2. Principles of consolidation, accounting policies and measurement bases applied and recent IFRS pronouncements

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The Glossary includes the definition of some of the financial and economic terms used in Note 2 and subsequent Notes of the consolidated financial statements.

2.1 Principles of consolidation

In terms of its consolidation, accordance with the criteria established by the IFRS, the BBVA Group is made up of four types of entities: subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and structured entities, define as follows:

Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group (for definition of the criterion for control, see Glossary).The financial statements of the subsidiaries are fully consolidated with those of the Bank.

The share of non-controlling interests from subsidiaries in the Group’s consolidated equity is presented under the heading “Non-controlling interests” in the consolidated balance sheet. Their share in the profit or loss for the period or year is presented under the heading “Profit attributable to non-controlling interests” in the accompanying consolidated income statement (see Note 30).

Note 3 include information related to the main subsidiaries in the Group as of December 31, 2014. Appendix I includes other significant information on these entities.

Joint ventures

Joint ventures are those entities over which there is a joint arrangement to joint control with third parties other than the Group (for definitions of joint arrangement, joint control and joint venture, refer to Glossary).

The investments in joint ventures are valued using the equity method (see Note 16). Appendix II shows the main figures for joint ventures accounted for using the equity method.

Associates

Associates are entities in which the Group is able to exercise significant influence (for definition of significant influence, see Glossary). Significant influence is deemed to exist when the Group owns 20% or more of the voting rights of an investee directly or indirectly, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that this is not the case.

However, certain entities in which the Group owns 20% or more of the voting rights are not included as Group associates, since the Group does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over these entities. Investments in these entities, which do not represent material amounts for the Group, are classified as “Available-for-sale financial assets”. Those entities are not material.

In contrast, some investments in entities in which the Group holds less than 20% of the voting rights are accounted for as Group associates, as the Group is considered to have the ability to exercise significant influence over these entities.

Appendix II shows the most significant information related to the associates (see Note 16), which are accounted for using the equity method.

Structured Entities

A structured entity (see Glossary) is an entity that has been designed so that voting or similar rights are not the dominant factor in deciding who controls the entity, such as when the voting rights relate to administrative matters only and the relevant activities are directed by means of contractual arrangements.

In those cases where the Group sets up entities, or has a holding in such entities, in order to allow its customers access to certain investments, or for transferring risks or for other purposes, in accordance with internal criteria and procedures and with applicable regulations, the Group determines whether control over the entity in question actually exists and therefore whether it should be subject to consolidation.

Such methods and procedures determine whether there is control by the Group, considering how the decisions are made about the relevant activities, assesses whether the Group has all power over the relevant elements, exposure, or rights, to variable returns from involvement with the investee; and the ability to use power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor’s returns.

Structured entities subject to consolidation

To determine if a structured entity controls the investee, and therefore should be consolidated into the Group, the existing contractual rights (different from the voting rights) are analyzed. For this reason, an analysis of the structure and purpose of each investee will be performed and, among others, the following factors will be considered:

– Evidence of the current ability to manage the relevant activities of the entity according to the specific business needs (including any decisions that may arise only in particular circumstances).

– Potential existence of a special relationship with the entity.

– Implicit or explicit Group commitments to support the entity.

– The ability to use the Group´s power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor’s returns.

There are cases where the Group has a high exposure to variable returns and maintains existing decision-making power over the entity, either directly or through an agent.

The main structured entities of the Group are the so-called asset securitization funds, to which the BBVA Group transferred loan portfolios, and other vehicles, which allow the Group’s customers to gain access to certain investments or to allow for the transfer of risks and other purposes (See Appendix I and V). BBVA maintains the decision-making power over the relevant activities of these vehicles through securitized market standard contractual financial support. The most common ones are: investment positions in equity note tranches, funding through subordinated debt, credit improvements through derivative instruments or liquidity lines, management rights of defaulted securitized assets, “clean-up” call derivatives, and asset repurchase clauses by the grantor.

For these reasons, the loans related to the vast majority of the securitizations carried out by the bank or Group subsidiaries are not deregistered in the books of said entity and the issuances of these securitizations are registered as liabilities within the Group’s balance sheet.

Non-consolidated structured entities

The Group owns other vehicles also for the purpose of allowing access to customers to certain investment, transfer risks, and other purposes, but without the control of these and which are considered non-consolidated in accordance with IFRS 10. The balance of assets and liabilities of these vehicles is not material in relation to the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

As of December 31, 2014 there was no material financial support from the parent or subsidiaries to unconsolidated structured entities.

The Group does not consolidate any of the mutual funds managed since the necessary control conditions are not met (See definition of control in the Glossary). Particularly, the BBVA Group does not act as arranger but as agent since it operates on behalf and for the benefit of invertors or parties (arranger of arrangers) and, for this reason it does not control the mutual funds when exercising its authority for decision making.

On the other hand, the mutual funds managed by the Group are not considered structured entities (generally, retail funds without corporate identity over which investors have participations which gives them ownership of said managed equity). These funds are not dependent on a capital structure that could prevent them to carry out activities without additional financial support, being in any case insufficient as far as the activities themselves are concerned. Additionally, the risk of the investment is absorbed by the fund participants, and the Group is only exposed when it becomes a participant, and as such, there is no other risk for the Group. Furthermore, in the case of guaranteed investment funds, the investment policy is designed in such a way that the Group collateral does not have to be exercised.

In all cases, results of equity method investees acquired by the BBVA Group in a particular period are included taking into account only the period from the date of acquisition to the financial statements date. Similarly, the results of entities disposed of during any year are included taking into account only the period from the start of the year to the date of disposal.

The financial statements of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements of the Group relate to the same date of presentation than the consolidated financial statements. If financial statements at those same dates are not available, the most recent will be used, as long as these are not older than three months, and adjusting to take into account the most significant transactions. As of December 31, 2014, all of the financial statements of all Group entities were available, save for the case of the financial statements of five non-material associates and joint-ventures for which the financial statements were as of November 30, 2014.

Our banking subsidiaries, associates and joint venture around the world, are subject to supervision and regulation from a variety of regulatory bodies in relation to, among other aspects, the satisfaction of minimum capital requirements. The obligation to satisfy such capital requirements may affect the ability of such entities to transfer funds in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances. In addition, under the laws of the various jurisdictions where such entities are incorporated, dividends may only be paid out through funds legally available for such purpose. Even when the minimum capital requirements are met and funds are legally available, the relevant regulator or other public administrations could discourage or delay the transfer of funds to the Group in the form of cash, dividends, loans or advances for prudential reasons.

Separate financial statements

The separate financial statements of the parent company of the Group (Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.) are prepared under Spanish regulations (Circular 4/2004 of the Bank of Spain, and subsequent amendments) and following other regulatory requirements of financial information applicable to the Bank. The Bank uses the cost method to account in its separate financial statements its investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint venture entities, which is consistent with the requirements of IAS 27.

Appendix IX shows BBVA’s financial statements as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

2.2 Accounting policies and valuation criteria applied

The accounting standards and policies and the valuation criteria applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements may differ from those used by some of the entities within the BBVA Group. For this reason, necessary adjustments and reclassifications have been introduced in the consolidation process to standardize these principles and criteria and comply with the EU-IFRS.

The accounting standards and policies and valuation criteria used in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements are as follows:

2.2.1 Financial instruments

Measurement of financial instruments and recognition of changes in subsequent fair value

All financial instruments are initially accounted for at fair value which, unless there is evidence to the contrary, shall be the transaction price.

All the changes in the fair value of the financial instruments, except in trading derivatives, arising from the accrual of interests and similar items are recognized under the headings “Interest and similar income” or “Interest and similar expenses”, as appropriate, in the accompanying consolidated income statement for the year in which the change occurred (see Note 36). The dividends received from other entities are recognized under the heading “Dividend income” in the accompanying consolidated income statement for the year in which the right to receive them arises (see Note 37).

The changes in fair value after the initial recognition, for reasons other than those mentioned in the preceding paragraph, are treated as described below, according to the categories of financial assets and liabilities.

“Financial assets held for trading” and “Other financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss”

The assets and liabilities recognized under these headings of the consolidated balance sheets are measured at fair value and changes in the fair value (gains or losses) are recognized as their net value under the heading “Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities” in the accompanying consolidated income statements (see Note 41). However, changes in fair value resulting from variations in foreign exchange rates are recognized under the heading “Exchange differences (net)" in the accompanying consolidated income statements.

“Available-for-sale financial assets”

Assets recognized under this heading in the consolidated balance sheets are measured at their fair value. Subsequent changes in fair value (gains or losses) are recognized temporarily for their amount net of tax effect, under the heading “Valuation adjustments - Available-for-sale financial assets” in the consolidated balance sheets.

Changes in the value of non-monetary items resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates are recognized temporarily under the heading “Valuation adjustments - Exchange differences” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Changes in foreign exchange rates resulting from monetary items are recognized under the heading “Exchange differences (net)" in the accompanying consolidated income statements.

The amounts recognized under the headings “Valuation adjustments - Available-for-sale financial assets” and “Valuation adjustments - Exchange differences” continue to form part of the Group's consolidated equity until the corresponding asset is derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet or until an impairment loss is recognized in the corresponding financial instrument. If these assets are sold, these amounts are derecognized and included under the headings “Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities” or “Exchange differences (net)", as appropriate, in the consolidated income statement for the year in which they are derecognized.

The gains from sales of other equity instruments considered strategic investments included under “Available-for-sale financial assets” are recognized under the heading “Gains (losses) in non-current assets held-for-sale not classified as discontinued operations” in the consolidated income statement, even if they had not been classified in a previous balance sheet as non-current assets held for sale.

The net impairment losses in “Available-for-sale financial assets” over the year are recognized under the heading “Impairment losses on financial assets (net) – Other financial instruments not at fair value through profit or loss” (see Note 46) in the consolidated income statements for that period.

“Loans and receivables”, “Held-to-maturity investments” and “Financial liabilities at amortized cost”

Assets and liabilities recognized under these headings in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are measured at “amortized cost” using the “effective interest rate” method. This is because the consolidated entities intend to hold such financial instruments to maturity.

Net impairment losses of assets recognized under these headings arising in a particular period are recognized under the heading “Impairment losses on financial assets (net) – Loans and receivables” or “Impairment losses on financial assets (net) – Other financial instruments not valued at fair value through profit or loss” (see Note 46) in the consolidated income statement for that period.

“Hedging derivatives” and “Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedges of interest-rate risk””

Assets and liabilities recognized under these headings in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are measured at fair value.

Changes occurring subsequent to the designation of the hedging relationship in the measurement of financial instruments designated as hedged items as well as financial instruments designated as hedge accounting instruments are recognized as follows:

In fair value hedges, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized under the heading “Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities” in the consolidated income statement, with a corresponding item under the headings where hedging items ("Hedging derivatives") and the hedged items are recognized, as applicable.
In fair value hedges of interest rate risk of a portfolio of financial instruments (portfolio-hedges), the gains or losses that arise in the measurement of the hedging instrument are recognized in the consolidated income statement, and the gains or losses that arise from the change in the fair value of the hedged item (attributable to the hedged risk) are recognized in the consolidated income statement, using, as a balancing item, the headings "Fair value changes of the hedged items in portfolio hedges of interest rate risk" in the consolidated balance sheets, as applicable.
In cash flow hedges, the gain or loss on the hedging instruments relating to the effective portion are recognized temporarily under the heading "Valuation adjustments – Cash flow hedging” in the consolidated balance sheets. These differences are recognized in the accompanying consolidated income statement at the time when the gain or loss in the hedged instrument affects profit or loss, when the forecast transaction is executed or at the maturity date of the hedged item. Almost all of the hedges used by the Group are for interest-rate risks. Therefore, the valuation changes are recognized under the headings “Interest and similar income” or “Interest and similar expenses”, as appropriate, in the accompanying consolidated income statement (see Note 36).
Differences in the measurement of the hedging items corresponding to the ineffective portions of cash flow hedges are recognized directly in the heading “Net gains (losses) on financial assets and liabilities” in the consolidated income statement (See Note 41).
In the hedges of net investments in foreign operations, the differences attributable to the effective portions of hedging items are recognized temporarily under the heading "Valuation adjustments – Hedging of net investments in foreign transactions" in the consolidated balance sheets. These differences in valuation are recognized under the heading “Exchange differences (net)" in the consolidated income statement when the investment in a foreign operation is disposed of or derecognized.

Other financial instruments

The following exceptions are applicable with respect to the above general criteria:

Equity instruments whose fair value cannot be determined in a sufficiently objective manner and financial derivatives that have those instruments as their underlying asset and are settled by delivery of those instruments remain in the consolidated balance sheet at acquisition cost; this may be adjusted, where appropriate, for any impairment loss. (see Note 8)
Valuation adjustments arising from financial instruments classified at the consolidated balance sheet date as non-current assets held for sale are recognized with the corresponding entry under the heading “Valuation adjustments - Non-current assets held for sale” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Impairment losses on financial assets

Definition of impaired financial assets

A financial asset is considered impaired – and therefore its carrying amount is adjusted to reflect the effect of impairment – when there is objective evidence that events have occurred, which:

In the case of debt instruments (loans and advances and debt securities), reduce the future cash flows that were estimated at the time the transaction was entered into. So they are considered impaired when there are reasonable doubts that the carrying amounts will be recovered in full and/or the related interest will be collected for the amounts and on the dates initially agreed.
In the case of equity instruments, it means that their carrying amount may not be fully recovered.

As a general rule, the carrying amount of impaired financial assets is adjusted with a charge to the consolidated income statement for the period in which the impairment becomes known. The recoveries of previously recognized impairment losses are reflected, if appropriate, in the consolidated income statement for the year in which the impairment is reversed or reduced, with an exception: any recovery of previously recognized impairment losses for an investment in an equity instrument classified as financial assets available for sale is not recognized in the consolidated income statement, but under the heading "Valuation Adjustments - Available-for-sale financial assets" in the consolidated balance sheet (see Note 29).

In general, amounts collected in relation to impaired loans and receivables are used to recognize the related accrued interest and any excess amount is used to reduce the unpaid principal.

When the recovery of any recognized amount is considered remote, this amount is written-off on the consolidated balance sheet, without prejudice to any actions that may be taken in order to collect the amount until the rights extinguish in full either because it is time-barred debt, the debt is forgiven, or other reasons.

In the case of particularly significant financial assets, and assets that cannot be classified within similar groups of instruments in terms of risk, the amounts to be charged off are measured individually. In the case of financial assets for lower amounts that can be classified in homogeneous groups, this measurement is carried out as a group.

According to the Group’s established policy, the recovery of a recognized amount is considered remote and, therefore, derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet in the following cases:

Any loan (except for those carrying an effective guarantee) of an entity in bankruptcy and/or in the last phases of a “concurso de acreedores” (the Spanish equivalent of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding), and
Financial assets (bonds, debentures, etc.) whose issuer’s solvency had been undergone a notable and irreversible deterioration.

Additionally, loans and advances classified as impaired secured loans are written off in the balance sheet within a maximum period of four years of their classification as impaired, while impaired unsecured loans (such as commercial and consumer loans, credit cards, etc.) are written off within two years of their classification as impaired.

Impairment on financial assets

The impairment on financial assets is determined by type of instrument and other circumstances that could affect it, taking into account the guarantees received by the owners of the financial instruments to assure (in part or in full) the performance of the financial assets. The BBVA Group recognizes impairment charges directly against the impaired financial asset when the likelihood of recovery is deemed remote, and uses an offsetting or allowance account when it recognizes non-performing loan provisions for the estimated losses.

Impairment of debt securities measured at amortized cost

The amount of impairment losses of debt securities at amortized cost is measured depending on whether the impairment losses are determined individually or collectively.

Impairment losses on financial assets individually evaluated for impairment

The amount of the impairment losses incurred on financial assets represents the excess of their respective carrying amounts over the present values of their expected future cash flows. These cash flows are discounted using the original effective interest rate. If a financial asset has a variable interest rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment loss is the current effective rate determined under the contract.

As an exception to the rule described above, the market value of listed debt instruments is deemed to be a fair estimate of the present value of their expected future cash flows.

The following is to be taken into consideration when estimating the future cash flows of debt instruments:

All the amounts that are expected to be recovered over the remaining life of the instrument; including, where appropriate, those which may result from the collateral and other credit enhancements provided for the instrument (after deducting the costs required for foreclosure and subsequent sale). Impairment losses include an estimate for the possibility of collecting accrued, past-due and uncollected interest.
The various types of risk to which each instrument is subject.
The circumstances in which collections will foreseeably be made.

In respect to impairment losses resulting from the materialization of insolvency risk of the obligors (credit risk), a debt instrument is impaired:

When there is evidence of a reduction in the obligor's capacity to pay, whether manifestly by default or for other reasons; and/or
For these purposes, country risk is understood to refer to risk with respect to debtors resident in a particular country and resulting from factors other than normal commercial risk: sovereign risk, transfer risk or risks derived from international financial activity.

The BBVA Group has policies, methods and procedures for hedging its credit risk, for insolvency attributable to counterparties and country-risk. These policies, methods and procedures are applied to the arrangement, study and documentation of debt instruments, contingent risks and commitments, as well as the identification of their deterioration and in the calculation of the amounts needed to cover their credit risk.

Impairment losses on financial assets collectively evaluated for impairment

Impairment losses on financial assets collectively evaluated for impairment are calculated by using statistical procedures, and they are deemed equivalent to the portion of losses incurred on the date that the accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared that has yet to be allocated to specific asset. The BBVA group estimates losses through statistical processes that apply historical data and other specific parameters that, although having been generated as of closing date for these consolidated financial statements, have arisen on an individual basis following the reporting date.

The incurred loss is calculated taking into account three key factors: exposure at default, probability of default and loss given default.

Exposure at default (EAD) is the amount of risk exposure at the date of default by the counterparty.
Probability of default (PD) is the probability of the counterparty failing to meet its principal and/or interest payment obligations. The PD is associated with the rating/scoring of each counterparty/transaction. In addition, the PD calculation includes the following parameters:
- The ‘point-in-time’ parameter converts a ‘through-the-cycle’ probability of default (defined as the average probability of default over a complete economic cycle) into the probability of default at the reporting date (‘point-in-time’ probability).
- The loss identification period (‘LIP’) parameter, which is the time lag period between the occurrence of a specific impairment or loss event and when objective evidence of impairment becomes apparent on an individual basis; in other words, the time lag period between the loss event and the date an entity identified its occurrence. The analysis of LIPs is performed on a homogenous portfolio basis.

A PD of 100% is assigned when a loan is considered impaired. The definition of default used includes amounts past due by 90 days or more and cases in which there is no default but there are doubts as to the solvency of the counterparty (subjective doubtful assets).

Loss given default (LGD) is the estimate of the loss arising in the event of default. It depends mainly on the characteristics of the counterparty, and the valuation of the guarantees or collateral associated with the asset.

In order to calculate the LGD at each balance sheet date, the Group evaluates the estimated cash flows from the sale of the collateral by estimating its sale price (in the case of real estate collateral, the Group takes into account declines in property values which could affect the value of such collateral) and its estimated cost of sale. In the event of a default, the Group becomes contractually entitled to the property at the end of the foreclosure process or properties purchased from borrowers in distress, and is recognized in the financial statements. After the initial recognition of these assets classified as "Non-current assets held for sale" (see Note 2.2.4) or "Inventories" (see Note 2.2.6), they are valued at the lower of their carrying amount and their fair value less their estimated selling price.

As of December 31, 2014, the Group’s internal incurred losses model for credit risk shows no material differences when compared to the provisions calculation using Bank of Spain requirements.

Impairment of other debt instruments

The impairment losses on other debt securities included in the “Available-for-sale financial asset” portfolio are equal to the excess of their acquisition cost (net of any principal repayment), after deducting any impairment loss previously recognized in the consolidated income statement over their fair value.

When there is objective evidence that the negative differences arising on measurement of these assets are due to impairment, they are no longer considered as “Valuation adjustments - Available-for-sale financial assets” and are recognized in the consolidated income statement.

If all, or part of the impairment losses are subsequently recovered, the amount is recognized in the consolidated income statement for the year in which the recovery occurred.

Impairment of equity instruments

The amount of the impairment in the equity instruments is determined by the category where they are recognized:

Equity instruments classified as available for sale: When there is objective evidence that the negative differences arising on measurement of these assets are due to impairment, they are no longer considered as “Valuation adjustments - Available-for-sale financial assets” and are recognized in the consolidated income statement. In general, the Group considers that there is objective evidence of impairment on equity instruments classified as available-for-sale when significant unrealized losses have existed over a sustained period of time due to a price reduction of at least 40% or over a period of more than 18 months.

When applying this evidence of impairment, the Group takes into account the volatility in the price of each individual security to determine whether it is a percentage that can be recovered through its sale on the market; other different thresholds may exist for certain securities or specific sectors.

In addition, for individually significant investments, the Group compares the valuation of the most significant securities against valuations performed by independent experts.

Any recovery of previously recognized impairment losses for an investment in an equity instrument classified as available for sale is not recognized in the consolidated income statement, but under the heading "Valuation Adjustments - Available-for-sale financial assets" in the consolidated balance sheet (see Note 29).

Equity instruments measured at cost: The impairment losses on equity instruments measured at acquisition cost are equal to the excess of their carrying amount over the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the market rate of return for similar equity instruments. In order to determine these impairment losses, save for better evidence, an assessment of the equity of the investee is carried out (excluding valuation adjustments due to cash flow hedges) based on the last approved (consolidated) balance sheet, adjusted by the unrealized gains at measurement date.

Impairment losses are recognized in the consolidated income statement for the year in which they arise as a direct reduction of the cost of the instrument. These losses may only be reversed subsequently in the event of the sale of these assets.

2.2.2 Transfers and derecognition of financial assets and liabilities

The accounting treatment of transfers of financial assets is determined by the form in which risks and benefits associated with the financial assets involved are transferred to third parties. Thus the financial assets are only derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet when the cash flows that they generate are extinguished, or when their implicit risks and benefits have been substantially transferred to third parties. In the latter case, the financial asset transferred is derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet, and any right or obligation retained or created as a result of the transfer is simultaneously recognized.

Similarly, financial liabilities are derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet only if their obligations are extinguished or acquired (with a view to subsequent cancellation or renewed placement).

The Group is considered to have transferred substantially all the risks and benefits if such risks and benefits account for the majority of the risks and benefits involved in ownership of the transferred financial assets. If substantially all the risks and benefits associated with the transferred financial asset are retained:

The transferred financial asset is not derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet and continues to be measured using the same criteria as those used before the transfer.
A financial liability is recognized at the amount equal to the amount received, which is subsequently measured at amortized cost.
Both the income generated on the transferred (but not derecognized) financial asset and the expenses of the new financial liability continue to be recognized.

2.2.3 Financial guarantees

Financial guarantees are considered to be those contracts that require their issuer to make specific payments to reimburse the holder of the financial guarantee for a loss incurred when a specific borrower breaches its payment obligations on the terms – whether original or subsequently modified – of a debt instrument, irrespective of the legal form it may take. Financial guarantees may take the form of a deposit, financial guarantee, insurance contract or credit derivative, among others.

In their initial recognition, financial guarantees are recognized as liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value, which is generally the present value of the fees, commissions and interest receivable from these contracts over the term thereof, and the Group simultaneously recognize a corresponding asset in the consolidated balance sheet for the amount of the fees and commissions received at the inception of the transactions and the amounts receivable at the present value of the fees, commissions and interest outstanding.

Financial guarantees, irrespective of the guarantor, instrumentation or other circumstances, are reviewed periodically so as to determine the credit risk to which they are exposed and, if appropriate, to consider whether a provision is required for them. The credit risk is determined by application of criteria similar to those established for quantifying impairment losses on debt instruments measured at amortized cost (see Note 2.2.1).

The provisions recognized for financial guarantees considered impaired are recognized under the heading “Provisions - Provisions for contingent risks and commitments” on the liability side in the consolidated balance sheets (see Note 23). These provisions are recognized and reversed with a charge or credit, respectively; to “Provisions (net)” in the consolidated income statements (see Note 45).

Income from financial guarantee contracts is recorded under the heading “Fee and commission income” in the consolidated income statement and is calculated by applying the rate established in the related contract to the nominal amount of the guarantee (see 39).

2.2.4 Non-current assets held for sale and liabilities associated with non-current assets held for sale

The heading “Non-current assets held-for-sale” in the consolidated balance sheets includes the carrying amount of assets that are not part of the BBVA Group’s operating activities. The recovery of this carrying amount is expected to take place through the price obtained on its disposal (see Note 15).

This heading includes individual items and groups of items (“disposal groups”) and disposal groups that form part of a major operating segment and are being held for sale as part of a disposal plan (“discontinued operations”). The individual items include the assets received by the subsidiaries from their debtors, and those consolidated under the proportionate consolidated method, in full or partial settlement of the debtors’ payment obligations (assets foreclosed or donated in repayment of debt and recovery of lease finance transactions), unless the Group has decided to make continued use of these assets. The BBVA Group has units that specialize in real estate management and the sale of this type of asset.

Symmetrically, the heading “Liabilities associated with non-current assets held for sale” in the consolidated balance sheets reflects the balances payable arising from disposal groups and discontinued operations.

Non-current assets held for sale are generally measured, at the acquisition date and at any later date deemed necessary, at either their carrying amount or the fair value of the property (less costs to sell), whichever is lower. The book value at acquisition date of the non-current assets held for sale from foreclosures or recoveries is defined as the balance pending collection on those loans/credits that originated said purchases (net of provisions). Non-current assets held for sale are not depreciated while included under this heading.

Gains and losses generated on the disposal of assets and liabilities classified as non-current held for sale, and related impairment losses and subsequent recoveries, where pertinent, are recognized in “Gains/(losses) on non-current assets held for sale not classified as discontinued operations” in the consolidated income statements (see Note 49.1). The remaining income and expense items associated with these assets and liabilities are classified within the relevant consolidated income statement headings.

Income and expenses for discontinued operations, whatever their nature, generated during the year, even if they have occurred before their classification as discontinued operations, are presented net of the tax effect as a single amount under the heading “Profit from discontinued operations” in the consolidated income statement, whether the business remains on the balance sheet or is derecognized from the balance sheet. This heading includes the earnings from their sale or other disposal (see 49.2).

2.2.5 Tangible assets

Property, plant and equipment for own use

This heading includes the assets under ownership or acquired under lease finance, intended for future or current use by the BBVA Group and that it expects to hold for more than one year. It also includes tangible assets received by the consolidated entities in full or partial settlement of financial assets representing receivables from third parties and those assets expected to be held for continuing use.

Property, plant and equipment for own use are presented in the consolidated balance sheets at acquisition cost, less any accumulated depreciation and, where appropriate, any estimated impairment losses resulting from comparing this net carrying amount of each item with its corresponding recoverable amount.

Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method, on the basis of the acquisition cost of the assets less their residual value; the land on which the buildings and other structures stand is considered to have an indefinite life and is therefore not depreciated.

The tangible asset depreciation charges are recognized in the accompanying consolidated income statements under the heading "Depreciation and amortization" (see Note 44) and are based on the application of the following depreciation rates (determined on the basis of the average years of estimated useful life of the various assets):

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Type of Assets	Annual Percentage
Buildings for own use	1% - 4%
Furniture	8% - 10%
Fixtures	6% - 12%
Office supplies and hardware	8% - 25%

The BBVA Group’s criteria for determining the recoverable amount of these assets, in particular buildings for own use, is based on independent appraisals that are no more than 3-5 years old at most, unless there are indications of impairment.

At each reporting date, the Group entities analyze whether there are internal or external indicators that a tangible asset may be impaired. When there is evidence of impairment, the entity analyzes whether this impairment actually exists by comparing the asset’s net carrying amount with its recoverable amount (as the higher between its recoverable amount less disposal costs and its value in use). When the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount, the carrying amount is written down to the recoverable amount and depreciation charges going forward are adjusted to reflect the asset’s remaining useful life.

Similarly, if there is any indication that the value of a tangible asset has been recovered, the consolidated entities will estimate the recoverable amounts of the asset and recognize it in the consolidated income statement, recording the reversal of the impairment loss registered in previous years and thus adjusting future depreciation charges. Under no circumstances may the reversal of an impairment loss on an asset raise its carrying amount above that which it would have if no impairment losses had been recognized in prior years.

Running and maintenance expenses relating to tangible assets held for own use are recognized as an expense in the year they are incurred and recognized in the consolidated income statements under the heading "Administration costs - General and administrative expenses - Property, fixtures and equipment" (see Note 43.2).

Other assets leased out under an operating lease

The criteria used to recognize the acquisition cost of assets leased out under operating leases, to calculate their depreciation and their respective estimated useful lives and to recognize the impairment losses on them, are the same as those described in relation to tangible assets for own use.

Investment properties

The heading “Tangible assets - Investment properties” in the consolidated balance sheets reflects the net values (purchase cost minus the corresponding accumulated depreciation and, if appropriate, estimated impairment losses) of the land, buildings and other structures that are held either to earn rentals or for capital appreciation through sale and that are neither expected to be sold off in the ordinary course of business nor are destined for own use (see Note 17).

The criteria used to recognize the acquisition cost of investment properties, calculate their depreciation and their respective estimated useful lives and recognize the impairment losses on them, are the same as those described in relation to tangible assets held for own use.

The BBVA Group’s criteria for determining the recoverable amount of these assets is based on independent appraisals that are no more than one year old at most, unless there are indications of impairment.

2.2.6 Inventories

The balance under the heading “Other assets - Inventories” in the consolidated balance sheets mainly includes the land and other properties that the BBVA Group’s real estate entities hold for development and sale as part of their real estate development activities (see Note 20).

The cost of inventories includes those costs incurred in during their acquisition and development, as well as other direct and indirect costs incurred in getting them to their current condition and location.

In the case of real-estate assets accounted for as inventories, the cost is comprised of: the acquisition cost of the land, the cost of urban planning and construction, non-recoverable taxes and costs corresponding to construction supervision, coordination and management. Borrowing cost incurred during the year form part of cost, provided that the inventories require more than a year to be in a condition to be sold.

Properties purchased from customers in distress are measured, at the acquisition date and any subsequent time, at either their related carrying amount or the fair value of the property (less costs to sell), whichever is lower. The carrying amount at acquisition date of these properties is defined as the balance pending collection on those loans/credits that originated said purchases (net of provisions).

Impairment

If the fair value less costs to sell is lower than the carrying amount of the loan recognized in the balance sheet, a loss is recognized under the heading "Impairment losses on other assets (net) – Other assets" in the consolidated income statement for the period (see Note 47). In the case of real-estate assets accounted for as inventories, the BBVA Group’s criterion for determining their net realizable value is mainly based on independent appraisals no more than one year old, or less if there are indications of impairment.

The amount of any subsequent adjustment due to inventory valuation for reasons such as damage, obsolescence, reduction in sale price to its net realizable value, as well as losses for other reasons and, if appropriate, subsequent recoveries of value up to the limit of the initial cost value, are registered under the heading "Impairment losses on other assets (net) – Other assets” in the accompanying consolidated income statements (see Note 47) for the year in which they are incurred.

Inventory sales

In sale transactions, the carrying amount of inventories is derecognized from the consolidated balance sheet and recognized as an expense under the income statement heading "Other operating expenses – Changes in inventories” in the year in which the income from its sale is recognized. This income is recognized under the heading “Other operating income – Financial income from non-financial services” in the consolidated income statements (see Note 42).

2.2.7 Business combinations

The aim of a business combination is to obtain control of one or more businesses. It is accounted for by applying the acquisition method.

According to this method, the acquirer has to recognize the assets acquired and the liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed, including those that the acquired entity had not recognized in the accounts. The method involves the measurement of the consideration received for the business combination and its allocation to the assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities measured according to their fair value, at the purchase date.

In addition, the acquirer shall recognize an asset in the consolidated balance sheet under the heading “Intangible asset - Goodwill” if on the acquisition date there is a positive difference between:

the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of all the non-controlling interests and the fair value of stock previously held in the acquired business; and
the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

If this difference is negative, it shall be recognized directly in the income statement under the heading “Gain on Bargain Purchase in business combinations”.

Non-controlling interests in the acquired entity may be measured in two ways: either at their fair value; or at the proportional percentage of net assets identified in the acquired entity. The method of valuing non-controlling interest may be elected in each business combination. So far, the BBVA Group has always elected for the second method.

The purchase of non-controlling interests subsequent to obtaining control of an entity is recognized as an equity transaction; in other words, the difference between the consideration transferred and the carrying amount of the percentage of non-controlling interests acquired is recorded directly to equity.

2.2.8 Intangible assets

Goodwill

Goodwill represents payment in advance by the acquiring entity for the future economic benefits from assets that cannot be individually identified and separately recognized. It is only recognized as goodwill when the business combinations are acquired at a price. Goodwill is never amortized. It is subject periodically to an impairment analysis, and is written off if it is clear that there has been impairment.

Goodwill is assigned to one or more cash-generating units that expect to be the beneficiaries of the synergies derived from the business combinations. The cash-generating units represent the Group’s smallest identifiable asset groups that generate cash flows for the Group and that are largely independent of the flows generated from the Group’s other assets or groups of assets. Each unit or units to which goodwill is allocated:

is the lowest level at which the entity manages goodwill internally;
is not larger than a business segment.

The cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment (including the allocated goodwill in their carrying amount). This analysis is performed at least annually or more frequently if there is any indication of impairment.

For the purpose of determining the impairment of a cash-generating unit to which a part of goodwill has been allocated, the carrying amount of that cash-generating unit, adjusted by the theoretical amount of the goodwill attributable to the non-controlling interests, in the event they are not valued at fair value, is compared with its recoverable amount.

The recoverable amount of a cash-generating unit is equal to the fair value less sale costs and its value in use, whichever is greater. Value in use is calculated as the discounted value of the cash flow projections that the unit’s management estimates and is based on the latest budgets approved for the coming years. The main assumptions used in its calculation are: a sustainable growth rate to extrapolate the cash flows indefinitely, and the discount rate used to discount the cash flows, which is equal to the cost of the capital assigned to each cash-generating unit, and equivalent to the sum of the risk-free rate plus a risk premium inherent to the cash-generating unit being evaluated for impairment.

If the carrying amount of the cash-generating unit exceeds the related recoverable amount, the Group recognizes an impairment loss; the resulting loss is apportioned by reducing, first, the carrying amount of the goodwill allocated to that unit and, second, if there are still impairment losses remaining to be recognized, the carrying amount of the remainder of the assets. This is done by allocating the remaining loss in proportion to the carrying amount of each of the assets in the unit. In the event the non-controlling interests are measured at fair value, the deterioration of goodwill attributable to non-controlling interests will be recognized. In any case, an impairment loss recognized for goodwill shall not be reversed in a subsequent period.

They are recognized under the heading "Impairment losses on other assets (net) – Goodwill and other intangible assets” in the consolidated income statements (see Note 47).

Other intangible assets

These assets may have an indefinite useful life if, based on an analysis of all relevant factors, it is concluded that there is no foreseeable limit to the period over which the asset is expected to generate net cash flows for the consolidated entities. In all other cases they have a finite useful life.

Intangible assets with a finite useful life are amortized according to the duration of this useful life, using methods similar to those used to depreciate tangible assets. The defined useful time intangible asset is made up mainly of IT applications acquisition costs which have a useful life of 3 to 5 years. Intangible assets with a finite useful life are mainly composed by the purchase of software applications, which have a useful life between 3 and 5 years.

The depreciation charge of these assets is recognized in the accompanying consolidated income statements under the heading "Depreciation and amortization" (see 44).

The consolidated entities recognize any impairment loss on the carrying amount of these assets with charge to the heading “Impairment losses on other assets (net) - Goodwill and other intangible assets” in the accompanying consolidated income statements (see Note 47). The criteria used to recognize the impairment losses on these assets and, where applicable, the recovery of impairment losses recognized in prior years, are similar to those used for tangible assets.

2.2.9 Insurance and reinsurance contracts

The assets of the BBVA Group’s insurance subsidiaries are recognized according to their nature under the corresponding headings of the consolidated balance sheets and the initial recognition and valuation is carried out according to the criteria set out in IFRS 4.

The heading “Reinsurance assets” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets includes the amounts that the consolidated entities are entitled to receive under the reinsurance contracts entered into by them with third parties and, more specifically, the share of the reinsurer in the technical provisions recognized by the consolidated insurance entities.

The heading “Liabilities under insurance contracts” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets includes the technical provisions for direct insurance and inward reinsurance recognized by the consolidated entities to cover claims arising from insurance contracts in force at period-end (see Note 22).

The income or expenses reported by the BBVA Group’s insurance entities on their insurance activities is recognized, attending to its nature, in the corresponding items of the consolidated income statements.

The consolidated insurance entities of the BBVA Group recognize the amounts of the premiums written to the income statement and a charge for the estimated cost of the claims that will be incurred at their final settlement to their income statements. At the close of each year the amounts collected and unpaid, as well as the costs incurred and unpaid, are accrued.

The most significant provisions registered by consolidated insurance entities with respect to insurance policies issued by them are set out by their nature in Note 22.

According to the type of product, the provisions may be as follows:

Life insurance provisions:

Represents the value of the net obligations undertaken with the life insurance policyholder. These provisions include:

Provisions for unearned premiums. These are intended for the accrual, at the date of calculation, of the premiums written. Their balance reflects the portion of the premiums accrued until the closing date that has to be allocated to the period from the closing date to the end of the insurance policy period.

Mathematical reserves: Represents the value of the life insurance obligations of the insurance entities at year-end, net of the policyholder’s obligations, arising from life insurance contracted.

Non-life insurance provisions:

Provisions for unearned premiums. These provisions are intended for the accrual, at the date of calculation, of the premiums written. Their balance reflects the portion of the premiums accrued until year-end that has to be allocated to the period between the year-end and the end of the policy period.

Provisions for unexpired risks: The provision for unexpired risks supplements the provision for unearned premiums by the amount by which that provision is not sufficient to reflect the assessed risks and expenses to be covered by the insurance entities in the policy period not elapsed at year-end.

Provision for claims:

This reflects the total amount of the outstanding obligations arising from claims incurred prior to year-end. Insurance entities calculate this provision as the difference between the total estimated or certain cost of the claims not yet reported, settled or paid, and the total amounts already paid in relation to these claims.

Provision for bonuses and rebates:

This provision includes the amount of the bonuses accruing to policyholders, insurees or beneficiaries and the premiums to be returned to policyholders or insurees, as the case may be, based on the behaviour of the risk insured, to the extent that such amounts have not been individually assigned to each of them.

Technical provisions for reinsurance ceded:

Calculated by applying the criteria indicated above for direct insurance, taking account of the assignment conditions established in the reinsurance contracts in force.

Other technical provisions:

Insurance entities have recognized provisions to cover the probable mismatches in the market reinvestment interest rates with respect to those used in the valuation of the technical provisions.

The BBVA Group controls and monitors the exposure of the insurance entities to financial risk and, to this end, uses internal methods and tools that enable it to measure credit risk and market risk and to establish the limits for these risks.

2.2.10 Tax assets and liabilities

Expenses on corporate income tax applicable to the BBVA Group’s Spanish entities and on similar income taxes applicable to consolidated foreign entities are recognized in the consolidated income statement, except when they result from transactions on which the profits or losses are recognized directly in equity, in which case the related tax effect is also recognized in equity.

The total corporate income tax expense is calculated by aggregating the current tax arising from the application of the corresponding tax rate to the tax for the year (after deducting the tax credits allowable for tax purposes) and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized in the consolidated income statement.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities include temporary differences, defined as the amounts to be payable or recoverable in future years arising from the differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their tax bases (the “tax value”), and tax loss and tax credit carry forwards. These amounts are calculated by applying to each temporary difference the income tax rate that is expected to be applied when the asset is realized or the liability settled (see Note 19).

The "Tax Assets" chapter of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets includes the amount of all the assets of a tax nature, and distinguishes between: "Current” (amounts recoverable by tax in the next twelve months) and "Deferred" (covering taxes recoverable in future years, including loss carry forwards or tax credits for deductions and tax rebates pending application).

The "Tax Liabilities" line item in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets includes the amount of all the liabilities of a tax nature, except for provisions for taxes, broken down into: "Current” (income tax payable on taxable profit for the year and other taxes payable in the next twelve months) and "Deferred" (income taxes payable in subsequent years).

Deferred tax liabilities attributable to taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates or joint venture entities are recognized as such, except where the Group can control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference and it is unlikely that it will reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is considered probable that the consolidated entities will have sufficient taxable profits in the future against which the deferred tax assets can be utilized and are not from the initial recognition (except in the case of a business combination) of other assets or liabilities in a transaction that does not affect the fiscal outcome or the accounting result.

The deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized are reassessed by the consolidated entities at each balance sheet date in order to ascertain whether they are still current, and the appropriate adjustments are made on the basis of the findings of the analyses performed.

The income and expenses directly recognized in equity that do not increase or decrease taxable income are accounted for as temporary differences.

2.2.11 Provisions, contingent assets and contingent liabilities

The heading “Provisions” in the consolidated balance sheets includes amounts recognized to cover the BBVA Group’s current obligations arising as a result of past events. These are certain in terms of nature but uncertain in terms of amount and/or settlement date. The settlement of these obligations is deemed likely to entail an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits (see Note 23). The obligations may arise in connection with legal or contractual provisions, valid expectations formed by Group entities relative to third parties in relation to the assumption of certain responsibilities or through virtually certain developments of particular aspects of the regulations applicable to the operation of the entities; and, specifically, future legislation to which the Group will certainly be subject.

The provisions are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets when each and every one of the following requirements is met:

They represent a current obligation that has arisen from a past event;
At the date referred to by the consolidated financial statements, there is more probability that the obligation will have to be met than that it will not;
It is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and
The amount of the obligation can be reasonably estimated.

Among other items, these provisions include the commitments made to employees by some of the Group entities (mentioned in section 2.2.12), as well as provisions for tax and legal litigation.

Contingent assets are possible assets that arise from past events and whose existence is conditional on, and will be confirmed only by, the occurrence or non-occurrence of events beyond the control of the Group. Contingent assets are not recognized in the consolidated balance sheet or in the consolidated income statement; however, they are disclosed in the Notes to the financial statements, provided that it is probable that these assets will give rise to an increase in resources embodying economic benefits.

Contingent liabilities are possible obligations of the Group that arise from past events and whose existence is conditional on the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more future events beyond the control of the entity. They also include the existing obligations of the entity when it is not probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle them; or when, in extremely rare cases, their amount cannot be measured with sufficient reliability.

2.2.12 Pensions and other post-employment commitments

Below is a description of the most significant accounting criteria relating to the commitments to employees, in terms of post-employment benefits and other long-term commitments, of certain BBVA Group entities in Spain and abroad (see Note 24).

Commitments valuation: assumptions and actuarial gains/losses recognition

The present values of the commitments are quantified based on an individual member data. For current employees costs are calculated using the projected unit credit method, which sees each period of service as giving rise to an additional unit of benefit/commitment and measures each unit separately to build up the final obligation.

The actuarial assumptions should take into account that:

They are unbiased, in that they are not unduly aggressive nor excessively conservative.
They are compatible with each other and adequately reflect the existing economic relations between factors such as inflation, foreseeable wage increases, discount rates and the expected return on plan assets, etc. The future levels of wages and benefits are based on market expectations at the consolidated balance sheet date for the period over which the obligations are to be settled.
The rate used to discount the commitments is determined by reference to market yields at the date referred to by the consolidated financial statements on high quality bonds.

The BBVA Group recognizes actuarial differences originating in the commitments assumed with staff taking early retirement, benefits awarded for seniority and other similar items under the heading “Provisions (net)” of the consolidated income statement for the period in which these differences occur (see Note 45). The BBVA Group recognizes the actuarial gains or losses arising on all other defined-benefit post-employment commitments directly under the heading "Valuation adjustments – Other valuation adjustments" of equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (see Note 30).

Post-employment benefit commitments

Pensions

The BBVA Group’s post-employment benefit commitments are either defined-contribution or defined-benefit.

Defined-contribution commitments: The amounts of these commitments are established as a percentage of certain remuneration items and/or as a fixed pre-established amount. The contributions made in each period by the BBVA Group’s entities for these commitments are recognized with a charge to the heading “Personnel expenses - Defined-contribution plan expense” in the consolidated income statements (see Note 43.1).
Defined-benefit commitments: Some of the BBVA Group’s entities have defined-benefit commitments for the permanent disability and death of certain current employees and early retirees, as well as defined-benefit retirement commitments applicable only to certain groups of current employees, or employees taking early retirement and retired employees. These commitments are either funded by insurance contracts or recognized as internal provisions.

The amounts recognized under the heading “Provisions – Provisions for pensions and similar obligations” are the differences, at the date of the consolidated financial statements, between the present values of the commitments for defined-benefit commitments, adjusted by the past service cost, and the fair value of plan assets (see Note 23).

The current contributions made by the Group’s entities for defined-benefit commitments covering current employees are charged to the heading “Administration cost - Personnel expenses” in the accompanying consolidated income statements (see Note 43.1).

Early retirement

The BBVA Group has offered certain employees in Spain the option of taking early retirement (that is earlier than the age stipulated in the collective labour agreement in force) and has recognized the corresponding provisions to cover the cost of the commitments acquired for this item. The present values of early retirement obligations are quantified based on an individual member data and are recognized under the heading “Provisions – Provisions for pensions and similar obligations” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (see Note 23).

The early retirement commitments in Spain include the compensation and indemnities and contributions to external pension funds payable during the period of early retirement. The commitments relating to this group of employees after they have reached normal retirement age are dealt with in the same way as pensions.

2.2.13 Equity-settled share-based payment transactions

Provided they constitute the delivery of such instruments following the completion of a specific period of services, equity-settled share-based payment transactions are recognized as an expense for services being provided by employees, by way of a balancing entry under the heading “Stockholders’ equity – Other equity instruments” in the consolidated balance sheet. These services are measured at fair value, unless such fair value cannot be calculated reliably. In such case, they are measured by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments committed, taking into account the date on which the commitments were made and the terms and other conditions included in the commitments.

When the initial compensation agreement includes what may be considered market conditions among its terms, any changes in these conditions will not be reflected in the consolidated income statement, as these have already been accounted for in calculating the initial fair value of the equity instruments. Non-market vesting conditions are not taken into account when estimating the initial fair value of instruments, but they are taken into account when determining the number of instruments to be granted. This will be recognized on the consolidated income statement with the corresponding increase in equity.

2.2.14 Termination benefits

Termination benefits are recognized in the accounts when the BBVA Group agrees to terminate employment contracts with its employees and has established a detailed plan.

2.2.15 Treasury stock

The value of equity instruments issued by the BBVA Group’s entities and held by them - basically, shares and derivatives on the Bank’s shares held by some consolidated entities that comply with the requirements to be recognized as equity instruments - are recognized as a decrease to net equity, under the heading "Stockholders’ funds - Treasury stock" in the consolidated balance sheets (see Note 28).

These financial assets are recognized at acquisition cost, and the gains or losses arising on their disposal are credited or debited, as appropriate, to the heading “Stockholders’ funds - Reserves” in the consolidated balance sheets (see Note 27).

2.2.16 Foreign-currency transactions and exchange differences

The BBVA Group’s functional currency, and thus the currency in which the consolidated financial statements are presented, is the euro. All balances and transactions denominated in currencies other than the euro are deemed to be denominated in “foreign currency”.

Conversion to euros of the balances held in foreign currency is performed in two consecutive stages:

Conversion of the foreign currency to the functional currency (currency of the main economic environment in which the entity operates); and
Conversion to euros of the balances held in the functional currencies of the entities whose functional currency is not the euro.

Conversion of the foreign currency to the functional currency

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies carried out by the consolidated entities (or accounted for using the equity method) not based in European Monetary Union countries are initially accounted for in their respective currencies. Subsequently, the monetary balances in foreign currencies are converted to their respective functional currencies using the exchange rate at the close of the financial year.

In addition,

Non-monetary items valued at their historical cost are converted to the functional currency at the exchange rate in force on the purchase date.
Non-monetary items valued at their fair value are converted at the exchange rate in force on the date on which such fair value was determined.
Income and expenses are converted at the period’s average exchange rates for all the operations carried out during the period. When applying this criterion the BBVA Group considers whether significant variations have taken place in exchange rates during the financial year which, owing to their impact on the statements as a whole, require the application of exchange rates as of the date of the transaction instead of such average exchange rates.

The exchange differences produced when converting the balances in foreign currency to the functional currency of the consolidated entities and their subsidiaries are generally recognized under the heading "Exchange differences (net)" in the consolidated income statements. However, the exchange differences in non-monetary items, measured at fair value, are recognized temporarily in equity under the heading “Valuation adjustments - Exchange differences” in the consolidated balance sheets.

Conversion of functional currencies to euros

The balances in the financial statements of consolidated entities whose functional currency is not the euro are converted to euros as follows:

Assets and liabilities: at the average spot exchange rates as of the date of each of the consolidated financial statements.
Income and expenses and cash flows are converted by applying the exchange rate in force on the date of the transaction, and the average exchange rate for the financial year may be used, unless it has undergone significant variations.
Equity items: at the historical exchange rates.

The exchange differences arising from the conversion to euros of balances in the functional currencies of the consolidated entities whose functional currency is not the euro are recognized under the heading “Valuation adjustments – Exchange differences” in the consolidated balance sheets. Meanwhile, the differences arising from the conversion to euros of the financial statements of entities accounted for by the equity method are recognized under the heading "Valuation adjustments - Entities accounted for using the equity method" until the item to which they relate is derecognized, at which time they are recognized in the income statement.

The breakdown of the main consolidated balances in foreign currencies as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, with reference to the most significant foreign currencies, is set forth in Appendix VII.

With regards to the exchanged rates used to convert the financial statements of the Group in Venezuela into Euros, we note that for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Bolivar fuerte venezolano was applied; while for 2014 the Exchange rate used was that fixed by the SICAD I (Spanish acronym for Foreign currency administration complementary system). Through this system, the Exchange rate for the U.S. Dollar will be fixed in open auctions for both individuals or companies, resulting in an exchange rate that will fluctuate from auction to auction and which will be published in the SICAD web page.

The Exchange rates used for December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were:

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	Average Exchange Rates			Year-End Exchange Rates
Currency	2014	2013	2012	2014	2013	2012
Venezuelan bolivar	14.78	8.05	5.52	14.57	8.68	5.66

During 2014, the Venezuelan government established a new type of auction called SICAD II, however credit institutions do not have the possibility of attending to acquire foreign currencies. During the month of January 2015, the Venezuelan government stated that their Exchange rate system will change again and that there could be a new currency devaluation due to the situation related to the oil prices. As of the date of completion of these consolidated financial statements, there had been no currency devaluation or modification to the Exchange rate system.

2.2.17 Recognition of income and expenses

The most significant criteria used by the BBVA Group to recognize its income and expenses are as follows.

Interest income and expenses and similar items:

As a general rule, interest income and expenses and similar items are recognized on the basis of their period of accrual using the effective interest rate method. The financial fees and commissions that arise on the arrangement of loans and advances (basically origination and analysis fees) are deferred and recognized in the income statement over the expected life of the loan. The direct costs incurred in originating these loans and advances can be deducted from the amount thus recognized. These fees are part of the effective rate for loans. Also dividends received from other entities are recognized as income when the consolidated entities’ right to receive them arises.

However, when a debt instrument is deemed to be impaired individually or is included in the category of instruments that are impaired because their recovery is considered to be remote, the recognition of accrued interest in the consolidated income statement is discontinued. This interest is recognized for accounting purposes as income, as soon as it is received.

Commissions, fees and similar items:
Income and expenses relating to commissions and similar fees are recognized in the consolidated income statement using criteria that vary according to the nature of such items. The most significant items in this connection are:
- Those relating to financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss, which are recognized when collected/paid.

Those arising from transactions or services that are provided over a period of time, which are recognized over the life of these transactions or services.

Those relating to single acts, which are recognized when this single act is carried out.

Non-financial income and expenses:

These are recognized for accounting purposes on an accrual basis.

Deferred collections and payments:

These are recognized for accounting purposes at the amount resulting from discounting the expected cash flows at market rates.

2.2.18 Sales and income from the provision of non-financial services

The heading “Other operating income - Financial income from non-financial services” in the consolidated income statements includes the carrying amount of the sales of assets and income from the services provided by the Group entities that are not financial institutions. In the case of the Group, these entities are mainly real estate and service entities (see Note 42).

2.2.19 Leases

Lease contracts are classified as finance leases from the inception of the transaction, if they substantially transfer all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the asset forming the subject-matter of the contract. Leases other than finance leases are classified as operating leases.

When the consolidated entities act as the lessor of an asset in finance leases, the aggregate present values of the lease payments receivable from the lessee plus the guaranteed residual value (normally the exercise price of the lessee’s purchase option on expiration of the lease agreement) are recognized as financing provided to third parties and, therefore, are included under the heading “Loans and receivables” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

When the consolidated entities act as lessors of an asset in operating leases, the acquisition cost of the leased assets is recognized under "Tangible assets – Property, plant and equipment – Other assets leased out under an operating lease" in the consolidated balance sheets (see Note 17). These assets are depreciated in line with the criteria adopted for items of tangible assets for own use, while the income arising from the lease arrangements is recognized in the consolidated income statements on a straight-line basis within "Other operating expenses - Other of other operating expenses" (see Note 42).

If a fair value sale and leaseback results in an operating lease, the profit or loss generated by the sale is recognized in the consolidated income statement at the time of sale. If such a transaction gives rise to a finance lease, the corresponding gains or losses are amortized over the lease period.

The assets leased out under operating lease contracts to other entities in the Group are treated in the consolidated financial statements as for own use, and thus rental expense and income is eliminated and the corresponding depreciation is recognize.

2.2.20 Entities and branches located in countries with hyperinflationary economies

In order to assess whether an economy is under hyperinflation, the country’s economic environment is evaluated, analyzing whether certain circumstances exist, such as:

The country’s population prefers to keep its wealth or savings in non-monetary assets or in a relatively stable foreign currency;
Prices may be quoted in that currency;
Interest rates, wages and prices are linked to a price index;
The cumulative inflation rate over three years is approaching, or exceeds, 100%.

The fact that any of these circumstances is present will not be a decisive factor in considering an economy hyperinflationary, but it does provide some reasons to consider it as such.

Since 2009, the economy of Venezuela can be considered hyperinflationary under the above criteria. As a result, the financial statements of the BBVA Group’s entities located in Venezuela have therefore been adjusted to correct for the effects of inflation (see Note 3). In accordance with IAS 29, the breakdown of the General Price Index is as follows:

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General Price Index as of December 31	2014 (*)	2013	2012
GPI	834.80	498.10	318.90
Average GPI	658.28	406.17	288.80
Inflation of the period	67.70%	56.19%	20.07%

(*) Provisional data

As of December 31, 2014, the losses recognized under the heading “Profit attributable to the parent company” in the accompanying consolidated income statement as a result of the adjustment for inflation on net monetary position of the Group entities in Venezuela amounted to €306 million

2.3 Recent IFRS pronouncements

Changes introduced in 2014

The following modifications to the IFRS standards or their interpretations (hereinafter “IFRIC”) came into force after January 1, 2014. They have not had a significant impact on the BBVA Group’s consolidated financial statements corresponding to the period ended December 31, 2014.

Amended IAS 32 – “Financial Instruments: Presentation”

The changes made to IAS 32 clarify the following aspects on asset and liability offsetting:

The legal right to net recognized amounts must not depend on a future event and must be legally enforceable under all circumstances, including cases of default or insolvency of either party.
Settlements in which the following conditions are met shall be accepted as equivalent to “settlements for net amount”: all, or practically all of the credit and liquidity risk is eliminated; and the settlement of the assets and liabilities is carried out in a single settlement process.

Amended IFRS 10 - “Consolidated Financial Statements”, Amended IFRS 12 – “Disclosure of interests in other entities” and Amended IAS 27 – “Consolidated and separate financial statements”

The changes to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27 define investment entities and provide an exception to the consolidation requirements requiring investment entities to measure particular subsidiaries at fair value through profit or loss, rather than consolidate them as per IFRS 9.

However, the parent company of an investment entity must consolidate all entities under its control, including those controlled through an investment entity, unless the parent company is also an investment entity.

Furthermore, these amendments include new disclosures that will allow the users of such information to evaluate the nature and financial impact of these investments made through investment entities.

IFRIC 21 “Levies”

This Interpretation addresses the accounting for a liability to pay a levy if that tax liability is within the scope of IAS 37. It also addresses the accounting for a liability to pay a levy whose timing and amount is certain.

The obligating event that gives rise to a tax liability to pay a levy is the activity that triggers the payment of the levy, as identified by the legislation. If the activity that triggers the payment of the levy occurs over a period of time, the liability to pay a levy is recognized progressively; if the obligation to pay a levy is triggered when a minimum threshold activity is reached, such as a minimum amount of revenue or sales generated or outputs produced, the liability to pay a levy is recognized when that minimum threshold is reached.

This interpretation does not apply to taxes that are within the scope of other Standards (such as income taxes that are within the scope of IAS 12 Income Taxes) and to fines or other penalties that are imposed for breaches of the legislation.

The European Union adopted IFRIC 21 and came into effect on June 17, 2014, though early adoption is allowed. Thus, the BBVA Group opted to adopt IFRIC 21 early (see Note 1.3).

Amended IAS 36 - “Impairment of Assets”

The previous IAS 36 required an entity to disclose the recoverable amount for each cash-generating unit for which the carrying amount of goodwill or intangible assets with indefinite useful lives allocated to that unit, is significant in comparison with the entity’s total carrying amount of goodwill or intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.

The changes made to IAS 36 remove that requirement and introduce the requirement to disclose information about the recoverable amount of assets (including goodwill and cash generating units) for which an impairment loss has been recognized or reversed during the period.

The amendments also require additional information about the fair value measurement when the recoverable amount of impaired assets is based on fair value less costs of disposal.

Amended IAS 39 - “Financial Instruments: Recognition and measurement. Novation of Derivatives and Continuation of Hedge Accounting”

The new IAS 39 introduces an exception to the requirement to discontinue hedge accounting for those novations that, as a consequence of a change in law or regulation, replace the original counterparty of the hedging instrument for a central counterparty or another entity, such as a clearing house, as long as the change does not result in changes to the terms of the original derivative other than changes directly attributable to the change in counterparty.

Annual improvements cycle to IFRSs 2010-2012 – Minor modifications to IFRS 2 and IFRS 3

The annual project cycle to IFRSs 2010-2012 introduces small modifications and clarifications when interpreting IFRS 2 – Vesting Conditions and IFRS 3 – Business combinations. These changes apply to transactions and business combinations carried out from July 1, 2014.

Standards and interpretations issued but not yet effective as of December 31, 2014

New International Financial Reporting Standards together with their interpretations had been published at the date of preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements, but are not obligatory as of December 31, 2014. Although in some cases the IASB permits early adoption before they come into force, the BBVA Group has not done so as of this date, as it is still analyzing the effects that will result from them.

IFRS 9 - “Financial instruments”

As of July, 24, 2014, IASB has issued the IFRS 9 which will replace IAS 39. The new standard introduces significant differences with respect to the current regulation with regards to financial assets; among others, the approval of a new classification model based on two single categories of amortized cost and fair value, the elimination of the current “Held-to-maturity-investments” and “Available-for-sale financial assets” categories, impairment analyses only for assets measured at amortized cost and non-separation of embedded derivatives in contracts of financial assets.

With regard to financial liabilities, the classification categories proposed by IFRS 9 are similar to those contained in IAS 39, so there should not be very significant differences save for the requirement to recognize changes in fair value related to own credit risk as a component of equity, in the case of financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss. Hedge accounting requirements also differs from the current IAS 39 due to the new focus on the economic risk management.

The IASB has established January 1, 2018, as the mandatory application date, with the possibility of early adoption.

IFRS 7 amended - “Financial instruments: Disclosures”

The IASB modified IFRS 7 in December 2011 to include new disclosures on financial instruments that entities will have to provide as soon as they apply IFRS 9 for the first time.

Amended IAS 19 - "Employee Benefits. Defined Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions"

The new IAS 19 amends the accounting requirements for contributions to defined benefit plans to permit to recognize these contributions as a reduction in the service cost in the same period where they are paid if they meet certain requirements, without the need for calculations to attribute the contributions to the periods of service.

These modifications will be applied to the accounting years starting on or after July 1, 2014, although early adoption is permitted.

Annual Improvements cycle to IFRSs 2010-2012– laminar changes to IFRS 8, IFRS 13, IAS 16, IAS 24 and IAS 38

Annual Improvements cycle to IFRSs 2010-2012 introduces small modifications and clarifications to IFRS 8 - Operating Segments, IFRS 13 - Fair Value Measurement, IAS 16 - Property, Plant and Equipment, IAS 24 – Related Party Disclosures and IAS 38 - Intangible Assets which will be applied to the accounting years starting on or after July 1, 2014, although early adoption is permitted.

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2011-2013 Cycle

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2011-2013 Cycle introduces small modifications and clarifications to IFRS 1 - First-time Adoption of IFRSs, IFRS 3 - Business Combinations, IFRS 13 - Fair Value Measurement and IAS 40 - Investment Property.

These modifications will be applied to the accounting years starting on or after July 1, 2014, although early adoption is permitted.

Amended IFRS 11 - “Joint Arrangements”

The amendments made to IFRS 11 require the acquirer of an interest in a joint operation in which the activity constitutes a business to apply all of the principles on business combinations accounting in IFRS 3 and other IFRSs. These modifications will be applied to the accounting years starting on or after January 1, 2016, although early adoption is permitted.

Amended IAS 16 - “Property, Plant and Equipment” and Amended IAS 38 – “Intangible Assets”

The amendments made to IAS 16 and IAS 38 exclude, as general rule, as depreciation method to be used, those methods based on revenue that is generated by an activity that includes the use of an asset, because the revenue generated by an activity that includes the use of an asset generally reflects factors other than the consumption of the economic benefits of the asset.

These modifications will be applied to the accounting years starting on or after January 1, 2016, although early adoption is permitted.

IFRS 15 - “Revenue from contracts with customers”

IFRS 15 contains the principles that an entity shall apply to account for revenue and cash flows arising from a contract with a customer.

The core principle of IFRS 15 is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services, in accordance with contractually agreed. It is considered that the good or service is transferred when the customer obtains control over it.

The new Standard replaces IAS 18 - Revenue IAS 11 - Construction Contracts, IFRIC 13 - Customer Loyalty Programmes, IFRIC 15 - Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate, IFRIC 18 - Transfers of Assets from Customers and SIC 31 – Revenue-Transactions Involving Advertising Services

This Standard will be applied to the accounting years starting on or after January 1, 2017, although early adoption is permitted.

IAS 27 Amended – “Separate financial statements”

Changes to IAS 27 allow entities to use the equity method to account for investment in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, in their separate financial statements.

These changes will be applicable to accounting periods beginning January 1, 2016, although early adoption is permitted.

IFRS 10 amended – “Consolidated financial statements” and IAS 28 amended

The amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 establish that when an entity sells or transfers assets are considered a business (including its consolidated subsidiaries) to an associate or joint venture of the entity, the latter will have to recognize any gains or losses derived from such transaction in its entirety. Notwithstanding, if the assets sold or transferred are not considered a business, the entity will have to recognize the gains or losses derived only to the extent of the interests in the associate or joint venture with unrelated investors.

These changes will be applicable to accounting periods beginning January 1, 2016, although early adoption is allowed.

Annual improvements cycle to IFRSs 2012-2014

The annual improvements cycle to IFRSs 2011-2013 includes minor changes and clarifications to IFRS 5 – Non current assets held for sale and discontinued operations, IFRS 7 – Financial instruments: Information to disclose, IAS 19 – Employee benefits and IAS 34 – interim financial information.

These changes will be applicable to accounting periods beginning January 1, 2016, although early adoption is allowed.

Amended IAS 1 – Presentation of Financial Statements

The amendments made to IAS 1 further encourage companies to apply professional judgment in determining what information to disclose in their financial statements, in determining when line items are disaggregated and additional headings and subtotals included in the statement of financial position and the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, and in determining where and in what order information is presented in the financial disclosures.

These modifications will be applied to the accounting years starting on or after January 1, 2016, although early adoption is permitted.

IFRS 10 - “Consolidated Financial Statements”, Amended IFRS 12 – “Disclosure of interests in other entities” and Amended IAS 28 – “Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures”

The amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 28 introduce clarifications to the requirements when accounting for investment entities in three aspects:

The amendments confirm that a parent entity that is a subsidiary of an investment entity has the possibility to apply the exemption from preparing consolidated financial statements
The amendments clarify that if an investment entity has a subsidiary whose main purpose is to support the investment entity’s investment activities by providing investment-related services or activities, to the entity or other parties, and that is not itself an investment entity, it shall consolidate that subsidiary; but if that subsidiary is itself an investment entity, the investment entity parent shall measure the subsidiary at fair value through profit or loss.
The amendments require a non-investment entity investor to retain, when applying the equity method, the fair value measurement applied by an investment entity associate or joint venture to its interests in subsidiaries.

These modifications will be applied to the accounting years starting on or after January 1, 2016, although early adoption is permitted.

financial statements 2014

2. Principles of consolidation, accounting policies and measurement bases applied and recent IFRS pronouncements

2.1 Principles of consolidation

Separate financial statements

2.2 Accounting policies and valuation criteria applied

2.2.1 Financial instruments

Measurement of financial instruments and recognition of changes in subsequent fair value

Impairment losses on financial assets

Impairment on financial assets

2.2.2 Transfers and derecognition of financial assets and liabilities

2.2.3 Financial guarantees

2.2.4 Non-current assets held for sale and liabilities associated with non-current assets held for sale

2.2.5 Tangible assets

Property, plant and equipment for own use

Other assets leased out under an operating lease

Investment properties

2.2.6 Inventories

Impairment

Inventory sales

2.2.7 Business combinations

2.2.8 Intangible assets

Goodwill

Other intangible assets

2.2.9 Insurance and reinsurance contracts

2.2.10 Tax assets and liabilities

2.2.11 Provisions, contingent assets and contingent liabilities

2.2.12 Pensions and other post-employment commitments

Commitments valuation: assumptions and actuarial gains/losses recognition

Post-employment benefit commitments

2.2.13 Equity-settled share-based payment transactions

2.2.14 Termination benefits

2.2.15 Treasury stock

2.2.16 Foreign-currency transactions and exchange differences

Conversion of the foreign currency to the functional currency

Conversion of functional currencies to euros

2.2.17 Recognition of income and expenses

2.2.18 Sales and income from the provision of non-financial services

2.2.19 Leases

2.2.20 Entities and branches located in countries with hyperinflationary economies

2.3 Recent IFRS pronouncements

Changes introduced in 2014