder and persons who stand in a special relationship with that stockholder that acquire in excess of 10% of a nationwide bank’s total issued and outstanding shares with voting rights must receive approval from the Financial Services Commission to acquire shares in each instance where the total shareholding would exceed 10%, 25% or 33%, respectively, of the bank’s total issued and outstanding shares with voting rights. See “Item 4B. Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Principal Regulations Applicable to Banks—Restrictions on Bank Ownership.”

 

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Restrictions Applicable to ADSs

No Korean governmental approval is necessary for the sale and purchase of our ADSs in the secondary market outside Korea or for the withdrawal of shares of our common stock underlying the ADSs and the delivery inside Korea of shares in connection with the withdrawal, provided that a foreigner who intends to acquire the shares must obtain an investment registration card from the Financial Supervisory Service as described below. The acquisition of the shares by a foreigner must be immediately reported to the governor of the Financial Services Commission, either by the foreigner or by his standing proxy in Korea.

Persons who have acquired shares of our common stock as a result of the withdrawal of shares underlying our ADSs may exercise their preemptive rights for new shares, participate in free distributions and receive dividends on shares without any further Korean governmental approval.

Under current Korean laws and regulations, the depositary is required to obtain the prior consent of us for the number of shares of our common stock to be deposited in any given proposed deposit that exceeds the difference between:

 

  (1) the aggregate number of shares of our common stock deposited by us for the issuance of our ADSs (including deposits in connection with the initial issuance and all subsequent offerings of our ADSs and stock dividends or other distributions related to these ADSs); and

 

  (2) the number of shares of our common stock on deposit with the depositary at the time of such proposed deposit.

We have agreed to grant such consent to the extent that the total number of shares on deposit with the depositary would not exceed 115,840,996 at any time.

Restrictions Applicable to Shares

As a result of amendments to the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws and Financial Services Commission regulations (which we refer to collectively as the “Investment Rules”) adopted in connection with the stock market opening from January 1992 and after that date, foreigners may invest, with limited exceptions and subject to procedural requirements, in all shares of Korean companies, whether listed on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange or on the KOSDAQ Market Division of the Korea Exchange, unless prohibited by specific laws. Foreign investors may trade shares listed on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange or on the KOSDAQ Market Division of the Korea Exchange only through the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange or the KOSDAQ Market Division of the Korea Exchange, except in limited circumstances, including:

 

   

odd-lot trading of shares;

 

   

acquisition of shares (which we refer to as “Converted Shares”) by exercise of warrants, conversion rights or exchange rights under bonds with warrants, convertible bonds or exchangeable bonds or withdrawal rights under depositary receipts issued outside of Korea by a Korean company;

 

   

acquisition of shares as a result of inheritance, donation, bequest or exercise of stockholders’ rights, including preemptive rights or rights to participate in free distributions and receive dividends;

 

   

over-the-counter transactions between foreigners of a class of shares for which the ceiling on aggregate acquisition by foreigners, as explained below, has been reached or exceeded subject to certain exceptions; and

 

   

sale and purchase of shares at fair value between foreigners who are part of an investor group comprised of foreign companies investing under the control of a common investment manager pursuant to applicable laws or contract.

For over-the-counter transactions of shares between foreigners outside the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange or the KOSDAQ Market Division of the Korea Exchange for shares with respect to which the

 

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limit on aggregate foreign ownership has been reached or exceeded, a securities company licensed in Korea must act as an intermediary. Odd-lot trading of shares outside the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange or the KOSDAQ Market Division of the Korea Exchange must involve a licensed securities company in Korea as the other party. Foreign investors are prohibited from engaging in margin transactions with respect to shares that are subject to a foreign ownership limit.

The Investment Rules require a foreign investor who wishes to invest in shares on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange or the KOSDAQ Market Division of the Korea Exchange (including Converted Shares and shares being issued for initial listing on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange or on KOSDAQ Market Division of the Korea Exchange) to register its identity with the Financial Supervisory Service prior to making any such investment. The registration requirement does not, however, apply to foreign investors who acquire Converted Shares with the intention of selling such Converted Shares within three months from the date of acquisition. Upon registration, the Financial Supervisory Service will issue to the foreign investor an investment registration card, which must be presented each time the foreign investor opens a brokerage account with a securities company. Foreigners eligible to obtain an investment registration card include foreign nationals who have not been residing in Korea for a consecutive period of six months or more, foreign governments, foreign municipal authorities, foreign public institutions, international financial institutions or similar international organizations, corporations incorporated under foreign laws and any person in any additional category designated by decree of the Ministry of Strategy and Finance under the Korean Securities and Exchange Act. All Korean offices of a foreign corporation as a group are treated as a separate foreigner from the offices of the corporation outside Korea for the purpose of investment registration. However, a foreign corporation or depositary issuing depositary receipts may obtain one or more investment registration cards in its name in certain circumstances as described in the relevant regulations.

Upon a foreign investor’s purchase of shares through the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange or the KOSDAQ Market Division of the Korea Exchange, no separate report by the investor is required because the investment registration card system is designed to control and oversee foreign investment through a computer system. However, a foreign investor’s acquisition or sale of shares outside the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange or the KOSDAQ Market Division of the Korea Exchange (as discussed above) must be reported by the foreign investor or his standing proxy to the governor of the Financial Supervisory Service at the time of each such acquisition or sale. A foreign investor must ensure that any acquisition or sale by it of shares outside the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange or the KOSDAQ Market Division of the Korea Exchange in the case of trades in connection with a tender offer, odd-lot trading of shares, trades of a class of shares for which the aggregate foreign ownership limit has been reached or exceeded, is reported to the governor of the Financial Supervisory Service by himself or his standing proxy, or, in the case of sale and purchase of shares at fair value between foreigners, who are part of an investor group comprised of foreign companies investing under the control of a common investment manager pursuant to applicable laws or contract. A foreign investor may appoint a standing proxy from among the Korea Securities Depository, foreign exchange banks (including domestic branches of foreign banks), securities companies (including domestic branches of foreign securities companies), asset management companies, futures trading companies and internationally recognized custodians which will act as a standing proxy to exercise stockholders’ rights or perform any matters related to the foregoing activities if the foreign investor does not perform these activities himself. Generally, a foreign investor may not permit any person, other than its standing proxy, to exercise rights relating to his shares or perform any tasks related thereto on his behalf. However, a foreign investor may be exempted from complying with these standing proxy rules with the approval of the governor of the Financial Supervisory Service in cases deemed inevitable by reason of conflict between laws of Korea and the home country of the foreign investor.

Certificates evidencing shares of Korean companies must be kept in custody with an eligible custodian in Korea. Only foreign exchange banks (including domestic branches of foreign banks), securities companies (including domestic branches of foreign securities companies), the Korea Securities Depository, asset management companies, futures trading companies and internationally recognized custodians are eligible to act as a custodian of shares for a non-resident or foreign investor. A foreign investor must ensure that his custodian

 

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deposits his shares with the Korea Securities Depository. However, a foreign investor may be exempted from complying with this deposit requirement with the approval of the governor of the Financial Supervisory Service in circumstances where compliance with that requirement is made impracticable, including cases where compliance would contravene the laws of the home country of such foreign investor.

Under the Investment Rules, with certain exceptions, foreign investors may acquire shares of a Korean company without being subject to any foreign investment ceiling. As one such exception, designated public corporations are subject to a 40% ceiling on the acquisition of shares by foreigners in the aggregate. Designated public corporations may set a ceiling on the acquisition of shares by a single person in their articles of incorporation. Currently, Korea Electric Power Corporation is the only designated public corporation that has set such a ceiling. Furthermore, an investment by a foreign investor in 10% or more of the outstanding shares with voting rights of a Korean company is defined as a foreign direct investment under the Foreign Investment Promotion Act of Korea. Generally, a foreign direct investment must be reported to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy of Korea. The acquisition of shares of a Korean company by a foreign investor may also be subject to certain foreign or other shareholding restrictions in the event that the restrictions are prescribed in a specific law that regulates the business of the Korean company. For a description of such restrictions applicable to Korean banks, see “Item 4B. Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Principal Regulations Applicable to Banks—Restrictions on Bank Ownership.”

 

I tem 9D. Selling Shareholders

Not Applicable.

 

Item 9E. Dilution

Not Applicable.

 

Item 9F. Expenses of the Issue

Not Applicable.

 

Item 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Not Applicable.

 

Item 10A. Share Capital

Not Applicable.

 

Item 10B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

Description of Capital Stock

Set forth below is information relating to our capital stock, including brief summaries of certain provisions of our articles of incorporation, the Korean Commercial Code, the Korean Securities and Exchange Act of 1976, as amended (which we refer to as the “Korean Securities and Exchange Act”) and certain related laws of Korea, all as currently in effect. The following summaries do not purport to be complete and are subject to the articles of incorporation and the applicable provisions of the Korean Securities and Exchange Act, the Korean Commercial Code, and certain other related laws of Korea.

As of December 31, 2007, our authorized share capital is 1,000,000,000 shares. Subject to applicable laws and regulations, we are authorized to issue shares of preferred stock up to one-half of all of the issued and outstanding shares and shares of convertible stock up to 20% of all of the issued and outstanding shares under our

 

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articles of incorporation. Also, at the time of issuance of preferred shares, we may, pursuant to a resolution of the board of directors, issue such preferred shares as redeemable shares that can be redeemed at our discretion using our profits. Furthermore, through an amendment of the articles of incorporation, we may create new classes of shares, in addition to the common shares, preferred shares, convertible shares and redeemable shares. See “—Voting Rights.”

As of December 31, 2007, we had 336,379,116 shares of issued and outstanding common stock. No preferred stock is currently outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding shares are fully-paid and non-assessable, and are in registered form. Our authorized but unissued share capital consists of 663,620,884 shares. We may issue the unissued shares without further stockholder approval, subject to a board resolution as provided in the articles of incorporation. See “—Preemptive Rights and Issuances of Additional Shares” and “—Dividends and Other Distributions—Distribution of Free Shares.”

Our articles of incorporation provide that our stockholders may, by special resolution, grant to our officers, directors and employees stock options exercisable for up to 15% of the total number of our issued and outstanding shares. Our board of directors may also grant stock options exercisable for up to 1% of our issued and outstanding shares, provided that such grant must be approved at the general meeting of stockholders convened immediately after the date of granting such stock options. As of December 31, 2007, our officers, directors and employees held options to purchase 3,810,844 shares of our common stock. These outstanding options included options to purchase 610,000 shares of our common stock held by our chief executive officer. See “Item 6B. Compensation.”

Share certificates are issued in denominations of one, five, ten, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 and 10,000 shares.

Organization and Register

We are a banking corporation organized in Korea under the Korean Commercial Code and the Bank Act. We are registered with the commercial registry office of Seoul Central District Court.

Dividends and Other Distributions

Dividends

Dividends are distributed to stockholders in proportion to the number of shares of the relevant class of capital stock owned by each stockholder following approval by the stockholders at an annual general meeting of stockholders. Subject to the requirements of the Korean Commercial Code, the Bank Act and other applicable laws and regulations, we expect to pay full annual dividends on newly issued shares for the year in which the new shares are issued.

We declare our dividend annually at the annual general meeting of stockholders, which are held within three months after the end of each fiscal year. Once declared, the annual dividend must be paid to the stockholders of record as of the end of the preceding fiscal year within one month after the annual general meeting. Annual dividends may be distributed either in cash or in shares provided that shares must be distributed at par value and, if the market price of the shares is less than their par value, dividends in shares may not exceed one-half of the annual dividend.

On March 24, 2006, we amended our articles of incorporation to include a new provision for distribution of quarterly dividends. Accordingly, in addition to the annual dividend, we may also distribute cash dividends to the stockholders of record as of the end of March, June and September each year upon a resolution by the board of directors.

Under the Korean Commercial Code and our articles of incorporation, we do not have an obligation to pay any annual dividend unclaimed for five years from the payment date.

 

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The Bank Act and the regulations thereunder provide that a Korean bank shall not pay an annual dividend, unless each time it pays dividends it has set aside in its legal reserve an amount equal to at least one-tenth of its net income after tax and shall set aside such amount in its legal reserve until its legal reserve reaches at least the aggregate amount of its stated capital. Under the Bank Act and the regulations thereunder, we intend to set aside allowances for loan losses and reserves for severance pay in addition to the above legal reserve.

For information regarding Korean taxes on dividends, see “Item 10E. Taxation—Korean Taxation.”

Distribution of Free Shares

In addition to permitting dividends in the form of shares to be paid out of retained or current earnings, the Korean Commercial Code permits a company to distribute to its stockholders, in the form of free shares, an amount transferred from the capital surplus or legal reserve to stated capital. These free shares must be distributed pro rata to all stockholders. Our articles of incorporation provide that the types of shares to be distributed to the holders of preferred shares will be determined by the board of directors.

Preemptive Rights and Issuances of Additional Shares

Unless otherwise provided in the Korean Commercial Code, a company may issue authorized but unissued shares at such times and upon such terms as the board of directors of the company may determine. The company must offer the new shares on uniform terms to all stockholders who have preemptive rights and who are listed on the stockholders’ register as of the applicable record date. Our stockholders will be entitled to subscribe for any newly issued shares in proportion to their existing shareholdings. However, as provided in our articles of incorporation, new shares may be issued to persons other than existing stockholders if such shares are:

 

   

publicly offered pursuant to the Korean Securities and Exchange Act;

 

   

issued to our employee stock ownership association as described below;

 

   

represented by our depositary receipts;

 

   

issued to certain foreign or domestic investors in the course of management of our bank pursuant to relevant laws and regulations;

 

   

issued upon exercise of stock options pursuant to the Korean Securities and Exchange Act;

 

   

issued to the Korean government or the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation; or

 

   

issued primarily to a third party who has contributed to the management of our bank, including by providing financing, credit, advanced financing technique, know-how or entering into close business alliances.

Public notice of the preemptive rights to new shares and the transferability thereof must be given not less than two weeks (excluding the period during which the stockholders’ register is closed) prior to the record date. We will notify the stockholders who are entitled to subscribe for newly issued shares of the deadline for subscription at least two weeks prior to the deadline. If a stockholder fails to subscribe on or before such deadline, the stockholder’s preemptive rights will lapse. Our board of directors may determine how to distribute shares in respect of which preemptive rights have not been exercised or where fractions of shares occur.

Under the Korean Securities and Exchange Act, members of our employee stock ownership association, whether or not they are stockholders, will have a preemptive right, subject to certain exceptions, to subscribe for up to 20% of the shares publicly offered pursuant to the Korean Securities and Exchange Act. This right is exercisable only to the extent that the total number of shares so acquired and held by such members does not exceed 20% of the total number of shares then outstanding. As of December 31, 2007, our employee stock ownership association owned 2,729,756 of our shares of common stock.

 

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Voting Rights

Each outstanding share of our common stock is entitled to one vote per share. However, voting rights with respect to shares of common stock that we hold and shares of common stock that are held by a corporate stockholder, where more than one-tenth of the outstanding capital stock is directly or indirectly owned by us, may not be exercised. Unless stated otherwise in a company’s articles of incorporation, the Korean Securities and Exchange Act permits holders of an aggregate of 1% or more of the outstanding shares with voting rights to request cumulative voting when electing two or more directors. Our articles of incorporation do not prohibit cumulative voting. The Korean Commercial Code and our articles of incorporation provide that an ordinary resolution may be adopted if approval is obtained from the holders of at least a majority of those shares of common stock present or represented at such meeting and such majority also represents at least one-fourth of the total of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock. Holders of non-voting shares (other than enfranchised non-voting shares) will not be entitled to vote on any resolution or to receive notice of any general meeting of stockholders unless the agenda of the meeting includes consideration of a resolution on which such holders are entitled to vote. If our annual general stockholders’ meeting resolves not to pay to holders of preferred shares the annual dividend as determined by the board of directors at the time of issuance of such shares, the holders of preferred shares will be entitled to exercise voting rights from the general stockholders’ meeting following the meeting adopting such resolution to the end of a meeting to declare to pay such dividend with respect to the preferred shares. Holders of such enfranchised preferred shares will have the same rights as holders of common stock to request, receive notice of, attend and vote at a general meeting of stockholders.

The Korean Commercial Code provides that to amend the articles of incorporation, which is also required for any change to the authorized share capital of the company, and in certain other instances, including removal of a director of a company, dissolution, merger or consolidation of a company, transfer of the whole or a significant part of the business of a company, acquisition of all of the business of any other company, acquisition of a part of the business of any other company having a material effect on the business of the company or issuance of new shares at a price lower than their par value, a special resolution must be adopted by the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of those shares present or represented at such meeting and such special majority also represents at least one-third of the total issued and outstanding shares with voting rights of the company.

In addition, in the case of amendments to the articles of incorporation or any merger or consolidation of a company or in certain other cases, where the rights or interest of the holders of the preferred shares are adversely affected, a resolution must be adopted by a separate meeting of holders of the preferred shares. Such a resolution may be adopted if the approval is obtained from stockholders of at least two-thirds of the preferred shares present or represented at such meeting and such preferred shares also represent at least one-third of the total issued and outstanding preferred shares of the company.

A stockholder may exercise his voting rights by proxy given to another stockholder. The proxy must present the power of attorney prior to the start of a meeting of stockholders.

Liquidation Rights

In the event we are liquidated, the assets remaining after the payment of all debts, liquidation expenses and taxes will be distributed to stockholders in proportion to the number of shares held. Holders of preferred shares have no preferences in liquidation.

General Meetings of Stockholders

There are two types of general meetings of stockholders: annual general meetings and extraordinary general meetings. We will be required to convene our annual general meeting within three months after the end of each fiscal year. Subject to a board resolution or court approval, an extraordinary general meeting of stockholders may be held when necessary or at the request of the holders of an aggregate of 3% or more of our outstanding shares

 

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of common stock, or the holders of an aggregate of 1.5% or more of our outstanding stock with voting rights, who have held those shares at least for six months. Under the Korean Commercial Code, an extraordinary general meeting of stockholders may also be convened at the request of our audit committee, subject to a board resolution or court approval. Holders of non-voting shares may be entitled to request a general meeting of stockholders only to the extent the non-voting shares have become enfranchised as described under the section entitled “—Voting Rights” above, hereinafter referred to as “enfranchised non-voting shares.” Meeting agendas will be determined by the board of directors or proposed by holders of an aggregate of 3% or more of the outstanding shares with voting rights, or by holders of an aggregate of 0.5% or more of our outstanding shares with voting rights, who have held those shares for at least six months, by way of a written proposal to the board of directors at least six weeks prior to the meeting. Written notices or e-mail notices stating the date, place and agenda of the meeting must be given to the stockholders at least two weeks prior to the date of the general meeting of stockholders. Notice may, however, be given to holders of 1% or less of the total number of issued and outstanding shares which are entitled to vote, by placing at least two public notices at least two weeks in advance of the meeting in at least two daily newspapers. Stockholders who are not on the stockholders’ register as of the record date will not be entitled to receive notice of the general meeting of stockholders, and they will not be entitled to attend or vote at such meeting. Holders of enfranchised non-voting shares who are on the stockholders’ register as of the record date will be entitled to receive notice of the general meeting of stockholders and they will be entitled to attend and vote at such meeting. Otherwise, holders of non-voting shares will not be entitled to receive notice of or vote at general meetings of stockholders.

The general meeting of stockholders will be held at our head office, which is our registered head office, or, if necessary, may be held anywhere in the vicinity of our head office.

Rights of Dissenting Stockholders

Pursuant to the Korean Securities and Exchange Act, and the Law on the Improvement of the Structure of the Financial Industry, in certain limited circumstances (including, without limitation, if we transfer all or any significant part of our business, if we acquire a part of the business of any other company and such acquisition has a material effect on our business or if we merge or consolidate with another company), dissenting holders of shares of our common stock and our preferred stock will have the right to require us to purchase their shares. To exercise such a right, stockholders must submit to us a written notice of their intention to dissent prior to the general meeting of stockholders. Within 20 days (10 days in the case of a merger or consolidation under the Law on Improvement of the Structure of the Financial Industry) after the date on which the relevant resolution is passed at such meeting, such dissenting stockholders must request in writing that we purchase their shares. We are obligated to purchase the shares from dissenting stockholders within one month after the end of such request period (within two months after the receipt of such request in the case of a merger or consolidation under the Law on Improvement of the Structure of Financial Industry) at a price to be determined by negotiation between the stockholder and us. If we cannot agree on a price with the stockholder through such negotiations, the purchase price will be the arithmetic mean of:

 

   

the weighted average of the daily stock prices on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange for the two-month period prior to the date of the adoption of the relevant board of directors’ resolution;

 

   

the weighted average of the daily stock prices on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange for the one-month period prior to the date of the adoption of the relevant board of directors’ resolution; and

 

   

the weighted average of the daily stock prices on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange for the one-week period prior to the date of the adoption of the relevant board of directors’ resolution.

However, the Financial Services Commission may adjust such price if we or holders of at least 30% of our shares that we are obligated to purchase do not accept such purchase price and request the Financial Services Commission to adjust the purchase price not later than ten days prior to the end of the one month purchase period. In the case of a merger or consolidation pursuant to the Law on the Improvement of the Structure of Financial Industry where the government or the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation provides financial support,

 

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if a price cannot be agreed upon by the relevant parties, the purchase price will be determined by an accounting expert. However, the court may adjust such price if we or holders of at least 30% of our shares that we are obligated to purchase do not accept such purchase price and request the court to adjust the purchase price by no later than 30 days from the date of the determination of the purchase price.

Required Disclosure of Ownership

Under Korean law, stockholders who beneficially hold more than a certain percentage of our common stock, or who are related to or are acting in concert with other holders of certain percentages of our common stock or our other equity securities, must report the status of their holdings to the Financial Services Commission and other relevant governmental authorities. For a description of such required disclosure of ownership, see “Item 4B. Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Principal Regulations Applicable to Banks—Restrictions on Bank Ownership” and “Item 9C. Markets—Reporting Requirements for Holders of Substantial Interests.”

Other Provisions

Register of Stockholders and Record Dates

We maintain the register of our stockholders at our principal office in Seoul, Korea. We register transfers of shares on the register of stockholders upon presentation of the share certificates.

The record date for annual dividends is December 31. For the purpose of determining the holders of shares entitled to annual dividends, the register of stockholders may be closed for the period beginning from January 1 and ending on January 31. Further, the Korean Commercial Code and our articles of incorporation permit us upon at least two weeks’ public notice to set a record date and/or close the register of stockholders for not more than three months for the purpose of determining the stockholders entitled to certain rights pertaining to the shares. The trading of shares and the delivery of certificates in respect thereof may continue while the register of stockholders is closed. Also, we may distribute dividends to stockholders on a quarterly basis, and the record dates for these quarterly dividends are the end of March, June and September of each year.

Annual Reports

At least one week before the annual general meeting of stockholders, we must make our management report to shareholders and audited financial statements available for inspection at our head office and at all of our branch offices. Copies of this report, the audited financial statements and any resolutions adopted at the general meeting of stockholders are available to our stockholders.

Under the Korean Securities and Exchange Act, we must file with the Korean Financial Services Commission and the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange an annual business report within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, a half-year business report within 45 days after the end of the first six months of each fiscal year and quarterly business reports within 45 days after the end of the first three months and nine months of each fiscal year, respectively. Copies of such business reports will be available for public inspection at the Korean Financial Services Commission and the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange.

Transfer of Shares

Under the Korean Commercial Code, the transfer of shares is effected by the delivery of share certificates. The Korean Securities and Exchange Act provides, however, that in case of a company listed on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange such as us, share transfers can be effected by the book-entry method. In order to assert stockholders’ rights against us, the transferee must have his name and address registered on the register of stockholders. For this purpose, stockholders are required to file with us their name, address and seal. Non-resident stockholders must notify us of the name of their proxy in Korea to which our notice can be sent. Under current Korean regulations, the Korea Securities Depository, internationally recognized foreign

 

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custodians, asset management companies, futures trading companies, foreign exchange banks (including domestic branches of foreign banks), and securities companies (including domestic branches of foreign securities companies) may act as agents and provide related services for foreign stockholders. In addition, foreign stockholders may appoint a standing proxy among the foregoing and generally may not allow any person other than the standing proxy to exercise rights to the acquired shares or perform any tasks related thereto on their behalf. Certain foreign exchange controls and securities regulations apply to the transfer of shares by non-residents or non-Koreans. See “Item 9C. Markets” and “Item 10D. Exchange Controls.” Except as provided in the Bank Act, the ceiling on the aggregate shareholdings of a single stockholder and persons who stand in a special relationship with such stockholder is 10% of our issued and outstanding voting shares. See “Item 4B. Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Principal Regulations Applicable to Banks—Restrictions on Bank Ownership.”

Acquisition of Our Shares

We generally may not acquire our own shares except in certain limited circumstances, including, without limitation, a reduction in capital.

Notwithstanding the foregoing restrictions, pursuant to the Korean Securities and Exchange Act and regulations under the Bank Act and after submission of certain reports to the Korean Financial Services Commission, we may purchase our own shares on the Stock Market Division of the Korea Exchange or through a tender offer, subject to the restrictions that:

 

   

the aggregate purchase price of such shares may not exceed the total amount available for distribution of dividends at the end of the preceding fiscal year; and

 

   

the purchase of such shares shall meet the risk-adjusted capital ratio under Bank for International Settlements standards.

In general, subsidiaries of which we own 50% or more will not be permitted to acquire our shares.

 

Item 10C. Material Contracts

In December 2002, we formally extended our strategic alliance agreement with ING Bank N.V., pursuant to which we agreed to replace the prior investment agreement entered into with the affiliates of ING Bank and H&CB with this agreement and to enter into joint venture agreements with its affiliates relating to the bancassurance business and KB Asset Management. In August 2003, our board approved and ratified an amended and restated strategic alliance agreement with ING Bank N.V. As a result:

 

   

we are required to cause one nominee of ING Bank N.V. to be appointed as a non-executive director so long as ING Groep N.V. and its subsidiaries maintain a minimum shareholding in us as defined in the strategic alliance agreement, and to cause another nominee of ING Bank N.V. to be appointed as an executive director so long as ING Groep N.V. and its subsidiaries hold 6% or more of our issued and outstanding common shares;

 

   

the exclusive alliance with respect to our bancassurance business was revised to a non-exclusive, commercial relationship-based alliance; and

 

   

ING Groep N.V. is required to maintain beneficial ownership of no less than 12,716,691 shares of our common stock, subject to adjustment for any share consolidations or share splits or, in the event of a merger with another entity, as adjusted accordingly pursuant to the merger ratio for the merger.

In April 2008, we and KB Asset Management Co., Ltd., our consolidated subsidiary, entered into an agreement with ING Bank B.V. and ING Insurance International B.V. related to the planned establishment of KB Financial Group Co., Ltd through a comprehensive stock transfer. Pursuant to this agreement and subject to

 

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certain conditions, ING Bank and ING Insurance International approved and agreed to support the stock transfer. The parties also agreed, among others, that the stock transfer shall not constitute a change of control or termination event for purposes of various agreements in effect between the parties and that we and ING Bank agree to effect an assignment of our rights and obligations under the amended and restated strategic alliance agreement to KB Financial Group.

For more details regarding our relationship with ING Groep N.V., see “Item 4A. History and Development of the Company—History of H&CB,” “Item 4B. Business Overview—Other Businesses—Bancassurance,” and “Item 7B. Related Party Transactions.”

 

Item 10D. Exchange Controls

General

The Foreign Exchange Transaction Act of Korea and the Presidential Decree and regulations under that Act and Decree, which we refer to collectively as the “Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws,” regulate investment in Korean securities by non-residents and issuance of securities outside Korea by Korean companies. Non-residents may invest in Korean securities pursuant to the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws. The Financial Services Commission has also adopted, pursuant to its authority under the Korean Securities and Exchange Act, regulations that restrict investment by foreigners in Korean securities and regulate issuance of securities outside Korea by Korean companies.

Under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws, (1) if the Korean government deems that it is inevitable due to the outbreak of natural calamities, wars, conflict of arms or grave and sudden changes in domestic or foreign economic circumstances or other situations equivalent thereto, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance may temporarily suspend payment, receipt or the whole or part of transactions to which the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws apply, or impose an obligation to safe-keep, deposit or sell means of payment in or to certain Korean governmental agencies or financial institutions; and (2) if the Korean government deems that international balance of payments and international finance are confronted or are likely to be confronted with serious difficulty or the movement of capital between Korea and abroad brings or is likely to bring about serious obstacles in carrying out its currency policies, exchange rate policies and other macroeconomic policies, the Ministry of Strategy and Finance may take measures to require any person who intends to perform capital transactions to obtain permission or to require any person who performs capital transactions to deposit part of the payments received in such transactions at certain Korean governmental agencies or financial institutions, in each case subject to certain limitations.

Restrictions Applicable to Shares

Under the Foreign Exchange Transaction Laws, a foreign investor who intends to acquire shares must designate a foreign exchange bank at which he must open a foreign currency account and a Won account exclusively for stock investments. No approval is required for remittance into Korea and deposit of foreign currency funds in the foreign currency account. Foreign currency funds may be transferred from the foreign currency account at the time required to place a deposit for, or settle the purchase price of, a stock purchase transaction to a Won account opened at a securities company. Funds in the foreign currency account may be remitted abroad without any Korean governmental approval.

Dividends on shares of Korean companies are paid in Won. No Korean governmental approval is required for foreign investors to receive dividends on, or the Won proceeds of the sale of, any shares to be paid, received and retained in Korea. Dividends paid on, and the Won proceeds of the sale of, any shares held by a non-resident of Korea must be deposited either in a Won account with the investor’s securities company or in his Won account. Funds in the investor’s Won account may be transferred to his foreign currency account or withdrawn for local living expenses up to certain limitations. Funds in the Won account may also be used for future investment in shares or for payment of the subscription price of new shares obtained through the exercise of preemptive rights.

 

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Securities companies and asset management companies are allowed to open foreign currency accounts with foreign exchange banks exclusively for accommodating foreign investors’ stock investments in Korea. Through these accounts, securities companies and asset management companies may enter into foreign exchange transactions on a limited basis, such as conversion of foreign currency funds and Won funds, either as a counterparty to or on behalf of foreign investors, without the investors having to open their own accounts with foreign exchange banks.

 

Item 10E. Taxation

United States Taxation

This summary describes certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences for a U.S. holder (as defined below) of acquiring, owning, and disposing of common shares or ADSs. This summary applies to you only if you hold the common shares or ADSs as capital assets for tax purposes. This summary does not apply to you if you are a member of a class of holders subject to special rules, such as:

 

   

a dealer in securities or currencies;

 

   

a trader in securities that elects to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for securities holdings;

 

   

a bank;

 

   

a life insurance company;

 

   

a tax-exempt organization;

 

   

a person that holds common shares or ADSs that are a hedge or that are hedged against interest rate or currency risks;

 

   

a person that holds common shares or ADSs as part of a straddle or conversion transaction for tax purposes;

 

   

a person whose functional currency for tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar; or

 

   

a person that owns or is deemed to own 5% or more of any class of our stock.

This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations promulgated thereunder, and published rulings and court decisions, all as currently in effect. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.

Please consult your own tax advisers concerning the U.S. federal, state, local, and other tax consequences of purchasing, owning, and disposing of common shares or ADSs in your particular circumstances.

For purposes of this summary, you are a “U.S. holder” if you are the beneficial owner of a common share or an ADS and are:

 

   

a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

   

a U.S. domestic corporation; or

 

   

otherwise subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis with respect to income from the common share or ADS.

In general, if you are the beneficial owner of ADSs, you will be treated as the beneficial owner of the common shares represented by those ADSs for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and no gain or loss will be recognized if you exchange an ADS for the common share represented by that ADS.

 

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Dividends

The gross amount of cash dividends that you receive (prior to deduction of Korean taxes) generally will be subject to U.S. federal income taxation as foreign source dividend income and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction. Dividends paid in Won will be included in your income in a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date of your receipt of the dividend, in the case of common shares, or the depositary’s receipt, in the case of ADSs, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. If such a dividend is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, you generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income.

Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the U.S. dollar amount of dividends received by an individual prior to January 1, 2011 with respect to the ADSs will be subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 15% if the dividends are “qualified dividends.” Dividends paid on the ADSs will be treated as qualified dividends if (i) the ADSs are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States and (ii) the Company was not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and is not, in the year in which the dividend is paid, a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”). The ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and will qualify as readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States so long as they are so listed. Based on the Company’s audited financial statements and relevant market and shareholder data, the Company believes that it was not treated as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to its 2006 or 2007 taxable year. In addition, based on the Company’s audited financial statements and its current expectations regarding the value and nature of its assets, the sources and nature of its income, and relevant market and shareholder data, the Company does not anticipate becoming a PFIC for its 2008 taxable year.

Distributions of additional shares in respect of common shares or ADSs that are made as part of a pro-rata distribution to all of our stockholders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.

Sale or Other Disposition

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, gain or loss you realize on a sale or other disposition of common shares or ADSs generally will be treated as U.S. source capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the common shares or ADSs were held for more than one year. Your ability to offset capital losses against ordinary income is limited. Long-term capital gain recognized by an individual U.S. holder generally is subject to taxation at reduced rates.

Foreign Tax Credit Considerations

You should consult your own tax advisers to determine whether you are subject to any special rules that limit your ability to make effective use of foreign tax credits, including the possible adverse impact of failing to take advantage of benefits under the income tax treaty between the United States and Korea. If no such rules apply, you may claim a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability for Korean taxes withheld from dividends on the common shares or ADSs, so long as you have owned the common shares or ADSs (and not entered into specified kinds of hedging transactions) for at least a 16-day period that includes the ex-dividend date. Instead of claiming a credit, you may, if you so elect, deduct such Korean taxes in computing your taxable income, subject to generally applicable limitations under U.S. tax law. Korean taxes withheld from a distribution of additional shares that is not subject to U.S. tax may be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as imposed on “general limitation” income. Such treatment could affect your ability to utilize any available foreign tax credit in respect of such taxes.

Any Korean securities transaction tax or agriculture and fishery special surtax that you pay will not be creditable for foreign tax credit purposes.

 

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Foreign tax credits will not be allowed for withholding taxes imposed in respect of certain short-term or hedged positions in securities and may not be allowed in respect of arrangements in which a U.S. holder’s expected economic profit is insubstantial.

The calculation of foreign tax credits and, in the case of a U.S. holder that elects to deduct foreign taxes, the availability of deductions involve the application of complex rules that depend on a U.S. holder’s particular circumstances. You should consult your own tax advisers regarding the creditability or deductibility of such taxes.

U.S. Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Rules

Payments of dividends and sales proceeds that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries are subject to information reporting and may be subject to backup withholding unless the holder (i) is a corporation or other exempt recipient and demonstrates this when required or (ii) provides a taxpayer identification number and certifies that no loss of exemption from backup withholding has occurred. Holders that are not U.S. persons generally are not subject to information reporting or backup withholding. However, such a holder may be required to provide a certification of its non-U.S. status in connection with payments received within the United States or through a U.S.-related financial intermediary.

Korean Taxation

The following summary of Korean tax considerations applies to you so long as you are not:

 

   

a resident of Korea;

 

   

a corporation organized under Korean law; or

 

   

engaged in a trade or business in Korea through a permanent establishment or a fixed base to which the relevant income is attributable or with which the relevant income is effectively connected.

Taxation of Dividends on Shares or ADSs

We will deduct Korean withholding tax from dividends paid to you (whether payable in cash or in shares) at a rate of 27.5% (inclusive of resident surtax). If you are a beneficial owner of the dividends in a country that has entered into a tax treaty with Korea, you may qualify for a reduced rate of Korean withholding tax. See “—Tax Treaties” below for a discussion on treaty benefits. If we distribute to you shares representing a transfer of certain capital reserves or asset revaluation reserves into paid-in capital, that distribution may be subject to Korean withholding tax.

In order to obtain a reduced rate of withholding tax pursuant to an applicable tax treaty, you must submit to us, prior to the dividend payment date, such evidence of tax residence as the Korean tax authorities may require in order to establish your entitlement to the benefits of the applicable tax treaty (which will include a certificate of your tax residency issued by a competent authority of your country of tax residence).

If you hold ADSs, evidence of tax residence may be submitted to us through the Depositary.

Taxation of Capital Gains From Transfer of Shares or ADSs

As a general rule, capital gains earned by non-residents upon transfer of Shares or ADSs are subject to Korean withholding tax at the lower of (1) 11% (inclusive of resident surtax) of the gross proceeds realized or (2) subject to the production of satisfactory evidence of acquisition costs and certain direct transaction costs of the Shares or ADSs, 27.5% (inclusive of resident surtax) of the net realized gain, unless exempt from Korean income taxation under the applicable Korean tax treaty with the non-resident’s country of tax residence. See

 

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“—Tax Treaties” below for a discussion on treaty benefits. Even if you do not qualify for an exemption under a tax treaty, you will not be subject to the foregoing withholding tax on capital gains if you qualify under the relevant Korean domestic tax law exemptions discussed in the following paragraphs.

In regards to the transfer of Shares through the Korea Stock Exchange, you will not be subject to the withholding tax on capital gains (as described in the preceding paragraph) if you (1) have no permanent establishment in Korea and (2) did not own or have not owned (together with any shares owned by any entity with which you have a certain special relationship) 25% or more of the total issued and outstanding Shares, which may include the Shares represented by the ADSs, at any time during the calendar year in which the sale occurs and during the five calendar years prior to the calendar year in which the sale occurs.

In regards to the transfer of ADSs outside Korea, under a tax ruling issued by the Korean tax authority in 1995 (the “1995 tax ruling”), ADSs are treated as securities separate from the underlying shares represented by such ADSs and, based on such ruling, (i) capital gains earned by you from the transfer of ADSs to another non-resident (other than to such transferee’s permanent establishment in Korea) will not be subject to Korean income taxation or withholding tax and (ii) capital gains earned by you (regardless of whether you have a permanent establishment in Korea) will be exempt from Korean income taxation by virtue of the Special Tax Treatment Control Law of Korea, or the STTCL, provided that the issuance of the ADSs is deemed to be an overseas issuance under the STTCL.

If you are subject to tax on capital gains with respect to the sale of ADSs, or of Shares you acquired as a result of a withdrawal, the purchaser or, in the case of the sale of Shares on the Korea Stock Exchange or through a licensed securities company in Korea, the licensed securities company, is required to withhold Korean tax from the sales price in an amount equal to the lower of (1) 11% (inclusive of resident surtax) of the gross realization proceeds or (2) subject to the production of satisfactory evidence of acquisition costs and certain direct transaction costs of the Shares or ADSs, 27.5% (inclusive of resident surtax) of the net realized gain, and to make payment of these amounts to the Korean tax authority, unless you establish your entitlement to an exemption under an applicable tax treaty or domestic tax law or produce satisfactory evidence of your acquisition cost and transaction costs for the Shares or ADSs. To obtain the benefit of an exemption from tax pursuant to an applicable tax treaty, you must submit to the purchaser or the securities company, or through the ADS depositary, as the case may be, prior to or at the time of payment, such evidence of your tax residence as the Korean tax authorities may require in support of your claim for treaty benefits. See the discussion under “—Tax Treaties” below for an additional explanation on claiming treaty benefits.

Tax Treaties

Korea has entered into a number of income tax treaties with other countries (including the United States), which would reduce or exempt Korean withholding tax on dividends on, and capital gains on transfer of, the Shares or ADSs. For example, under the Korea-United States income tax treaty, reduced rates of Korean withholding tax of 16.5% or 11.0% (depending on your shareholding ratio and inclusive of resident surtax) on dividends and an exemption from Korean withholding tax on capital gains are available to residents of the United States that are beneficial owners of the relevant dividend income or capital gains, subject to certain exceptions.

You should inquire for yourself whether you are entitled to the benefit of a tax treaty between Korea and the country where you are a resident. It is the responsibility of the party claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty in respect of dividend payments or capital gains to submit to us, the purchaser or the securities company, as applicable, a certificate as to his tax residence. In the absence of sufficient proof, we, the purchaser or the securities company, as applicable, must withhold tax at the normal rates. Furthermore, in order for you to obtain the benefit of a tax exemption on certain Korean source income (such as dividends or capital gains) under an applicable tax treaty, Korean tax law requires you (or your agent) to submit an application for tax exemption along with a certificate of your tax residency issued by a competent authority of your country of tax residence, subject to certain exceptions. Such application should be submitted to the relevant district tax office by the ninth day of the month following the date of the first payment of such income.

 

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Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax

If you die while holding an ADS or donate an ADS, it is unclear whether, for Korean inheritance and gift tax purposes, you will be treated as the owner of the Shares underlying the ADSs. If the tax authority interprets depositary receipts as the underlying share certificates, you may be treated as the owner of the Shares and your heir or the donee (or in certain circumstances, you as the donor) will be subject to Korean inheritance or gift tax presently at the rate of 10% to 50%, provided that the value of the ADSs or Shares is greater than a specified amount.

If you die while holding a Share or donate a Share, your heir or donee (or in certain circumstances, you as the donor) will be subject to Korean inheritance or gift tax at the same rate as indicated above.

At present, Korea has not entered into any tax treaty relating to inheritance or gift taxes.

Securities Transaction Tax

If you transfer Shares on the Korea Stock Exchange, you will be subject to securities transaction tax at the rate of 0.15% and an agriculture and fishery special surtax at the rate of 0.15% of the sale price of the Shares. If your transfer of the Shares is not made on the Korea Stock Exchange, subject to certain exceptions, you will be subject to securities transaction tax at the rate of 0.5% and will not be subject to an agriculture and fishery special surtax.

With respect to transfer of ADSs, a tax ruling issued in 2004 by the Korean tax authority (“the 2004 tax ruling”) appears to hold that depositary shares (such as the ADSs) constitute share certificates subject to the securities transaction tax; provided that, under the Securities Transaction Tax Law, the transfer of depositary receipts listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq National Market, or other qualified foreign exchanges is exempt from the securities transaction tax.

In principle, the securities transaction tax, if applicable, must be paid by the transferor of the Shares or ADSs. When the transfer is effected through a securities settlement company, such settlement company is generally required to withhold and pay the tax to the tax authorities. When such transfer is made through a securities company only, such securities company is required to withhold and pay the tax. Where the transfer is effected by a non-resident without a permanent establishment in Korea, other than through a securities settlement company or a securities company, the transferee is required to withhold the securities transaction tax.

 

Item 10F. Dividends and Paying Agents

Not Applicable.

 

Item 10G. Statements by Experts

Not Applicable.

 

Item 10H. Documents on Display

We are subject to the information requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and, in accordance therewith, are required to file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These materials, including this annual report and the exhibits thereto, may be inspected and copied at the Commission’s public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. As a foreign private issuer, we are also required to make filings with the Commission by electronic means. Any filings we make electronically will be available to the public over the Internet at the Commission’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.

 

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Item 10I. Subsidiary Information

Not Applicable.

 

Item 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Overview

As a financial services provider, we are exposed to various risks related to our lending and trading businesses, our funding activities and our operating environment. Our goal in risk management is to ensure that we identify, measure, monitor and control the various risks that arise, and that our organization adheres strictly to the policies and procedures which we establish to address these risks. Under our ICAAP and related internal regulations pertaining to our capital adequacy ratio and internal standards for risk appetite and economic capital under Basel II, we identify the following eight separate categories of risk inherent in our business activities: credit risk, market risk, operational risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, credit concentration risk, reputation risk and strategic risk. Of these, the principal risks to which we are exposed are credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk and operational risk, and we strive to manage these and other risks within acceptable limits.

Organization

We have established a multi-layered risk management governance structure. The highest decision making body is the Risk Management Committee, which provides board-level direction to the bodies below it. At the operational level, the Risk Management Department (under the Finance Group) and the Credit Group work closely with other business groups to implement risk management strategies, policies and procedures.

Risk Management Committee

Our Risk Management Committee is a board level committee that is responsible for overseeing all risks and advising the board of directors with respect to risk management-related issues. The committee consists of the chief financial officer and four non-executive directors, and its major roles include:

 

   

establishing risk management strategies in accordance with the directives of the board of directors;

 

   

determining our target risk appetite;

 

   

reviewing the level of risks we are exposed to and the appropriateness of our risk management policies, systems and operations; and

 

   

approving the introduction and modification of various risk management systems and methodologies.

Risk Management Council

Our Risk Management Council is the executive decision making body for our risk management operations. It consists of eight senior executive vice presidents, including the chief financial officer as chairman. Its responsibilities include:

 

   

determining major policies and procedures for risk management;

 

   

setting economic capital, or “EC,” limits for each business group based on the overall risk appetite set by the Risk Management Committee as well as EC limits for each type of risk and for integrated risk levels; and

 

   

ensuring that risk management activities are appropriately executed by each of our risk management bodies.

 

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Risk Management Subcommittees

Our Risk Management Subcommittees execute the decisions made by the Risk Management Council and make operational decisions regarding risk management policies and procedures:

 

   

The Credit Risk Management Subcommittee approves the criteria to set total credit exposure limits that are implemented by our business groups and resolves certain working level issues relating to credit risk management. It is composed of seven members, the executive vice president from our Credit Analysis Division who serves as chairman and six general managers.

 

   

The Market Risk Management Subcommittee sets market risk-related limits, approves new derivative instruments that can be traded and resolves certain working-level issues related to market risk management. In particular, the Market Risk Management Subcommittee sets the VaR limits, position limits and stop loss limits for our fixed income, equity, foreign exchange and derivative portfolios, as well as scenario loss limits and sensitivity limits for our derivatives portfolio. It is composed of eight members, including our chief financial officer as chairman and seven general managers.

 

   

The Assets and Liabilities Management, or ALM, Subcommittee sets interest rates and fee levels, enacts or revises the internal guidelines for both ALM risk management and the operation of our interest rate and fee structure and reviews monthly ALM reports. It is composed of 15 members, including the executive vice president of our Finance Division as chairman and 14 general managers.

Risk Management Department

Our Risk Management Department, which is part of our Finance Group, is responsible for identifying, measuring, monitoring and reporting on risks, and for initiating actions with respect to risk management that may be required by our other business groups. The chief financial officer is responsible for the Risk Management Department, and is the chairman of the Risk Management Council and a member of the Loan Committee and the Management Council.

Credit Group

Our Credit Group is responsible for controlling, managing and reporting our overall credit risk. The chief credit officer is responsible for the Credit Group, and is a member of the Risk Management Council and the chairman of the Loan Committee. The Credit Group is divided into four departments:

 

   

Credit Planning Department. This department manages the overall credit risk of our loan portfolio and is responsible for oversight of overall asset quality. It also establishes our loan loss provisioning policy and determines total exposure limits for our corporate customers.

 

   

Credit Analysis Department. This department maintains and upgrades our credit scoring system for retail and corporate customers. It is also responsible for maintaining, monitoring and improving our credit and retail loan approval processes. It also conducts industry analysis and maintains and upgrades our credit scoring system for corporate customers.

 

   

Credit Management Department. This department develops and oversees our procedures for management of delinquent loans. It is also responsible for management of our corporate pre-workout and workout customers and non-performing credits, including sales and securitization of non-performing loans.

 

   

Card Credit Analysis Department. This department develops and upgrades the credit rating system for the credit card business group, and is also responsible for improving credit card approval processes.

 

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Credit Risk Management

Credit risk is the risk of expected and unexpected losses in the event of borrower or counterparty defaults. Credit risk management aims to improve asset quality and generate stable profits while reducing risk through diversified and balanced loan portfolios. We determine the creditworthiness of each type of borrower or counterparty through reviews conducted by our credit experts and through our credit rating systems, and we set a credit limit for each borrower or counterparty. In January 2005, our credit risk management was centralized in our Credit Group, which is headed by our chief credit officer.

We assess and manage all credit exposures, whether on- or off-balance sheet. These exposures include loans to borrowers and counterparties, investments in securities, letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, derivatives and commitments. Our risk appetite, which is the ratio of our required economic capital to our estimated available book capital, is approved by the Risk Management Committee twice a year. Thereafter, we calculate economic capital every month for each business group and bank-wide based on attributed economic capital. We measure and report profiles of credit risk at a bank-wide level and by business group regularly to relevant business groups and senior management, including the Risk Management Council and the Risk Management Committee.

We use expected default rates and recovery rates to determine the expected loss rate of a borrower or counterparty. We use the expected loss rate to make credit related decisions, including pricing, loan approval and establishment of standards to be followed at each level of decision making. These rates are calculated using information gathered from our internal database. With respect to large corporate borrowers, we also use information provided by external credit rating services to calculate default rates and recovery rates.

Our credit risk management processes include:

 

   

establishing credit policy;

 

   

credit evaluation and approval;

 

   

industry assessment;

 

   

total exposure management;

 

   

collateral evaluation and monitoring;

 

   

credit risk assessment;

 

   

early warning and credit review; and

 

   

post-credit extension monitoring.

Credit Evaluation

We evaluate the ability of all loan applicants to repay their debts before we approve any loans, except for loans guaranteed by letters of guarantee issued by the Credit Guarantee Fund, the Korea Technology Credit Guarantee Fund and highly rated banks, and for loans fully secured by deposits with us. We assign each borrower or guarantor a credit rating based on the judgment of our experts or scores calculated using the appropriate credit rating system. Factors that we consider in assigning credit ratings include both financial factors and non-financial factors, such as our perception of a borrower’s reliability, management and operational risk and risk relating to the borrower’s industry. The credit rating process differs according to the type, size and characteristics of a borrower.

We use our internally developed credit rating systems to rate potential borrowers. As the characteristics of each customer segment differ, we use several credit rating systems for our customers. The nature of the credit rating system used for a particular borrower depends on whether the borrower is an individual, a “small office/home office” customer, a small-sized enterprise, medium-sized enterprise or a large company. For large

 

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companies, we have 17 credit ratings, ranging from AAA to D. For small- and medium-sized enterprises, we have 15 credit ratings ranging from AA to D. For retail customers, we have 13 credit ratings ranging from grade 1 to grade 13.

Based on the credit rating of a borrower, we apply different credit policies, which affect factors such as credit limit, loan period, loan pricing, loan classification and provisioning. We also use these credit ratings in evaluating our bank-wide risk management strategy. Factors we consider in making this evaluation include the profitability of each company or transaction, performance of each business unit and portfolio management. We monitor the credit status of borrowers and collect information to adjust our ratings appropriately. If we change a borrower’s credit rating, we will also change the credit policies relating to that borrower and we may also change the policies underlying our loan portfolio.

Retail Loan Approval Process

Mortgage Loans and Secured Retail Loans. Our processing center staff reviews mortgage loans and retail loans secured by real estate or guarantees. Branch staff employees forward loan applications to processing centers. But in the case of loans secured by deposits with us, our branch staff approves such loans. We make lending decisions based on our assessment of the value of the collateral, debt service capability and the borrower’s score generated from our credit scoring systems.

For mortgage loans and loans secured by real estate, we evaluate the value of the real estate offered as collateral using a database we have developed that contains information about real estate values throughout Korea. We also use information from a third party provider about the real estate market in Korea, which gives us up-to-date market value information for Korean real estate. In addition, our processing center staff employees review the value of real estate provided by the evaluation system to ensure there are no significant discrepancies. Beginning in April 2005, we have based decisions regarding the approval of such loans primarily on the results of our credit scoring systems.

For loans secured by deposits, we will generally grant loans up to 95% of the deposit amount if we hold the deposit.

With respect to mortgage loans and secured retail loans, we screen customers based on various items on our checklist that indicate whether the customer may have deteriorating credit using internal information and rating information from credit bureaus. We also evaluate debt service capability for eligible customers pursuant to certain checklist items, such as type of residence, profession, family information, annual income, age, credit card overdue information, transaction history (with both our bank and other financial institutions) and other relevant credit information.

We generally decide whether to evaluate a loan application within three to five days after recording the relevant information in our credit scoring systems.

Unsecured Retail Loans. We review applications for unsecured retail loans in accordance with our credit scoring systems. These automated systems evaluate loan applications and determine an appropriate pricing for the loan. The major benefits of using a credit scoring system are that it yields uniform results regardless of the user, that it can be used effectively by employees who do not necessarily have extensive experience in credit evaluation and that it can be updated easily to reflect changing market conditions by adjusting how each factor is weighted. The staff of our processing centers reviews the results of the credit scoring system based on information input by our branch staff and, if approved, issues the loan.

Our credit scoring systems take into account factors including borrower’s income, assets, profession, age, transaction history (with both our bank and other financial institutions) and other relevant credit information. The systems rank each borrower in an appropriate grade, and that grade is used to decide whether to approve loans as well as to determine loan amounts.

 

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We generally base our decisions on the results of our credit scoring systems to evaluate applications. However, a credit officer may overturn the results of our credit scoring systems, in certain circumstances.

Corporate Loan Approval Process

We approve corporate loans at different levels of our organization depending on the size and type of the loan, the credit risk level assessed by the credit rating system, whether the loan is secured by collateral and, if secured, the value of the collateral. The lowest level of authority is the branch staff employee, who can approve small loans and loans that have the lowest range of credit risk. Larger loans and loans with higher credit risk are approved by higher levels of authority depending on where they fall in a matrix of loan size and credit risk. Depending on the size and terms of any particular loan or the credit risk relating to a particular borrower, more than one entity may review the application, although generally loan applications are reviewed only by the entity having corresponding authority to approve the loan. The following table identifies the various entities that are involved in approving corporate loans.

 

Entity

  

Members

   Quorum for Approval

Loan Committee

   Head of the Credit Group; Head of the Investment Banking/Global Business Group; Head of the Credit Analysis Division; Head of the Corporate Banking Division; Credit Analysis Department Manager; Large Corporate Department Manager; Credit Planning Department Manager; Retail Sales Department II Manager; Credit Review Department Manager; Corporate Product Department Manager    2/3 or more participation; 2/3 or
more required for approval

Chief Credit Officers Committee

   One of the Heads of the Credit Analysis Division and Corporate Credit Analysis Department Manager; six Chief Credit Officers; two Junior Credit Officers    2/3 or more participation; 2/3 or
more required for approval

Credit Officers Committee

   Four Credit Officers    2/3 or more participation; 2/3 or
more required for approval

Local/Regional Approval

     

Credit Analysis Center Credit Officers Committee

   Four Credit Officers    2/3 or more participation; 2/3 or
more required for approval

Relationship Managers Committee

   One Senior Relationship Manager and two Relationship Managers    Agreement of all members

We evaluate all of our corporate borrowers by using credit rating systems, except for applicants whose borrowings are fully secured by deposits or applicants who have obtained third-party guarantees from the government or certain other very highly rated guarantors. See “—Credit Evaluation.”

For owner-operated enterprises (which we refer to as SOHOs), we have put in place a SOHO credit rating system, which adopts simplified credit evaluation modeling procedures. This system consists of a scoring model,

 

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a qualitative credit assessment (or QCA) model and a preliminary examination checklist. The scoring model analyzes information with respect to the customer’s personal information and bank transaction history. The QCA model analyzes information about business capability, operating capability, management capability, transaction reliability, documentary reliability and financial stability. The preliminary examination checklist is based on information regarding the customer’s credit delinquencies, loans and outstanding credit card debt. This system classifies customers into 13 possible credit ratings.

For other small- and medium-sized enterprises, we have put in place a credit rating system known as CRS. For large corporations, we have put in place a similar credit rating system known as LCRS. Both the CRS and the LCRS model consist of the following three parts:

 

   

Financial Model. The financial model uses the borrower’s current status and trend of financial ratios calculated using its financial statements. The financial model classifies potential borrowers into one of three size categories and one of five types of industry. This model incorporates logistic regression and statistical methods, which use financial ratios such as stability ratio, cash flow ratio, profitability ratio and turnover ratio to make credit determinations.

 

   

QCA Model. The QCA model uses various qualitative factors, such as future repayment capability, market prospects, management capability and business capability, to evaluate borrowers. The factors that are evaluated and the weighting given to each factor vary by type of industry and size of company.

 

   

Default Signal Check Model. The default signal check model checks the consistency of the preliminary rating. This model checks various factors, including financial ratios with low scores, any non-quantitative factors that may cause a corporate default and any information arising from past experience, to determine the likelihood of a future default. The results of the default signal check model may be used to cap a borrower’s credit grade.

Financial institutions and certain non-profit organizations such as educational foundations and medical organizations cannot be effectively rated by use of our CRS system or LCRS system alone. Accordingly, we rely more on the judgment of our expert credit officers with respect to these entities. The relative importance of the factors we use to evaluate these entities varies, and accordingly the process largely depends on the experience and expertise of our Credit Group credit officers. These officers primarily base their decisions on the historical financial data and financial prospects of the prospective borrower and the prospects of its industry. We may also consider other factors, including management experience and competence, ownership structure, reputation, quality of financial information provided and the purpose of the loan. The responsible credit officer analyzes this data using his or her discretion, and then drafts a report relating to the potential borrower, which includes a tentative credit rating determination. This report is submitted to the Chief Credit Officers Committee for its review and final approval of the borrower’s rating. This committee consists of one of the Heads of the Credit Analysis Division and Corporate Credit Analysis Manager, six chief credit officers and two junior credit officers, all chosen from among our Credit Group.

We often refer to corporate information gathered or ratings assigned by external credit rating agencies, such as Korea Information Service, National Information & Credit Evaluation Inc. and Korea Management Consulting & Credit Rating Corporation, in order to improve the accuracy of our credit ratings.

Credit Card Approval Process

We make decisions on all credit card approvals based on the Financial Services Commission standard of review for payment ability (such as the occupation and income of the applicant), as well as a combination of two internally developed scoring systems: our application scoring system and our card generic scoring system.

Our application scoring system reflects various credit information, including basic customer information (such as credit history), transaction history with us, if any, delinquency and transaction history with other card

 

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companies and credit information provided by the Korea Federation of Banks and other credit bureaus. We also consider repayment ability, total assets and the length of the applicant’s relationship, if any, and past contribution to our profitability, if any.

Our card generic scoring system reflects various sources of external information, including credit information from the Korea Federation of Banks and credit bureaus. Our card generic scoring system is developed to estimate credit risk of customers more specifically by reflecting information not reflected in the application scores.

On the basis of the standard of review for payment ability and the combination of the scores from our application scoring system and card generic scoring system, we establish, among other things, the term of any new approvals, initial limits and differentiation of fee rates with respect to our credit cards. Our systems allow us to differentiate applicants into groups that receive immediate credit card approval or rejection, or that may require us to further investigate that applicant’s credit qualifications. The initial limits of new applicants are based on their estimated monthly income, which is based on their occupation and the value of their personal assets. We apply our fee rates to applicants differently according to risk premium and profitability.

Total Exposure Management

We establish and manage total exposure limits for corporations, chaebols and industries in order to optimize the use of credit availability and avoid excessive risk concentration. We establish total exposure limits for large corporations and chaebols by reviewing factors such as their industry, size, cash flows, financial ratios and credit ratings, while establishing exposure limits for industries by peer group, as defined by us, by reviewing the “exposure at default,” nonpayment ratio, sales growth ratio and share of total exposure for each industry and our total exposure. Small- and medium-sized enterprise limits are set by referring to the results from our credit rating system. The guidelines used to set these total exposure limits are approved by our Risk Management Council after review by the Credit Risk Management Subcommittee. In certain exceptional cases, we may extend loans on a case-by-case basis even if the applicable limit is exceeded.

Our maximum exposure limit is within 20% of our Tier I and Tier II capital for a single chaebol, and within 10% of our Tier I and Tier II capital for an individual large corporation. These limits are lower than the regulatory limits that Korean banks are required by law to follow. In practice, the total exposure limits that we set for corporations and groups are far lower than these levels.

We manage and control exposure limits on a daily basis. The principal system that we use for this purpose is the Total Exposure Management System. This system allows us to monitor and control our total exposure to large corporations, chaebols and industries. We monitor our exposure to large corporations to which we have an exposure of (Won)1 billion or more, individual corporations to which we have an exposure of more than (Won)30 billion, and also our exposure to the 50 chaebols, which is comprised of the 42 largest chaebols in Korea designated by the Financial Supervisory Service as well as eight chaebols selected for monitoring by the Senior Executive Vice President of the Credit Group. We also monitor our exposure to industries by peer groups. Our Total Exposure Management System integrates all of our credit-related risk including credit extended by our overseas branches and affiliates. The assets subject to the system include all Won-denominated and foreign currency-denominated loans, all assets in trust accounts except specified money trusts, guarantees, trade-related credits, commercial paper, corporate bonds and other securities and derivatives.

Collateral Evaluation and Monitoring System

We use the Collateral Evaluation and Monitoring System to manage the liquidation value of collateral we hold. The Collateral Evaluation and Monitoring System is a computerized collateral management system that can be accessed from our headquarters and our branches. Using this system, we can more accurately assess the actual liquidation value of collateral, determine the recovery rate on our loans and use this information in setting our

 

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credit risk management and loan policies. We can monitor the value of all the collateral a borrower provides and the value of that collateral based on its liquidation value. When appraising the value of real estate collateral, which makes up the largest part of our collateral, we consult a regularly updated database provided by a third party that tracks the prices at which various types of real estate in various regions of Korea are sold. We appraise the value of collateral when we make a loan, when the loan is due for renewal and when events occur that may change the value of the collateral.

Credit Review and Monitoring

Our credit review function is independent of the business groups which manage our assets. Our Credit Review Department:

 

   

reviews our internal credit regulations, policies and systems;

 

   

analyzes the credit status of selected loan assets and verifies the appropriateness of the credit evaluations/approvals made by branches and headquarters;

 

   

evaluates the corporate credit risk of potentially insolvent companies; and

 

   

operates our comprehensive portfolio monitoring system.

More specifically, our Credit Review Department reviews the financial condition of selected borrowers, including their current debt levels, collateral, business condition, debt service capability and transactions with related parties. Based on such review, we may adjust a borrower’s credit rating, asset quality classification of the loan or our lending policy to a particular borrower, depending on the circumstances.

Our Credit Review Department also conducts specific industry reviews, which focuses on growth, stability, competition and the ability of a particular industry to adapt to a changing environment. Based on the results of a particular industry review, we may revise the total exposure limit assigned to that industry and the borrowing policy for each company within that industry.

We continuously review the borrower’s condition with respect to its current debt, collateral, business, transactions with related parties and debt service capability. Based on our review, we may adjust the borrower’s credit rating, our lending policy or asset quality classification of the loan provided to the borrower. We also regularly review other aspects of the lending process, including industries and regions in which our borrowers operate and the quality of our domestic and overseas assets. Our industry reviews focus on growth, stability, competition and ability to adapt to a changing environment. Based on the results of a particular industry review, we may revise the total exposure limit assigned to that industry and lending policy for each company within that industry. When a review takes place, we may adjust not only credit ratings of our borrowers based on a variety of factors, but also asset quality classification, credit limits and applied interest rates or our credit policies. Credit review results are reported to our chief risk officer and the Risk Management Committee on a quarterly basis.

Our Credit Review Department also conducts on-site reviews of selected branches and related credit analysis centers which are experiencing increasing delinquency ratios and bad debts. During these visits we examine the loan processes and recommend improvement plans and appropriate follow-up measures.

Also, based on guidelines provided by the Financial Supervisory Service to all Korean banks, we operate a corporate credit risk assessment program to facilitate the identification of weak companies and possible commencement of corporate restructuring. Through this program, we, together with other banks, are able to detect symptoms of financially troubled companies at an early stage, assess related credit risk and support the normalization of companies that are likely to turnaround through a workout process, or seek to liquidate those companies that are not likely to recover.

We also conduct portfolio monitoring on all credit portfolios, focusing on asset quality status, vintage analysis and roll-rate analysis to provide information necessary for the formulation of effective credit policies and strategies and for effective credit risk management.

 

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Market Risk Management

The major risk to which we are exposed is interest rate risk on debt instruments and interest-bearing securities and, to a lesser extent, equity risk and foreign exchange risk. The financial instruments that expose us to these risks are loans, debentures, deposits, securities and financial derivatives. We are not exposed to significant commodity risk, the other recognized form of market risk, as we allow only back-to-back transactions with respect to commodities. We are also exposed to interest rate risk and liquidity risk in our banking book. We divide market risk into risks arising from trading activities and risks arising from non-trading activities.

Our Risk Management Council establishes overall market risk management principles. It has delegated the responsibility for the market risk management for trading activities to the Market Risk Management Subcommittee, which is chaired by our chief financial officer. This subcommittee meets on a regular basis each month and as required to respond to developments in the market and the economy. Based on the policies approved by the Risk Management Council, the Market Risk Management Subcommittee reviews and approves reports as required that include trading profits and losses, position reports, limit utilization, sensitivity analysis and VaR results for our trading activities.

The Asset Liability Management Committee is responsible for day-to-day interest rate and liquidity risk management of non-trading activities. It meets on a regular basis and as required to respond to developments in the market and the economy. Members of the Asset Liability Management Committee, acting through our Financial Management Department, review our interest rate and liquidity gap position monthly, formulate a view on interest rates, establishing strategies with respect to deposit and lending rates and review the business profile and its impact on asset and liability management.

To ensure adequate interest rate and liquidity risk management, we have assigned the responsibilities for our asset and liability management risk control to our Risk Management Department in our Finance Group, which monitors and reviews the asset and liability management risk procedures and activities of our Financial Management Department, and independently reports to the management on the related issues.

Market Risk Management for Trading Activities

Our trading activities consist of:

 

   

trading activities for our own account to realize short-term trading profits in Won-denominated debt and equities markets and foreign exchange markets based on our short-term forecast of changes in the market situation; and

 

   

trading activities involving derivatives, such as swaps, forwards, futures and option transactions, to realize profits primarily from arbitrage transactions and, to a lesser extent, from selling derivative products to our customers and to hedge market risk incurred from those activities. In addition, certain derivative products that we use to hedge our own market risk are classified as trading activities as they do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under U.S. GAAP. We believe, however, that certain of these products are effective as economic hedges.

We use derivative instruments to hedge our market risk and, to a limited extent, to make profits by trading derivative products within acceptable risk limits. The principal objective of our hedging strategy is to manage our market risk within established limits. We use the following hedging instruments to manage relevant risks:

 

   

to hedge interest rate risk arising from its trading activities, the Trading Department occasionally uses interest rate futures (Korea Treasury Bond Futures) and interest rate swaps;

 

   

to hedge equity risk arising from its trading activities, the Trading Department selectively uses stock index futures;

 

   

to hedge interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk arising from our foreign currency-denominated asset and liability positions as well as our trading activities, the Trading Department, the Fund

 

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Management Department and Investment Banking Department use interest rate swaps, cross-currency interest rate swaps, foreign exchange forwards and futures, Euro-dollar futures and currency options; and

 

   

to change the interest rate characteristics of certain assets and liabilities after the original investment or funding, we use swaps. For example, depending on the market situation, we may choose to obtain fixed rate funding instead of floating rate funding if we believe that the terms are more favorable, which we can achieve by entering into interest rate swaps.

We generally manage our market risk at the portfolio level. To control our exposure to market risk, we use EC and VaR limits set by the Risk Management Council and position, stop loss and sensitivity limits (PVBP, Delta, Gamma, Vega) set by the Market Risk Management Subcommittee. We prepared our risk control and management guidelines for derivative trading based on the regulations and guidelines promulgated by the Financial Supervisory Service.

We monitor market risk arising from trading activities of our business groups and departments. The market risk measurement model we use for both our Won-denominated trading operations and foreign currency-denominated trading operations is implemented through our integrated market risk management system called Panorama, which enables us to generate consistent VaR numbers for all trading activities.

Value at Risk analysis. We use daily VaR to measure market risk. Our daily VaR is a statistically estimated maximum amount of loss that could occur in one day under normal distribution of financial variables. We use a 99% single tail confidence level to measure our daily VaR, which means the actual amount of loss may exceed the VaR, on average, once out of 100 business days.

VaR is a commonly used market risk management technique. However, this approach does have some shortcomings. VaR estimates possible losses over a certain period at a particular confidence level using past market movement data. Past market movement, however, is not necessarily a good indicator of future events, as there may be conditions and circumstances in the future that the model does not anticipate. As a result, the timing and magnitude of the actual losses can be different depending on the assumptions made at the time of calculation. In addition, the time periods used for the model, generally one or ten days, are assumed to be a sufficient holding period before liquidating the relevant underlying positions. If these holding periods are not sufficient, or too long, the VaR results may understate or overstate the potential loss.

In order to measure VaR, we use the “variance-covariance method,” which takes into account the diversification effects among different risk categories as well as within the same risk category.

The following table shows our daily VaRs as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, at a 99% confidence level for a one-day holding period, for interest risk, equity risk and foreign exchange risk relating to our trading activities. The following figures were calculated on a non-consolidated basis.

 

     As of December 31,
     2005    2006    2007
     (in billions of Won)

Risk categories:

     

Interest risk

   (Won) 20.7    (Won) 6.7    (Won) 5.0

Equity risk

     5.2      2.2      1.9

Foreign exchange risk

     1.2      1.5      1.8

Less: diversification

     16.0      6.3      3.4

Diversified VaR for overall trading activities

     11.1      4.1      5.3

Back-Testing. We conduct back testing on a daily basis to validate the adequacy of our market risk model. In back testing, we compare both the actual and hypothetical profit and loss with the VaR calculations and analyze any results that fall outside our predetermined confidence interval of 99%.

 

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Stress testing. In addition to VaR, which assumes normal market situations, we use stress testing to assess our market risk exposure to abnormal market fluctuations. Abnormal market fluctuations include significant declines in the stock market and significant increases in the general level of interest rates. This is an important way to supplement VaR, as VaR is a statistical expression of possible loss under a given confidence level and holding period. It does not cover potential loss if the market moves in a manner that is outside our normal expectations. Stress testing projects the anticipated change in value of holding positions under certain scenarios assuming that no action is taken during a stress event to change the risk profile of a portfolio. According to our stress testing, we estimate that as of December 31, 2007, our trading securities portfolio, which represents most of our trading risk, could have lost (Won)112.4 billion for an assumed short-term extreme decline of approximately 21% in the equity market and an approximate 173 basis point increase in interest rates under an abnormal stress environment.

Although we have not set any limits based on stress testing, we monitor the impact of market turmoil or any abnormality. If the impact is large, our chief financial officer may request that our portfolio be restructured or other appropriate action be taken.

Interest Risk

Interest risk from trading activities arises mainly from our trading of Won-denominated debt securities. Our trading strategy is to benefit from short-term movements in the prices of debt securities arising from changes in interest rates. As our trading accounts are marked-to-market daily, we manage the interest risk related to our trading accounts using market value-based tools such as VaR and sensitivity analysis. As of December 31, 2007, the VaR of our interest risk from trading was (Won)5.0 billion and the weighted average duration, or weighted average maturity, of our Won-denominated trading debt securities was approximately 1.3 years.

Foreign Exchange Risk

Foreign exchange risk arises because we have assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than Won, as well as off-balance sheet items such as foreign exchange forwards and currency swaps.

Assets and liabilities denominated in U.S. dollars account for the majority of our foreign currency assets and liabilities. Those denominated in Japanese yen and the euro account for most of the remainder.

The difference between our foreign currency assets and liabilities is offset against forward foreign exchange positions, currency options and currency swaps to obtain our net foreign currency open position. The Market Risk Management Subcommittee oversees our foreign exchange exposure for both trading and non-trading purposes by establishing a limit for this net foreign currency open position, together with stop loss limits. VaR limits are established on a combined basis for our domestic operations and foreign branches.

The following table shows our non-consolidated net open positions at the end of 2005, 2006 and 2007. Positive amounts represent long positions and negative amounts represent short positions. The net open positions held by subsidiaries are not significant.

 

     As of December 31,(1)  
     2005     2006     2007  
     (in millions of US$)  

Currency:

      

U.S. dollars

   US$  126.3     US$  167.8     US$  134.3  

Japanese yen

     (8.4 )     1.8       (11.6 )

Euro

     2.4       4.3       (14.6 )

Others

     4.7       (7.9 )     117.3  
                        

Total

   US$ 125.0     US$ 166.0     US$ 225.4  
                        

 

(1)

Amounts prepared on a non-consolidated basis.

 

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Equity Price Risk

Equity price risk results from our equity trading portfolio in Won since we do not have any trading exposure to shares denominated in foreign currencies.

The equity trading portfolio in Won consists of exchange-traded stocks and nearest month or second nearest month futures contracts under strict limits on diversification as well as position limits and stop loss limits.

The Market Risk Management Subcommittee sets annual and monthly stop loss limits that are monitored by the Risk Management Department. In order to ensure timely action, the stop loss limit of individual securities is monitored by our middle office.

As of December 31, 2007, our equity trading position was (Won)57.3 billion.

Derivative Market Risk

Our derivative trading includes interest rate and cross-currency swaps, foreign exchange forwards, stock index and interest rate futures and currency options. These activities consist primarily of the following:

 

   

arbitrage transactions to make profit from short-term discrepancies between the spot and forward derivative markets or within the derivative markets;

 

   

sales of tailor-made derivative products that meet various needs of our corporate customers and related transactions to reduce our exposure resulting from those sales;

 

   

taking positions in limited cases when we expect short-swing profits based on our market forecasts; and

 

   

trading to hedge our interest rate and foreign currency risk exposure as described above.

Market risk from trading derivatives is not significant since our derivative trading activities are primarily driven by arbitrage and customer deals with very limited open trading positions.

Market Risk Management for Non-Trading Activities

Interest Rate Risk

Our principal market risk from non-trading activities is interest rate risk. Interest rate risk arises due to mismatches in the maturities or re-pricing periods of these rate-sensitive assets and liabilities. We measure interest rate risk for Won and foreign currency assets and liabilities in our bank accounts (including derivatives) and our principal guaranteed trust accounts. Most of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities are denominated in Won and our foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities are mostly denominated in U.S. dollars.

Our principal interest rate risk management objectives are to generate stable net interest revenues and to protect our asset value against interest rate fluctuations. We principally manage this risk for our non-trading activities by analyzing and managing maturity and duration gaps between our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Although we have used hedging instruments only on a limited basis for interest rate risk management for our non-trading assets and liabilities, to date the Korean financial market has not been sufficiently developed for this purpose. We expect to increase our use of derivatives to hedge this risk in the near future as the Korean financial market becomes more sophisticated.

Interest rate gap analysis measures expected changes in net interest revenues by calculating the difference in the amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities at each maturity and interest resetting date. We perform interest rate gap analysis for Won-denominated and foreign currency-denominated assets and trust assets on a monthly basis or more frequently when deemed necessary.

 

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Interest Rate Gap Analysis. We perform interest rate gap analysis based on interest rate repricing maturities of assets and liabilities. However, for some of our assets and liabilities with either no maturities or unique characteristics, we use or assume certain maturities, including the following examples:

 

   

With respect to asset maturities, we assume remaining maturities of prime rate-linked loans with remaining maturities of over one year to be one year and use the actual maturities for prime rate-linked loans with remaining maturities of less than one year.

 

   

With respect to liability maturities, adapting the regression analysis using last 36 months’ average balance, we assume “non-core” and “ rate sensitive core” demand deposits to have remaining maturities of three months or less; and we assume “rate insensitive core” demand deposits to have remaining maturities between one year and four years.

The following table shows our non-consolidated interest rate gap for Won-denominated accounts and foreign currency-denominated accounts as of December 31, 2007, based on our Korean GAAP accounts, which vary in certain significant respects from our accounts prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

    As of December 31, 2007 (1)  
    0-3 months     3-6 months     6-12 months     1-3 years     Over 3 years     Total  
    (in billions of Won, except percentages)  

Won-denominated Interest-earning assets:

           

Loans

  (Won) 93,121     (Won) 31,062     (Won) 13,243     (Won) 7,093     (Won) 611     (Won) 145,130  

Securities

    1,610       604       2,811       10,767       7,070       22,863  

Others

    13,177       1,439       1,480       2,198       246       18,541  
                                               

Total

  (Won) 107,908     (Won) 33,106     (Won) 17,533     (Won) 20,059     (Won) 7,927     (Won) 186,533  
                                               

Interest-bearing liabilities:

           

Deposits

  (Won) 47,760     (Won) 21,308     (Won) 37,367     (Won) 25,974     (Won) 11,213     (Won) 143,621  

Borrowings

    2,497       0       0       0       0       2,497  

Others

    11,418       4,249       2,320       13,331       2,958       34,275  
                                               

Total

  (Won) 61,674     (Won) 25,556     (Won) 39,687     (Won) 39,305     (Won) 14,171     (Won) 180,393  
                                               

Sensitivity gap

    46,233       7,550       (22,153 )     (19,246 )     (6,244 )     6,140  

Cumulative gap

    46,233       53,783       31,630       12,384       6,140    

% of total assets

    24.8 %     28.8 %     17.0 %     6.6 %     3.3 %  

Foreign currency-denominated Interest-earning assets:

           

Due from banks

  (Won) 97     (Won) 10     (Won) 0     (Won) 0     (Won) 0     (Won) 108  

Loans

    5,413       824       153       222       31       6,644  

Securities

    451       159       62       127       288       1,088  

Others

    2,623       571       127       4       0       3,325  
                                               

Total

  (Won) 8,585     (Won) 1,564     (Won) 343     (Won) 353     (Won) 319     (Won) 11,165  
                                               

Interest-bearing liabilities:

           

Deposits

  (Won) 899     (Won) 1,086     (Won) 92     (Won) 4     (Won) 0     (Won) 2,082  

Borrowings

    3,142       1,953       647       4       0       5,746  

Others

    3,286       60       0       0       0       3,346  
                                               

Total

  (Won) 7,327     (Won) 3,100     (Won) 739     (Won) 8     (Won) 0     (Won) 11,174  
                                               

Sensitivity gap

    1,259       (1,536 )     (397 )     346       319       (9 )

Cumulative gap

    1,259       (277 )     (674 )     (329 )     (9 )  

% of total assets

    11.3 %     (2.5 )%     (6.0 )%     (2.9 )%     (0.1 )%  

 

(1)

The numbers are prepared on a non-consolidated basis in accordance with Korean GAAP for internal management purposes.

 

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Duration Gap Analysis. We also perform duration gap analysis to measure and manage interest rate risk. Duration gap analysis is a more long-term risk indicator than interest rate gap analysis, as interest rate gap analysis focuses more on accounting income as opposed to the market value of the assets and liabilities. We emphasize duration gap analysis because, in the long run, our principal concern with respect to interest rate fluctuations is the net asset value rather than net interest revenue changes. In 2007, our asset and liability duration gap was negative and it moved between (-)0.226 years and (-)0.288 years. Accordingly, our net asset value would have declined between (Won)486 billion and (Won)396 billion if interest rates had decreased by one percentage point.

For duration gap analysis we use or assume the same maturities for different assets and liabilities that we use or assume for our interest rate gap analysis.

The following table, which was prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP, shows duration gaps and net asset value changes when interest rates decrease by one percentage point as of the specified dates on a non-consolidated basis.

 

     Asset
duration
   Liability
duration
   Duration
gap
    Net asset
value change
 

Date

   (in years)    (in years)    (in years)     (in billions of
Won)
 

June 30, 2005

   0.5244    0.9132    (0.339 )   (532 )

December 31, 2005

   0.5141    0.8316    (0.255 )   (407 )

June 30, 2006 (1)

   0.5125    0.8920    (0.3421 )   (561 )

December 31, 2006 (1)

   0.5466    0.8624    (0.2831 )   (474 )

June 30, 2007 (1)

   0.5820    0.8353    (0.226 )   (396 )

December 31, 2007 (1)

   0.5253    0.8341    (0.266 )   (498 )

 

(1)

Reflects changes to our interest rate risk measure method adopted in April 2006.

We set interest rate risk limits using historical interest rate volatility of financial bonds and duration gaps with respect to expected asset and liability positions based on our annual business plans. The Financial Management Department in our Finance Group submits interest rate gap analysis reports, duration gap analysis reports, sensitivity reports and interest rate limit compliance reports monthly to the Asset Liability Management Committee and quarterly to the Risk Management Committee.

The following table, which was prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP, summarizes our interest rate risk on a non-consolidated basis, taking into account asset and liability durations as of December 31, 2007.

 

     As of December 31, 2007  
     3 months
or less
    3-6
months
    6-12
months
    1-3
years
    Over
3 years
    Total  
     (in billions of Won, except percentages and maturities in years)  

Won-denominated:

            

Asset position

   (Won) 107,908     (Won) 33,106     (Won) 17,533     (Won) 20,059     (Won) 7,927     (Won) 186,533  

Liability position

     61,674       25,556       39,687       39,305       14,171       180,393  

Gap

     46,233       7,550       (22,153 )     (19,246 )     (6,244 )     6,140  

Average maturity

     0.177       0.375       0.685       1,848       2,479    

Interest rate volatility

     1.01 %     1.18 %     1.62 %     2.13 %     2.42 %  

Amount at risk

     83       34       (246 )     (759 )     (374 )     (1,263 )

Foreign currency-denominated:

            

Asset position

   (Won) 8,585     (Won) 1,564     (Won) 343     (Won) 353     (Won) 319     (Won) 11,165  

Liability position

     7,327       3,100       739       8       0       11,174  

Gap

     1,259       (1,536 )     (397 )     346       319       (9 )

Average maturity

     0.233       0.457       0.717       2.047       3.632    

Interest rate volatility

     1.66 %     1.65 %     1.86 %     2.38 %     2.41 %  

Amount at risk

     (5 )     12       5       (17 )     (28 )     (33 )

 

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Foreign Exchange Risk

We manage foreign exchange rate risk arising from our non-trading operations together with such risks arising from our trading operations. See “—Market Risk Management for Trading Activities—Foreign Exchange Risk” above.

Liquidity Risk Management

Liquidity risk is the risk of insolvency or loss due to a disparity between the inflow and outflow of funds resulting from, for example, maturity mismatches, obtaining funds at a high price or disposing of securities at an unfavorable price due to lack of available funds. We manage our liquidity in order to meet our financial liabilities from withdrawals of deposits, redemption of matured debentures and repayments at maturity of borrowed funds. We also require sufficient liquidity to fund loans, to extend other credits and to invest in securities. Our liquidity management goal is to meet all our liability repayments on time and fund all investment opportunities even under adverse conditions. To date, we have not experienced significant liquidity risk.

We maintain liquidity by holding sufficient quantities of assets that can be liquidated to meet actual or potential demands for funds from depositors and others. We also manage liquidity by ensuring that the excess of maturing liabilities over maturing assets in any period is kept to manageable levels relative to the amount of funds we believe we could raise by issuing securities. We seek to minimize our liquidity costs by managing our liquidity position on a daily basis and by limiting the amount of cash at any time that is not invested in interest earning assets or securities.

We maintain diverse sources of liquidity to facilitate flexibility in meeting our funding requirements. We fund our operations principally by accepting deposits from retail and corporate depositors, accessing the call loan market (a short-term market for loans with maturities of less than one month), issuing debentures and borrowing from the Bank of Korea. We use the majority of funds we raise to extend loans or purchase securities. Generally, deposits are of shorter average maturity than loans or investments.

For Won-denominated assets and liabilities, we manage liquidity using a cash flow structure based on holding short-term liabilities and long-term assets. Generally, the average initial contract maturity of our new Won-denominated time deposits was about 11 months, while during the same period most of our new loans and securities had maturities over one year.

We manage liquidity risk within the limits set on Won and foreign currency accounts in accordance with the regulations of the Financial Services Commission. The Financial Services Commission requires Korean banks to maintain a Won liquidity ratio of at least 100.0% and a foreign liquidity ratio of at least 85.0%. The Financial Services Commission defines the Won liquidity ratio as Won liquid assets (including marketable securities) due within three months divided by Won liabilities due within three months.

The Fund Management Department is responsible for daily liquidity risk management of our Won and foreign currency exposure. It reports monthly plans for funding and asset management to the Asset Liability Management Committee, which discusses factors such as interest rate movements, maturity structures of our deposits, loans and securities, re-deposit ratios and loan roll-over ratios.

 

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The following table shows our liquidity status and limits for Won and foreign currency accounts as of December 31, 2007 in accordance with Financial Services Commission regulations:

 

Won accounts:

   3 months
or less
 
     (in billions of Won,
except percentages)
 

Assets (A)

   (Won) 83,831  

Liabilities (B)

     80,232  

Liquidity gap

     3,600  

Liquidity ratio (A/B)

     104.49 %

Limit

     100.00 %

 

     7 days
or less
    1 month
or less
    3 months
or less
 
     (in millions of US$, except percentages)  

Foreign currency assets

   US$ 6,012     US$  15,493     US$  39,716  

Foreign currency liabilities

     5,286       17,418       40,330  

Maturity gap

     726       (1,199 )     (1,813 )

Cumulative gap (A)

     726       (1,199 )     (1,813 )

Total assets (B)

     64,113       64,113       64,113  

Liquidity gap ratio (A/B)

     1.13 %     (1.87 )%     98.48 (1)

Limits

     0.00 %     (10.00 )%     85.00 %

 

(1)

Liquidity ratio.

The Financial Management Department in our Finance Group reports whether we are complying with these limits monthly to the Asset Liability Management Committee and quarterly to the Risk Management Committee.

Operational Risk Management

Overall Status

Basel II currently defines operational risk as the “risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems or from external events.” However, there is still no complete consensus on the definition of operational risk in the banking industry. We define operational risk broadly to include all financial and non-financial risks, other than credit risk, market risk, interest rate risk and liquidity risk, that may arise from our operations that could negatively impact our capital, including the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems or from external events as defined under Basel II as well as legal, reputational and strategic risks. Our operational risk management objectives include not only satisfying regulatory requirements, but also providing internal support through the growth of a strong risk management culture, reinforcement of internal controls, improvement of work processes and provision of timely feedback to management members and staff throughout the bank.

We have completed establishing a bank-wide operational risk management framework meeting the Basel II Advanced Measurement Approach, or AMA, according to a multi-year plan comprising:

 

   

the “framework building phase,” which was completed at the end of 2004;

 

   

the “implementation phase,” which was completed at the end of 2005; and

 

   

the “stabilization phase,” which was completed at the end of 2007.

In 2004, we completed the framework building phase, which focused on building our operational risk management framework through upgrades relating to our control self assessment program, identification of key risk indicators, collection of internal loss data and initial measurement of operational risk capital based on Basel

 

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II. We completed the implementation phase with the development of our new operational risk management system in December 2005, and now calculate our operational risk VaR on a quarterly basis using the “loss distribution approach,” in line with AMA.

In 2006, we improved our operational risk management by making ongoing refinements to the operational risk management system, by proceeding with the integration of our compliance Control Self Assessment (or CSA) and operational risk CSA processes into a single process to enhance the effect on internal controls, segregating sales functions from operational functions in our retail branches and establishing a bank-wide insurance strategy to mitigate operational risk, as well as developing a detailed business continuity plan covering all of our operations and locations to prepare against unexpected events.

In 2007, we completed the stabilization phase, and our employees are now able to access our integrated CSA process and to use its results for process improvement. We conduct operational risk monitoring in terms of Key Risk Indicators (or KRI) using tolerance levels for each indicator. In accordance with our bank-wide insurance strategy, we have also completed purchasing comprehensive insurance coverage that combines various separate insurance policies previously in place. In addition, we have completed the construction of an alternate back-up site for use in disaster events as well as full-scale testing of such site with the participation of most of our head office employees. We plan to allocate operational risk capital in line with AMA to each business group for their performance evaluation in 2008.

Our Operational Risk Unit is part of our Risk Management Department, and it is responsible for:

 

   

refining bank-wide operational risk policies and procedures;

 

   

managing internal and external loss data;

 

   

measuring operational risk;

 

   

providing appropriate training and support to business line operational risk managers; and

 

   

reporting overall operational risk status to our senior management.

In addition, we also have internal control managers in all our departments and branches who update our control self assessments on a quarterly basis. Through this method we are able to ensure proper monitoring and measurement of operational risk in each of our business groups.

Internal Control

Our Audit Division, Legal Department, Compliance Supporting Department all play important roles in reviewing and maintaining the integrity of our internal control environment.

The Audit Committee, which consists of five non-executive directors and our chief audit executive, is an independent authority that evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of our internal control systems and business processes and reviews the reliability of financial statements to secure the transparency and stability of our management, including through the activities of our independent auditor. In carrying out these duties, the Audit Committee ultimately protects our property for the benefit of our shareholders, investors and customers by independently monitoring our management.

Our chief audit executive executes duties determined and delegated by the Audit Committee. That person is responsible for auditing our management’s daily business activities and also responsible for the auditing activities summarized below in order for the Audit Committee to function effectively.

Our Audit Division, which consists of two departments (Branch Audit Department and Management Audit Department), is the execution body for the Audit Committee and supports our management objectives by auditing the operations of our branches using a risk analysis system and reviewing the operations of our

 

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headquarters and subsidiaries through the use of “risk-based audit” in accordance with the “business measurement process” audit methodology, which requires that our Management Audit Department evaluate the risk and process of our business units and concentrate their audit capacity with respect to high risk areas. Our Audit Division, along with our chief audit executive, also performs the following activities:

 

   

general audits, which include full-scale audits of the overall operations performed according to an annual audit plan, and sectional audits of selected operations;

 

   

special audits, performed when our audit committee or chief audit executive deems it necessary or pursuant to requests by the president and chief executive officer, board or supervisory authorities, such as the Financial Supervisory Service;

 

   

day-to-day audits, including preliminary audits and ex post facto audits, performed by the chief audit executive with respect to the regular management of our operations; and

 

   

real-time monitoring audits, performed to detect any unusual transactions by analyzing data and information with a computerized audit system, and to take necessary actions with respect to such transactions in a timely manner.

The Financial Supervisory Service periodically conducts a general examination of our operations. It also performs special examination on particular aspects of our operations, such as risk management, credit monitoring and liquidity, as the need arises.

As a result of recent regulatory trends, our Audit Division is continuing its efforts to establish an advanced audit system and value-added internal audit by introducing risk-based audit techniques.

Our Compliance Supporting Department operates a compliance system to ensure that all of our employees comply with the relevant laws and regulations. This system’s main function is to establish and manage our compliance program, educate employees and management and improve our internal control process.

Legal Risk

We consider legal risk as a part of our operational risk. The uncertainty of the enforceability of the obligations of our customers and counterparties, including foreclosure on collateral, creates legal risk. Changes in laws and regulations could also adversely affect us. Legal risk is higher in new areas of business where the law is often untested in the courts, although legal risk can also increase in our traditional business to the extent that the legal and regulatory landscape in Korea is changing and many new laws and regulations governing the banking industry remain untested. Our Legal Department seeks to minimize legal risk by using stringent legal documentation, employing procedures designed to ensure that transactions are properly authorized and consulting legal advisers. Our internal auditors review loan documentation to ensure that these are correctly drawn up to withstand any potential future scrutiny in court should such scrutiny occur.

IT System Operational Risk

The integrity of our IT systems, and their ability to withstand potential catastrophic events, is crucial to our continuing operations. Accordingly, we are continuing to strengthen our disaster recovery capabilities. In order to minimize operational risks relating to our IT systems, we have implemented a multi-CPU system that runs multiple CPUs simultaneously on-site and ensures system continuity in case any of the CPUs fails. This system backs up our data systems at an off-site location on a real-time basis to ensure that our operations can be carried out normally and without material interruption in the event of CPU failure.

We currently test our disaster recovery systems on a quarterly basis, with the comprehensive testing including branches and the main IT center’s disaster recovery system. Our disaster recovery capabilities involve a number of other operations, including credit card and call center transactions. Internally, our IT Service

 

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Operations Department monitors all of our electronic and computerized network processes and our IT systems. This department monitors and reports on any unusual delays or irregularities reported by our branches. In addition, the IT Planning Department is responsible for the daily monitoring of our entire information security system.

Other Risk Management

Subsidiary Risk Management

We manage the risk of our subsidiaries through supporting the development and maintenance of their risk management systems in order to ensure the soundness of their management. Our Credit Review Department assumes the responsibility of overall control and coordination of our subsidiaries’ risk management policies and procedures. Its major roles in this regard are as follows:

 

   

monitoring and reporting on our subsidiaries’ risk management status;

 

   

reviewing the current risk management practice of our subsidiaries and making recommendations to our subsidiaries as necessary; and

 

   

operating a working-level council with respect to subsidiary risk management policies and procedures.

 

Item 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

Not Applicable

 

Item 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

Not Applicable

 

Item 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not Applicable

 

Item 15.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We have evaluated, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2007. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon our evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2007 were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the applicable rules and forms, and that it is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting

 

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based on the framework in Internal Control–Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records, that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of our financial statements would be prevented or detected. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Based on our evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 has been audited by Deloitte Anjin LLC, an independent registered public accounting firm, which also audited our financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007, as stated in its report which is included herein.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 16.    RESERVED

 

Item 16A.    Audit Committee Financial Expert

Our board of directors has determined that both Suk Sig Lim, our non-executive director and the chairman of our Audit Committee, and Kee Young Chung, our non-executive director and member of our Audit Committee, qualify as “audit committee financial experts” and are independent within the meaning of this Item 16A.

 

Item 16B.    Code of Ethics

We have adopted a code of ethics, as defined in Item 16B of Form 20-F under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our code of ethics applies to our chief executive officer, and chief financial officer and persons performing similar functions as well as to our non-executive directors and other officers and employees. Our code of ethics is available on our website at http://www.kbstar.com. If we amend the provisions of our code of ethics that apply to our chief executive officer and chief financial officer and persons performing similar functions, or if we grant any waiver of such provisions, we will disclose such amendment or waiver on our website at the same address.

 

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Item 16C.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Audit and Non-audit Fees

The following table sets forth the fees billed to us by independent registered public accounting firm Deloitte Anjin LLC during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007:

 

     Year ended
December 31,
     2006    2007
     (in millions of Won)

Audit fees

   (Won) 4,340    (Won) 4,359

Audit-related fees

     —        —  

Tax fees

     —        —  

All other fees

     40      70
             

Total fees

   (Won) 4,380    (Won) 4,429
             

Audit fees in the above table are the aggregate fees billed by Deloitte Anjin LLC in connection with the audits of:

 

   

our annual financial statements and the review of our interim financial statements; and

 

   

our special purpose entities in connection with the Korean Securities and Exchange Act.

Other fees in the above table are fees billed by Deloitte Anjin LLC in connection with our financial debenture offering services.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

Our audit committee has not established pre-approval policies and procedures for the engagement of our independent auditors for services. Our audit committee expressly approves on a case-by-case basis any engagement of our independent auditors for audit and non-audit services provided to our subsidiaries or to us.

 

Item 16D.    Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

Not Applicable

 

Item 16E.    Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

Neither we nor any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) of the Exchange Act, purchased any of our equity securities during the period covered by this annual report.

Item 17.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Not Applicable

 

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Item 18.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Item 19.    EXHIBITS

Reference is made to Item 19(a) for a list of all financial statements filed as part of this annual report.

 

     Page

Audited consolidated financial statements of Kookmin Bank and subsidiaries prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP

  

Report of Deloitte Anjin LLC, independent registered public accounting firm

   F-1

Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2006 and 2007

   F-3

Consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007

   F-4

Consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007

   F-6

Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007

   F-8

Notes to consolidated financial statements

   F-10

(a)     List of Financial Statements:

  

 

(b) Exhibits

Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Kookmin Bank has filed certain agreements as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 20-F. These agreements may contain representations and warranties made by the parties. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other party or parties to such agreements and (i) may be intended not as statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties to such agreements if those statements turn out to be inaccurate, (ii) may have been qualified by disclosures that were made to such other party or parties and that either have been reflected in the company’s filings or are not required to be disclosed in those filings, (iii) may apply materiality standards different from what may be viewed as material to investors and (iv) were made only as of the date of such agreements or such other date(s) as may be specified in such agreements and are subject to more recent developments. Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe Kookmin Bank’s actual state of affairs at the date of this annual report.

 

Number

  

Description

1.1    Articles of Incorporation of Kookmin Bank (translation in English).
2.1*    Form of Share Certificate of Kookmin Bank’s common stock, par value (Won)5,000 per share (translation in English).
2.2**    Form of Second Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement to be entered into among Kookmin Bank, Citibank N.A., as depositary, and all holders and beneficial owners from time to time of American depositary receipts issued thereunder, including the form of American depositary receipt.
4.1*    Investment Agreement, dated as of July 15, 1999, between H&CB, ING Insurance International B.V. and ING Verzekeringen N.V. (as amended).
4.2***    Waiver Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2001, among H&CB, ING Insurance International B.V., ING Life Insurance Company, Korea Ltd. and KB Asset Management Co., Ltd.
4.3*    Merger Agreement, dated as of April 23, 2001, by and between Kookmin Bank and H&CB.
4.4****    Waiver Agreement, dated as of December 4, 2002, between Kookmin Bank and ING Bank N.V.
4.5*****    Merger Agreement, dated as of May 30, 2003, between Kookmin Bank and Kookmin Credit Card.

 

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Number

 

Description

  4.6******   Amended and Restated Strategic Alliance Agreement, dated as of August 27, 2003, between Kookmin Bank and ING Bank N.V.
  4.7   Agreement Dealing with the Establishment of KB Financial Holding Company, dated as of April 30, 2008, among Kookmin Bank, KB Asset Management Co., Ltd., ING Bank B.V. and ING Insurance International B.V.
  8.1********   List of subsidiaries of Kookmin Bank.
11.1*******   Code of Ethics.
12.1   Section 302 certifications.
13.1   Section 906 certifications.

 

* Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s filing on Form F-4 (No. 333-13880), filed on September 10, 2001.
** Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a) of the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-6 (No. 333-138347), filed on November 1, 2006.
*** Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s filing on Form F-1 (No. 333-90074), filed on June 4, 2002.
**** Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s filing on Form 20-F (No. 1-15258), filed on June 17, 2003.
***** Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s filing on Form F-4 (No. 333-106262), filed on June 19, 2003.
****** Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s filing on Form 20-F (No. 1-15258), filed on June 28, 2004.
******* Incorporated by reference to the registrant’s filing on Form 20-F (No. 1-15258), filed on June 28, 2005.
******** Incorporated by reference to Note 34 of the consolidated financial statements of the registrant included in this annual report.

 

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SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

KOOKMIN BANK

(Registrant)

/s/    CHUNG WON KANG        

(Signature)
Chung Won Kang

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Name and Title)

Date: May 28, 2008

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Kookmin Bank:

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Kookmin Bank and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Bank”) as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Bank’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

The Bank’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Bank’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the Bank’s board of directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Bank’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Bank; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Bank are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Bank; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Bank’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Bank maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007 of the Bank and our report dated May 13, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements, which included explanatory paragraphs related to the Bank’s adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, and the translation of financial statement amounts into United States dollars for the convenience of readers in the United States of America.

/S/ DELOITTE ANJIN LLC

Seoul, Korea

May 13, 2008

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Kookmin Bank:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Kookmin Bank and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Bank”) as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, all expressed in Korean Won. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Bank’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Kookmin Bank and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, and the results of their operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Bank adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, as of January 1, 2007.

Our audit also comprehended the translation of Korean Won amounts into United States dollar amounts and, in our opinion such translation has been made in conformity with the basis stated in Note 1. The translation of the financial statement amounts into United States dollars has been made solely for the convenience of readers in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated May 13, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ DELOITTE ANJIN LLC

Seoul, Korea

May 13, 2008

 

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Table of Contents

KOOKMIN BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF DECEMBER 31,

 

    2006     2007     2007  
   

Korean Won

(In millions)

   

Translation into
U.S. Dollars

(Note 1)

(In thousands)

 
   

ASSETS

     

Cash and cash equivalents

  3,774,518     2,770,463     2,960,529  

Restricted cash

  3,277,144     3,996,496     4,270,673  

Interest-bearing deposits in other banks

  423,148     69,003     73,737  

Call loans and securities purchased under resale agreements

  1,737,881     1,628,107     1,739,802  

Trading assets

  3,744,406     6,594,318     7,046,717  

Investments

  25,347,999     24,684,522     26,377,989  

Loans (net of allowance for loan losses of (Won)2,468,378 million in 2006 and (Won)1,864,029 million ($1,991,910 thousand) in 2007)

  149,215,562     170,721,031     182,433,245  

Due from customers on acceptances

  620,007     1,106,135     1,182,021  

Premises and equipment, net

  1,611,979     1,659,579     1,773,433  

Accrued interest and dividends receivable

  802,107     898,965     960,638  

Security deposits

  1,190,412     1,335,395     1,427,009  

Goodwill

  394,457     394,457     421,518  

Other intangible assets, net

  185,292     183,470     196,057  

Other assets

  653,333     1,640,827     1,753,396  
                 

Total assets

  192,978,245     217,682,768     232,616,764  
                 

LIABILITIES

     

Deposits:

     

Interest bearing

  125,195,038     134,759,588     144,004,689  

Non-interest bearing

  4,344,967     3,678,043     3,930,373  

Call money

  167,776     794,138     848,619  

Trading liabilities

  1,223,182     1,811,922     1,936,228  

Acceptances outstanding

  620,007     1,106,135     1,182,021  

Other borrowed funds

  10,627,306     7,776,218     8,309,701  

Accrued interest payable

  3,698,397     4,195,516     4,483,347  

Secured borrowings

  7,462,648     6,314,916     6,748,147  

Long-term debt

  21,674,838     36,306,920     38,797,735  

Other liabilities

  3,174,398     3,953,382     4,224,601  
                 

Total liabilities

  178,188,557     200,696,778     214,465,461  
                 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 31)

     

Minority interests

  17,512     20,413     21,813  

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     

Common stock ((Won)5,000 par value, authorized 1 billion shares, 336,379,116 shares issued and 336,327,773 shares outstanding at 2006 and 336,379,116 shares issued and 336,353,034 shares outstanding at 2007)

  1,681,896     1,681,896     1,797,281  

Additional paid-in capital

  5,403,650     5,404,761     5,775,551  

Retained earnings

  7,266,004     10,013,862     10,700,857  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

  424,487     (132,986 )   (142,109 )

Less: Treasury stock, at cost, 51,343 shares at 2006 and 26,082 shares at 2007

  (3,861 )   (1,956 )   (2,090 )
                 

Total stockholders’ equity

  14,772,176     16,965,577     18,129,490  
                 

Total liabilities, minority interests and stockholders’ equity

  192,978,245     217,682,768     232,616,764  
                 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-3


Table of Contents

KOOKMIN BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

 

     2005    2006     2007    2007
    

Korean Won

(In millions, except per share amounts)

  

Translation into
U.S. Dollars
(Note 1)

(In thousands,
except per share
amounts)

Interest and dividend income

          

Deposits in other banks

   26,738    28,100     18,649    19,928

Loans, including fees

   9,464,551    9,940,988     11,295,343    12,070,253

Trading assets

   128,566    158,722     247,376    264,347

Investment securities

   960,358    1,216,951     1,170,840    1,251,165

Call loans and securities purchased under resale agreements

   77,759    60,191     60,133    64,258
                    

Total interest and dividend income

   10,657,972    11,404,952     12,792,341    13,669,951
                    

Interest expense

          

Deposits

   3,181,124    3,408,499     4,131,815    4,415,276

Call money

   40,060    118,969     101,327    108,278

Other borrowed funds

   288,754    354,255     478,446    511,270

Secured borrowings

   309,864    388,539     378,569    404,541

Long-term debt

   936,729    1,072,108     1,597,291    1,706,872
                    

Total interest expense

   4,756,531    5,342,370     6,687,448    7,146,237
                    

Net interest income

   5,901,441    6,062,582     6,104,893    6,523,714

Provision for (reversal of provision for) credit losses

   613,105    (99,926 )   18,374    19,635
                    

Net interest income after provision for credit losses

   5,288,336    6,162,508     6,086,519    6,504,079
                    

Non-interest income

          

Trust fees, net

   145,813    155,657     159,175    170,095

Other fees and commission income

   1,875,791    2,134,630     2,424,072    2,590,374

Net trading revenue

   292,290    263,118     40,732    43,526

Net gain on investments

   97,863    85,070     1,017,314    1,087,106

Other non-interest income

   432,253    241,135     371,564    397,055
                    

Total non-interest income

   2,844,010    2,879,610     4,012,857    4,288,156
                    

Non-interest expenses

          

Salaries and employee benefits

   2,192,952    2,053,834     2,279,827    2,436,233

Depreciation and amortization

   352,613    323,788     418,882    447,619

Other administrative expenses

   628,132    770,548     835,720    893,054

Credit card fees

   187,777    238,915     338,217    361,420

Other fees and commissions

   524,656    653,851     728,549    778,531

Other non-interest expenses

   427,594    481,280     532,379    568,900
                    

Total non-interest expenses

   4,313,724    4,522,216     5,133,574    5,485,757
                    

(Continued)

 

F-4


Table of Contents

KOOKMIN BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

 

     2005     2006     2007     2007  
    

Korean Won

(In millions, except per share amounts)

   

Translation into
U.S. Dollars

(Note 1)

(In thousands,

except per share

amounts)

 

Income before income tax expense and minority interests

   3,818,622     4,519,902     4,965,802     5,306,478  
                        

Income tax expense

   1,099,720     1,422,904     1,206,433     1,289,200  

Minority interests

   2,705     4,745     4,262     4,554  
                        

Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   2,716,197     3,092,253     3,755,107     4,012,724  
                        

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle (Note 28)

   —       (1,687 )   —       —    
                        

Net income

   2,716,197     3,090,566     3,755,107     4,012,724  
                        

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

        

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (11,116 )   (4,043 )   1,509     1,613  

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities

   (155,355 )   485,081     (558,982 )   (597,331 )
                        

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

   (166,471 )   481,038     (557,473 )   (595,718 )
                        

Comprehensive income

   2,549,726     3,571,604     3,197,634     3,417,006  
                        

Net income per common share

        

Basic:

        

Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   8,415     9,194     11,164     11.93  

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   —       (5 )   —       —    
                        

Net income

   8,415     9,189     11,164     11.93  
                        

Diluted:

        

Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   8,411     9,193     11,164     11.93  

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   —       (5 )   —       —    
                        

Net income

   8,411     9,188     11,164     11.93  
                        

Weighted average basic common shares outstanding (In thousands)

   322,786     336,351     336,346     336,346  
                        

Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding (In thousands)

   322,948     336,353     336,346     336,346  
                        

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5


Table of Contents

KOOKMIN BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

 

    Common stock   Additional
paid-in
capital
    Retained
earnings
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss),
net of tax
    Treasury
stock
    Total
stockholders’
equity
 
    Shares     Amount          
    Korean Won (In millions, except share data)  

Balance at January 1, 2005

  306,497,907     1,681,896   5,400,237     1,812,546     109,920     (1,322,320 )   7,682,279  

Reissuance of treasury stock

             

a. On exercise of stock options

  239,513     —     (3,303 )   —       —       10,599     7,296  

b. Under employee stock ownership plan

  2,000,000     —     722     —       —       88,504     89,226  

c. Sale to market

  27,423,761       25,452     —       —       1,213,557     1,239,009  

Stock-based compensation

  —       —     (6,712 )   —       —       —       (6,712 )

Cash dividends declared ((Won) 550 per share)

  —       —     —       (168,574 )   —       —       (168,574 )

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

             

a. Foreign currency translation

  —       —     —       —       (11,116 )   —       (11,116 )

b. Unrealized holding losses on investment securities

  —       —     —       —       (155,355 )   —       (155,355 )

Net income

  —       —     —       2,716,197     —       —       2,716,197  

Change of consolidation scope – FIN No. 46(R)

  —       —     —       158     —       —       158  
                                       

Balance at December 31, 2005

  336,161,181     1,681,896   5,416,396     4,360,327     (56,551 )   (9,660 )   11,392,408  
                                       

Purchase of treasury stock

  (368,798 )   —     —       —       —       (28,555 )   (28,555 )

Reissuance of treasury stock

             

a. On exercise of stock options

  217,935     —     (367 )   —       —       9,660     9,293  

b. Sale to market

  317,455     —     (275 )   —       —       24,694     24,419  

Stock-based compensation

  —       —     (12,104 )   —       —       —       (12,104 )

Cash dividends declared ((Won) 550 per share)

  —       —     —       (184,889 )   —       —       (184,889 )

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

             

a. Foreign currency translation

  —       —     —       —       (4,043 )   —       (4,043 )

b. Unrealized holding gains on investment securities

  —       —     —       —       485,081     —       485,081  

Net income

  —       —     —       3,090,566     —       —       3,090,566  
                                       

Balance at December 31, 2006

  336,327,773     1,681,896   5,403,650     7,266,004     424,487     (3,861 )   14,772,176  
                                       

Cumulative adjustment for accounting change

  —       —     —       220,348     —       —       220,348  
                                       

Adjusted balance at January 1, 2007

  336,327,773     1,681,896   5,403,650     7,486,352     424,487     (3,861 )   14,992,524  
                                       

(Continued)

 

F-6


Table of Contents

KOOKMIN BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

 

    Common stock   Additional
paid-in
capital
  Retained
earnings
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss),
net of tax
    Treasury
stock
    Total
stockholders’
equity
 
    Shares     Amount          
    Korean Won (In millions, except share data)  

Purchase of treasury stock

  (77,084 )   —     —     —       —       (6,247 )   (6,247 )

Reissuance of treasury stock Sale to market

  102,345     —     60   —       —       8,152     8,212  

Stock-based compensation

  —       —     1,051   —       —       —       1,051  

Cash dividends declared ((Won) 3,650 per share)

  —       —     —     (1,227,597 )   —       —       (1,227,597 )

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

             

a. Foreign currency translation

  —       —     —     —       1,509     —       1,509  

b. Unrealized holding losses on investment securities

  —       —     —     —       (558,982 )   —       (558,982 )

Net income

  —       —     —     3,755,107     —       —       3,755,107  
                                     

Balance at December 31, 2007

  336,353,034     1,681,896   5,404,761   10,013,862     (132,986 )   (1,956 )   16,965,577  
                                     

Balance at December 31, 2006

  336,327,773     1,797,281   5,774,363   7,764,484     453,609     (4,125 )   15,785,612  

Cumulative adjustment for accounting change

  —       —     —     235,465     —       —       235,465  
                                     

Adjusted balance at January 1, 2007

  336,327,773     1,797,281   5,774,363   7,999,949     453,609     (4,125 )   16,021,077  
                                     

Purchase of treasury stock

  (77,084 )   —     —     —       —       (6,676 )   (6,676 )

Reissuance of treasury stock Sale to market

  102,345     —     64   —       —       8,711     8,775  

Stock-based compensation

  —       —     1,124   —       —       —       1,124  

Cash dividends declared (US $ 3.90 per share)

  —       —     —     (1,311,816 )   —       —       (1,311,816 )

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

             

a. Foreign currency translation

  —       —     —     —       1,613     —       1,613  

b. Unrealized holding losses on investment securities

  —       —     —     —       (597,331 )   —       (597,331 )

Net income

  —       —     —     4,012,724     —       —       4,012,724  
                                     

Balance at December 31, 2007

  336,353,034     1,797,281   5,775,551   10,700,857     (142,109 )   (2,090 )   18,129,490  
                                     

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-7


Table of Contents

KOOKMIN BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

 

    2005     2006     2007     2007  
    Korean Won (In millions)     Translation into
U.S. Dollars
(Note 1)
(In thousands)
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

       

Net income

  2,716,197     3,090,566     3,755,107     4,012,724  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

       

Provision for (reversal of provision for) credit losses

  613,105     (99,926 )   18,374     19,635  

Depreciation and amortization

  352,613     323,788     418,882     447,619  

Accretion of discounts on finance debentures

  59,118     172,279     272,511     291,207  

Net loss (gain) on valuation of trading securities

  12,918     (6,092 )   47,890     51,175  

Net gain on sales of trading securities

  (37,101 )   (9,165 )   (24,656 )   (26,348 )

Net loss (gain) on valuation of derivatives

  (123,950 )   77,841     205,628     219,735  

Net gain on transaction of derivatives

  (80,032 )   (309,179 )   (71,265 )   (76,153 )

Net gain on sales of available-for-sale securities

  (70,041 )   (40,408 )   (726,845 )   (776,710 )

Impairment losses on available-for-sale securities

  22,188     48,020     50,467     53,930  

Net loss (gain) on redemption of available-for-sale securities

  6,013     (1,101 )   (5,017 )   (5,362 )

Impairment losses on held-to maturities securities

  —       —       8,067     8,621  

Net loss (gain) on redemption of held-to-maturities securities

  (2,977 )   4     (6 )   (6 )

Income of equity method investments

  (38,036 )   (60,543 )   (68,183 )   (72,861 )

Gain on sales of equity method investments

  (7,748 )   —       (143,893 )   (153,765 )

Net gain on other investments

  (7,262 )   (31,042 )   (131,904 )   (140,953 )

Net loss on fair value hedge accounting

  —       —       224     239  

Net loss (gain) on sales of loans

  (100,091 )   (167 )   455     486  

Net gain on disposal of premises and equipment

  (16,279 )   (13,701 )   (13,067 )   (13,963 )

Impairment loss on other assets

  816     3,819     1,171     1,251  

Non-cash stock compensation expense

  36,760     19,191     7,513     8,028  

Employee stock ownership plan

  89,500     —       —       —    

Minority interests in net income of consolidated subsidiaries

  2,705     4,745     4,262     4,554  

Net change in:

       

Trading assets

  1,461,938     1,254,353     (3,007,514 )   (3,213,842 )

Accrued interest and dividend receivable

  (189,630 )   257,213     (96,737 )   (103,374 )

Deferred income tax assets

  86,576     446,015     48,376     51,695  

Income tax receivable

  —       —       (471,317 )   (503,651 )

Other assets

  116,840     (293,154 )   (285,181 )   (304,746 )

Trading liabilities

  (1,169,565 )   96,159     588,721     629,110  

Accrued interest payable

  (184,745 )   392,027     497,018     531,116  

Deferred income tax liabilities

  423     3     108,464     115,905  

Other liabilities

  1,110,012     (1,245,530 )   817,536     873,623  
                       

Net cash provided by operating activities

  4,660,265     4,076,015     1,805,081     1,928,919  
                       

Cash flows from investing activities:

       

Net change in restricted cash

  (436,530 )   (1,018,502 )   (719,352 )   (768,703 )

Net change in interest-bearing deposits in other banks

  60,693     90,259     356,124     380,556  

Net change in call loans and securities purchased under resale agreements

  1,275,724     (21,588 )   110,869     118,475  

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities

  4,347,505     7,741,645     10,571,122     11,296,347  

Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities

  8,579,062     13,689,688     4,026,451     4,302,683  

(Continued)

 

F-8


Table of Contents

KOOKMIN BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,

 

    2005     2006     2007     2007  
    Korean Won (In millions)     Translation into
U.S. Dollars
(Note 1)
(In thousands)
 

Purchases of available-for-sale securities

  (10,998,289 )   (20,272,330 )   (13,672,668 )   (14,610,673 )

Proceeds from maturities, prepayments and calls of held-to-maturity securities

  4,248,543     3,596,197     3,205,441     3,425,350  

Purchases of held-to-maturity securities

  (8,600,357 )   (4,056,378 )   (3,332,823 )   (3,561,469 )

Net change in venture capital securities

  9,430     1,439     (7,811 )   (8,347 )

Net change in equity method investment

  19,224     (34,950 )   (60,884 )   (65,060 )

Net change in other investments

  (57,799 )   118,031     184,778     197,455  

Proceeds from sales of subsidiaries

  14,781     —       —       —    

Net originations and repayments of loans

  (1,513,359 )   (14,094,982 )   (21,891,140 )   (23,392,968 )

Proceeds from sales of loans

  10,761     570     282,690     302,084  

Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment

  40,038     49,435     113,954     121,771  

Payments for purchases of premises and equipment

  (170,823 )   (363,857 )   (492,379 )   (526,158 )

Net change in security deposits

  97,407     (5,832 )   (144,981 )   (154,928 )
                       

Net cash used in investing activities

  (3,073,989 )   (14,581,155 )   (21,470,609 )   (22,943,585 )
                       

Cash flows from financing activities:

       

Net increase (decrease) in non-interest bearing deposits

  894,995     433,103     (667,229 )   (713,004 )

Net increase (decrease) in interest-bearing deposits

  (1,375,324 )   3,410,865     9,555,948     10,211,528  

Net increase (decrease) in call money

  601,958     (1,084,989 )   625,945     668,887  

Net increase (decrease) in secured borrowings

  1,996,829     (643,700 )   (1,147,732 )   (1,226,472 )

Net increase (decrease) in other borrowed funds

  (3,453,377 )   4,520,435     (3,123,966 )   (3,338,284 )

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

  1,386,766     9,828,095     16,176,552     17,286,334  

Repayment of long-term debt

  (2,451,921 )   (5,071,604 )   (1,523,302 )   (1,627,807 )

Cash dividends paid to minority stockholders by subsidiaries

  (1,536 )   (1,536 )   (1,534 )   (1,640 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

  8,492     10,615     —       —    

Payment for stock option exercise

  —       —       (5,308 )   (5,672 )

Proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock

  1,248,663     24,419     8,212     8,775  

Purchases of treasury stock

  —       (28,555 )   (6,247 )   (6,675 )

Cash dividends paid on common stocks

  (168,574 )   (184,889 )   (1,227,784 )   (1,312,015 )
                       

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

  (1,313,029 )   11,212,259     18,663,555     19,943,955  
                       

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

  (5,227 )   (18,143 )   (2,082 )   (2,226 )
                       

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  268,020     688,976     (1,004,055 )   (1,072,937 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

  2,817,522     3,085,542     3,774,518     4,033,466  
                       

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

  3,085,542     3,774,518     2,770,463     2,960,529  
                       

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

       

Cash paid during the year for interest

  5,056,968     4,962,272     6,190,345     6,615,030  

Cash paid during the year for income tax

  145,485     1,476,113     1,277,979     1,365,654  

Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:

       

Bonds and securities received in connection with loan restructuring

  677     879     1,687     1,803  

Increase (decrease) in cumulative translation adjustments, net of tax

  (11,116 )   (4,043 )   1,509     1,613  

Increase (decrease) in unrealized gains on investment securities, net of tax

  (155,355 )   485,081     (558,982 )   (597,331 )

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-9


Table of Contents

KOOKMIN BANK AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. General Information and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Kookmin Bank was established in 1963 under the Citizens National Bank Act to provide and administer funds for financing to the general public and small businesses. Pursuant to the repeal of the Citizens National Bank Act, effective January 5, 1995, Kookmin Bank has conducted its operations in accordance with the provisions of the General Banking Act.

Kookmin Bank merged with Korea Long Term Credit Bank on December 31, 1998 and with Daegu, Busan, Jeonnam Kookmin Mutual Savings & Finance Co., Ltd. on August 22, 1999. Also, under the decision of the Financial Service Commission in accordance with the Structural Improvement of the Financial Industry Act, Kookmin Bank purchased certain assets, including loans classified as normal or precautionary, and assumed most of the liabilities of Daedong Bank on June 29, 1998. Also, Kookmin Bank completed the merger with Housing and Commercial Bank (“H&CB”) on October 31, 2001.

On September 30, 2003, Kookmin Bank acquired the remaining 25.22% outstanding minority interest in Kookmin Credit Card (“KCC”), previously a 74.78% owned subsidiary of Kookmin Bank, in order to maximize the synergies, efficiencies and competitiveness from combining operations of KCC into the credit card division of Kookmin Bank. The acquisition was effected through an exchange of shares at an exchange ratio of 1:0.442983, with the stockholders of KCC receiving 8,120,431 shares of Kookmin Bank common stock for 18,331,248 shares of KCC common stock exchanged. The acquisition of the minority interest in KCC was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.

On April 29, 2004, Kookmin Bank established KB Life, a new wholly owned subsidiary, to engage in insurance business, and acquired the assets and liabilities of Hanil Life Insurance. On September 1, 2004, Kookmin Bank and KB Life entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with ING Insurance International B. V. (“ING”), whereby ING would acquire a 49% equity interest in KB Life from Kookmin Bank, and Kookmin Bank and ING agreed to operate KB Life as a Joint Venture Enterprise, subject to certain regulatory approvals. The prerequisite regulatory approvals were obtained on January 25, 2005 and the Joint Venture Agreement was consummated on January 27, 2005.

On March 11, 2008, Kookmin Bank acquired 95.8% of equity interest of Hannuri Investment & Securities Co., Ltd. (renamed as KB Investment & Securities Co., Ltd.) to engage in the brokerage business. For further details of the acquisition, see Note 37.

Kookmin Bank and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Bank”) derive substantially all of their revenue and income from providing a broad range of banking and related financial services to consumers and corporations primarily in Korea and in selected international markets. It is engaged in the trust business under the Trust Business Act and in the credit card business under the Specialized Credit Financial Business Act and other related laws. As of December 31, 2007, it operated through 1,205 domestic branches and offices and 4 overseas branches.

As of December 31, 2007, the Bank’s paid-in capital amounted to (Won)1,681,896 million and 55,868,485 of shares (16.6% of total shares issued) are listed on the New York Stock Exchange as American Depository Shares (“ADS”).

Risk and uncertainties

Although economic conditions in Korea have improved since the late 1990s, the Bank and its customers may continue to be affected by certain adverse economic conditions in Korea and the countries on which Korea

 

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heavily depends for its trade. The Bank expects economic conditions in the U.S. real estate and credit market to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future which could have adverse effects on the global and Korea economy as well as the Bank’s operations. The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect management’s assessment of the impact to date of the economic environment on the financial position and results of operations of the Bank. If these conditions have an adverse effect on the Bank, adjustments to the carrying amount of its loans and investments would be required, and such adjustments could be material to the consolidated financial statements.

Use of estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term primarily relate to the allowance for credit losses on loans and off-balance sheet credit instruments, investment securities, derivative financial instruments, deferred tax assets, financial instruments with no available market prices, goodwill and other intangibles.

Basis of presentation and consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Kookmin Bank and its subsidiaries which are generally controlled through a majority voting interest. The Bank also includes in its consolidated financial statements the accounts of the variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Bank has been determined to be the primary beneficiary pursuant to the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46 (Revised 2003)- “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51” (“FIN No. 46(R)”).

The Bank accounts for investments in companies in which it owns a voting or economic interest of 20 to 50 percent and is not the primary beneficiary but has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financing decisions using the equity method of accounting. These investments are reported in “Other securities” under “Investments” and the Bank’s proportionate share of income or loss of the equity method investees and gains and losses realized on disposition of investments are reported in “Net gain (loss) on investments.”

The Bank evaluates variable interests in entities for which voting interests are not an effective means of identifying controlling financial interests. Variable interests are those in which the value of the interest changes with the fair value of the net assets of the entity exclusive of variable interests. If the results of the evaluation indicate the existence of a primary beneficiary that primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the entity. Likewise, if the evaluation indicates that the requirements for consolidation are not met and the entity has previously been consolidated, then the entity would be deconsolidated. The Bank has significant variable interest entities which are not consolidated because the Bank is not the primary beneficiary. These include Special Purpose Entities (“SPEs”) where the Bank provides administration services and liquidity (See Note 9).

Assets held in agency, fiduciary or trust management capacities are not included in the consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. All material inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

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Business combination

Since the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141- “Business Combinations,” the Bank accounts for business combinations using the purchase method. Identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination are separately valued and recognized on the balance sheet if they meet certain requirements. The excess of the cost of the acquired entity over the net amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as an asset referred to as “Goodwill”. Results of operations of the acquired business are included in the consolidated statements of income from the date of acquisition.

Foreign currency translation

Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Korean Won at the exchange rate prevailing on the balance sheet date, with resulting gains and losses included in the consolidated statements of income. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of the transaction and the relating gains and losses from the settlement of foreign currency transactions are recognized in the consolidated statements of income.

Assets, liabilities and operations of foreign branches and subsidiaries are recorded based on the functional currency of each entity. For certain foreign operations, the functional currency is the local currency, in which case the assets, liabilities and operations are translated, for consolidation purposes, at current exchange rates from the local currency to the reporting currency, the Korean Won. Assets and liabilities of foreign branches and subsidiaries are recorded and reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets using the period-end exchange rates. Income and expense of foreign branches and subsidiaries are recorded and reported in the consolidated statement of income using the average rates for the relevant periods. The resulting unrealized gains or losses are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Gains and losses arising from the translation of available-for-sale securities denominated in foreign currencies are also recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash on hand, cash items in the process of collection, highly liquid securities and interest-earning deposits with original maturities at the time of purchase of 90 days or less, other than those used for trading purposes.

Securities purchased under agreement to resell and securities sold under agreement to repurchase

The Bank enters into short-term purchases of securities under agreements to resell (“Resale agreements”) and sales of securities under agreements to repurchase (“Repurchase agreements”) of substantially identical securities. Resale agreements and repurchase agreements are accounted for as secured lending and secured borrowing transactions, respectively, when control over the related securities has not been surrendered by the transferor and are recorded at the amount at which the securities were acquired or sold. When control over the related securities has been surrendered by the transferor, the Bank accounts for its resale agreements as purchases of securities with related forward commitments to resell and accounts for its repurchase agreements as sales of securities with related forward commitments to repurchase. It is the Bank’s policy to take possession of securities under agreements to resell. The Bank minimizes the credit risk associated with these transactions by monitoring its aggregate credit exposure to each counterparty and collateral value, and requiring the counterparty to deposit additional collateral with the Bank when deemed necessary.

Trading assets and liabilities, including derivatives

Trading assets include securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Trading positions are carried at fair value and recorded on a trade date basis. The Bank recognizes changes in the fair value of trading positions as they occur in “Net trading revenue”.

 

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Trading assets and liabilities also include derivatives used for trading purposes and for non-trading purposes that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and foreign exchange contracts that are recognized on the consolidated financial statements at fair value. Trading and non-trading derivatives include interest rate and foreign currency swaps, credit indexed contracts, equity conversion options, puts and calls, caps and floors, warrants, and futures and forwards. The Bank recognizes changes in the fair value of trading and non-trading derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment and foreign exchange contracts as they occur in “Net trading revenue”.

The fair value of trading securities, derivative financial instruments and foreign exchange contracts is determined using quoted market prices, including quotes from dealers trading those securities or instruments, when available. If quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is determined based on pricing models, quoted prices of instruments with similar characteristics, discounted cash flows or the net asset value of the investee.

Derivatives used for hedging purposes

The Bank uses various derivative instruments as part of its asset and liability management process, including interest rate and foreign currency swaps, to manage various interest rate and foreign exchange exposure or modify interest rate characteristics of various balance sheet accounts. Certain derivative contracts are entered into for non-trading purposes and intended to serve as economic hedges of risk but do not qualify for hedge accounting.

Derivatives accounted for as hedges must be highly effective at reducing the risk associated with the exposure being hedged. Each derivative must be formally designated as a hedge, with documentation of the risk management objective and strategy for the hedge, identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item and risk exposure, and how effectiveness is assessed prospectively and retrospectively at inception and on a regular basis using quantitative measures of correlation. The Bank discontinues hedge accounting when it is determined that a derivative is not expected to be or has ceased to be highly effective as a hedge, and then reflects changes in fair value in earnings after termination of the hedge relationship.

All derivatives, whether designated for hedging relationships or not, are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge of fixed rate assets or liabilities, all changes in the fair value of the derivative and changes in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in current earnings. Hedge ineffectiveness is reflected in the current earnings as well. Fair value hedges are used to limit the Bank’s exposure to total changes in the fair value of its interest-bearing liabilities that are due to interest rate or foreign exchange volatility. Fair value hedges of the Bank mainly include hedges of fixed rate debentures.

If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge of floating rate assets, liabilities or forecasted transactions, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in other comprehensive income and recognized in the consolidated income statements when the hedged item affects earnings. The ineffective portion of cash flow hedges is immediately recognized in current earnings. Cash flow hedges are used to minimize the variability in cash flows of interest-earning assets or interest-bearing liabilities or forecasted transactions caused by interest rate or foreign exchange fluctuations.

If hedge relationships are terminated, hedge designations are removed, or if forecasted transactions are no longer expected to occur, hedge accounting treatment is not applied prospectively and the related hedging derivatives would be transferred to trading assets and liabilities. In such cases, the changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item that are attributable to the risk being hedged will not be offset and the fair value changes in the hedging derivatives are recognized immediately in current earnings.

 

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The Bank’s designated fair value hedges consisted primarily of interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges. When applying fair value hedging accounting as prescribed by SFAS No. 133- “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” as amended by SFAS No. 137- “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—Deferral of the Effective Date of SFAS No. 133”, and by SFAS No. 138- “Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities” (collectively referred to as “SFAS No. 133”), the Bank uses standard statistical methods of regression to determine if the results of the changes in value of the hedging derivative and the hedged item meet SFAS No. 133 criteria for a highly effective hedge accounting relationship.

Certain types of the Bank’s hedge relationships have qualified as hedges under the short-cut method. The short-cut method assumes no ineffectiveness in a hedging relationship involving an interest rate swap and an interest-bearing asset or liability. The changes in fair value or cash flow that are attributable to the risk being hedged will be completely offset at the hedge’s inception and on an on-going basis. Under the short-cut method, among other requirements, the critical terms of the derivative instrument and the hedged item should be initially the same and subsequently stay the same throughout the hedge’s life to support the ongoing application of hedge accounting. Non-trading derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting include interest rate swaps that are entered in order to hedge interest rate risks.

Investments in equity securities and debt securities

Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are recorded on a trade-date basis and are accounted for at fair value. Dividend income on these securities is recorded in “Interest and dividend income”. Those purchased with the intention of recognizing short-term profits are included in “Trading assets” at fair value. Marketable equity securities not classified as trading are designated as available-for-sale securities and are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of income tax, reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Realized gains and losses on the sales of equity securities are determined using the moving average method.

Debt securities are recorded on a trade-date basis. Debt securities for which the Bank has the positive ability and intent to hold until maturity are classified as held- to-maturity securities and recorded at amortized cost and adjusted for accretion or amortization of discounts and premiums, respectively. Debt securities that the Bank purchases for short-term appreciation or other trading purposes are carried at fair value and classified as short-term investments which are included in “Trading assets.” Debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity or trading are designated as available-for-sale and carried at market value with unrealized gains and losses, net of income tax, reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Interest earned on debt securities, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts based on the effective interest rate method, is included in “Interest and dividend income” and realized gains and losses from the sale of debt securities, which are included in “Net gain (loss) on investments,” are determined on a specific security basis.

Management evaluates investments in a loss position for other-than temporary impairment. Declines in fair value of individual available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities below their amortized cost that are other than temporary result in write-downs of the individual securities to their fair value. Factors considered in determining whether such declines in value are other than temporary include the length of time and extent to which fair value is less than cost, the status, financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, the status of the security, the Bank’s intent and ability to hold the related security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any recovery in market value, and the conditions of the Korean and overseas economies. Management continues to closely monitor and evaluate these securities for impairment that is other than temporary.

Unrealized losses for other than temporary impairment on debt and equity securities are recognized in current period earnings under “Net loss on investments”.

 

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Venture capital securities

KB Investment Co., Ltd., one of the Bank’s subsidiaries, engages exclusively in venture capital activities. Venture capital investments are not within the scope of SFAS No. 115- “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“SFAS No. 115”) and are subject to specialized industry accounting principles for investment companies. Venture capital investments are recorded as “Venture capital securities” under “Investments” and are carried at fair value with net changes in fair value recognized in “Net gain on investments.” The fair values of publicly-traded securities held by this subsidiary are generally based on quoted market prices. Securities that are held by this subsidiary that are not publicly traded are initially recorded at cost, which is deemed to approximate the fair value as of the acquisition date. Subsequent to that date, management estimates the fair value based on investee transactions with unaffiliated parties, management’s review of the investee’s financial results and condition or the latest obtainable net asset value of the investees.

Non-marketable or restricted equity securities

Certain equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values or have sales restrictions exceeding one year are recorded using the cost method. The cost method is used for those investments in which the Bank does not have significant influence over the investees, and under this method, there is no change to the cost basis unless there is other than temporary decline in value. If the decline is determined to be other than temporary, the Bank writes down the cost basis of the investment to a new cost basis that represents realizable value. Those equity securities are recorded as “Other securities” under “Investments” and the amount of write-down is included in earnings under “Net loss on investments” and dividend income earned on these securities is recorded in “Interest and dividend income”.

Loans

Loans are carried at their outstanding principal balances, net of any unearned income and unamortized deferred nonrefundable loan origination fees and costs. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment to the yield. Interest income on loans that are not placed on non-accrual status is accrued at the effective rate and credited to income as it is earned.

Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments become contractually one day past due or are classified as impaired loans, except where the loans are fully collateralized by customer deposits or guaranteed by sovereign or certain selected financial institutions. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, interest accrued previously but unpaid is generally reversed against current year interest income. Cash receipts on non-accrual loans, for which the ultimate collectibility of principal is uncertain, are applied as principal reductions; otherwise, payments are applied first to the delinquent interest, normal interest, and then to the loan balance until paid in full. A non-accrual loan is normally restored to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and it is believed that the financial condition of the borrower has improved to the extent that the collection of future principal and interest on a timely basis is reasonably assured.

Securities received by the Bank under a debt restructuring or settlement are recorded at fair value of the security at the date of restructuring or settlement. Any difference between the fair value of the security and the net carrying amount of the loan is recorded as a direct charge-off or recovery on the loan, as appropriate, through the allowance for loan losses.

Loans held-for-sale

Loans held-for-sale are loans that the Bank has the intent to sell in the foreseeable future. The Bank’s loans held-for-sale include residential mortgage loans and are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market value as determined on an aggregate basis. Loans held-for-sale are included in “Other assets” and gains and losses on the sales of loans are determined using the specific-identification method and included in “Other non-interest income (expenses)”.

 

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Allowance for loan losses

The allowance for loan losses is based on management’s continuing review and evaluation of the loan portfolio and is management’s best estimate of probable losses incurred as of the balance sheet date. The determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses hinges on various judgments and assumptions, including but not necessarily limited to, management’s assessment of potential losses on individual loans, domestic and international economic conditions, loan portfolio composition, transfer risks and prior loan loss experience. The allowance for loan losses is charged against income as provision for loan losses. The aggregate allowance for loan losses is increased by amounts charged to the provisions for loan losses, net of charge-offs, and recoveries as a result of cash collections from charged-off accounts.

The Bank’s allowance for loan losses consists of (a) specific allowances for specifically identified impaired borrowers, and (b) general allowances for homogeneous pools of commercial and consumer loans, and other loans which are not specifically identified as impaired.

A commercial loan is considered as impaired when, after consideration of current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due, including principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Generally, the Bank considers the following types of loans to be impaired:

 

   

Loans classified as “substandard” or below according to the Financial Services Commission’s asset classification guidelines;

 

   

Loans that are 30 days or more past due;

 

   

Loans to companies that have received a warning from the Korean Federation of Banks, indicating that the Bank has exhibited difficulties in making timely payments of principal and interest;

 

   

Loans which are “troubled debt restructurings” under U.S. GAAP.

Once a loan has been identified as individually impaired, impairment is measured in accordance with SFAS No. 114- “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan” as amended by SFAS No. 118- “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan—Income Recognition and Disclosures an Amendment of SFAS No. 114”. The Bank’s measurement of an impairment of a loan, with the exception of large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment, is based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. If the recorded investment in impaired loans exceeds the present value of payments expected to be received, a specific allowance is established as a component of allowance for loan losses.

The Bank performs periodic and systematic detailed reviews of its lending portfolio to identify credit risks and to assess the overall collectibility of those portfolios. The allowance for homogeneous pools of commercial and consumer loans, and other loans, which are not specifically identified as impaired, is established through a process that begins with estimates of probable losses inherent in the portfolio. These estimates are based on various analyses, including the Bank’s historical delinquency and loan loss experience, and adjusted for qualitative factors, such as the current economic conditions in which the Bank operates as well as current lending policies and procedures.

Non-performing loans include loans that are 90 days or more past due on principal or interest, or where reasonable doubt exists as to timely collection, including loans that are individually identified as being impaired, and troubled debt restructurings. The Bank also classifies loans as non-performing when the borrower enters into a status of default, liquidation, bankruptcy or business discontinuance.

 

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Loans are charged off if they are deemed to be uncollectible. Consumer and credit card loans are charged-off at no more than 180 days past due.

Allowance for off-balance sheet credit instruments

The Bank maintains an allowance for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit instruments, including commitments to extend credit, guarantees, acceptances, standby and commercial letters of credit and other financial instruments to absorb estimated probable losses related to these unfunded credit facilities. The allowance is estimated based on the assessment of the probability of commitment usage and credit risk factors for loans outstanding to these same customers. The allowance for credit losses for off-balance sheet credit instruments is included in “Other liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheets.

Foreclosed assets

Foreclosed assets are comprised of any assets seized or property acquired through a loan foreclosure proceeding or acceptance of a deed in lieu of loan foreclosure. These assets are initially recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. After acquisition, such assets are carried at the lower of their carrying amounts or fair values as determined by their estimated public auction price, net of selling costs. An impairment assessment is made where there is an indication that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Foreclosed assets are reported in “Other assets”.

Secured borrowings

Transfers of loans and securities related to certain securitizations, in which control over the loans and securities has not been surrendered, are accounted for as collateralized borrowings. The liability for funds received under the related loan and securities sale agreements is included in “Secured borrowings”. Also, the amounts borrowed based on collateral and the amounts borrowed under repurchase agreements in which control over the related securities has not been surrendered by the transferor are included in “Secured borrowings”.

Loan and securities provided as collateral

The Bank pledges loans as collateral for certain borrowings. These borrowings are structured as transfers of loans through asset securitization, which are retained on the consolidated balance sheets, as the Bank retains control of the assets transferred. The Bank also pledges securities as collateral for transactions on repurchase agreements, derivatives contracts, borrowings from the Bank of Korea and other borrowings structured as a transfer of securities through asset securitizations. The Bank retains control of the securities and retains them on the consolidated balance sheets. Securities pledged cannot be sold or re-pledged by the Bank. However, the Bank has the right to substitute the collateral provided that this is not to the detriment of the counterparties.

Premises and equipment

Premises, equipment and furniture and leasehold improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of buildings is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation of equipment and furniture is computed on a declining balance basis over the useful lives of the assets, or the term of the lease, if shorter, in the case of leasehold improvements. Gains or losses on disposals of premises and equipment are determined by reference to their carrying amount and are reported in “Other non-interest income (expenses).” Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.

The estimated useful lives of premises and equipment are as follows:

 

Buildings

   40 years

Equipment and furniture

   3-6 years

Leasehold improvements

   1-5 years

 

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Goodwill and other intangible assets

Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142- “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS No. 142”), which sets forth the accounting for goodwill and intangible assets subsequent to their acquisition, goodwill is no longer amortized. SFAS No. 142 requires that goodwill be allocated to the reporting unit level, which the Bank defines as an operating segment or one level below. SFAS No. 142 also requires that goodwill and other intangible assets be tested for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually or more frequently, if events or circumstances indicate a potential impairment.

The goodwill impairment test under SFAS No. 142 is performed in two phases. The first step of the impairment test, used to identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered impaired, and an additional procedure must be performed. The second step of the impairment test quantifies the amount of the impairment loss by comparing the carrying amount of goodwill to the implied fair value. An impairment loss is recorded to the extent the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.

The Bank has finite-lived intangible assets including core deposit intangibles, credit card relationship intangibles and capitalized software. Core deposit intangibles reflect the estimated fair value of the acquired demand deposits and savings deposits, which the Bank can expect to maintain for an extended period of time because of generally stable customer relationships. Credit card relationship intangibles reflect the estimated fair value of the credit card relationships acquired from which the Bank expects to derive future benefits over the estimated lives of such relationships. Both the core deposit intangibles and the credit card relationship intangibles are amortized on an accelerated basis over their useful lives in proportion to the estimated run-off of depositors and credit card customers, respectively. The estimated useful lives of the core deposit intangible and the credit card relationship intangibles range from six to ten years. Capitalized software is amortized over its estimated useful life ranging from four to five years. The Bank had no indefinite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2006 and 2007.

Impairment of long-lived assets and other intangible assets

The Bank reviews its long-lived assets, including identifiable intangibles with definite lives in accordance with SFAS No. 144- “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be fully recoverable. Such circumstances include significant or sustained declines in revenues or earnings and material adverse changes in the economic climate. The carrying amount of an intangible asset is considered not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of such asset. For assets which the Bank intends to hold for use, if the total of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the assets, a loss is recognized for the difference between the fair value and carrying value of the assets. For assets which the Bank intends to sell, a loss is recognized for the amount that the estimated fair value, less cost to sell, is less than the carrying value of the assets.

Fair value of financial instruments

SFAS No. 107- “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” requires disclosure of fair value information for financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the consolidated balance sheets, where it is practicable to estimate such value.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Generally, for assets that are reported at fair value, the Bank uses quoted market prices or internal valuation models to estimate their fair value. These models incorporate inputs such as forward yield curves, market volatilities and pricing spreads, utilizing market-based inputs where readily available. The degree of management judgment involved in estimating the fair value

 

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of a financial instrument or other asset is dependent on the availability of quoted market prices or observable market value inputs. For financial instruments that are actively traded in the marketplace or whose values are based on readily available market value data, little judgment is necessary when estimating the instrument’s fair value. When observable market prices and data are not readily available, significant management judgment is often necessary to estimate the fair value. In those cases, different assumptions could result in significant changes in valuation.

The estimated fair value amounts for 2006 and 2007 have been measured as of year-end, and have not been reevaluated or updated for purposes of these consolidated financial statements subsequent to those dates. As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the reporting date may be different from the amounts reported at year-end. The fair value of financial instruments and the methods and assumptions used in estimating fair value amounts are detailed in Note 29.

Stock-based compensation

The Bank has various stock-based employee compensation plans, which are described in detail in Note 28. Prior to January 1, 2003, the Bank accounted for its various stock-based employee compensation plans using the intrinsic-value method in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25- “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and related Interpretations (“APB No. 25”). The compensation expense was calculated by multiplying the number of shares underlying the option by the difference between the market value of the underlying shares on the measurement date and the exercise price. The compensation expense was recognized over the service (vesting) period.

Effective January 1, 2003, the Bank adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123- “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS No. 123”) and selected the modified prospective method of adoption under the provisions of SFAS No. 148- “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation -Transition and Disclosure.” Under SFAS No. 123, the compensation expense is determined using option pricing models intended to estimate the fair value of the stock options at the grant date. The compensation expense is recognized over the service (vesting) period with a corresponding credit to additional paid-in capital.

On January 1, 2006, the Bank adopted SFAS No. 123(R) (revised 2004)- “Share-Based Payment,” under the modified-prospective application. SFAS No. 123(R) requires companies to measure compensation expense for stock options and other share-based payments based on the instruments’ grant date fair value, and to record expense based on that fair value. In connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Bank recorded (Won)1,687 million as a cumulative effect of an accounting change in the consolidated income statement of 2006.

Prior to August 23, 2005, the Bank intended to settle options exercised by issuing treasury shares. Effective August 23, 2005, the Bank changed the settlement method from issuing treasury shares to cash settlement for options exercised. However, cash settlement will only occur once all outstanding treasury shares have been issued in connection with stock options exercised. As a result of this change of settlement method, SFAS No. 123 requires the modification to be accounted for as if the original award was cancelled and a new award with different terms was issued. Accordingly, the fair value of the new award at the date of modification is required to be compared to the fair value of the original award immediately before the modification. As a result of the modification, the Bank reclassified previously recorded additional paid-in capital into liabilities to reflect the change in intrinsic value of the options.

Trust fees and compensation to the trust accounts

The Bank manages funds on behalf of its customers through the operation of various trust accounts. The Bank earns fees for managing those funds, which are recognized when earned. In certain cases, the Bank guarantees (a) principal and a fixed return on principal or (b) principal only to the investors in those trust accounts. At each balance sheet date, the Bank accrues the liability that exists on account of such guarantees where the Bank does not consolidate the trust accounts.

 

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Other fees and commission income

Other fees and commissions primarily consist of credit card fees, fees on guarantees and import/export letters of credit, and commissions received on remittance, lottery sales, cash dispenser service, cash management services and others. Such fees are recognized when earned.

Income tax

The Bank accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109- “Accounting for Income Taxes” as interpreted by FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), which prescribe two components of income tax expense: current and deferred. Current income tax expense approximates taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period and deferred income tax expense is provided on an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences, including operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the carrying values of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their tax bases. Deferred income tax benefit or expense is then recognized for the change in deferred tax assets or liabilities between periods. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effect of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

Deferred tax assets, including the tax effect of carryforward tax losses, are recognized to the extent it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. To the extent the deferred tax assets are not realizable, a valuation allowance is recognized.

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48- “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109”, which set outs a consistent framework to use to determine the appropriate level of tax reserve for uncertain tax positions. This interpretation uses two-step approach wherein a tax benefit is recognized if a position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained. The amount of the benefit is then measured to be the highest tax benefit which is greater than 50% likely to be realized. The difference between the benefit recognized for a position in accordance with this FIN 48 and the tax benefit claimed on a tax return is referred to as an unrecognized tax benefit.

The Bank adopted FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007, and the adoption resulted in an increase of the beginning balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2007 by (Won)220,348 million. Additionally, in connection with the adoption of FIN 48, the Bank elected to classify interest and penalties related to tax positions as a component of income tax expense. See Note 25 to the consolidated financial statements for further details of the Bank’s provision and related income tax assets and liabilities.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in each period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised. Diluted earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period and dilutive common equivalent shares representing the weighted average dilutive effect of the Bank’s stock options outstanding during each period. Dilutive potential common shares are calculated using the “treasury stock” method.

Comprehensive income

The Bank records unrealized gains and losses on investment securities and foreign currency translation adjustments in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.” Gains and losses on investment

 

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securities are reclassified to net income or loss as the gains or losses are realized upon sale of the securities. Other-than-temporary impairment charges are reclassified to net income or loss at the time of the charge. Translation gains or losses on foreign currencies translation adjustments are reclassified to net income or loss upon the sale or liquidation of investment in foreign operations.

United States dollar amounts

The Bank operates primarily in Korea and its official accounting records are maintained in Korean Won. The U.S. dollar amounts are provided herein as supplementary information solely for the convenience of the reader. Korean Won amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars at the rate of (Won)935.80 to U.S.$1.00, the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank of New York noon buying exchange rate in effect at December 31, 2007. Such convenience translation into US dollars should not be construed as representations that the Korean Won amounts have been, could have been, or could in the future be, converted at this or any other rate of exchange.

2. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

SFAS No. 157- “Fair Value Measurements”

On September 15, 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157- “Fair Value Measurements” which enhances existing guidance for measuring assets and liabilities using fair value. Prior to the issuance of SFAS No. 157, guidance for applying fair value was incorporated in several accounting pronouncements. SFAS No. 157 provides a single definition of fair value, together with a framework for measuring it, and requires additional disclosure on the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 also emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and sets out a fair value hierarchy with the highest priority being quoted prices in active markets. Under SFAS No. 157, fair value measurements are disclosed by level within that hierarchy. SFAS No. 157 is effective for the Bank’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008, and requires that cumulative effect of the adoption be reflected as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings in the year of adoption. The Bank is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No.157 on the Bank’s consolidated financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

SFAS No. 159- “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”

The FASB has issued SFAS No. 159- “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which permits an entity to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. The objective of SFAS No. 159 is to improve financial reporting by allowing companies to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by the measurement of related assets and liabilities using different attributes, without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. Under SFAS No. 159, companies that elect the fair value option will report unrealized gains and losses in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The fair value option may be elected on an instrument-by-instrument basis, with a few exceptions, as long as it is applied to the instrument in its entirety. The fair value option election is irrevocable, unless a new election date occurs. SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements to help financial statement users understand the effect of the company’s election on its earnings, but does not eliminate disclosure requirements of other accounting standards. SFAS No. 159 is effective for the Bank’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008, and requires that cumulative effect of the adoption be reflected as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings in the year of adoption. The Bank is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No. 159 on the Bank’s consolidated financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

FASB Staff Position FIN 39-1- “Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39- Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts”

In April 2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. FIN 39-1- “Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39” (“FSP FIN 39-1”). FSP FIN 39-1 amends certain provisions of FIN 39- “Offsetting of

 

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Amounts Related to Certain Contracts,” and permits companies to offset fair value amounts recognized for cash collateral receivables or payables against fair value amounts recognized for net derivative positions executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement. FSP FIN 39-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, with early application permitted. The Bank is currently evaluating the impact of adopting FSP FIN 39-1, but does not expect that it will have a significant impact on the Bank’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

Emerging Issues Task Force 06-11- “Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards”

On June 27, 2007, the FASB ratified the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) consensus on Issue No. 06-11- “Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards” (“EITF 06-11”). Effective January 1, 2008, EITF 06-11 requires on a prospective basis that the tax benefit related to dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock and restricted stock units which are expected to vest be recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital. The Bank is currently evaluating the impact of adopting EITF 06-11 on the Bank’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Statement Of Position 07-1- “Clarification of the Scope of the Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and Accounting by Parent Companies and Equity Method Investors for Investments in Investment Companies” and FSP FIN 46R-7- “Application of FIN 46R to Investment Companies”

In July 2007, the AICPA issued Statement of Position 07-1- “Clarification of the Scope of the Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and Accounting by Parent Companies and Equity Method Investors for Investments in Investment Companies” (“SOP 07-1”), which was expected to be effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2007. However, in February 2008, the FASB delayed the effective date indefinitely by issuing an FSP SOP 07-1-1- “Effective Date of AICPA Statement of Position 07-1”. SOP 07-1 sets forth more stringent criteria for qualifying as an investment company than does of the predecessor audit guide. In addition, SOP 07-1 establishes new criteria for a parent company or equity method investor to retain investment company accounting in their consolidated financial statements. Investment companies record all their investments at fair value with changes in value reflected in earnings.

In May 2007, the FASB issued FSP FIN 46R-7- “Application of FIN 46R to Investment Companies” (“FSP FIN 46R-7”) which amends FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003)- “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“FIN 46R”) to make permanent the temporary deferral of the application of FIN 46R to entities within the scope of the revised audit guide under SOP 07-1. FSP FIN 46R-7 is effective upon adoption of SOP 07-1.

In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP SOP 07-1-1 which delays indefinitely the effective date of SOP 07-1. The delay is intended to allow the FASB staff time to consider a number of significant issues relating to the implementation of SOP 07-1. As a result, the FASB also determined that early adoption of SOP 07-1 would be prohibited.

Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 109- “Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value Through Earnings”

On November 5, 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 109- “Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value Through Earnings” (“SAB 109”). SAB 109 requires that the expected net future cash flows related to servicing of a loan be included in the measurement of all written loan commitments that are accounted for at fair value through earnings. The adoption of SAB 109 is on a prospective basis and effective for the Corporation’s loan commitments measured at fair value through earnings which are issued or modified after January 1, 2008. The Bank is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SAB 109, but does not expect that it will have a significant impact on the Bank’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

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SFAS No. 141(R)- “Business Combinations”

On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141- “Business Combinations”. SFAS 141R modifies the accounting for business combinations and requires, with limited exceptions, the acquirer in a business combination to recognize 100 percent of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition-date fair value. In addition, SFAS No. 141R requires the expensing of acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs, and certain contingent assets and liabilities acquired, as well as contingent consideration, to be recognized at fair value. SFAS No. 141R also modifies the accounting for certain acquired income tax assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 141R is effective for new acquisitions consummated on or after January 1, 2009 and early adoption is not permitted. The Bank is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No.141R on the Bank’s consolidated financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements”

On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160- “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements”. SFAS No. 160 requires all entities to report noncontrolling (i.e., minority) interests in subsidiaries as equity in the consolidated financial statements and to account for transactions between an entity and noncontrolling owners as equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest in the subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 also requires expanded disclosure that distinguishes between the interests of the controlling owners and the interests of the noncontrolling owners of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 is effective for the Bank’s financial statements for the year beginning on January 1, 2009 and earlier adoption is not permitted. The Bank is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No.160 on the Bank’s consolidated financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

FSP FAS 140-3- “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions”

On February 20, 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 140-3- “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions.” The objective of this FSP is to provide implementation guidance on whether the security transfer and contemporaneous repurchase financing involving the transferred financial asset must be evaluated as one linked transaction or two separate de-linked transactions. Current practice records the transfer as a sale and the repurchase agreement as a financing. The FSP FAS 140-3 requires the recognition of the transfer and the repurchase agreement as one linked transaction, unless all of the following criteria are met: (1) the initial transfer and the repurchase financing are not contractually contingent on one another; (2) the initial transferor has full recourse upon default, and the repurchase agreement’s price is fixed and not at fair value; (3) the financial asset is readily obtainable in the marketplace and the transfer and repurchase financing are executed at market rates; and (4) the maturity of the repurchase financing is before the maturity of the financial asset. The scope of this FSP is limited to transfers and subsequent repurchase financings that are entered into contemporaneously or in contemplation of one another. The FSP FAS 140-3 is effective on January 1, 2009. Early adoption is prohibited. The Bank is currently evaluating the impact of adopting FSP FAS 140-3 on the Bank’s consolidated financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

SFAS No. 161- “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”

In March 2008, FASB issued SFAS No.161- “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, which modified the existing disclosure requirements in FASB No. 133- “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. FASB No. 161 enhances disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities and thereby improves the transparency of financial reporting. FASB No. 161 requires enhanced disclosures on (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. FASB No.161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. Also, SFAS No.161 encourages, but does

 

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not require, comparative disclosures for earlier periods at initial adoption. The Bank is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No.161 on the Bank’s consolidated financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

FSP FAS 142-3-“Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets”

On April 25, 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 142-3-“Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets”. FSP FAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142-“Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. The objective of FSP FAS 142-3 is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No.142 and the period of expected cash flows to measure the fair value of an asset under SFAS No. 141R- “Business Combinations”, and other U.S. generally accepted accounting principle. The FSP FAS 142-3 is effective on January 1, 2009 and early adoption is prohibited. The Bank is currently evaluating the impact of adopting FSP FAS 142-3 on the Bank’s consolidated financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

3. Transactions with Korea Asset Management Corporation

Prior to 1999, the Bank sold certain non-performing loans to the Korea Asset Management Corporation (“KAMCO”). KAMCO was established to purchase, manage and dispose of non-performing assets in the Korean financial market for the purpose of restoring soundness to the Korean financial market. The sales agreements contain a recourse obligation under which KAMCO can obligate the Bank to repurchase the related loans at the original sales price. The recourse obligation has no expiration date. As of December 31, 2006, the balance of loans for which the Bank has a recourse obligation was (Won)4,253 million and the Bank recorded a liability of (Won)49 million, which is reported in “Other liabilities”. The liabilities represent the Bank’s estimated obligation to repurchase the loans under the recourse obligation. During 2007, KAMCO collected on these loans with recourse obligations, thereby eliminating the Bank’s recourse liabilities at December 31, 2007.

4. Restricted Cash

The following table presents restricted cash as of December 31:

 

(In millions of Won)

   2006    2007

Reserve deposits with the Bank of Korea

   3,270,250    3,985,903

Other

   6,894    10,593
         

Total restricted cash

   3,277,144    3,996,496
         

Reserve deposits with the Bank of Korea (“BOK”) represent amounts required under the General Banking Act for payment of deposits.

5. Call Loans and Securities Purchased under Resale Agreements

Call loans and securities purchased under agreements to resell, at their respective carrying values, consisted of the following as of December 31:

 

(In millions of Won)

   2006    2007

Call loans (1)

   1,236,881    1,626,607

Securities purchased under resale or similar arrangements (2)

   501,000    1,500
         

Total

   1,737,881    1,628,107
         

 

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(1)

Call loans are short-term lending among banks and financial institutions, with maturities of 90 days or less for call loans in won currency and 30 days or less for call loans in foreign currencies. Typically, call loans have maturities of one day.

(2)

The Bank enters into short-term purchases of securities under agreements to resell substantially identical securities and classified these agreements as secured lending transactions.

6. Trading Assets and Liabilities

The trading assets and liabilities, at fair value, consisted of the following as of December 31:

 

(In millions of Won)

   2006    2007

Trading assets:

     

Debt securities:

     

Korean treasury and government agencies

   477,929    1,054,780

Financial institutions

   1,951,106    3,667,185

Corporate

   —      31,603

Asset-backed securities

   —      1,140

Equity securities

   145,321    249,712
         

Total debt and equity securities

   2,574,356    5,004,420
         

Foreign exchange spot contracts

   443    1,922

Derivative instruments:

     

Foreign exchange derivatives

   967,796    1,129,583

Interest rate derivatives

   175,969    390,584

Equity derivatives

   25,842    62,419

Credit derivatives

   —      4

Commodity derivatives

   —      3,280

Other

   —      2,106
         

Total derivative instruments and foreign exchange spot contracts

   1,170,050    1,589,898
         

Total trading assets

   3,744,406    6,594,318
         

Trading liabilities:

     

Foreign exchange spot contracts

   266    1,815

Derivative instruments:

     

Foreign exchange derivatives

   957,986    1,046,075

Interest rate derivatives

   218,518    624,713

Equity derivatives

   46,412    134,161

Commodity derivatives

   —      3,185

Other

   —      1,973
         

Total trading liabilities

   1,223,182    1,811,922
         

7. Net Trading Revenue

The following table presents net trading revenue for the years ended December 31:

 

(In millions of Won)

   2005     2006     2007  

Debt securities

   (34,634 )   25,049     (86,438 )

Equity securities

   58,817     (9,792 )   63,204  

Foreign exchange spot contracts

   64,125     16,523     198,329  

Derivative instruments

   203,982     231,338     (134,363 )
                  

Total net trading revenue

   292,290     263,118     40,732  
                  

 

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For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, net unrealized holding losses on trading securities of (Won)12,918 million, net unrealized holding gains of (Won)6,092 million and net unrealized holding losses of (Won)47,890 million, respectively, were included in net trading revenue.

8. Investments

Investments as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 consisted of the following:

 

(In millions of Won)

   2006    2007

Available-for-sale securities

   13,648,442    12,828,324

Held-to-maturity securities

   10,962,767    11,058,309

Venture capital securities (1)

   79,220    97,494

Other securities (2)

   657,570    700,395
         

Total investments

   25,347,999    24,684,522
         

 

(1)

Securities held by KB Investment Co., Ltd., a subsidiary engaged in venture capital activities.

(2)

Other securities comprised of equity securities without readily determinable fair values or with sales restrictions exceeding one year, and investments accounted for under the equity method.

As of December 31, 2006, the amortized cost and fair value of the Bank’s available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities and the related gross unrealized gains and losses were as follows:

 

(In millions of Won)

   Amortized
cost
   Gross
unrealized
gains
   Gross
unrealized
losses
    Fair value

Available-for-sale securities:

          

Debt securities:

          

Korean treasury and government agencies

   3,716,833    526    (9,442 )   3,707,917

Corporate

   573,422    19,946    (4,433 )   588,935

Financial institutions

   8,197,862    1,287    (15,396 )   8,183,753

Foreign governments

   8,996    130    —       9,126

Asset-backed securities

   152,461    —      (515 )   151,946
                    

Sub-total

   12,649,574    21,889    (29,786 )   12,641,677

Marketable equity securities

   377,885    674,634    (45,754 )   1,006,765
                    

Total available-for-sale securities

   13,027,459    696,523    (75,540 )   13,648,442
                    

Held-to-maturity securities:

          

Debt securities:

          

Korean treasury and government agencies

   8,316,408    46,654    (92,059 )   8,271,003

Corporate

   214,534    43    (2,498 )   212,079

Financial institutions

   2,226,856    551    (13,125 )   2,214,282

Asset-backed securities

   204,969    37    (1,999 )   203,007
                    

Total held-to-maturity securities

   10,962,767    47,285    (109,681 )   10,900,371
                    

 

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As of December 31, 2007, the amortized cost and fair value of the Bank’s available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities and the related gross unrealized gains and losses were as follows:

 

(In millions of Won)

   Amortized
cost
   Gross
unrealized
gains
   Gross
unrealized
losses
    Fair value

Available-for-sale securities:

          

Debt securities:

          

Korean treasury and government agencies

   4,196,501    218    (65,981 )   4,130,738

Corporate

   684,568    16,002    (1,946 )   698,624

Financial institutions

   7,715,233    4,608    (78,293 )   7,641,548

Foreign governments

   8,994    455    —       9,449

Asset-backed securities

   43,386    —      (199 )   43,187
                    

Sub-total

   12,648,682    21,283    (146,419 )   12,523,546

Marketable equity securities

   293,357    25,020    (13,599 )   304,778
                    

Total available-for-sale securities

   12,942,039    46,303    (160,018 )   12,828,324
                    

Held-to-maturity securities:

          

Debt securities:

          

Korean treasury and government agencies

   8,601,058    7,226    (298,416 )   8,309,868

Corporate

   194,166    —      (7,802 )   186,364

Financial institutions

   1,972,086    46    (58,863 )   1,913,269

Asset-backed securities

   290,999    13    (2,765 )   288,247
                    

Total held-to-maturity securities

   11,058,309    7,285    (367,846 )   10,697,748
                    

The Bank of Korea and the Korea Development Bank (“KDB”) are both financial institutions owned and controlled by the Korean government. The fair value of available-for-sale debt securities from financial institutions included (Won)5,739,156 million and (Won)4,210,561 million as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively, which were issued by BOK and KDB. The amortized cost of held-to-maturity debt securities from financial institutions included (Won)2,041,842 million and (Won)518,240 million as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively, which were issued by BOK and KDB.

During 2007, there was a decline in the fair value of the Bank’s asset-backed securities portfolio, specifically asset-backed Collateralized Debt Obligations(“CDOs”) as a result of deteriorating conditions in the U.S. subprime/credit market. The Bank’s total exposure to asset backed CDOs at December 31, 2007 was (Won)42,123 million. Due to the deterioration of U.S. credit market, the fair value of the securities declined. Accordingly, the Bank wrote down (Won)10,771 million of asset-backed CDOs and charged the losses to current operations in 2007 as the Bank considered the losses to be other-than-temporary. The Bank expects conditions in credit markets in the U.S. to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. Therefore, continued deterioration in the U.S. credit markets could adversely affect the fair value of the asset-backed securities held by the Bank.

For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the total impairment losses recognized on available-for-sale securities were (Won)22,188 million, (Won)48,020 million and (Won)50,467 million, respectively, where decreases in fair value were deemed to be other-than-temporary. With respect to the held-to-maturity securities, the Bank recognized (Won)8,067 million of the impairment losses for the year ended December 31, 2007. For the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006, no impairment losses were recognized on held-to-maturity securities.

 

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The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses and fair value of investment securities aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2006:

 

    December 31, 2006  
    Less than 12 months     12 months or longer     Total  

(In millions of Won)

  Fair value   Gross
unrealized
losses
    Fair value   Gross
unrealized
losses
    Fair value   Gross
unrealized
losses
 

Available-for-sale securities

           

Debt securities:

           

Korean treasury and government agencies

  2,002,826   (9,442 )         2,002,826   (9,442 )

Corporate

  162,930   (4,433 )         162,930   (4,433 )

Financial institutions

  5,046,055   (15,396 )         5,046,055   (15,396 )

Asset-backed securities

  18,600   (515 )         18,600   (515 )

Marketable equity securities

  122,422   (45,754 )         122,422   (45,754 )
                             

Total available-for-sale securities

  7,352,833   (75,540 )         7,352,833   (75,540 )
                             

Held-to-maturity securities

           

Debt securities:

           

Korean treasury and government agencies

  1,095,464   (8,316 )   3,783,982   (83,743 )   4,879,446   (92,059 )

Corporate

  59,594   (405 )   117,793   (2,093 )   177,387   (2,498 )

Financial institutions

  83,350   (440 )   2,045,384   (12,685 )   2,128,734   (13,125 )

Asset-backed securities

  —     —       162,970   (1,999 )   162,970   (1,999 )
                             

Total held-to-maturity securities

  1,238,408   (9,161 )   6,110,129   (100,520 )   7,348,537   (109,681 )
                             

Total temporary impaired securities

  8,591,241   (84,701 )   6,110,129   (100,520 )   14,701,370   (185,221 )
                             

The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses and fair value of investment securities aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2007:

 

    December 31, 2007  
    Less than 12 months     12 months or longer     Total  

(In millions of Won)

  Fair value   Gross
unrealized
losses
    Fair value   Gross
unrealized
losses
    Fair value   Gross
unrealized
losses
 

Available-for-sale securities

           

Debt securities:

           

Korean treasury and government agencies

  3,292,328   (65,981 )         3,292,328   (65,981 )

Corporate

  105,643   (1,946 )         105,643   (1,946 )

Financial institutions

  5,306,825   (78,293 )         5,306,825   (78,293 )

Asset-backed securities

  9,706   (199 )         9,706   (199 )

Marketable equity securities

  270,866   (13,599 )         270,866   (13,599 )
                             

Total available-for-sale securities

  8,985,368   (160,018 )         8,985,368   (160,018 )
                             

Held-to-maturity securities

           

Debt securities:

           

Korean treasury and government agencies

  3,536,738   (109,347 )   4,365,858   (189,069 )   7,902,596   (298,416 )

Corporate

  66,143   (3,414 )   115,531   (4,388 )   181,674   (7,802 )

Financial institutions

  1,526,052   (42,081 )   333,319   (16,782 )   1,859,371   (58,863 )

Asset-backed securities

  103,963   (2,026 )   154,257   (739 )   258,220   (2,765 )
                             

Total held-to-maturity securities

  5,232,896   (156,868 )   4,968,965   (210,978 )   10,201,861   (367,846 )
                             

Total temporary impaired securities

  14,218,264   (316,886 )   4,968,965   (210,978 )   19,187,229   (527,.864 )
                             

 

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As of December 31, 2006 and 2007, the cost of debt and equity securities exceeded their fair value by (Won)185,221 million and (Won)527,864 million, respectively. The unrealized losses on these securities are not considered to be other-than temporary because the unrealized losses resulted mainly from changes in the current market conditions and do not affect the expected cash flows of the underlying collateral or issuer. The Bank has the ability and intent to hold these securities for a period of time sufficient to recover from the unrealized losses. Accordingly, the Bank’s management has determined that the decline in fair value of the above investment securities is considered temporary in nature.

For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the Bank recognized net gains on venture capital securities and other investments of (Won)15,010 million, (Won)31,042 million and (Won)275,797 million, respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities amounted to (Won)12,926,567 million, (Won)21,431,333 million and (Won)14,597,573 million, respectively. Gross realized gains amounted to (Won)161,388 million, (Won)85,496 million and (Won)752,858 million, and gross realized losses amounted to (Won)97,360 million, (Won)43,987 million and (Won)20,996 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Bank disposed of 13,244,159 shares of LG Card Co., Ltd. accounted for as available-for-sales securities and 357,000 shares of ING Life Insurance Company accounted for under the equity method. With respect to the sale of these investments, the Bank recognized gain on disposal of investments amounting to (Won)657,872 million and (Won)143,893 million, respectively, and recorded the amounts as “Net gain on investments” in the consolidated income statements.

The expected maturity distribution of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of the Bank’s available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities at December 31, 2007 by contractual maturity are shown in the table below. The actual maturities may differ from the expected maturities or contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

     Available-for-sale debt
securities
   Held-to-maturity debt
securities

(In millions of Won)

   Amortized cost    Fair value    Amortized cost    Fair value

Due in one year or less

   3,292,585    3,292,461    1,684,051    1,676,613

Due after one year through five years

   9,107,491    8,989,017    6,709,007    6,509,827

Due after five years through ten years

   207,601    201,604    2,641,436    2,488,575

Due after ten years

   16,495    15,580    10,000    8,921

Securities not due at a single maturity date

   24,510    24,884    13,815    13,812
                   

Total

   12,648,682    12,523,546    11,058,309    10,697,748
                   

9. Variable Interest Entities

In the normal course of its business, the Bank is a party to various entities which may be deemed to be variable interest entities such as asset-backed securitizations of non-performing loans, various investment funds, guaranteed trusts and SPEs created for structured financing. The Bank also, in the ordinary course of its business, has involvements in certain VIEs through various types of interests, including investments in subordinated debt, the right to receive fees for acting as an asset manager or a business trustee, and the right to receive fees for providing liquidity facilities.

 

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In accordance with FIN No. 46(R), the Bank has consolidated all VIEs for which the Bank was determined to be the primary beneficiary. The following table represents the carrying amount of assets held by VIEs as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, which have been consolidated by the Bank:

 

(In millions of Won)

   2006    2007

Investments

   1,301,499    405,793

Loans (net of allowance for loan losses of (Won)888,658 million and (Won)543,752 million as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively)

   988,914    1,023,535

Other assets

   799,524    714,750
         

Total

   3,089,937    2,144,078
         

The total assets consolidated by the Bank at December 31, 2006 and 2007 included (Won)2,319,051 million and (Won)1,920,629 million, respectively, of structured transactions where the Bank packaged and securitized assets, (Won)711,606 million and (Won)151,812 million, respectively, related to investment trusts that hold investments on behalf of the Bank, and (Won)59,280 million and (Won)71,637 million, respectively, related to Guaranteed Fixed Rate Money Trusts constructed by the Bank.

In addition, the Bank has consolidated its Guaranteed Fixed Rate Money Trusts because the Bank was deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The Bank would absorb the majority of the expected losses of these trusts by providing a guarantee of the principal and a fixed rate of return on the principal amount invested. The Bank did not consolidate its Guaranteed Principal Money Trusts or performance based trusts because the Bank is not the primary beneficiary.

In addition to the VIEs that are consolidated in accordance with FIN No. 46(R), the Bank has significant variable interests in certain other VIEs that are not consolidated because the Bank is not the primary beneficiary. These VIEs are structured by other third parties and the Bank does not absorb the majority of the entities’ losses nor does it receive a majority of the entities’ expected residual returns. These VIEs facilitate client transactions, and the Bank provides the VIEs with administration services and liquidity. The transactions with the VIEs are conducted at arm’s length, and individual credit decisions are based on the analysis of the specific VIEs, taking into consideration the quality of the underlying assets. The Bank records and reports these transactions with the VIEs similar to any other third party transactions. All liquidity facilities provided to these VIEs are included in the Bank’s credit-related commitments described in more detail in Note 31.

The following table presents, by type of VIE, the total assets and maximum exposure to loss as a result of the involvement in significant VIEs, which have not been consolidated at December 31, 2006 and 2007:

 

     2006    2007

(In millions of Won)

   Total assets    Maximum
exposure (1)
   Total assets    Maximum
exposure (1)

Asset-backed securitization of non-performing loans

   1,093,913    2,788    1,436,807    1,927

VIEs created for structured financing

   26,938,820    3,762,418    16,870,864    5,218,066

Liquidity provided to VIEs

   3,116,390    2,249,377    2,352,581    1,521,864

Investment trusts

   4,004,527    3,398,846    4,262,010    3,748,364

Others

   9,593,057    224,098    8,554,001    135,782
                   

Total

   44,746,707    9,637,527    33,476,263    10,626,003
                   

 

(1)

Represents the carrying amount of equity interests and debt interests held by the Bank or guarantees provided by the Bank as of December 31, 2006 and 2007.

 

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10. Loans

The composition of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 was as follows:

 

(In millions of Won)

   2006     2007  

Domestic

    

Commercial:

    

Commercial and industrial (1)

   48,182,828     60,944,632  

Construction

   6,504,446     8,843,237  

Other commercial (2)

   1,408,645     1,797,202  

Consumer:

    

Mortgage and home equity

   63,982,344     65,819,452  

Credit cards

   8,954,910     10,428,935  

Other consumer (3)

   21,588,997     23,019,866  

Foreign

   780,866     1,335,466  
            

Gross loans (4)(5)(6)

   151,403,036     172,188,790  

Deferred origination costs, net

   280,904     396,270  

Less: Allowance for loan losses

   (2,468,378 )   (1,864,029 )
            

Total loans, net

   149,215,562     170,721,031  
            

 

(1)

Commercial and industrial loans include (Won)400,011 million and (Won)314,437 million of loans to the Korean government and government related agencies as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

(2)

Other commercial loans include bills bought in foreign currency and overdrafts.

(3)

Other consumer loans include personal overdrafts and loans with principal due at maturity.

(4)

Total loans on non-accrual status amounted to (Won)6,290,699 million and (Won)4,876,274 million as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

(5)

The total investment in loans past due one day or more still accruing interest amounted to (Won)748,498 million and (Won)332,067 million as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

(6)

Total pledged loans amounted to (Won)658,855 million and (Won)307,476 million as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively (See Note 31).

For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the Bank received equity securities having a fair market value of (Won)52,665 million, (Won)879 million and (Won)1,687 million, respectively, through the restructuring of 16, 14 and 16 loans, respectively, having an aggregate book value of (Won)134,394 million, (Won)4,083 million and (Won)15,670 million, respectively. The Bank recognized aggregate charge-offs of (Won)81,952 million, (Won)3,217 million and (Won)13,983 million in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively, related to these transactions.

Korea Housing Finance Corporation (“KHFC”), a government owned entity, which was established on March 1, 2004 in accordance with the Korea Housing Finance Corporation Act, has developed a new mortgage loan sale scheme to provide opportunity for long-term investment and to stimulate the domestic housing market. Under the new scheme, the Bank entered into a mortgage loan sale and servicing agreement with KHFC, and underwrites mortgage loans at fixed interest rates and transfers them to KHFC within a short period of time after origination. These loans are written with the intention of transfer to KHFC and have an average contractual maturity of 20 years. These loans are transferred at their carrying value and the Bank retains no risk, but retains various servicing responsibilities with regard to the collection and administration of the loans, as well as servicing rights, and receives servicing fees in return.

The Bank sold mortgage loans with an aggregate principal balance of (Won)125,476 million and (Won)454,060 million to KHFC and recognized (Won)3,515 million and (Won)4,466 million of servicing fee income for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively. In relation to these transactions, the Bank recorded loans held for sale as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 amounting to (Won)30,042 million and (Won)92,929 million, respectively, which are included “Other assets” (See Note 12).

 

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The table below sets forth information on the Bank’s impaired loans as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007. Impaired loans are those on which the Bank believes it is probable that it will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan.

 

(In millions of Won)

   2005    2006    2007

Impaired loans with an allowance

   3,231,343    2,505,050    1,712,769

Impaired loans without an allowance

   139,637    178,565    87,658
              

Total impaired loans

   3,370,980    2,683,615    1,800,427
              

Allowance for impaired loans

   1,530,909    1,386,802    953,825

Average balance of impaired loans during the year

   4,119,600    3,295,033    2,305,596

Interest income recognized on impaired loans during the year (1)(2)

   194,310    185,336    139,297

 

(1)

Had the impaired loans performed in accordance with their original terms, additional interest income of (Won)126,877 million, (Won)73,544 million and (Won)83,504 million would have been recorded in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

(2)

Of these amounts, (Won)50,523 million, (Won)32,482 million and (Won)16,731 million as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively, relate to troubled debt restructurings.

The net carrying amount of foreclosed assets amounted to (Won)330 million and nil as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively, and are included in “Other assets” (See Note 12).

As discussed in Note 1, adverse economic conditions in the Korean economy may continue to have a negative effect on debtors of the Bank. The Bank owns investment securities of, and has loans outstanding to, a number of Korean companies that have experienced financial difficulties. The ultimate collectibility of these amounts is subject to a number of factors, including the successful performance of the debtors under various restructuring plans in place or in process of negotiation and their ability to perform on loan and debt obligations given the status of the Korean economy and the potential continuation of adverse trends or other unfavorable developments. Consequently, it is reasonably possible that adjustments could be made to the reserve for impaired loans and to the carrying amount of investments in the near term in amounts that may be material to the Bank’s consolidated financial statements.

The table below summarizes the changes in the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31:

 

    2005     2006  

(In millions of Won)

  Loans     Off-balance
sheet credit
instruments (1)
  Total     Loans     Off-balance
sheet credit
instruments (1)
    Total  

Allowance at January 1,

  4,461,435     58,347   4,519,782     3,212,012     238,764     3,450,776  

Provision for (reversal of provision for) credit losses

  432,688     180,417   613,105     (195,140 )   95,214     (99,926 )

Charge-offs

  (2,257,431 )   —     (2,257,431 )   (1,334,709 )   —       (1,334,709 )

Recoveries

  575,682     —     575,682     786,443     —       786,443  

Other

  (362 )   —     (362 )   (228 )   (300 )   (528 )
                                 

Allowance at December 31,

  3,212,012     238,764   3,450,776     2,468,378     333,678     2,802,056  
                                 

 

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     2007  

(In millions of Won)

   Loans     Off-balance sheet
credit
instruments (1)
    Total  

Allowance at January 1,

   2,468,378     333,678     2,802,056  

Provision for (Reversal of provision for) credit losses

   108,764     (90,390 )   18,374  

Charge-offs

   (1,346,570 )   —       (1,346,570 )

Recoveries

   632,694     —       632,694  

Other

   763     97     860  
                  

Allowance at December 31,

   1,864,029     243,385     2,107,414  
                  

 

(1)

The allowance for off-balance sheet credit instruments is included in “Other liabilities”.

11. Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment, net as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 consisted of the following:

 

(In millions of Won)

   2006     2007  

Land

   515,392     531,233  

Buildings

   956,332     918,183  

Equipment and furniture

   1,533,406     1,547,158  

Leasehold improvements

   244,779     301,684  

Construction in progress

   1,297     3,448  
            

Total

   3,251,206     3,301,706  

Less: Accumulated depreciation

   (1,639,227 )   (1,642,127 )
            

Premises and equipment, net

   1,611,979     1,659,579  
            

The Bank incurred depreciation expense on its buildings, equipment and furniture and leasehold improvements of (Won)256,741 million, (Won)228,970 million and (Won)341,039 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

12. Other Assets

Other assets as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 consisted of the following:

 

(In millions of Won)

   2006    2007

Accounts receivable

   115,413    241,162

Payments in advance

   7,896    21,757

Deferred tax assets, net

   177,928    50,124

Prepaid expenses

   83,424    102,680

Prepaid income tax

   2,269    610

Foreclosed assets, net (1)

   330    —  

Loans held-for-sale

   30,042    92,929

Fair value hedge derivatives

   636    394

Income tax receivable

   —      804,723

Others

   235,395    326,448
         

Total

   653,333    1,640,827
         

 

(1)

Net of valuation reserve of (Won)169 million as of December 31, 2006

 

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13. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following table presents goodwill as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 allocated to each of the Bank’s business segments, as defined in Note 35:

 

(In millions of Won)

   2006    2007

Corporate Banking

   145,985    145,985

Credit Card Operations

   248,472    248,472
         

Total

   394,457    394,457
         

As of December 31, 2007, the outstanding balances of goodwill, which resulted from the respective mergers with Korea Long Term Credit Bank and Kookmin Credit Card (See Note 1), are (Won)162,205 million and (Won)232,252 million, respectively. There were no goodwill impairment charges recorded for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

There were no indefinite-lived intangible assets for any of the periods presented. Other intangible assets, which are subject to amortization, primarily include core deposit and credit card relationship intangibles, as well as capitalized software costs. The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization related to other intangible assets as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 are presented below.

 

    December 31, 2006   December 31, 2007

(In millions of Won)

  Gross
carrying
amount
  Accumulated
amortization
    Net carrying
amount
  Gross
carrying
amount
  Accumulated
amortization
    Net carrying
amount

Core deposit intangible

  397,836   (316,465 )   81,371   397,836   (352,250 )   45,586

Credit card relationship intangible (1)

  131,876   (126,643 )   5,233   131,876   (131,876 )   —  

Credit card relationship intangible (2)

  75,000   (39,900 )   35,100   75,000   (48,075 )   26,925

Capitalized software costs

  138,392   (78,208 )   60,184   186,821   (78,256 )   108,565

Other

  24,502   (21,098 )   3,404   26,165   (23,771 )   2,394
                           

Total

  767,606   (582,314 )   185,292   817,698   (634,228 )   183,470
                           

 

(1)

Recognized with respect to the merger of H&CB

(2)

Recognized with respect to the merger of KCC

The aggregate amortization expenses of other intangible assets in 2005, 2006 and 2007 were (Won)95,872 million, (Won)94,818 million and (Won)77,843 million, respectively, and are included in “Depreciation and amortization” in the consolidated statements of income. The amortization expenses related to other intangible assets for their remaining useful lives are expected to be (Won)71,405 million, (Won)57,453 million, (Won)30,923 million, (Won)17,768 million and (Won)3,243 million for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

 

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14. Deposits

Deposits as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 were as follows:

 

(In millions of Won)

   2006    2007    Weighted
average rate
paid for
2007
 

Interest-bearing deposits:

        

Time deposits

   62,696,100    67,235,317    4.40 %

Savings deposits

   44,520,037    43,245,825    0.84 %

Certificate of deposits

   9,534,701    17,551,643    5.19 %

Mutual installment deposits

   7,676,670    6,012,302    3.35 %

Interest-bearing demand deposits

   767,530    714,501    2.15 %
            

Total interest bearing deposits

   125,195,038    134,759,588    3.25 %

Non interest bearing deposits:

        

Demand deposits

   4,344,967    3,678,043   
            

Total deposits

   129,540,005    138,437,631    3.17 %
            

In accordance with the Bank of Korea Act, banks are required to reserve 0% to 5% of deposits to the Bank of Korea based on customers’ deposits, which is recorded as a restricted cash and cash equivalent in the consolidated balance sheet (See Note 4).

The scheduled contractual maturities of time deposits, certificates of deposit and mutual installment deposits as of December 31, 2007 were as follows:

 

(In millions of Won)

    

2008

   81,880,719

2009

   3,883,755

2010

   1,514,509

2011

   470,534

2012

   438,727

Thereafter

   2,611,018
    

Total

   90,799,262
    

The Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation (“KDIC”) provides deposit insurance up to a total of (Won)50 million per depositor in each bank pursuant to the Depositor Protection Act for deposits maturing after January 1, 2001, regardless of the placement date of the deposit. For the insurance covered by KDIC, the Bank pays a premium of 0.2% of the average deposits which amounted to (Won)221,797 million, (Won)217,502 million and (Won)213,155 million in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

 

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15. Other Borrowed Funds

A summary of other borrowed funds as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 is presented below.

 

     2006     2007  

(In millions of Won)

   Outstanding
balance
   Weighted
average
interest
rate
    Outstanding
balance
   Weighted
average
interest
rate
 

Kookmin Bank

          

Borrowings from the Bank of Korea

   681,965    2.30 %   488,139    2.97 %

Borrowings in foreign currencies

   1,892,081    4.32 %   1,796,265    5.19 %

Borrowings from trust accounts managed by the Bank

   1,266,518    4.08 %   1,411,089    4.55 %

Debentures in Won

   6,313,953    4.54 %   3,535,327    4.89 %

Other borrowings

   462,479    6.15 %   506,378    6.77 %
              

Subtotal

   10,616,996    4.31 %   7,737,198    4.86 %
              

Subsidiaries

          

Borrowings from other financial institutions

   10,310    2.70 %   39,020    1.45 %
              

Total other borrowed funds

   10,627,306    4.30 %   7,776,218    4.84 %
              

Other borrowed funds are defined as borrowed funds with original maturities of less than one year.

16. Secured Borrowings

The Bank transferred certain non-performing loans and investment securities to SPEs, which in turn issued beneficial interests collateralized by such loans. In addition, KCC, one of the Bank’s majority-owned subsidiaries, transferred credit card loans and revolving assets to SPEs prior to its merger with the Bank. These transactions did not meet the conditions for a sale under SFAS No. 140 and have been accounted for as secured borrowings. As a result, the loans and securities collateralizing these borrowings are included in “Loans” and “Available-for-sale securities” or “Held-to-maturity securities,” respectively, and the beneficial interests issued by the SPEs, which paid interest at rates of 5.11% to 7.02% per annum as of December 31, 2007, are included in “Secured borrowings.”

In addition, the Bank has sold securities under repurchase agreement having maturities in excess of 90 days but less than 1 year, which are also classified as secured borrowings. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are reflected at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction. The Bank may be required to provide additional collateral based on the fair value of the underlying securities.

 

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The components of the secured borrowings and related collateral as of December 31, 2006 were as follows:

 

    2006
    Maturity  

Secured

borrowings

    Collateral

(In millions of Won)

      Loans   Securities

KB 7th ABS Specialty Co., Ltd. 4.87%-5.35% senior collaterized bond obligation

  2007-2008   162,000     114,275   —  

FN Star 4th ABS Specialty Co., Ltd. 5.72% senior collaterized bond obligation

  2007   13,000     —     —  

FN Star 5th ABS Specialty Co., Ltd. 5.08%-5.66% senior collaterized bond obligation

  2007-2009   13,000     —     —  

KCC 13th ABS Specialty Co., Ltd. 6.17% senior collaterized bond obligation

  2007   232,400     544,580   —  

Other 3.40%-5.13% securities sold under repurchase agreement

  2007-2008   7,042,455     —     7,070,657
               

Gross secured borrowings

    7,462,855     658,855   7,070,657

Discount

    (207 )   —     —  
               

Total secured borrowings, net

    7,462,648     658,855   7,070,657
               

The components of the secured borrowings and related collateral as of December 31, 2007 were as follows:

 

    2007
    Maturity   Secured
borrowings
    Collateral

(In millions of Won)

      Loans   Securities

KB 8th ABS Specialty Co., Ltd. 5.11%-5.23% senior collaterized bond obligation

  2008-2009   93,000     25,457   —  

KB 9th ABS Specialty Co., Ltd. 5.24%-5.66% senior collaterized bond obligation

  2008-2009   106,000     81,191   —  

Prince DCM Co., Ltd. 5.74%
commercial papers

  2008   90,000     89,152   —  

Chungla Vivaldi Co., Ltd. 7.02%
commercial papers

  2008   74,000     73,852   —  

Daejeon-Seonambu Halla Vivaldi Co., Ltd. 5.73% commercial papers

  2008   37,900     37,824   —  

Other 3.65%-6.50% securities sold under repurchase agreement

  2008   5,914,230     —     7,100,192
               

Gross secured borrowings

    6,315,130     307,476   7,100,192

Discount

    (214 )   —     —  
               

Total secured borrowings, net

    6,314,916     307,476   7,100,192
               

Secured borrowings maturity schedule

The combined aggregate amounts of all secured borrowings by contractual maturities as of December 31, 2007 were as follows:

 

(In millions of Won)

      

Due in 2008

   6,257,130  

Due in 2009

   58,000  

Due in 2010

   —    

Due in 2011

   —    

Due in 2012

   —    

Thereafter

   —    
      

Gross secured borrowings

   6,315,130  

Discount

   (214 )
      

Total secured borrowings, net

   6,314,916  
      

 

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17. Long-term Debt

The following table is a summary of long-term debt (net of unamortized original issue discount) as of December 31, 2006 and 2007:

 

(In millions of Won)

  

Interest rate

  

Maturity

   2006     2007  

Senior

          

Kookmin Bank

          

Won currency

          

Notes payable to Ministry of Finance and Economy

   3.88%~5.00%    2008~2023    175,422     142,097  

Notes payable to Korea Development Bank

   2.00%~4.39%    2008~2016    4,379     19,238  

Notes payable to other government funds

   1.50%~8.00%    2008~2022    383,589     525,771  

Notes payable to Industrial Bank of Korea

   3.75%~4.59%    2008~2015    76,646     53,187  

Floating rate finance debentures (1)

   5.23%~9.20%    2008~2017    893,929     1,480,239  

Finance debentures

   3.18%~8.15%    2008~2022    7,607,823     20,010,761  

Other notes payable

   1.20%~5.40%    2008~2057    1,180,478     1,312,597  
                  

Subtotal

         10,322,266     23,543,890  
                  

Foreign currency

          

Floating rate finance debentures (1)

   1.00%~6.42%    2008~2012    1,964,851     2,633,463  

Finance debentures

   —      —      472,054     —    

Floating rate notes payable (1)

   0.97%~5.89%    2008~2012    818,431     1,560,503  

Other notes payable

   1.07%~5.55%    2008    251,422     1,101,756  
                  

Subtotal

         3,506,758     5,295,722  
                  

Subsidiaries

          

Finance debentures

   1.00%    2008~2009    —       150  

Borrowings from other financial institutions in Won

   3.00%~4.00%    2019~2027    76,718     75,788  

Borrowings from Small and Medium Company Promotion Fund

   1.05%~1.15%    2016~2017    3,896     3,322  
                  

Subtotal

         80,614     79,260  
                  

Subordinated

          

Kookmin Bank

          

Won currency

          

Finance debentures

   4.19%~15.02%    2008-2033    7,765,444     7,390,391  
                  

Gross long-term debt

         21,675,082     36,309,263  

Discount

         (244 )   (2,343 )
                  

Total long-term debt, net

         21,674,838     36,306,920  
                  

 

(1)

Interest rates on floating rate debt are those rates in effect at December 31, 2007.

Long-term debt is predominately denominated in Won, U.S. dollars and Japanese Yen with both fixed and floating interest rates. Floating rates are generally determined periodically by formulas based on certain money market rates tied to the three-month or six-month London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and the monthly Public Fund Prime Rate published by the Korean government and are reset on a monthly, quarterly and semi-annual basis. The weighted-average interest rates for long-term debt were 5.28 % and 5.49% as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

 

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Debt maturity schedule

The combined aggregate amounts of all long-term debt by contractual maturities as of December 31, 2007 were as follows:

 

(In millions of Won)

      

Due in 2008

   10,412,928  

Due in 2009

   7,567,183  

Due in 2010

   8,346,896  

Due in 2011

   1,202,507  

Due in 2012

   4,173,665  

Thereafter

   4,606,084  
      

Gross long-term debt

   36,309,263  

Discount

   (2,343 )
      

Total long-term debt, net

   36,306,920  
      

18. Other Liabilities

Other liabilities as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 were comprised of the following:

 

(In millions of Won)

   2006    2007

Accrued severance benefits

   208,286    237,756

Accrued expenses

   184,599    235,114

Accounts payable

   468,482    836,925

Unearned income

   120,907    159,410

Tax withholdings and income tax payable

   558,563    864,773

Guarantee deposits received

   91,035    106,253

Deferred tax liabilities

   177,317    108,463

Fair value hedge derivatives

   —      14,803

Due to agencies

   171,024    363,757

Allowance for losses on off-balance sheet credit instruments

   333,678    243,385

Payments received on behalf of government and others

   151,216    281,428

Others

   709,291    501,315
         

Total

   3,174,398    3,953,382
         

 

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19. Non-interest Income

The components of non-interest income for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were as follows:

 

(In millions of Won)

   2005     2006     2007  

Trust fees, net

   145,813     155,657     159,175  

Other fees and commission income:

      

Commissions received on fund management

   184,054     175,115     124,656  

Commissions and fees received for brokerage and agency activities

   148,675     259,320     488,439  

Commissions received on credit cards

   810,706     884,293     976,434  

Commissions received in remittance

   23,498     19,214     14,168  

Commissions received on cash dispenser service

   90,337     89,369     83,111  

Commissions received on letters of credit

   46,605     44,511     45,578  

Bancassurance fees received

   133,973     154,689     188,186  

Other

   437,943     508,119     503,500  
                  

Subtotal

   1,875,791     2,134,630     2,424,072  
                  

Net trading revenue

   292,290     263,118     40,732  
                  

Net gain (loss) on investments:

      

Debt securities

   (43,404 )   (52,474 )   (55,807 )

Equity securities

   126,257     106,502     797,324  

Other

   15,010     31,042     275,797  
                  

Subtotal

   97,863     85,070     1,017,314  
                  

Other non-interest income:

      

Gain on sale of loans

   100,710     181     3,485  

Other

   331,543     240,954     368,079  
                  

Subtotal

   432,253     241,135     371,564  
                  

Total non-interest income

   2,844,010     2,879,610     4,012,857  
                  

 

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20. Non-interest Expenses

The components of non-interest expenses for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were as follows:

 

(In millions of Won)

   2005    2006    2007

Salaries and employee benefits:

        

Salaries and other benefits

   2,062,279    1,891,597    2,096,258

Provision for accrued severance benefits

   130,673    162,237    183,569
              

Subtotal

   2,192,952    2,053,834    2,279,827
              

Depreciation and amortization:

        

Depreciation on premises and equipment

   256,741    228,970    341,039

Amortization of other intangible assets

   95,872    94,818    77,843
              

Subtotal

   352,613    323,788    418,882
              

Other administrative expenses

   628,132    770,548    835,720
              

Credit card fees:

        

Commissions paid on credit cards

   187,031    238,269    337,496

Commissions paid on troubled credit cards

   746    646    721
              

Subtotal

   187,777    238,915    338,217
              

Other fees and commissions:

        

Insurance fees on deposits to KDIC

   221,797    217,502    213,155

Contribution to guarantee funds

   169,431    206,398    268,435

Commissions on overdue loans

   3,273    57    —  

Other

   130,155    229,894    246,959
              

Subtotal

   524,656    653,851    728,549
              

Other non-interest expenses:

        

Loss on sale of loans

   619    14    3,940

Loss on disposition of assets

   4,304    1,994    1,697

Tax expenses other than income tax

   99,501    106,599    117,042

Other

   323,170    372,673    409,700
              

Subtotal

   427,594    481,280    532,379
              

Total non-interest expenses

   4,313,724    4,522,216    5,133,574
              

21. Common Stock

Capital stock

The Bank has 1,000 million authorized shares of common stock with (Won)5,000 par value, of which 336,379,116 shares were issued as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, and 336,327,773 (net of 51,343 treasury shares) and 336,353,034 (net of 26,082 treasury shares) shares were outstanding as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

 

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Treasury stock

Treasury stock transactions are recorded at cost. The changes in the treasury stock of the Bank for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were as follows:

 

Description

   Shares increase    Shares decrease    Net changes  

Shares at January 1, 2005

         29,881,209  
            

2005

   —      29,663,274    (29,663,274 )

2006

   368,798    535,390    (166,592 )

2007

   77,084    102,345    (25,261 )
            

Shares at December 31, 2007

         26,082  
            

The Bank sold 26,680,772 shares of treasury stock for (Won)1,215,042 million on June 16, 2005 on the domestic over-the-counter market and reissued 742,989 shares of global depository receipts for (Won)33,621 million on June 16, 2005 for the purpose of improving its net capital ratios and enhancing the quality of its financial structure pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors on April 27, 2005.

In addition, in 2005, the Bank reissued 239,513 shares upon the exercise of employee stock options and 2,000,000 shares under Employee Stock Ownership Plan as discussed below.

In 2006, the Bank purchased 368,798 shares and sold 317,455 shares through a private equity fund. Also, the Bank reissued 217,935 shares upon the exercise of employee stock options.

In 2007, the Bank purchased 77,084 shares and sold 102,345 shares through a private equity fund.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

On July 26, 2002, the Board of Directors made a resolution to establish an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “ESOP”) for the welfare of employees. In accordance with the ESOP, the Bank acquired 3,000,000 shares of treasury stock in 2002, and the Bank contributed 1,000,000 shares in 2003 and 2,000,000 shares in 2005 to the Employee Stock Ownership Association (the “ESOA”). The fair value of shares contributed to the ESOA amounting to (Won)89,500 million in 2005 was charged to compensation expense, as the Bank does not have control over the ESOA.

All of the Bank’s employees are eligible to participate in the ESOP except employees who are granted stock options under the Bank’s stock-based compensation plan. On the date of stock contribution by the Bank, the ESOA temporarily allocates shares to eligible employees and confirms the allocation to the individuals after three years. These shares can be withdrawn by the employees after one year from the confirmation date. Under the ESOP, all eligible employees were required to contribute an equal number of shares to the ESOA during 2003, which can be withdrawn after one year from the contribution date. Upon retirement, disorganization or exercise of a purchase option, withdrawal is permitted despite the obligatory deposit period. The dividends received by the ESOA on the shares held by them will be distributed to the employees along with distribution of shares to the employees.

 

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22. Retained Earnings

Korean regulations require the Bank to appropriate retained earnings for certain purposes. Appropriated and unappropriated retained earnings as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 were as follows:

 

(In millions of Won)

   2006    2007

Appropriated retained earnings:

     

Legal reserve

   826,640    1,073,940

Reserve for financial structure improvement

   55,600    55,600

Other statutory reserves

   3,669    4,453

Unappropriated retained earnings

   6,380,095    8,879,869
         

Total

   7,266,004    10,013,862
         

The General Banking Act requires the Bank to appropriate as a legal reserve an amount equal to a minimum of 10% of annual net income, as reported in Kookmin Bank’s unconsolidated financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles in Korea (Korean GAAP), until such reserve equals 100% of its paid-in capital. This reserve is not available for payment of cash dividends but may be transferred to capital stock or used to reduce an accumulated deficit, if any, by an appropriate resolution of the Bank’s board of directors.

In 2002, the Finance Supervisory Service recommended that banks appropriate at least 10 percent of their net income after accumulated deficit to a reserve for financial structure improvement, until the simple capital ratio equals 5.5 percent. This reserve is not available for payment of cash dividends; however, it can be used to reduce a deficit or be transferred to capital.

The Bank’s branch in Japan is required to appropriate a legal reserve of up to 10% of annual income, as reported in the Japan Branch’s financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles in Japan, until such reserve equals two billion Japanese Yen. This reserve is used only to reduce any accumulated deficit related to the branch in Japan and is recorded in “Other statutory reserves”.

As of December 31, 2006 and 2007, total balances of accumulated restricted retained earnings were (Won)885,909 million and (Won)1,133,993 million, respectively.

Dividends

Dividends payable to the equity stockholders are based on the unappropriated retained earnings available for distribution, which is defined in Korean Commercial Law, as reported in Kookmin Bank’s non-consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP. Hence, the unappropriated retained earnings available for dividend distribution in accordance with U.S. GAAP may, in certain years, either not be fully available or will be additionally available for distribution to the equity stockholders. Further, dividends are declared and paid in Korean Won. As of December 31, 2006 and 2007, in its Korean GAAP non-consolidated financial statements, Kookmin Bank has reported unappropriated retained earnings of (Won)5,384,913 million and (Won)6,662,763 million, respectively.

With respect to unappropriated retained earnings available for the payment of dividends as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, on March 24, 2006 and March 23, 2007, the stockholders approved the payment of a cash dividend of 11% and 73%, to stockholders of record as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively, and cash dividends amounting to (Won)184,889 million and (Won)1,227,784 million were paid on March 29, 2006 and March 28, 2007, respectively.

23. Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income includes net income plus transactions and other occurrences that are the result of non-owner changes in equity. For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the non-owner equity

 

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changes were composed of foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on investment securities, net of taxes. Below are the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and the related tax effects for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

 

(in millions of Won)

   Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments
    Net unrealized
gains (losses) on
investment
securities
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss), net
 

Balance, January 1, 2005

   (28,322 )   138,242     109,920  

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax benefit of (Won)4,216 million

   (11,116 )   —       (11,116 )

Unrealized holding losses on investment securities, net of tax benefit of (Won)35,722 million

   —       (97,208 )   (97,208 )

Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, net of tax benefit of (Won)22,056 million

   —       (58,147 )   (58,147 )
                  

Current period change

   (11,116 )   (155,355 )   (166,471 )
                  

Balance, December 31, 2005

   (39,438 )   (17,113 )   (56,551 )
                  

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax benefit of (Won)1,534 million

   (4,043 )   —       (4,043 )

Unrealized holding gains on investment securities, net of tax expense of (Won)179,543 million

   —       475,664     475,664  

Less: Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income, net of tax expense of (Won)3,115 million

   —       9,417     9,417  
                  

Current period change

   (4,043 )   485,081     481,038  
                  

Balance, December 31, 2006

   (43,481 )   467,968     424,487  
                  

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax expense of (Won)572 million

   1,509     —       1,509  

Unrealized holding losses on investment securities, net of tax benefit of (Won)23,743 million

   —       (63,890 )   (63,890 )

Less: Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, net of tax benefit of (Won)187,777 million

   —       (495,092 )   (495,092 )
                  

Current period change

   1,509     (558,982 )   (557,473 )
                  

Balance, December 31, 2007

   (41,972 )   (91,014 )   (132,986 )
                  

24. Regulatory Requirements

In conformity with the Financial Supervisory Service (“FSS”) and the Basel Committee on Banking Regulations and Supervisory Practice guidelines, the Bank applies risk-adjusted capital ratios to evaluate its capital adequacy. The capital adequacy guidelines adopt the approach of risk-weighted capital measure based on the framework developed and proposed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision of the Bank for International Settlements (“BIS”) and involve quantitative credit measures of the assets and certain off-balance-sheet items.

Total capital consists of two tiers of capital. Tier 1 Capital includes common stockholders’ equity, retained profits, legal reserves and minority interests, less intangible assets and other adjustments. Tier 2 Capital consists of the allowance for credit losses up to 1.25 percent of risk-weighted assets, limited amounts of subordinated debt and other adjustments. Under the capital adequacy guidelines, banking institutions with international operations are required to maintain a minimum 8% total risk-based capital ratio, the ratio of total risk-adjusted capital divided by total risk-weighted assets, including a Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 4%.

 

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The capital ratios are calculated based on the Bank’s consolidated balance sheets prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP which may vary in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. In the event the Bank does not maintain a consolidated capital adequacy ratio of 8%, it is subject to corrective actions recommended by the FSS based on the actual financial position and capital ratio of the Bank. Management of the Bank believes that the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject as of December 31, 2006 and 2007. However, events beyond management’s control, such as fluctuations in interest rates or a downturn in the economy could adversely affect future earnings and consequently, the Bank’s ability to meet its future capital requirements.

The following capital ratios are calculated in accordance with and as defined by the FSS guideline, which is materially consistent with BIS guidelines and the Bank’s consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP which may vary in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP as of December 31:

 

(In millions of Won, except capital ratios)

   2006     2007  

Tier 1 capital

   13,328,719     15,156,619  

Tier 2 capital

   6,059,724     4,858,274  

Less: Investment in non-consolidated equity investees, and others (1)

   (637,292 )   (380,658 )
            

Total risk-adjusted capital

   18,751,151     19,634,235  
            

Risk-Weighted Assets

    

On-balance sheet assets

   127,229,327     148,631,471  

Off-balance sheet assets

   4,855,832     6,517,082  
            

Total risk-weighted assets

   132,085,159     155,148,553  
            

Total assets (2)

   420,944,888     498,893,111  

Capital Adequacy Ratios (%)

    

Tier 1 capital ratio (%)

   10.09     9.77  

Tier 2 capital ratio (%)

   4.59     3.13  
            

Capital adequacy ratio (%)

   14.20     12.66  

 

(1)

Equity investees engaged in banking and financial activities of which the Bank owns more than 15% and subordinated notes from securitizations are deducted from total capital, but not deducted directly from Tier 1 and Tier 2 pursuant to the guidelines of the FSS.

(2)

Total assets include off-balance sheet assets.

In addition to the existing capital ratio calculations, all banks in Korea, with certain exceptions, are required to report to the FSS an alternative set of capital ratios, taking into account market risk from equity securities, foreign exchange and derivative instruments. The Bank is subject to these regulatory reporting requirements, which are covered under the same existing minimum capital adequacy ratios.

 

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Capital ratios of the Bank in accordance with these regulatory reporting requirements and the Bank’s consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP, which may vary in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 were as follows:

 

(In millions of Won, except capital ratios)

   2006    2007

Tier 1 capital

   13,328,719    15,156,619

Tier 2 capital (1)

   5,422,432    4,477,616
         

Total risk-adjusted capital

   18,751,151    19,634,235
         

Risk-Weighted Assets

     

Risk-weighted assets for credit risk

   130,784,341    153,901,710

Risk-weighted assets for market risk

   1,589,137    1,697,125
         

Total risk-weighted assets

   132,373,478    155,598,835
         

Total assets (2)

   420,944,888    498,893,111

Capital Adequacy Ratios (%)

     

Tier 1 capital ratio (%)

   10.07    9.74

Tier 2 capital ratio (%)

   4.10    2.88
         

Capital adequacy ratio (%)

   14.17    12.62

 

(1)

Equity investees engaged in banking and financial activities of which the Bank owns more than 15% are deducted from directly Tier 2, pursuant to the guidelines of the FSS.

(2)

Total assets include off-balance sheet items.

25. Income Tax

The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were as follows:

 

     For the years ended December 31,  

(In millions of Won)

   2005    2006    2007  

National tax:

        

Current

   920,655    888,078    1,116,885  

Deferred

   79,090    405,471    142,582  

Tax benefits recognized under FIN 48

   —      —      (162,710 )
                

Total national income tax expense

   999,745    1,293,549    1,096,757  

Local tax:

        

Current

   92,066    88,808    111,689  

Deferred

   7,909    40,547    14,258  

Tax benefits recognized under FIN48

   —      —      (16,271 )
                

Total local income tax expense

   99,975    129,355    109,676  
                

Total income tax expense

   1,099,720    1,422,904    1,206,433  
                

The preceding table does not reflect the tax effects of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and foreign currency translation. The tax effects of these items are recorded directly in stockholders’ equity.

 

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Income tax is calculated for each individual entity in the group. As a result, losses incurred by subsidiaries cannot be offset against profits earned by the parent company. Income tax on the operating profit differs from the theoretical amount that would arise at the statutory tax rate of the home country of the parent as follows:

 

(In millions of Won)

   2005     2006     2007  

Income from continuing operations for the years ended December 31,

   3,818,622     4,519,902     4,965,802  
                  

Statutory tax rates

   27.5 %   27.5 %   27.5 %
                  

Prima facie tax calculated at a statutory tax rate

   1,050,121     1,242,973     1,365,596  

Income not assessable for tax purposes

   (13,904 )   (26,613 )   (16,288 )

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

   74,694     27,065     22,142  

Taxation on outside basis

   2,367     682     31,947  

Adjustment for overseas tax rates

   (1,614 )   2,028     3,962  

Decrease in valuation allowance

   (9,515 )   (8,612 )   (16,991 )

Korean government tax assessment

   —       189,509     (178,981 )

Others

   (2,429 )   (4,128 )   (4,954 )
                  

Income tax expense

   1,099,720     1,422,904     1,206,433  
                  

Effective tax rate

   28.8 %   31.5 %   24.3 %
                  

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred income tax assets (“DTA”) and deferred income tax liabilities (“DTL”) as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 were as follows:

 

(In millions of Won)

   2006     2007  

Deferred income tax assets:

    

Other liabilities

   187,173     174,498  

Valuation of trading assets

   4,333     2,566  

Valuation of investments

   315,599     216,809  

Valuation of available-for-sale securities

   —       34,203  

Premises and equipment

   177,423     183,652  

Long-term debt

   13,485     63,780  

Other temporary differences

   16,811     16,248  

Net operating loss

   36,609     19,080  
            

Total gross deferred income tax assets

   751,433     710,836  
            

Less: Valuation allowance

   (115,013 )   (98,022 )
            

Deferred income tax assets

   636,420     612,814  
            

Deferred income tax liabilities:

    

Allowance for loan losses

   286,378     421,321  

Valuation of available-for-sale securities

   177,317     —    

Accrued interest and dividend receivable

   125,081     135,293  

Other assets

   39,713     94,770  

Other temporary differences

   7,320     19,769  
            

Total gross deferred income tax liabilities

   635,809     671,153  
            

Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities), including other comprehensive income (“OCI”) related DTA (DTL)

   611     (58,339 )
            

Less: Net OCI related DTA (DTL)

   (160,824 )   50,124  
            

Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities), excluding net OCI related DTA (DTL)

   161,435     (108,463 )
            

 

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Deferred income tax assets are recognized only to the extent that realization of the related tax benefit is more likely than not. Management believes it is uncertain whether certain subsidiaries will generate sufficient profits to offset their tax losses in 2006 and 2007. Accordingly, a valuation allowance totaling (Won)115,013 million and (Won)98,022 million as of December 2006 and 2007, respectively, was recognized for deferred income tax assets related to net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) and temporary differences that may not be realized. The decrease of the valuation allowance in 2007 was principally due to the decrease of net operating loss carryforwards.

As of December 31, 2007, the Bank, including its subsidiaries had (Won)69,382 million of NOLs. These losses are expected to expire in the periods from 2008 to 2012.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Bank has adopted FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007. Upon adoption at January 1, 2007, the Bank increased retained earnings by (Won)220,348 million.

The beginning balance of unrecognized tax benefits reconciles to the balance as of December 31, 2007 in the following table:

 

(In millions of Won)

   Amount  

Total unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2007

   70,766  

Amount of increase for current year’s tax position

   11,545  

Gross amount of increases for prior years’ tax position

   739  

Gross amount of decreases for prior years’ tax position

   (56,781 )
      

Total unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2007

   26,269  
      

Any changes in the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits related to temporary differences would result in a reclassification to deferred tax liability, and any changes in the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits related to permanent differences would result in an adjustment to income tax expense and effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2007 and January 1, 2007, the unrecognized tax benefits included above which would, if recognized, affect the effective tax rate are (Won)13,603 million and (Won)58,655 million, respectively.

In 2007, the National Tax Service completed their regular examination of the Bank’s income tax returns for the years 2002 through 2005, and as a result of the tax audit, the Bank received (Won)189,509 million of tax assessments in May 2007 and received an additional tax assessment of (Won)292,337 million in July 2007. Most of these tax assessments related to disallowed tax deductions for loan loss provisions of credit card receivables. The Bank’s management believes that the Bank’s tax deductions for the loan loss provision of credit card receivables was appropriate and appealed the assessment to the National Tax Tribunal. Final judgment of the appeals may result in changes of future income tax expense and benefit. However, the Bank does not expect any changes in unrecognized tax benefits would have a material impact on income tax expense during the next 12 months. The Bank’s major tax jurisdiction is the Republic of Korea, and as of December 31, 2007, all tax years subsequent to 2005 remain open to examination.

The Bank’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to income tax matters in income tax expense. After the adoption of FIN 48, the Bank has total gross accrual for interest and penalties of (Won)244,062 million and (Won)71,650 million as of December 31, 2007 and January 1, 2007, respectively. During 2007, the Bank recognized income tax benefit related to interest and penalties of (Won)29,012 million and (Won)143,400 million, respectively.

 

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26. Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)

The following table is a summary of the computation of earnings per share for the years ended December 31:

 

(In millions of Won, except share data)

   2005    2006     2007

Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   2,716,197    3,092,253     3,755,107

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   —      (1,687 )   —  
               

Net income available to common stockholders for basic EPS

   2,716,197    3,090,566     3,755,107

Net income available to common stockholders for diluted EPS

   2,716,197    3,090,566     3,755,107

Weighted average common shares outstanding applicable to basic EPS (In thousands)

   322,786    336,351     336,346

Dilutive effect of stock options

   162    2     —  
               

Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding applicable to diluted EPS (In thousands)

   322,948    336,353     336,346
               

Basic earning per share:

       

Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   8,415    9,194     11,164

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   —      (5 )   —  
               

Net income

   8,415    9,189     11,164
               

Diluted earning per share:

       

Income before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   8,411    9,193     11,164

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   —      (5 )   —  
               

Net income

   8,411    9,188     11,164
               

Stock options excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share, due to their anti-dilutive effect, totaled 2,094,986 and nil and nil in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

27. Employee Severance Plan

Employees with one or more years of service are entitled to receive a lump-sum payment upon termination of their employment with the Bank, based on their length of service and rates of pay at the time of termination (the “severance plan”). Under the Korean National Pension Fund Law, the Bank was required to pay a certain percentage of employee severance benefits to the National Pension Fund prior to April 1999. Additionally, the Bank contributes voluntarily a certain percentage of employee severance benefits to a severance insurance deposit account (“Severance Insurance Deposit”) maintained for the benefit of employees at an insurance company. The Bank has no additional liability once the amount has been contributed; thus the Bank deducts contributions made to the National Pension Fund and the Severance Insurance Deposit from its accrued employee severance plan obligations. The compensation cost of employees’ severance benefit is recognized based on the vested benefits to which the employees are entitled if they separate immediately.

Under limited circumstances, employees can withdraw their accumulated unpaid severance amounts before their termination of employment (“interim severance payment”). Severance plan payments include the amount for such withdrawal. Total interim severance payments made by the Bank were (Won)10,768 million, (Won)11,851 million and (Won)14,638 million in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

In addition to regular termination benefits, the Bank recognized special termination benefits of (Won)255,615 million, (Won)9,184 million and (Won)8,735 million to 2,198, 64 and 61 employees, respectively, who accepted early retirement for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

The Bank accrued severance benefits of (Won)130,673 million, (Won)162,237 million and (Won)183,569 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

 

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Accrued employee severance plan obligations included in “Other liabilities” as of December 31 were as follows:

 

(In millions of Won)

   2006     2007  

Balance at beginning of the year

   397,030     548,969  

Severance benefit

   162,237     183,569  

Plan payments

   (10,298 )   (16,349 )
            
   548,969     716,189  

Less: Balance of payments remaining with National Pension Fund and Severance Insurance Deposit

   (340,683 )   (478,433 )
            

Balance at end of the year

   208,286     237,756  
            

The Bank expects to pay the following future benefits to its employees upon their normal retirement age of 58:

 

(In millions of Won)

    

2008

   9,862

2009

   7,244

2010

   10,272

2011

   17,832

2012

   31,178

2013 – 2017

   303,706

The above amounts have been determined based on the employees’ current salary rates and the number of service years that will be accumulated upon their retirement date. These amounts do not include amounts that might be paid to employees that will cease working with the Bank before their normal retirement age.

28. Employee Stock Option Plan

Adoption of SFAS No. 123(R)

As discussed in Note 1, on January 1, 2006, the Bank adopted SFAS No. 123(R)- “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123(R)”) and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107- “Share-Based Payment”, using the modified prospective application method, which requires all entities to apply a fair-value-based measurement method in accounting for share-based payment transactions. In connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the combined net income impact in 2006 was (Won)4,341 million which includes an increase of (Won)2,654 million in compensation expense and (Won)1,687 million in cumulative effect of an accounting change, which recognizes the effect of initially measuring awards that will be settled in cash at their fair value. Basic and diluted earning per share from continuing operations and net income for the year ended December 31, 2006 were lower by (Won)7.9 and (Won)12.9, respectively.

Employee stock-based compensation plan

In 2005, the Bank granted 990,000 options, of which (i) 765,000, 15,000, 30,000 and 15,000 options are performance based and have an exercise price of (Won)46,800 and (Won)45,700 and (Won)49,200 and (Won)53,000, respectively, per option, and (ii) 165,000 options are subject to service requirements and their exercise price is indexed to the banking industrial index, with a minimum exercise price of (Won)46,800 per option.

In 2006, the Bank granted 940,000 options, which are subject to service requirements and their exercise price is indexed to the sum of the major 3 competitors’ total market cap, with a minimum exercise price of (Won)75,200 per option.

 

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In 2007, the Bank granted 965,000 options, of which 30,000, 20,000, 885,000 and 30,000 options are subject to service requirements and their exercise price is indexed to the sum of the major 3 competitors’ total market cap, with a minimum exercise price of (Won)85,500, (Won)79,700, (Won)77,100 and (Won)84,500 options, respectively, per option.

The options granted (a) are subject to service or performance based requirements and (b) have a fixed exercise price or an exercise price that is indexed to the banking industry index. Generally, the options granted vest three years from the date of grant. The exercise period ranges from 2 years to 7 years post completion of the three-year vesting period.

For options granted under all of the above plans, the Bank may elect either to issue common shares or allocate treasury shares, or pay in cash or treasury shares the difference between the market price and the exercise price. The market price is determined by the arithmetic average of the weighted average of every closing price for two months, one month and one week immediately preceding the exercise of the option, published by Korea Exchange. Prior to August 23, 2005, the Bank intended to settle options exercised by issuing treasury shares. Effective August 23, 2005, the Bank changed its settlement method to cash settlement. As a result of the change, the Bank reclassified previously recorded additional paid-in capital into liabilities to reflect the change in intrinsic value of the options.

The following table summarizes the information about stock option activity under the Bank’s stock-based compensation plans for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007:

 

    2005   2006   2007
    Number of
stock
options
    Weighted
average
exercise price
(Won)
  Number of
stock
options
    Weighted
average
exercise price
(Won)
  Number of
stock
options
    Weighted
average
exercise price
(Won)

Outstanding, beginning of year

  2,532,054     43,412   3,209,794     49,172   3,235,568     59,002

Granted

  990,000     49,200   940,000     80,900   965,000     77,645

Exercised

  (239,513 )   30,731   (698,897 )   46,401   (203,991 )   49,078

Forfeited

  (72,747 )   43,056   (215,329 )   48,695   (185,733 )   51,644
                             

Outstanding, end of year

  3,209,794     49,172   3,235,568     59,002   3,810,844     64,775
                             

Exercisable at year-end

  1,256,161     49,450   714,701     50,522   1,226,249     50,471

In connection with the stock-based compensation plan, the Bank recognized (Won)36,760 million, (Won)16,865 million and (Won)7,513 million of expenses for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

Total fair value of shares vested during 2005, 2006 and 2007 were (Won)11, 364 million, (Won)5,673 million and (Won)16,207 million, respectively.

The fair value of each option award is estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the assumptions noted in the table below. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Bank’s stock. The expected term represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The expected term is estimated using employees’ actual historical behavior and projected future behavior based on expected exercise patterns. The risk-free interest rate is based on the Korean government treasury bond rate where the remaining term equals the expected term. Dividend yield is based on the Bank’s historical dividend payout ratio. The assumptions that were used for the valuation of each option at the grant date for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006, and 2007 are as follows:

 

For options granted during

   2005     2006     2007  

Expected annual dividend yield

   1.25 %   0.69 %   2.35 %

Expected volatility

   44.62 %   29.29 %   28.47 %

Risk-free interest rate

   3.95 %   4.34 %   4.98 %

Expected option life

   3.0 years     3.0 years     2.9 years  

 

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The following table summarizes the information about stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2007:

 

   

Options outstanding

 

Options exercisable

Exercise

price

(Won)

 

Number of
stock
options (1)

 

Weighted

average

remaining

contractual

life (2)

 

Weighted
average
exercise

price

(Won)

 

Intrinsic

value

(Mil Won)

 

Number of
stock

options

 

Weighted
average
exercise

price

(Won)

 

Intrinsic

value

(Mil Won)

28,027

  69,723   1.21   28,027   2,829   69,723   2,829   28,027

35,500

  70,993   3.22   35,500   2,350   70,993   2,350   35,500

40,500

  5,091   3.66   40,500   143   5,091   143   40,500

42,200

  3,351   3.22   42,200   88   3,351   88   42,200

43,800

  26,712   3.22   43,800   662   26,712   662   43,800

45,700

  8,827   5.33   45,700   202   —     —     —  

46,100

  54,250   4.11   46,100   1,221   54,250   1,221   46,100

46,800

  518,194   5.22   46,800   10,761   —     —     —  

48,500

  10,000   4.23   48,500   201   10,000   201   48,500

48,800

  10,000   4.23   48,800   198   10,000   198   48,800

49,200

  30,000   5.56   49,200   474   —     —     —  

50,600

  610,000   4.84   50,600   10,980   610,000   10,980   50,600

51,200

  75,000   1.88   51,200   1,305   75,000   1,305   51,200

53,000

  7,212   5.65   53,000   113   —     —     —  

57,100

  225,094   2.22   57,100   2,589   225,094   2,589   57,100

58,600

  10,000   3.22   58,600   100   10,000   100   58,600

58,800

  23,899   2.57   58,800   234   23,899   234   58,800

59,000

  90,000   5.22   59,000   803   —     —     —  

60,300

  5,077   5.22   60,300   42   —     —     —  

61,000

  10,182   5.22   61,000   77   —     —     —  

63,600

  10,072   5.22   63,600   50   —     —     —  

63,800

  10,031   5.22   63,800   48   —     —     —  

71,538

  22,146   3.22   71,538   —     22,146   —     71,538

77,100

  885,000   7.11   77,100   —     —     —     —  

79,700

  20,000   6.83   79,700   —     —     —     —  

81,700

  925,000   6.23   81,700   —     —     —     —  

84,500

  30,000   7.23   84,500   —     —     —     —  

85,100

  5,000   6.23   85,100   —     —     —     —  

85,500

  30,000   6.33   85,500   —     —     —     —  

129,100

  9,990   3.24   129,100   —     9,990   —     129,100
                 
  3,810,844         1,226,249    
                 

 

(1)

Number of stock options vested and expected to vest were 3,212,326.

(2)

Contractual life indicates the sum of service (vesting) period and exercise period.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007 were (Won)19,264 million and (Won)6,788 million, respectively. The total amount of cash received from the exercise of share options for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007 were (Won)10,615 million and nil, respectively.

29. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of a financial instrument is defined as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. Fair value is based on quoted market prices, where available. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Bank’s various financial instruments. As a result, fair values of such instruments are derived using present value

 

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or other valuation techniques derived based on management’s assumptions of the estimated amount and timing of future cash flows and estimated discount rates. Different assumptions could significantly affect these estimates. Accordingly, such estimates may not be indicative of net realizable value. In addition, the calculation of estimated fair value is based on market conditions at a specific point in time and may not be reflective of future fair values. Certain financial instruments and all non-financial instruments are excluded from the scope of SFAS No. 107. Accordingly, the derived fair value estimates presented herein are only indicative of individual financial instruments and cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and should not be considered an indication of the fair value of the Bank.

Fair values among financial institutions are not comparable due to the wide range of permitted valuation techniques and numerous estimates that must be made. This lack of an objective valuation standard introduces a great degree of subjectivity to these derived or estimated fair values.

The following section summarizes the methods and assumptions used by the Bank, by type of financial instrument, in estimating fair value. Different assumptions could significantly affect these estimates.

Assets and liabilities for which fair value approximates carrying value: The carrying values of certain financial assets and liabilities are reported at cost, including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, call loans, securities purchased under resale agreements, due from customers on acceptances, accrued interest and dividends receivable, accrued interest payable, security deposits, loan held-for-sale, noninterest-bearing deposits, call money and acceptances outstanding. The carrying values of these financial assets and liabilities are considered to approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature and negligible credit losses.

Interest-bearing deposits in other banks: The fair values of fixed interest-bearing deposits are estimated by discounting cash flows based on current rates for similar types of deposits. The fair values of variable rate interest-bearing deposits are considered to approximate their carrying values.

Securities and trading assets/liabilities: Fair values for trading assets, available-for-sale securities and trading liabilities (including trading derivative financial instruments) are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets based on market prices, where available. Fair values of held-to-maturity securities are also based on market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments, discounted cash flows, counterparty quotes or external valuations performed by qualified independent evaluators, except in the case of certain swaps where pricing models are used.

Other investments: Other investments include venture capital securities and non-marketable or restricted equity securities, which are included in “Investments” in the Bank’s consolidated balance sheets. The fair values of the venture capital securities are estimated based on investee transactions with unaffiliated parties, management’s review of the investee’s financial results and condition, or the latest obtainable net asset value of the investees. The fair values of the non-marketable or restricted equity securities are recorded at costs.

Loans receivable: Loans receivable are reported net of specific and general provisions for impairment. The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting contractual cash flows based on current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers for the same maturities. The fair values of variable rate loans that reprice frequently with no significant changes in credit risk are considered to approximate their carrying values in the consolidated balance sheets.

Interest-bearing deposits: The fair values of variable rate interest bearing deposits approximate their carrying values in the consolidated balance sheets. Fair values for fixed-rate interest bearing deposits are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered for deposits with similar maturities.

Other borrowed funds: The aggregate fair value for other borrowed fund is based on quoted market prices, where available. For other borrowed fund where quoted market prices are not available, a discounted cash flow model is used based on the current rates for debt with similar maturities.

 

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Secured borrowings: The fair values for securities sold under agreements to repurchase are estimated using discounted cash flow calculation that applies interests currently being offered for securities sold under agreements to repurchase with similar maturities. The fair values for beneficial interests issued by the SPEs are estimated using quoted market price.

Long-term debt: The aggregate fair value for long-term debt is based on quoted market prices, where available. For long-term debt where quoted market prices are not available, a discounted cash flow model is used based on the current rates for debt with similar maturities.

Derivative financial instruments: All derivatives are recognized on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes where available. If quoted market prices are not available, pricing or valuation models are applied to current market information to estimate fair value; in some cases, counterparty quotes or external valuations are also utilized (See Note 30).

Off-balance sheet instruments: Fair value for off-balance-sheet instruments are based on an estimate of the difference between fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements and fees paid to reduce or eliminate exposure to those agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standing.

The estimated fair values of the Bank’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 were as follows:

 

     2006    2007

(In millions of Won)

   Carrying
amount
   Fair value    Carrying
amount
   Fair value

Financial assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   3,774,518    3,774,518    2,770,463    2,770,463

Restricted cash

   3,277,144    3,277,144    3,996,496    3,996,496

Interest-bearing deposits in other banks

   423,148    423,148    69,003    69,003

Call loans and securities purchased under resale agreements

   1,737,881    1,737,881    1,628,107    1,628,107

Trading assets

   3,744,406    3,744,406    6,594,318    6,594,318

Investments

   25,347,999    25,285,603    24,684,522    24,323,961

Loans, net

   149,215,562    149,389,083    170,721,031    169,962,928

Due from customers on acceptances

   620,007    620,007    1,106,135    1,106,135

Accrued interest and dividends receivable

   802,107    802,107    898,965    898,965

Security deposits

   1,190,412    1,190,412    1,335,395    1,335,395

Other assets- hedging derivatives

   636    636    394    394

Other assets- loans held-for-sale

   30,042    30,042    92,929    92,929

Other assets- off-balance sheet instruments

   12,619    12,619    29,874    29,874

Financial liabilities:

           

Interest-bearing deposits

   125,195,038    125,171,382    134,759,588    134,762,772

Non-interest-bearing deposits

   4,344,967    4,344,967    3,678,043    3,678,043

Call money

   167,776    167,776    794,138    794,138

Trading liabilities

   1,223,182    1,223,182    1,811,922    1,811,922

Acceptances outstanding

   620,007    620,007    1,106,135    1,106,135

Other borrowed funds

   10,627,306    10,620,827    7,776,218    7,772,417

Accrued interest payable

   3,698,397    3,698,397    4,195,516    4,195,516

Secured borrowings

   7,462,648    7,466,497    6,314,916    6,322,690

Long-term debt

   21,674,838    22,289,381    36,306,920    36,063,399

Other liabilities- hedging derivatives

   —      —      14,803    14,803

Other liabilities- off-balance sheet instruments

   12,619    12,619    29,874    29,874

 

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The differences between the carrying amounts and the fair values of guarantees, commercial letters of credit, standby letters of credit and other lending commitments are immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.

30. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Until the prior year, the Bank’s hedge accounting was applied exclusively to those interest rate swap transactions that qualified for the short-cut method of hedge accounting. Since no ineffectiveness was assumed for those transactions, no ineffective portion was recognized in earnings until the prior year. In 2007, the Bank began using standard statistical methods of regression analysis to perform an ongoing prospective and retrospective assessment of the effectiveness of the hedging relationships involving interest rate swaps (i.e., the Bank applied the “long-haul” method of hedge accounting). Loss related to hedge ineffectiveness of (Won)224 million was recognized in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2007.

The Bank applied fair value hedge accounting for the interest rate swap transactions which qualified for hedge accounting. Fair values of derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting are reflected in “Trading assets” or “Trading liabilities” and any changes in fair values related to these derivatives transactions are reflected in “Net Trading Revenue”. The fair values of derivatives qualifying for hedge accounting are included in “Other assets” or “Other liabilities” and the earnings impact of these fair value hedges and the change in fair value attributable to the risk being hedged for the hedged item are included in “Other non-interest income” or “Other non-interest expenses.”

In the normal course of business, the Bank enters into derivatives and foreign exchange contracts to manage the risk exposures of its customers. The Bank also uses derivative instruments in reducing risk exposures relating to fluctuations in its own trading accounts, and asset and liabilities in response to interest rate and foreign exchange risks.

The Bank uses interest rate derivatives principally to manage exposure to fluctuations in fair value in response to interest rate risk. Pay-fixed receive-variable interest rate swaps are used to convert fixed rate assets, principally debt securities, into synthetic variable rate instruments. Receive-fixed pay-variable interest rate swap contracts are used to convert fixed rate funding sources, principally fixed rate debt, into synthetic variable rate funding instruments. Cross-currency interest rate swaps are contracts that generally involve the exchange of both interest and principal amounts in two different currencies. Cross-currency swaps are used by the Bank to convert asset and funding denominated from one currency into another currency.

Derivative instruments may expose the Bank to market risk or credit risk in excess of the amounts recorded on the balance sheet. Market risk arises due to market price, interest rate and foreign exchange rate fluctuations that may result in a decrease in the market value of a financial instrument and/or an increase in its funding cost. Exposure to market risk is managed through position limits and other controls and by entering into hedging transactions. Credit risk is the possibility that loss may occur from counterparty failure to perform according to the terms of the contract and if the value of collateral held, if any, was not adequate to cover such losses. Credit risk is controlled through credit approvals, limits and monitoring procedures based on the same credit policies used for on-balance-sheet instruments. Generally, collateral or other security is not required. The amount of collateral obtained, if any, is based on the nature of the financial instrument and management’s credit evaluation of each counterparty.

 

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31. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal proceedings

The Bank is a party to certain legal actions arising in the normal course of its operations. Other than the legal proceedings discussed below, management believes that these actions are without merit and that the ultimate liability, if any, will not materially affect the Bank’s financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

 

a) In March 2001, an individual filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court requesting the court to order a revocation of the merger with H&CB. Despite the dismissal of certain motions filed in connection with the lawsuit, the case is still pending. Additional persons have joined the lawsuit as plaintiffs. In November 2003, the Seoul Central District Court decided the case in the Bank’s favor. The individual, however, appealed the decision to the Seoul High Court. On March 30, 2005, the Seoul High Court denied the plaintiff’s appeal. The plaintiff then appealed the decision to the Supreme Court in May 2005. The case is still pending.

 

b) During the first quarter of 2004, the National Tax Service completed the tax audit for the years 1998 through 2001. As a result of the tax audit, the Bank was assessed (Won)124 billion for tax deficiencies. The Bank paid the entire amount, but the Bank appealed the assessment to the National Tax Tribunal, which ruled in favor of the National Tax Service of Korea in part. In 2005 and 2006, the Bank filed various administrative lawsuits appealing the judgment of the National Tax Tribunal. The Bank previously had one lawsuit pending at the Seoul High Court, which was decided in the Bank’s favor in April 2008. The National Tax Service of Korea appealed the case to the Supreme Court of Korea, where it remains pending. The Bank has two additional lawsuits on this matter currently pending at the Supreme Court of Korea.

 

c) In 2005, certain individuals, including one of the Bank’s employees, fabricated and distributed counterfeit certificates of deposit (“CDs”), with the Bank as issuer. Korea Real Estate Investment Trust Co., Ltd. and Electric Contractors’ Financial Cooperative came to own the counterfeit CDs and requested the Bank to make payments on the CDs, which were rejected by the Bank. Korea Real Estate Investment Trust Co., Ltd. and Electric Contractors’ Financial Cooperative commenced legal proceedings against the Bank in the Seoul Central District Court in September 2005 for claims of (Won)40,108 million and (Won)25,217 million, respectively, and the district court ruled for the plaintiffs in both proceedings. The Bank appealed both cases to the Seoul High Court, which dismissed the Bank’s appeals in June 2007. The Bank has appealed both cases to the Supreme Court of Korea, where the lawsuits are currently pending. Also as a result of this incident, the Financial Supervisory Service closed for three months the Bank’s branch where the implicated individual was employed, issued warnings to certain Bank’s executive officers and required the Bank to discipline 26 other employees.

 

d) The Bank has been designated by the Korea government as a “lottery issuer” and has been permitted to conduct ticket sales, marketing and sales network management since 2002, and received certain fees in connection with managing lottery prize payout and marketing activities. In February 2006, the Korean government indicted the former team head of the Bank’s lottery department and several other individuals in connection with excessive fees paid to a subcontractor by the government. The subcontractor, Korea Lottery Service Inc. (“KLS”), was hired by the Bank with the Korean government’s approval in connection with the Bank’s lottery operations, and fees paid to such subcontractor were deducted prior to transferring any profit received by the Bank to the government. In December 2007, the Seoul Central District Court found the former head of the Bank’s lottery department guilty but ruled in favor of the other defendants. Both the former head of the Bank’s lottery department and the prosecutor’s office appealed the case to the Seoul High Court, and the appeal is currently pending.

In August 2006, the Korean government filed a lawsuit against the Bank, KLS and an accounting firm who provided the estimation for the lottery commission rate of (Won)321 billion in connection with excessive lottery commission fees paid to KLS. The case is still pending as of December 31, 2007.

In April 2004, the Lottery Commission of the Korean government revised the fee rate for fees payable to Korea Lottery Service Inc. by reducing it from 9.523% to 3.144%. KLS filed a lawsuit with the Seoul

 

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Central District Court claiming that such reduction by the Lottery Commission was invalid and demanding the payment of approximately W20 billion of unpaid fees by the Bank, which is the difference between the fees payable by the Bank under the previous rate and the revised rate in respect of fees incurred in May 2004. In December 2006, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of KLS, and the Bank appealed to the Seoul High Court in January 2007. In May 2008, the Seoul High Court ruled in favor of Korea Lottery Service Inc. in part but reduced the amount of damages to W4.5 billion, and the Bank is currently evaluating whether to appeal such decision.

In addition, in January 2007, KLS filed another lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court seeking payment of unpaid fees in the aggregate amount of (Won)446 billion, which is the difference between the fees payable by the Bank under the previous rate and the revised rate, for fees incurred from June 2004 to December 2006. The lawsuit is currently pending at the Seoul Central District Court.

 

e) In September 2006, the Korea Fair Trade Commission ordered the Bank to cease, and assessed an administrative fine against the Bank in the aggregate amount of (Won)6.4 billion in connection with, the following practices:

 

   

not reducing the interest rates on certain of the Bank’s adjustable-rate home equity loans in prior years despite a decline in market interest rates;

 

   

collecting unauthorized early repayment commissions from the Bank’s customers in connection with certain of the Bank’s housing loans; and

 

   

paying KB Asset Management a management fee higher than that of other asset management companies with respect to certain money market fund products.

In November 2006, the Bank paid the full amount of (Won)6.4 billion, after filing a lawsuit with the Seoul High Court in October 2006 to revoke the order. In January 2008, the Seoul High Court ruled in favor of the Korea Fair Trade Commission regarding the orders with respect to the first and third practices described above, and in favor of the Bank regarding the order with respect to the second practice described above. Furthermore, the Seoul High Court ruled that the administrative fine imposed in connection with the first practice described above was excessive and ordered a reassessment. The Bank and the Korea Fair Trade Commission both appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court, where it is still pending.

 

f) During the first half of 2007, the National Tax Service of Korea completed a tax audit for the years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005, as a result of which the Bank was assessed (Won)189,509 million (including residence tax) for tax deficiencies. In addition, during the second half of 2007, the National Tax Service of Korea assessed additional income tax amounting to (Won)292,337 million (including residence tax) for tax deficiencies. The Bank paid the entire amount of such additional assessments in 2007. The Bank subsequently filed an appeal with the National Tax Tribunal with respect to tax assessments made in 2007 amounting to (Won)481,846 million (including residence tax) and recorded (Won)480,563 million of such income tax paid as “Other Assets” in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2007 upon adoption of FIN No. 48. The case is currently pending.

 

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Lease commitments

All leases entered into by the Bank as lessee are operating leases. Total rental expenses for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were W91,028 million, W95,356 million and W129,538 million, respectively. Pursuant to the terms of lease agreements pertaining to premises and equipment in effect at December 31, 2007, future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating lease terms are as follows:

 

(In millions of Won)

    

2008

   107,603

2009

   72,114

2010

   45,477

2011

   27,642

2012

   14,494

Thereafter

   3,161
    

Total

   270,491
    

In lieu of rent, certain lease agreements require the Bank to advance a non-interest bearing refundable deposit to the landlord for the landlord’s use during the lease term. The amount of the advance is determined by the prevailing market rate and is recorded as a security deposit in the consolidated balance sheets.

Credit-related commitments

The Bank is a party to credit related financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business. The primary purpose of these instruments is to ensure that funds are available to customers as required. Guarantees, which represent irrevocable assurances that the Bank will make payments in the event that a customer cannot meet its obligations to third parties, carry the same credit risk as loans. Cash requirements under guarantees are considerably less than those under commitments because the Bank does not generally expect the third party to draw funds under the agreement.

Commercial letters of credit, which are written undertakings by the Bank on behalf of a customer authorizing a third party to draw drafts on the Bank up to a stipulated amount under specific terms and conditions, are collateralized by the underlying shipments of goods to which they relate and therefore have significantly less risk than a loan.

Commitments to extend credit represent unused portions of authorizations to extend credit in the form of loans, guarantees or letters of credit. With respect to credit risk on commitments to extend credit, the Bank is potentially exposed to loss in an amount equal to the total unused commitments.

For credit related financial instruments, the contractual amount of the financial instrument represents the maximum potential credit risk if the counterparty does not perform according to the terms of the contracts. A large majority of these commitments expire without being drawn upon. As a result, total contractual amounts are not representative of the Bank’s actual future credit exposure or liquidity requirements for these commitments.

As of December 31, 2006 and 2007, the financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk to the Bank were as follows:

 

     Contract amount

(In millions of Won)

   2006    2007

Guarantees

   2,222,637    3,489,898

Commercial letters of credit (1)

   2,315,086    3,950,258

Unused lines of credit:

     

Commercial

   24,141,707    25,175,871

Consumer (2)

   52,588,463    53,626,874

 

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(1)

The above contains advance payment refund guarantees and others which amount to (Won)1,037,576 million and (Won)1,292,868 million as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

(2)

Of this amount, (Won)42,368,078 million and (Won)42,798,949 million as of December 2006 and 2007, respectively, relate to the unused credit card limits that may be cancelled by the Bank at any time.

Contingencies

As of December 31, 2007, the Bank had provided eleven promissory notes with a value of (Won)683,320 million to the Korean Housing Guarantee Co., Ltd. as collateral for the performance guarantee related to the real estate trust operations.

Pledged assets

The primary components of assets pledged as collateral for borrowings and other purposes as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 were as follows:

 

(In millions of Won)

   2006    2007

Trading securities

   —      167,956

Available-for-sale securities

   347,662    107,016

Held-to-maturity securities

   8,087,627    8,340,559

Other investment securities

   258    258

Loans

   658,855    307,476

Real estate

   8,768    8,655
         

Total

   9,103,170    8,931,920
         

Obligation under guarantees

The Bank provides a variety of guarantees to its customers to enhance their credit standing and enable them to complete a wide variety of business transactions. The maximum potential amount of future payments represents the notional amounts that could be lost under the guarantees if there were a total default by the guaranteed parties, without consideration of possible recoveries under recourse provisions or from collateral held or pledged. Guarantee arrangements have been recorded on the Bank’s consolidated balance sheet at their fair value at inception as “Other liabilities” with an offsetting entry in “Other assets”. As cash is received under such arrangements and applied to other assets, the liability recorded at inception is amortized into fees and commissions over the life of the contract. The table below summarizes all of the Bank’s guarantees under FIN No. 45 as of December 31, 2007.

 

(In millions of Won)

   Expire within
one year
   Expire after
one year
   Total    Maximum
potential amount
of future payment
or notional
amounts

Financial guarantees

   102,438    182,610    285,048    285,048

Performance guarantees

   1,851,164    1,353,686    3,204,850    3,204,850

Liquidity facilities to SPEs

   507,872    864,193    1,372,065    1,372,065

Credit derivatives

   —      3,000    3,000    3,000

Trust Fund Guarantees

   499,722    2,788,141    3,287,863    3,287,863
                   

Total

   2,961,196    5,191,630    8,152,826    8,152,826
                   

Financial guarantees are used in various transactions to enhance the credit standing of the Bank’s customers. They represent irrevocable assurance, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, that the Bank will make

 

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payments in the event that the customers fail to fulfill their obligations to third parties. Such financial obligations are principally composed of standby letters of credit and credit enhancement for debtors.

Performance guarantees are issued to guarantee customers’ tender bids on construction or similar projects or to guarantee completion of such projects in accordance with contract terms. They are also issued to support the customers’ obligation to supply specified products, commodities, maintenance or other services to third parties.

As of December 31, 2006 and 2007, the carrying amount of the liabilities related to financial and performance guarantees amounted to (Won)8,254 million and (Won)16,092 million, respectively.

Liquidity facilities to SPEs represent irrevocable commitments to provide contingent liquidity credit lines including commercial paper purchase agreements to SPEs for which the Bank serves as the administrator. The SPEs are established by clients to have access to funding from the commercial paper market or the corporate debt market by transferring assets to the SPEs. The Bank had commitments to provide liquidity to SPEs up to (Won)2,338 billion and (Won)1,372 billion as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively. As of December 31, 2006 and 2007, the carrying amount of these liabilities amounted to (Won)4,365 million and (Won)13,782 million, respectively. Although the Bank does not sell assets to these SPEs, it would be required to provide funding under the liquidity credit lines in the event that the SPEs do not hold enough funds to make scheduled payments on their outstanding senior debt securities. Under the commercial paper purchase agreements, the Bank is required to purchase commercial paper issued by the SPEs when enough funding is not available in the commercial paper market. The Bank has limited credit exposure to these SPEs because the risk of first loss is borne by the clients or other third parties, or the SPEs are over-collateralized.

The Bank enters into certain guarantee contracts that meet the characteristics of a derivative under SFAS No. 133. Such credit derivatives effectively guarantee the return on counterparty’s referenced portfolio of assets. These derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value in trading assets/liabilities. As of December 31, 2006 and 2007, the carrying amount of these derivatives amounted to nil and (Won)4 million, respectively.

Loans sold with recourse represent certain non-performing loans the Bank sold to KAMCO prior to 1999 (See Note 3). As of December 31, 2006 and 2007, the Bank had recorded in “Other liabilities” (Won)49 million and nil, respectively, representing its estimated obligation to repurchase the loans sold with recourse.

In the normal course of the Bank’s business, indemnification clauses are often included in standard contracts with an assessment that risk of loss is remote. In many cases, there are no stated or notional amounts included in the indemnification clauses and the contingencies triggering the obligation to indemnify have not occurred and are not expected to occur. No amounts were reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 related to these indemnifications.

32. Concentrations of Geographic and Credit Risk

Geographic risk

Loans to borrowers based in Korea comprised 99% of the Bank’s loan portfolio as of December 31, 2006 and 2007. Investments in debt and equity securities of Korean entities comprised 99% of the Bank’s investment portfolio, including investments held by the Bank’s venture capital subsidiaries, as of December 31, 2006 and 2007.

Credit risk

Concentrations of credit risk arise when a number of customers are engaged in similar business activities, or activities in the same geographic region, or have similar economic features that would cause their ability to meet their contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in economic conditions.

 

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The Bank regularly monitors various segments of its credit risk portfolio to assess potential concentration risks and to obtain collateral when deemed necessary. No entity was responsible for 10% or more of the Bank’s total interest and dividend income for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 or 2007.

The table below indicates major products including exposures of on-balance sheet loans and off-balance sheet credit instruments (principally unused credit lines) as of December 31.

 

    2006   2007

(In millions of Won)

  Total credit
exposure
  On-balance
sheet
  Off-balance
sheet
  Total credit
exposure
  On-balance
sheet
  Off-balance
sheet

Commercial and industrial loans

  65,972,267   48,182,828   17,789,439   80,341,917   60,944,632   19,397,285

Construction loans

  8,858,478   6,504,446   2,354,032   11,062,792   8,843,237   2,219,555

Other commercial loans

  4,521,647   1,408,645   3,113,002   5,232,068   1,797,202   3,434,866

Mortgages and home equity loans

  65,398,652   63,982,344   1,416,308   67,200,778   65,819,452   1,381,326

Credit card loans

  51,322,988   8,954,910   42,368,078   53,227,884   10,428,935   42,798,949

Other consumer loans

  30,393,074   21,588,997   8,804,077   32,465,720   23,019,866   9,445,854

Foreign loans

  1,666,100   780,866   885,234   1,460,376   1,335,466   124,910
                       

Total

  228,133,206   151,403,036   76,730,170   250,991,535   172,188,790   78,802,745
                       

33. Related Party Transactions

A number of banking transactions are entered into with related parties in the normal course of business. These include loans, borrowings, acceptances outstanding and receivables. These transactions are carried out on commercial terms and conditions and at market rates, and are disclosed below.

Associates

The Bank has business relationships with a number of companies in which the Bank owns significant equity interests.

Directors with common relationship

It is common for the directors of the Bank to have a relationship with other entities due to their positions at those entities. During this common relationship period, the Bank considers such entities to be related parties of the Bank. The Bank has regular business relationships with these entities in the normal course and is not influenced by the relationship of the directors.

 

Related party

 

Relationship with the
related party

 

Relationship in financial years

 

Remark

Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. (“DSME”)

  Non-executive director   Mar 2002 to Mar 2008   In March 2008, the director resigned from the Bank.

MoneyToday, Ltd.

  Non-executive director   Mar 2005 to Mar 2008   In March 2008, the director resigned from the Bank.

LG International Corp. (“LGInt.”)

  Non-executive director   Mar 2006 onwards   Mar 2006 onwards

Hite Brewery Co., Ltd. (“HITE”)

  Non-executive director   Aug 2007 to Mar 2008   In March 2008, the director resigned from the Bank.

Uclick Co., Ltd.(“Uclick”)

  Non-executive director   Mar 2008 onwards   Mar 2008 onwards

SK Holdings Co., Ltd. (“SK”)

  Non-executive director   Mar 2008 onwards   Mar 2008 onwards

 

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Loans to related parties

The table below summarizes the changes in the amount of loans to directors, director nominees and executive officers.

 

(In millions of Won)

   2006    2007

Loans, January 1,

   4,283    6,396

New loans

   2,999    4,035

Repayments

   886    548
         

Loans, December 31,

   6,396    9,883
         

The outstanding balances as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 and the related expense and income for the years then ended with respect to related party transactions were as follows:

 

    2005

(In millions of Won)

  Trusts (1)   Janssen
Korea
  DSME   Money
Today
  SEM   EG   LGInt.   KB Life   ING
Life
  Directors

Loans

  —     —     —     —     50,000   951   400   —     —     4,283

Due from customers on acceptances

  —     —     49,212   —     —     4   —     —     —     —  

Receivables

  36,793   —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —  

Borrowings

  1,050,915   —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —  

Interest income on loans

  —     81   1   16   1,403   —     9   —     —     272

Fees and commission income

  145,813   —     44   —     —     —     —     30,102   11,476   —  

Interest expense on borrowings

  29,229   —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —  

 

(1)

See Note 36

 

     2006

(In millions of Won)

   Trusts (1)    DSME    Money
Today
   SEM    HCF    LGInt.    KB Life    ING
Life
   Directors

Loans

   —      —      —      —      —      2,930    —      —      6,396

Due from customers on acceptances

   —      29,630    —      —      —      4,395    —      —      —  

Receivables

   12,075    —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —  

Borrowings

   1,266,518    —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —  

Interest income on loans

   —      —      7    640    513    48    —      —      325

Fees and commission income

   117,719    187    —      —      —      5    35,204    11,340    —  

Interest expense on borrowings

   47,506    —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —  

 

(1)

See Note 36

 

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    2007

(In millions of Won)

  Trusts (1)   DSME   Money
Today
  SK   HITE   LGInt   Uclick   KB Life   ING
Life
  Directors

Loans

  —     —     217   150,000   20,000   36,103   652   —     —     9,883

Due from customers on acceptances

  —     18,011   —     —     —     5,765   —     —     —     —  

Receivables

  12,334   —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —  

Borrowings

  1,411,089   —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —  

Interest income on loans

  —     —     —     8,295   1,079   1,200   35   5   —     565

Fees and commission income

  113,246   110   —     92   —     24   —     43,452   8,814   —  

Interest expense on borrowings

  72,628   —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —     —  

Purchase of equipment

  —     —     —     —     —     —     116   —     —     —  

Purchase of intangible assets

  —     —     —     —     —     —     2,118   —     —     —  

 

(1)

See Note 36

34. Operating Subsidiaries

Operating subsidiaries of the Bank as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 were as follows:

 

     Country of
incorporation
   Percentage ownership (1)  
        2006      2007  

KB Data Systems Co., Ltd.

   Korea    99.99 %    99.99 %

KB Futures Co., Ltd.

   Korea    99.98 %    99.98 %

KB Investment Co., Ltd.

   Korea    99.99 %    99.99 %

Kookmin Bank Int’l Ltd.

   United Kingdom    100.00 %    100.00 %

KB Asset Management Co., Ltd.

   Korea    80.00 %    80.00 %

KB Real Estate Trust Co., Ltd.

   Korea    99.99 %    99.99 %

Jooeun Industrial Co., Ltd. (2)

   Korea    99.99 %    99.99 %

Kookmin Bank Hong Kong Ltd.

   Hong Kong    100.00 %    100.00 %

KB Credit Information Co., Ltd.

   Korea    99.73 %    99.73 %

 

(1)

Direct and indirect ownership are combined.

(2)

The dissolution of Jooeun Industrial Co., Ltd. was approved during the stockholders’ meeting of the company on March 19, 2002.

All holdings are in the common shares of the undertaking concerned. Certain VIEs, which have been consolidated in accordance with FIN No. 46(R) as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, are not included in the list of operating subsidiaries.

35. Segment Reporting

For management reporting purposes, the Bank’s business segment results are reported to management under Korean GAAP. The Bank is organized into four major business segments: Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, Capital Markets Activities and Credit Card Operations. These business divisions are based on the nature of the products and services provided, the type or class of customer, and the Bank’s management organization, and provide the basis on which the Bank reports its primary segment information:

 

   

Retail banking—The retail banking segment’s assets and liabilities are mainly with individuals and households. This segment handles private customer current accounts, savings, deposits, consumer loans and mortgage loans.

 

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Corporate banking—The corporate banking segment’s assets and liabilities are mainly with private and public enterprises. The activities within this segment include loans, overdrafts, other credit facilities, deposits in foreign currencies and other foreign currency activities.

 

   

Capital markets activities—Activities within this segment include trading activities in securities and derivatives, activities involving investment security portfolios, and foreign currency funding through debentures and borrowings.

 

   

Credit card operations—The credit card segment’s assets and liabilities are mainly with individuals or corporate cardholders and card merchants, and it handles domestic as well as overseas credit and debit card operations.

Other operations of the Bank are comprised of activities of its subsidiaries and other consolidated entities, activities of trust account management activities, none of which constitute a separately reportable segment.

Operating income and expenses and interest income and expense, related to both third party and inter-segment transactions, are included in determining the operating earnings of each segment. The provision for income tax is comprised of corporate income tax and resident tax surcharges. The income tax expenses are allocated to the respective segment based on performance. Transactions between the business segments are reflected on terms established by management.

The segment results were prepared based on Korean GAAP and a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP has been provided for certain line items. Geographic segment disclosures have been excluded as assets and revenues attributable to external customers in foreign countries are not significant.

 

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A summary of the business segment results is shown in the following table:

 

Year ended December 31, 2005

   Retail
Banking
    Corporate
Banking
    Capital
Markets
Activities
    Credit
Card
Operations
    Other    Total
Segment
    Inter-segment
Transactions (1)
    U.S. GAAP
Adjustments
    Total  
     (In millions of Won)  

Operating income

   9,168,892     4,266,647     7,109,326     2,192,790     2,797,177    25,534,832     (6,550,836 )   (5,482,014 )   13,501,982  

Operating expenses

   7,348,750     3,769,841     6,900,655     1,511,749     2,671,588    22,202,583     (6,477,613 )   (6,041,610 )   9,683,360  
                                                     

Segment results

   1,820,142     496,806     208,671     681,041     125,589    3,332,249     (73,223 )   559,596     3,818,622  
                                                     

Interest income

   8,591,845     4,125,769     1,872,344     2,056,876     1,081,688    17,728,522     (6,275,758 )   (794,792 )   10,657,972  

Interest expense

   5,373,455     2,899,684     1,871,473     295,782     973,760    11,414,154     (6,683,028 )   25,405     4,756,531  
                                                     

Net interest income (expense)

   3,218,390     1,226,085     871     1,761,094     107,928    6,314,368     407,270     (820,197 )   5,901,441  

Provision for (reversal of provision for) credit losses

   371,697     375,696     (39 )   608,140     15,696    1,371,190     (341,745 )   (416,340 )   613,105  

Non-interest income

   577,047     140,878     5,236,982     135,914     1,715,489    7,806,310     (275,078 )   (4,687,222 )   2,844,010  

Non-interest expenses

   1,418,899     451,542     5,028,179     569,090     1,596,318    9,064,028     548,730     (5,651,647 )   3,961,111  
                                                     

Net non-interest income (expenses)

   (841,852 )   (310,664 )   208,803     (433,176 )   119,171    (1,257,718 )   (823,808 )   964,425     (1,117,101 )

Depreciation and amortization

   184,699     42,919     1,042     38,737     85,814    353,211     (1,570 )   972     352,613  
                                                     

Extraordinary gain

   —       —       —       —       —      —       —       —       —    

Net income (loss) before tax expense (benefits)

   1,820,142     496,806     208,671     681,041     125,589    3,332,249     (73,223 )   559,596     3,818,622  

Income tax expense

   500,539     136,621     57,385     187,287     118,244    1,000,076     5,976     93,668     1,099,720  

Minority interests

   —       —       —       —       —      —       —       2,705     2,705  

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   —       —       —       —       —      —       —       —       —    
                                                     

Net income (loss)

   1,319,603     360,185     151,286     493,754     7,345    2,332,173     (79,199 )   463,223     2,716,197  
                                                     

Segments’ total assets

   85,228,601     45,898,872     36,021,510     8,431,323     8,951,346    184,531,652     (1,628,930 )   (4,394,666 )   178,508,056  
                                                     

 

(1)

Includes eliminations for consolidation, inter-segment transactions and certain differences in classification under management’s reporting system.

 

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Year ended December 31, 2006

   Retail
Banking
    Corporate
Banking
    Capital
Markets
Activities
    Credit
Card
Operations
    Other     Total Segment     Inter-segment
Transactions (1)
    U.S. GAAP
Adjustments
    Total  
     (In millions of Won)  

Operating income

   10,372,125     5,264,795     8,967,453     2,255,927     2,456,546     29,316,846     (8,699,628 )   (6,332,656 )   14,284,562  

Operating expenses

   8,679,272     4,759,951     8,950,173     1,522,010     1,891,295     25,802,701     (8,610,045 )   (7,427,996 )   9,764,660  
                                                      

Segment results

   1,692,853     504,844     17,280     733,917     565,251     3,514,145     (89,583 )   1,095,340     4,519,902  
                                                      

Interest income

   9,503,999     4,937,620     2,738,507     1,907,104     1,042,109     20,129,339     (7,861,936 )   (862,451 )   11,404,952  

Interest expense

   6,417,851     3,857,489     2,837,558     347,364     278,028     13,738,290     (8,346,244 )   (49,676 )   5,342,370  
                                                      

Net interest income (expense)

   3,086,148     1,080,131     (99,051 )   1,559,740     764,081     6,391,049     484,308     (812,775 )   6,062,582  

Provision for (reversal of provision for) credit losses

   421,506     353,132     (5 )   388,376     18,612     1,181,621     (153,156 )   (1,128,391 )   (99,926 )

Non-interest income

   868,126     327,175     6,228,946     348,823     1,414,437     9,187,507     (837,692 )   (5,470,205 )   2,879,610  

Non-interest expenses

   1,685,804     514,710     6,111,728     749,389     1,492,542     10,554,173     (108,451 )   (6,247,294 )   4,198,428  
                                                      

Net non-interest income (expenses)

   (817,678 )   (187,535 )   117,218     (400,566 )   (78,105 )   (1,366,666 )   (729,241 )   777,089     (1,318,818 )

Depreciation and amortization

   154,111     34,620     892     36,881     102,113     328,617     (2,194 )   (2,635 )   323,788  
                                                      

Extraordinary gain

   —       —       —       —       —       —       —       —       —    

Net income (loss) before tax expense (benefits)

   1,692,853     504,844     17,280     733,917     565,251     3,514,145     (89,583 )   1,095,340     4,519,902  

Income tax expense

   461,894     159,906     4,939     243,222     87,908     957,869     (313 )   465,348     1,422,904  

Minority interests

   —       —       —       —       —       —       —       4,745     4,745  

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   —       —       —       —       —       —       —       (1,687 )   (1,687 )
                                                      

Net income (loss)

   1,230,959     344,938     12,341     490,695     477,343     2,556,276     (89,270 )   623,560     3,090,566  
                                                      

Segments’ total assets

   88,647,438     56,422,392     36,847,803     8,703,817     10,047,610     200,669,060     (1,755,624 )   (5,935,191 )   192,978,245  
                                                      

 

(1)

Includes eliminations for consolidation, inter-segment transactions and certain differences in classification under management’s reporting system.

 

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Year ended December 31, 2007

   Retail
Banking
    Corporate
Banking
    Capital
Markets
Activities
    Credit
Card
Operations
    Other    Total Segment     Inter-segment
Transactions (1)
    U.S. GAAP
Adjustments
    Total  
     (In millions of Won)  

Operating income

   11,465,514     7,048,300     9,019,943     2,238,803     3,482,028    33,254,588     (10,727,867 )   (5,721,523 )   16,805,198  

Operating expense

   9,611,829     6,463,264     9,045,737     1,532,613     1,957,687    28,611,130     (10,629,155 )   (6,142,579 )   11,839,396  
                                                     

Segment results

   1,853,685     585,036     (25,794 )   706,190     1,524,341    4,643,458     (98,712 )   421,056     4,965,802  
                                                     

Interest income

   10,304,640     6,372,668     3,459,384     1,997,440     1,339,041    23,473,173     (9,596,017 )   (1,084,815 )   12,792,341  

Interest expense

   7,350,859     5,280,951     3,516,996     449,045     342,331    16,940,182     (10,142,560 )   (110,174 )   6,687,448  
                                                     

Net interest income (expense)

   2,953,781     1,091,717     (57,612 )   1,548,395     996,710    6,532,991     546,543     (974,641 )   6,104,893  

Provision for credit losses

   84,110     416,403     23     19,468     27,524    547,528     (61 )   (529,093 )   18,374  

Non-interest income

   1,160,874     675,632     5,560,559     241,363     2,142,987    9,781,415     (1,131,850 )   (4,636,708 )   4,012,857  

Non-interest expenses

   1,941,470     728,371     5,527,876     1,020,704     1,477,086    10,695,507     (484,195 )   (5,496,620 )   4,714,692  
                                                     

Net non-interest income (expenses)

   (780,596 )   (52,739 )   32,683     (779,341 )   665,901    (914,092 )   (647,655 )   859,912     (701,835 )

Depreciation and amortization

   235,390     37,539     842     43,396     110,746    427,913     (2,339 )   (6,692 )   418,882  
                                                     

Extraordinary gain

   —       —       —       —       —      —       —       —       —    

Net income (loss) before tax expense (benefits)

   1,853,685     585,036     (25,794 )   706,190     1,524,341    4,643,458     (98,712 )   421,056     4,965,802  

Income tax expense (benefit)

   515,511     170,853     (6,915 )   200,928     902,674    1,783,051     (503 )   (576,115 )   1,206,433  

Minority interests

   —       —       —       —       —      —       —       4,262     4,262  

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   —       —       —       —       —      —       —       —       —    
                                                     

Net income (loss)

   1,338,174     414,183     (18,879 )   505,262     621,667    2,860,407     (98,209 )   992,909     3,755,107  
                                                     

Segments’ total assets

   90,257,424     73,194,276     38,573,300     9,950,104     13,024,404    224,999,508     (1,955,064 )   (5,361,676 )   217,682,768  
                                                     

 

(1)

Includes eliminations for consolidation, inter-segment transactions and certain differences in classification under management’s reporting system.

 

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The allowance for loan losses under U.S.GAAP for each segment is as follows:

 

(In millions of Won)

   Retail
Banking
   Corporate
Banking
   Capital
Markets
Activities
   Credit Card
Operations
   Other    Total

As of December 31, 2006

   614,470    1,591,482    1,792    205,151    55,483    2,468,378

As of December 31, 2007

   427,835    1,231,263    745    165,054    39,132    1,864,029

Following is a reconciliation of the business segments’ total assets under Korean GAAP as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 to the consolidated total assets under U.S.GAAP;

 

(In millions of Won)

   2005     2006     2007  

Segments’ total assets

   184,531,652     200,669,060     224,999,508  

U.S. GAAP adjustments

   (4,394,666 )   (5,935,191 )   (5,361,676 )
                  

Cash and cash equivalents

   251,659     897,468     293,389  

Restricted cash

   (540 )   (42,560 )   (108,624 )

Interest-bearing deposits in other banks

   (334,851 )   (69,074 )   (76,214 )

Call loans and securities purchased under resale agreements

   180,992     48,091     7,576  

Trading assets

   (2,910,641 )   (3,068,912 )   (2,842,889 )

Investment

   (1,644,442 )   (1,687,595 )   (1,769,326 )

Loans (net of allowance for loan losses)

   1,280,195     1,537,540     1,810,489  

Premises and equipment, net

   (524,364 )   (527,879 )   (642,257 )

Accrued interest and dividends receivable

   (95,999 )   (336,757 )   (342,282 )

Security deposits

   (10,386 )   (5,086 )   (7,435 )

Goodwill

   15,880     94,156     172,478  

Other intangible assets

   196,405     114,157     66,766  

Other assets

   (798,574 )   (2,888,740 )   (1,923,347 )

Inter-segment transactions

   (1,628,930 )   (1,755,624 )   (1,955,064 )
                  

Consolidated total assets

   178,508,056     192,978,245     217,682,768  
                  

 

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Following is a reconciliation of the business segment’s operating income under Korean GAAP for the years ended December, 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007 to the consolidated operating income under U.S. GAAP:

 

(In millions of Won)

   2005     2006     2007  

Segments’ operating income

   25,534,832     29,316,846     33,254,588  

U.S. GAAP adjustments

   (5,482,014 )   (6,332,656 )   (5,721,523 )
                  

Interest and dividend income:

      

Deposits in other banks

   (16,419 )   (24,849 )   (22,759 )

Loans, including fees

   (623,466 )   (713,876 )   (859,455 )

Trading assets

   (118,490 )   (126,687 )   (134,357 )

Investment securities

   (53,185 )   (2,694 )   (70,591 )

Call loans and securities purchased under resale agreements

   16,768     5,655     2,347  
                  
   (794,792 )   (862,451 )   (1,084,815 )
                  

Non-interest income:

      

Trust fees, nets

   35,246     29,871     21,759  

Other fees and commission income

   673,708     755,210     841,740  

Net trading revenue

   (4,878,940 )   (5,424,014 )   (4,806,311 )

Net gain on investments

   (291,639 )   (247,596 )   (30,723 )

Other non-interest income

   (225,597 )   (583,676 )   (663,173 )
                  
   (4,687,222 )   (5,470,205 )   (4,636,708 )
                  

Inter-segment transactions

   (6,550,836 )   (8,699,628 )   (10,727,867 )
                  

Consolidated operating income

   13,501,982     14,284,562     16,805,198  
                  

The adjustments presented in the tables above represent consolidated assets and revenues not specifically allocated to individual business segments.

Differences between U.S. GAAP and Korean GAAP

The following is a summary of the significant adjustments made to consolidated total assets and revenue to reconcile the U.S. GAAP results with those under Korean GAAP.

Allowance for loan losses: under U.S. GAAP, the allowance for loan losses for specifically identified impaired non-homogeneous loans has been established based on (1) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, (2) the fair value of the collateral if the loan was collateral dependent or (3) observable market prices if available. For homogeneous corporate and consumer loans, the allowance for the loan losses was established based on an evaluation of the historical performance of the loan portfolios. Under Korean GAAP, the allowance for loan losses has been determined at the larger of the allowance based on historical loss rates of loan portfolios or the one based on the loan classification guidelines and prescribed loss ratio of the Financial Service Commission. For the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2007, the Bank used allowance based on the Financial Service Commission Guidelines as it was greater than the one based on the historical loss rates.

Deferred loan costs: Under U.S. GAAP, certain employee and other costs associated with originating loans are deferred and amortized over the life of the related loans as an adjustment to the yield of the loans, net of any related fees received. Under Korean GAAP, origination costs related to wages and salaries are recognized as expense when accrued.

 

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Securities and hedging derivatives accounting: Under U.S. GAAP, decreases in fair value with respect to all securities below the cost basis of an individual security and deemed to be other-than-temporary must be written off through a charge to income. In determining whether a decrease in fair value is other-than-temporary, the following factors were considered: the length of time and the extent to which the market value had been less than cost; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; and the intent and ability of the holder to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. Under Korean GAAP, when the recoverable value of available-for-sale or held-to-maturity securities is less than their amortized acquisition costs and there is any objective evidence of impairment, then their book value is adjusted to their recoverable amount, and the declines in book value are reflected in current loss as impairment losses.

Under U.S. GAAP, to qualify for hedge accounting, derivatives must be highly effective at reducing the risk associated with the exposure being hedged. Each derivative must be formally designated as a hedge, with documentation of the risk management objective and strategy for the hedge, identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item and risk exposure, and how effectiveness would be assessed prospectively and retrospectively. Under Korean GAAP, the criteria that must be met in order to apply hedge accounting are less prescriptive. Accordingly, the majority of the derivatives accounted for as hedges under Korean GAAP do not qualify for hedge accounting under U.S. GAAP. This adjustment reflects the effects of the reversal of the hedge accounting treatment under Korean GAAP.

Loan sale accounting: Under U.S. GAAP, the transfer of loans was recorded as a sale if specific and prescriptive criteria were met relating to the transferor’s relinquishing control. If these criteria were not met, the transfer would be treated as a secured borrowing. Certain loan transfers (including those in connection with asset securitization transactions) that qualified for derecognition as sales under Korean GAAP did not meet U.S. GAAP criteria for derecognition as sales.

Fixed Assets: Under Korean GAAP, certain fixed assets were revalued upward in 1998. As a result of this revaluation, the revaluation gain is included in stockholders’ equity, and depreciation expense related to the revalued fixed assets is determined based on the new cost basis. Under U.S. GAAP, such a revaluation is not permitted and depreciation expense is based on historical cost.

Goodwill: Under Korean GAAP, goodwill is amortized over its useful life during which future economic benefits are expected to flow to the enterprise, not exceeding twenty years. Under U.S. GAAP, goodwill is not amortized, but rather it is tested for impairment at least annually.

Finite-lived Intangible Assets: Under U.S. GAAP, finite-lived intangible assets which meet certain criteria are recognized in a business combination transaction and amortized over their useful lives. Under Korean GAAP, as the criteria that must be met in order to recognize intangible assets is not clearly specified, in practice, they are included as part of goodwill.

Foreign Currency Translation: Under U.S. GAAP, all unrealized gains and losses arising from available-for-sale securities are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss); however under Korean GAAP, the portion of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities arising from foreign currency translation were recognized in earnings.

Stock-based Compensation: Under U.S. GAAP, compensation costs of stock option are recognized using the fair value method. Under Korean GAAP, the compensation costs were recognized using the intrinsic value method by 2006, and prospectively, the costs are recognized using the fair value method from 2007.

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”): Under U.S. GAAP, VIEs for which the Bank has been determined to be the primary beneficiary are consolidated. Under Korean GAAP, certain VIEs which are established in the course of assets-backed securitizations of non-performing loans are deconsolidated under the

 

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Law of Securitization, but the majority of the VIEs do not qualify for deconsolidation under U.S. GAAP. This adjustment reflects the effects of the reversal of the securitization accounting treatment under Korean GAAP.

Income tax expense: Under U.S. GAAP, a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return is evaluated to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position, and then the tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not criteria is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax positions are measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Differences between tax positions taken in a tax return and amounts recognized are reflected in the financial statements as adjustments of income tax expense, deferred tax assets/liabilities. In addition, interest and penalties related to tax positions are adjusted as a component of income tax expense. Under Korean GAAP, as the guidelines to recognize and measure the benefits of uncertain tax positions are not clearly specified, in practice, they are adjusted in income tax expense when realized.

36. Trust Accounts

The Bank offers a variety of asset management and administration services under trust arrangements in accordance with the Korean Trust Law and the Korean Trust Business Act. The trust accounts managed by the Bank are classified into performance based trusts and guaranteed trusts in terms of the nature of the trusts, and the guaranteed trusts consist of Guaranteed Principal Money Trusts and Guaranteed Fixed Rate Money Trusts.

The Guaranteed Principal Money Trusts require the Bank to guarantee the return of the principal amount invested at the termination of a fixed term deposit. Additionally, the Bank guarantees a specified rate of return on the principal amount invested in Guaranteed Fixed Rate Money Trusts. Based on the Bank’s analysis of potential risk and reward generated form the guaranteed trusts, the Guaranteed Fixed Rate Money Trusts were consolidated in the Bank’s financial statements in accordance with FIN No. 46(R). For further discussion on the consolidation scope of the trust accounts, refer to Note 9.

With respect to the managing of the trust accounts, the Bank charges investment management fees on the Guaranteed Principal Money Trusts and other performance based trusts, and receives commission income, including penalty charges for early withdrawal of fixed term deposits.

37. Subsequent Events

Acquisition of Hannuri Investment & Securities Co. Ltd. (renamed as KB Investment & Securities Co., Ltd)

On March 11, 2008, the Bank acquired 9,580,000 common shares of Hannuri Investment & Securities Co., Ltd. from J.D.K. Investment Co., Inc. for (Won)266,324 million. As a result, the Bank owns 95.8% of the voting rights of KB Investment & Securities Co., Ltd. The total assets and liabilities as of January 1, 2008 under Korean GAAP are (Won)254,288 million and (Won)97,647 million, respectively.

Acquisition of shares of Joint Stock Company Bank CenterCredit (“JSC Bank CenterCredit”), a Kazakhstan bank.

In March 2008, the Bank entered into an agreement to acquire a 29.99% stake in JSC Bank CenterCredit, a Kazakhstan bank, for (Won)621,343 million and plan to acquire a controlling stake of 50.1% or more in JSC Bank CenterCredit within 30 months from the closing of the initial investment. The closing of the initial investment is subject to and will occur after the receipt of approvals from regulatory authorities in Korea and Kazakhstan.

Dividends declared

At the general stockholders’ meeting on March 20, 2008 the stockholders approved payment of cash dividend of 49% of par value to stockholders of record as of December 31, 2007. The cash dividend amounting to (Won)824,129 million was paid on March 25, 2008.

 

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