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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC. 20549

FORM 20-F

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


OR


ý

 

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


For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2005


OR


o

 

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


o

 

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


Date of event requiring this shell company report


Commission file number: 1-14870

Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A.


Italy

(Jurisdiction of incorporation of organization)


Piazza San Carlo 156, 10121 Turin, Italy

(Address of principal executive offices)


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


Title of each class

  Name of each
exchange on which registered

American Depositary Shares, each representing 2 Ordinary Shares
of €2.88 par value each
  The New York Stock Exchange
Ordinary Shares of €2.88 par value each (the "Shares")   The New York Stock Exchange*

*
Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares representing such Shares pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

    None
   
    (Title of Class)    


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

 

 

None

 

 
    (Title of Class)    


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

 

 

Not applicable

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes ý    No o

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes o    No ý

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes ý    No o

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

Large accelerated filer ý    Accelerated filer o    Non-accelerated filer o

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

Item 17 ý    Item 18 o

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

o Yes    ý No

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.

o Yes    o No





TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page
Presentation of Information   1
Forward-Looking Statements   2
Risk Factors   3
PART I   7
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS   7
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE   7
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION   7
  A. Selected Financial Data   7
  B. Selected Statistical Information   12
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON SANPAOLO IMI   56
  A. History and Development of Sanpaolo IMI   56
  B. Significant Developments During 2005   58
  C. Business Overview   59
  D. Organizational Structure   92
  E. Property, Plants and Equipment   92
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS   92
  A. Results of Operations for the Two Years Ended December 31, 2005   96
  B. Liquidity and Capital Resources   131
  C. Trend Information   137
  D. Critical Accounting Estimates   137
  E. Recent Accounting Developments   141
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES   143
  A. Directors and Senior Management   143
  B. Compensation   153
  C. Board Practices   156
  D. Employees   163
  E. Share Ownership   167
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS   167
  A. The Major Shareholders   167
  B. Related Party Transactions   169
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION   173
  A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information   173
  B. Legal Proceedings   173
  C. Significant Changes   181
ITEM 9. LISTING DETAILS   181
  A. Performance of Sanpaolo IMI Share Prices   181
     

i


  B. Markets   183
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION   184
  A. Bylaws   184
  B. Foreign Investment   185
  C. Exchange Controls and Material Contracts   187
  D. Taxation   187
  E. Documents on Display   193
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK   193
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES   210
PART II   210
ITEM 13. DEFAULT, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES   210
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATION TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS   210
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES   210
ITEM 16. RESERVED   211
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT   211
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS   211
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES   211
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEE   212
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES   212
PART III   213
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   213
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   213
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS   214
SIGNATURE   215
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT   216
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT   217
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT   218

ii



PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION

        Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A. publishes audited consolidated financial statements which are included elsewhere in this annual report (the "Consolidated Financial Statements") for Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries constituting the Sanpaolo IMI Group (the "Sanpaolo IMI Group" or the "Group") in euro, the lawful currency of Italy and eleven other member states of the European Union ("EU"). References to "we" or "our" are to the Group on a consolidated basis. References to "Sanpaolo IMI" or the "Parent Bank" are to Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A. on an unconsolidated basis.

        In this annual report, references to "U.S. dollars", "dollars" or "$" are to the United States dollar; references to "euro", "Euro" or "€" are to the euro. For purposes of this annual report, "billion" means a thousand million. The noon buying rate in the City of New York for cable transfers in foreign currencies as announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for customs purposes (the "Noon Buying Rate") for the euro in effect on June 12, 2006 was €1 = $1.2587.

        This annual report contains translations of certain euro amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates. Unless otherwise specified, the translations of euro into U.S. dollars have been made at the Noon Buying Rate for the euro in effect on December 31, 2005, which was €1 = $1.1842. That rate may differ from the actual rates during the year used in the preparation of Sanpaolo IMI's Consolidated Financial Statements, and dollar amounts in this annual report may differ from the actual dollar amounts that were translated into euro in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

        The Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 included in this annual report have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards ("IAS") and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and endorsed by the European Commission on December 31, 2005 on the basis of the procedure set forth in EC Regulation no. 1606/2002 ("EU GAAP" or "IAS/IFRS"), pursuant to Article 3 (1) of Italian Legislative Decree No. 38/2005. In preparing the financial statements, we also referred to the Bank of Italy circular No. 262 of December 22, 2005 governing bank financial statements, and the provisional implementation measures issued by the Bank of Italy in that circular. EU GAAP differs in certain significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). The results at and for the year ended December 31, 2005 were prepared in accordance with EU GAAP. The comparable results at and for the year ended December 31, 2004 were also prepared in accordance with EU GAAP; however, as permitted by IFRS 1, these results excluded the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 (financial instruments) and IFRS 4 (insurance contracts), for which the transition date was January 1, 2005, and Italian GAAP continued to apply to the recognition of results, assets and liabilities to which IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4 would otherwise have applied.

        This annual report contains information that has been derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 not included in this annual report, but previously filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Italy, including Legislative Decree No. 87 of January 27, 1992, which implemented European Commission ("EC") Directive 86/635, and the Bank of Italy regulations of January 16, 1995, supplemented by the accounting principles issued by the Consiglio Nazionale dei Dottori Commercialisti e dei Ragionieri (collectively, "Italian GAAP"), which differ in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP.

        For a summary of the significant differences among IFRS, EU GAAP, and U.S. GAAP, please see: Part M, Section 1 and Section 2 on pages F-214 and F-215 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

        In this annual report we also present, solely for purposes of management's Operating and Financial Review and Prospects, reclassified and pro forma income statement information. For an

1



explanation of the reconciliation between the audited and reclassified income statements, see: Item 5.A—."Operating and Financial Review and Prospects, Results of Operations by Business Sector for the Two Years Ended December 31, 2005, Reconciliation Between Audited and Reclassified Income Statements" on page 97 below.

        As used in this annual report, "Shares" means the ordinary shares of €2.88 par value of Sanpaolo IMI and excludes the Azioni Privilegiate (as defined below). The general shareholders' meeting of Sanpaolo IMI of April 29, 2006 resolved to increase the par value of the Shares from €2.80 to €2.88.

        From time to time, this annual report gives information concerning Sanpaolo IMI's market share in a particular market or segment. In such cases, the figures are derived from official sources, such as the Bank of Italy, or industry bodies, such as the Italian Banking Association.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. This annual report contains forward-looking statements which reflect management's current views on Sanpaolo IMI Group's business, strategy and financial performance. Statements that are not about facts or events that have already occurred, including statements about the Group's or management's beliefs or expectations, are forward-looking statements. Words or phrases such as "will likely result", "are expected to", "will continue", "is anticipated", "estimate", "target", "goal", "project" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of doing so. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements under the following headings:

Item 3. "Key Information—B. Selected Statistical Information" on page 7 below;

Item 4. "Information on Sanpaolo IMI—A. History and Development of Sanpaolo IMI" on page 56 below;

Item 4. "Information on Sanpaolo IMI—C. Business Overview" on page 59 below;

Item 5. "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" on page 93 below;

Item 8. "Financial Information—A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—B. Legal Proceedings" on page 174 below, including statements regarding the likely effect of matters discussed therein; and

Item 11. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" on page 194 below.

        The following important factors could cause the Group's actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied in any forward-looking statements:

the impact of regulatory and judicial decisions and changes in the regulatory and legal environment;

the impact of political and economic developments in Italy and other countries in which the Group operates;

the impact of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, interest rates and stock market prices;

the Group's ability to successfully integrate the employees, products, services and systems of recent mergers and acquisitions;

the Group's ability to achieve the expected return on the investments and capital expenditures it has made in Italy and abroad;

the Group's ability to successfully implement the 2006-2008 Plan (as defined below);

2



the amount and timing of any future impairment charges related to the Group's equity holdings, goodwill and other assets; and

changes in the competitive environment, particularly in Italy.

        The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive and speak only as of the date hereof. The Group undertakes no obligation to release publicly the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, including, without limitation, changes in the Group's business or acquisition strategy or planned capital expenditures, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

        Certain forward-looking statements involve statements about risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results and are based upon assumptions of future events which may not prove to be accurate. In particular, this document includes forward-looking statements relating, but not limited, to the Group's potential exposures to various types of market risk. Certain of the market risk disclosures are dependent on choices about key model characteristics and assumptions and are subject to various limitations. See: Item 11. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" on page 194 below. By their nature, certain of the market risk disclosures are only estimates and could be materially different from what actually occurs in the future. As a result, actual future gains and losses could differ materially from those that have been estimated and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this annual report. Sanpaolo IMI assumes no responsibility for updating such forward-looking statements.


RISK FACTORS

        The Group's earnings and business are affected by general economic conditions, the performance of financial markets, interest rate levels, currency exchange rates, changes in laws and regulation, changes in the policies of central banks, particularly the Bank of Italy and the European Central Bank (the "ECB"), and competitive factors, in each case on a regional, national or international level. Each of these factors can change the level of demand for the Group's products and services, and change the risk to the Group of providing such products and services.

        For instance, changes in general economic conditions, the performance of financial markets, interest rate levels and the policies of central banks may affect, positively or negatively, the Group's financial performance by affecting the demand for the Group's products and services, the credit quality of borrowers and counterparties, the interest rate margin realized by the Group between its lending and borrowing costs, and the value of the Group's investment and trading portfolios. Changes in laws and regulations and government policies may affect, positively or negatively, the Group's ability to provide certain products and services, and the cost of complying with such laws and regulations. In addition, the process of cross-border banking consolidation globally and particularly in Italy may lead to increasing competition from financially stronger rivals and may also raise the level on systemic concentration risk.

        The Group has economic, financial market, credit, legal and other specialists who monitor economic and market conditions and government policies and actions. However, because it is difficult to predict with accuracy changes in economic or market conditions or in governmental policies and actions, it is difficult for the Group to anticipate the effects that such changes could have on its results of operations, financial condition and business activities.

        The Group may also be subject to claims arising from the sale of certain securities and saving products. See: Item 8 "Financial Information—Legal Proceedings" on page 174 below.

3



        The Group's results of operations are dependent to a significant extent on the level of net interest income, which is the difference between interest income from interest-earning assets and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities. Interest rates are sensitive to many factors beyond the Group's control, such as monetary policies pursued by central banks and national governments, the liberalization of financial services and increased competition in the markets in which the Group operates, domestic and international economic and political conditions, and other factors.

        Changes in interest rates could affect the spread between interest rates charged on interest-earning assets and interest rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, which in turn could affect the level of the Group's net interest income. Moreover, the composition of the Group's assets and liabilities, and any gap position resulting from the composition, causes the Group's net interest income to vary with changes in interest rates. A mismatch of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities in any given period may, in the event of changes in interest rates, have a material effect on the Group's net interest income and thereby on the Group's results of operations and financial condition.

        To the extent any of the instruments and strategies the Group uses to hedge or otherwise manage its exposure to credit or market risk are not effective, the Group may not be able to mitigate effectively the Group's risk exposures in particular market environments or against particular types of risk. The Group's trading revenues and interest rate risk are dependent upon its ability to identify properly, and mark to market, changes in the value of financial instruments caused by changes in market prices or interest rates. The Group's financial results are also dependent upon how effectively the Group determines and assesses the cost of credit and manages its credit risk and market risk concentrations. To the extent the Group's assessments of migrations in credit quality and of risk concentrations, or the Group's assumptions or estimates used in establishing its valuation models for the fair value of the Group's assets and liabilities or in determining the appropriate level of its loan loss allowances and other risk allowances prove inaccurate or not predictive of actual results, the Group could suffer higher than anticipated credit, trading or investment losses. This in turn could adversely affect the Group's results of operations and financial condition.

        For a discussion of the Group's credit and market risks and its management of such risks, please see: Item 11. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" on page 194 below.

        The Group, like all financial institutions, is exposed to many types of operational risk, including the risk of fraud or other misconduct by employees or outsiders, unauthorized transactions by employees or operational errors, including clerical or record-keeping errors or errors resulting from faulty computer or telecommunications systems. Given the Group's high volume of transactions, certain errors may be repeated or compounded before they are discovered and successfully rectified. In addition, the Group's dependence upon automated systems to record and process its transactions may further increase the risk that technical system flaws or employee tampering or manipulation of those systems will result in losses that are difficult to detect. The Group may also be subject to disruptions of its operating systems, arising from events that are wholly or partially beyond the Group's control (including, for example, computer viruses or electrical or telecommunication outages), which may give rise to losses in service to customers and to loss or liability to the Group. The Group is further exposed to the risk that external vendors may be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations to the Group (or that external vendors will be subject to the risk of fraud or operational errors by their respective employees), and to the risk that its (or its vendors') business continuity and data security systems prove not to be sufficiently adequate. The Group also faces the risk that the design of its controls and

4


procedures prove inadequate, or are circumvented, thereby causing delays in detection or errors in information. Although the Group maintains a system of controls designed to keep operational risk at appropriate levels, the Group has suffered losses from operational risk and there can be no assurance that it will not suffer losses from operational risk in the future that may be material in amount.

        For a discussion of the Group's operational risk and its management of such risk, please see: Item 11. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" on page 194 below.

        The Group has devoted significant resources to developing its risk management policies, procedures and assessment methods and intends to continue to do so in the future. Nonetheless, the Group's risk management techniques and strategies may not be fully effective in mitigating the Group's risk exposure in all economic market environments or against all types of risk, including risks that the Group may fail to identify or anticipate. Some of the Group's qualitative tools and metrics for managing risk are based upon the Group's use of observed historical market behavior. The Group applies statistical and other tools to these observations to arrive at quantifications of its risk exposures. These tools and metrics may fail to predict future risk exposures. These risk exposures could, for example, arise from factors the Group did not anticipate or correctly evaluate in its statistical models. This would limit the Group's ability to manage its risks. The Group's losses thus could be significantly greater than the historical measures indicate. In addition, the Group's quantified modeling does not take all risks into account. The Group's more qualitative approach to managing those risks could prove insufficient, exposing it to material unanticipated losses. If existing or potential customers believe the Group's risk management is inadequate, they could take their business elsewhere. This could harm the Group's reputation, results of operations and financial condition.

        Conditions in the financial markets in Italy and elsewhere materially affect the Group's businesses. Market declines and increased volatility can adversely affect the credit quality of the Group's assets and could increase the risk that a greater number of the Group's customers would default on their loans or other obligations. An overall market downturn or increased volatility in market conditions can adversely affect the Group's business, results of operations and financial condition.

        In some of the Group's businesses, protracted adverse market movements, particularly asset price declines, can reduce the level of activity in the market or reduce market liquidity. These developments can lead to material losses if the Group cannot close out deteriorating positions in a timely way. This may especially be the case for assets of the Group for which there are not very liquid markets to begin with. Assets that are not traded on stock exchanges or other public trading markets, such as derivatives contracts between banks, may have values that the Group calculates using models other than publicly quoted prices. Monitoring the deterioration of prices of assets like these is difficult and failure to do so effectively could lead to losses that the Group did not anticipate or that were higher than those anticipated. This in turn could adversely affect the Group's results of operations and financial condition.

5


        While the Group's clients would be responsible for losses the Group incurs in taking positions for their accounts, the Group may be exposed to additional credit risk as a result of their need to cover the losses. The Group's business may also suffer if the Group's clients lose money and the Group loses the confidence of clients in its products and services. This in turn could adversely affect the Group's results of operations and financial condition.

        The Group's investment banking revenues, in the form of financial advisory and underwriting fees, directly relate to the number and size of the transactions in which the Group participates and are susceptible to adverse effects from sustained market downturns. These fees and other revenues are generally linked to the value of the underlying assets and therefore decline as asset values decline. In particular, the Group's revenues and profitability could sustain material adverse effects from a significant reduction in the number or size of debt and equity offerings and merger and acquisition transactions.

        Market downturns are likely to lead to declines in the volume of transactions that the Group executes for its customers and, therefore, to declines in the Group's non-interest revenues. In addition, because the fees that the Group charges for managing its clients' portfolios are in many cases based on the value or performance of those portfolios, a market downturn that reduces the value of the Group's clients' portfolios or increases the amount of withdrawals would reduce the revenues the Group receives from its asset management and custody businesses, among others.

        Even in the absence of a market downturn, below-market performance by the Group's mutual funds may result in increased withdrawals and reduced inflows, which would reduce the revenues the Group receives from its asset management business.

        Competition is intense in all of the Group's primary business areas in Italy and the other countries in which the Group conducts its business, including other European countries and the United States. The Group derived approximately 89.3% of its net revenues in 2005 from Italy, a mature market where competitive pressures have increased and we believe will intensify. Downturns in the Italian economy could add to the competitive pressure, through, for example, increased price pressure and lower business volumes for Sanpaolo IMI and its competitors to try to capture. In addition, as a result of technological advances, the growth of e-commerce and the progressive liberalization of financial services in the European Union, we face increased competition for some of our products and services from non-bank competitors, such as mutual funds, pension funds and insurance companies. If the Group is unable to continue to respond to the competitive environment in Italy with attractive product and service offerings that are profitable for the Group, the Group may lose market share in important areas of its business or incur losses on some or all of its activities.

        Future claims in the Group's life insurance business may be higher than expected as a result of changing trends in claims experience resulting from such factors as demographic developments, changes in mortality and other causes beyond the Group's control. These changes could adversely affect the profitability of the Group's insurance products and services. The Group intends to expand its insurance activities by the organic reorganization of its formerly separate businesses into Eurizon. This project has been initiated and is planned to be followed by the separate Italian stock market quotation of the company.

6



PART I

ITEM 1.    IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS

        Not applicable.

ITEM 2.    OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

        Not applicable.

ITEM 3.    KEY INFORMATION

A.    Selected Financial Data

        The financial information set forth below has been selected from, and should be read in conjunction with, the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this annual report.

Consolidated Income Statement Data

        The following table shows consolidated data from our audited income statements for the periods indicated.

        As explained under "Presentation of Financial Information", the results at and for the year ended December 31, 2005 were prepared in accordance with EU GAAP. The comparable results at and for the year ended December 31, 2004 were also prepared in accordance with EU GAAP; however, as permitted by IFRS 1, these results excluded the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, for which the transition date was January 1, 2005, and Italian GAAP continued to apply to the recognition of results, assets and liabilities to which IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4 would otherwise have applied. In the table that follows, the line items for the year ended December 31, 2004 identified as "Italian GAAP" represents the line items on which IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4 had an impact that were prepared in accordance with Italian GAAP. All other line items were prepared in accordance with EU GAAP.

 
   
  Year ended December 31,
 
 
   
  2005
  2004
 
 
   
  (in millions of €)

 
10.   Interest income and similar revenues   8,235      
10. Italian GAAP   Interest income and similar revenues       7,196  
20.   Interest expense and similar charges   (3,786 )    
20. Italian GAAP   Interest expense and similar charges       (3,534 )
30.   Net interest income   4,449   3,662  
40.   Commissions receivable   4,166      
40. Italian GAAP   Commissions income       3,980  
50.   Commissions payable   (758 )    
50. Italian GAAP   Commission expense       (764 )
60.   Net commissions   3,408   3,216  
70.   Dividends and other revenues   475      
30. Italian GAAP   Dividends and other revenues       152  
80.   Net dealing income   104      
90.   Net results of hedging transactions   (4 )    
100.   Profit/(loss) on disposal or repurchase of   394      
        a) loans   57      
        b) available-for-sale investments   347      
        c) held-to-maturity investments        
        d) financial liabilities   (10 )    
110.   Net result of financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value   219      

7


60. Italian GAAP   Profit/(loss) in financial transactions       227  
    Life assurance business—technical account gross of administrative expenses       10  
    General insurance business—technical account gross of administrative expenses       (1,478 )
120.   Net interest and other income   9,045   5,789  
130.   Net adjustments for impairment of   (442 )    
        a) loans   (437 )    
        b) available-for-sale investments   (1 )    
        c) held-to-maturity investments        
        d) other financial transactions   (4 )    
140. Italian GAAP   Provisions to the allowance for probable loan losses       (17 )
120. Italian GAAP   Adjustments to loans and provisions for guarantees and commitments       (914 )
130. Italian GAAP   Writebacks of adjustments to loans and provisions for guarantees and commitments       410  
150. Italian GAAP   Adjustments to financial fixed assets       (106 )
160. Italian GAAP   Writebacks of adjustments to financial fixed assets       124  
140.   Net result of financial management activities   8,603   5,286  
150.   Net premiums   3,599      
160.   Balance of other income/charges arising on insurance management activities   (4,496 )    
170.   Net result of financial management and insurance management activities   7,706   5,286  
180.   Administrative expenses   (4,353 ) (4,346 )
        a) personnel expenses(1)   (2,839 ) (2,821 )
        b) other administrative expenses(1)   (1,514 ) (1,525 )
190.   Net accruals to provision for risks and charges   (53 ) (216 )
200.   Net adjustments to tangible assets(1)   (239 ) (242 )
210.   Net adjustments to intangible assets   (198 ) (230 )
220.   Other operating income/charges   74   29  
    Other net income from insurance business       1,838  
230.   Operating costs   (4,769 ) (3,167 )
240.   Profit/(loss) from investments carried at equity   70      
250.   Net fair value adjustment to tangible and intangible assets          
170. Italian GAAP   Profit/(loss) from investments carried at equity       26  
260.   Goodwill adjustments   (1 )    
270.   Profit/(loss) on disposal of investments   17      
280.   Operating profit/(loss) before taxation   3,023   2,145  
190. Italian GAAP   Other income       286  
200. Italian GAAP   Other expense       (138 )
230. Italian GAAP   Changes in reserve for general banking risks       (2 )
290.   Taxes for the period   (948 )    
240. Italian GAAP   Income taxes       (754 )
300.   Operating profit/(loss) after taxation   2,075   1,537  
310.   Profit/(loss) on discontinued operations net of taxes   (35 ) (35 )
320.   Profit/(loss) for the period   2,040   1,502  
330.   Profit/(loss) attributable to minority interests   (57 ) (55 )
340.   Parent Bank net profit/(loss)   1,983   1,447  
    Net income per share   1.06   0.79  
    Net diluted income per share   1.06   0.79  

(1)
Includes amounts related to the insurance business.

8


Per Share Data

        The following table shows selected per Share and other data for the years indicated:

EU GAAP

 
  Year ended December 31,
 
  2005
  2004
 
  (in €, except for number of shares)

Sanpaolo IMI Share price at year-end(1)   13.22   10.60
Dividend per Share at year-end(2)   0.57   0.47
Shareholders' equity per Shares outstanding at year-end(3)   7.22   6.62
Average number of Shares(4)(5)   1,474,881,099   1,446,634,694
 

U.S. GAAP

 
  Year ended December 31,
 
  2005
  2004
  2003
  2002
  2001
Basic earnings/loss per Share (in euro)(6)   0.85   0.31   0.41   0.68   0.41
Diluted earnings/loss per Share (in euro)(7)   0.85   0.30   0.41   0.68   0.41

(1)
Prices at closing of trading session. Source: Borsa Italiana (Italian Stock Exchange).

(2)
On June 1, 2002, 388,334,018 shares were converted into Azioni Privilegiate. Please see: Item 4. "A. History and Development of Sanpaolo IMI—The Merged Group" on page 57 below. The calculation of dividend per share at the end of 2002 includes the Azioni Privilegiate. Please see: Item 8. "B. Legal Proceedings—Dividends" on page 182 below, for the dividend per Share as of December, 31 2003, 2002 and 2001. The dividend per American Depositary Share (ADS) was U.S. $1.06 in 2005, U.S. $1.18 in 2004, U.S. $0.96 in 2003, U.S. $0.70 in 2002 and U.S. $1.06 in 2001.

(3)
Shares outstanding at year-end represent ordinary shares plus the Azioni Privilegiate minus treasury Shares at year-end.

(4)
The average has been calculated based on daily figures from January 1 to December 31 of each year.

(5)
Calculated on the average number of Shares, excluding the average number of Azioni Privilegiate (as defined above) and the average number of treasury Shares held by the Group.

(6)
Basic earnings represent net income after minority interests as a percentage of average number of Shares excluding the average number of Azioni Privilegiate and the average number of treasury Shares held by the Group.

(7)
Diluted earnings represent net income after minority interests as a percentage of average number of Shares excluding the average number of Azioni Privilegiate, the average number of treasury Shares held by the Group, plus the average number of Shares issuable on conversion of all potentially dilutive instruments into Shares.

Consolidated Balance Sheet and Other Data

        The following table shows selected consolidated balance sheet data and other data at the dates indicated. As explained in footnotes 1-3 following the table, the balance sheet data have been extracted from our audited consolidated balance sheet, which is presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this annual report.

9



Consolidated Balance Sheet Data

EU GAAP

 
  At December 31,
 
  2005
  2004
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Total assets   263,258   252,760
Net loans(1)   168,343   147,143
  of which: securities   1,310   n.a.
Due to banks(2)   35,682   28,277
Marketable debt securities and subordinated debt(3)   53,066   54,941
Minority interests(4)   233   282
Capital   5,239   5,218
Other reserves   8,244   7,090
Shareholders' equity(5)   13,483   12,308
Consolidated Ratios        
Profitability Ratios        
Return on assets at year-end(6)   0.75%   0.57%
Return on shareholders' equity at year-end(7)   14.71%   11.76%
Capital Ratio        
Shareholders' equity to total assets at year-end   5.12%   4.87%

(1)
Represents the sum of Item 60. "loans to banks" and Item 70. "Loans to customers". Net loans are total loans net of any write-offs and any allowance for probable loan losses (including, for performing loans, any allowance for general risks). The amount of net loans is the loan amount that appears on the audited consolidated balance sheet.

(2)
Represents Item 10. "Due to banks".

(3)
Represents the sum of Item 30. "Securities issued" and "Subordinated liabilities".

(4)
Represents Item 210. "Minority interest".

(5)
Represents the sum of Item 140 "Valuation reserves", Item 160. "Capital instruments", Item 170. "Reserves", Item 180. "Additional paid-in capital", Item 190. "Capital", Item 200. "Own shares" and Item 220 "Income/(loss) for the period".

(6)
Return on assets at year-end is net income after minority interests as a percentage of total assets at year-end.

(7)
Return on shareholders' equity at year-end represents net income after minority interests as a percentage of shareholders' equity at year-end.

n.a. means not available.

10



Selected U.S. GAAP Data

        The following table shows, at the dates or for the periods indicated, selected balance sheet and income statement data calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. See "Summary of significant differences between EU GAAP, IFRS as published by IASB and U.S. GAAP" on page F-214 below.

 
  At or for the year ended December 31,
 
  2005
  2004
  2003
  2002
  2001
 
  (millions of €)

Total assets   264,574   253,732   238,317   231,814   191,378
Capital stock   5,226   5,204   5,135   5,130   3,884
Shareholders' equity   16,824   15,876   15,557   14,934   11,607
Net interest income   4,120   3,867   3,758   3,070   2,666
Income before taxes and minority interests   2,310   1,038   996   (800 ) 790
Net income   1,592   559   750   (1,120 ) 571

Exchange Rates

        The following table shows, for the periods indicated, information regarding the Noon Buying Rate for the euro, expressed in U.S. dollars per euro.

Year ended December 31,

  High
  Low
  Average(1)
  At Period End
2002   1.0485   0.8594   0.9495   1.0485
2003   1.2597   1.0361   1.1411   1.2597
2004   1.3625   1.1801   1.2478   1.3538
2005   1.3476   1.1667   1.2400   1.1842
2006 (through June 12, 2006)   1.2953   1.1860   1.2378   1.2587

(1)
Average of the rates for the last business day of each month in the period.

        The following table shows the high and low exchange rates between the euro and the U.S. dollar, expressed in U.S. dollars per euro, during the last six months:

Month

  High
  Low
January 2006   1.2287   1.1980
February 2006   1.2100   1.1860
March 2006   1.2197   1.1886
April 2006   1.2624   1.2091
May 2006   1.2888   1.2607
June 2006 (through June 12, 2006)   1.2953   1.2587

        The Shares trade on the mercato telematico azionario ("Telematico"), managed by Borsa Italiana S.p.A. ("Borsa Italiana") in euro. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the euro and the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar equivalent of the euro price of the Shares and the price of the Sanpaolo IMI American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") listed on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"). Cash dividends are paid by Sanpaolo IMI in euro, and exchange rate fluctuations also affect the U.S. dollar amounts received by owners of ADSs upon conversion by the depositary of dividends on the underlying Sanpaolo IMI Shares.

11



B.    Selected Statistical Information

        In the discussion that follows, we describe and discuss the assets and the liabilities related to the Group's banking activities. The financial information set forth in the following tables has been derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements and has been adjusted to exclude assets and liabilities related to the Group's insurance activities.

Assets

        The following tables set forth, at the dates indicated, the principal components of the assets related to our banking activities.

EU GAAP

 
  At December 31,
 
  2005
  2004
 
  Amount
  % of total assets
  Amount
  % of total assets
 
  (in millions of €, except percentages)

Loans and leases to non-credit institutions, net(1)(2)(3)   139,507   62.49%   123,201   57.78%
of which:                
Short-term loans   42,228   18.92%   37,409   17.55%
Medium- and long-term loans   95,887   42.95%   84,645   39.70%
Non-performing loans   1,080   0.48%   1,147   0.54%
Debt securities   312   0.14%   n.a.   n.a.
Non-performing debt securities   0   0.00%   n.a.   n.a.
Interest-earning deposits and loans to credit institutions, net(1)   28,771   12.89%   23,942   11.23%
of which:                
Reverse repurchase agreements   11,725   5.25%   12,576   5.90%
Dealing securities and investments   30,210   13.53%   29,340   13.76%
of which:                
Debt securities   23,111   10.35%   26,314   12.34%
Equity and others   7,099   3.18%   3,026   1.42%
Other assets   24,748   11.09%   36,730   17.23%
   
 
 
 
Total assets   223,236   100.00%   213,213   100.00%
   
 
 
 

12


Italian GAAP

 
  At December 31, 2003
 
  Amount
  % of total assets
 
  (in millions of €, except percentages)

Loans and leases to non-credit institutions, net(1)(2)(3)   124,599   61.51%
of which:        
Short-term loans   42,815   21.13%
Medium- and long-term loans   80,613   39.79%
Non-performing loans   1,171   0.58%
Interest-earning deposits and loans to credit institutions, net(1)   22,278   11.00%
of which:        
Reverse repurchase agreements   10,121   5.00%
Dealing securities and investments   25,258   12.47%
of which:        
Investment securities   2,935   1.45%
Dealing securities   22,323   11.02%
Other assets   30,445   15.03%
   
 
Total assets   202,580   100.00%
   
 

(1)
Net loans are total loans net of any write-offs and any allowance for probable loan losses (including, for performing loans, any allowance for general risks). The amount of net loans is the amount that appears on the balance sheet.

(2)
Includes reverse repurchase agreements in the amounts of €2,302 million, €2,808 million and €1,694 million at December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

(3)
Includes loans to SGA. SGA is the company established to recover non-performing loans of Banco di Napoli. Loans to SGA amounted to €595 million, €814 million and €1,013 million at December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. See Part B, Section 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements at page F-44 below.

n.a. means not available.

        Our net loans and leases to non-credit institutions, which we also refer to as our loans to customers, totaled €139.5 billion at December 31, 2005, an increase of €16.3 billion, or 13.2%, from €123.2 billion at December 31, 2004. Medium—and long-term loans increased by €11.3 billion, or 13.3%, to €95.9 billion at December 31, 2005 from €84.6 billion at December 31, 2004, while short-term loans increased by €4.8 billion, or 12.8%, to €42.2 billion at December 31, 2005 from €37.4 billion at December 31, 2004. The increase in our loans to customers, and in particular the increased proportion of our loans to customers represented by medium- and long-term loans, reflected a continued trend on the part of our customers to lengthening the maturity profile of their bank debt. This trend was somewhat attenuated compared to previous years, however, as interest rates remained relatively favorable for short-term debt and the selective recovery in the performance of long-term investments reduced some borrowers' need to finance their working capital with bank debt.

        Breaking down our net loans to customers by counterparty, loans to households increased by €4.1 billion, or 14.7%, to €32.1 billion at December 31, 2005 from €28.0 billion at December 31, 2004; and loans to non-bank financial institutions increased by €1.5 billion, or 13%, to €12.9 billion at December 31, 2005 from €11.4 billion at December 31, 2004. Loans to non-financial businesses

13


increased by €10.7 billion, or 15.3%, to €81.03 billion at December 31, 2005 from €70.3 billion at December 31, 2004. Loans to governments and other public entities remained effectively stable, amounting to €13.56 billion at December 31, 2005 compared to €13.57 billion at December 31, 2004. See also "Item 3.B.—Loan Portfolio—Loans by Category of Borrower" at page 20 below.

        As of the end of December 2005, our market share in the domestic market was equal to 10.1% for total loans, a 0.1% increase compared to the end of 2004. The domestic market share in medium-/long-term loans to households and non-financial resident companies was 9.5% and that in short term loans was 8.8% (source: Bank of Italy).

        Interest-earning deposits, otherwise known as interbank deposits, and loans to credit institutions increased by €4.8 billion, or 20.2%, to €28.8 billion at December 31, 2005 from €23.9 billion at December 31, 2004. Of these totals, financings in the form of reverse repurchase agreements decreased by €0.9 billion, or 6.8%, to €11.7 billion at December 31, 2005 compared to €12.6 billion at December 31, 2004. For a discussion of the net effect of our lending to credit institutions and our funding from credit institutions, see "Item 3.B.—Liabilities and Funding Sources" on page 50 below and Item 5. "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" on page 93 below.

        At December 31, 2005, the book value of our securities portfolio totaled €30.2 billion, an increase of €0.9 billion, or 3.0%, from €29.3 billion at December 31, 2004. This increase was due to a €4.1 billion increase in our holdings of equities and similar securities, partially offset by a €3.2 billion decrease in debt securities.

        The securities portfolio of the Parent Bank, held for treasury requirements and investment purposes, amounted to €8.3 billion at December 31, 2005. Of the Parent Bank's securities portfolio, at year-end 2005, 59% of the amount consisted of EU member state government bonds, 35% consisted of securities issued by banks, other financial institutions and international organizations, and 4% consisted of corporate debt.

        The securities portfolio of Banca IMI, as of 31 December 2005, amounted to €11.7 billion, in line with the €11.9 billion held at the end of 2004; of the former amount, 73.8% consisted of debt securities, 25.6% of shares in OICR funds and the remaining 0.6% of equity of securities. Short positions in securities amounted to €2.31 billion a decrease of 5.7% compared to the value as of 31 December 2004 (€2.45 billion).

Average Balances and Interest Rates

        For information about the average balances and average yields of our interest-earning assets and the average balances and average costs of our interest-bearing liabilities, please see Item 5. "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" on page 93 below.

Change in Net Interest Income—Volume and Rate Analysis

        For information about the allocation of changes in net interest income to changes in average volume, changes in average rate and changes in both volume and rate by category of our interest-earning assets and our interest-bearing liabilities, please see Item 5. "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" on page 93 below.

14


Net Interest Margin and Interest Spread

        For information about our net interest margin and interest spread, please see Item 5. "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" on page 93 below.

Loan Portfolio

        The Group's loan portfolio consists of loans and leases to non-credit institutions (which is the largest component of our loan portfolio), interbank deposits and loans to credit institutions, financings in the form of reverse repurchase agreements, and debt securities with fixed or determinable payments which are not listed on active markets and have not been classified as available for sale, held for trading or designated at fair value. In this section, we present a variety of information about the Group's loan portfolio, including the distribution of our loans by categories different from those shown on our average or year-end balance sheet, such as loans by type of facility, loans by category of borrower, domestic and international loans by category of borrower, and loans by geographic area.

        For purposes of our average and year-end balance sheet, as well as for purposes of this section, loans are stated, when they are first recorded on the balance sheet, at their fair value modified by any direct transaction costs or income, if tangible and determinable. At subsequent dates, loans are stated at their amortized cost using the effective interest rate criterion. The value at which loans are carried in the Consolidated Financial Statements is regularly tested for impairment to establish if, owing to any losses in value, the loans may have to be stated at their expected recovery amount. Impairment testing further takes into account any guarantee and collateral securing a loan.

        Any adjustments to the value of loans shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements are calculated taking into account the extent to which loans have become impaired, whether the loans are assessed for impairment on an individual or collective basis. See "Item 3.B.—Risk Elements in the Loan Portfolio" on page 27 below and Part A.2, Section 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-20 below.

        When it has been determined that a loan is impaired, the Group either writes off the loan, with the amount written off being charged directly to income, or makes a provision, which is charged to income through the allowance for probable loan losses. Provisions, whether specific or general, are made by entering a "value adjustment" to reduce the value of the asset shown on the balance sheet, on the basis of the aforementioned criteria. These provisions, however, may be reversed by means of write-backs recorded in a caption included in the income statement where all net value adjustments on loans are recorded, in the event that the reasons for the provisions cease to apply or the amounts recovered on the loans are higher than the provisions made for those loans.

        In this section, the term "net loans" refers to the amount of loans shown on the balance sheet. Net loans are net of any write-offs and any allowance for probable loan losses (including, for performing loans, any allowance for general risks; see Part A.2, Section 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-20 below). The term "total loans" refers to loans net of any write-offs, but before any deduction for the allowance for probable loan losses. Total loans do not appear on the balance sheet, but are set forth under "Total loans to customers" and "Total loans to banks" in Part E, Section 1, Quantitative Information, of the Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-122 below.

15



        The following tables show, at the dates indicated, the distribution of the Group's net loans related to banking activities by type of facility.


 


 

At December 31,

 
  2005
  2004
EU GAAP
Net loans(1)

  Amount
  % of net loans
  Amount
  % of net loans
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Installment loans   74,893   44.51%   67,672   45.99%
Other fixed-term loans   19,930   11.84%   17,142   11.65%
Loans to banks(2)   16,048   9.54%   11,356   7.72%
Current account overdrafts   17,311   10.29%   16,199   11.01%
Reverse repurchase agreements(3)   14,027   8.34%   15,384   10.46%
Advances with recourse   5,334   3.17%   2,288   1.55%
Import-export loans   3,201   1.90%   2,922   1.99%
Finance leases   6,607   3.93%   5,370   3.65%
Personal loans   4,748   2.82%   3,837   2.61%
Discounted notes   0   0%   749   0.51%
Factoring loans   1,449   0.86%   2,916   1.98%
Subordinated loans(3)   0   0%   161   0.11%
Non-performing loans(4)   1,080   0.64%   1,147   0.78%
Debt securities   1,310   0.78%   n.a.   n.a.
Other   2,340   1.39%   n.a.   n.a.
   
 
 
 
Total net loans(3)   168,278   100.00%   147,143   100.00%
   
 
 
 

 


 

At December 31,

 
  2003
  2002
  2001
Italian GAAP
Net loans(1)

  Amount
  % of net
loans

  Amount
  % of net
loans

  Amount
  % of net
loans

 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Installment loans   64,642   44.01%   59,651   40.11%   45,760   38.6%
Other fixed-term loans   22,791   15.52%   28,024   18.85%   25,509   21.5%
Loans to banks(2)   12,147   8.27%   10,326   6.94%   14,800   12.5%
Current account overdrafts   17,492   11.91%   17,574   11.82%   10,581   8.9%
Reverse repurchase agreements(3)   11,815   8.04%   14,262   9.59%   10,482   8.8%
Advances with recourse   2,557   1.74%   3,484   2.34%   2,781   2.3%
Import-export loans   3,111   2.12%   3,090   2.08%   2,465   2.1%
Finance leases   4,594   3.13%   4,266   2.87%   2,253   1.9%
Personal loans   3,433   2.34%   3,782   2.54%   1,250   1.1%
Discounted notes   943   0.64%   1,067   0.72%   968   0.8%
Factoring loans   2,105   1.43%   1,717   1.15%   798   0.7%
Subordinated loans(3)   76   0.05%   123   0.08%   49   0.0%
Non-performing loans(4)   1,171   0.80%   1,335   0.90%   931   0.8%
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total net loans   146,877   100.00%   148,701   100.00%   118,627   100.00%
   
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Net loans are total loans net of any write-offs and any allowance for probable loan losses (including, for performing loans, any allowance for general risks). The amount of net loans is the loan amount that appears on the balance sheet.

16


(2)
Excludes reverse repurchase agreements with and subordinated loans to banks.

(3)
Includes such loans to banks.

(4)
Includes non-performing loans to banks. These numbers refer only to net loans and therefore differ from the figures for non-performing loans shown under "Item 3.B.—Risk Elements in the Loan Portfolio" on page 27 below in the table setting forth our classified loans on a total loan basis.

n.a. means not available.

        The following table shows the maturities, based upon contract terms, of the Group's net loans related to banking activities by type of facility at December 31, 2005. To the extent loans are rolled over at maturity, they are treated as new loans for credit approval purposes and are included in the table below at their new maturities.


 


 

At December 31, 2005

 
   
   
  Between one and five years
   
   
   
   
 
  Within one year
  More than five years
  Total
EU GAAP
Net loans(1)

  Amount
  % of total
  Amount
  % of total
  Amount
  % of total
  Amount
  % of total
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Installment loans   11,079   13.31%   30,795   67.56%   33,019   83.75%   74,893   44.51%
Other fixed-term loans   13,381   16.07%   3,636   7.98%   2,913   7.39%   19,930   11.84%
Loans to banks(2)   13,851   16.63%   1,446   3.17%   750   1.90%   16,047   9.54%
Current account overdrafts   16,477   19.79%   665   1.46%   169   0.43%   17,311   10.29%
Reverse repurchase agreements(3)   14,027   16.85%     0.00%     0.00%   14,027   8.34%
Advances with recourse   4,675   5.61%   659   1.45%     0.00%   5,334   3.17%
Import-export loans   3,111   3.74%   90   0.20%     0.00%   3,201   1.90%
Finance leases   1,533   1.84%   3,417   7.50%   1,657   4.20%   6,607   3.93%
Personal loans   1,709   2.05%   2,629   5.77%   410   1.04%   4,748   2.82%
Discounted notes     0.00%     0.00%     0.00%     0.00%
Factoring loans   695   0.83%   495   1.09%   259   0.66%   1,449   0.86%
Subordinated loans(3)     0.00%     0.00%     0.00%     0.00%
Non-performing loans(4)     0.00%   1,080   2.37%     0.00%   1,080   0.64%
Debt securities   771   0.93%   458   1.00%   82   0.21%   1,311   0.78%
Other   1,960   2.35%   212   0.47%   168   0.43%   2,340   1.39%
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total net loans   83,269   100.00%   45,582   100.00%   39,427   100.00%   168,278   100.00%
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Net loans are total loans net of any write-offs and any allowance for probable loan losses (including, for performing loans, any allowance for general risks). The amount of net loans is the loan amount that appears on the balance sheet.

(2)
Excludes reverse repurchase agreements with and subordinated loans to banks.

(3)
Includes such loans to banks.

(4)
Includes non-performing loans to banks. For purposes of this table, all non-performing loans are included in the column "Between one and five years". These numbers refer only to net loans and therefore differ from the figures for non-performing loans shown under "Item 3.B.—Risk Elements in the Loan Portfolio" on page 27 below in the table setting forth our classified loans on a total loan basis.

        A brief description of the facility classifications reflected in the foregoing tables follows.

        Installment loans include mortgage loans to individuals and private entities, and loans to government and other public entities and to non-financial businesses.

17



        Mortgage loans consist primarily of (1) residential mortgages to individuals for private residences, (2) loans to co-operative institutions in the housing industry, and (3) commercial construction loans, all of which are secured by the underlying real property. Residential mortgages to individuals for private residences are typically repaid in monthly installments. Loans to co-operative institutions and small building companies in the housing industry and commercial construction loans secured by the underlying real property are usually repaid in six-month installments. Retail residential mortgages generally have a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 80% (as recommended by current Italian regulations) with maturities of up to 30 years, at fixed or floating rates of interest (or a combination of the two, at the customer's option). However, it is possible to have a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 100% with insurance guarantees. See Item 4. "Information on Sanpaolo IMI" on page 56 below.

        The process for recovering against collateral through the Italian legal system often consists of a series of judicial auctions, which successively reduce the ultimate potential recovery and which currently last an average of five and one-half years. Sanpaolo IMI's policy is generally to limit the value of each loan to 80% of the value of the premises. In the case of mortgages to individuals, of loans to co-operative institutions, small building companies in the housing industry, commercial or industrial construction loans and mortgage loans to finance renovation costs Sanpaolo IMI limits the amount of each loan up to 80% of capital expenditure. These limits are reduced if appropriate in light of credit analyses performed on each borrower. Sanpaolo IMI believes that the value of the collateral on its mortgage loans covers its exposure, and makes a provision or write-off whenever such coverage is no longer deemed to be sufficient.

        The other categories of installment loans—loans to governments and other public entities, and loans to non-financial businesses—are medium- and long-term loans, primarily at variable rates and primarily in euro. Loans to governments and other public entities are made almost exclusively by Sanpaolo IMI's subsidiary, Banca OPI S.p.A. ("Banca OPI"), with a particular concentration on financing investments and infrastructure projects. Loans to governments consist primarily of loans to the Italian government and, to a lesser extent, other governments (mostly OECD members). Loans to other public entities consist primarily of loans to Italian regional, provincial and municipal governments.

        Other fixed-term loans represent single, fixed-term extensions of credit, at fixed rates, with interest payable at reimbursement of the loan. These loans are generally extended in euro to counterparties in Italy with initial maturities of less than one year, and may be secured by collateral with a value commensurate with that of the loan. This type of facility is primarily extended to large corporates, small- and medium-sized enterprises, small businesses and, to a lesser extent, the Italian government and other public entities.

        Loans to banks include all types of loans to banking and credit institutions, with the exception of repurchase agreements and, to a lesser extent, subordinated loans. These loans consist almost exclusively of interbank time deposits with terms of less than one year, with the remainder being demand deposits. These facilities are unsecured.

        Current account overdrafts are facilities whereby Sanpaolo IMI agrees on a revocable basis to extend credit up to a specified limit through a current account of the borrower. The borrower may use this facility on a revolving basis, making periodic payments and further drawdowns. Although not generally the case, Sanpaolo IMI may require the current account overdraft to be secured. These facilities are at variable rates, with interest payments debited quarterly to the current account. They are extended almost exclusively in euro to companies (large corporates, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and small businesses) and households primarily in Italy and, to a lesser extent, other OECD countries.

        Reverse repurchase agreements are agreements whereby the customer sells securities to Sanpaolo IMI and agrees to repurchase from Sanpaolo IMI equivalent securities at an agreed price and on a

18



stated date. The securities generally consist of Italian government or other high-grade securities. This type of financing is secured by virtue of Sanpaolo IMI having the property rights in the purchased securities. These reverse repurchase transactions are primarily in euro and generally with a duration of 120 days or less. Counterparties are primarily OECD banking and credit institutions and secondarily other financial institutions.

        Advances with recourse are extensions of credit on current accounts to non-financial businesses (large corporates, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and small businesses) on presentation of checks, promissory notes or other negotiable instruments, subject to Sanpaolo IMI's right to revoke the extension of credit in the event it is unable to obtain payment on the relevant negotiable instrument. The instruments presented for payment generally have a maturity of not longer than 12 months. Interest is fixed-rate and paid in advance. The majority of these extensions of credit are in euro to counterparties resident in Italy.

        Import-export loans consist of letters of credit and other forms of credit documentation typically used in foreign trade. These facilities generally are in euro, with a maturity of one year or less at fixed rates, and are secured by irrevocable assignments of the borrower's related receivables. Counterparties are generally non-financial businesses (large corporates, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and small businesses) primarily resident in Italy.

        Finance leases are extensions of credit which, measured by value, primarily relate to real estate and industrial machinery, and measured by number of transactions, primarily relate to means of transportation. Finance leases are primarily in euro with an initial maturity greater than 24 months and are secured by the asset that is the subject of the lease. Counterparties are non-financial businesses (large corporates, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and small businesses) primarily resident in Italy. These extensions of credit are made through specialized subsidiaries of Sanpaolo IMI.

        Personal loans are loans in euro with maturities generally between one and three years and occasionally up to five years, primarily to individuals resident in Italy for consumer and personal use. Consumer credit loans are generally unsecured.

        Discounted notes are extensions of credit in which Sanpaolo IMI in effect purchases at a discounted rate from the borrower outstanding debt owed to the borrower by a third party. These are short-term exposures, primarily less than one year, at fixed rates in euro to non-financial businesses (large corporates, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and small businesses) resident in Italy.

        Factoring loans include both factoring in the strict sense as well as assignments of receivables. Factoring is a type of financial service whereby a firm sells or transfers title to its accounts receivable to another party (the factor), which then acts as principal, not as agent. The receivables are sold without recourse, meaning that the factor must bear the risk of collection. The purchase is made at a discount to the account's value. Assignments of receivables represented by invoices or cash orders are essentially advances on current accounts (with or without recourse) to non-financial businesses (large corporates, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and small businesses) upon presentation of the relevant documents. The majority of these exposures are in euro at fixed rates, primarily with maturities of less than one year, to companies resident in Italy.

        Subordinated loans are junior in priority to other debt, i.e., repayable only after other debts with a higher claim on assets of the debtor have been satisfied. A subordinated creditor thus assumes more risk than a non-subordinated creditor. Subordinated loans are made in euro, primarily at variable rates and with a maturity of not less than five years, to Italian and other European banks and financial institutions.

        Non-performing loans (sofferenze) are loans to borrowers who are bankrupt (even in the absence of a court ruling to that effect) or in substantially equivalent condition, without regard to any financial loss projections prepared by the borrower. Non-performing loan exposures are primarily in euro to

19



counterparties resident in Italy, primarily non-financial businesses (large corporates, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and small businesses).

        Debt securities are securities with fixed or determinable payments, which are not listed on active markets and have not been classified from the day of acquisition as available for sale, held for trading or designated at fair value.

        The following tables show, at the dates indicated, the distribution of the Group's net loans related to banking activities by category of borrower.


 


 

At December 31,

 
  2005
  2004
EU GAAP
Net Loans(1)

  Amount
  % of total
  Amount
  % of total
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Governments and other public entities(2)   13,557   8.06%   13,567   9.22%
Banks and credit institutions   28,771   17.10%   23,942   16.27%
Non-financial businesses   81,033   48.15%   70,276   47.76%
Non-bank financial institutions   12,850   7.64%   11,394   7.74%
Households and other   32,067   19.06%   27,964   19.00%
   
 
 
 
Total   168,278   100.00%   147,143   100.00%
   
 
 
 

 


 

At December 31,

 
  2003
  2002
  2001
ITALIAN GAAP
Net Loans(1)

  Amount
  % of total
  Amount
  % of total
  Amount
  % of total
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Governments and other public entities(2)   13,826   9.41%   13,481   9.07%   12,535   10.57%
Banks and credit institutions   22,277   15.17%   22,000   14.79%   21,571   18.18%
Non-financial businesses   74,732   50.88%   73,680   49.55%   54,978   46.35%
Non-bank financial institutions   10,221   6.96%   13,985   9.40%   13,669   11.52%
Households and other   25,821   17.58%   25,555   17.19%   15,874   13.38%
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total   146,877   100.00%   148,701   100.00%   118,627   100.00%
   
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Net loans are total loans net of any write-offs and any allowance for probable loan losses (including, for performing loans, any allowance for general risks). The amount of net loans is the loan amount that appears on the balance sheet.

(2)
Excludes loans to municipal companies made by Banca OPI (Public Authorities and Entities Business Sector), which are included in loans to non-financial businesses.

        For purposes of its loan and credit risk management policy, Sanpaolo IMI groups borrowers into five main categories: (i) governments and other public entities; (ii) banks and credit institutions; (iii) non-financial businesses; (iv) non-bank financial institutions; and (v) households and others. A brief description of these categories of borrowers follows. For a summary of Sanpaolo IMI's loan and credit risk management policy, see Item 11. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk—Credit risk management policies" on page 195 below.

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        This category consists of two sub-categories, "governments" and "other public entities". Governments consist of the Republic of Italy, which accounts for the majority of the exposure to this sub-category, and foreign countries, primarily OECD members. Other public entities consist of Italian regions, provinces and cities.

        Sanpaolo IMI extends credit to governments and other public entities almost exclusively through its subsidiary, Banca OPI, with a particular focus on financing investments and infrastructure projects.

        The primary type of facility for this category of borrowers is installment loans and, to a much lesser extent, other fixed-term loans. Both types of credit extensions to governments and other public entities are in the majority of cases secured by guarantees of the Republic of Italy or other forms of security, such as pledges of or escrow arrangements with respect to such receivables as, typically, tax receipts. Loans to this category of borrowers are generally considered to present a very low credit risk.

        Borrowers in this category include Italian and foreign institutions that take deposits and extend credit. In the last few years, loans to banks and credit institutions have been made primarily to foreign institutions in the euro zone. The principal types of facility extended to this category of borrowers are interbank deposits and reverse repurchase agreements.

        This category consists of large corporates, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and small businesses, and is divided into seven sub-categories of economic activity: (i) building and construction industry, (ii) wholesale and retail, (iii) manufacturing, (iv) communications, (v) transportation, (vi) agriculture and (vii) foreign non-financial businesses.

        Building and construction includes residential and commercial real estate developments, and public works project and engineering companies. Loans to the latter sector are made by Banca OPI and are considered to present a greater credit risk than Banca OPI's other main category of borrowers.

        Wholesale and retail includes wholesale and retail trading companies as well as commercial agents and other intermediaries.

        Manufacturing includes companies in the energy, mining and extraction, chemical, industrial machinery and transport production, food, textiles, paper, plastic, rubber and lumber sectors and, to a limited extent, the electronic information technology sectors.

        Communications includes telecommunications companies.

        Transportation includes road transport and railway companies, maritime and internal shipping lines, passenger and cargo airlines, oil and gas pipelines, and related transportation services such as travel agencies, and warehouse and custody services.

        Agriculture includes livestock farming, fishing and forestry.

        Foreign non-financial businesses are grouped into a single category of borrowers. Extensions of credit to this category consist primarily of import-export loans.

        Extensions of credit to non-financial businesses are made in the form of installment loans, discounted notes, finance leases, other fixed-term loans, advances with recourse and factoring.

21



        This category includes securities firms (broker-dealers), insurance, leasing and factoring companies. Extensions of credit to non-bank financial institutions consist primarily of reverse repurchase agreements and other fixed-term loans.

        This category includes loans to households, by which we mean loans to individuals and to families for non-commercial purposes, as well as to non-profit organizations. Extensions of credit to this category consist primarily of installment loans, current account overdrafts and personal loans.

        At December 31, 2005, the Group's largest credit exposure to a single borrower represented 1.54% of the amount of our net loans, while the Group's aggregate credit exposure to its ten largest borrowers represented 9.77% of our net loans.

        Our largest exposure relates to loans made to the Italian government. Loans to the Italian government at December 31, 2005 totaled €2.6 billion, increasing to €13.6 billion if guarantees of governments provided to Sanpaolo IMI in respect of borrowers other than governmental entities are taken into account.

        At December 31, 2005, the Group had three "significant risk exposures", defined by the Bank of Italy as positions that exceeded 10% of consolidated shareholders' equity for supervisory purposes. These three "significant risk exposures" amounted to a total of €6.90 billion and related to major Italian groups in the oil and gas and transportation industries, and to a major U.S. conglomerate.

        The following tables show, at the dates indicated, the distribution of the Group's net loans related to banking activities divided by domestic and international loans, based on the location of the borrower, broken down by loans to the public sector, banks and other private sector customers.


 


 

At December 31,

 
  2005
  2004
EU GAAP

  Net loans(1)
  % of Total
  Net loans(1)
  % of Total
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Domestic:                
Governments and other public entities(2)   13,289   7.90%   13,296   9.04%
Banks and credit institutions   9,308   5.53%   7,602   5.17%
Domestic non-financial businesses:                
  Building and construction industry   8,001   4.75%   7,075   4.81%
  Wholesale and retail   28,170   16.74%   25,876   17.59%
  Manufacturing   24,200   14.38%   23,276   15.82%
  Transportation   8,258   4.91%   5,409   3.68%
  Agriculture   2,126   1.26%   2,000   1.36%
  Communications(3)   2,670   1.59%   990   0.67%
   
     
   
Total domestic non-financial businesses   73,425   43.63%   64,626   43.92%
   
     
   
Non-bank financial institutions   8,246   4.90%   6,991   4.75%
Households and other   31,134   18.50%   27,505   18.69%
   
     
   
Total domestic   135,402   80.46%   120,020   81.57%
   
     
   

22


International:                
Governments and other public entities   268   0.16%   272   0.18%
Banks and credit institutions   19,463   11.57%   16,339   11.10%
International non-financial businesses:                
Building and construction industry   551   0.33%   n.a.   n.a.
Wholesale and retail   1,464   0.87%   n.a.   n.a.
Manufacturing   4,753   2.82%   n.a.   n.a.
Transportation   323   0.19%   n.a.   n.a.
Agriculture   51   0.03%   n.a.   n.a.
Communications(3)   466   0.28%   n.a.   n.a.
   
     
   
Total international non-financial businesses   7,608   4.52%   5,650   3.84%
   
     
   
Non-bank financial institutions   4,604   2.74%   4,403   2.99%
Households and other   933   0.55%   459   0.31%
   
     
   
Total International   32,876   19.54%   27,123   18.43%
   
 
 
 
Total Domestic and International   168,278   100.00%   147,143   100.00%
   
 
 
 

(1)
Net loans are total loans net of any write-offs and any allowance for probable loan losses (including, for performing loans, any allowance for general risks). The amount of net loans is the loan amount that appears on the balance sheet.

(2)
Excludes loans by Banca OPI (Public Authorities and Entities sector) to municipal companies which are accounted for under loans to "Non-financial businesses."

(3)
Includes telecommunications.

n.a. means not available.


 


 

At December 31,

 
  2003
  2002
  2001
ITALIAN GAAP

  Net loans(1)
  % of Total
  Net loans(1)
  % of Total
  Net loans(1)
  % of Total
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Domestic:                        
Building and construction industry   7,098   4.83%   6,558   4.41%   3,832   3.23%
Wholesale and retail   25,588   17.42%   21,802   14.66%   13,334   11.24%
Manufacturing   27,385   18.64%   28,306   19.04%   21,376   18.02%
Transportation   4,715   3.21%   4,790   3.22%   2,912   2.45%
Agriculture   2,106   1.43%   2,043   1.37%   1,264   1.07%
Communications(3)   1,729   1.18%   1,171   0.79%   1,308   1.10%
   
     
     
   
Total non-financial businesses   68,621   46.72%   64,670   43.49%   44,026   37.11%
   
     
     
   
Non-bank financial institutions   6,638   4.52%   9,916   6.67%   10,035   8.46%
Governments and other public entities(2)   13,432   9.15%   13,050   8.78%   11,948   10.07%
Banks and credit institutions   6,872   4.68%   5,130   3.45%   8,717   7.35%
Households and other   25,437   17.32%   24,171   16.25%   14,608   12.31%
   
     
     
   
Total domestic   121,000   82.38%   116,937   78.64%   89,334   75.31%
   
     
     
   

23


International:                        
Non-financial businesses   6,111   4.16%   9,010   6.06%   10,952   9.23%
Non-bank financial institutions   3,583   2.44%   4,069   2.74%   3,633   3.06%
Governments and other public entities   394   0.27%   431   0.29%   587   0.49%
Banks and credit institutions   15,405   10.49%   16,870   11.34%   12,855   10.84%
Households and other   384   0.26%   1,384   0.93%   1,266   1.07%
   
     
     
   
Total International   25,877   17.62%   31,764   21.36%   29,293   24.69%
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total Domestic and International   146,877   100.00%   148,701   100.00%   118,627   100.00%
   
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Net loans are total loans net of any write-offs and any allowance for probable loan losses (including, for performing loans, any allowance for general risks). The amount of net loans is the loan amount that appears on the balance sheet.

(2)
Excludes loans by Banca OPI (Public Authorities and Entities sector) to municipal companies which are accounted for under loans to "Non-financial businesses."

(3)
Includes telecommunications.

        The following tables show, at the dates indicated, a breakdown between fixed rate and floating rate loans of the Group's domestic and international net loans (based on the location of the borrower) due after one year.

 
  At December 31, 2005
EU GAAP
Net loans(1)

  Domestic
  International
  Total
 
  (millions of €)

Fixed rate   23,907   555   24,462
Floating rate   53,303   6,998   60,301
   
 
 
Total(2)   77,210   7,553   84,763
   
 
 

(1)
Net loans are total loans net of any write-offs and any allowance for probable loan losses (including, for performing loans, any allowance for general risks). The amount of net loans is the loan amount that appears on the balance sheet.

(2)
Excludes €246 million of non-interest-earning loans made by Gest Line.

        For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, foreign country outstandings are those outstandings (i) to residents outside of Italy in euros or in a currency different from the currency of the borrower and (ii) in the local currency of the borrower but not hedged or funded in such currency by a counterparty resident in the same country. Foreign country outstandings include outstandings in euro in countries (other than Italy) which have adopted the euro as their currency, and which have been funded, in euro, in a country different from the country in which the amounts are outstanding. The outstandings include net loans to customers and to banks, other advances, securities and other

24


monetary assets, but exclude loans guaranteed by SACE (an Italian government agency which provides export credit insurance), and loans made to or guaranteed by supranational organizations.

        The following table shows, at the dates indicated, the aggregate amount of the Group's cross-border outstandings where outstandings in the borrower's country exceeded 1% of the Group's total assets. The geographic breakdown is based on the country of the borrower or guarantor of ultimate risk.


 


 

At December 31,

 
  2005
  2004
  2003
Net loans and monetary assets

  Amount
  % of total
assets

  Amount
  % of total
assets

  Amount
  % of total
assets

 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

United Kingdom   4,362   1.95%   3,831   1.80%   3,936   1.94%
Luxembourg(1)   3,435   1.54%   3,420   1.60%   2,532   1.25%
Spain(1)   3,241   1.45%   849   0.40%   455   0.22%

(1)
These are countries which have adopted the euro. The outstanding amounts have been funded in euro in Italy or in other countries which have adopted the euro.

        The following tables show, at the dates indicated, the total amount for each type of borrower and the aggregate amount of the Group's cross-border outstandings where outstandings in the borrower's country exceeded 0.75% of the Group's total assets. Undrawn lines of credit are disclosed to the extent that management considers them to be material. The geographic breakdown is based on the country of the borrower or the guarantor of ultimate risk.


 


 

At December 31, 2005

Net loans and
monetary assets

  Governments(1)
  Banks and other
financial institutions(1)

  Commercial,
industrial and
others(1)

  Net local
country
claims(2)

  Total
  Guarantees and commitments(3)
 
  (millions of €)

United Kingdom   0   3,919   382   61   4,362   6,494
Luxembourg(4)   0   305   175   2,955   3,435   508
Spain(4)   0   0   19   3,222   3,241   932
France(4)   0   247   134   1,767   2,148   1,264
Belgium(4)   0   449   15   1,306   1,770   111
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total   0   4,920   725   9,311   14,956   9,309
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

 


 

At December 31, 2004

Net loans and
monetary assets

  Governments(1)
  Banks and other
financial institutions(1)

  Commercial,
industrial and
others(1)

  Net local country
claims(2)

  Total
  Guarantees and commitments(3)
 
  (millions of €)

United Kingdom   3   2,281   1,547   0   3,831   2,655
Luxembourg(4)   0   20   458   2,942   3,420   302
Spain(4)   0   186   3   660   849   174
France(4)   0   841   21   2,310   3,172   1,320
Belgium(4)   0   870   8   2,602   3,480   230
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total   3   4,198   2,037   8,514   14,752   4,681
   
 
 
 
 
 

25


 

 


 

At December 31, 2003

Net loans and
monetary assets

  Governments(1)
  Banks and other
financial institutions(1)

  Commercial,
industrial and
others(1)

  Net local
country
claims(2)

  Total
  Guarantees and commitments(3)
 
  (millions of €)

United Kingdom   0   3,070   695   171   3,936   2,295
Luxembourg(4)   0   243   42   2,247   2,532   530
Spain(4)   0   2   3   449   454   357
France(4)   0   226   34   4,339   4,599   1,805
Belgium(4)   0   79   17   1,529   1,625   75
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total   0   3,620   791   8,735   13,146   5,062
   
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Represents net loans and monetary assets to borrowers in these categories denominated in currencies other than the local currency.

(2)
Represents net loans and monetary assets net of liabilities denominated in the local currency.

(3)
Represents guarantees and commitments to residents outside of Italy, excluding supranational organizations.

(4)
These are countries which have adopted the euro. The outstanding amounts have been funded in euros in Italy or in other countries which have adopted the euro.

        We participate in syndicated credit facilities to Iranian banks and issue letters of credit to our clients for the purchase of goods in Iran. Iran is designated by the U.S. Department of State as a state that sponsors terrorism.

        We participate in three syndicated credit facilities to Iranian banks. The purpose of these facilities, which were granted in the 1990s, was to finance the exports of three Italian companies to Iran. The facilities are fully guaranteed by the Republic of Iran and are insured, for amounts ranging between 90% and 95% of the facility amounts, by SACE, Servizi Assicurativi del Commercio Estero S.p.A. SACE is an export credit and investment insurance company owned by the Italian government. The portion of the facilities not covered by SACE's insurance is either wholly or partially secured by guarantees or collateral from another Italian bank or from the relevant Italian exporter.

        The details of the three facilities and our participations therein are as follows:

26


        Our aggregate gross and net (of SACE insurance and other Italian security) outstanding exposures on these facilities were, respectively, €60 million and €1.5 million at December 31, 2005, €64.6 million and €1.8 million at December 31, 2004, and €61.9 million and €1.1 million at December 31, 2003. Each of these loans is classified as performing.

        We issue letters of credit at the request of our clients to enable them to, among other things, purchase goods in Italy or abroad. Pursuant to a letter of credit, we make a payment to a third party, on the basis of our client's credit, and then obtain repayment from our client. Our credit exposure under a letter of credit is to our client, not to the recipient of the payment. On April 12, 2005, we exchanged tested telex messages with the National Iranian Oil Company, or NIOC, and thus became accredited by NIOC for purposes of allowing NIOC to accept letters of credit issued by us as payment for purchases made by our clients. At December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 our outstanding exposures to letters of credit for Iranian payees were, respectively, €24 million, €3 million and €1 million.

        We guarantee exposures to Iranian payees of our clients who have entered into business transactions with Iranian counterparties. At December 31, 2005, the aggregate amount of such guarantees was approximately €6.5 million.

        The Group analyzes the risk elements in its loan portfolio in accordance with EU GAAP, applicable Italian regulations (or other local regulations) and industry practice. The Group's loan classification policies and procedures differ in significant respects from those followed by banks in the United States.

        The Group divides its loan portfolio into six broad categories:

        All loans classified as anything other than in bonis and unsecured loans exposed to country risk are referred to, for purposes of this annual report, as "impaired loans". Potential problem loans are included among problem loans or expired loans.

        The six classifications above are currently used within the Sanpaolo IMI Group and the classified loans are reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements (see: Part B, Section 7 and Part E, Section 1.A on page F-44 and page F-122 of the Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively) in accordance with the classification criteria in effect as of the relevant date. The Group reports the

27



amounts of loans falling within these classifications to the Bank of Italy in accordance with its regulations.

        Our loan portfolio is monitored on an ongoing basis both centrally and at branch or subsidiary level in order to identify potential problems as early as possible and to evaluate the prospects of recovery and estimated losses with respect to problem, expired and non-performing loans. See Item 11. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk—Credit risk management policies" on page 195 below.

        Loans, including principal not yet due and principal and interest due but not yet collected, are stated at their net carrying amount, taking into account the financial condition of borrowers in difficulty and any debt servicing problems faced by individual industrial sectors or the country in which such borrowers are residents. For a description of how we determine the net carrying amount of our classified loans, please see Part A.2, Section 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements at page F-20 below.

        Any adjustments to the value of loans shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements are calculated taking into account the extent to which loans have become impaired, whether they are assessed for impairment on an individual basis or on a collective basis, as described under "Part A.2, Section 4" of the Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-20 below.

28


        The following discussion and tables show, at the dates indicated, the Group's total classified loans related to banking activities by category of loan classification.

 
  At December 31,
EU GAAP
Total loans(1)

  2005
  2004
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Loans past due by more than 90 and less than 180 days (but still classificated as in bonis)(2)        
Domestic   921   n.a.
International   2   n.a.
   
 
Total   923   n.a.
   
 
Loans past due by more than 180 days        
Domestic   1,247   1,099
International   6   5
   
 
Total   1,253   1,104
   
 
Restructured loans        
Domestic   107   n.a.
International   21   n.a.
   
 
Total   128   193
   
 
Problem loans (incagli)        
Domestic   1,418   1,570
International   156   73
   
 
Total   1,574   1,643
   
 
Non-performing loans (sofferenze)        
Domestic   4,240   4,483
International   84   130
   
 
Total   4,324   4,613
   
 
Total impaired loans(3)   7,279   7,553
As a percentage of total loans   4.20%   4.96%
Unsecured loans exposed to country risk   80   62
   
 
Total impaired loans, loans exposed to country risk and loans overdue by more than 90 days and less than 180 days   8,282   n.a.
As a percentage of total loans   4.78%   n.a.

(1)
Total loans are loans net of any write-offs but before any deduction for the allowance for probable loan losses.

(2)
We are unable to present loans past due by more than 90 days and less than 180 days at December 31, 2004. Prior to 2005, there was no Bank of Italy requirement to classify loans as being overdue by more than 90 days, by more than 90 days and less than 180 days, or by more than 180 days. Consequently, prior to 2005, we classified loans as overdue by more than 90 days solely for internal purposes and for purposes of our annual reports on Form 20-F based on internally developed procedures which recorded only installment loans overdue by more than 90 days. In 2005, the Bank of Italy introduced requirements in its instructions for the preparation of financial statements to classify loans past due by more than 180 days and in its supervisory instructions to classify loans past due by more than 90 days and less than 180 days. As a result, we developed and implemented new procedures allowing us to record and classify all loans that fall

29


(3)
Consists of loans past due by more than 180 days, restructured loans, problem loans and non-performing loans.

n.a. means not available.

 
  At December 31,
ITALIAN GAAP
Total loans(1)

  2003
  2002
  2001
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Loans past due by more than 90 days (but still classified as in bonis)(2)            
Domestic   876   837   581
  —Outstanding principal(3)   759   718   497
  —Unpaid installments(4)   117   119   84
International   8   2   9
  —Outstanding principal(3)   8       8
  —Unpaid installments(4)     2   1
   
 
 
Total   884   839   590
   
 
 
Doubtful loans:            
Restructured loans and loans in course of restructuring            
Domestic   195   295   182
International   22   8   5
   
 
 
Total   217   303   187
   
 
 
Problem loans (incagli)            
Domestic   1,691   1,644   987
International   131   123   103
   
 
 
Total   1,822   1,767   1,090
   
 
 
Non-performing loans (sofferenze)            
Domestic   4,203   3,856   2,730
International   167   449   350
   
 
 
Total   4,370   4,305   3,080
   
 
 
Unsecured loans exposed to country risk   70   149   120
   
 
 
Total doubtful loans   6,479   6,524   4,477
As a percentage of total loans   4.3%   4.3%   3.7%
Total loans overdue by more than 90 days and doubtful loans   7,363   7,363   5,067
As a percentage of total loans   4.9%   4.8%   4.2%

(1)
Total loans are loans net of any write-offs but before any deduction for the allowance for probable loan losses.

(2)
Installment loans only.

(3)
Outstanding principal consists of installments of principal (but not interest) which have not yet come due.

(4)
Unpaid installments consist of installments of principal and interest (including default interest) which have come due but have not been paid.

30


        The quality of our loan portfolio remained substantially stable at December 31, 2005 compared to December 31, 2004. Total impaired loans decreased by €274 million, or 3.6%, to €7,279 million at December 31, 2005 from €7,553 million at December 31, 2004, and our impaired loan ratio decreased to 4.20% from 4.96% at the same dates. This decrease was due to the securitization and sale, on a non-recourse basis, of €278 million of non-performing loans, none of which exceeded €50,000 in net book value. We also experienced decreases of €65 million and €69 million in restructured loans and problem loans, respectively, reflecting an overall improvement in the credit environment in Italy generally. This trend was offset by an increase of €149 million, or 13.5%, in our loans past due by more than 180 days, which was in line with the overall growth of our loan portfolio, as such loans as a percentage of our total loan portfolio remained stable at 0.72% from December 31, 2004 to December 31, 2005. The amount of loans past due by more than 90 days at December 31, 2005, reconstructed with the internally developed procedures we applied before 2005 in the absence of specific Bank of Italy requirements, shows an increase of 19% consistent with the inrease in loans past by more than 180 days at December 31, 2005, calculated in accordance with the newly enacted Bank of Italy requirements.

        The following is a description of the loan classifications and criteria for determining whether a loan should be classified in the relevant category applied by the banking networks of Sanpaolo IMI, Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna, Cassa di Venezia, Friulcassa, Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico, Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli, Neos Banca, Farbanca, Sanpaolo IMI-International, Sanpaolo IMI Bank Ireland and Sanpaolo IMI Internazionale, Banca IMI, Banca OPI, Fin. OPI, Sanpaolo IMI Private Equity, Sanpaolo Leasint, IMI Investimenti, GEST Line (collectively, the "Banking Activities and Entities Network"). The Banking Activities and Entities Network account for, in the aggregate, up to 94% of total Group loans. The loans attributable to Group companies other than the Banking Activities and Entities Network are classified, taking into consideration their respective Business Area (as described in Item 4. "Information on Sanpaolo IMI—C. Business Overview" on page 59 below) and jurisdiction of incorporation, pursuant to standards comparable to those applied by the Banking Activities and Entities Network.

        These loans include loans past due by more than 90 days and less than 180 days which are not otherwise classified. In accordance with the Bank of Italy definition, a loan whose principal and/or interest are past due between 90 and 180 days may, in the absence of other factors, be considered as performing or "in bonis". This is because the historical trend of collections in Italy shows that loans that are past due between 90 and 180 days generally recover their current payment status. Since these loans are past due and therefore would be considered to be impaired for accounting purposes a loan loss provision is assessed on loans which are past due by between 90 and 180 days by looking at the historical losses that arise from these group of loans and adjusting the loss factors for current conditions. Under these circumstances, the loan is still in bonis, but it generates default interest. The Banking Activities and Entities Network makes a specific provision for the entire amount of such default interest, regardless of the possibility of the default interest being paid.

        The Banking Activities and Entities Network classifies loans past due by more than 90 days and less than 180 days as in bonis if:

31


        If a loan that is overdue by more than 90 days and less than 180 days fails to satisfy one or more of the above criteria, it will be classified among the incagli or the sofferenze, as the case may be.

        Under the Bank of Italy guidelines, as implemented by the Banking Activities and Entities Network, the Banking Activities and Entities Network classifies a loan as restructured when a syndicate of banks (or a single bank) agrees to a delay in payment of the loan or re-negotiates the loan at below market rates.

        Under the Bank of Italy guidelines, as implemented by the Banking Activities and Entities Network, the Banking Activities and Entities Network classifies a loan as expired (scaduti) if it is not classified as a restructured loan and is overdue by more than 180 days. The assessment for impairment is made on a historical statistical basis.

        Under the Bank of Italy guidelines, as implemented by the Banking Activities and Entities Network's policies, the Banking Activities and Entities Network classifies a loan as a problem loan (incagli) when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties that are likely to be temporary and which can be resolved within a reasonable time. A "reasonable time" is generally defined as a maximum of 12 months unless the applicable bank of the Banking Activities and Entities Network has agreed with the borrower on a rescheduling of payments and the borrower is making payments in accordance with that schedule. A current account overdraft may be classified as a problem loan if the borrower has exceeded the established credit limit for a period of time that would suggest that the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties.

        Installment loans are classified as problem loans based on a variety of criteria, including as a result of a borrower's non-installment loan being classified as a problem loan; conversely, a non-installment loan may be classified as a problem loan, among other reasons, as a result of a borrower's installment loan being classified as a problem loan.

        In addition, the Banking Activities and Entities Network's policy has been to classify installment loans, whether amortizing or not, as problem loans when both (i) a borrower fails to pay a specified number of installments when due and (ii) the amount of the overdue payments, net of default interest, is equal to or above 20% of the exposure of the applicable bank of the Banking Activities and Entities Network to the borrower (net of default interest).

        The number of missed installments that will cause a loan to be treated as a problem loan depends upon the number of installments required contractually and the term of the loan, as follows:

Installment period

  Term of 36 months or less
  Term of over 36 months
Monthly   5   7
Quarterly   3   5
Semi-annually   2   3
Annually   6 months after 1   6 months after 1

32


        Under the Bank of Italy regulations, as implemented by the Banking Activities and Entities Network's policies, the Banking Activities and Entities Network classifies a loan as non-performing (sofferenze):

        In addition, the Banking Activities and Entities Network's policy, which is derived from the Bank of Italy regulations (see Item 4. "Information on Sanpaolo IMI—C. Business Overview—Italian Banking Regulations" on page 79 below), has been to classify all loans with periodic payments, whether amortizing or not, as non-performing when both (i) a borrower fails to pay a specified number of installments when due and (ii) the amount of the overdue payments, net of default interest, is equal to or above 20% of Sanpaolo IMI's exposure to the borrower (net of default interest).

        The number of missed installments that will cause a loan to be treated as non-performing depends upon the number of installments required contractually and the term of the loan, as follows:

Installment period

  Term of 36 months or less
  Term of over 36 months
Monthly   8(1)   10(2)
Quarterly   5          7     
Semi-annually   3          4     
Annually   6 months after 2   6 months after 2

(1)
12 monthly installments in the case of Finemiro Banca and Finemiro Finance because of their focus on consumer credit, leasing and factoring.

(2)
14 monthly installments in the case of Finemiro Banca and Finemiro Finance because of their focus on consumer credit, leasing and factoring.

33


        The following tables show, at the dates indicated, the amount of our non-performing loans by customer group and economic sector and as a percentage of total non-performing loans.

 

 


 

At December 31,

 
  2005
  2004
EU GAAP
Total Loans(1)

  Amount
  % of total
non-performing
loans

  Amount
  % of total
non-performing
loans

 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Governments and other public entities   5   0.12%   3   0.1%
Banks and credit institutions   3   0.07%   3   0.1%
Domestic non-financial businesses:                
  Building and construction industry   668   15.45%   722   15.7%
  Wholesale and retail   1,090   25.21%   1,162   25.2%
  Manufacturing   960   22.20%   1,301   28.2%
  Transportation   76   1.76%   83   1.8%
  Agriculture   261   6.04%   272   5.9%
  Communications   5   0.12%   5   0.1%
Total domestic non-financial businesses   3,060   70.77%   3,545   76.8%
Total foreign non-financial businesses   46   1.06%   84   1.8%
   
     
   
Total non-financial businesses   3,106   71.83%   3,629   78.7%
   
     
   
Non-bank financial institutions   105   2.43%   119   2.6%
Households and other   1,105   25.56%   859   18.6%
   
 
 
 
Total   4,324   100.00%   4,613   100.00%
   
 
 
 
 

 


 

At December 31,

 
  2003
  2002
  2001
ITALIAN GAAP
Total Loans(1)

  Amount
  % of total
non-performing
loans

  Amount
  % of total
non-performing
loans

  Amount
  % of total
non-performing
loans

 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Governments and other public entities   9   0.2%   4   0.1%   8   0.3%
Banks and credit institutions   6   0.1%   10   0.2%   11   0.4%
Domestic non-financial businesses:                        
  Building and construction industry   744   17.0%   786   18.3%   636   20.6%
  Wholesale and retail   1,154   26.4%   1,147   26.6%   818   26.6%
  Manufacturing   1,227   28.1%   815   18.9%   491   15.9%
  Transportation   69   1.6%   55   1.3%   39   1.3%
  Agriculture   258   5.9%   274   6.4%   206   6.7%
  Communications   3   0.1%   1   0.0%   2   0.1%
Total domestic non-financial businesses   3,455   79.1%   3,078   71.5%   2,192   71.2%
Foreign non-financial businesses   115   2.6%   297   6.9%   267   8.7%
   
     
     
   
Total non-financial businesses   3,570   81.7%   3,375   78.4%   2,459   79.8%
   
     
     
   
Non-bank financial institutions   120   2.7%   151   3.5%   131   4.3%
Households and other   665   15.2%   765   17.8%   471   15.3%
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total   4,370   100.00%   4,305   100.00%   3,080   100.00%
   
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Total loans are loans net of any write-offs but before any deduction for the allowance for probable loan losses (including, for performing loans, any allowance for general risks).

34


        Problem loans.    Problem loans and expired loans are not classified as non-accrual loans. In accordance with Italian civil and tax law, upon enforcement of loan contracts, the Group is required to continue to accrue contractual interest on the non-overdue principal portion until such time as repayment of the entire amount outstanding on the loans is accelerated (i.e., until the loans are classified as non-performing). Such accrued but unpaid contractual interest is capitalized and included in the loan balances. The Group policy provides that allowances for probable losses on problem loans are based on the total loan value, which includes both principal and accrued but unpaid interest. On an aggregate basis, the allowance for probable losses on problem loans thus covers the total amount of interest capitalized as part of the total loan value of such loans. On an individual loan basis, the provision for the period does not necessarily match the related interest accrued in the year.

        The amount of unpaid contractual interest with respect to problem and non-performing installment loans included in income before the related provision was €49 million, €38 million, €56 million, €105 million and €69 million for the years ended December 31, 2005 through 2001, respectively. Sanpaolo IMI does not separately track the amount of unpaid contractual interest accrued with respect to problem non-installment loans because interest is generally capitalized and becomes part of the principal amount of such loans on a more frequent (i.e., quarterly) basis than is the case for problem installment loans.

        In accordance with Italian law, the Group is not entitled to, and therefore does not accrue, contractual interest on loans for which repayment has been accelerated. However, the Group is entitled to, and accrues, default interest on these loans as indicated below.

        For installment loans, default interest (interessi di mora) is calculated at a penalty rate on all past due payments of principal and contractual interest. For non-installment loans, default interest is calculated at the contractual interest rate. The Group's policy is to treat all default interest—whether on installment loans or non-installment loans—as unrecoverable and, accordingly, provides for the full amount of such interest through a matching specific provision in the same income statement line item. Accrual of default interest, therefore, has no net effect on Sanpaolo IMI's income statement or balance sheet.

        Payments of default interest are accounted for on a cash basis. The amount of default interest collected by Sanpaolo IMI in 2005 and 2004 was, respectively, €44 million and €41 million.

        Neither contractual interest nor default interest is calculated on loans to borrowers that have been declared bankrupt or are subject to bankruptcy proceedings. At December 31, 2005, approximately 63.9% of Sanpaolo IMI Group's total non-performing loans were to such borrowers.

        Pursuant to the methodology used to calculate the writedowns of impaired exposures, the mere passage of time, and the fact that the expected repayment dates are, as a result, brought closer, implies an automatic reduction of the implicit financial charges previously deducted from the value of the loans. This effect is recorded in the financial statements under net adjustments/write-backs.

        These are loans to borrowers resident in countries that the Italian Banking Association has determined, under the Bank of Italy guidelines, present country risk. Exceptions are made for exposures valued taking into consideration the risk covered by underlying guarantees. The category of loans exposed to country risk does not include exposures which are classified under restructured loans or loans in course of restructuring, problem loans (incagli) and non-performing loans (sofferenze).

35


Consequently, this category consists of performing loans that are classified solely because of the country risk they present.

        Country risk is classified in seven categories by the Bank of Italy, focusing in particular on credit history, access to the international markets, ratios of debt to gross national product and to exports, debt service ratio and potential and actual extraordinary events for each country. At December 31, 2005, the Group's net exposure in all countries classified as presenting some risk by the Italian Banking Association was €64 million.

        Our total loan exposure to borrowers in countries at risk was €250 million at December 31, 2005, an increase of €39 million, or 18.5%, from €211 million at December 31, 2004. The result was primarily due to the increase of loans to the Cayman Islands, Brazil and Azerbaijan.

 
  At December 31, 2005
Loans exposed to country risk

  Total
book value

  Book value
(net of secured
loans)

  Total adjustments
  Net loan value
  Adjustment percentage (ABI/
Bank of Italy)

  Adjustment percentage (Sanpaolo IMI)
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Argentina   26   3   3   0   60%   80%
Azerbaijan   50   16   5   11   30%   30%
Brazil   86   58   8   50   15%   15%
Cayman Islands   72   1     1   15%  
Dominican Republic   10         30%  
Lebanon   1         20%  
Netherlands Antilles   1         25%  
Serbia and Montenegro   1         20%  
Uruguay   2         20%  
Other   1   2     2        
   
 
 
 
       
Total   250   80   16   64        
   
 
 
 
       
 
 
  At December 31, 2004
Loans exposed to country risk

  Total
book value

  Book value
(net of secured
loans)

  Total adjustments
  Net
loan value

  Adjustment percentage (ABI/
Bank of Italy)

  Adjustment percentage (Sanpaolo IMI)
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Argentina   51   3   3     80%   80%
Azerbaijan   37   12   4   8   30%   30%
Brazil   51   30   6   24   20%   20%
Cayman Islands   18         15%  
Costa Rica   1   1     1   30%  
Dominican Republic   9         30%  
Lebanon   11         15%  
Pakistan   6         25%  
Philippines   4         15%  
Serbia and Montenegro   2   2   2     25%   100%
Trinidad-Tobago   4   4   1   3   30%   30%
Venezuela   13   8   1   7   15%   15%
Other   4   2     2        
   
 
 
 
       
Total   211   62   17   45        
   
 
 
 
       

36


 
 
  At December 31, 2003
Loans exposed to country risk

  Total
book value

  Book value
(net of secured
loans)

  Total adjustments
  Net
loan value

  Adjustment percentage (ABI/
Bank of Italy)

  Adjustment percentage (Sanpaolo IMI)
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Algeria   17   2     2   15%   15%
Angola   12   2   1   1   30%   30%
Argentina   73   4   3   1   60%   75%
Brazil   62   38   8   30   20%   20%
Costa Rica   2   2     2   30%  
Lebanon   19         20%  
Pakistan   12         25%  
Peru   2   2   1   1   20%   20%
Philippines   9   2     2   15%   15%
Russia   261   5   1   4   15%   15%
Serbia and Montenegro   4   2   2     30%   100%
Venezuela   11   10   2   8   20%   20%
Other   15   1     1    
   
 
 
 
       
Total   499   70   18   52        
   
 
 
 
       
 
 
  At December 31, 2002
Loans exposed to country risk

  Total
book value

  Book value
(net of secured
loans)

  Total adjustments
  Net
loan value

  Adjustment percentage (ABI/
Bank of Italy)

  Adjustment percentage (Sanpaolo IMI)
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Algeria   8   4   1   3   15%   15%
Argentina   95   8   6   2   60%   75%
Brazil   75   40   12   28   30%   30%
Cameroon   2   2   2     30%   100%
Costa Rica   2   2     2   30%  
Egypt   54   26   4   22   15%   15%
Iran(1)   60   1     1   15%   15%
Lebanon   32   1     1   30%   30%
Morocco   70   15   2   13   15%   15%
Pakistan   32         30%  
Philippines   11   1     1   15%   15%
Romania   33   28   6   22   15%   20%
Russia   363   1     1   20%   20%
Tunisia   8   6     6   15%  
Venezuela   14   12   4   8   25%   25%
Yugoslavia   1   1   1     30%   100%
Other   43   1   1          
   
 
 
 
       
Total   903   149   39   110        
   
 
 
 
       

(1)
For a discussion of the Group's operations relating to Iran, see: Item 3.B. "Participations in Syndicated Credit Facilities to Iranian Banks" on page 26.

37


 
  At December 31, 2001
Loans exposed to country risk

  Total
book value

  Book value
(net of secured
loans)

  Total adjustments
  Net
loan value

  Adjustment percentage (ABI/
Bank of Italy)

  Adjustment percentage (Sanpaolo IMI)
 
  (millions of € except percentages)

Algeria   9   6   1   5   20%   20%
Argentina   78   6   5   1   40%   83%
Bermuda   30         20%  
Brazil   128   66   16   50   25%   25%
Cameroon   2   2   2     60%   100%
Cayman   34         15%  
Egypt   16   11   2   9   15%   15%
Indonesia   1   1     1   30%   30%
Iran(1)   59         20%  
Lebanon   49   1     1   15%   15%
Morocco   95   7   1   6   15%   15%
Philippines   20   1     1   15%   15%
Russia   381   1     1   25%   25%
Venezuela   19   15   3   12   20%   20%
Yugoslavia   1   1   1     30%   100%
Other   104   2     2        
   
 
 
 
       
Total   1,026   120   31   89        
   
 
 
 
       

(1)
For a discussion of the Group's operations relating to Iran, see: Item 3.B. "Participations in Syndicated Credit Facilities to Iranian Banks" on page 26.

        Since we present net loans on the balance sheet, the allowance for probable loan losses is shown in a note to the balance sheet. Write-offs made directly to the carrying amount of loans are not separately noted, except for write-offs related to the current year. Guarantees and commitments (which are not considered as derivatives) are subject to valuation by the Group using the same criteria applicable to loans (taking into account IAS 39, IAS 18 and IAS 37) and, if necessary, a provision for probable losses is recorded in the income statement and the related allowance for probable losses is shown in the "other liabilities" line item.

        Loans are assessed for impairment on an individual basis or on a collective basis.

        The following loans are assessed for impairment on an individual basis:

        The following loans are assessed for impairment on a collective basis:

38


        For a more detailed description of how we assess loans, guarantees and commitments for impairment, see Part A.2, Section 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements at page F-20.

        The following table shows, for the years indicated, details of the changes in the Group's allowance for probable loan losses as it affected the balance sheet and statement of income.

 
  At and for the year ended December 31,
 
EU GAAP

 
  2005
  2004
 
 
  (millions of €)

 
Opening balance(1)   5,131   4,941  
Provisions   808   874  
  of which:          
  loans to banks   2   1  
  loans to customers   806   873  
Write-offs charged directly to income   13   5  
   
 
 
Total provisions and write-offs(2)   821   879  
   
 
 
Writebacks(3):          
  Revaluations   (142 ) (88 )
  Collections   (242 ) (301 )
   
 
 
Total writebacks   (384 ) (389 )
   
 
 
Net adjustments   437   490  
Other charges:          
  Charge-offs(4)   (389 ) (379 )
  Acquisitions and disposals   (241 ) (64 )
  Default interest   163   167  
  Other(5)   (42 ) 52  
   
 
 
Total other charges   (509 ) (224 )
   
 
 
Ending balance(1)   5,059   5,207  
   
 
 

(1)
The ending balance at December 31, 2004 is different from the opening balance for the year ended December 31, 2005, because of the effects of the application of IAS 32 and 39.

(2)
Provisions are the total of additional provisions for loan losses charged to the income statement during the period for those loans where a higher allowance for loan losses was recognized at the end of the period. Write-offs charged directly to income reflect adjustments to loans charged directly to the income statement during the period. The amount of total provisions and write-offs is included in the total amount recorded in line item 130. a) "Impairment losses/write-backs to loans" of the audited income statement. A reconciliation of this line item is provided in Part C, Section 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-104 below.

(3)
Revaluations of loans are the total of reversals of provisions credited to the income statement during the period for those loans where a lower allowance for loan losses was recognized at the

39


(4)
Charge-offs represent write-offs of loans which are no longer expected to be collected, based on events occurring during the year.

(5)
Primarily represents foreign exchange differences.

 
  At and for the year ended December 31,
 
ITALIAN GAAP

 
  2003
  2002
  2001
 
 
  (millions of €)

 
Opening balance   4,636   3,271   3,666  
Provisions and write-offs to loans(1):              
Provisions   1,107   791   607  
Write-offs charged directly to income   5   12   15  
   
 
 
 
Total provisions and write-offs to loans   1,112   803   622  
Writebacks to loans(2):              
Revaluations of loans   (154 ) (96 ) (134 )
Collections   (242 ) (206 ) (142 )
   
 
 
 
Total writebacks to loans   (396 ) (302 ) (276 )
   
 
 
 
Net adjustments to loans   716   501   346  
Other charges:              
Charge-offs(3)   (260 ) (363 ) (187 )
Acquisitions and disposals   (307 ) 1,029   (698 )
Gross-up to reflect default interest   157   184   143  
Other(4)   (12 ) 14   1  
   
 
 
 
Total other charges   (422 ) 864   (741 )
   
 
 
 
Ending balance   4,930   4,636   3,271  

(1)
Provisions are the total of additional provisions for loan losses charged to the income statement during the period for those loans where a higher allowance for loan losses was recognized at the end of the period. Write-offs charged directly to income reflect adjustments to loans charged directly to the income statement during the period.

(2)
Revaluations of loans are the total of reversals of provisions credited to the income statement during the period for those loans where a lower allowance for loan losses was recognized at the end of the period, and the reinstatement of loans previously written off. Collections represent receipts of amounts in excess of amounts previously expected to be collected.

(3)
Charge-offs represent write-offs of loans which are no longer expected to be collected, based on events occurring during the year.

(4)
Primarily represents foreign exchange differences.

2005

        The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2005 was €5,059 million, a net decrease of €72 million, or 1.4%, from the opening balance for the year of €5,131 million as a result of the

40



reduction of net adjustments and the increase of other charges, due to the non recourse sale of non performing loans.

        Total provisions and write-offs in 2005 were €821 million, a decrease of €58 million, or 6.6%, compared to €879 million in 2004. This decrease was primarily attributable to an overall improvement in the quality of our loan portfolio, while in 2004 we wrote-off certain major exposures.

        Total write-backs to loans in 2005 were €384 million, a decrease of €5 million, or 1.3%, compared to €389 million in 2004.

        Other charges in 2005 represented a net increase of €285 million in the allowance, primarily attributable to the increase of €177 million in disposal of non-performing loans and a positive foreign exchange difference of €94 million compared to a negative difference of €52 million in 2004.

        At December 31, 2005, the allowance for loan losses on loans exposed to country risk amounted to €16 million. The allowance for loan losses on loans exposed to country risk as a percentage of total loans exposed to country risk at December 31, 2005 decreased by €1 million compared to December 31, 2004. The decrease is due to decreases in exposures to Serbia and Montenegro, Trinidad-Tobago and Venezuela, partially offset by increases in the exposures to Brazil.

        Our non-performing loan coverage ratio, representing our loan loss allowance for non-performing loans as a percentage of our total non-performing loans, remained stable at 75.02% at December 31, 2005 compared to 75.11% at December 31, 2004.

2004

        The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2004 was €5,207 million, a net increase of €266 million, or 5.4%, from €4,941 million at the beginning of the year. This represented a decrease in the rate of growth of the allowance compared to the prior period, both in absolute and percentage terms.

        Total provisions and write-offs to loans in 2004 were €879 million. The decrease compared to 2003 was primarily attributable to the fact that provisions in 2003 had been adversely affected by provisions relating to loans to Parmalat and Cirio. Of the €879 million of total provisions and adjustments to loans in 2004, €399 million related to non-performing loans, €217 million to problem loans, €61 million to restructured and loans in course of restructuring, €4 million to unsecured loans exposed to country risk and €198 million to performing loans.

        Total write-backs to loans in 2004 were €389 million. The net decrease compared to 2003 resulted from a decrease in revaluations of loans, which was partially offset by an increase in collections.

        Other charges in 2004 reduced the allowance by €224 million. The net decrease compared to 2003 was primarily attributable to a decrease in acquisitions and disposals, principally because there were no material changes in our scope of consolidation compared to 2003. This was partially offset by an increase in charge-offs compared to 2003.

        The allowance for probable loan losses includes an allowance for general risks on our performing loan portfolio with particular reference to large exposures to certain specific industrial sectors, including the automotive sector. At December 31, 2004, the amount of this allowance was €1,178 million, representing 0.98% of our performing loans (excluding loans to SGA), a coverage ratio unchanged from year-end 2003.

        At December 31, 2004, the allowance for loan losses on loans exposed to country risk remained stable at €17 million. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans exposed to country risk at December 31, 2004 increased by 1.7% compared to December 31, of 2003.

41



2003

        The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2003 was €4.9 billion, 6.3% higher than the €4.6 billion at the end of 2002, primarily due to an allowance for net adjustments to loans of €716 million. This increase was attributable to an increase in total provisions and adjustments to loans, as a result of adverse economic trends and industry conditions. The effect of the increase in net adjustments to loans was partially offset by a decrease of €307 million for acquisitions and disposals, which included €179 million (€150 million in non-performing loans and €29 million in performing loans) relating to the deconsolidation of Banque Sanpaolo and its subsidiaries Sanpaolo Bail and Sanpaolo Mur, as well as Finconsumo Banca and its subsidiary FC Factor. For a summary of the main changes in the scope of consolidation in 2003, see: Item 5. "A. Results of Operations for the Three Years Ended December 31, 2004—Changes in the Scope of Consolidation" on page 97 below. Loans to the Parmalat group were classified as non-performing and, after a provision of €273 million, resulted in a charge-off of approximately €33 million, (corresponding to 90% of the Group's gross exposure to Parmalat). The loans to the Cirio group (gross exposure of €25 million) were also classified as non-performing and were fully provisioned.

        The total provisions and adjustments to loans of the Group grew to €1,112 million in 2003, an increase of €309 million, or 38.5%, compared to 2002, as a result of an increase in specific adjustments to the carrying amount of doubtful loans of €316 million, or 35.7%, as well as a decrease in accruals for probable incurred losses on performing loans of €7 million, or 3.0%. The ratio of gross doubtful loans to gross loans to customers remained stable at 5%, the same level shown in 2002, confirming the substantial stability of the quality of the Group's credit portfolio. A general reserve covers the risk inherent in the performing loan portfolio. At year-end of 2003, this reserve was equal to €1,102 million, corresponding to 0.09% of the performing loan portfolio (excluding loans to SGA), in line with 2002. This reserve is intended to cover the risk of deterioration in creditworthiness inherent in the Group's loan portfolio, with particular reference to larger exposures to certain specific industrial sectors, including the automotive sector.

        Of the €1,112 million of total provisions and adjustments to loans in 2003, €498 million related to non-performing loans, €331 million to problem loans, €12 million to restructured and loans in course of restructuring and €228 million to performing loans.

        Total write-backs of adjustments to loans in 2003 were €396 million, an increase of €94 million, or 31%, compared to 2002. The increase is primarily the result of an increase in collections of loans of 17.5%, combined with an increase of €58 million, in the amount of loans revalued in 2003, as compared to 2002. Write-backs of adjustments refer to downward revisions in the expected impairment in loan value which consequently result in an adjustment to the overall allowance for loan losses.

        At December 31, 2003, the allowance for loan losses on loans exposed to country risk decreased to €18 million from €39 million in 2002, a decrease of 53.85%. The decrease is principally due to the decrease in the gross value of loans exposed to country risk to €70 million from €149 million in 2002, a 53% decrease. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total gross loans exposed to country risk at the end of 2003 increased less than 1% compared to the end of 2002. The total gross loan exposure towards banking and non-banking institutions resident in countries at risk decreased from €903 million in 2002 to €499 million in 2003. The decrease was principally due to the reimbursement of loans in Russia, Egypt, Morocco, Romania, Iran and Argentina.

2002

        The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2002 was €4.6 billion, 39.4% higher than the €3.3 billion at the end of 2001. The increase in the allowance for loan losses was due primarily to the consolidation of €970 million of allowance for loan losses from the former Cardine Group, which was acquired by Sanpaolo IMI in 2002. Such amount is included entirely in "Other changes" in the line

42



item "Acquisitions and disposals" in the table above. Of the €970 million, €611 million relates to non-performing loans, €161 million to problem loans, €25 million to restructured loans, €1 million to unsecured loans exposed to country risk and €172 million to performing loans. The overall increase in the allowance balance can also be attributed to the increase in total provision and adjustments to loans, as a result of negative national and local economic trends and industry conditions.

        The total provisions and adjustments to loans of the Group grew to €803 million in 2002, an increase of €181 million, or 29.1%, compared to 2001, as a result of an increase in specific adjustments to the carrying amount of doubtful loans of €157 million (of which €51 million relates to additional provisions for Rawhide, an affiliate of Enron, Marconi Plc and the Cirio group), or 38.2%, as well as an increase in accruals for probable incurred losses on performing loans of €24 million, or 11.4%. The relatively greater increase in specific adjustments with respect to accruals for performing loans reflects a further weakening of an already lackluster economy, which resulted in continued deterioration in credit quality of outstanding loans. The additional accruals for losses on performing loans resulted in an increase in the non-specific allowance to 0.9% of the net performing loan portfolio for a total amount at year-end 2002 of €1,075 million, of which €1,064 million relates to non-bank institutions, compared to an amount of €783 million at the end of 2001.

        Of the €803 million of total provisions and adjustments to loans in 2002, €330 million related to non-performing loans, €220 million to problem loans, €11 million to restructured and loans in course of restructuring, €7 million to unsecured loans exposed to country risk and €235 million to performing loans.

        Total write-backs of adjustments to loans in 2002 were €302 million, an increase of €26 million, or 9%, compared to 2001. The increase is primarily the result of an increase in collections of loans of 45%, combined with a decrease in the amount of loans revalued in 2002 of €38 million as compared to 2001. Write-backs of adjustments refer to downward revisions in the expected impairment in loan value which consequently result in an adjustment to the overall allowance for loan losses. The decrease in loan revaluations of 28% is attributable to the same economic reasons outlined above for the provisions and adjustments to loans.

        At December 31, 2002, the allowance for loan losses on loans exposed to country risk increased to €39 million from €31 million in 2001, an increase of 25.8%, principally related to the increase in the gross value of loans exposed to country risk to €149 million from €120 million in 2001, an increase of 24.2%. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total gross loans exposed to country risk at year-end 2002 increased less than 1% compared to year-end 2001. This minor change reflects the effect of the redistribution of the portfolio of loans among countries with different risk coverage ratios. Loans in countries in Latin America (Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela) decreased while new loans in other countries (primarily Romania, Egypt and Morocco) increased.

2001

        The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2001 was €3.3 billion, 10.8% lower than the €3.7 billion at the end of 2000. The decrease was due principally to the sale by Sanpaolo IMI of 18,577 non-performing short-term positions. Such loans had a gross value of €640 million and a related allowance for losses of €529 million. The overall decrease was due also to the deconsolidation of Sanpaolo Immobiliare S.p.A. (sold on July 2, 2001) for €175 million. Such decreases are recorded in the caption Acquisitions and disposals in the table above.

        The total provisions and adjustments to loans amounted to €622 million in 2001, a decrease of €12 million, or 1.9%, compared to 2000. The decrease is primarily the result of two different contributing factors: the decline in the accrual of specific provisions and adjustments of €69 million, or 14.4%, due partly to the sale of non-performing loans; and the increase in adjustments with respect to the non-specific allowance to cover the probable risk of loss inherent in loans classified as performing.

43



As a result of the deterioration in the economic environment, adjustments totaling €211 million were made in 2001 compared to €154 million in 2000, or an increase of 37%. Such adjustments covered 0.8% of net performing loans. The Group's non-specific allowance for coverage of such risks totaled €783 million at December 31, 2001, of which €774 million related to non-bank institutions, compared to a non-specific allowance of €629 million at the end of 2000.

        Of the €622 million of total provisions and adjustments to loans in 2001, €218 million related to non-performing loans—this amount includes specific adjustments made to the position in Enron for €52 million, which raised the coverage of the non-guaranteed portion of the loans to Enron to €60 million—€159 million to problem loans, €21 million to restructured and loans in course of restructuring, €13 million to unsecured loans exposed to country risk and €211 million to performing loans.

        Total writebacks of adjustments to loans in 2001 were €276 million, a decrease of €139 million, or 33.5%, compared to 2000. The decrease was due primarily to significantly lower collections of loans in 2001 (€142 million) compared to 2000 (€307 million) as a result of the above-mentioned sale of loans.

        The total allowance for loan losses included €192 million related to the impairment due to the discounting of classified loans, a decrease of €117 million, or 37.9%, compared to 2000. In particular, write-downs for the same kind of impairment totaled €164 million (compared to €235 million in 2000) on non-performing loans, €21 million (compared to €64 million in 2000) on problem loans and €7 million (compared to €10 million in 2000) on restructured and loans in course of restructuring.

        At December 31, 2001, the allowance for loan losses on loans exposed to country risk decreased by 8.8% from €34 million at year-end 2000, to €31 million, as a result of a 37.8% decrease in the amount of gross positions in loans exposed to country risk from €193 million at year-end 2000 to €120 million at year-end 2001. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total gross loans exposed to country risk at year-end 2001 of 25.8% increased considerably compared to 17.6% at year-end 2000, primarily due to the economic crisis in Latin America where the gross positions increased (to 72.5% of total loans exposed to country risk, compared to 63.2% at December 31, 2000), resulting in a risk coverage ratio higher than in the previous year.

        The following tables show, at the dates indicated, the distribution of the Group's allowance for probable loan losses by category of borrower using the Bank of Italy's borrower categories. The line item identified as "unallocated" refers to the amount of the allowance for loans assessed for impairment on a collective basis, namely, performing loans, expired loans and loans exposed to country risk.

44


 
  Allowance
  % allowance(1)
  % total loans(2)
  Allowance
  % allowance(1)
  % total loans(2)
EU GAAP

  2005
  2004
  At December 31,
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Domestic:                        
Government and other public entities   11   0.22%   7.67%   6   0.12%   8.73%
Banks and credit institutions   2   0.04%   5.37%   2   0.04%   4.99%
Non-financial businesses:                        
  Building and construction industry   563   11.13%   4.94%   590   11.33%   5.03%
  Wholesale and retail   976   19.29%   16.81%   1,166   22.39%   17.75%
  Manufacturing   884   17.47%   14.47%   1,155   22.18%   16.04%
  Transportation   91   1.80%   4.82%   97   1.86%   3.61%
  Agriculture   213   4.21%   1.35%   217   4.17%   1.46%
  Communications   5   0.10%   1.54%   10   0.19%   0.66%
   
         
       
Total domestic non-financial businesses   2,732   54.00%   43.94%   3,235   62.13%   44.54%
   
         
       
Households and Other(3)   1,103   21.80%   23.36%   870   16.71%   23.21%
Unallocated(4)   1,015   20.06%     896   17.20%  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total Domestic   4,863   96.13%   80.92%   5,009   96.20%   82.07%
   
 
 
 
 
 
International:                        
Government and other public entities   3   0.06%   0.16%   n.a.   n.a.   n.a.
Banks and credit institutions   1   0.02%   11.23%   n.a.   n.a.   n.a.
Non-financial businesses   68   1.34%   4.43%   n.a.   n.a.   n.a.
Households and Other(3)   23   0.45%   3.27%   n.a.   n.a.   n.a.
Unallocated(4)   101   2.00%        
   
         
       
Total International   196   3.87%   19.08%   198   3.80%   17.93%
   
         
       
Total   5,059   100.00%   100.00%   5,207   100.00%   100.00%
   
 
 
 
 
 

45


 
 
  At December 31,
 
  2003
  2002
  2001
ITALIAN GAAP

  Allowance
  %
allowance(1)

  % total
loans(2)

  Allowance
  %
allowance(1)

  % total
loans(2)

  Allowance
  %
allowance(1)

  % total
loans(2)

 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Domestic:                                    
Building and construction industry   592   12.01%   5.12%   602   12.99%   4.72%   483   14.77%   3.57%
Wholesale and retail   972   19.72%   17.66%   944   20.36%   15.02%   683   20.88%   11.62%
Manufacturing   1,064   21.58%   18.97%   707   15.25%   19.10%   436   13.33%   18.19%
Transportation   71   1.44%   3.19%   55   1.19%   3.18%   35   1.07%   2.44%
Agriculture   207   4.20%   1.54%   208   4.49%   1.48%   159   4.86%   1.18%
Communications   11   0.22%   1.15%   2   0.04%   0.77%   1   0.03%   1.1%
   
         
         
       
Total domestic non- financial business   2,917   59.17%   47.63%   2,518   54.31%   44.27%   1,797   54.94%   38.10%
   
         
         
       
Government and other public entities   11   0.22%   8.88%   6   0.13%   8.52%   9   0.28%   9.81%
Banks and credit institutions   2   0.04%   4.53%   2   0.04%   3.35%   1   0.03%   7.15%
Households and Other   798   16.19%   21.75%   755   16.29%   22.84%   423   12.93%   20.60%
   
         
         
       
Total Domestic   3,728   75.62%   82.79%   3,281   70.77%   78.98%   2,230   68.17%   75.66%
   
         
         
       
Unallocated   978   19.84%   0.00%   948   20.45%   0.00%   699   21.37%   0.00%
International   224   4.54%   17.21%   407   8.78%   21.02%   342   10.46%   24.35%
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total   4,930   100.00%   100.00%   4,636   100.00%   100.00%   3,271   100.00%   100.00%
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Allowance in category as percentage of total allowance.

(2)
Loans in category as percentage of total loans.

(3)
Consists of loans to households and other and to non-bank financial institutions.

(4)
At December 31, 2004, the amount of the allowance is for loans to both domestic and international borrowers.

n.a. means not available.

46



        The following tables show, at the dates indicated, certain credit quality ratios. For total impaired loans as a percentage of total loans, see: "Risk Elements in the Loan Portfolio, Loan Classifications" above.

 
  At December 31,
EU GAAP

  2005
  2004
 
  (percentages)

Loan loss allowance for non-performing loans as percentage of total non-performing loans   75.02%   75.11%
Loan loss allowance for problem loans as percentage of total problem loans   31.77%   32.14%
Loan loss allowance for all loans as percentage of total loans   2.92%   3.42%
Non-performing loans as percentage of loans:        
  Total loans   2.49%   3.03%
  Net loans   0.62%   0.75%
Problem loans as percentage of loans:        
  Total loans   0.91%   1.08%
  Net loans   0.62%   0.73%
 
 
  At December 31,
ITALIAN GAAP

  2003
  2002
  2001
 
  (percentages)

Loan loss allowance for non-performing loans as percentage of total non-performing loans   73.20%   68.99%   69.77%
Loan loss allowance for problem loans as percentage of total problem loans   35.46%   31.98%   26.88%
Loan loss allowance for all loans as percentage of total loans   3.25%   3.02%   2.68%
Non-performing loans as percentage of loans:            
  Total loans   2.88%   2.81%   2.53%
  Net loans   0.77%   0.87%   0.76%
Problem loans as percentage of loans:            
  Total loans   1.20%   1.15%   0.89%
  Net loans   0.77%   0.78%   0.65%

        The following tables show, at the dates indicated, net adjustments to loans as a percentage of total loans.

 
  At December 31,
EU GAAP
Total loans(1)

  2005
  2004
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Total loans   173,337   152,350
Net adjustments to loans as a percentage of total loans   0.25%   0.32%

(1)
Total loans are loans net of any write-offs but before any deduction for the allowance for probable loan losses (including, for performing loans, any allowance for general risks). The amount of total loans does not appear on the balance sheet, but is set forth in Part E, Section 1.A "Credit Quality".

47


 
  At December 31,
ITALIAN GAAP
Total loans(1)

  2003
  2002
  2001
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Total loans   151,807   153,337   121,898
Net adjustments to loans as a percentage of total loans   0.47%   0.33%   0.28%

(1)
Total loans are loans net of any write-offs but before any deduction for the allowance for probable loan losses (including, for performing loans, any allowance for general risks).

Securities Portfolio

        At December 31, 2005, securities held by the Group related to banking activities were carried on our consolidated balance sheet at a book value of €30.210 million, representing 13.5% of our total assets. The aggregate book value and the aggregate market value of securities held by the Group issued by the Italian government and Italian government agencies were €17,019 million and €17,017 million, respectively, at December 31, 2005, and €11,942 million and €12,134 million, respectively, at December 31, 2004. In our banking activities, we do not otherwise hold securities issued or guaranteed by any one entity or obligor, other than the Italian government, whose carrying value represents more than 10% of our consolidated shareholders' equity determined in accordance with EU GAAP. If the Gruop's insurance activities are taken into consideration, we also hold securities issued or guaranteed by the French government, whose carrying value represents more than 10% of consolidated shareholders' equity.

        The following tables show the book value and the fair value of the Group's securities related to banking activities by type and domicile of issuer at the dates indicated. For a discussion of how the Group values its securities, see Part A.3 and Part B, Appendix to Part B on page F-34 and page F-96 of the Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively.

 
  At December 31,
 
  2005
  2004
EU GAAP

  Book Value
  Fair Value
  Book Value
  Fair Value
 
  (millions of €)

Domestic:                
Government   17,019   17,017   11,942   12,134
Corporate and other securities   2,014   2,014   6,925   7,065
Equities and others   1,472   1,472   644   644
   
 
 
 
Total domestic   20,505   20,503   19,511   19,843
   
 
 
 
International:                
Government   2,250   2,250   3,487   3,498
Corporate and other securities   1,828   1,828   3,960   3,978
Equities and others   5,627   5,627   2,382   2,383
   
 
 
 
Total international   9,705   9,705   9,829   9,859
   
 
 
 
Total Securities   30,210   30,208   29,340   29,702
   
 
 
 

48


 
  At December 31,
 
  2003
ITALIAN GAAP

  Book Value
  Fair Value
Domestic:        
Government   12,519   12,583
Corporate and other securities   5,299   5,325
Equities and others(1)   1,210   1,210
   
 
Total domestic   19,028   19,118
   
 
International:        
Government   1,319   1,322
Corporate and other securities   3,374   3,385
Equities and others(1)   1,537   1,542
   
 
Total international   6,230   6,249
   
 
Total securities   25,258   25,367
   
 

(1)
This line item excludes treasury Shares held by the Group at December 31, 2004 and 2003 with a book value of €54 million and €34 million, respectively, and a fair value of €54 million and €34 million, respectively.

        The following table shows the maturities and weighted average yield of the securities held by the Group related to banking activities by type and domicile of issuer at December 31, 2005. The yield on tax-exempt obligations has not been calculated on a tax-equivalent basis because the effect of such a calculation would not be material.

 
  At December 31, 2005
 
  Amount(1)
   
 
  Maturing within one year
  Maturing between one year and five years
  Maturing between five years and ten years
  Maturing after ten years
  Total amount
 
  (millions of €)

Domestic:                    
Government   5,415   6,563   4,734   307   17,019
Corporate and other securities   292   732   952   38   2,014
Equities and others   1,472         1,472
   
 
 
 
 
Total domestic   7,179   7,295   5,686   345   20,505
   
 
 
 
 
International:                    
Government   341   678   933   298   2,250
Corporate and other securities   792   605   368   63   1,828
Equities and others(2)   5,627         5,627
   
 
 
 
 
Total international   6,760   1,283   1,301   361   9,705
   
 
 
 
 
Total Securities   13,939   8,578   6,987   706   30,210
   
 
 
 
 
Total Securities (market value)   13,939   8,578   6,987   706   30,208
   
 
 
 
 
Weighted average yield(3)   2.68%   2.66%   2.94%   3.93%   2.79%
   
 
 
 
 

(1)
Based on book value unless otherwise indicated.

(2)
Not subject to maturity. Customarily classified as maturing within one year.

(3)
Based on book value as of December 31, 2005.

49


Liabilities and Funding Sources

        The following tables set forth, at the dates indicated, the principal components of our liabilities.

 
  At December 31,
 
  2005
  2004
EU GAAP

  Amount
  % of total
liabilities

  Amount
  % of total
liabilities

 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Deposits, short-term borrowings and medium- and long-term debt from non-credit institutions   94,430   42.30%   89,313   41.89%
Demand deposits:   74,562   33.40%   58,826   27.59%
  interest-bearing   74,355   33.31%   n.a.   n.a.
  non- interest-bearing   207   0.09%   n.a.   n.a.
Savings deposits   5,734   2.57%   14,410   6.76%
Repurchase agreements   10,545   4.72%   11,664   5.47%
Other(1)   3,589   1.61%   4,413   2.07%

Securities and subordinated liabilities

 

49,388

 

22.12%

 

54,287

 

25.46%
CDs   4,336   1.94%   2,904   1.36%
Bonds   32,414   14.52%   41,076   19.27%
Commercial paper   6,297   2.82%   3,352   1.57%
Subordinated liabilities   6,341   2.84%   6,955   3.26%

Short-term borrowings and medium- and long-term debt from credit institutions

 

35,831

 

16.05%

 

28,277

 

13.26%
Central banks   3,210   1.44%   3,078   1.44%
  of which: Repurchase agreements   750   0.34%   551   0.26%
Other banks   32,621   14.61%   25,199   11.82%
Demand deposits:   4,853   2.17%   848   0.40%
  interest-bearing   4,850   2.17%   n.a.   n.a.
  non-interest-bearing   3   0.00%   n.a.   n.a.
Savings deposits   11,793   5.28%   7,155   3.36%
Repurchase agreements   6,078   2.72%   7,960   3.73%
Other   9,897   4.43%   9,236   4.33%
   
 
 
 
Total   179,649   80.47%   171,877   80.61%
   
 
 
 
Other liabilities   28,404   12.72%   28,745   13.48%
Minority interests   244   0.10%   282   0.13%
Shareholders' equity   14,959   6.70%   12,308   5.77%
   
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   223,236   100.00%   213,212   100.00%
   
 
 
 

(1)
Represents primarily (i) short positions on securities as part of Banca IMI's securities trading activities and (ii) public funds we administer for the Italian government and regional public agencies.

50


 
  At December 31,
 
  2003
ITALIAN GAAP

  Amount
  % of total
liabilities

 
  (in millions of €, except percentages)

Deposits, short-term borrowings and medium- and long-term debt from non-credit institutions   80,827   39.90%
Current accounts   53,968   26.64%
Savings accounts   14,405   7.11%
Repurchase agreements   10,073   4.97%
Other(1)   2,381   1.18%
Securities and subordinated liabilities   57,308   28.29%
CDs   7,149   3.53%
Bonds   39,979   19.73%
Commercial paper   3,766   1.86%
Subordinated liabilities   6,414   3.17%
Short-term borrowings and medium- and long-term debt from credit institutions   28,534   14.09%
Central banks   3,977   1.96%
  of which: Repurchase agreements   1,704   0.84%
Other banks   24,557   12.12%
  of which: Repurchase agreements   5,998   2.96%
Total   166,669   82.27%
Other liabilities   24,645   12.17%
Minority interests   271   0.13%
Shareholders' equity   10,995   5.43%
   
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   202,580   100.00%
   
 

(1)
Represents primarily (i) short positions on securities as part of Banca IMI's securities dealing activities and (ii) public funds we administer for the Italian government and regional public agencies.

        The principal components of our funding are customer deposits (current accounts, or demand deposits, and savings accounts); repurchase agreements; certificates of deposit ("CDs"); bonds; subordinated debt; and interbank funding. Domestic current and savings accounts are primarily interest-bearing accounts. CDs and bonds are issued both by Sanpaolo IMI, its international branches, Sanpaolo IMI Bank (International) and Banca IMI Group, and have maturities ranging from three months to 10 years. The Group's retail customers are the main source of our funding.

        Our deposits and other funding from non-credit institutions totaled €94.4 billion at December 31, 2005, an increase of €5.1 billion, or 5.7%, from €89.3 billion at December 31, 2004. This was primarily due to an increase of €15.7 billion, or 26.75%, in demand deposits to €74.6 billion at year-end 2005 from €58.8 billion at year-end 2004, reflecting the reallocation of customer funds towards greater liquidity. This reallocation was the primary reason for the decrease in savings deposits by €8.7 billion, or 60.4%, compared to year-end 2004.

51


        At December 31, 2005, our funding from securities and subordinated liabilities was €49.4 billion, a decrease of €4.9 billion, or 9.02%, from €54.3 billion at December 31, 2004. This was primarily due to a decrease of €8.7 billion, or 21.09%, in bonds due to the maturity of some bonds, partially offset by increases in commercial paper and CDs of €2.9 billion, or 87.86% and €1.4 billion, or 49.31%, respectively, from December 31, 2004. The increase in commercial paper and in CDs primarily reflected increased funding in foreign currencies by our foreign branches.

        At December 31, 2005, our funding from credit institutions totaled €35.8 billion, an increase of €7.5 billion or 26.5%, compared to €28.3 billion at December 31, 2004, primarily due to increased funding from inter-bank demand and savings deposits. See "Item 5.A.2 Operating and Financial Review and Prospectus—Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2004—Net Interest Income" on page 98 below.

        The following tables show, for the periods presented, the Group's domestic and international deposits, based on location of the branch taking the deposit, by type of deposit:

 
  For the year ended December 31,
 
  2005
  2004
EU GAAP

  Average Balance
  Average Rate
  Average Balance
  Average Rate
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Domestic:                
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits   241     163  
Interest-bearing demand deposits   58,224   0.89%   54,683   0.82%
Savings deposits   16,023   1.43%   13,047   1.24%
Certificates of deposit   1,440   1.40%   2,230   1.43%

International:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Foreign demand deposits with governments and other public entities and with banks and credit institutions   2,724   2.41%   98   1.72%
Other foreign demand deposits   3,895   2.07%   2,146   1.34%
Other foreign savings deposits and certificates of deposit   1,221   2.57%   9,952   2.14%
 
 
  For the year ended December 31, 2003
ITALIAN GAAP

  Average Balance
  Average Rate
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Domestic:        
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits   145  
Interest-bearing demand deposits   55,998   0.96%
Savings deposits   17,510   1.50%
Certificates of deposit   3,457   1.97%

International:

 

 

 

 
Foreign demand deposits with governments and other public entities and with banks and credit institutions   131   2.25%
Other foreign demand deposits   2,194   2.23%
Other foreign savings deposits and certificates of deposits   13,955   2.24%

52


        As a financial institution, Sanpaolo IMI's sources of funding and certain off-balance-sheet transactions are the principal components of its obligations and future commitments to make future payments under contracts.

        The majority of our funding is short-term: demand and short-term funding (up to three months' maturity) together make up approximately 66% of our funding, while the balance is composed of fixed- and floating-rate funding, including subordinated debt.

        The following table sets forth, at the date indicated, the principal components of our sources of funding and off-balance-sheet transactions by remaining maturity.

 
  Remaining maturity at December 31, 2005
EU GAAP

  On demand
  Up to 3 months
  Between 3
and 12 months

  Between 1 and 5 years
  Beyond 5 years
  Unspecified
  Total
 
  (millions of €)

Sources of funding                            
Due to customers   73,377   16,922   3,244   618   252   2   94,415
Due to banks   6,535   14,861   4,576   2,942   6,852     35,766
Securities issued   1,992   9,723   6,472   25,361   8,021     51,569
Financial liabilities held for trading   34   24   453   942   549   339   2,341
Financial liabilities at fair value     143   383   2,999   3     3,528
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total funding   81,938   41,673   15,128   32,862   15,677   341   187,619

Off-balance sheet transactions

 

50,832

 

162,497

 

107,463

 

87,663

 

486,946

 

300,262

 

1,195,663

        In the course of 2005, Sanpaolo IMI made substantial investments to develop its business. To ensure the maintenance of solvency ratios appropriate to our business, Sanpaolo IMI issued subordinated debt in a total amount of €6,081 million in 2005.

        The following table shows, at the dates indicated, our outstanding subordinated debt by currency and maturity.

EU GAAP
Loans

  Book value at 12/31/05
  Amount at inception(*)
  Interest rate
  Issue date
  Maturity date
  Book value at 12/31/04
 
  (millions of €)

  (millions)

   
   
   
   
   
  (millions of €)

Preferred Securities in Euro   1,000   1,000   8.126%   (a)   11/10/2000     (b)   1,000
Total innovative capital instruments (Tier 1)   1,000                   1,000
  Subordinated loan in Euro   132   150   5.75%       09/15/1999   09/15/2009       136
  Subordinated loan in Euro   200   200   floating       10/01/1999   10/01/2009       200
  Notes in Euro   500   500   6.375%       04/06/2000   04/06/2010       500
  Subordinated loan in Euro   6   20   1.00%       04/27/2001   04/27/2006       6
  Subordinated loan in Euro   299   300   5.55%       07/31/2001   07/31/2008       299
  Loan in Euro   1   1   floating       09/20/2001   09/20/2006        
  Subordinated loan in Euro   199   200   5.16%       10/02/2001   10/02/2008       199
  Notes in Euro   500   500   floating       06/28/2002   06/28/2012       499
  Subordinated loan in Euro   47   54   4.9%   (c)   07/15/2002   07/15/2012       48
  Subordinated loan in Euro   127   147   4.32%   (d)   12/04/2002   12/04/2012       133
  Notes in Euro   299   300   5.375%       12/13/2002   12/13/2012       300
  Notes in Euro   350   350   3.75%   (e)   06/09/2003   06/09/2015       346
                                 

53


  Notes in Euro   150   158   floating       07/01/2003   07/01/2013       150
  Notes in Euro   62   75   floating       09/29/2003   09/29/2013       62
  Notes In GBP   241   165   5.625%   (f)   03/18/2004   03/18/2024       234
  Notes in Euro   700   700   floating       06/28/2004   06/28/2016       700
  Subordinated loan in Euro   127   134   3.72%   (g)   08/03/2004   08/03/2014       132
  Notes in Euro   500   500   3.75%   (h)   03/02/2005   03/02/2020      
  Notes in Euro   25   21   floating       06/10/2005   06/10/2015      
  Subordinated loan in Euro   16   20   2.90%   (i)   08/01/2005   08/01/2015      
Total subordinated liabilities (Tier 2)   4,481                    
  Notes in Euro   50   50   1.5%   (j)   06/26/2003   11/15/2007       50
  Notes in Euro   550   550   floating       12/20/2005   01/07/2008      
                       
       
Total subordinated liabilities (Tier 3)   600                    
                       
       
Total   6,081                    
                       
       

(a)
The remuneration of the preferred securities is fixed at 8.126% up to November 10, 2010. After that date, a floating coupon will be paid at 12 months Euribor increased by 350 basis points.

(b)
The securities cannot be redeemed. Only Sanpaolo IMI has the right to redeem the Securities, totally or partially, and this right can be exercised after November 10, 2010.

(c)
Remuneration is paid on presentation of half-yearly coupons with a fixed rate of 2.45% for the first five years. Subsequently, a floating coupon will be paid.

(d)
Remuneration is paid on presentation of half-yearly coupons with a fixed rate of 2.16% for the first five years. Subsequently, a floating coupon will be paid.

(e)
Remuneration is paid on presentation of yearly coupons with a fixed rate of 3.75% for the first seven years. Subsequently, a floating coupon will be paid.

(f)
Remuneration is paid on presentation of yearly coupons with a fixed rate of 5.63% for the first fifteen years. Subsequently a floating coupon will be paid.

(g)
Remuneration is paid on presentation of yearly coupons with a fixed rate of 3.72% for the first five years. Subsequently a floating coupon will be paid.

(h)
Remuneration is paid on presentation of yearly coupons with a fixed rate of 3.75% for the first ten years. Subsequently a floating coupon will be paid.

(i)
Remuneration is paid on presentation of yearly coupons with a fixed rate of 2.90% for the first five years. Subsequently a floating coupon will be paid.

(j)
The first coupon is 1.44%.

(*)
Reported in original currency.

54


        The following table sets forth, at the date indicated, the principal sources of funding for the Group by geographical distribution.

 
  At December 31, 2005
EU GAAP

  Italy
  Other EU countries
  United States
  Asia
  Rest of the world
 
  (millions of €)

Principal sources of funding                    
  Due to customers   80,307   7,389   3,168   656   784
  Due to banks   11,838   8,146   1,964   2,812   10,922
  Securities issued   37,588   7,578   2,028   4,223  
  Financial liabilities held for trading   678   1,363   164     18
  Financial liabilities at fair value   3,527        
   
 
 
 
 
Total   133,938   24,476   7,324   7,691   11,724
   
 
 
 
 

        The following table sets forth, at the date indicated, the principal sources of funding for the Group by economic sector.

 
  At December 31, 2005
EU GAAP
Sector

  Government and Central Banks
  Other public entities
  Financial Business
  Banks
  Insurance
  Non-financial Business
  Other
 
  (millions of €)

Due to customers   1,888   2,204   11,828     1,188   23,161   52,035
Securities issued       2,832   505     4,179   43,901
Financial liabilities held for trading   557   1,313   88   156     111   2
Financial liabilities at fair value       3   3,524      
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total   2,445   3,517   14,751   4,185   1,188   27,451   95,938
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

55


        The following tables show, at the dates indicated, the Group's short-term borrowings by type of borrowing:

 
  At December 31, 2005
EU GAAP

  Repurchase agreements
  Commercial papers
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Amount outstanding at year-end   17,373   6,297
Weighted average interest rate of the amount outstanding at year-end   2.34%   3.82%
Maximum amount outstanding at month-end during the year   30,490   6,354
Average amount outstanding during the year   25,179   3,699
Weighted average interest rate during the year   2.08%   3.23%
 
 
  At December 31, 2004
EU GAAP

  Repurchase agreements
  Commercial papers
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Amount outstanding at year-end   20,207   3,352
Weighted average interest rate of the amount outstanding at year-end   2.19%   2.23%
Maximum amount outstanding at month-end during the year   29,540   3,848
Average amount outstanding during the year   22,762   2,787
Weighted average interest rate during the year   2.10%   1.65%

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON SANPAOLO IMI

A.    History and Development of Sanpaolo IMI

Incorporation, Length of Life and Domicile

        Sanpaolo IMI is incorporated as a limited liability company (Società per Azioni or S.p.A.) under the laws of Italy. Sanpaolo IMI was established on November 1, 1998 by the merger of Istituto Bancario San Paolo di Torino S.p.A. ("Sanpaolo") and Istituto Mobiliare Italiano S.p.A. ("IMI"). Sanpaolo IMI is the legal successor of both Sanpaolo and IMI. The life of Sanpaolo IMI, according to its charter, will last until December 31, 2050.

        Sanpaolo IMI is registered with the company registrar under number 06210280019 and with the Bank of Italy as a bank and, together with its subsidiaries, as a banking group under numbers 1025.6 and 5084.9.0, respectively. Sanpaolo IMI is the reporting bank ("capogruppo") of the Sanpaolo IMI Group for regulatory purposes and, as capogruppo, is responsible for monitoring the Group's activities and maintaining the relationship with the Bank of Italy.

        Sanpaolo IMI's registered office is located at Piazza San Carlo 156, Turin and its secondary offices are at Viale dell'Arte 25, Rome, and Via Farini 22, Bologna. Sanpaolo IMI can be contacted by telephone at +39-011 5551. Sanpaolo IMI's website is www.grupposanpaoloimi.com.

History and Development

        IMI was established as a public law entity (Ente di Diritto Pubblico) in 1931 and Sanpaolo became a public law credit institution (Istituto di Credito di Diritto Pubblico) in 1932. In the 1990s, certain reforms were introduced and the Bank of Italy relaxed certain restrictions on the opening of new branches and Sanpaolo was thus encouraged to continue to expand beyond Piedmont. The Italian government sought to encourage greater private sector involvement in banking through the conversion of charitable foundations with banking businesses (such as Sanpaolo) into separate charities and

56



businesses and through the sale of stakes in state-controlled banks (such as IMI). These developments were encouraged through a series of measures, including tax incentives, to strengthen the capital structure of the banking sector (Law No. 218 of July 30, 1990, the "Amato Law") and through direct sales by the Italian government of state-controlled holding companies.

        Pursuant to the Amato Law, Sanpaolo was established as a Società per Azioni as of December 31, 1991, under the name Istituto Bancario San Paolo di Torino Società per Azioni. In 1992, approximately 21% of Sanpaolo's share capital was floated in Italy and the shares traded on the Stock Exchange Automated Quotation International System of the London Stock Exchange Limited ("SEAQ International").

        The charitable foundation, Compagnia di San Paolo, indirectly remained majority shareholder of Sanpaolo until 1997, when six long-term shareholders and four medium-term shareholders purchased 22% of Sanpaolo's share capital, while a further 31% of Sanpaolo's share capital was sold in an Italian public offering and a global institutional offering. Following the Bank of Italy's approval, Sanpaolo became capogruppo.

        IMI became a Società per Azioni in 1991. There was no public market for IMI's shares prior to 1994. In that year, as part of the Italian government's direct privatization campaign, the Ministry of Treasury and several other IMI shareholders took part in a global offering (the "Global Offering") of more than one-third of IMI's share capital. In connection with the Global Offering, IMI's shares were listed on the Italian Stock Exchange and its American Depository Shares (each ADS representing three shares) were listed on the New York Stock Exchange. IMI shares were also listed on SEAQ International. In 1995, IMI shares held by the Ministry of Treasury were privately placed with Italian and European financial institutions and private industrial companies. In July 1996, IMI lead-managed the third offering of its own shares by the Ministry of Treasury to institutional investors in Italy, Europe and the United States.

The Merged Group

        During the second half of the 1990s, the banking sector in Italy and worldwide went through a phase of rationalization and consolidation. In Europe, this consolidation was also influenced by the introduction of the euro. In light of these developments, new Italian banking groups were created or consolidated. The Italian government and the Bank of Italy encouraged such developments. The managements of both Sanpaolo and IMI determined that, to compete effectively in the changing Italian and European banking environments, a larger size and an appropriate merger partner would be a positive development and agreed to merge.

        The merger between Sanpaolo and IMI was completed as of November 1, 1998. For accounting and tax purposes, the merger became effective as of January 1, 1998. Sanpaolo IMI's Shares and ADSs (each ADS representing two Shares) are listed on, respectively, the Mercato Telematico Azionario in Italy and the New York Stock Exchange. The ADS depository is JPMorgan Chase Bank.

        In 1999, in the context of the increasing consolidation of banking and financial services in Italy, Sanpaolo IMI reached an agreement with Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. ("Generali"), an insurance company, whereby Sanpaolo IMI would acquire control of the Banco di Napoli S.p.A. ("Banco di Napoli") group, while Generali would take over the insurance business of Istituto Nazionale delle Assicurazioni S.p.A. ("INA").

        During 2000, Sanpaolo IMI acquired control of the Banco di Napoli group. In 2002, Banco di Napoli was merged into Sanpaolo IMI. The merger with Banco di Napoli became effective, for corporate law purposes, as of December 31, 2002 and, for accounting purposes, as of January 1, 2002. In 2003 the Sanpaolo and the Banco di Napoli networks were integrated and Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli S.p.A. was incorporated.

57



        In January 2001, Sanpaolo IMI acquired a stake of approximately 11% in Cardine S.p.A ("Cardine"), the savings bank resulting from the merger of the Casse Venete and CAER S.p.A., both operating in the north east of Italy. In 2002, Cardine was merged into Sanpaolo IMI. The merger became effective, for corporate law purposes, as of June 1, 2002 and, for accounting purposes, as of January 1, 2002.

        In connection with the Cardine merger, the Compagnia di San Paolo and the two largest shareholders of Cardine, the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo and the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna (collectively, the "Foundations") agreed to the voluntary conversion (the "Conversion") of Shares held by the Foundations into preferred shares of a special class (the "Azioni Privilegiate").

        The Conversion was made pursuant to Law 461 of December 23, 1998, enacted by legislative decree 153 of May 17, 1999 (collectively, the "Ciampi Law"), which allows the ordinary shares of banking institutions, such as Sanpaolo IMI, held by charitable banking foundations, such as the Foundations, to be converted into preferred shares of a special class. The Azioni Privilegiate have priority over the Shares in respect of dividends and are currently entitled to vote only at extraordinary shareholders' meetings. In 2012, the Azioni Privilegiate held by the Foundations are scheduled to be converted back into Shares with full voting rights. The Azioni Privilegiate will be converted into Shares, by operation of law, if they are transferred to a different beneficial owner. If such a transfer occurred, the Azioni Privilegiate would be converted into Shares at a ratio of one Azione Privilegiata to one Share.

B.    Significant Developments During 2005

2006-2008 Business Plan

        On October 25, 2005 the Board of Directors of Sanpaolo IMI approved a new business plan (the "2006-2008 Business Plan"), which sets the economic targets for 2008 as well as the strategic guidelines for the next three years. The following financial measures used herein projected return on equity or RoE and cost/income ratio are projections and as such are neither envisaged nor derived from measures envisaged by IAS/IFRS. Such measures are, therefore, non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes that there are no meaningful comparable financial measures and that such non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful information because it is on such measures that Sanpaolo IMI developed its strategies and such measures are commonly used by financial institutions and market practice.

        The financial objectives of the 2006-2008 Business Plan are based on a macroeconomic scenario which is not favorable but, nevertheless, we believe offers growth opportunities for banks in Europe and in Italy. The Group targets for 2008 may be summarized by a return on equity, (the conventional non-GAAP measure used by stock market analysts) or RoE, calculated as net profit on year-end on shareholders' equity less net profit which, calculated in accordance with IAS/IFRS, is forecasted to reach 18%. Simultaneous actions on revenues and costs are planned to improve the Group's cost/income ratio, which is targeted at 52% in 2008.

        We plan to achieve these targets by, among other things, increasing financial assets and loans. Achieving these targets will also require us to focus on our capital adequacy ratios for which we target a core Tier I ratio not lower than 7% by 2008; cost control, as we plan not to increase costs in real terms; and the cost of credit, for which the 2006–2008 Business Plan targets a potential increase in the ratio of expected losses to total loans of not more than 4 basis points.

Public Tender Offers

        No public tender offer in respect of Sanpaolo IMI's Shares has been made from January 1, 2005 to date.

58


C.    Business Overview

        At December 31, 2005, the Group was one of the leading banking groups in Italy with total assets of €263.3 billion, loans to customers totalling €139.5 billion and deposits from customers totalling €165.2 billion. In addition, at December 31, 2005, assets under management amounted to €158 billion and assets under custody amounted to €104.2 billion. At the same date, the Group had 3,172 branches in Italy, together with 117 branches and 19 representative offices abroad.

        The Group is a full service banking group which provides a broad range of credit and financial products and services to its customers in Italy and abroad. The Group's business consists of banking, asset management and capital markets activities, as well as certain other banking-related services. The Group's principal banking operations are retail banking, corporate banking, mortgage lending, medium-and long-term lending, investment banking (including advisory, structured finance and merchant banking), asset management and insurance. In addition, the Group is active in treasury and trading operations. Sanpaolo IMI's capital markets activities include participating as a specialist in the Italian government bond market, and participating as a leading underwriter and trader in the Italian domestic equity market, and as lead manager in Eurobond issues and warrants.

Business Sectors

        The Group is organized for operational, management and budget purposes by Business Sector.

        Effective on July 18, 2005, the Sanpaolo IMI Group has adopted a new organizational model whereby the previous six Business Sectors (Commercial Banking, Asset Management, Investment Banking, Personal Financial Services, Insurance Activities, Public Authorities and Entities) were replaced by the following Business Sectors:

        Each Business Sector comprises different Business Areas. Each Business Area has, within the Group, a certain level of autonomy and is subject to individual monitoring and budgeting activities.

Business Sector

Business Sectors

  Business Areas

Banking   Retail & Private
    Corporate
    Other Activities

Savings and Assurance

 

Banca Fideuram
    A.I.P.

Asset Management and International Private Banking

 

Asset Management
Investment Management Advisory and International Private Banking

        In addition, to these Business Sectors, the Group also has a corporate center known as Central Functions, which is responsible for and includes the following activities:

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        The following chart provides an overview of the internal operational organization of the Sanpaolo IMI Group as of December 31, 2005:

GRAPHIC


(1)
On January 24, 2006 the concentration of Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management into the Savings and Assurance sector was decided by Sanpaolo IMI Board of Directors. The shareholdings in Banca Fideuram, A.I.P. and Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management are part of the Eurizon group.

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        The main differences compared to the prior organizational structure are:

        The Banking Business Sector constitutes the Group's core business and represents the reference point for the definition, development and co-ordination of the commercial strategies of all the networks of the Group. It comprises the following business areas:

        The implementation of the plan to rationalize the Group's distribution network was continued in 2005. It involved the transfer of operating points between commercial banks based on the principle that the branches within a reference territory with a specific historical brand, such as Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna, Cassa di Risparmio di Venezia and Friulcassa (referred to as the "North East Networks"), should belong to the bank holding that brand. In January 2005, nine Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo operating points and 21 Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna operating points were transferred to the Parent Bank and 10 Parent Bank operating points were transferred to Cassa di Risparmio di Venezia and a further 10 to Friulcassa. In the second half of 2005, the implementation of the Parent Bank network organizational and commercial model (which

61



consists of several territorial areas, each of which supervises its respective territory and coordinates the branches operating in that territory by market segment) in other banking networks was completed.

        A second wave of rationalization is expected to be completed in 2006 and will involve the banks in the North East and Emilia as well as the branches of Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico and the Parent Bank in the territorial re-ordering of the Adriatic region. On May 16, 2006, Sanpaolo IMI Board of Directors approved the merger of Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico into Sanpaolo IMI. The merger was completed on June 17, 2006. In connection with the merger the Group's branches in the Adriatic region will be conferred to Sanpaolo Banca dell'Adriatico, a new entity. In June 2006, Sanpaolo Banca dell'Adriatico has increased its capital from €6.3 million to €254.3 million. The capital increase was entirely subscribed by Sanpaolo IMI.

        A further phase foreseen for 2007 is the integration of the Group's distribution networks in Romagna with those of Cassa dei Risparmi di Forlì, as part of the Romagna project jointly run by Sanpaolo IMI and the Fondazione Cassa dei Risparmi di Forlì. On December 29, 2005, Sanpaolo IMI acquired a further 8.5% stake in the share capital of Cassa dei Risparmi di Forlì, for €65.7 million. The investment increases the Group's overall equity interest in Cassa dei Risparmi di Forlì to 38.3% and follows the exercise of a put option by the Fondazione Cassa dei Risparmi di Forlì, provided for in the contract of November 29, 2000 among the Fondazione Cassa dei Risparmi di Forlì, Sanpaolo IMI and Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze. With the conferral of the branches in the Romagna area in 2007, Sanpaolo IMI will acquire control of Cassa dei Risparmi di Forlì. The completion of this project, which is in line with the Italian local bank model, is aimed at strengthening the Group's competitive position in the area.

        Initiatives were taken in 2005 to facilitate access to loans for small businesses. A program was set up to support investments aimed at promoting the competitiveness and quality of products and services with the support of major guarantee consortia, such as Unionfidi, Eurofidi and Confidi, providing guarantees to the financings provided by the banks of the Group active in this Business Area. The program is characterized by the offer from retail branches of specific medium-term financing with a maximum duration of five years at favorable terms and conditions, and prompt and streamlined response. Assistance will also be available through agreements with leading consultancy operators and university faculties. Moreover, the Group has established agreements with the small business associations such as Confartigianato and Coldiretti Piemonte aimed at improving mutual collaboration and easing access to financing.

        In an effort to increase market shares in the retail and private sector, innovative residential mortgage and consumer credit products have been introduced. With reference to residential mortgages, the range of products has been broadened with the launch of a mortgage financing the purchase of property for up to 100% of the property value. The offer of this product was made possible through an agreement with Genworth Financial, a leading U.S. insurance company specializing in residential real-estate mortgages, which provides specific insurance coverage for credit risks exceeding 80% of the value of the property. Moreover, an agreement was defined with Banca Fideuram for the placement of residential mortgages to private clients through financial planners. The agreement is designed to strengthen the distribution capacity of the Group with cross-selling of products previously exclusively placed by the operating points.

        In consumer credit, the growing trend for family debt and the continuing growth potential of this area prompted the simplification and rationalization of the organizational structure of Neos Banca (formerly Finemiro Banca), the company that, together with its subsidiaries, is active in consumer banking. The Neos Banca group's identity was renewed in July 2005 through its new name, followed by a simplification and rationalization of the organizational structure which was concluded in

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September 2005. Finally, the strategic importance assigned to this area led to the acquisition by the Group of a 2.7% share in Neos Banca formerly held by Cassa di Risparmio di San Marino. The transaction increased Sanpaolo IMI's overall equity interest in Neos Banca to 99.5%, further concentrating the value of Neos Banca's business for the Group.

        In connection with the Turin 2006 Olympic Winter Games, Sanpaolo IMI initiated a number of commercial activities aimed at exploiting the role played by the Group as one of the Game's main sponsor, such as the offer of Olympic-themed credit, pre-paid and revolving cards, ticketing and a greater presence in the Olympic areas through a strengthening of the service, including through the creation of temporary branches.

        Confirming the importance given to developing transactions with the small- and medium-size enterprises ("SME") segment, collaboration projects continued in 2005 with guarantee consortia (in 2004 and 2005 the Group signed numerous agreements with guarantee consortia, to make SME financings easier; the guarantee consortia can guarantee the financing) aimed at consolidating existing relations and acquiring new customers with a medium/high credit standing. With regard to medium-term financing for technological innovation in businesses, the initial aggregate ceiling of €250 million allocated at the beginning of July 2004 for applied research loans was increased to €500 million. Moreover, in 2005, there was an increase of the cost limits of the projects to be financed, extending the offer to larger businesses, and a simplification in the procedures for the issuance of loans. Depending on the rating of the borrower, the Group finances up to 100% of the cost of the research project, with a maximum of €4 million (€2 million in 2004) per loan and the disbursement of the loan in 2 tranches of 50% each (3 tranches in 2004); part of the loan can be guaranteed by guarantee consortia. Furthermore, a new product was defined in October 2005 that provides financial support for organic plans for investment in technology for businesses purchasing new technologies on the market. The financing methods are similar to those for applied research loans and outlined above.

        International Activities.    The Group's initiatives in the international area mainly pursued the objective of supporting the development abroad of Italian businesses in direct investment and commercial trade.

        With regard to the Mediterranean basin, a representative office was opened in Casablanca, Morocco to support Italian enterprises there, strengthening the presence of the Group in North Africa, where the commercial agreements entered into in 2004 with Banque Marocaine du Commerce Extérieur ("BMCE") and Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie ("BIAT", in which the Group has a shareholding of 5.6% stake) are operational. In Asia, a commercial agreement has been signed in 2005 with ICICI Bank, one of the leading banks in India. The agreement is aimed at facilitating access to services and financings in India's local currency, through ICICI Bank, for Sanpaolo IMI clients operating in India and it makes remittance of funds from Italy easier for Indian households. Moreover, a representative office was opened in Dubai as a reference point for Italian enterprises working in the Persian Gulf and with the further aim of developing relations with banking institutions in the area.

        With regard to Eastern Europe, on December 7, 2005, Sanpaolo IMI entered into an agreement to acquire 80% of Banca Italo Albanese ("BIA") from Gruppo Capitalia and the Albanian Finance Ministry, equal holders of the share capital of BIA. After obtaining the required authorizations of the applicable supervisory entities, the transaction was completed on May 10, 2006 for a purchase price of €42.5 million. Through this transaction, the Group aims to consolidate its presence in Eastern Europe, where it already has investments in Hungary through Inter-Europa Bank (85.9%), Romania through Sanpaolo IMI Bank Romania (98.6%) and Slovenia through Banka Koper (63.9%).

        Finally, Sanpaolo IMI has subscribed to the Global Trade Finance Program of the International Finance Corporation ("IFC") in Washington, D.C., which aims to promote development of trade with

63


emerging and developing countries. To achieve this aim, the IFC acts through the subscribing banks, offering guarantees of payment for supplies to countries with a high risk profile. As a member of the program, Sanpaolo IMI has a partial or total coverage of the risks underwritten with banks in emerging markets for the import/export of goods and services and may extend customer risk coverage in new markets, including especially complex transactions.

        Investment Banking.    Banca IMI strengthened its position in the Italian market in 2005, intensifying its corporate finance and structured finance activities and participating in major operations such as the acquisition of a shareholding in Wind (an Italian mobile phone network), by the Weather/Sawiris group and the placement of the shares of Fondo Immobili Pubblici (public real-estate assets), the largest real-estate mutual fund in Italy. In the second half of 2005, Banca IMI, in accordance with the guidelines of the 2006-2008 Plan of the Sanpaolo IMI Group, defined some initiatives to maximize integration and synergies of its activities within the Group. These initiatives provide for Banca IMI to use its specialist activities to support the bodies responsible for the customer segments, not only in the offer of financial services to businesses but also in the creation of financial products for households. Banca IMI plans to selectively develop its activities on financial markets, exploiting the critical mass of customer dealing flows. Banca IMI also plans to take advantage of the opportunities offered by international markets to make the most of its distinctive expertise relating to investment banking in Europe, such as market making, sales and structuring activities.

        Public Authorities and Entities.    In the sector of Public Authorities and Entities, dedicated to the development of relations with public organizations and institutions, commercial presidiums (employees of the Group dedicated to developing business opportunities in their assigned territorial areas) were formed in April 2005 with the goal of improving our competitive position with regard to the reference customers. These presidiums distributed around the Italian territory and entirely dedicated to their assigned customers, are responsible for initiating origination activities and for supporting operating points in their promotional functions. This action implemented the agreement stipulated at the end of 2004 between Banca OPI and the banking networks of the Group aimed at maximizing cross-selling between the various structures in the relative areas of competence (medium-/long-term financing and bridging loans for medium-/long-term transactions for Banca OPI; short-term loans for the Group's banking networks).

        As of December 31, 2005 the Group held a 4,39% stake in the Fiat S.p.A. group ("Fiat"); the increase, in comparison with December 31, 2004 (1,25%), is a consequence of the conversion of the Fiat Convertible Facility, as defined below. As of June 12, 2006 the Group held a 0.84% stake in Fiat. Fiat is also a major client of the Group.

        The Fiat Convertible Facility.    Pursuant to a framework agreement (the "Framework Agreement") among Sanpaolo IMI, Capitalia S.p.A. ("Capitalia"), Banca Intesa S.p.A. ("Intesa") and Unicredito Italiano S.p.A. ("Unicredito") (together the "Participating Banks"), on July 26, 2002 the Participating Banks granted to Fiat a €3 billion loan (the "Fiat Convertible Facility"), consisting mainly of a conversion of Fiat's then current short-term debt owed to the Participating Banks. The Fiat Convertible Facility was a mandatorily convertible facility. The maturity of the Fiat Convertible Facility was September 2005. The Sanpaolo IMI Group's participation in the Fiat Convertible Facility amounted to €400 million.

        The Fiat Convertible Facility was converted on September 20, 2005. The conversion was effected at the share price of 10,28 Euro, calculated pursuant to the terms of the Fiat Convertible Facility, increasing Sanpaolo IMI's overall share in Fiat up to 4,39% of ordinary capital (38.910.496 additional shares, decreased to 38.775.860 after the exercise of the pre-emption right reserved to the actual

64



shareholders). On January 20, 2006, the Group sold the entire share capital deriving from the Fiat Convertible Facility at the share price of €7.70.

        The conversion of the Fiat Convertible Facility produced a positive differential of €51 million compared to the negative evaluation of €167 million in the embedded derivative made on the first application of IAS/IFRS on January 1, 2005, (the differential was calculated on the basis of the price of Fiat shares at the conversion date which was €7.29 per Fiat share, an impairment of €116 million) to which €2 million must be added for the re-evaluation of the position listed in the trading portfolio as at December 31, 2005. The sale of Fiat shares, completed in January 2006, gave rise to a further capital gain of €11 million that will be recorded in the 2006 accounts reducing the gross capital loss attributable to the Fiat Convertible Facility to €103 million. Such amount does not take into consideration neither the profits from fees related to the Fiat Convertible Facility nor profits from other operations, such as the Italenergia bis—Edison transaction described below, contemplated by the Framework Agreement. Including such profits the overall economic effect of the Fiat Convertible Facility is, substantially, at break even.

        Italenergia bis—Edison.    Italenergia Bis S.p.A. ("Italenergia Bis") was the holding company of Edison S.p.A. ("Edison"), the holding company of Italy's second largest energy group. Edison produces, imports and sells electric power and hydrocarbons.

        The Italenergia Bis group structure was the result of a process that started in July 2001 with a public tender offer to acquire Montedison S.p.A.—which at that time controlled Edison—through a vehicle called Italenergia S.p.A., owned by Fiat (38.6%), Electricité de France ("EDF" 18%), Carlo Tassara (20%) and by a group of three banks: Capitalia (9.6%), IMI Investimenti of the Sanpaolo IMI Group (7.8%), and Banca Intesa (6%). The three banks are collectively referred to as the "Banking Shareholders".

        In June 2002, the Banking Shareholders, Fiat and EDF entered into an agreement for the reorganization of the Edison group. The plan, completed in December 2002, provided for the creation of Italenergia Bis, the new holding company where all shareholders of Italenergia transferred their interests. Edison was merged into Italenergia and the new entity was called Edison S.p.A. ("New Edison").

        Fiat sold (the "Fiat Sale") to the Banking Shareholders a 14% interest in Italenergia Bis. As part of this transaction, the Sanpaolo IMI Group purchased another 4.66% interest in Italenergia Bis, increasing its total equity interest in Italenergia Bis from 7.82% to 12.48%. In connection with the sale, the Banking Shareholders, Fiat and EDF entered into shareholders' agreements which included put and call options and drag along options.

        At the end of 2004, EDF commenced arbitration proceedings, claiming that Italian legislative and regulatory actions had frustrated the purpose of its put and call options, arbitration proceedings in order to obtain a ruling declaring the termination of the effectiveness of EDF's put and call options or the suspension of their terms. IMI Investimenti together with the other Banking Shareholders, filed its response in the arbitration proceedings. In February 2005, the Banking Shareholders notified EDF of their intention to exercise the put options. In March 2005, the Banking Shareholders notified Fiat of their intention to exercise the drag along option. In September 2005, as a result of specific agreements reached among the Italenergia Bis' shareholders, the arbitration proceeding terminated and IMI Investimenti received €611 million for the sale to EDF of the entire stake held by the Group in Italenergia Bis, including the disposal of Italenergia Bis warrants and Edison shares. The disposal was completed in October 2005. Pursuant to a further agreement with EDF relating to Edison warrants, IMI Invesitmenti received an additional €29 million. The total proceeds of €640 million received pursuant to these disposals gave rise to a capital gain of €136 million.

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        The Savings and Assurance Business Sector operates through the networks of financial planners of the Banca Fideuram group to serve customers with medium/high savings potential, and A.I.P., the company that has been operational since December 1, 2004 and, as a result of the insurance restructuring, comprises all the Group's insurance activities.

        The Savings and Assurance Business Sector was formed to strengthen the rationalization of the Group's insurance activities and further increase their industrial value, economic weight and market relevance. On July 5, 2005 the Board of Directors of Sanpaolo IMI decided to concentrate the insurance activities of Assicurazioni Internazionali di Previdenza (A.I.P.) and the asset gathering activities of Banca Fideuram in the Savings and Assurance Business Sector. On November 10, 2005, the investments previously held by Sanpaolo IMI in A.I.P. and Banca Fideuram were transferred to a newly-founded company reporting directly to the Parent Bank, which is currently named Eurizon Financial Group S.p.A. ("Eurizon").

        Eurizon combines Group's skills in production and distribution of insurance and financial products to meet the needs of customers to protect savings and provide personal assurance. The aims of this organizational and company reconfiguration may be described as:


        The reorganization also provides Eurizon's principal operating companies, A.I.P. and Banca Fideuram, with opportunities for positive strategic and business returns. In particular, both companies hope to:

        With reference to Egida, the Group's casualty insurance company which is 50% controlled by A.I.P, on October 25, 2005, the Board of Directors of Sanpaolo IMI authorized A.I.P. to exercise the call option for the remaining 50% of the company capital held by Reale Mutua. The acquisition of total control of Egida occurred on May 3, 2006 for €26 million. The Board of Directors of Sanpaolo IMI on March 23, 2006 authorized the merger by incorporation into Egida of Fideuram Assicurazioni (wholly owned by A.I.P.), the other casualty company of the Group. The merger, expected to be completed by August 2006, is subject to ISVAP authorization.

        The following information, and the information relating to Eurizon contained elsewhere in this annual report, does not constitute an offer of the Securities of Eurizon or any other member of the Group for sale in the United States. The securities described have not, and will not, be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction in the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, into the United States unless the securities are so registered or an exemption from the registration requirements is available.

        In an effort to further strengthen the Savings and Assurance Business Sector, on January 24, 2006, the Board of Directors of Sanpaolo IMI decided to transfer Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management, a

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company wholly owned by the Parent Bank, to Eurizon. The Board of Directors of Sanpaolo IMI also authorized Eurizon to prepare for a possible initial public offering in Italy of its shares and the listing on the Milan Stock Exchange of Eurizon. It is expected that, through such offer and listing (which will not include any public offering in the United States) Eurizon will be able to directly access the Italian capital markets, thus enabling Eurizon to further develop its products with high capital absorption. The offer and listing are currently expected to be completed in the second half of 2006 subject to market conditions, though no assurance can be provided that the offering will be completed by such time, or at all.

        The Asset Management and International Private Banking Business Sector includes Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management and its subsidiaries, dedicated to providing asset management products to the Group networks, as well as institutional investors, Sanpaolo Bank (Luxembourg), which operates in international private banking, and Sanpaolo Fiduciaria.

        This sector consists of the business areas of Asset Management, dedicated to developing wealth management for private and institutional clients, and Investment Management Advisory and International Private Banking, aimed at developing advisory services for high-standing network customers and international private banking, through the companies falling within its perimeter.

        With the goal of obtaining higher levels of efficiency in asset management, in the last part of 2005, Sanpaolo IMI Institutional Asset Management, the SGR specialized in management and advisory services for institutional customers, was merged into Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management which already held total control of Sanpaolo IMI Institutional Asset Management. The merger lead to the development of insurance, asset management and asset gathering activities, with improved operational streamlining as well as synergies of purpose and cost obtained by the integration of management, commercial and product development structures.

        Central Functions includes holding activities, finance, the management of certain shareholding investments (including the Group's shareholdings in Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze, Cassa dei Risparmi di Forlì and Banca delle Marche), the Group's IT operating platform (MOI) and the Group's credit policy. The main task of Central Functions is the governance, support and control of the Group's Business Sectors.

        Central Functions sustains costs using a centralized system on behalf of other Group companies and allocates the costs to the operating units only partially on the basis of standard prices. This method responds to the need to make Central Functions responsible for cost savings.

        An agreement entered into in November 1999 by Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze, the major shareholder of Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze, Sanpaolo IMI and BNP Paribas, concerning the latter's equity interest in Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze, expired on May 1, 2005. Pursuant to the agreement, upon its expiration and in the absence of its renewal by Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze, Sanpaolo IMI should have exercised, in the 60 days following the expiration of the agreement, the right to purchase ordinary shares of Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze from Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze corresponding to 10.78% of the share capital of Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze at a price of, under normal circumstances, 1.5 times the average trading price of Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze ordinary shares in the three months preceding the exercise of the Group's right to purchase.

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        Following the expiration of the November 1999 agreement, Sanpaolo IMI confirmed to Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze and the other signatory of the agreement its availability to discuss, without prejudice to the aforementioned purchase right, the terms of a new agreement. Consequently, on June 27, 2005, Sanpaolo IMI and Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze agreed to extend the expiration of Sanpaolo IMI's purchase right through September 30, 2005.

        Nevertheless, on September 28, 2005 Sanpaolo IMI, as a consequence of the failure to renew the November 1999 agreement, decided to exercise the purchase right at a share price of €3 per share, for an expected disbursement of €368 million. Such price implies a premium of approximately €75 million with respect to the average trading price of Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze shares in May 2005.

        The validity of Sanpaolo IMI's right to purchase Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze shares was disputed by the Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze. Because of the dispute, the arbitration proceeding required by the November 1999 agreement was initiated and is still outstanding.

        In the second half of 2005, the Sanpaolo IMI Group entered into a shareholders' agreement with five other banks with shareholdings in SI Holding, which totally controls CartaSì, the Italian leader (source: market studies and Bank of Italy researches) in the credit card sector, in order to acquire joint control of SI Holdings. On January 27, 2006, the banks in the agreement subscribed the offer for a total number of shares equal to almost 56% of the share capital of SI Holding. The Group's total stake in SI Holding is 35.2% for an investment of €36 million. Following the completion of the purchase, and pending the necessary regulatory approval, the overall investment of the pool of banks will total 80% of the capital of SI Holding. With this transaction, the participating banks intend to keep CartaSì within the interbank framework and give continuity to the service offered. At the same time, the banks plan to rationalize and improve the efficiency of CartaSì services.

The Distribution Network

        The Group's distribution network is divided into territorial areas and bank networks with central structures, which provide uniform and complete supervision of the respective territory. In order to effectively satisfy the different needs of households and businesses, the distribution model is based on specialization of the branches according to the type of customer served (corporate, private and retail). Internet and phone and mobile banking services also support operations with customers.

        In 2004 and 2005, the Group continued to develop and rationalize its distribution network. In particular:

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        As of December 31, 2005, the Group had a network of 3,172 banking branches in Italy, distributed as follows: 34.1% in the North West, covered extensively by the Parent Bank's network; 27.2% in the North East, which comprises the branches of four networks (Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna, Cassa di Risparmio di Venezia and Friulcassa); 25.9% in Southern Italy and in the Islands, headed by Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli on the mainland and by the Parent Bank's network on the Islands. The remaining 12.8% of the Group's network is located in Central Italy, with branches of the Parent Bank and Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico.

        In addition, branches of Cassa dei Risparmi di Forlì (in which we hold a 38.25% stake), Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze (in which we hold a 18.7% stake) and Banca delle Marche (in which we hold a 7% stake), with which the Group has distribution agreements, operate in the North East and Central regions.

        With reference to commercial banks, the distribution network, as of the end of December, included 3,050 branches in Italy, 39 more than in 2004.

        The share of total banking branches held by the Group on a national level, as of December 31, 2005, was 10.1% (source: internal data and Bank of Italy). In particular, the Group had an 11.2% share in the North West, 10.2% in the North East, 5.6% in the Centre and 13.4% in the South and in the Islands.

        Regarding multi-channel infrastructures, such as internet and telephone banking, at the end of December 2005, direct banking contracts with retail customers rose to almost one million, an increase of 25% compared to December 31, 2004. Internet banking contracts with companies amounted to 66,600 units, for an increase of over 33% from the beginning of 2005.

        Customer service is also provided through the network of automated teller machines or ATMs (at the end of December 2005, these included 1,944 Parent Bank's ATMs, 849 Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli ATMs and 1,091 ATMs of the four bank networks of the North East and Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico), as well as through POS terminals (38,879 for Parent Bank's network, 15,701 for Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli network and 20,577 for the latter networks).

        The Group's distribution structure also includes 4,151 financial planners of Banca Fideuram and Sanpaolo Invest SIM. The Group operates abroad through a network of 117 branches, 19 representative offices and 2 desks. In 2004, we became one of five members of the Inter-Alpha Group of Banks, which is an association of several major European banks, to be represented by the Inter-Alpha Group representative office in Tehran, Iran. In addition to the international network of the Parent Bank, the external network mainly comprises branches of the subsidiary banks operating in Central Eastern Europe.

        Representative offices are Parent Bank's offices outside of Italy, operated, with the exception of the Tehran office which is operated by Inter-Alpha staff, by Sanpaolo IMI staff. The representative desks are offices operating on foreign markets through commercial relations held with others banks.

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They are also reference points for Italian clients to develop activities in the applicable countries, without carrying out lending and funding activities.

 
  At December 31,
   
Distribution network (Italy and abroad)

  % Change
December 31, 2005
December 31, 2004

  2005
  2004
Banking branches and area offices   3,289   3,239   1.5%
—Italy   3,172   3,126   1.5%
of which: Parent Bank   1,415   1,371   3.2%
  North—East Networks and Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico   948   952   (0.4)%
  Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli   687   688   (0.1)%
—Abroad   117   113   3.5%
Representative offices   19   18   5.6%
Exclusive financial planners   4,151   4,317   (3.8)%
Banca Fideuram   3,112   3,244   (4.1)%
Sanpaolo Invest SIM   1,039   1,069   (2.8)%
 
Domestic distribution network
(at December 31, 2005)

  Parent Bank
  North East
Networks(1)

  Banca Popolare
dell'Adriatico

  Sanpaolo Banco
di Napoli

  Other
networks(2)

  Total
North-West
(Piedmont, Val d'Aosta, Lombardy, Liguria)
  1,039   73.4%   1   0.1%   2   1.4%       41   33.6%   1,083   34.1%
North-East
(Trivento and Emilia Romagna)
  5   0.4%   806   99.9%   17   12.1%       34   27.9%   862   27.2%
Center
(Tuscany, Marche, Umbria, Lazio, Abruzzo, Molise)
  254   18.0%       122   86.5%   4   0.6%   27   22.1%   407   12.8%
South & Islands
(Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia)
  117   8.3%           683   99.4%   20   16.4%   820   25.9%
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banking branches and area offices in Italy   1,415   100.0%   807   100.0%   141   100.0%   687   100%   122   100.0%   3,172   100.0%
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Comprises Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna, Cassa di Risparmio di Venezia and Friulcassa.

(2)
Includes the branches of Banca Fideuram (91), Neos Banca (25), Farbanca (1), Banca Imi (1) and Banca Opi (4).

Assets managed and administered on behalf of customers

        Assets under management represent client financial assets managed by the Group on behalf of its clients. Assets under administration present client financial assets held in custody by the Group on behalf of the clients.

        At December 31, 2005, asset management volumes amounted to €158 billion, an increase of €13.2 billion, or 9.1%, from €144.8 billion at December 31, 2004. The increase was due to the positive performance of the markets (€7.7 billion) and the net inflow of €5.5 billion.

        At December 31, 2005, the Group's mutual funds and fund-based portfolio management totalled €106.2 billion, an increase of €8.3 billion, or 8.5%, from €97.9 billion at December 31, 2004. The increase was primarily due to the positive trend in subscriptions as well as to the positive performance in the securities markets. In 2005, growth in share prices triggered a gradual turn away from the more liquid forms of investment, directing savers toward products with greater added value and maintaining

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high diversification of the portfolio, aimed at limiting the risk profile adopted. The weight of equity and balanced funds grew; in terms of the various types of low-risk funds, the impact of liquidity funds decreased, while bond funds stabilized, penalized by forecasts of a hike in interest rates.

        As regards the types of funds, at December 31, 2005, the value of bond and equity funds represented, 44.1% and 27.7%, respectively, of the total value of Group funds, compared to 44.0% and 24.8% at December 31, 2004, respectively. At December 31, 2005, the Group was the leader in the domestic market for mutual funds, with a market share of 19.1% (source: Assogestioni, Italian mutual funds association).

        In 2005, the life insurance sector confirmed the growth already shown in 2004. At December 31, 2005, life technical reserves, were €45.9 billion, an increase of €5.1 billion, or 12.3%, from €40.8 billion at December 31, 2004. The increase was primarily due to a net increase in premiums of €3.5 billion. In 2005, there was an increase in customers' interest both in traditional policies such as saving policies, investment policies and pension policies, which represented 44% of the premium inflows in the life insurance segment, and in policies with greater financial content, such as index-linked and unit-linked policies, which represented 56% of the premium inflows. At December 31, 2005, the Group had a share of the domestic life insurance market of 12.2% in terms of technical reserves and 12.4% in new business (premiums on new policies) (source: ANIA, Italian Insurance Companies Association).

        At December 31, 2005, asset administration volumes reached €104.2 billion, an increase of €10.2 billion, or 10.9%, from €94 billion at December 31, 2004.

        The following tables show, at the dates indicated, the amounts of assets managed and administered on behalf of customers:.

 
  At December 31,
 
  2005
  2004
  % 2005/2004
EU GAAP

  (millions of €)

   
  (millions of €)

   
  (%)

  (%)

  (%)

Asset management   157,990   60.2%   144,813   60.6%   9.1%
Asset administration   104,242   39.8%   93,980   39.4%   10.9%
   
     
       
Total assets managed and administered   262,232       238,793        
   
     
       

        The following table shows, at the dates indicated, a breakdown of assets under management.

 
 
  At December 31,
 
  2005
  2004
  % 2005/2004
EU GAAP

  (millions of €)

   
  (millions of €)

   
  (%)

  (%)

  (%)

Mutual funds and fund-based portfolio management   106,219   67.2%   97,920   67.6%     8.5%
Portfolio management   5,879   3.7%   6,044   4.2%   (2.7)%
Life technical reserves and financial liabilities   45,892   29.1%   40,849   28.2%   12.3%
   
     
       
Total assets management   157,990       144,813        
   
     
       

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        The following tables show, for the periods reported, the breakdown in the change in the amount of assets under management between net inflow or outflow and the performance effect.

 
  For the year ended
December, 31,

 
EU GAAP
Change in Assets under Management

 
  2005
  2004
 
 
  (millions of €)

 
Net inflow (outflow) for the period   5,476   (3,686 )
—Mutual funds and fund-based portfolio management   2,561   (7,555 )
—Portfolio management   (584 ) (1,647 )
—Life policies   3,499   5,516  
Performance effect   7,701   4,916  
Change in assets under management   13,177   1,230  

        The following tables show, at the dates indicated, a breakdown of Group mutual funds by type of fund.

EU GAAP
Group Mutual Funds by Type

  At December 31, 2005
  At December 31, 2004
 
  (Percentages)

Equity   27.7%   24.8%
Balanced   9.3%   8.0%
Bond   44.1%   44.0%
Liquidity   18.9%   23.2%
   
 
Total Group mutual funds   100.0%   100.0%
   
 

Activities in financial markets

        The control of treasury activities and the management of financial risks of the domestic banking networks are centralized in the Finance Division of the Parent Bank.

        As regards treasury activities, the Parent Bank guarantees direct access to money markets, to spot and forward exchange rate markets and to securities, as well as to payment systems, and controls the liquidity policy of the Group. For access to the medium-/long-term derivatives market, the Treasury division of the Parent Bank uses the subsidiary Banca IMI, which provides these services by taking advantage of the synergies obtained from its own market-making activities.

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        The financial risk management policies related to the banking books of the Group's banking networks (Asset and Liability Management) are discussed in Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk on page 194 below.

 
  At December 31, 2005
  At December 31, 2004
   
 
  Change
 
  (millions of €)

   
  (millions of €)

   
 
  (%)

  (%)

  (%)

Deposits and loans to credit institutions                    
Assets(2)   27,838   100.0%   24,367   100.0%   14.2%
  —Parent Bank   15,829   56.9%   12,625   51.8%   25.4%
  —Banca IMI   6,093   21.9%   6,901   28.3%   (11.7)%
  —Others   5,916   21.3%   4,841   19.9%   22.2%
Liabilities   35,683   100.0%   28,293   100.0%   26.1%
  —Parent Bank   19,786   55.4%   11,293   39.9%   75.2%
  —Banca IMI   7,170   20.1%   8,701   30.8%   (17.6)%
  —Others   8,727   24.5%   8,299   29.3%   5.2%

Securities(1)(2)

 

68,319

 

100.0%

 

65,271

 

100.0%

 

4.7%
  —Parent Bank   8,294   12.1%   7,517   11.5%   10.3%
  —Banca IMI   11,480   16.8%   11,661   17.9%   (1.6)%
  —AIP   39,927   58.4%   38,472   58.9%   3.8%
  —Others   8,618   12.6%   7,621   11.7%   13.1%

Derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Hedging derivatives (notional)   57,434   100.0%   75,604   100.0%   (24,0)%
  —Parent Bank   26,712   46.5%   45,937   60.8%   (41.9)%
  —Banca IMI         0.0%  
  —Others   30,722   53.5%   29,667   39.2%   3.6%
Dealing derivatives (notional)   1,219,569   100.0%   742,828   100.0%   (64.2)%
  —Parent Bank   61,899   5.1%   53,361   7.2%   16.0%
  —Banca IMI   1,130,132   92.7%   675,733   91.0%   67.2%
  —Others   27,538   2.3%   13,734   1.8%   100,5%

(1)
The figure does not include securities classified in loans and receivables, reported amount "Securities" (€998 million at December 31, 2005 and €541 million at December 31, 2004).

(2)
The figure includes debt and capital securities (including Collective Savings Investments Organization Funds "OICR" quotas) classified in the various portfolios, except for €3,093 million of Group's shareholdings part of the available for sale portfolio.

        With reference to the centralized management of liquidity, as of 31 December 2005, about 57% of interbank lending and 52% of interbank borrowing by the Parent Bank referred to intragroup financing and deposits. Net of these components, for the entire period under review, the Parent Bank maintained a debt imbalance due to the funding actitivies of the Parent Bank, to which the Treasury division resorted, depending on the short-term net liquidity imbalances, following a strict policy of funding diversification.

        In 2005, with respect to medium- and long-term funding, also centrally managed, the Parent Bank raised a total of €5.8 billion during 2005, comprising:

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        In 2005, the Parent Bank transferred €4.2 billion in medium and long-term funding to other Banks and Companies of the Group, of which €3.9 billion senior debt and €265 million subordinated debt.

        Banking networks other than the Parent Bank network, on the other hand, independently collected €480 million on the domestic market, through the placement of senior securities with retail customers.

        As part of its activities, the subsidiary Banca IMI issued structured bonds for €2.6 billion, placed through the Group's networks.

        Regarding deposits from International Organizations, the Parent Bank and other banks of the Group continued to use funds from loans previously issued by the European Investment Bank, especially those destined to finance research and development initiatives in Italy, as well as by Germany's Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau ("KfW"). In 2005, Banca OPI independently collected €420 million from the EIB, with maturities of greater than 15 years.

        As of December 31, 2005, the Group's securities portfolio amounted to €68.3 billion, an increase of 4.7% from the end of 2004 (€65.3 billion). This amount is broken down as follows: €38.8 billion in securities held for trading or carried at fair value, €25.7 billion in available for sale investments, €2.5 billion in held-to-maturity investments and €1.3 billion in securities classified under "loans and receivables", of which €312 million issued by corporate issuers.

        As of December 31, 2005, the securities portfolio of the Parent Bank, held for treasury requirements and investment purposes, amounted to €8.3 billion (net of Group securities), an increase of 10.3% compared to €7.5 billion as of December 31, 2004. Excluding the equity component, the break-down is as follows: €4 billion in securities held for trading or at fair value, €2.3 billion in held-to-maturity investments, €0.8 billion in available for sale investments and €1.0 billion in securities reclassified under "loans and receivables".

        The break-down in the securities portfolio of the Parent Bank showed a prevalence of government bonds originating from EU countries, representing 59% of the total at the end of 2005, with a further share of 35% represented by securities issued by banks, financial institutions and international organizations, 4% by corporate bonds and the remaining 2% by OICR Funds. With the objective of maximizing profit opportunities, the portfolio maintained, through the component of securities eligible for refinancing with the European Central Bank, enough collateral to manage liquidity and, at the same time, satisfied network requirements for customer repurchase agreements.

        During 2005, the volume of securities traded by the Parent Bank on its own account was equal to €32 billion, while transactions involving repurchase agreements amounted to €270.5 billion, of which €128.4 billion were carried out on the MTS/PCT platform, the Italian electronic exchange regulated wholesale market for government bonds, other fixed income securities and repurchase agreements.

        As of December 31, 2005, the life and casualty insurance companies under Assicurazioni Internazionali di Previdenza held financial assets of €46.6 billion, an increase of 16% from the beginning of the year (the contribution to the consolidated Financial Statements of Sanpaolo IMI was €40.2 billion, an increase of 16% from the beginning of the year).

        The investments, with respect to traditional policies and free capital (the assets which are not required for coverage of insurance's technical reserves), as well as unit and index-linked policies, were carried out on the basis of strict investments policies defining investment limits by issuer and class of assets, limits for credit and market risk as well as value at risk limits for investments related to free capital.

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        As of December 31, 2005 available for sale investments of our insurance sector comprised 41% of the insurance sector securities portfolio, while securities evaluated at fair value comprised the remaining 59%.

        In particular:

        Brokerage activities within the Group are carried out mainly by Banca IMI, the investment bank of the Group and one of the leading Italian financial operators, with a strong presence in stock and bond placements, extraordinary finance transactions (such as initial public offerings and capital increases) and securities trading.

        Banca IMI carries out trading activities on its own account and on behalf of third parties across a wide range of financial products in regulated and over-the-counter markets. Banca IMI also structures and realizes investment products for retail and institutional customers and provides risk management products for businesses and Italian public authorities.

        The securities portfolio of Banca IMI, as of December 31, 2005, amounted to €11.7 billion, in line with the €11.9 billion held at the end of 2004; of the former amount, 73.8% consisted of debt securities, 25.6% of shares in OICR and the remaining 0.6% of equities. At December 31, 2005, short positions in securities amounted to €2.31 billion, a decrease of 5.7% compared to the value as of December 31, 2004 (€2.45 billion).

        At December 31, 2005, trading derivatives amounted to €1,277.46 billion, an increase of 39.9% compared to December 31, 2004 (€912.9 billion) mainly due to volume increases due primarily to mid sized corporate clients.

        Banca IMI's operating results for 2005 show a significant contribution of Risk Management and Distribution activities, along with positive results in the major Equity and Corporate Finance activities, particularly as regards organization and completion of the acquisition of Italian mobile network Wind by the Sawiris group, the largest leveraged buy-out carried out in Europe and the second largest worldwide.

        More specifically, with respect to Banca IMI's trading activities:

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        As far as distribution activities are concerned, the fixed income sector benefited from steady demand from institutional investors seeking good returns in primary market transactions, as well as in the investment grade and high yield segments. In terms of asset-backed securities, significant interest was shown by institutional investors for the debt securitization transaction by Fondo Immobili Pubblici (F.I.P.), in which Banca IMI was one of the lead managers.

        The corporate derivatives sector showed a prevalence of interest and exchange rate products to hedge the risks of mid sized corporate customers (companies with revenues between €50 million and €250 million per year). In this customer segment, in 2005, volumes amounted to a total of €2.7 billion in new interest rate derivative hedging transactions. In addition, the last quarter gave way to a recovery of business in the large corporate segment, especially as regards hedging transactions on medium- to long-term funding. In this context, Banca IMI balanced the derivatives brokerage business carried out by the banking network of the Group on behalf of corporate customers, with book values at the end of 2005 equal to €19.3 billion (€15.2 billion at the end of 2004).

        At the Group level, the placement and advisory business is carried out by Banca IMI; the subsidiary Banca OPI also operates in this business with respect to Public Authorities and Entities.

        During 2005, Banca IMI confirmed its traditional role in the primary debt market, occupying the role of lead manager and bookrunner in 60 bond issues, for a total of about €22.5 billion and with a significant presence in the transactions of foreign issuers.

        With reference to retail investors, Banca IMI established and placed inflation-linked products, as well as products linked to the CMS ("Constant Maturity Swap") parameter and capped FRN ("Floating Rate Note") issues, which satisfied the requirements of prudent investing required by the regulators.

        In the equity sector, the activities of equity capital markets in Italy showed an increasing level of transactions, confirming the trend seen in the last part of 2004. In this context, Banca IMI confirmed its traditional role in the market, in terms of both placements and increases in capital for listed companies, including the IPOs of Safilo and Marr.

        With respect to corporate finance activities, Banca IMI strengthened its role in the market, also thanks to marked recovery worldwide in terms of mergers and acquisitions, which brought Europe increasingly closer to the volumes and values of transactions carried out in the United States.

        Banca OPI provides financing and financial assistance to Public Entities, Local Authorities, Public Utilities and infrastructural projects. In 2005, Banca OPI confirmed its leading position in the Italian Public Sector (source: Sanpaolo IMI's elaboration on the basis of Bank of Italy data), with an overall market share of over 20%, in an increasingly competitive market characterized by an increase in the number of banks present and by very aggressive pricing policies by competitors.

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        Total loans to customers, as of December 31, 2005, amounted to €25.6 billion, including €5.6 billion in the securities portfolio, an increase of about 7.9% compared to December 31, 2004.

        Regarding financing activities, total financial disbursements to customers during 2005 amounted to €6.3 billion, of which €1.5 billion in the form of subscription of securities issued by customers.

        During 2005, Banca OPI emphasized its financial consulting services offered to customers, mainly involving debt restructuring programs and the related promotion of derivative products.

        The year 2005 was also characterized by a significant focus on project finance activities in Italy and abroad. Total financing contracts stipulated by Banca OPI in 2005 exceeded €340 million, an increase of approximately 180% against €120 million 2004.

        The expansion of Banca OPI into international markets, with the availability of a dedicated structure from the end of 2004, was intensified during 2005, promoting, in collaboration with local Group offices, relationships and business with the bank's customers (regional entities, public companies and central administrations), particularly in Central-Eastern Europe.

        The following table sets forth the significant subsidiaries (as defined by Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X) of the Group at December 31, 2005.

Name

  Registered Offices
  Ownership held by
  %
  Voting rights at shareholders' meeting %
Banca IMI   Italy   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00%   100.00%
Banca Opi   Italy   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00%   100.00%
Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli   Italy   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00%   100.00%
Eurizon Financial Group   Italy   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00%   100.00%
Assicurazioni Internazionali di Previdenza   Italy   Eurizon Financial Group   99.96%   99.96%
Banca Fideuram   Italy   Eurizon Financial Group   73.37%   73.43%

        Banca IMI, the Group's investment bank, engages in securities dealing for itself and for customers, underwrites equity and debt capital offerings for companies, and also provides corporate finance advisory services.

        Banca OPI provides financial services to the public sector, with particular emphasis on the financing of infrastructure investments and public works.

        Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli is the Group's bank which covers the regions of mainland southern Italy. Established in 2003, it includes all the Sanpaolo and Banco di Napoli branches operating in Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, and Apulia into a single entity, with a distribution network of 688 branches and 60 other operating points.

        Assicurazioni Internazionali di Previdenza A.I.P. is the Group's insurance company. It is active in: assurance, the casualty sector; life savings and investment products with the aim of identifying a trend in the product range that is coherent with the mission of protecting savings both through enriching the product insurance components and through investment duration profiles that are coherent with the insurance business.

        Banca Fideuram has a network of 4,151 financial planners and operates through its own specialized companies dedicated to asset management services.

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        Eurizon is a holding company that controls Banca Fideuram, A.I.P. and Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management.

Italian Banking Regulation and Corporate Governance Principles

        During the 1990s, the Italian banking system underwent a reorganization and consolidation process as a consequence of changes in banking regulations as well as the competitive stimulus resulting from the liberalization of European financial markets and the introduction of the euro. The main steps in this evolution were the enactment of the Amato Law, the privatization process and the Legislative Decree No. 385 of September 1, 1993 (the "Consolidated Banking Law"), and Legislative Decree No. 58 of February 24, 1998 (the "Consolidated Securities Law").

        The current system allows the banks to decide which banking and related financial activities to engage in and which structures to adopt, subject only to generally applicable rules of prudence and the banks' own Bylaws. The current Italian banking regulations now largely mirror the EU Second Banking Directive (Dir. No. 89/646/CEE, now consolidated in Dir. No. 2000/12/CE). The effect of the regulatory changes and Europe-wide liberalization has been a significant increase in competition and consolidation in the Italian banking industry.

        The Amato Law encouraged consolidation and also encouraged banks controlled by governmental and public law entities to adopt a joint-stock structure and to strengthen their capital bases.

        The process was accelerated by the implementation of the Privatization Law (Law No. 474 of July 30, 1994) and the Decree of the Minister of Economy and Finance (the "Dini Directive"), enacted, respectively, in July and November 1994. These statutes permitted and promoted the sale of majority holdings of banks owned by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and by Italian banking foundations (considered public law entities) to the private sector. Certain fiscal incentives were provided for Italian banking foundations to reduce their stakes in banks that converted into joint-stock companies under the Amato Law to below 50%. Furthermore, to encourage the reform, new incentives were introduced pursuant to the Ciampi Law, which reorganized the regulatory framework of the Italian banking foundations. Those incentives were reviewed and permitted by the European Commission, which decided on August 22, 2002, that fiscal measures introduced in 1998 and 1999 in favor of banking foundations were not subject to the European Union's state aid rules). Pursuant to the Ciampi Law (Legislative Decree No. 153 of May 17, 1999), the banking foundations that modify their Bylaws and progressively divest their stakes in banks and only maintain controlling interests in entities dealing with social purposes, are considered as private not for profit organizations with social purposes. The Ministry of Economy and Finance is in charge of authorizing the sales of holdings in banks owned by foundations in compliance with criteria of transparency and non-discrimination.

        In accordance with Article 25 of the Ciampi Law, as amended by Law No. 212 of 2003, the deadline for the banking foundations to dispose of their control of banking institutions was extended to December 2005 (the Ciampi Law initially set the deadline for the disposals at June 2003). Moreover, the longer term of December 2008 was allowed for those banking foundations entrusting their stakes in banking institutions to asset management companies ("società di gestione del risparmio") charged with managing them independently. Moreover, banking foundations with net equity not in excess of €200 million or operations in Italian autonomous regions ("regioni a statuto speciale") are exempted from the requirement to dispose of their controlling stakes in banking institutions.

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        Article 25 of the Ciampi Law has been recently amended further by Law 262/2005. Pursuant to the amendment, as of January 2006 instead of requiring a mandatory transfer of controlling shareholdings authorized by the applicable authority, Article 25 of the Ciampi Law prevents the banking foundation from exercising their voting rights for those shares exceeding 30% of the share capital with voting rights of a bank. The shares exceeding such threshold can be converted in shares without voting rights, by means of an extraordinary shareholders' meeting resolution.

        Effective January 1, 1993, the old distinction between "ordinary credit institutions" and "special credit institutions" was formally eliminated and every kind of banking activity can now be performed by any bank, which can collect and solicit savings deposits from the public, issue bonds and grant medium- and long-term credit subject to regulations issued by the Bank of Italy.

        Italian banks, whether incorporated as joint-stock companies (Società per Azioni), co-operative banks (banche popolari and banche di credito cooperativo), or as residual public law entities (governed by special regulations) subject to their Bylaws and to financial services regulation, may also engage in all the business activities that are subject to mutual recognition under the EU Second Banking Directive, and in certain other financial activities not listed therein.

        Credit institutions incorporated in a European Union country other than Italy may conduct banking business in Italy as well as those business activities that are subject to mutual recognition and are authorized to be carried out in their home country, provided that the Bank of Italy is informed by the entity supervising the relevant EU credit institution. Such supervising entity retains control over the relevant EU credit institution (so-called "home-country control" rule).

        Effective January 1, 1994, the Consolidated Banking Law, which repealed and replaced previous regulations, has defined the role and the powers of the supervisory authorities and has regulated the definition of banking and related activities. Moreover, the Consolidated Banking Law contains provisions regarding: the authorization of banking activities, the acquisition of equity participation in banks, specific discipline of co-operative banks, banking supervision (on an unconsolidated and consolidated basis), special bankruptcy procedures for banks, and the supervision of financial companies, the transparency of contractual terms and conditions related to banking and financial services, applicable fines and sanctions. The resulting regulatory framework of Italian banking system is described below.

        Under the Consolidated Banking Law, the supervision and regulation of Italian banks are exercised by: three different Authorities, with the aim of granting the sound and prudent management of the supervised entities, the overall stability, efficiency and competitiveness of the financial system as well as the compliance with provisions concerning credit. The supervisory authorities are the following:

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        The main set of rules implemented by the Bank of Italy with respect to banks is collected in the Istruzioni di Vigilanza per le Banche (Supervisory Directives for Banks), which is updated from time to time.

        The Bank of Italy supervises the banking institutions through its own auditing body, granting authorizations and examining the reports that banks are required to file on a regular basis. The main supervisory powers include: the review of financial statements and statistical data; the preliminary review of amendments to Bylaws; inspections; and verification of capital ratios, reserve requirements exposure limits. The Bank of Italy may also fine banks and their managers with administrative sanctions. Each year the Bank of Italy publishes a report on its supervisory activity.

        In addition, the Bank of Italy oversees compliance with rules of conduct and disclosure requirements provided for banking and financial transactions and services, with particular reference to: (i) public notices of interest rates, prices, charges for customer notifications and every other economic condition concerning the transactions and services offered; (ii) prescribed contractual forms; (iii) consumer protection in cases of unfavorable modification of interest or any other price or condition or unilateral alteration of contract, and (iv) periodic notifications to customers. The Bank of Italy also cooperates with governmental entities in preventing and repressing usury. To this end the Bank of Italy and the Ufficio Italiano Cambi ("UIC") conduct a periodic survey to measure the "average overall effective rate" charged by banks and financial intermediaries for different types of transactions. The data collected is published in a decree of the Minister of Economy and Finance and is used to calculate the threshold beyond which rates are considered usurious.

        The Bank of Italy conducts inspections of all credit institutions through its supervisory staff of auditors. Matters covered by an examination include the accuracy of reported data, compliance with banking regulations, and Bylaws. Specific areas of audit include compliance with exposure and other prudential limits.

        The Bank of Italy requires all banks to report interim balance sheets on a monthly basis.

        As a consequence of the Cirio and Parmalat defaults (see: Item 8. "Financial Information— B. Legal Proceedings" on page 174 below), there has been an intense debate on the regulatory framework applicable to banks.

        In this context, the Italian Parliament has recently enacted an important new law (Law n. 262 of December 28, 2005) which among many others, moves the antitrust powers related to the banking sector from the Bank of Italy to the Antitrust Authority, makes amendments to the powers of internal bodies of the Bank of Italy, fixes to a six year term, the duration of the appointment of the Bank of Italy's Governor.

        In this regard, it should be noted that the above mentioned law deals with many other different items, such as the corporate governance of listed joint stock companies, auditing and auditor's liability, transparency of foreign companies participated by or participating in Italian companies, banking foundations, conflicts of interest, investors protection, regulated markets and the introduction and reinforcement of penalties and administrative sanctions.

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        Pursuant to Section 10 of the Consolidated Banking Law, banking is broadly defined as fund raising and granting credit.

        Under the Consolidated Banking Law, banks are also allowed to carry out other activities, including: financial leasing and payment services; issuance of credit cards and traveler's checks; trading in money market instruments, foreign exchange, futures, options and securities; participation in issuances of securities and related services; advisory services related to capital structure, industrial strategy and business combinations; money brokerage; portfolio management and portfolio advisory services; safekeeping and administration of securities.

        In addition to banking and related activities, banks are permitted to provide investment services and to hold control shareholdings in banking, financial and insurance companies. Italian banking groups are therefore entitled to provide services that are subject to different supervisory authorities. In particular, the Bank of Italy supervises the banking and related activities and exercises prudential supervision on intermediaries providing investment services, Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa ("CONSOB", the Italian securities regulator) is responsible for disclosure and fair dealing in providing investment services, while the Istituto per la Vigilanza sulle Assicurazioni Private e di Interesse Collettivo ("ISVAP") is the supervisory authority responsible for insurance services.

        It should be also noted that, under the Consolidated Banking Law, banking groups comprise either: (i) an Italian parent bank and the banking, financial and instrumental companies it controls or (ii) a parent financial company and the banking, financial and instrumental companies it controls, provided that banking activity is significant within the group, as determined by the Bank of Italy in compliance with CICR directives. All the companies belonging to a banking group are subject to the supervision on a consolidated basis of the Bank of Italy.

        In compliance with EU Directive 2002/87 and the Legislative Decree 142/2005 on financial conglomerates (and Basle 2, as defined in Item 11 of this annual report), insurance companies as of 2006 are to be included in the prudential supervisory area and are subject to additional capital adequacy requirements as it will be determined by the supervisory authority (see also "Financial Conglomerates" below).

        The adoption of IAS/IFRS entails that insurance companies are included in the scope of consolidation of Italian banking groups, while Italian GAAP only made reference to banking activities.

        Pursuant to Section 19 of the Consolidated Banking Law, and in compliance with EU Directive 2000/12, the Bank of Italy's prior authorization is required in the event that acquisition of shares (together with the shares already held) reaches or exceeds 5% of the voting rights or leads to control over an Italian bank. Prior authorization by the Bank of Italy is also required when the 10%, 15%, 20%, 33% or 50% threshold of voting rights is triggered. The Bank of Italy may grant its authorization subject to conditions that are likely to ensure the sound and prudent management of the bank. In addition to the Bank of Italy's authorization, under the recently enacted Law n. 262/2005, in the above mentioned cases the Antitrust Authority's authorization is also required in relation to antitrust issues regarding the market.

        Pursuant to Bank of Italy regulations, the authorization from the Bank of Italy must also be obtained before any irrevocable commitment to buy a significant stake in a bank. In the case of purchases (or sales) which could lead to controlling interest in a bank, the request for authorization to the Bank of Italy must also be preceded (by not more than 30 days) by a preliminary notification to the Bank of Italy concerning the main elements of the transaction (timetable, methods and sources of finance).

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        Persons who, directly or indirectly engage in significant business activity in economic sectors other than banking and finance may not be authorized to acquire shares of a bank which, when added to those already held, would represent more than 15% of the voting rights or control of the bank.

        The Bank of Italy as well as, when the bank is a listed company, CONSOB (the Italian securities and stock exchange regulator), must be notified of any agreement, however concluded, which involves an Italian bank or could lead to a joint exercise of voting rights in a bank or in the parent company of such bank.

        The Interbank Deposit Guarantee Fund (Fondo Interbancario di Tutela dei Depositi, (the "Guarantee Fund"), established in 1987 by the principal Italian banks, protects depositors against the risk of insolvency of a bank and the loss of their deposited funds. Sanpaolo has been a member of the Guarantee Fund since 1987.

        As a result of certain amendments to the Consolidated Banking Law, in 1996 (pursuant to EU Directive No. 94/19), a bank's membership in the Guarantee Fund became compulsory and must have a minimum coverage of Lit. 200 million (€103,291) per depositor.

        Deposits covered by the Guarantee Fund are mainly those of ordinary customers, namely repayable funds in the form of deposits, bank drafts and other similar instruments; bearer deposits, bonds and deposits placed by other credit institutions for their own account have been excluded. Furthermore, the guarantee scheme does not cover, among others, deposits of government and local authorities, financial and insurance companies, and mutual funds.

        The implementation of the Basle Committee's risk-based capital guidelines, which occurred in 1988, is based on the EU's "Own Funds Directive" and the "Solvency Ratio Directive" consolidated in the EU Directive 2000/12. Under these risk-based capital guidelines, implemented since 1992 by the Bank of Italy, a bank's capital adequacy assessment is based on the ratio of its total capital to the risk-adjusted value of its assets and off-balance sheet exposures. A bank's capital is composed of primary capital and supplementary capital. The consolidated total of primary and supplementary capital of a bank may not be less than 8% (or 7% on an unconsolidated basis) of the bank's risk-weighted assets.

        Primary capital (Tier I) consists of: paid-in equity capital, retained earnings, funds for general banking risks, and innovative capital instruments such as preferred shares, minus: treasury stock, intangible assets and losses for the preceding and current fiscal years. Innovative capital instruments can be included in Tier I capital only up to 15% of the capital including such instruments. Any amount in excess of that level can be included in supplementary capital as hybrid capital instruments.

        Supplementary capital (Tier II) capital consists of: asset revaluation reserves, general loan loss reserves, hybrid capital instruments and subordinated loans, minus: net unrealized losses from investments in securities. Starting in March 1998, supplemental assets may include 35% of the net unrealized gains on interests in non-banking and non-financial companies listed on a regulated market. Fifty percent of any net losses must be deducted from supplemental assets, as already provided for net losses on securities. Tier II capital cannot exceed Tier I capital. There are also limitations on the maximum amount of certain items of Tier II capital, such as subordinated debt, which may not exceed 50% of Tier I capital.

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        The capital adequacy ratios are applied to the sum of primary and supplementary capital, less equity investments and certain quasi-equity capital instruments in, and subordinated loans to, affiliated credit and financial institutions.

        In November 2005, the Bank of Italy, in compliance with the Directive 2002/87 ECC and the Legislative Decree 142/2005, published some guidelines, requiring banks to deduct from primary and supplementary capital also shareholdings in insurance and reinsurance companies (including insurance holding companies) at least equal to 20% of the share capital with voting rights as well as those shareholdings in such companies intended to develop the shareholder's activity.

        To assess the capital adequacy of banks under the risk-based capital guidelines, a bank's capital is related to the total of the risk-adjusted values of its assets and off-balance-sheet exposures. The various categories of assets are assigned one of five risk weightings: 0%, 20%, 50%, 100% and 200%.

        In January 2001, the Basle Committee published proposals for an overhaul of the existing international capital adequacy standards. The two principal goals of the proposals are:

        On October 11, 2005 the proposal for a new directive (the "Capital Adequacy Directive") in order to implement the Basle 2 regulatory framework was definitively approved, even though it has not been published yet on the European Union Official Gazette. Each EU country is required to implement such directive by the end of 2006. During 2003, Sanpaolo IMI launched the Basle 2 Project, with the objective of preparing the Group for adoption of the Advanced Approaches from the date the new capital accord comes into effect. (See: Item 11. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk—The Basle 2 Project" on page 195 below).

        Finally, it should also be noted that, under the above mentioned Bank of Italy's guidelines published in November 2005, the Bank of Italy has provided banks with instructions in order to mitigate the impact on regulatory capital of banks arising from the application of IAS/IFRS as of December 2005.

        In March 1997, on the basis of EU directive 93/6 and in response to the increased activity of Italian banks in securities intermediation, the Bank of Italy requested specific consolidated capital requirements, in order to carry out securities intermediation activities. The requirements concern the various classes of risk involved and apply to all securities not held to maturity (i.e., trading account securities and available-for-sale investment securities).

        The risks covered by the capital requirements are:

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        In February 2000, the Bank of Italy introduced the possibility (subject to prior authorization) for banks to use their own internal models to calculate capital requirements to cover market risks. The models may use commodity position risk and total portfolio exchange rate risk. In 2000, certain other modifications to the regulatory framework on market risk concerning the calculation of commodity position risk and new methods of valuing options became effective. See: Part E, page F-119 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

        The Bank of Italy issued certain instructions in respect of the EU Large Exposure Directive in October 1993. From November 1993 until the end of 1998, all loans made by a bank to a single borrower or group of affiliated borrowers (together with all other exposures as defined by the EU Large Exposure Directive) could not exceed 40% of the bank's own funds (as defined pursuant to the EU Own Funds Directive). These regulations were consolidated in EU Directive 2000/12. Since January 2002, the above-mentioned ceiling has been lowered to 25% of the bank's own funds.

        A specific limit applies to loans to companies which are affiliated with banks (i.e., companies in which a bank holds a stake of 20% or more) and to loans to shareholders holding a stake of 15% or more in a bank: these exposures cannot exceed 20% of the bank's own funds as specified by the Bank of Italy regulations. In this regard, it is worth noting that stricter limitations have been recently provided by Law 262/2005 and the CICR in relation to broader categories of entities. The CICR guidelines are still to be implemented by the Bank of Italy.

        In addition, the amount of a bank's large exposures—defined as exposures individually exceeding 10% of the bank's own funds—may not, in the aggregate, exceed eight times the bank's own funds. Under the Bank of Italy's instructions, loans and other exposures are assigned one of four risk weightings (0%, 20%, 50% or 100%), largely depending on the identity of the debtor or guarantor.

        These concentration limits apply to banking groups on a consolidated basis, although the activities related to the trading portfolio of banks and of securities dealing firms (società di intermediazione mobiliare, "SIMs") belonging to a banking group are not taken into account in assessing the group's exposures. Such activities are specifically regulated by regulations implementing EU Directive 93/6. In addition, banks belonging to a banking group are individually subject to a 40% limit on weighted exposures to a single borrower or group of affiliated borrowers.

        For a discussion of the Group's large exposures as of December 31, 2005 see: Item 3. "Key Information—B. Selected Statistical Information—Loan Portfolio—Loans by Category of Borrower" on page 20 above and Part E, Section B of Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-131.

        In consideration of the ability of the banking system to manage, the risks related to the imbalance of maturities and yields, on February 22, 2006, CICR decided to partially repeal the applicable regulations provided by the Ministry of Economy and Finance Decree N. 242632 of June 22, 1993.

        The new regulation does not exempt banks from the responsibility to adopt the appropriate measures in order to control and manage the above mentioned risks, included the risks related to liquidity and changes in maturities.

        In connection with funding activity, the regulations provide the opportunity for all banks to collect funds from the public in any form permitted by law. Banks are also permitted to use various financial

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instruments including bonds and certificates of deposit. The financial instruments may also be issued in the form of subordinated or perpetual debt for funding activities.

        Banks are permitted to make equity investments in all types of companies, subject to rules enacted by the Bank of Italy. Generally, equity participations by a bank in all types of companies may not in the aggregate exceed, together with real estate investments, the bank's consolidated capital. These rules require prior authorization for equity investments exceeding 10% of the consolidated capital of the acquiring bank or 10% or 20% of the capital stock (or otherwise entailing the taking of control) of the bank, financial or insurance company being acquired and for taking control of ancillary banking service companies. Investments in insurance companies exceeding in the aggregate 40% of the bank's consolidated capital (and 60% of its unconsolidated capital) are not authorized.

        Moreover, equity participations in companies other than banks or financial or insurance companies may not exceed (i) 15% of the bank's consolidated capital (or 7.5% for investments in unlisted companies), (ii) 3% of the bank's consolidated capital for investments in a single company or group of companies, or (iii) 15% of the capital stock of the company whose shares are being acquired by the bank. The limit described in (iii) does not apply if the value of the equity investment and the sum of all the other investments exceeding the 15% owned by the bank, do not exceed 1% of its consolidated capital.

        Higher limits are applied by the Bank of Italy upon request by banche abilitate (authorized banks), which are banks with at least €1 billion in capital and which meet the solvency ratios, and by the so-called banche specializzate (specialized banks), which are banks that collect mainly medium- and long-term funds, take no demand deposits, have capital in excess of €1 billion and meet the solvency ratios. The Bank of Italy has recognized Sanpaolo IMI as a banca abilitata. Therefore, Sanpaolo IMI is empowered to purchase over 15% of the capital of a non-financial company, as long as both the value of the equity investment and the sum of all other investments exceeding the 15% limit do not exceed 2% of its consolidated capital. The aggregate of equity investments in non-financial companies cannot, in any event, exceed 50% of Sanpaolo IMI's consolidated capital (or 25% of its consolidated capital for investments in unlisted companies); investments in a single non-financial company or group of companies may not exceed 6% of the bank's consolidated capital.

        The Bank of Italy's regulatory supervision has, in recent years, focused on verifying the existence of conditions of efficiency and self-regulation of banking groups. The focus of the Bank of Italy led Italian banking groups to review their internal controls. The terminology used by the Bank of Italy, "Internal Control System", introduces a strong concept of innovation in the Italian regulatory system: no longer formal controls, but an integration of sub-systems of control which, operating in an integrated manner at all levels throughout the organization, can manage all kinds of risks. In this context, the internal audit department is required to focus on the organization structure. The structure must be designed to evaluate the capacity of the company to reach its given objectives with effectiveness and efficiency. Within Sanpaolo IMI, these responsibilities are assigned to the Internal Audit Department, which is independent from the operating structures and has free access—within its mandate—to data, archives and company assets. (See: Item 6. "Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Committee for Internal Control and Internal Audit Department" on page 158 below).

        The ECB and the Bank of Italy require that banks based in Italy must maintain mandatory cash reserves, directly or indirectly through an intermediary bank, with the Bank of Italy.

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        The amount of the reserve is calculated on a monthly basis at a 2% rate on the total of the following items subject to the reserve requirements: deposits and outstanding debt securities, excluding liabilities due to other banks, to the ECB and to other national central banks. There is no reserve requirement for deposits and debt securities issued with a maturity of more than two years or repayable with a notice of more than two years and for repurchase agreements.

        The reserve can be amended by banks for the whole amount during a particular month as long as the average amount of the daily balances is not less than the required reserve. The Bank of Italy pays interest on the reserve at the average refinancing rates set by the ECB for that month. Sums in excess of the reserve required do not receive interest. In the event of a violation of the requirements of the mandatory reserve, the ECB may impose proportional fines on the bank (or intermediary bank).

        The Consolidated Banking Law also governs certain financial activities performed by non-banking entities, which, in order to be allowed to deal with the public, must be enrolled in a general register kept by the UIC. Such regulated financial activities are as follows: acquiring equity investments, granting loans in any form (including leasing activities) and performing payment or brokerage services in foreign currency. Pursuant to Law 130 of April 30, 1999, relating to securitizations, the transferring of assets to special purpose vehicles and the collection of credits and cashier services are to be considered among such regulated financial activities.

        Financial intermediaries that deal with the public may engage in the activities listed above and, subject to specific authorization, derivatives trading activities for their own accounts and placement of financial instruments, are required to observe the rules for clarity of contractual conditions set forth in the Consolidated Banking Law. Further provisions set forth requirements for the probity of the participants and for the probity and professional competence of their business representatives.

        The financial intermediaries have also to be enrolled in a special register (provided for in Section 107 of Decree N. 385 of 1993, the "Special Register") maintained by the Bank of Italy, if they meet certain objective criteria, defined by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and corresponding to the activities they perform, their size, their debt to equity ratio and their internal control system and organization. These intermediaries are subject to the oversight of the Bank of Italy, which, in August 1996, issued regulations concerning various aspects of capital requirements and risk management. Financial intermediaries must also comply with the rules governing the regular and consolidated annual financial statements of banks.

        The Italian implementing provisions (Law No. 415 of 1996, "Eurosim Law") of the European Directives on investment services (No. 93/22/EEC of May 10, 1993) and market risk capital requirements (No. 93/6/EEC of March 15, 1993), allowed banks to operate directly in regulated securities markets. Restrictions on access by foreign banks and investment firms to the Italian investment services sector have also been removed.

        In 1998, the regulations introduced by the Eurosim Law were reorganized within the framework of the Consolidated Securities Law. The Consolidated Securities Law that was recently revised as a result of important amendments to Italian corporate law and following new Law 262/2005 contains rules concerning the prudential supervision applicable to intermediaries that provide investment services (including the requirement to use guarantee systems as protection against crises) and to intermediaries that offer collective investment management services (mutual funds and open-end investments companies). In particular, the Bank of Italy is responsible for issues related to limitation of risk and financial stability while CONSOB is responsible for issues related to disclosure and proper business conduct. Other sections of the Consolidated Securities Law concern standards for organization and

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management of financial markets, centralized management of financial instruments, methods for soliciting investments and corporate governance of companies that have listed securities.

        The organization and management of Italy's regulated markets is reserved to joint stock corporations: Borsa Italiana S.p.A. runs the Milan stock exchange (which includes the electronic equity market "MTA" or "telematico", (which is subdivided among the Blue Chip, Star and Ordinary segments), Nuovo Mercato and Mercato Expandi, the Securities Derivatives Market (SeDeX), the Italian Derivatives Market (IDEM), the After Hours Market, the MTF (which is a segment of the MTA dedicated to funds) and the Fixed Income Market (MOT and EuroMOT). In compliance with law 262/2005, CONSOB is entitled to prevent, within five days, the execution of Borsa Italiana decisions regarding the exclusion, admittance or suspension of financial instruments and market participants. All the Italian regulated markets are entered onto a list kept by CONSOB. CONSOB continues to exercise supervisory control over listed companies, intermediaries and the markets, as well as the correctness and intelligibility of information required of companies issuing listed securities and other forms of solicitation relating to securities. CONSOB is also empowered to verify compliance with the legislation regarding insider trading and to report infringements to the public prosecutors. In this regard, the Italian Parliament issued a law (Law n. 62 of April 18, 2005) on price-sensitive information and market abuse, amending the Consolidated Securities Law, in order to implement EU Directive 6 of January 28, 2003. The new law sets forth precautionary measures aiming at strengthening the level of protection and the proper use and disclosure of price-sensitive information.

        Securities market participants in Italy include (subject to partially different conditions) investment firms such as SIMs, financial intermediaries the persons entered in the Special Register and banks. Banks, the investment firms and authorized financial intermediaries are allowed to provide investment services, including: professional brokerage and dealing in securities, underwriting and placement, asset management, retail distribution of securities and advisory services regarding investments in securities. As mentioned before, these intermediaries are regulated by CONSOB and the Bank of Italy, and have to observe prudential regulations and rules on transparent and fair business dealing (such as disclosure duties and rules on conflict of interest).

        Because of the reform of Italian corporate law, an important provision had an impact on the liability regime related to dealing and brokerage of corporate bonds applicable to intermediaries. Under the new rules, with reference to private placements of corporate bonds, the intermediary that sells such corporate bonds to "retail" investors, carrying out dealing and brokerage services, is liable, where the amount of bonds issued exceeds a certain level, to such investors for the insolvency of the issuer. Under the new law 262/2005, a similar rule applies in relation to private placements related to financial products apart from the amount of the issuance. In such case the intermediary that sells financial products to "retail" investors is liable to the investors for the insolvency of the issuer for one year from the issuance unless the intermediary provides the investor with a document containing certain information set out by CONSOB. Such information is still to be determined by CONSOB.

        As for the legal framework regarding investment services, a European directive was enacted in 2004 (Directive 39 of April 21, 2004, the so-called MIFID Directive), repealing and replacing EU directive 93/22. The EU member states, Italy included, are required to implement the new regulations by January 31, 2007 and the provisions implemented by member states will be applicable as of November 1, 2007.

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        The marketing, promotion, organization and ownership of mutual funds and the management of SICAVs (even if established by third parties) are reserved for a specific category of authorized intermediaries, SGR (società di gestione del risparmio) and SICAV (società di investimento a capitale variabile). The rules concerning the investment limits of mutual funds, with respect to single sectors or companies and overall minimum portfolio diversification, are set by the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The reform introduced by the Consolidated Securities Law allows SGRs, supervised by the Bank of Italy for those aspects concerning financial stability and risk management policies, to operate in the sector of asset management. Regulations on mutual funds were recently revised by the Bank of Italy. A new regulation was issued on April 14, 2005. The regulation is aimed at ensuring, among other things, full compliance with EU provisions.

        As previously mentioned, banks are permitted to hold control shareholdings in insurance companies. Moreover, the adoption of IAS/IFRS entails that, unlike what was required by Italian GAAP, insurance companies are included in the scope of consolidation, from an accounting point of view, of Italian banking groups.

        The insurance activity is reserved to insurance businesses enrolled in a special register and is mainly regulated by the Legislative Decree No. 209/05, which has enacted the "Private Insurance Code".

        The Private Insurance Code, that repealed and replaced previous regulations, defines the role and the powers of the supervisory authorities and provides for the definition of insurance activity. Moreover, it contains provisions regarding, among others: the authorization of insurance activities, the acquisition of equity participation in insurance companies, insurance supervision (on an unconsolidated and consolidated basis), insurance brokerage, special bankruptcy procedures for insurance companies, transparency of contractual terms and applicable fines and sanctions.

        According to the Private Insurance Code, insurance activity is defined as taking and managing risks by an insurance undertaking.

        The insurance activity is divided into (i) non-life insurance activities (including, among others, accident insurance, health insurance and fire insurance) and (ii) life insurance activities (including insurance activities related to the human life span, to the marriage rate and birthrate, whose value can also be connected with the value of funds or other indexes). As a general rule, it is not allowed to carry on—both—life and non-life insurance activities, except for specific circumstances provided by the Private Insurance Code, and subject to the Isvap's (Istituto per la Vigilanza sulle Assicurazioni Private) prior authorization.

        The insurance activity is subject to the supervision of the Italian Ministry of Productive Activities and the Isvap (in compliance with the applicable EU directives), with the aim of granting the sound and prudent management of insurance and reinsurance undertakings, fair behavior of supervised entities, the overall stability and efficiency of the insurance system and protection of clients. Isvap's supervision is carried out on (i) insurance and reinsurance undertakings which carry out their activity in Italy, and (ii) insurance groups and financial conglomerates including insurance and reinsurance undertakings.

        With regard to supervision functions, Isvap has the general power to authorize insurance activity (subject to the existence of some specific requirements provided by the Private Insurance Code), to adopt general regulations, to make inspections and inflict sanctions.

        Isvap supervision is focused on, among others, insurance companies financial statements, review of amendments to bylaws, solvency ratios and reserves requirements and insurance companies internal control system.

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        With regard to the participation in the share capital of the insurance undertakings, Isvap's prior authorization is required in the event that acquisition of shares (together with the shares already held) reaches or exceeds 5% of the voting rights or leads to control over an insurance company.

        The Legislative Decree No. 142/05 implementing the Directive 2002/87/EEC regulates additional supervision (the "supplementary supervision") of banks, insurance undertakings and investment firms being part of a financial conglomerate.

        A "financial conglomerate" is a group which meets the following requirements:

        The supplementary supervision on the regulated entities which are included in a financial conglomerate is aimed at safeguarding the stability of the whole conglomerate as well as the stability of the single entities being part of the financial conglomerate, whether or not they are regulated. It is also aimed at preventing the destabilizing effects upon the financial system arising from the difficulties affecting some of the companies of the financial conglomerate.

        Every financial conglomerate which is a subgroup of another financial conglomerate is subject to the supplementary supervision within that financial conglomerate.

        Based on the Legislative Decree No. 142/05, the Bank of Italy and Isvap, on November 16, 2005 entered into an agreement regulating the identification and the capital adequacy of financial conglomerates. This agreement, subsequently endorsed by CONSOB, points out seven different financial conglomerates in Italy and the authorities charged with the task of coordinator and with the supplementary supervision. According to such agreement, Sanpaolo IMI has been recognized as a financial conglomerate and the Bank of Italy as the Authority responsible for the activities of coordination and supplementary supervision on the regulated entities of the Sanpaolo IMI financial conglomerate.

        The supplementary supervision will be mainly focused on: (i) capital adequacy requirements, (ii) risk concentration, (iii) intra-group transaction and (iv) internal control systems.

        The main supervisory powers of the Authority that is responsible for carrying out supplementary supervision (the "Coordinator") include the following:

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        The following is a discussion of Italian corporate governance regulatory framework. For a discussion of the comparative analysis between NYSE corporate governance standards and Sanpaolo IMI corporate governance practice see: Item 6. "Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Comparative Analysis between NYSE Corporate Governance Standards and Sanpaolo IMI Corporate Governance Practice" on page 160 below.

        A specific section of the Consolidated Securities Law, recently revised by Law 262/2005, is devoted to the corporate governance of listed companies. This section contains, among others, provisions concerning both voluntary and mandatory tender offers; the disclosure of interests held by the shareholders, of interlocking interests and of shareholder agreements. The board of statutory auditors was given broader powers to examine the management of the company, and further measures to protect minority shareholders were added. In this regard, it is worth noting that Law 262/2005, amending the Consolidated Securities Law, requires one member of the board of directors be appointed by a minority list of shareholders and one member be independent (if the directors are more than seven) according to some specific requirements. The Consolidated Securities Law introduced a special system for the voting of proxies at the shareholders' meetings of listed companies and for the solicitation and collection of such proxies; CONSOB regulations specify the methods and procedures.

        In 1999, a committee, coordinated by the Chairman of Borsa Italiana (the "Committee") and composed of representatives of Italian banks, industries, insurance companies and associations of issuers and investors, prepared a Code of Self-Regulation for listed companies (the "Code"), a model of corporate governance that emphasizes the role and the responsibilities of the board of directors and ensures a balanced division of power among the executive and non-executive members of the board of directors, the auditing department and the relation with all the shareholders. The Code recommends the constitution within the board of directors of certain technical committees. According to the Code, the board of directors is required to appoint, within the board of directors itself, a committee for internal control (Comitato per il controllo interno). The purpose of such committee is to advise and make proposals. The committee for internal control is composed of non executive directors, the majority of which is independent. The chairman of the board of auditors or another auditor appointed by the chairman of the board of auditors participates in the committee's meetings. As for the composition, tasks and powers of the committee for internal control in Sanpaolo IMI; see: Item 6. "Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Committee for Internal Control and Internal Audit Department" at page 158 below.

        The importance of the Code, whose application is voluntary, was immediately acquired by the market. The Board of Directors of Sanpaolo IMI adhered to the Code in 2000. Borsa Italiana currently requires all companies applying for listing on MTA to submit a statement comparing their corporate governance model to the model of the Code. In 2002, the Committee revised the Code to reinforce the independence of the non-executive members of the Board of Directors, the correct handling of confidential information, the responsibility of the board of Directors for the internal control system and the compliance with criteria of substantial and procedural fairness with reference to the transactions

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with related parties. In March 2006, the Code was significantly revised and issuers are expected to be compliant with new provisions of the Code by the end of 2006.

        Moreover, in January 2003, the Italian Government approved a reform of corporate law (the "Reform"), governing limited liability and joint-stock companies and co-operatives. The Reform, whose provisions became part of the Italian Civil Code, introduced more flexible corporate models as well as rules concerning, among others, simplification of the incorporation procedures and the issuance of new financial instruments by limited liability and joint-stock companies. The Reform became effective on January 1, 2004. Provisional regulations were enacted to allow companies to gradually conform to the Reform. Full compliance with the Reform was required by September 30, 2004.

        The main innovations introduced by the Reform with regard to companies relate to their corporate governance. Together with the "ordinary" system, which is the traditional organizational structure which entails three different corporate bodies with different tasks and powers, the shareholders' meeting, management and supervisory bodies (the board of directors or sole director and the board of statutory auditors), the new rules provide for two other models: the "single" system and the "dual" system. Each company is able to elect which corporate governance system, among those listed below, it wants to implement.

        The Italian Legislative Decree No. 37/04, approved on February 6, 2004, modified the Consolidated Banking Law and the Consolidated Securities Law to coordinate their provisions on banks and listed companies with the provisions of the Reform. The amendments to the Consolidated Banking Law and the Consolidated Securities Law include, among others, amendments relating to the duties and responsibilities of the administrative and supervisory bodies of the companies provided by the new models of governance. Moreover, on December 28, 2004, the Italian Government issued Legislative Decree No. 310/2004, which further modified the Consolidated Banking Law and the Consolidated Securities Law in order to complete the reform process and remove all the inconsistencies noticed during the first year of effectiveness of the Reform.

        The following are the three models of governance which companies are able to adopt pursuant to the Reform:

        Italian banks are not allowed to adopt the new corporate models provided by the Reform until new regulations on corporate governance and organization implementing the Reform are enacted by the Bank of Italy.

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        In this regard, while CICR adopted (see CICR decision of August 5, 2004) a set of guidelines for the implementation of the Reform with respect to banks, the Bank of Italy has not yet enacted the related supervisory instructions.

        Sanpaolo IMI—whose corporate governance framework reflects the mandatory provisions of Italian corporate law and securities laws—is maintaining the "ordinary" system. The organizational structure of the Parent Bank is based on:

D.    Organizational Structure

        See: Item 4. "C. Business Overview" on page 59 above.

E.    Property, Plants and Equipment

        Sanpaolo IMI owns the headquarters buildings of the Sanpaolo IMI Group, located in Turin, and secondary offices located in Rome and in Bologna. In addition, Sanpaolo IMI owns or leases other properties in Italy and abroad which are used for Group operations or leased to third parties.

        Sanpaolo IMI has conducted an audit of any environmental issues that may affect the use of its assets. Full details of this analysis are published in its "Social Report" (Bilancio Sociale) which is available in English on Sanpaolo IMI's website: www.grupposanpaoloimi.com, under "corporate social responsibility". The Social Report considers direct environmental impact (energy consumption, recyclable publication expenses, waste disposal, atmospheric emissions and water consumption) and indirect impact (financings of environmentally sensitive projects and ethical investment funds).

        Management believes that Sanpaolo IMI is compliant with all relevant environmental standards in Italy and abroad and pursues a policy of adherence to best international practices.

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

        The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report, which have been prepared in accordance with EU GAAP and which differ in certain aspects from U.S. GAAP. For a summary of the significant differences between EU GAAP and U.S. GAAP, see: Part M, Section 1 and Section 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements on pages F-214 and F-215, respectively. EU GAAP also differs in certain aspects from IFRS as published by IASB. For a reconciliation between our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005 under EU GAAP and under IFRS as published by IASB, see Part M, Section 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-223 below.

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        As explained above under "Presentation of Financial Information", we first adopted EU GAAP on January 1, 2005. In connection with presenting our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 for purposes of comparison with our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2005, we elected the option available to us under IFRS 1 "First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards" to defer the first-time application of IAS 32, IAS 39 (financial instruments) and IFRS 4 (insurance contracts) to January 1, 2005 without restating our financial statements at and for the year ended December 31, 2004 to give effect to the three foregoing accounting standards. Consequently, comparable information at and for the year ended December 31, 2004 relating to financial instruments and insurance contracts covered by IAS 39 and IFRS 4 was prepared in accordance with Italian GAAP. In the tables presented in this section of this annual report, the line items for the year ended December 31, 2004 that were prepared in accordance with Italian GAAP are identified with the reference numbers from our Italian GAAP financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004 and the abbreviation "It." The results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 relating to our insurance activities, which under Italian GAAP were consolidated at equity, are presented in this annual report using the same line items applicable to such activities in our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005.

        The Consolidated Financial Statements have not been reclassified in order to comply with the format required for the consolidated income statements and consolidated balance sheets of bank holding companies pursuant to Regulation S-X under the U.S. securities laws but have been presented in the same format as that used in the consolidated financial statements included in our annual report to shareholders prepared pursuant to Italian law (which we refer to as our Italian annual report).

Presentation of Results

        Except as discussed herein, in the following discussion, the comparison between our consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2004 and those for the year ended December 31, 2005 is based on our audited consolidated income statement. For what concerns the discussion of our consolidated results of operating, solely for purposes of discussing our net interest income, average interest spread and net interest margin, we also compare the results for the year ended December 31, 2005 with those for the year ended December 31, 2004 based on our reclassified consolidated income statement. The reclassified income statement presented as part of our net interest income discussion is derived from and reconciled to the audited income statement, and is prepared consistently with and as authorized by Italian law and regulations. The reclassified income statement also forms the basis of management's discussion and analysis of operating results in our Italian annual report. For what concerns the discussion of our results of operations by Business Sector, we compare the results for the year ended December 31, 2005 with those for the year ended December 31, 2004 based on our reclassified income statement. The reclassified income statement presented as part of our Business Segments discussion is derived from and reconciled to the audited income statement, and is prepared consistently with and as authorized by Italian law and regulations. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the reclassified income statement by Business Sector is EU GAAP compliant, reconstructed in conformity with IFRS 1 without application of IAS 32 and 39 (financial instruments) or IFRS 4 (insurance contracts) whose application date was determined to be January 1, 2005. The reclassified income statement is the only basis upon which management prepares operating results and projections by Business Sector. For purposes of strategic and operational planning, management prepares reclassified income statements broken down by Business Sector which provide more detailed information than that contained in the Consolidated Financial Statements. These Business Sector statements reflect the organizational structure of the Group and are based on the reclassified income statements that form the basis of management's discussion and analysis of the operating results in our consolidated Italian annual report. Since we believe the additional level of detail contained in our reclassified income statement by Business Sector is more informative to our shareholders, the discussion of our operating results by Business Sector in this report is based on the reclassified income

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statements. For the purposes of the discussion of the results of operations by Business Sector, the data for the year ended December 31, 2004 are on a proforma basis, assuming that the changes to the organizational structure affective as of July 18, 2005, had occurred as of January 1, 2004. See: Item 4. "Information on Sanpaolo IMI" on page 56. For a reconciliation between our audited income statement and our reclassified income statement see Item 5. "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" on page 93 below.

General Factors Affecting Sanpaolo IMI's Business

        In 2005, the global economy, though slowing in comparison with 2004, grew at a significant pace (4.8%), driven by the performance of the United States and many Asian countries, including China and India. After a temporary deceleration in the first months of 2005, world trade volumes picked up again towards the end of the year. At the same time, signs of strengthening in the Euro Zone (by which we mean the EU member states that have adopted the euro as their currency) and Japan's economic cycle and of softening in U.S. economic growth became more evident.

        Despite tensions in the crude oil market, which drove up consumer prices in many countries, on a global level, core inflation (excluding energy and food prices) remained well-contained. The high price of energy products did not translate into wage rises and expectations for medium-term inflation remained under control.

        The United States reported a solid economic performance in 2005. Gross Domestic Product grew at an annual rate of 3.5%, despite the sharp braking in production in the fourth quarter, the Federal Reserve's restrictive monetary policy and climactic troubles. The increase in households' disposable income—which also benefited from the increase in net worth due to the appreciation of real estate values—contributed to maintaining high levels of consumption, while strong earnings and cash flow supported corporate investments. However, the United States' public sector and foreign trade deficits were not corrected. In 2005, the public sector deficit represented 4.1% of GDP and the foreign trade deficit represented 6.4% of GDP.

        Price indices were affected by increased energy prices, and the average consumer price index increased by 3.5% in 2005. Tensions were more marked in the second half of the year, partially driven by production prices. As a result, the restrictive stance of the Federal Reserve was continued for longer than markets initially expected. As of December 2005, the policy rate had been gradually raised to 4.25%. All the same, long-term interest rates followed a different trend, which former chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, Alan Greenspan, described as a "conundrum". Despite an increase in short-term interest rates, in the first half of 2005, the 10-year benchmark rate fell from 4.5% to 4%, with a visible shrinking in term premiums, only to rise again to 4.5% in the second half of the year.

        Solid growth in the United States and progressive increases in interest rates by the Federal Reserve were the main drivers behind the U.S. dollar's strengthening against the yen and the euro during 2005. At the beginning of 2005, the euro-dollar exchange rate was €1=$1.30, whereas, at the end of December 2005 the exchange rate was €1=$1.19. However, the increasing public and current account deficits continued to be major factors pointing to a depreciation of the U.S. dollar in the medium term.

        In 2005, the Euro Zone grew at a slower than expected rate of 1.3% despite a recovery in the second half of the year, when the depreciation of the euro and historically favorable financing conditions led to a positive trend in exports and a gradual upturn in investments. Overall, internal demand remained subdued as consumption was still very modest.

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        Among Euro Zone members, Germany and Italy had the lowest growth rates, 0.9% and 0.1%, respectively, in 2005. The economic performance of the two countries was largely affected by the weakness of domestic demand. France and Spain showed livelier trends with growth rates of 1.4% and 2.7%, respectively, due to the positive dynamics of household consumption, which was sustained by a large increase in real estate prices.

        Public sector deficits throughout the Euro Zone were stable at approximately 3% of GDP with an overall trend towards matching the Maastricht parameters. Among Euro Zone countries, public sector net debt reached 67.5% of GDP in Germany and 67.3% of GDP in France.

        Inflation in 2005 was 2.2%, only slightly lower than in 2004, sustained by the extensive rise in oil prices. The European Central Bank ("ECB") raised the policy rate to 2.25% in December 2005, the first such increase in 30 months.

        The stagnation of the Italian economy in 2005 was largely due to a negative contribution from foreign demand, a decrease in gross fixed investments and a flat trend in household consumption. A change in inventories, increased residential investments and an increase in public spending made positive contributions. In terms of value added, the services and construction sectors contributed positively, balancing the negative contribution of the manufacturing sector. Although the annual growth rate for industrial production was negative (a decrease of 0.8%), overall it showed a recovering trend from the lows seen at the beginning of 2005. The competitive difficulties experienced by some "Made in Italy" sectors were reflected in the poor performance of exports in real terms (an increase of 0.3%), despite the expansion of international trade volume.

        From the information available so far, the financial deficit of the Italian public administration is estimated to have deteriorated from 3.4% in 2004 to 4.1% in 2005, due especially to a slower growth in revenues caused by the weakness of the economic cycle. At the same time, Italy's public debt, as a percentage of GDP, is estimated to be 106.3%, 2.4 percentage points higher than in 2004.

        The rate of inflation in Italy was 1.9% in 2005. The inflationary trend in energy prices was partially mitigated by moderate price increases in non-energy goods.

        In 2005, the weakness of the economy was not a constraint on Italian banking loan dynamics, which increased at a rate higher than nominal GDP.

        Loans increased by 7.7% in 2005 compared with 5.5% in 2004. The overall trend was sustained by a significant increase in household loans (an increase of 11.7%). Mortgages, still in considerable expansion (an increase of 17.4%), were encouraged, on the one hand, by the substantial increases in prices in the real estate market and, on the other hand, by particularly favorable financing conditions. Consumer credit, while continuing to account for a small part of total household debt (below the average of the principal European economies), increased at a sustained pace (an increase of 16.3%).

        Loans to non-financial companies showed, on the whole, a smoother trend (an increase of 5.1%), paying heavily for the stagnation of manufacturing activity and large corporate sector cash flow. Among the various business sectors, loans to services, including real estate services, and to public works showed the most significant growth. During the year the financing of merger and acquisition transactions, especially in the telecommunications sector, showed an increase. In 2005, the composition of loans by duration again showed a clear difference between the medium/long term (an increase of 10.8%) and the short term (an increase of 0.5%). This can be explained by the increase in household residential mortgages, the high volume of liquidity and the ongoing process of restructuring the maturity profile of corporate debt. In 2005, non-performing loans decreased by 32.8%. The main risk ratios (including the net non-performing loans/net loans ratio) reflected the improvement in credit quality.

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        The evolution of asset management enjoyed the positive effects of a broad revaluation of share prices in 2005. The climate of uncertainty that characterized 2005 was reflected in a significant increase in liquidity and prudent financial investments by households. In this context, bank funding increased by 7.9% due to the contribution of total deposits (an increase of 7.3%) and bonds, which continued to grow considerably (an increase of 8.8%).

        With money market reference rates remaining substantially stable, the average cost on banks' interest-bearing liabilities in 2005 remained at the levels of year-end 2004. On the other hand, the average yield on banks' interest-earning assets continued to decrease, especially for the household sector. At the end of 2005, the short-term interest spread on household and non-financial company loan rates was 18 basis points lower than at year-end 2004.

        The main international share indices reflected an alternating trend in the first nine months of 2005 before ending the year with a net gain compared to 2004. The S&P 500 gained 3%, the Nikkei 40.2%, the DJ Euro Stoxx 23% and the Mibtel 13.8%. Globally, equity markets benefited largely from two factors: a positive trend in corporate earnings, generated not only by cost reductions but also—especially in the United States—by increases in operating revenues and the particularly low level of nominal and real interest rates.

        Owing to the recovery of prices, the stock market capitalization of Italian companies listed on domestic exchanges rose to €677 billion in 2005, a strong increase also as a percentage of GDP (49% at year-end 2005 compared with 43.1% at year-end 2004). There were 15 new listings in Italy in 2005 compared to eight in 2004. Capital raised through public offerings in 2005 amounted to €6.8 billion compared to €12 billion in 2004, on the basis of 18 transactions, the same as the previous year. The total funds raised by listed companies through capital increases, on the other hand, rose to €12 billion in 2005 compared with €3.3 billion in 2004, on the basis of 23 transactions compared to 28 in 2004. The average daily value of shares traded was €3.73 billion in 2005 compared with €2.9 billion in 2004.

        Despite a scenario characterized by uncertain economic conditions, a considerable increase in real estate prices and a prudent attitude by Italian households in favor of lower-risk financial investments, the asset management sector grew at a higher rate in 2005 than in 2004. At December 31, 2005, the value of investment funds managed by Italian intermediaries was €585 billion, an increase of 8.8% compared with year-end 2004. The increase was due to a positive revaluation of share and bond prices and to investment inflows. As of December 31, 2005, there was a net inflow of funds totalling €8.4 billion. The year-end data showed a particularly large outflow for equity and liquidity funds (a decrease of €14 billion).

A.    Results of Operations for the Two Years Ended December 31, 2005

1.     Changes in the Scope of Consolidation

        All the Italian and foreign entities in which Sanpaolo IMI holds, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the voting rights or is exposed to the majority of the risks and obtains the majority of benefits, with the exception of certain minor subsidiaries which are not material, are fully consolidated. The scope of full consolidation specifically includes entities engaged in banking, financial and related activities that are part of the Sanpaolo IMI banking group as recorded in the Bank of Italy register in compliance with Article 64 of Legislative Decree No. 385 of September 1, 1993; subsidiaries engaged in activities other than banking, financial or related activities; and entities which expose the Group to the majority of risks and rewards.

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        All Italian and foreign entities which are jointly controlled with other shareholders and entities over which Sanpaolo IMI exercises significant influence by holding, directly or indirectly, between 20% and 50% of the voting rights, are consolidated under the equity method. Under this method, our proportional share of the net profits or losses of these entities is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements. An entity is considered subject to joint control where agreements exist to the effect that all material administrative, financial and management decisions require the consent of all the parties sharing control over the entity.

        The individual entities' financial statements used for consolidation purposes are those prepared at December 31, 2005 and approved by the individual entities' Board of Directors, subject to consolidation adjustments where necessary. The valuation of investments using the equity method was made on the basis of the latest reports or financial statements available. For a more detailed explanation of the basis on which we consolidate subsidiaries and other entities, see Part A.1, Section 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-16 below.

        There were no material changes in the Group's scope of full consolidation in the year ended December 31, 2005 compared with 2004. For details of the Group's scope of full end equity consolidation, see Part B, Section 10 of the Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-48 below.

2.     Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2004

        For the year ended December 31, 2005, our principal income margins (being the difference between income and expenses of the main income components) increased compared with 2004. Our net result of financial and insurance activities increased by €2,420 million, or 45.8%, to €7,706 million in 2005 compared to €5,286 million in 2004. However, to make the comparison more meaningful, other net income from insurance activities in the amount of €1,831 million should be added to the net result of financial and insurance activities for 2004, for a total of €7,117 million. On this basis, the increase in 2005 amounted to €589 million, or 8.3%, compared to 2004, primarily due to a 21.5% increase in net interest income, a 6.0% increase in net commissions and a 12.1% decrease in impairment losses on loans and financial assets.

        Our operating profit before tax from continuing operations increased by €878 million, or 40.9%, to €3,023 million in 2005 compared to €2,145 million in 2004. This increase reflected our successful containment of operating expenses, which remained substantially stable, as well as a decrease in net provisions for risks and charges.

        The net profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent Bank was €1,983 million in 2005, an increase of €536 million, or 37.0% compared to €1,447 million in 2004. This increase was reflected in an improvement in our return on equity, or RoE, calculated as the ratio of net profit for the year to net shareholders' equity (excluding profit for the year) at the end of the year, which increased to 17.2% in 2005 from 13.3% in 2004.

        The following table sets forth the components of the Group's net interest income for the years ended December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, based on the Audited Consolidated Income Statement.

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Audited Consolidated Income Statement

 
   
  Year ended December 31,
 
 
   
  2005
  2004(1)
 
 
   
  (millions of €)

 
10.   Interest income and similar revenues   8,235      
10 It.   Interest income and similar revenues(2)       7,196  
20.   Interest expense and similar charges   (3,786 )    
20 It.   Interest expenses and similar charges(2).       (3,534 )
       
 
 
    Net interest income   4,449   3,662  
       
 
 

(1)
EU GAAP in conformity with IFRS 1 without the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, whose transition date is deemed to be January 1, 2005.

(2)
Item presented in accordance with Italian GAAP format.

        In 2005, net interest income increased by €787 million, or 21.5%, to €4,449 million compared with €3,662 million in 2004. This increase was primarily due to the reclassification of the results of our insurance activities, which produced net interest income of €702 million in 2005. In 2004, the net interest income attributable to our insurance activities, was included in other net income from insurance activities.

        The positive impact of the reclassification of our insurance activities on net interest income in 2005 was partially offset by the results of Banca IMI, whose net interest income decreased by €47 million, or 39.8%, to €71 million in 2005 compared to €118 million in 2004. This decrease was due to an increase in Banca IMI's financing needs for non-interest-bearing securities, attributable to an increase in its equity arbitrage activities as a result of changed market conditions. Banca IMI's net interest income is related to securities dealing activities rather than banking activities. Management believes that excluding the impact of Banca IMI's net interest income is relevant for a better understanding of the components and the reasons for the year-on-year changes in net interest income from the Group's banking activities. Excluding the net interest income of Banca IMI and our insurance activities, and taking into consideration certain other related adjustments, as shown in our reclassified income statement and average balance sheet discussed below, the Group's net interest income related to banking activities increased by €119 million or 3.3%, to €3,724 million in 2005 compared to €3,605 million in 2004.

        Both components of net interest income, interest income and interest expense, increased in 2005 compared with 2004. Interest income increased by €404 million, or 6.0%, to €7,096 million in 2005 from €6,692 million in 2004, due to an increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets, partly offset by a decrease in the average yield on interest-earning assets from 4.24% in 2004 to 4.14% in 2005. Interest expense increased by €285 million, or 9.2%, to €3,372 million in 2005 from €3,087 million in 2004. This was primarily due to an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities and, to a lesser extent, an increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities from 2.03% in 2004 to 2.05% in 2005.

        The following tables show, on the basis of Sanpaolo IMI's reclassified financial statements, the average balances and interest rates by category and by currency of the Group's interest-earning and non-interest-earning assets and its interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing liabilities in each case related to our banking activities, for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. Loans and other interest-earning assets are presented net of any write-offs and any allowance for probable loan losses. For purposes of these tables: (i) average balances have been determined based on daily figures for

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interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities of Sanpaolo IMI, Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli, Banca OPI, Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico, Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, Cassa di Risparmio di Venezia, Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna, and Friulcassa, and on monthly figures for all the other assets and liabilities of the Group (management believes that the average figures below present substantially the same trend as would be presented by daily averages); (ii) interest income and expense in the following tables vary from the amounts presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements (see footnotes to tables below for further details); and (iii) tax-exempt income has not been calculated on a tax-equivalent basis because the effect of such calculations would not be significant.

 
  Year ended December 31,
 
  2005
  2004(1)
 
  Average balance
  Interest(2)
  Average yield(3)
  Average balance
  Interest(2)
  Average yield(3)
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Assets:                        
Interest-earning assets                        
Interest-earning deposits and loans to credit institutions   20,055   541   2.70%   14,812   292   1.97%
  —Euro   9,863   238   2.41%   10,355   200   1.93%
  —Non Euro   10,192   303   2.97%   4,457   92   2.06%
Reverse repurchase agreements   6,475   145   2.24%   7,721   155   2.01%
  —Euro   5,574   116   2.08%   6,976   143   2.05%
  —Non Euro   901   29   3.22%   745   12   1.61%
Trading account securities and investments   17,533   513   2.93%   16,512   508   3.08%
  —Euro   15,597   436   2.80%   14,344   445   3.10%
  —Non Euro   1,936   77   3.97%   2,168   63   2.91%
Loans and leases to non-credit institutions   126,429   5,869   4.64%   117,962   5,703   4.83%
  —Euro   120,905   5,640   4.66%   112,130   5,485   4.89%
  —Non Euro   5,524   229   4.15%   5,832   218   3.74%
Other interest-earning assets from Banco di Napoli(4)   722   28   3.88%   938   34   3.62%
Total banking interest-earning assets   171,214   7,096   4.14%   157,945   6,692   4.24%
  —Euro   152,661   6,458   4.23%   144,743   6,307   4.35%
  —Non Euro   18,553   638   3.44%   13,202   385   2.92%
Investment banking assets   31,759           24,555        
Insurance business assets   45,028           37,728        
Total non-banking interest-earning assets   76,787           62,283        
Non-interest-earning assets   19,550           25,735        
   
         
       
Total assets   267,551           245,963        
   
         
       

(1)
EU GAAP in conformity with IFRS 1 without the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, whose transition date is deemed to be January 1, 2005.

(2)
Total interest income varies by €1,139 million and €504 million from total interest income as shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, due to the following differences:

the reclassification of interest income of A.I.P. that relates to insurance activities of €815 million in 2005;

the reclassification of interest income of Banca IMI that relates to securities dealing activities of €770 million and €552 million in 2005 and 2004, respectively;

the reclassification of interest income on derivative contracts hedging interest rate risk, which in the Consolidated Financial Statements are netted together, but which in the above table are

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(3)
Represents interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

(4)
This line item comprises the credits from SGA. SGA is the company established to recover non-performing loans of Banco di Napoli. See Part B, Section 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-44.

 
  Year ended December 31,
 
  2005
  2004(1)
 
  Average balance
  Interest(2)
  Average rate(3)
  Average balance
  Interest(2)
  Average rate(3)
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:                        
Interest-bearing liabilities                        
Deposits, short-term borrowings and medium and long-term debt from credit institutions   29,357   795   2.71%   21,680   499   2.30%
  —Euro   19,808   479   2.42%   15,442   373   2.42%
  —Non Euro   9,549   316   3.31%   6,238   126   2.02%
Short-term borrowings and medium- and long-term debt from non-credit institutions   76,899   849   1.10%   70,580   712   1.01%
  —Euro   68,254   592   0.87%   65,943   608   0.92%
  —Non Euro   8,645   257   2.97%   4,637   104   2.24%
Repurchase Agreements   10,466   212   2.03%   8,332   172   2.06%
  —Euro   10,466   212   2.03%   8,332   172   2.06%
  —Non Euro                
Securities and subordinated liabilities(4)   48,119   1,516   3.15%   51,434   1,704   3.31%
  —Euro   47,533   1,491   3.14%   49,941   1,677   3.36%
  —Non Euro   586   25   4.27%   1,493   27   1.81%
Total banking interest-bearing liabilities   164,841   3,372   2.05%   152,026   3,087   2.03%
  —Euro   146,061   2,774   1.90%   139,658   2,830   2.03%
  —Non Euro   18,780   598   3.19%   12,368   257   2.08%
Investment Banking   31,305           23,591        
Insurance business   43,833           36,715        
Total non-banking interest- bearing liabilities   75,138           60,306        
Other liabilities   14,613           21,709        
Minority interest   200           187        
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities   14,813           21,896        
Shareholders' equity:                        
Common shares   5,215           5,181        
Other shareholders' equity   7,544           6,554        
Total shareholder's equity(5)   12,759           11,735        
   
         
       
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   267,551           245,963        
   
         
       

(1)
EU GAAP in conformity with IFRS 1 without the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, whose transition date is deemed to be January 1, 2005.

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(2)
Total interest expense varies by €414 million and €447 million from total interest expense as shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 respectively, due to the following differences:

the reclassification of interest expense of A.I.P. that relates to insurance activities of €113 million in 2005;

the reclassification of interest expense of Banca IMI that relates to securities dealing activities of €699 million and €434 million in 2005 and 2004, respectively; and

the reclassification of interest expense on derivative contracts hedging interest rate risk, which in the Consolidated Financial Statements are netted together, but which in the above table are netted against interest expense of the respective assets or liabilities hedged by the derivatives and the effect of intra-Group eliminations between our insurance business, Banca IMI and other Group companies. These reclassifications decreased interest expense by €398 million in 2005 and increased interest expense by €13 million in 2004.

(3)
Represents interest expense as a percentage of average interest-bearing liabilities.

(4)
Represents senior and subordinated debt issued by the Group.

(5)
Average shareholders' equity includes net income.

        The following table shows the allocation, by category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and by currency, of changes in the Group's net interest income due to changes in average volume, changes in average rate and changes in both average volume and average rate for the year ended December 31, 2005 compared to the year ended December 31, 2004.

 
  Year ended December 31, 2005/2004(1)
 
 
  Increase/(decrease) due to changes in
 
 
  Volume(2)
  Rate(3)
  Volume/ Rate(4)
  Net change(5)
 
 
  (millions of €)

 
Interest Income                  
Interest earning assets                  
Interest-earning deposits and loans to credit institutions   103   108   38   249  
  —Euro   (9 ) 50   (3 ) 38  
  —Non Euro   118   41   52   211  
Reverse repurchase agreements   (25 ) 18   (3 ) (10 )
  —Euro   (29 ) 2     (27 )
  —Non Euro   3   12   2   17  
Trading account securities and investment(5)   31   (25 ) (1 ) 5  
  —Euro   39   (43 ) (5 ) (9 )
  —Non Euro   (7 ) 23   (2 ) 14  
Loans and leases to non-credit institutions   409   (224 ) (19 ) 166  
  —Euro   429   (258 ) (16 ) 155  
  —Non Euro   (12 ) 24   (1 ) 11  
Other interest-earning assets from Banco di Napoli(6)   (8 ) 2     (6 )
Total interest income   563   (158 ) (1 ) 404  
  —Euro   345   (188 ) (6 ) 151  
  —Non Euro   156   69   28   253  
                   

101


Interest Expense                  
Interest bearing liabilities                  
Deposits, short-term borrowings and medium-and long-term debt from credit institutions   177   89   30   296  
  —Euro   106       106  
  —Non Euro   67   80   43   190  
Short-term borrowings and medium- and long-term debt from non-credit institutions   64   64   9   137  
  —Euro   21   (33 ) (4 ) (16 )
  —Non Euro   90   34   29   153  
Repurchase agreements   44   (2 ) (2 ) 40  
  —Euro   44   (2 ) (2 ) 40  
  —Non Euro          
Securities and subordinated liabilities(7)   (110 ) (82 ) 4   (188 )
  —Euro   (81 ) (110 ) 5   (186 )
  —Non Euro   (16 ) 37   (23 ) (2 )
Total interest expense   260   30   (5 ) 285  
  —Euro   130   (182 ) (4 ) (56 )
  —Non Euro   133   137   71   341  

(1)
2004 figures are EU GAAP in conformity with IFRS 1 without the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, whose transition date is deemed to be January 1, 2005.

(2)
Represents the average balance for the year minus the average balance for 2004, multiplied by the average yield for 2004.

(3)
Represents the average yield for the year minus the average yield for 2004, multiplied by the average balance for 2004.

(4)
Represents the difference between net change and the sum of volume and rate.

(5)
Represents interest for the year minus interest for the previous year.

(6)
Consists of the receivable from SGA. SGA is the company established to recover non-performing loans of Banco di Napoli. See: Part B, Section 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-44 below.

(7)
Represents senior and subordinated debt issued by the Group.

        The average balance of the Group's interest-earning assets related to banking activities increased by €13,269 million, or 8.4%, in 2005 compared to 2004. This increase was primarily due to:

102


        The average balance of the Group's interest-bearing liabilities related to banking activities increased by €12,815 million, or 8.4%, in 2005 compared with 2004. This increase was primarily due to:


        The difference between the average balance of non-interest-bearing liabilities (€14 ,813 million and €21,896 million at, respectively, December 31, 2005 and 2004) related to banking activities and shareholders' equity (€12,759 million and €11,735 million at, respectively, December 31, 2005 and 2004) on the one hand and the average balance of non-interest-earning assets related to banking activities (€19,550 million and €25,735 million at, respectively, December 31, 2005 and 2004) on the other hand, which we refer to as the funding imbalance, was €8,022 million in 2005 compared to €7,896 million in 2004, an increase of €126 million or 1.6%. This increase, which positively affected the net interest income, was due to an increase in the amount of non-interest-bearing liabilities available to fund interest-earning assets.

103


Reclassified Consolidated Income Statement

 
   
  Year ended December 31,
 
 
   
  2005
  2004
 
 
   
  (millions of €)

 
10.   Interest income and similar revenues   8,235      
10 It   Interest income and similar revenues(1)       7,196  
20.   Interest expense and similar charges   (3,786 )    
20 It.   Interest expenses and similar charges(1)       (3,534 )
    Write-backs of interest(2)   48   40  
    Interest margin of Banca IMI Group(3)   (71 ) (118 )
    Reclassifications related to derivatives       21  
    Interest margin of insurance sector(4)   (702 )    
       
 
 
    Net interest income   3,724   3,605  
       
 
 

(1)
Items presented in accordance with Italian GAAP format.

(2)
Reclassification of write-backs of interest on loans previously written off from item 130(a) Net adjustments/write-backs to loans.

(3)
Reclassification of (positive)/negative net interest income of Banca IMI Group to "Profits (losses) on financial transactions and investment income" as it is related to securities dealing activities rather than banking activities.

(4)
Reclassification of (positive)/negative net interest income of insurance sector to "income from insurance business."

        The following table shows the Group's average yield, net interest margin and average interest spread, based on our reclassified financial statements and including the effect of hedging (see footnote 2 to the "Assets" table of our average balance sheet on page 100 above), for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, in each case related to our banking activities.

 
  Year ended December 31,
 
  2005
  2004(1)
 
  (percentages)

Average yield(2)   4.14%   4.24%
  —Euro   4.23%   4.36%
  —Non Euro   3.44%   2.92%
Net interest margin(3)   2.18%   2.28%
  —Euro   2.41%   2.40%
  —Non Euro   0.21%   0.97%
Average interest spread(4)   2.09%   2.21%
  —Euro   2.33%   2.33%
  —Non Euro   0.25%   0.84%

(1)
EU GAAP in conformity with IFRS 1 without the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, whose transition date is deemed to be January 1, 2005.

(2)
Represents interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

104


(3)
Represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

(4)
Represents the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

        Our average interest spread relating to banking activities decreased by 12 basis points to 2.09% in 2005 compared to 2.21% in 2004, and our average interest spread relating to banking activities on customer transactions, including securities and subordinated liabilities, decreased by 10 basis points to 2.75% from 2.85%. These decreases were primarily due to (i) a decrease in the average yield on loans and leases to non-credit institutions to 4.64% in 2005 from 4.83% in 2004, and (ii) an increase in the average cost of short-term borrowings and medium-and long-term debt from non-credit institutions to 1.10% in 2005 from 1.01% in 2004. The decrease in the average yield on loans and leases to non-credit institutions was primarilly due to an excess supply of lending in the market and increased competition. The increase in the average cost of short-term borrowings and medium-and long-term debt from non credit institutions was primarilly due to increased corporate liquidity that led to an increase in corporate deposits, which bear higher interest rates than other deposits. Our net interest margin decreased to 2.18% in 2005 from 2.28% in 2004 because the average balance of interest earning assets increased at a higher rate than our net interest income.

        The following table sets forth the acomponents of the Group's net commission income for the years ended December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, based on the audited Consolidated Income Statement.

Audited Consolidated Income Statement

 
   
  Year ended December 31,
 
 
   
  2005
  2004(1)
 
 
   
  (millions of €)

 
40.   Commission income   4,166      
40 It.   Commission income(2)       3,980  
50.   Commission expense   (758 )    
50 It.   Commission expense(2)                              (764 )
       
 
 
    Net commission income   3,408   3,216  
       
 
 

(1)
EU GAAP in conformity with IFRS 1 without the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, whose transition date is deemed to be January 1, 2005.

(2)
Item presented in accordance with Italian GAAP format.

        In 2005, net commission income increased by €192 million, or 6.0%, to €3,408 million compared to €3,216 million in 2004. This increase was primarily due to an increase in net commissions from management, dealing and advisory services, partially offset by net commission expenses attributable to our insurance activities.

        Net commissions from management, dealing and advisory services, which represented 60.5% of the total net commissions, increased by €201 million, or 10.8%, to €2,062 million in 2005 from €1,861 million in 2004. This increase was primarily due to:

105



        This increase reflected primarily (i) the positive performance of the financial markets, such as the Comit index, which rose by 13.8% since the end of 2004, thus continuing the positive trend of the previous two years; and (ii) a change in the mix of assets attributable to the orientation of customers towards investments with a higher equity component, particularly fund-based portfolio management and insurance products. This trend was reflected in an increased reallocation of money market assets to products with higher added value, both in terms of portfolio management and protection of capital and security; and

        Among the other components of net commissions, net commissions from loans and guarantees increased by €17 million, or 4.8%, to €372 million in 2005 from €355 million in 2004, and net commissions from collection and payment services increased by €10 million, or 4.1%, to €256 million in 2005 from €246 million in 2004. The increases in net commissions from loans and guarantees and collection and payment services were primarily due to a combination of increased transaction columns and the introduction of a wider range of services to meet customer requirements.

        Other net commissions increased by €2 million, or 0.8%, to €266 million in 2005 from €264 million in 2004, primarily due to commissions received on tax collection services of €60 million in accordance with a regulation that provides for a fixed contribution to be received by the companies authorized to collect taxes on behalf of the government.

        In 2005, we incurred net commission expenses of €68 million from our insurance activities. These expenses were primarily related to index-linked financial products underlying certain of our trading assets.

        In addition, net commissions from deposit and current accounts decreased by €8 million, or 1.5%, to €520 million in 2005 from €528 million in 2004, primarily due to a decrease in the number of new current accounts opened in 2005.

        The following table sets forth the Group's net income from: (i) dividends and other revenues; (ii) financial trading activities; (iii) fair value adjustments from hedge accounting; (iv) sales or repurchases of loans, financial assets and liabilities; and (v) financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value for the years ended December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, based on the audited Consolidated Income Statement.

        Pursuant to our election under IFRS 1 concerning the application of IFRS 4 to insurance contracts, the results for the year ended December 31, 2004 in the table below do not include all the results related to our insurance activities, but only those representing technical income, primarily from the life insurance business, gross of administrative costs in accordance with Italian GAAP. Since the results for the year ended December 31, 2005 reflect the full application of EU GAAP, which led to significant changes in the component line items of other banking income, these results are not meaningfully comparable to those for the year ended December 31, 2004. Consequently, except for dividends and other revenues, the discussion that follows below reviews the results of the two years separately.

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Audited Consolidated Income Statement

 
   
  Year ended December 31,
 
 
   
  2005
  2004(1)
 
 
   
  (millions of €)

 
    Net interest income   4,449   3,662  
    Net commission income   3,408   3,216  
70.   Dividends and other revenues   475      
30 It.   Dividends and other revenues(2)       152  
80.   Profits (Losses) on financial trading activities   104      
90.   Fair value adjustments from hedge accounting   (4 )    
100.   Profits (Losses) from sale or repurchase of:   394      
        a) Loans   57      
        b) available-for-sale financial assets   347      
        c) held to maturity investments        
        d) financial liabilities   (10 )    
110.   Profits (Losses) on financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value   219      
60 It.   Profit (Losses) on financial transactions(2)       227  
    Technical income from the casualty insurance business gross of administrative costs       10  
    Technical income from the life insurance business gross of administrative costs       (1,478 )
       
 
 
    Net interest and other banking income   9,045   5,789  
       
 
 

(1)
EU GAAP in conformity with IFRS 1 without the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, whose transition date is deemed to be January 1, 2005.

(2)
Item presented in accordance with Italian GAAP format.

        Dividends and other revenues from investments held for trading were €317 million in 2005, of which €316 million were attributable to Banca IMI. Compared to dividends and other revenues from shares, quotas and other equities in 2004 of €79 million, of which €78 million were attributable to Banca IMI, dividends and other revenues from trading investments increased by €238 million. This increase was primarily due to an increase in Banca IMI's arbitrage activities with respect to equities.

        Dividends and other revenues from available-for-sale financial assets were €100 million in 2005, an increase of €27 million, or 37.0%, compared to dividends and other revenues from equity investments not fully consolidated or consolidated at equity in the amount of €73 million in 2004. This increase was partly attributable to our investment in Banco Santander Central Hispano S.A., which increased by €5 million from €39 million in 2004 to €44 million in 2005.

        Dividends from investments designated at fair value were €58 million in 2005, the amount is almost entirely (€57 million) due to the insurance sector.

        Net profits from financial trading activities amounted to €104 million in 2005, consisting of:

107


        Profits from the sale or repurchase of loans, totaled €57 million in 2005 and were positively affected by a profit of €22 million from the disposal, on a non-recourse basis, of non-performing loans with an aggregate total book value of €278 million and a net book value of €37 million. The collection by Banca OPI of penalties for the early repayment of mortgages contributed €17 million.

        Profits from the sale or repurchase of available-for-sale financial assets totaled €347 million in 2005, of which €120 million was attributable to our insurance activities, and consisted of (i) €179 million in net profits from the sale of equity securities, of which €10 million was attributable to insurance activities; (ii) €134 million in net profits from the sale of debt securities, of which €75 million was attributable to insurance activities; (iii) €34 million from the sale of collective investment funds, of which €36 million derived from insurance activities and €2 million from losses on private equity activities. The net profits from the sale of equity securities include the disposal of investments in Italenergia Bis, which generated a capital gain of €116 million following the exercise of the put option by the Participating Banks and the exercise of the warrants in the equities portfolio. The effect of this disposal includes the release of the related allowance for risks in the amount of €90 million, a provision for which was made in 2004. See "—Net Result of Financial Activities" on page 110 below.

        Losses from the sale or repurchase of financial liabilities amounted to a net loss of €10 million in 2005; primarily due to €14 million in losses on the repurchase of our debt securities. These repurchases were generally made above the issue price due to the increase in the market value of the debt securities resulting from the decrease in interest rates. The amount of the losses include the effect of closing the relative hedging derivatives. The €14 million in losses were partially offset by €5 million in gains on the same category of liabilities.

        Profits on financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value through profit and loss amounted to €219 million in 2005, consisting of:

        The main factor affecting our profits and losses on financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value in 2005 was the performance of the investments underlying insurance policies whose risks are borne entirely by the insured, which, under IAS/IFRS, are treated as investments. The fair value of such investments net of actuarial reserves required by law and, for investment funds fully consolidated under IAS/IFRS, minority interests amounted to €22,413 million.

        In 2004, profits on financial transactions totaled €227 million, primarily due to revaluations of financial instruments amounting to €7,403 million and €123 million of other net profits, which were offset to a large extent by write-downs to financial instruments amounting to €7,299 million. The corresponding results for 2005 are principally recorded profits from financial trading activities and profits from the sale or repurchase of available-for-sale financial assets, which we have discussed above.

        The total net contribution from our insurance activities to other banking income as described above, was €696 million in 2005. For a further discussion of the results of our insurance activities,

108



which also takes into account the technical income from the life insurance and the casualty business in 2004, see "Net Result of Financial and Insurance Activities" below.

        The following table sets forth the principal components of the Group's net result of financial activities for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, on the basis of the Audited Consolidated Income Statement.

Audited Consolidated Income Statement

 
   
  Year ended December 31,
 
 
   
  2005
  2004(1)
 
 
   
  (millions of €)

 
    Net interest and other banking income   9,045   5,789  
130.   Impairment (losses)/write-backs to:   (442 )    
        a) loans   (437 )    
        b) available-for-sale financial assets   (1 )    
        c) held-to-maturity investments        
        d) other financial transactions   (4 )    
140 It.   Provisions to the allowance for probable loan losses(2)       (17 )
120 It.   Adjustments to loans and provisions for guarantees and commitments(2)       (914 )
130 It.   Write-backs of adjustments to loans and provisions for guarantees and commitments(2)       410  
150 It.   Adjustments to financial fixed assets(2)       (106 )
160 It.   Write-backs of adjustments to financial fixed assets(2)       124  
       
 
 
    Net result of financial activities   8,603   5,286  
       
 
 

(1)
EU GAAP in conformity with IFRS 1 without the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, whose transition date is deemed to be January 1, 2005.

(2)
Item presented in accordance with Italian GAAP format.

        Impairment losses decreased by €61 million, or 12.1%, to €442 million in 2005 from €503 million in 2004 (representing the sum of the items shown with the suffix "It"). This decrease was primarily due to a 15.4% decrease in net provisions for impairment losses on doubtful loans, which totaled €441 million in 2005 compared to net provisions of €521 in 2004. This decrease reflected an overall improvement in the risk profile of the Group's loan portfolio, including recoveries of certain loans.

        Adjustments to financial fixed assets in 2004 included a €61 million write-down of the Group's equity interest in Hutchison 3G Italia (now known as 3 Italia). We did not revalue this holding in 2005 due to the uncertainty of its economic value following the postponement of 3 Italia's initial public offering.

109



        The following table sets forth the principal components of the Group's insurance activities for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, based on our audited income statement.

Audited Consolidated Income Statement

 
   
  Year ended December 31,
 
   
  2005
  2004(1)
 
   
  (millions of €)

    Net result of financial activities   8,603   5,286
150.   Net insurance premiums   3,599    
160.   Balance of other income (charges) arising on insurance activities   (4,496 )  
       
 
    Net result of financial and insurance activities   7,706   5,286
       
 

(1)
EU GAAP in conformity with IFRS 1 without the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, whose transition date is deemed to be January 1, 2005.

        The results of insurance activities relate to the life and casualty insurance business managed by A.I.P., which includes net insurance premiums and other charges arising on insurance activities.

        Net insurance premiums totaled €3,599 million in 2005, consisting of €3,568 million of net premiums from our life insurance business and €31 million of net premiums from our casualty insurance business.

        Other charges arising on insurance activities amounted to €4,496 million in 2005, consisting of:


        The net contribution of the Group's insurance activities to operating income in 2005 totaled €431 million, principally consisting, in addition to the net insurance premiums and other charges discussed above, of €702 million of net interest income, €696 million of dividends and other revenues, and €68 million of net commission expenses. This represented an increase of €68 million, or 18.7%, compared to our insurance activities' net contribution to operating income in the amount of €363 million in 2004. The insurance sector's net contribution to operating income in 2004 consisted of €1,838 million of other net income from insurance activities, which are included in operating costs under "—Operating Costs" on page 112 below and primarily reflected net gains in the fair value of the investments underlying insurance policies whose risks are borne entirely by the insured; a net charge of €1,478 million primarily due to claims paid on life insurance policies; and €10 million of net income related to our casualty insurance business. See Part C, Section 9 and Section 10 of the Consolidated Financial Statements on pages F-105 and F-106, respectively.

110


        The following table sets forth the principal components of the Group's operating costs for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, based on the Audited Consolidated Income Statement.

Audited Consolidated Income Statement

 
   
  Year ended December 31,
 
 
   
  2005
  2004(1)
 
 
   
  (millions of €)

 
180.   Administrative costs   (4,353 ) (4,346 )
190.   Net provision for risks and charges   (53 ) (216 )
200.   Net adjustments to tangible assets   (239 ) (242 )
210.   Net adjustments to intangible assets   (198 ) (230 )
220.   Other operating income (expenses)   74   29  
    Other net income from insurance activities       1,838  
       
 
 
    Operating costs   (4,769 ) (3,167 )
       
 
 

(1)
EU GAAP in conformity with IFRS 1 without the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, whose transition date is deemed to be January 1, 2005.

        Operating costs increased by €1,602 million, or 50.6%, to €4.769 million in 2005 compared to €3,167 million in 2004. Excluding the impact of other net income from insurance activities in 2004, which, as noted above, is included in the net result of financial and insurance activities in 2005, operating costs decreased by €236 million, or 4.7%, from €5,005 million in 2004 to €4,769 million in 2005. This was primarily due to our successful efforts to control administrative costs, thus permitting the Group to obtain synergies from the integration and reorganization that the Group went through in recent years.

        Administrative costs increased by €7 million, or 0.2% to €4,353 million in 2005 compared to €4,346 million in 2004. This was due to the combined effect of (i) an €18 million, or 0.6%, increase in personnel costs to €2,839 million in 2005 from €2,821 million in 2004, and (ii) an €11 million, or 0.7%, decrease in other administrative costs to €1,514 million in 2005 million from €1,525 million in 2004.

        In accordance with EU GAAP, personnel costs include fixed-term labor contracts, the cost of employee stock options, remuneration of members of the Board of Directors, net provisions for fixed-term insurance funds, retirement allowances and provisions for service bonuses, but exclude personnel costs for projects which are amortized on a three-year basis commencing on the conclusion of the relevant project. Personnel costs remained substantially stable in 2005 compared to 2004, primarily reflecting the impact of the staff leaving incentives in connection with the Income, Employment and Re-training Fund for Staff in the Banking Industry ("Solidarity Fund"), a fund established to support the income of employees who accepted early retirement, in 2003 and 2004. The resulting rationalization and turnover of our staff had a positive impact on our fixed costs, as long-service personnel took early retirement and, to the extent they were replaced, were replaced with more junior personnel. These savings allowed us to absorb most of the impact of the overall trend in 2005, including salary increases pursuant to the renewal of the national collective labor agreement for the banking industry in February 2005, the impact of staff turnover in 2005, and an increase in provisions for performance bonuses. The average number of Group employees remained effectively stable, decreasing by 0.2% in 2005 compared to 2004.

111



        Other administrative costs (net of related recoveries), decreased 0.7% to €1,514 million in 2005 from €1,525 million in 2004. This decrease was primarily due to a combination of the integration of the commercial bank networks and the subsequent centralization in the Parent Bank of IT systems cost management and the management of contracts with suppliers. This contributed to a decrease in the cost of IT services and logistical functions. Further cost savings were made in general expenses, utilities and indirect personnel costs. The decrease in utilities was primarily due to a reduction in telephone costs, which more than compensated for an increase in energy charges, whereas the decrease in indirect personnel costs was primarily due to lower charges for personnel transfers and travel compared to 2004 in connection with the integration process following the mergers which occurred in the preceding years.

        These decreases were partially offset by an increase in promotion and advertising expenses due to the Turin 2006 Olympic Winter Games, for which Sanpaolo IMI was a main sponsor. These expenses increased in the last quarter of 2005. Professional and insurance fees also increased primarily due to an increase in mortgage and land survey charges resulting from the 2005 Budget Law on mortgage disclosure, professional fees linked to strategic and mandatory projects and commercial development, as well as premiums related to insurance coverage, which in certain cases, we purchase from third parties to cover casualty risks relating to the borrowers under our residential mortgages.

        Net provisions for risks and charges decreased by €163 million, or 75.5%, to €53 million in 2005 from €216 million in 2004. This decrease was primarily due to a net release from the allowance for risks and charges by the Parent Bank, primarily reflecting an updated evaluation of the risks related to the renegotiation of subsidized residential mortgage loans and ongoing legal proceedings. The release more than compensated for an increase in provisions for legal disputes and risks related to defaulted securities placed in previous years, which amounted to €128 million in 2005, and provisions for risks relating to disputes arising from the disposal of certain private equity investments. Our insurance subsidiary, A.I.P., also made provisions for liabilities represented by performance bonuses to be awarded to employees on the achievement of certain objectives and bonus shares awarded to customers who hold certain unit-linked funds for a minimum prescribed period.

        The main components of the €53 million of net provisions for risks and charges in 2005 were as follows:


        These provisions were partially off-set by releases from the allowance for risks and charges of €190 million for 2005 (compared to €28 million in 2004), consisting of:

        Net adjustments to the value of tangible and intangible fixed assets, in the form of depreciation and amortization, totaled €437 million in 2005, a decrease of €35 million, or 7.4%, compared with €472 million in 2004. This decrease was primarily attributable to improved management of investments

112



by the commercial banks in information technology following the concentration of these investments in the Parent Bank.

        Other operating income increased by €45 million, or 155.2%, to €74 million in 2005 compared with €29 million for 2004, primarily attributable to €22 million of income from consumer credit leasing transactions. Other items in 2005 relate to income from and the reimbursement of services rendered to third parties, as well as the recovery of tax arrears previously contested and other out-of-period income.

        The following table sets forth the principal components of the Group's pre-tax operating profits (losses) from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, based on our Audited Consolidated Income Statement.

Audited Consolidated Income Statement

 
   
  Year ended December 31,
 
 
   
  2005
  2004(1)
 
 
   
  (millions of €)

 
    Net results of financial and insurance activities   7,706   5,286  
    Operating costs   (4,769 ) (3,167 )
240.   Profits (Losses) on investments in associates and companies subject to joint control   70      
250.   Net results of fair value adjustments to tangible and intangible assets          
170. It.   Profits (Losses) from investments carried at equity method(2)       26  
260.   Impairment of goodwill   (1 )    
270.   Profits (Losses) on disposal of investments   17      
       
 
 
    Operating profits before tax from continuing operations   3,023   2,145  
       
 
 

(1)
EU GAAP in conformity with IFRS 1 without the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, whose transition date is deemed to be January 1, 2005.

(2)
Item presented in accordance with Italian GAAP format.

        In 2005, pre-tax operating profit was €3,023 million, an increase of €878 million, or 40.9%, from €2,145 million in 2004, primarily reflecting the positive trend in revenues, the reduction in operating costs, the reduction in provisions for risks and charges, and the positive contribution of other net income and profits from disposals of investments.

        In 2005, profits on investments in associated companies and companies subject to joint control were €70 million. This was primarily attributable to capital gains on the disposals of Esatri (a company of the Intesa group operating in the tax-collection sector) and other private equity interests for a total of €116 million, partially offset by a €46 million impairment of goodwill on the investment in Cassa dei Risparmi di Forlì. Profits on disposal of investments derived from the sale of property and computers to third parties amounted to €17 million in 2005.

113



        The following table sets forth the principal components of the Group's net profits for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, based on our Audited Consolidated Income Statement.

Audited Consolidated Income Statement

 
   
  Year ended December 31,
 
 
   
  2005
  2004(1)
 
 
   
  (millions of €)

 
    Operating profits before tax from continuing operations   3,023   2,145  
190 It.   Other income(2)       286  
200 It.   Other expense(2)       (138 )
230 It.   Change in reserve for general banking risks(2)       (2 )
290.   Income taxes for the period   (948 )    
240 It.   Income taxes(2)       (754 )
300.   Net profit (loss) after tax from continuing operations   2,075   1,537  
310.   Losses from discontinued operations   (35 ) (35 )
       
 
 
    Profit for the period   2,040   1,502  
       
 
 

(1)
EU GAAP in conformity with IFRS 1 without the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, whose transition date is deemed to be January 1, 2005.

(2)
Item presented in accordance with Italian GAAP format.

        Income tax expenses in 2005 were €948 million compared to €754 million in 2004, as a result of which the Group's effective tax rate decreased to 31.4% in 2005 compared to 35.2% in 2004. This decrease was primarily due to an increase in tax-exempt income in 2005, such as income from the disposal of investments, and the absence of non-deductible financial assets, such as adjustments to investments, in 2004. In 2005, we also benefited from the reduced effect of non-deductible costs for IRAP (Italian regional income tax), comprising primarily personnel costs and adjustments to loans.

        Losses from discontinued operations reflect the effects of non-current operations net of tax that have been excluded from the Group's operations. These losses reflect the economic impact of the contribution to the scope of consolidation of the evaluation of the French subsidiaries forming the Fideuram Wargny group, and comprise: net losses from the Fideuram Wargny group of €8 million and a decrease in the value of the Fideuram Wargny group of €27 million.

        In 2005, the Board of Directors of Banca Fideuram appointed Banca Rothschild Italia to explore the possibility of selling the Banca Fideuram Wargny group. It is expected that the Banca Fideuram Wargny group will be sold by the end of 2006.

        For the purposes of applying EU GAAP, line items relating to other income and expenses, which are presented separately in 2004 but in their applicable EU GAAP line items in 2005, primarily include:

114


3.     Results of Operations by Business Sector for the Two Years Ended December 31, 2005

        As explained under Item 5. "Presentation of Results" on page 94 above, the following discussion is based on our reclassified income statement, the only basis upon which management prepares operating results and projections by Business Sector.

        The reclassified statement of income of the Business Sectors was prepared as follows:

        Furthermore, each Business Sector was attributed the average absorbed capital on the basis of the different types of risk: credit risk, market risk and operational risk. The capital is measured according to Value at Risk analysis, or VaR (see Item 11. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" on page 194 below). The only exception is Banca Fideuram, which operates in the Savings and Assurance Business Sector, for which, as a listed company, reference was made to net shareholders' equity (excluding net income for the year), in accordance with the same methodology used to calculate return on equity for the Group.

        Finally, the profitability of each Business Sector was expressed in terms of RORAC (Return on Risk Adjusted Capital), allocating the Business Sector's contribution to the net profit of the Group by its average absorbed capital quantified according to VaR. The financial measures used herein (return on equity or RoE and return on risk adjusted capital or RORAC) are non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes that there are no meaningful comparable financial measures and that such

115



non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful information. It is on such measures that Sanpaolo IMI developed its strategies and such measures are commonly used by financial institutions and market practice. In the Savings and Assurance Business Sector, profitability was calculated dividing the Business Sector's contribution to the net profit of the Group by the amount of net shareholders' equity of Banca Fideuram (excluding net profit for the year) and the average absorbed capital of Assicurazioni Internazionali di Previdenza (A.I.P.).

        The following charts show net profit and allocated capital by Business Sector for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Net Profit by Business Sector in 2005
(millions of €)

GRAPHIC

Allocated Capital by Business Sector in 2005
(millions of €)

GRAPHIC

116


        The following tables show the reclassified statements of income, operating structure and the profitability ratios attributable to the Business Sectors for the years ended December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004. As explained under Item 5. "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Presentation of Results" on page 94 above, for the purposes of these comparative tables, the 2004 figures assume that changes to the organizational structure of the Business Sectors in 2005 had occurred on January 1, 2004. For an explanation of those changes, see: Item 4. "Information on Sanpaolo IMI—C. Business Overview—Business Sectors" on page 59 above.


  Banking
  Savings and Assurance
  Asset Management and International Private Banking
  Central Functions(1)
  Group total
 
  (millions of €, except percentages and employees data)

Total operating income                    
2005   6,649   1,072   344   337   8,402
2004(*)   6,282   925   325   172   7,704
Change 2005/2004   5.8%   15.9%   5.8%   95.9%   9.1%
Pre-tax operating profit                    
2005   2,555   600   233   (365)   3,023
2004(*)   1,994   532   181   (536)   2,171
Change 2005/2004   28.1%   12.8%   28.7%   (31.9)%   39.2%
Net profit                    
2005   1,665   365   187   (234)   1,983
2004(*)   1,180   324   144   (201)   1,447
Change 2005/2004   41.1%   12.7%   29.9%   16.4%   37.0%
Total interest-earning assets(2)                    
12/31/2005   141,463   6,460   4,137   33,708   185,768
12/31/2004   124,132   5,063   4,549   30,170   163,914
Change 12/31/2005-12/31/2004   14.0%   27.6%   (9.1)%   11.7%   13.3%
Total interest-bearing liabilities(2)                    
12/31/2005   126,115   5,780   4,373   41,686   177,954
12/31/2004   112,349   4,312   5,554   34,822   157,037
Change 12/31/2005-12/31/2004   12.3%   34.0%   (21.3)%   19.7%   13.3%
Allocated Capital                    
2005   8,413   1,257   113   1,717   11,500
2004   8,182   1,146   108   1,152   10,588
Change 2005/2004   2.8%   9.7%   4.6%   49.0%   8.6%
Profitability                    
2005   19.8%   29.0%   165.5%   n.s.   17.2%
2004(*)   14.4%   28.3%   133.3%   n.s.   13.7%
Employees                    
12/31/2005   34,959   2,156   696   5,855   43,666
12/31/2004   34,742   1,984   694   5,764   43,184
Change 12/31/2005-12/31/2004   0.6%   8.7%   0.3%   1.6%   1.1%

(*)
The consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2004 was prepared in accordance with EU GAAP; however, as permitted by IFRS 1, these results excluded the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, for which the transition date was January 1, 2005 and Italian GAAP continued to apply to the recognition and presentation of results, asset and liabilities to which IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4 would otherwise have applied.

(1)
Including netting and intercompany adjustments.

(2)
Excluding the Banca IMI group.

n.s. means not significant.

117


 
  Year ended December 31, 2005
 

  Banking
  Savings and Assurance
  Asset Management and International Private Banking
  Central Functions
  Group total
 
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

 
Reclassified Statement of Income:                      
Net interest income   3,540   45   6   204   3,795  
Net commissions   2,609   587   321   (41 ) 3,476  
Income from credit disposals, assets held to maturity and repurchase of non-hedged financial liabilities   23   4   0   31   58  
Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities   411   18   17   80   526  
Profits (losses) on equity shareholdings   66   0   0   50   116  
Income from insurance business   0   418   0   13   431  
Total operating income   6,649   1,072   344   337   8,402  
Net adjustments to loans   (426 ) 1   0   (64 ) (489 )
Net adjustments to other financial assets   0   0   0   (1 ) (1 )
Net operating income   6,223   1,073   344   272   7,912  
Personnel costs   (2,129 ) (167 ) (61 ) (482 ) (2,839 )
Other administrative costs   (1,462 ) (204 ) (57 ) 209   (1,514 )
Net adjustments to tangible and intangible assets   (29 ) (30 ) (7 ) (371 ) (437 )
Operating costs   (3,620 ) (401 ) (125 ) (644 ) (4,790 )
Other net income (expenses)   42   18   7   7   74  
Impairment of goodwill   (1 ) (1 ) 0   (45 ) (47 )
Profits (losses) from disposals of investments   2   0   0   15   17  
Net provisions for risks and charges   (91 ) (89 ) 7   30   (143 )
Pre-tax operating profit   2,555   600   233   (365 ) 3,023  
Taxes for the period   (889 ) (144 ) (46 ) 131   (948 )
Profits (losses) on groups of discontinued operations   0   (36 ) 0   1   (35 )
Profit attributable to minority interests   (1 ) (55 ) 0   (1 ) (57 )
Net profit   1,665   365   187   (234 ) 1,983  
Other Data:                      
Allocated Capital   8,413   1,257   113   1,717   11,500  
Ratios                      
Profitability   19.8%   29.0%   165.5%   n.s.   17.2%  
Cost/Income ratio   54.4%   37.4%   36.3%   n.s.   57.0%  

n.s. means not significant.

 
  At December 31, 2005
 
  Banking
  Savings and Assurance
  Asset Management and International Private Banking
  Central Functions
  Group total
Operating Structure                    
Employees   34,959   2,156   696   5,855   43,666
Financial planners   1   4,150   0   0   4,151
Italian branches   3,081   91   0   0   3,172
Foreign branches and representative offices   131   4   1   0   136

118


 
  Year ended December 31, 2004(*)
 

  Banking
  Savings and Assurance
  Asset Management and International Private Banking
  Central Functions
  Group Total
 
 
  (millions of €, except percentages)

 
Reclassified Statement of Income:                      
Net interest income   3,547   43   10   123   3,723  
Net commissions   2,426   535   302   (56 ) 3,207  
Income from credit disposals, assets held to maturity and repurchase of non-hedged financial liabilities   4   4   0   4   12  
Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities   281   3   7   26   317  
Profits (losses) on equity shareholdings   24   0   6   52   82  
Income from insurance business   0   340   0   23   363  
Total operating income   6,282   925   325   172   7,704  
Net adjustments to loans   (555 ) 4   (1 ) 13   (539 )
Net adjustments to other financial assets   (73 ) 0   0   125   52  
Net operating income   5,654   929   324   310   7,217  
Personnel costs   (2,153 ) (143 ) (62 ) (502 ) (2,860 )
Other administrative costs   (1,471 ) (189 ) (60 ) 195   (1,525 )
Net adjustments to tangible and intangible assets   (34 ) (38 ) (10 ) (368 ) (450 )
Operating costs   (3,658 ) (370 ) (132 ) (675 ) (4,835 )
Other net income (expenses)   62   10   2   (33 ) 41  
Impairment of goodwill   0   0   0   (58 ) (58 )
Profits (losses) from disposals of investments   0   0   3   0   3  
Net provisions for risks and charges   (64 ) (37 ) (16 ) (80 ) (197 )
Pre-tax operating profit   1,994   532   181   (536 ) 2,171  
Taxes for the period   (813 ) (127 ) (37 ) 224   (753 )
Profits (losses) on groups of discontinued operations   0   (35 ) 0   111   76  
Profit attributable to minority interests   (1 ) (46 ) 0   0   (47 )
Net profit   1,180   324   144   (201 ) 1,447  
Other Data:                      
Allocated Capital   8,182   1,146   108   1,152   10,588  
Ratios                      
Profitability   14.4%   28.3%   133.3%   n.s.   13.7%  
Cost/Income ratio   58.2%   40.0%   40.6%   n.s.   62.8%  

(*)
The consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2004 was prepared in accordance with EU GAAP; however, as permitted by IFRS 1, these results excluded the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, for which the transition date was January 1, 2005 and Italian GAAP continued to apply to the recognition and presentation of results, asset and liabilities to which IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4 would otherwise have applied.

 
  At December 31, 2004
 
  Banking
  Savings and Assurance
  Asset Management and International Private Banking
  Central Functions
  Group Total
Operating Structure                    
Employees   34,742   1,984   694   5,764   43,184
Financial planners   4   4,313   0   0   4,317
Italian branches   3,037   89   0   0   3,126
Foreign branches and representative offices   126   4   1   0   131

119


 
  % Change 2005/2004 (*)

  Banking
  Savings and Assurance
  Asset Management and International Private Banking
  Central Functions
  Group Total
 
  (percentages)

Reclassified Statement of Income:                    
Net interest income   (0.2)%   4.7%   (40.0)%   65.9%   1.9%
Net commissions   7.5%   9.7%   6.3%   (26.8)%   8.4%
Income from credit disposals, assets held to maturity and repurchase of non-hedged financial liabilities   n.s.       n.s.   n.s.
Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities   46.3%   n.s.   142.9%   207.7%   65.9%
Profits (losses) on equity shareholdings   175.0%     n.s.   (3.8)%   41.5%
Income from insurance business     22.9%     (43.5)%   18.7%
Total operating income   5.8%   15.9%   5.8%   95.9%   9.1%
Net adjustments to loans   (23.2)%   (75.0)%   n.s.   n.s.   (9.3)%
Net adjustments to other financial assets   n.s.       n.s.   (101.9)%
Net operating income   10.1%   15.5%   6.2%   (12.3)%   9.6%
Personnel costs   (1.1)%   16.8%   (1.6)%   (4.0)%   (0.7)%
Other administrative costs   (0.6)%   7.9%   (5.0)%   7.2%   (0.7)%
Net adjustments to tangible and intangible assets   (14.7)%   (21.1)%   (30.0)%   0.8%   (2.9)%
Operating costs   (1.0)%   8.4%   (5.3)%   (4.6)%   (0.9)%
Other net income (expenses)   (32.3)%   80.0%   n.s.   (121.2)%   80.5%
Impairment of goodwill   n.s.   n.s.     (22.4)%   (19.0)%
Profits (losses) from disposals of investments   n.s.     n.s.   n.s.   n.s.
Net provisions for risks and charges   42.2%   140.5%   (143.8)%   (137.5)%   (27.4)%
Pre-tax operating profit   28.1%   12.8%   28.7%   (31.9)%   39.2%
Taxes for the period   9.3%   13.4%   24.3%   (41.5)%   25.9%
Profits (losses) on groups of discontinued operations     2.9%     (99.1)%   (146.1)%
Profit attributable to minority interests     19.6%     n.s.   21.3%
Net profit   41.1%   12.7%   29.9%   16.4%   37.0%
Other Data:                    
Allocated Capital   2.8%   9.7%   4.6%   49.0%   8.6%
Employees   0.6%   8.7%   0.3%   1.6%   1.1%
Financial planners   (75.0)%   (3.8)%       (3.8)%
Italian branches   1.4%   2.2%       1.5%
Foreign branches and representative offices   4.0%         3.8%

(*)
The consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2004 was prepared in accordance with EU GAAP; however, as permitted by IFRS 1, these results excluded the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, for which the transition date was January 1, 2005 and Italian GAAP continued to apply to the recognition and presentation of results, asset and liabilities to which IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4 would otherwise have applied.

n.s. means not significant.

120



        In 2005, the Banking Business Sector managed 81% of the Group's intermediary funds (that is customer financial assets and net loans to customers), generating approximately 79% of total operating income. The Banking Business Sector's total operating income increased by 5.8% in 2005 compared to 2004. On a consistent basis, considering the main impacts of IAS 32 and 39 (financial instruments) and IFRS 4 (insurance contracts) on the results for 2004, the Banking Business Sector's total operating income increased by 6.7%. The increase was mainly due to the traditional revenues of the commercial banks as well as the greater income from investment banking, in which Banca IMI operates, and in the financing of public infrastructures in which Banca OPI is active. On the same comparable basis: net interest income rose by 0.9%, rising to 2.5% excluding investment banking activities; the growth in pre-tax operating profit, (an increase of 31.2%), was helped by a reduction in adjustments to loans and other financial assets, as well as a fall in operating costs (personnel costs, other administrative costs and net adjustments to tangible and intangible assets). Net of taxes, profits for 2005 were €1,665 million compared to the €1,180 million for 2004. The results for 2005 benefited from extraordinary, non-recurring transactions of approximately €200 million, the most important of which was the capital gain on the disposal of our stake in Italenergia Bis. The Banking Business Sector employed 34,959 staff at December 31, 2005, 80% of the Group's total staff.

        The Banking Business Sector absorbed 73% of the Group's capital in 2005, a decrease from 77% in 2004.

        Capital allocated to the Banking Business Sector increased by 2.8% compared with 2004, a lower rate of increase than that of net profit, and therefore the profitability of the Banking Business Sector, measured by RORAC, increased to 19.8% in 2005 from 14.4% in 2004.

        The results for 2005 and 2004 are presented as if all the insurance companies of the Group had been concentrated in the Savings and Assurance Business Sector since January 1, 2004.

        The Savings and Assurance Business Sector's total operating income increased by 15.9% compared to 2004. On a consistent basis, considering the main impacts of IAS 32 and 39 (financial instruments) and IFRS 4 (insurance contracts) on 2004, the increase of total operating income was 19.1%. This trend was generated by the increase in revenues by both Banca Fideuram and A.I.P.; the latter are entirely included in the income from insurance business. On the same comparable basis: operating costs, mainly linked to the expansion of A.I.P., rose by 8.4% and net provisions for risks and charges rose by 140.5%, primarily because of non-recurring provisions, made by Banca Fideuram against risks connected to the placement in prior years of corporate bonds which subsequently defaulted. Net profit was €365 million in 2005, a 12.7% increase from €324 million in 2004. On a consistent basis, the increase in net profit rose to 19.3% towards year 2004. The Savings and Assurance Business Sector absorbed 11% of the Group's capital in 2005, virtually the same as in 2004, while allocated capital increased by 9.7% to €1,257 million in 2005 from €1,146 million in 2004. Since allocated capital increased at a lower rate than net profit, the profitability of the Savings and Assurance Business Sector increased to 29.0% in 2005 compared with 28.3% in 2004.

        Total operating income for the Asset Management and International Private Banking Business Sector in 2005 was €344 million, an increase of 5.8%. The increase is due to the increase in commission revenues at Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management and Sanpaolo Bank (Luxembourg). The contribution to the net profit of the Group was €187 million, an increase of 29.9% compared to the €144 million of 2004. Besides the good performance of the revenues, the result was also obtained through the decrease in operating costs and the release by Sanpaolo Bank (Luxembourg) of funds for risks and charges

121


prudently provided for in 2004. The Asset Management and International Private Banking Business Sector contributed 9% of the consolidated net profit for 2005 and absorbed 1% of capital. RORAC reached 165.5% in 2005, confirming the high returns in this business sector and can be attributed to the limited absorption of capital with respect to the large volumes of assets managed by the Business Sector and placed by the Group's banking networks nationwide. Profitability grew in comparison with 2004 due to the increase in contribution to Group profit. The cost/income ratio was 36.3%, a decrease of 4.3% compared to 2004.

        Central Functions includes the Group's holding activities, finance, the management of equity investments (including the Group's shareholdings in Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze, Cassa dei Risparmi di Forlì and Banca delle Marche), the Group's credit policy and the MOI. Central Functions' main component is represented by bodies carrying out activities of governance, support and control of the other Business Sectors.

        The income results reflect the nature of Central Functions, which incurs costs using a centralized system and on behalf of other Group companies, only partially allocating them to the operating units. Central Functions had a loss of €234 million in 2005, primarily attributable to the share of unallocated costs, only partly offset by revenues attributable to the treasury financial margin linked to derivative transactions, the positive impact of the conversion of the Fiat Convertible Facility and dividends from minority investments. The loss in 2004 was €201 million. Considering the main impacts of IAS 32 and 39 (financial instruments) and IFRS 4 (insurance contracts) in 2004, mainly due to the inscription of the revaluation of the investment in Santander Central Hispano as available for sale asset in a specific reserve of the Group shareholders' equity, this loss would be €329 million. The improvement, on comparable basis, was due to higher financial revenues and lower operating costs, especially personnel costs. 2004 had also benefited from the recording in the profits on discontinued operations, from the capital gain of €55 million and €58 million, respectively for the disposal of Finconsumo and a spin-off of real estate property.

122


Reconciliation Between Audited and Reclassified Income Statements

        The following tables show the reconciliation between our audited income statement, which is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this annual report, and our reclassified income statement, which is presented primarily for purposes of management's Operating and Financial Review and Prospects. In particular, the tables show which items in the audited income statement were broken down into two or more items, or reclassified to other items, for purpose of the reclassified income statement.

Year ended December 31, 2005

 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  RECLASSIFIED INCOME STATEMENT

AUDITED INCOME STATEMENT
(in millions of €)


 

Combinations

 

Breakdown


 

Reclassifications

10.   Interest income and similar revenues   8.235                            
20.   Interest expense and similar charges   (3.786 )                          
30.   Net interest income   4.449                            
                            (702 ) a    
                    48   b            
A   Net interest income                               3.795
40.   Commission income   4.166                            
50.   Commission expense   (758 )                          
60.   Net commission   3.408                            
                            68   c    
B   Net commissions                               3.476
70.   Dividends and similiar revenues   475                   (475 ) d    
80.   Profit (losses) on financial trading activities   104                   (104 ) e    
90.   Fair value adjustments from hedge accounting   (4 )                 4   f    
100.   Profit (loss) from sale or repurchase of:                                
    a)   loans   57                            
    b)   available for sale financial assets   347                   (347 ) g    
    c)   held to maturity investments                                
    d)   financial liabilities   (10 )                 9   h    
                            2   r    

123


 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  RECLASSIFIED INCOME STATEMENT
 

AUDITED INCOME STATEMENT
(in millions of €)


 

Combinations

 

Breakdown


 

Reclassifications


 
C   Income from credit disposals, assets held to maturity and repurchase of non-hedged financial liabilities                               58  
                            475   d      
                            104   e      
                            (4 ) f      
                            347   g      
                            (9 ) h      
110.   Profits (losses) on financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value   219                              
                            (696 ) i      
                            90   l      
D   Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities                               526  
                    116   m              
E   Profits (losses) on equity shareholdings                               116  
130.   Impairment losses/write-backs to:                                  
    a)   loans   (437 )         437   b              
    b)   available-for-sale financial assets   (1 )                 1   n      
    c)   held to maturity investments                                
    d)   other financial transaction   (4 )                 4   o      
150.   Net insurance premiums   3.599                              
160.   Balance of other income (charges) arising on insurance activities   (4.496 )                            
                            702   a      
                            (68 ) c      
                            696   i      
                            (2 ) r      
F   Income from insurance business                               431  
                    (485 ) b              
                            (4 ) o      
G   Net adjustments to loans                               (489 )
                            (1 ) n      
H   Net adjustments to other financial assets                               (1 )
180.   Administrative costs:                                  
    a)   Personnel   (2.839 )                            
    b)   Other   (1.514 )                 1.514   p      
190.   Net provisions for risks and charges   (53 )                 53   q      

124


 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  RECLASSIFIED INCOME STATEMENT
 

AUDITED INCOME STATEMENT
(in millions of €)


 

Combinations

 

Breakdown


 

Reclassifications


 
I   Personnel costs                               (2.839 )
    b)   Other                       (1.514 ) p      
L   Other administrative costs                               (1.514 )
200.   Net adjustments to tangible assets   (239 )                            
210.   Net adjustments to intangible assets   (198 )                            
M   Net adjustments to tangible and intangible assets                               (437 )
    Operating cost (I+L+M)   (4.790 )                            
220.   Other operating income (expense)   74                              
240.   Profit (losses) on investments in associates and companies subject to joint control   70           (116 ) m              
                        46   m              
N   Other net income (expenses)                               74  
260.   Impairment of goodwill   (1 )                            
                        (46 ) m              
O   Impairment of goodwill                               (47 )
270.   Profit (losses) on disposal of investments   17                              
P   Profits (losses) from disposals of investments                               17  
                                (53 ) q      
                                (90 ) l      
Q   Net provisions for risks and charges                               (143 )
290.   Income taxes for the period   (948 )                            
R   Taxes for the period                               (948 )
310.   Profit (losses) from discontinued operations   (35 )                            
S   Profits (losses) on discontinued groups of operations                               (35 )
330.   Income (loss) for the period attributable to minority interests   (57 )                            
T   Profit attributable to minority interest                               (57 )
340.   Profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent   1.983                              
    NET PROFIT                               1.983  
(a)
Reclassification of positive/(negative) net interest income of insurance sector from "30. Net interest income" in the audited income statement to "F. Income from insurance business" in the reclassified income statement;

(b)
Breakdown of line 130. a) "Impairment losses/write-backs to loans" in the audited income statement in to "A. Net interest income" and in to "G. Net adjustment to loans" in the reclassified income statement;

(c)
Reclassification of (positive)/negative net commissions of insurance sector from "60. Net commissions" in the audited income statement to "F. Income from insurance business" in the reclassified income statement;

(d)
Reclassification of losses on repurchase of financial liabilities subject to hedging from line 70. "Dividends and similiar revenues" in the audited income statement to "D. Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities" in the reclassified income statement;

125


(e)
Reclassification from line 80. "Profit (losses) on financial trading activities" in the audited income statement to "D. Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities" in the reclassified income statement;

(f)
Reclassification from line 90. "Fair value adjustments from hedge accounting" in the audited income statement to "D. Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities" in the reclassified income statement;

(g)
Reclassification from line 100 b) "Profit (loss) from sale or repurchase of available for sale financial assets" in the audited income statement to "D. Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities" in the reclassified income statement;

(h)
Reclassification from line item 100. d) "Profit (loss) from sale or repurchase of financial liabilities" in the audited income statement to "D. Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities" in the reclassified income statement;

(i)
Reclassification of the Insurance sector contribution from line "D. Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities" in the reclassified income statement to "F. Income from insurance business" in the reclassified income statement;

(l)
Reclassification of utilization of provision for risks and charges on Italenergia Bis from "Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities" in the reclassified income statement to "Q. Net provisions for risks and charges" in the reclassified income statement;

(m)
Breakdown of line item 240. "Profit (losses) on investments in associates and companies subject to joint control" in the audited income statement to "E. Profits (losses) on equity shareholdings" and "O. Impairment of goodwill" in the reclassified income statement;

(n)
Reclassification from line item 130. b) "Impairment losses/write-backs to available-for-sale financial assets" in the audited income statement to "H. Net adjustment to other financial assets" in the reclassified income statement;

(o)
Reclassification from line item 130. d) "Impairment losses/write-backs to other financial transaction" in the audited income statement to "G. Net adjustments to loans" in the reclassified income statement;

(p)
Reclassification from line item 180. b) "Other Administrative costs" in the audited income statement to "L. Other administrative costs" in the reclassified income statement;

(q)
Reclassification from line item 190. "Net provisions for risks and charges" in the audited income statement to "Q. Net provisions for risks and charges" in the reclassified income statement;

(r)
Adjustments due to rounding.

126


Year ended December 31, 2004
(in millions of €)

 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  RECLASSIFIED INCOME STATEMENT
 

AUDITED INCOME STATEMENT
(in millions of €)


 

Breakdown

 

Combinations


 

Reclassifications


 
10. It.   Interest income and similar revenues   7.196                              
20. It   Interest expenses and similar charges   (3.534 )                            
30   Net interest income   3.662                              
A   Net interest income                       61   g   3.723  
40. It   Commission income   3.980                              
50. It   Commission expense   (764 )                            
60   Net commissions   3.216                              
B   Net commissions                       (9 ) h   3.207  
30. It   Dividends and other revenues   152           (152 ) a              
60. It   Profits (losses) on financial transactions   227           (227 ) a              
C   Income from credit disposabls, assets held to maturity and repurchase of non-hedged financial liabilities                       12   i   12  
    Technical income from the casualty insurance business gross of administrative costs   10           (10 ) c              
    Technical income from the life insurance business gross of administrative costs   (1.478 )         1.478   c              
                    152   a              
                    227   a              
D   Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities                       (62 ) j   317  
140. It   Provisions to the reserve for probable loan losses   (17 )         17   d              
120. It   Adjustments to loans and provisions for guarantees and commitments   (914 )         914   d              
                    26   b              
                    58   b              

127


 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  RECLASSIFIED INCOME STATEMENT
 

AUDITED INCOME STATEMENT
(in millions of €)


 

Combinations

 

Breakdown


 

Reclassifications


 
E   Profits (losses) on equity shareholdings                       (2 ) k   82  
                1.831   o                      
                        10   c              
                        (1.478 ) c              
F   Income from insurance business                               363  
130. It   Writebacks of adjustments to loans and provisions for guarantees and commitments   410                              
                3   o                      
                        (17 ) d              
                        (914 ) d              
G   Net adjustments to loans                       (21 ) l   (539 )
150. It   Adjustments to financial fixed assets   (106 )                            
160. It   Writebacks of adjustments to financial fixed assets   124                              
H   Net adjustments to other financial assets                       34   m   52  
180   Administrative costs:   (4.346 )                            
    a)   personnel   (2.821 )                            
I   Personnel costs                       (39 ) n   (2.860 )
    b)   other   (1.525 )                            
L   Other administrative costs                             (1.525 )
190   Net provisions for risks and charges   (216 )                 216          
200   Net adjustments to tangible assets   (242 )                            
210   Net adjustments to intangible assets   (230 )                            
220   Other operating income (expenses)   29                   (29 ) f      
    Other net income from insurance activities   1.838   (1.838 ) o                      
170. It   Income (losses) from investments carried at equity method   26           (26 ) b              
260   Impairment of goodwill       (2 ) o                      
                        (2 ) e              

128


 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  RECLASSIFIED INCOME STATEMENT
 

AUDITED INCOME STATEMENT
(in millions of €)


 

Combinations

 

Breakdown


 

Reclassifications


 
M   Net adjustments to tangible and intangible assets                       26   o   (450 )
190. It   Other income   286                              
200. It   Other expenses   (138 )                            
                                29   f      
230. It   Change in reserve for general banking risks   (2 )         2   e              
                6   o                      
N   Other net income (expenses)                       (142 ) p   41  
240. It   Income taxes   (754 )                 754          
                        (58 ) b              
O   Impairment of goodwill                             (58 )
300   Net profit (loss) after tax from continuing operations   1.389                              
P   Profits (losses) from disposals of investments                       3   q   3  
                                (216 )        
Q   Net provisions for risks and charges                       19   r   (197 )
                                (754 )        
R   Taxes for the period                       1   s   (753 )
310   Profits (losses) from discontinued operations   (35 )                            
S   Profits (losses) on discontinued groups of operations                       111   t   76  
330   Profit (loss) for the period attributable to minority interests   (55 )                            
T   Profit attributable to minority interest                       8   u   (47 )
340   Profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent   1.447                          
    NET PROFIT                               1.447  
(a)
Combination of line item 30.It "Dividends and other revenues" and line item 60.It "Profit (losses) on financial transactions" in the audited income statement to "D. Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities" in the reclassified income statement.

(b)
Combination of line 170.It "Income (losses) from investments carried at equity method" in the audited income statement and line "O. Impairment of goodwill" in the reclassified income statement to "E. Profits (losses) on equity shareholdings" in the reclassified income statement.

(c)
Combination of line "Technical income from casualty branch gross of administrative costs" and line "Technical income from the life branch gross of administrative costs" in the audited income statement to "F. Income from insurance business" in the reclassified income statement.

(d)
Combination of line item 140.It "Provisions to the reserve for probable loan losses" and line item 120.It "Adjustments to loans and provisions for guarantees and commitments" in the audited income statement to "G. Net adjustment to loans" in the reclassified income statement.

(e)
Reclassification of line item 230.It "Change in reserve for general banking risks" in the audited income statement to "M. Net adjustments to tangible and intangible assets" in the reclassified income statement.

129


(f)
Reclassification of line item 220 "Other operating income (expenses)" in the audited income statement to "N. Other net income (expenses)" in the reclassified income statement.

(g)
Reclassification of: €40 million related to interest written off in previous years and recovered during the year from "G. Net adjustments to loans" to "A. Net interest income", €4 million related to loans securitization from "N. Other net income (expenses)" to "A. Net interest income", €7 million related to interest attributable to minority from "A. Net interest income" to "T. Profit attributable to minority interest" and €24 million related to adjustments of differential of hedging derivatives from "D. Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities" to "A. Net interest income".

(h)
Reclassification of: €1 million related to interest attributable to minority from "B. Net commissions" to "T. Profit attributable to minority interest" and €8 million related to commissions from "B. Net commissions" to "N. Other net income (expenses)".

(i)
Reclassification of: €6 million related to sale of loans from "C. Income from credit disposals, assets held to maturity and repurchase of non-hedged financial liabilities" to "G. Net adjustments to loans", €15 million related to cancellation of liabilities from "D. Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities" to "C. Income from credit disposals, assets held to maturity and repurchase of non-hedged financial liabilities" and €3 million related to fixed financial assets from "N. Other net income (expenses)" to "C. Income from credit disposals, assets held to maturity and repurchase of non-hedged financial liabilities".

(j)
Reclassification of: €13 million related to Fiat convertible facility from "D. Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities" to "G. Net adjustments to loans", €15 million related to cancellation of liabilities from "D. Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities" to "C. Income from credit disposals, assets held to maturity and repurchase of non-hedged financial liabilities", €34 million related to financial instruments from "D. Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities" to "H. Net adjustments to other financial assets", €24 million related to equity investments from "N. Other net income (expenses)" to "D. Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities and €24 million related to adjustments of differential of hedging from "D. Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities" to "A. Net interest income".

(k)
Reclassification of: €2 million related to equity investments from "N. Other net income (expenses)" to "E. Profits (losses) on equity shareholdings" and €4 million related to equity investments from "E. Profits (losses) on equity shareholdings" to "R. Tax for the period" and "S. Profit (losses) on discontinued groups of operations".

(l)
Reclassification of: €40 million related to interest written off in previous years and recovered during the year from "G. Net adjustments to loans" to "A. Net interest income", €6 million related to sale of loans from "C. Income from credit disposals, assets held to maturity and repurchase of non-hedged financial liabilities" to "G. Net adjustments to loans" and €13 million related to FIAT convertible facility from "D. Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities" to "G. Net adjustments to loans".

(m)
Reclassification of €34 million related to financial instruments from "D. Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities" to "H. Net adjustments to other financial assets".

(n)
Reclassification of €39 million related to personnel costs from "I. Personnel costs" to "N. Other net income (expenses)".

(o)
Reclassification of: €26 million related to amortization from "N. Other net income (expenses)" to "M. Net adjustments to tangible and intangible assets".

(p)
Reclassification of: €3 million related to fixed financial assets from "N. Other net income (expenses)" to "C. Income from credit disposals, assets held to maturity and repurchase of non-hedged financial liabilities", €24 million related to equity investments from "N. Other net income (expenses)" to "D. Dividends and income from other financial assets and liabilities", €2 million related to equity investments from "N. Other net income (expenses)" to "E. Profits (losses) on equity shareholdings", €39 million related to personnel costs from "I. Personnel costs" to "N. Other net income (expenses)", €102 million related equity investments from "N. Other net income (expenses)" to "S. Profits (losses) on discontinued groups of operations", €6 million related to amortization from "N. Other net income (expenses)" to "S. Profits (losses) on discontinued groups of operations", €3 million related to amortization from "N. Other net income (expenses)" to "P. Profit (losses) from disposal of investments", €19 million related to utilization from "N. Other net income (expenses)" to "Q. Net provisions for risk and changes", €8 million related to commissions from "B. Net commissions" to "N. Other net income (expenses)", €18 million related to amortization from "N. Other net income (expenses)" to "M. Net adjustments to tangible and intangible assets", €8 million related to amortization from "N. Other net income (expenses)" to "M. Net adjustments to tangible and intangible assets" and €4 million related to loans securitization from "N. Other net income (expenses)" to "A. Net interest income".

(q)
Reclassification of €3 million related to amortization from "N. Other net income (expenses)" to "P. Profit (losses) from disposal of investments".

130


(r)
Reclassification of €19 million related to utilization from "N. Other net income (expenses)" to "Q. Net provisions for risk and changes".

(s)
Reclassification of €1 million related to equity investments from "E. Profits (losses) on equity shareholdings" to "R. Tax for the period".

(t)
Reclassification of: €102 million related equity investments from "N. Other net income (expenses)" to "S. Profits (losses) on discontinued groups of operations", €6 million related to amortization from "N. Other net income (expenses)" to "S. Profits (losses) on discontinued groups of operations" and €3 million related to equity investments from "E. Profits (losses) on equity shareholdings" to "S. Profits (losses) on discontinued groups of operations".

(u)
Reclassification of €8 million related to interest attributable to minority from "A. Net interest income" and "B. Net commissions" to "T. Profit attributable to minority interest"

B.    Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

        For information concerning the principal categories of the Group's funding sources, see: Item 3. "Key Information—B. Selected Statistical Information—Liabilities and Funding Sources" on page 50 above.

        Sanpaolo IMI has evaluated that its positive credit standing will continue to give it access to both traditional and innovative funding, due to the fact that the working capital requirements of the Group are fully met through its funding strategies.

        There are no legal or economic restrictions, except for regulatory restraints, on the ability of subsidiaries to transfer funds to Sanpaolo IMI in the form of cash dividends, loan or advances. Therefore, there is no material impact on the ability of the company to meet its cash obligations.

Shareholders' Equity

        Group net shareholders' equity was €13,483 million as of December 31, 2005, showed the following changes during the year:

 
  Changes in
shareholders' equity

 
 
  (millions of €)

 
Shareholders' equity as of December 31, 2004   12,308  
Adoption of IAS 32, IAS 39, and IFRS 4   (273 )
Shareholders' equity as of January 1, 2005   12,035  
Decreases   (873 )
  —Dividends   (873 )
Increases   2,321  
  —Net income for the year   1,983  
  —Net change in valuation reserves   252  
  —Net change in own shares   10  
  —Stock option accounting   62  
  —Other changes   14  
   
 
Shareholders' equity as of December 31, 2005   13,483  
   
 

131


        Variations during 2005 were essentially determined by year end income, net of dividends paid out of the net profit for 2004, the change in valuation reserves and accounting for stock options representing an increase in capital and share premium reserves. In particular, the change in valuation reserves amounting to €252 million, was mainly the net result of:

Treasury Shares

        At December 31, 2005, the Parent Bank's capital was € 5,239,223,740.80. This amount was divided into 1,586,967,318 ordinary shares and 284,184,018 preference shares, both with a nominal value of €2.88 per share. The general shareholders' meeting at Sanpaolo IMI of April 29, 2006 resolved to increase the par value of the shares from €2.80 to €2.88.

        The Parent Bank's capital increased by €21,544,600 or 0.4% from €5,217,679,140.80 in 2004 following the exercise of stock options assigned to management.

        As of December 31, 2005, there were 4,774,774 Sanpaolo IMI shares held by the Group, representing 0.26% of capital. On the basis of the IAS/IFRS criteria, these shares were classified as negative components in the shareholders' equity accounts for €51 million. These shares were held by the Parent Bank and its subsidiaries, as well as by the group of investment companies held within the Group's insurance business that are wholly integrated in line with international accounting standards.

        In the year 2005, transactions in Sanpaolo IMI shares were as follows:

132


        In light of the amount of own shares in the portfolio, the Parent Bank and Banca IMI have the same amount in the non-disposable reserve required by law.

        The own shares of the subsidiaries refer to Banca Fideuram shares held in Parent Bank's portfolio. At December 31, 2005 those shares, held exclusively by Banca Fideuram in support of its stock option plan, were 12,655,273 (€2.4 million nominal value), equal to 1.3% of Banca Fideuram share capital (14,997,000 as of December 31, 2004). In application of IAS 32, these shares are shown, at historic values, adjusting Banca Fideuram's shareholders' equity (including the third-party quota) for €54.4 million.

        The number of own shares held by Banca Fideuram decreased in the second half of 2005, following the exercise of 2,341,727 stock options in the context of its 2004 incentive plan. This stock option provides for the assignment to Banca Fideuram's private bankers of options to acquire Banca Fideuram shares in the ratio of one option per share, to be exercised in the period June-December 2005 at the unit price of €4.43. Following the exercise of the stock options, 2,341,727 Banca Fideuram shares had been sold.

Regulatory Capital and Capital Adequacy

        With regard to prudential and statistical supervision, the Bank of Italy has decided that the consolidated results should be prepared in accordance with IAS/IFRS as of December 31, 2005. The results provided below have been calculated on the basis of the general principles issued by the Regulatory Body in line with the guidelines of the Basel Committee and of the CEBS (Committee of European Banking Supervisors). Moreover, on December 31, 2005, the regulatory capital structure of the Sanpaolo IMI Group also adopted national regulations in terms of the treatment of financial conglomerates, pursuant to Legislative Decree 142/2005, with specific reference to the insurance subsidiaries.

        The following table sets forth the Tier I and the Tier II capital levels and the relative ratios of the Sanpaolo IMI Group at December 31, 2005 and 2004. At December 31, 2004, the amounts we calculated in accordance with Bank of Italy regulations in existence at that date and prepared on an Italian GAAP basis. See: also Item 4. "Information on Sanpaolo IMI—C. Business Overview—Italian

133



Banking Regulation and Corporate Governance Principles—Capital Adequacy Requirements" on page 83 above for further details.

 
  As at
December 31, 2005

 
 
  (millions of €,
except ratios)

 
Tier I capital(1)   11,286  
  of which: preferred securities   1,000  
Tier II capital(2)   4,720  
Less: prescribed deductions   (2,308 )
Total Tier I and Tier II capital   13,698  
   
 
Tier III capital subordinated loans   600  
   
 
Total Tier I, Tier II and Tier III capital   14,298  
Total minimum capital(3)   12,123  
   
 
Excess capital(4)   2,175  
   
 
Weighted assets      
Credit risk   136,017  
Market risk   15,237  
Other requirements   288  
   
 
Total weighted assets   151,542  
   
 

Capital adequacy ratios (%)(5)

 

 

 
Core Tier I ratio   6.8%  
Tier I capital/Total risk-weighted assets   7.4%  
Total capital/Total risk-weighted assets(6)   9.4%  

(1)
The paid-up capital, reserves and capital innovation instruments, such as preferred shares, are top-quality capital elements. The total of such elements, after deduction of own shares or quotas, of intangible assets, as well as of losses recorded in previous and current fiscal years, form the Tier I capital. Innovative capital instruments can be included in Tier I, up to 15% of the total of Tier I capital. The possible surplus can be assigned to Tier II capital and can be classified among the hybrid capitalization instruments.

(2)
The appreciation reserves, the hybrid instruments and subordinated liabilities usually form the Tier II capital elements. Tier II capital must not be higher than Tier I capital and certain elements included in Tier II capital cannot be higher than a specified amount: for example subordinated liabilities cannot exceed 50% of Tier I capital.

(3)
Total minimum capital requirements are calculated as 8% of total risk-weighted assets.

(4)
This item represents the difference between Total Tier I, Tier II and Tier III capital and total minimum capital.

(5)
The capital adequacy ratio must be calculated on the basis of the amount of Tier I capital and Tier II capital, net of shareholding investments in financial and insurance companies, hybrid instruments, and subordinated loans granted to the same entities.

(6)
According to EU instructions, since 1992, Bank of Italy decided that the capital adequacy of a bank should be evaluated according to the ratio between regulatory capital and the total of the weighted risk assets. In particular, the regulatory capital, made of Tier I capital and Tier II capital, must not be lower, on a consolidated basis, than 8% of weighted risk assets.

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        The following table sets forth the Tier I and the Tier II capital levels and the relative ratios of the Sanpaolo IMI Group at December 31, 2004 in accordance with Bank of Italy regulations in existence at that date and prepared on an Italian GAAP basis. The ratios set forth with respect to the capital of Sanpaolo IMI have been calculated net of any dividend distributions. The ratios reflect the clarifications made in the Bank of Italy's technical note of August 3, 2001.

 
  At December 31,
2004(1)

 
 
  (millions of €,
except ratios)

 
Tier I capital      
Share capital   5,218  
Additional paid-in capital   725  
Reserves(2)   4,975  
Preferred securities in euros   1,000  
Less: intangible assets   (1,058 )
   
 
Tier I capital(3)   10,860  
Tier II capital      
Revaluation reserves   71  
Subordinated debt   5,209  
Other positive items   85  
Other negative items   (9 )
   
 
Tier II capital   5,356  
   
 
Less: financial investments   (840 )
Total Tier I and Tier II capital ("Own Funds")   15,376  
   
 
Tier III capital subordinated loans   594  
   
 
Total Tier I, Tier II and Tier III capital   15,970  
Total minimum capital(4)   10,676  
   
 
Excess capital(5)   5,294  
   
 
Weighted assets      
Lending risk   119,600  
Market risk   13,063  
Other requirements   787  
   
 
Total weighted assets   133,450  
   
 

Capital adequacy ratios

 

 

 
Tier I capital/Total risk-weighted assets   8.l%  
Total capital/Total risk-weighted assets   12.0%  

(1)
Data included in this column are presented in accordance with Italian GAAP.

(2)
The item refers to the sum of the following Items of the 2004 consolidated financial statements: caption 170 "Reserves" plus caption 200 "Net income for the year" plus caption 140 "Minority interest" (net of the portion referring to revaluation reserves) plus caption 130 "Negative goodwill arising on application of the equity method" plus caption 100 "Reserve for general banking risks", less dividend distributed and treasury shares.

(3)
Tier I regulatory minimum capital requirements are calculated as 4% of total risk-weighted assets.

(4)
Total minimum capital requirements are calculated as 8% of total risk-weighted assets.

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(5)
This item represents the difference between Total Tier I, Tier II and Tier III capital and total minimum capital.

        The 2.6% decrease in the ratio total capital/total risk-weighted assets from 12.0% at December 31, 2004 to 9.4% at December 31, 2005 is attributable to the adoption of EU GAAP on January 1, 2005 (a decrease of 0.7%), the increase of capital deductions pursuant to the introduction of regulations on financial conglomerates (a decrease of 0.7%), the repayment of subordinated loans in 2005 (a decrease of 0.4%) and an increase in risk-weighted assets (a decrease of 0.8%).

Material Commitments for Capital Expenditures

        As of December 31, 2005, we had no material commitments for capital expenditures on fixed assets.

Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

        The following table presents the Group's known contractual obligations by remaining maturity for the categories specified below at December 31, 2005.

 
  At December 31, 2005
 
  Payments due by maturity
 
  less than
1 year

  between 1
and 3 years

  between 3
and 5 years

  more than
5 years

  Total
 
  (in € millions)

Long-term debts(1)   19,455   17,094   12,198   10,105   58,852
Lease obligations(2)   12   16   2   3   33
Other obligations(3)          
Guarantees(4)   15,007   3,242   1,731   1,433   21,413
Commitments(5)   18,857   5,304   7,610   2,112   33,893
   
 
 
 
 
Total   53,331   25,656   21,541   13,663   114,191
   
 
 
 
 

(1)
Long-term debt consists of senior debt securities and subordinated debt issued by the Group. See: Part B (Liabilities), Section 3 and Part F, Section 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements on pages F-73 and F-163, respectively and Item 3. "Key Information—B. Selected Statistical Information—Liabilities and Funding Sources on page 50 above. It excludes debt due to customers and debt due to banks since such debt is generally short-term in nature.

(2)
Represents financial and operating lease obligations.

(3)
Represents miscellaneous obligations.

(4)
Primarily represents commercial and financial guarantees provided to public entities, banks and other financial institutions on behalf of customers to secure loans, overdrafts and other facilities. For further details, see Part E, Section A of the Consolidated Financial Statements at page F-122.

(5)
Represents (i) irrevocable lines of credit for €26,595 million; (ii) credit derivatives for an aggregate amount of €1,892 million, (iii) other commitments for €5,407 million. For further details, see Part B, Section 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements at page F-44.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        Other than the off-balance sheet guarantees, lines of credit and other commitments disclosed in "Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations" above, we do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our

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financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

C.    Trend Information

        The first months of 2006 has confirmed the scenario characterized by the reinforcement of global economic growth; in the Euro Zone that was generally accompanied by rising interest rates. Positive signs have been registered in Italy where, after a substantially sluggish 2005, industrial output improved, with growth of companies' income and orders as well as the acceleration of exports. In this environment the Group has pursued the goals set by the 2006-2008 Plan; the results for the first quarter of 2006 have shown a substantial acceleration of all margins compared to those achieved in the same period of 2005, primarily thanks to the strong increase in revenues, which have benefited from the growth of operating volumes. Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2006 increased by 55.9% compared to the corresponding period of 2005.

        Through 2006 the Group expects to continue to follow the 2006-2008 Plan; this should allow a further expansion of operations, thanks to projects aiming at increasing both the number of customers and cross-selling. The Group expects to also increase efficiency, in terms of both financial and human resources. It is expected that further benefits could be brought by the external environment, should this scenario of reinforcement of economic growth, progress of capital markets and improvement of confidence on the side of both companies and consumers continue.

        The Group does not manage its business with regard to reported trends on a US GAAP basis. Consequently, the level of adjustments from the application of US GAAP in current or past periods is not necessarily indicative of the magnitude or direction of such adjustments in subsequent periods.

        On the other hand there are also risks linked to the possible evolution of the economic scenario. In the past months, world markets have registered new pressures on commodity prices. It seems likely that economic growth may be consistent with current levels, but a further rise in commodity prices could affect the current phase of recovery. Also the weakness of the US dollar against the euro may become a threat for the economic environment should the recent trend of fall in the exchange rate continue.

D.    Critical Accounting Estimates

        The discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards ("IAS") and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and endorsed by the European Commission on December 31, 2005 on the basis of the procedure set forth in EC Regulation no. 1606/2002 ("EU GAAP"), pursuant to Article 3 (1) of Italian Legislative Decree No. 38/2005. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to apply accounting methods and policies that are based on difficult or subjective judgments, estimates often founded on past experience and assumptions determined to be reasonable and realistic based on the related circumstances. The application of these estimates and assumptions affects the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates given the uncertainty surrounding the assumptions and conditions upon which the estimates are based.

        We have summarized below our accounting estimates that require the more subjective judgment of our management in making assumptions or estimates regarding the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain and for which changes in conditions may significantly affect the results reported in the consolidated financial statements.

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Allowances for Loan Impairment

        San Paolo IMI's loan impairment provisions are established to recognize any impairment losses arising on its loan portfolio. A loan is impaired when there is objective evidence that events since the loan was granted have affected expected cash flows from the loan to the extent that it is probable that not all amounts of the principal, interest and fees will be received. The impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount of the loan and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the loan's original effective interest rate.

        Any adjustments to the net carrying amount (presumibile valore di realizzo) of loans are calculated taking into account the extent of the significance of the impairment, applying an individual or a collective assessment.

        The net carrying amount of impaired loans that are assessed on an individual basis is the net present value of the expected cash flows of capital and interest of the various exposures.

        In determining the net present values of the cash flows relating to the impaired loan, the main factors considered are the estimated future cash flows their timing and the applicable discount rate. The estimated future cash flows and their timing (that constitute the expected repayment schedules) are determined on analytical assumptions made by the departments in charge for loan assessment and, where such assumptions are not available, on lump-sum estimates based on statistics of internal historical data and sector studies.

        The applicable discount rates used to discount the estimated future cash flows (as included in the expected repayment schedules) of impaired loans were the original effective interest rates used for medium-long term loans and the weighted average of the rates charged on short-term loan exposures with similar contractual characteristics, maturity and risk profile.

        Collective adjustments to performing loans are calculated by applying a model developed on the basis of Risk Management methodologies used by banks in the Group to assess the credit impairment that it is believed to have been incurred at the reference date, the extent of which is not known at the time of the assessment.

        These write-downs, however, may be reinstated by means of write-backs in the event that the reason for such write-downs ceases to apply or the amount recovered on the loans is higher than the original write-down recorded in the accounting records.

        Changes in the estimates and assumptions used in determining the allowance for loan impairment could have a direct impact on the provision and could result in a change in the allowance. However, experience suggests that the estimations and assumptions are reliable and stable.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

        The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale.

        The fair value of financial instruments listed on active markets is represented by the related market price. As concerns the identification of the active market, the Group uses specific rules and procedures to fix the price and verify the reliability of the shares bought. The market price, considered representative of fair value, for assets owned by the Bank is taken at the bid price, whilst for assets to be acquired, the market price is taken at the asking price. If the bid and asking prices are not available, current fair value is evaluated at the price of the last transaction made. Where financial assets and liabilities are matched in terms of market risk, reference is made to average market prices in order to establish their fair value.

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        Financial assets with more than one listing price on distinct active markets are designated at the price the Bank deems most favorable. If no market price exists for a financial instrument in its entirety, but only for its components, the fair value is calculated on the basis of the relevant market prices of the components.

        For a considerable portion of the assets and liabilities held or issued by Sanpaolo IMI, market prices are not available. In these cases, appropriate measurement techniques were employed which involved the time discounting of cash flows, using parameters based on the market conditions prevailing at the date of the financial statements.

        Since the measurement results may be significantly influenced by the assumptions made, mainly as concerns the timing of future cash flows, the discount rates used, and the credit spread estimate methods employed, the fair value estimated would not necessarily be realized if the financial instruments were sold immediately.

        In determining the fair value of the financial instruments the following methods and key assumptions were used:


        Finally, it should be noted that the parameters assumed and models used may differ from one financial institution to another; hence where different assumptions are used, the results may significantly differ. It should further be noted that IFRS exclude certain financial instruments (e.g. deposits on demand) and non-financial instruments (e.g. goodwill, tangible assets, equity investments, etc.) from the fair value option, and therefore overall fair value cannot be taken as an estimate of the economic value of the Group.

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Goodwill

        The Group capitalizes goodwill arising on the acquisition of businesses. Goodwill is the excess of the consideration paid for an acquired entity over the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired and the fair value of any identified intangible assets. The determination of the fair value of assets and liabilities of businesses acquired requires the exercise of management judgment; for example those financial assets and liabilities for which there are no quoted prices, and those non-financial assets where valuations reflect estimates of market conditions such as property.

        Goodwill is not amortized but is regularly reviewed for impairment. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. An impairment loss is recorded where the recoverable amount is lower than its carrying value. The recoverable amount is the greater of the fair value of the cash-generating unit, net of selling costs, and the value in use. The value in use is the present value of the future cash flows expected to be produced by the cash-generating unit and arising on its disposal at the end of its useful life. At the consolidated level, to test for impairment, goodwill is allocated to groups of cash-generating units that represent the lowest level within the Group at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes.

Intangible Assets

        Internal costs incurred to develop software are capitalized in the financial statements as intangible assets, only upon verification of the technical feasibility of the projects involved and their completion as well as their ability to generate future economic benefits. At the development stage, these assets are valued at cost, inclusive of any direct ancillary costs and any costs relating to internal staff employed on the development. If the results of the trial testing are negative, then the costs are charged to the statement of income.

        Intangible assets arising on software developed internally or acquired externally are amortized on a straight-line basis, starting from the date of completion and implementation, over an estimated useful life of three years. Where the recoverable amount of such assets is lower than their book value, the difference is recorded in the statement of income.

Pensions

        Sanpaolo IMI operates a number of defined benefit pension schemes as described in the financial statements. The assets of the schemes are measured at their fair value at the balance sheet date. Scheme liabilities are measured using the projected unit method, which takes account of projected earnings increases, using actuarial assumptions that give the best estimate of the future cash flows that will arise under the scheme liabilities. These cash flows are discounted at the market rate of zero coupon bonds, considered most representative of market performance. Resulting actuarial gains and losses are stated in a specific valuation reserve balancing the specific asset or liability entry. In determining the value of scheme liabilities, assumptions are made as to price inflation, dividend growth, pension increases, earnings growth and employees. There is a range of assumptions that could be adopted in valuing the schemes' liabilities. Different assumptions could significantly alter the amount of the deficit recognized in the balance sheet and the pension cost charged to the income statement.

Provisions for risks and charges

        Provisions are made to cover estimated losses on legal disputes, including revocatory actions, the estimated amounts payable in relation to customer disputes in respect of dealing activities in securities, other sums payable in connection with legal or implicit obligations existing at the end of the financial year, including accruals for incentive voluntary redundancy payments, other welfare and social contributions as well as contractual indemnities due to Private Bankers of the Group.

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        The provisions made are re-examined at each balance sheet date and adjusted to reflect the best current estimates. When it looks unlikely that resources will be needed to produce economic benefits to meet the obligation, the accrual is reversed.

Deferred income taxes

        The Group recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the book value of the assets and liabilities and their fair value for tax purposes, net operating loss carry forwards and tax credits. The recognition of deferred tax assets is subject to management's judgment based on available evidence that they are likely to be recovered. In the event that we determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to our deferred tax assets would be charged to income tax expense in the period that the determination was made.

Insurance Products

        Products for which insurance risk is deemed significant include, among other things, life policies with annuity first branch death policies and income and mixed policies with guaranteed fixed conversion rates at the time of issue, and certain types of unit-linked policies and damage cover.

        Sanpaolo IMI uses base tables of standard mortality appropriate to the type of contract being written and the territory in which the insured person resides. These are adjusted to reflect the Group's experience, mortality improvements and voluntary termination behavior.

E.    Recent Accounting Developments

Developments under IFRS

        IFRS 7 ("Financial Instruments Disclosures") and an amendment to IAS 1 ("Presentation of Financial Statements") on capital disclosures were issued by the IASB in August 2005 for application in accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2007 and have been adopted by the European Commission.

        IFRS 7 ("Financial Instruments: Disclosures") replaces IAS 30 ("Disclosures in the Financial Statements of Banks and Similar Financial Institutions") and the disclosure provisions in IAS 32 ("Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation"). IFRS 7 requires disclosure of the significance of financial instruments for an entity's financial position and performance and of qualitative and quantitative information about exposure to risks arising from financial instruments. The standard is effective for financial years beginning on or after January 1, 2007. Earlier application is encouraged.

        Amendment "Capital Disclosures" to IAS 1 ("Presentation of Financial Statements") requires disclosures about an entity's capital and the way it is managed. This amendment is also effective for financial years beginning on or after January 1, 2007. Earlier application is encouraged.

        The IASB has also issued three amendments to IAS 39 ("Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement"). The first, "Cash Flow Hedge Accounting of Forecast Intra-group Transactions", published in April 2005, amends IAS 39 to permit the foreign currency risk of a highly probable forecast intra-group transaction to qualify as a hedged item in the consolidated financial statements. The amendment is effective for financial years beginning on or after January 1, 2006.

        The second, "The Fair Value Option", published in June 2005, places conditions on the option in IAS 39 to designate on initial recognition a financial asset or financial liability as at fair value through profit or loss. The amendment is effective for financial years beginning on or after January 1, 2006. Earlier application was encouraged. The Group has adopted this amendment from January 1, 2005.

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        The third, "Financial Guarantee Contracts", published in August 2005, amends IAS 39 and IFRS 4 "Insurance Contracts". The amendments define a financial guarantee contract. They require such contracts to be recorded initially at fair value and subsequently at higher of the provision determined in accordance with IAS 37 "Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets" and the amount initially recognized less amortization. The amendments are effective for financial years beginning on or after January 1, 2006.

        In December 2005, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 21 "The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates" to clarify that a monetary item can form part of the net investment in overseas operations regardless of the currency in which it is denominated and that the net investment in a foreign operation can include a loan from a fellow subsidiary. The amendments are effective immediately but have not been endorsed by the EU. The Group is reviewing IFRS 7 and the amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 21 and those to IAS 39 that it has not implemented, to determine their effect on its financial reporting and will be adopted by the Group for reporting in 2007. Consideration will be given in 2006 to the implications, if any, of the following IFRIC (International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee) interpretations issued during 2005 which first apply to accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2006:


Developments under U.S. GAAP

SFAS 153: Exchanges of non-monetary assets

        The FASB issued SFAS 153 Exchanges of Non-monetary Assets, an amendment of APB (Accounting Principles Board) Opinion No. 29 in December 2004. SFAS 153 provides for a general exemption from fair value measurement for exchanges of non monetary assets that do not have commercial substance (as defined in FAS). The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. Sanpaolo IMI will adopt the statement from January 1, 2006. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Group's financial position or results of operations.

SFAS 154: Accounting changes and corrections of errors

        SFAS 154 was issued in May 2005 and is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. SFAS 154 provides guidance on the accounting changes (voluntary and those required by the issuance of an accounting pronouncement) and error corrections. APB Opinion No.20 previously required that most voluntary changes in accounting principles be recognized by including in net income in the period of change, the cumulative effect of changing to a new accounting principle. SFAS 154 establishes, unless impracticable, retrospective application of the direct effects of the change as the required method for reporting change in accounting principles in the absence of explicit transition requirements specific to the newly adopted accounting principle. The correction of an error in previously issued financial statements is not an accounting change although the reporting of an error correction involves adjustments to previously issued financial statements similar to those reporting an accounting change. Sanpaolo IMI will adopt

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the statement from January 1, 2006. The adoption of this standard will help to further align the US GAAP reporting with EU GAAP.

SFAS 155: Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments

        In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, "Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments" (SFAS 155), an amendment to SFAS 140 and SFAS 133. SFAS 155 permits election to measure any hybrid financial instrument at fair value (with changes in fair value recognized in earnings) if the hybrid instruments contains an embedded derivative that would otherwise be required to be bifurcated and accounted for separately under SFAS 133. The election to measure the hybrid instrument at fair value is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irreversible.

        The statement will be effective for all instruments acquired, issued, or subject to a remeasurement event occurring after the beginning of fiscal years that begin after September 15, 2006, with earlier adoption permitted as at the beginning of the Group's 2006 fiscal year. Sanpaolo IMI is assessing the impact of this change in accounting in its consolidated financial statements.

SFAS 156: Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets

        In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156 Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets. SFAS 156 amends FASB Statement No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, with respect to the accounting for separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. The statement requires entities to initially recognize servicing rights at fair value and subsequently measure them either at fair value or amortized cost. Subsequently, entities may elect to measure separately recognized servicing assets and liabilities using the current amortization method or at fair value, with changes in value recognized in current period earnings. The fair value election is irrevocable and must be applied on a class-by-class basis. Sanpaolo IMI is evaluating the potential impact of the fair value election, but otherwise plans to adopt the initial recognition provisions and the statement's other requirements as of January 1, 2006.

FSP FAS 115-1 and FAS 124-1 The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments

        This FSP was issued in November 2005, nullifies the guidance in EITF 03-1 The Meaning of Other-Than Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments and addresses the determination as to when an investment is considered impaired, whether the impairment is other than temporary, and the measurement of any impairment loss. An investment is deemed impaired if the fair value of the investment is less than cost. This impairment is either temporary or other than temporary but not permanent. If the impairment is other than temporary, an impairment loss equal to the difference between the investment's cost and fair value is recognised. The fair value becomes the new cost base and is not adjusted for any recoveries in value. This FSP is applicable to the first reporting period beginning after December 15, 2005. Sanpaolo IMI will adopt this FSP from January 1, 2006. Adoption of this FSP is not expected to have a material impact on Sanpaolo IMI's US GAAP financial statements.

ITEM 6.    DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

A.    Directors and Senior Management

Board of Directors

        The Board of Directors of Sanpaolo IMI was renewed by the general shareholders' meeting of April 29, 2004, which also approved the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003.

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The mandate of the Board of Directors will expire at the general shareholders' meeting called to approve the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007.

        The following table sets forth the names, position and year of appointment of the members of the Board of Directors of Sanpaolo IMI.

Name

  Age
  Position

  Appointed
 
Enrico Salza   69   Chairman   1998 (1)
Maurizio Barracco   62   Director   2004  
Pio Bussolotto   70   Director   2002  
Giuseppe Fontana   52   Director   1998  
Ettore Gotti Tedeschi   61   Director   2004  
Alfonso Iozzo   63   Managing Director   2001  
Virgilio Marrone   59   Director   1998  
Iti Mihalich   74   Director   1997  
Anthony Orsatelli   55   Director   2003  
Emilio Ottolenghi   74   Director   1995  
Orazio Rossi   74   Deputy Chairman   2002  
Gian Guido Sacchi Morsiani   71   Director   2002  
Alfredo Saenz Abad   63   Director   2004  
Mario Sarcinelli   72   Director   2004  
Leone Sibani   69   Director   2004  
Alberto Tazzetti   58   Director   2004  
Josè Manuel Varela   59   Director   2004  

(1)
Appointed Chairman in 2004.

        For a discussion of the election of the Board of Directors, see: Item 7. "A. The Major Shareholders—Agreements Among Shareholders" on page 169 below.

General Manager and Senior Management

        On November 12, 2004 the Board of Directors of Sanpaolo IMI nominated Mr. Pietro Modiano as General Manager.

        On November 29, 2004 the Board of Directors of Sanpaolo IMI defined the powers of the General Manager. Such powers are to be exercised within the context of the strategies, and plans determined by the Board of Directors of Sanpaolo IMI. Furthermore, the General Manager has the power to delegate his powers and is required to report quarterly to the Board of Directors of Sanpaolo IMI.

        The General Manager is the head of the operating and executive structure of Sanpaolo IMI and is responsible for the Commercial Banking Business Sector. Including the banking networks in Italy and abroad. Furthermore, the General Manager is responsible for the specialist companies operating in specific markets, territories and businesses such as public entities (Banca OPI), investment banking (Banca Imi), private equity, consumer credit (Neos Banca), leasing (Sanpaolo Leasint) and tax collection (Gest Line).

        The General Manager has also in relation to the granting of loans, powers, Group guarantees to financial institutions, financial risk management and control, recovery of loans, legal proceedings on non-recovered assets and liabilities, administration procedures against Parent Bank and costs, as well as powers in matters concerning personnel and structures within the context of the frameworks approved by the administrative bodies. The General Manager has all the powers necessary for the ordinary

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management of the Parent Bank and formulates proposals for the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.

        On December 3, 2004 Mr. Modiano was also nominated chairman of Banca IMI, a material subsidiary of the Parent Bank.

        The following table sets forth the members of the senior management (the "Senior Managers") of Sanpaolo IMI as of the date of this annual report, their age, positions with Sanpaolo IMI and year of appointment.

Name

  Age
  Position

  Appointed
Alfonso Iozzo   63   Managing Director   2001
Pietro Modiano   54   General Manager   2004
Bruno Picca   56   Head of Finance and Administration Department   2004
Pier Luigi Curcuruto   56   Head of MOI Department   2000
Aldo Gallo   57   Head of Audit Department   1999
Maurizio Montagnese   50   Head of Group Personnel and Organization Department   1999
Bruno Mazzola   58   Head of Shareholdings Investments Department   2004
Piero Luongo   51   Head of General and Legal Affairs Department   2001
Davide Alfonsi   42   Head of Risk Management Function   2005
Lucia Ariano   52   Head of Group Management Control Department   2005
Giuseppe Cuccurese   51   Head of Foreign Department   2005
Doriano Demi   55   Head of Asset Management and International Private Banking   2005
Carla Patrizia Ferrari   49   Head of Public Company and Agencies Department   2005
Carlo Ricordi   59   Head of Distribution Coordination Department   2005
Eugenio Rossetti   49   Head of Lending Department   2005
Giorgio Spriano   48   Head of Planning Department   2005
Lorenzo Stanca   43   Head of Operative Strategies Department   2005
Sebastiano Strumia   44   Head of Corporate Department   2005
Filippo Vecchio   40   Head of Group External Relations   2005
Giovanni Viani   45   Head of Retail and Private Department   2005

Mario Greco

 

45

 

Managing Director of Eurizon Financial Group

 

2005

        On April 4, 2005 the Board of Directors of Sanpaolo IMI appointed Mr. Mario Greco as Managing Director of Assicurazioni Internazionali di Previdenza and as member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Banca Fideuram. The choice of Mario Greco was in the context of strengthening the Group's insurance business in line with the objective of preparing for the important challenges in the sector. On July 5, 2005 the Board of Directors of Sanpaolo IMI nominated Mr. Mario Greco as the head of Saving and Pensions—one of the three Business Areas in which the Group's activities were structured—and approved a development project with the aim of satisfying the emerging needs of customers for advice in protecting savings and personal pensions in the most efficient manner.

        The following is selected biographical data of the current Directors:

        Enrico Salza, Chairman. Mr. Salza was Deputy Chairman of Sanpaolo from 1984 to 1995 and of Sanpaolo IMI from 2001 to 2004. He is an entrepreneur and the managing director of Tecno Holding S.p.A. He was formerly chairman of the Turin Chamber of Commerce and Unioncamere Piemontese. He served as managing director of Cerved S.p.A. until 2002, director of Union Bank of Switzerland in Italy and deputy chairman and managing director of Il Sole 24 Ore from 1971 to 1989, as well as a director of Compagnia di San Paolo. He was chairman of the conference center "Torino

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Incontra", and is honorary chairman of the Associazione Sviluppo Scientifico e Tecnologico del Piemonte and a member of the executive committee of the International Chamber of Commerce.

        Maurizio Barracco has been managing director of Veedol Lubrificanti S.p.A., president of SAEL Italia S.p.A. and director of RCS Editori S.p.A. from 1984 to 2002, he is currently director of RCS Daily Newspapers S.p.A. From 2000 he has been managing director of Arin group and chairman of consorzio Acqua Blu.

        Pio Bussolotto, Managing Director of Sanpaolo IMI from 2002 to 2004, was also managing director of Cardine Banca, Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo and Casse Venete Banca. Since 2001 he is a member of the board of directors of Fondo Interbancario di Tutela dei Depositi. He was a director of Camera di Commercio Industria Artigianato e Agricoltura di Padova and of Mediovenezie Banca.

        Giuseppe Fontana is an entrepreneur, heading the holding of gruppo Fontana, international leader in the production of bolts and nuts. He is director of the hotel group Villa d'Este, vice chairman of the Associazione Industriali of Monza and Brianza. He is director of Banca Fideuram and of Banca Popolare di Sondrio. Since 1995 he has been director of IMI and then of Sanpaolo IMI.

        Ettore Gotti Tedeschi is senior country representative of SCH, whose Italian branch he established in 1993, and chairman of Banca Finconsumo. Previously he was co-founder and Senior Partner of Akros Finanziaria, managing director merchant banking and chairman of Azimut. He teaches at the Università Cattolica di Milano and is a director of the Cassa di Depositi e Prestiti.

        Alfonso Iozzo, Managing Director, has spent his professional career at Sanpaolo, where he entered in 1961. He was Head of the Research Department, then of the Foreign Department and subsequently deputy general manager of the Bank. With the reorganization of the Bank upon its transformation into a limited company he became joint general manager in 1992 and then in 1995 general manager of the holding Gruppo Bancario Sanpaolo. From February 1995 he was secretary general of the Compagnia di San Paolo, an office which he left upon being nominated to his current role in the bank.

        Virgilio Marrone has been a director of IFI S.p.A. since 1973, first as assistant to the managing director, then as secretary general. From 1993 he was joint general manager and responsible for business development of IFI S.p.A. and from 2002 general manager of IFI S.p.A. On May 25, 2006, the Board of Directors of IFI S.p.A. nominated Mr. Marrone managing director and general manager. He is also director of Fiat S.p.A. and of Exor Group, Luxembourg.

        Iti Mihalich is chairman of Società Reale Mutua di Assicurazioni, Banca Reale, Rem Assicurazioni and Reale Immobili and of other Italian and foreign insurance companies. He is also deputy chairman of Ala Assicurazioni S.p.A. and director of Friulcassa, Sara Assicurazioni S.p.A. and Sara Vita S.p.A.

        Anthony Orsatelli worked in the French premier's office and finance ministry from 1977 to 1987. He then moved to Banque Nationale de Paris with assignments in London and Tokyo. In 1995 he joined the CDC group. He became chief executive of CDC Ixis in 2003. In 2003 he has been appointed as member of the Committee of Caisse Nationale des Caisses d'Epargne, with responsibility for Financing and Capital Market activities.

        Emilio Ottolenghi is a petroleum entrepreneur and from 1959 managing director of "La Petrolifera Italo-Rumena S.p.A.". From 1993 to 1995 he was chairman of the Gruppo Bancario Credito Romagnolo S.p.A. and from 1995 to 1998 deputy chairman of Sanpaolo, then Director of Sanpaolo IMI; from 1999 to 2002 he was deputy chairman of Sanpaolo IMI Private Equity.

        Orazio Rossi, Deputy Chairman, is a commercial and industrial entrepreneur. He was chairman of Cardine Banca until 2000. He joined the Board of Directors of Sanpaolo IMI and was appointed Deputy Chairman in March 2002. He is currently a member of the board of directors of the Associazione fra le Casse di Risparmio Italiane and a member of the executive committee of the

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Associazione Bancaria Italiana. He was previously a member of the board of directors of the Rovigo Chamber of Commerce and of Federalcasse Banca.

        Gianguido Sacchi Morsiani has been a university professor of administrative law since 1997 and is the author of many legal publications. He has also worked as European Commission expert in connection with the harmonization of the legislations of EU countries. He has been a member of the Technical Committee of the Finance Ministry and Chairman of I.C.C.R.I. He was the chairman and deputy chairman of Cardine Banca. He has been chairman of Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna since 1980. He is chairman of Neos Banca.

        Alfredo Saenz Abad was executive director of Tubacex S.A. from 1965 to 1980, then moving to banking where he had important roles in Banco de Vizcaya, Banca Catalana and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya, going on to become chairman of Banesto in 1993. From 1999 he was a director of SCH, becoming in 2002 deputy chairman and managing director. He is also vice chairman of Santander Central Hispano Investment.

        Mario Sarcinelli began his career with the Bank of Italy, where he had various positions, becoming deputy general manager from 1976 to 1981. He was general manager of the Treasury from 1982 to 1991, he was foreign trade minister in 1987. Vice chairman of the new European Bank for Reconstruction and Development from 1991 to 1994, from 1994 to 1998 he was chairman of Banca Nazionale del Lavoro. He teaches at "La Sapienza" (Rome) university and Luiss university.

        Leone Sibani is chairman of Sanpaolo IMI Private Equity (since 2002) and is a director of Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico (since 2003) and Sanpaolo IMI Internazionale (since 2002). He is also a director of Compagnia Assicuratrice Unipol S.p.A. and director of the Associazione per lo Sviluppo degli Studi di Banca e Borsa.

        Alberto Tazzetti is a member of the general board of Compagnia di San Paolo, a partner and chairman of Sicurezza Lavoro S.r.l. as well as director of the Centrale del Latte di Torino Spa. He is also a member of the Comitato Esecutivo della Piccola Industria and member of the Consiglio Direttivo of Confindustria, and deputy chairman of the Unione Industriale of Turin.

        Josè Manuel Varela began his career in the research department of the Spanish Ministry of Commerce, subsequently holding important roles in Banco Iberico S.A. and Banco Exterior S.A. de Espana. Since 1987 he has worked for SCH, where he is responsible for the European Division, Consumer Banking in Europe and Strategic Alliances.

        The following is selected biographical data of the General Manager and the other Senior Managers (other than of Mr. Iozzo whose selected biographical data is presented above):

        Pietro Modiano is Sanpaolo IMI's General Manager. Before joining the Group in 2004, he had been, since October 2000, deputy general manger of the Unicredit group and was responsible for the corporate banking division as chief executive officer of the Unicredit Banca d'Impresa and chief executive officer of UBM, respectively, the corporate and investment bank of the Unicredit group. He began his career with Credito Italiano in 1977 in the planning and economic research department. Mr. Modiano has also been a member of the board directors of a number of leading Italian companies and is currently a member of the board of directors of the Italian Banking Association.

        Mario Greco was appointed Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Assicurazioni Internazionali di Previdenza S.p.A. in April 2005 with responsibility for the "Savings and Pensions" of the Sanpaolo Imi Group. From 1998 until March 2005 he had been chief executive officer of RAS S.p.A., which he entered in 1995. He began his career in McKinsey & Company, where he became partner in 1992, after graduating in Economics from Rome University and obtaining a Master's degree in International Economics and Monetary Theory from Rochester University (U.S.A.). He is

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board member of Banca Fideuram and Universo Servizi, as well as Chairman of Egida. In addition, Mr Greco serves on the board of directors of Fastweb and Indesit.

        Bruno Picca is responsible for the Finance and Administration Department and, as such, has the functions of Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Picca pursued his career within Sanpaolo IMI, holding various positions in different sectors including Financial Control and Planning.

        Pier Luigi Curcuruto is responsible for the integrated operation vehicle MOI. He has pursued his professional career with various companies, including Italtel, System & Management, EDS Europa and Banca Popolare di Milano.

        Aldo Gallo is responsible for the Audit Department having pursued his career within Sanpaolo IMI covering various positions in different sectors.

        Maurizio Montagnese is responsible for the Group Personnel and Organization Department. Previously he held similar positions in Unicredito, Cassa di Risparmio di Verona and Olivetti.

        Bruno Mazzola is responsible for Shareholdings Investment Department having pursued his career within Sanpaolo IMI holding various positions in subsidiaries of the Parent Bank.

        Piero Luongo is responsible for the General, Legal and External Affairs Department. Prior to the merger of Sanpaolo and IMI he pursued his professional career in IMI covering various positions.

        Davide Alfonsi is the head of Risk Management function having pursued his career within Sanpaolo IMI covering various positions subsidiaries of the Group. Previously he gained relevant experience at Arthur Andersen in the Finance area with particular reference to risk management sector.

        Lucia Ariano is head of the Group Management Control Department. She has pursued her career within Sanpaolo IMI, holding various positions in different sectors and countries.

        Giuseppe Cuccurese is head of the Foreign Department having pursued his career within Sanpaolo IMI, holding various positions as chief of New York and Nassau branches and then of the foreign network.

        Doriano Demi is chief of the Asset Management and International Private Banking, having pursued his career within Sanpaolo IMI, holding increasing responsibilities in subsidiaries of the Parent Bank. Previously he gained relevant experience in the finance area.

        Carla Patrizia Ferrari is head of the Public Companies and Agencies Department, General Manager of Banca OPI and CEO of S.In.Loc. and Fin. Opi S.p.a. She has pursued her career within Sanpaolo IMI, holding various positions in different sectors including Studies and Strategies Department. Previously she gained relevant experience in the European Community.

        Carlo Ricordi is head of the Distribution Coordination Department having pursued his career within Sanpaolo IMI covering various positions in different sectors including Group Commercial Coordination.

        Eugenio Rossetti is chief of the Lending Department. He held considerable responsibilities in different sectors of the Group such as head of the Large Groups Department and General Manager of Imibank Lux.

        Giorgio Spriano is the head of the planning department. He has pursued his career within Sanpaolo IMI, holding various positions in different sectors and countries, including investor relations and Corporate Development.

        Lorenzo Stanca is the head of the operative strategies department. He joined SanPaoloImi from UniCredit where he headed the fixed income markets department of the Investment Bank of the

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Group—UBM and where he gained considerable experience in the research department at Credito Italiano.

        Sebastiano Strumia is the chief of the Corporate Department. Until July 2005 he held various responsibilities in Unicredit Group including heading the Corporate Finance Department.

        Filippo Vecchio is the chief of Group External Relations. Previously he held positions of responsibility in UTET Publishing Group and in the press office of the Prime Minister of the Italian government.

        Giovanni Viani is the head of the Retail and Private Department. Previously he held considerable responsibilities in McKinsey as Director, gaining considerable experience in banking and insurance sectors with particular reference to strategy, marketing and organizational development.

        With reference to the current directors of the Bank, the following table sets forth the principal positions held by the Directors and the Statutory Auditors in other companies listed on regulated markets. The table also sets forth the offices of the Directors in banking, financial and insurance companies.

Director

  Office

  Company

Enrico Salza   Managing Director   Tecnoholding S.p.A.

Maurizio Barracco

 

Director

 

R.C.S. Quotidiani S.p.A.
    Sole Director   ARIN—Azienda Risorse Idriche Napoli S.p.A.

Pio Bussolotto

 

Director

 

Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo S.p.A.
    Director   Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze S.p.A.
    Director   Banca delle Marche S.p.A.
    Director   Assicurazioni Iternazionali di Previdenza S.p.A.

Giuseppe Fontana

 

Director

 

Banca Popolare di Sondrio
    Director   Banca Fideuram S.p.A.

Ettore Gotti Tedeschi

 

Chairman

 

Santander Consumer Bank S.p.A.
    Deputy Chairman   Alerion Industries
    Director   Cassa Depositi e Prestiti
    Director   Endesa Italia S.p.A.

Alfonso Iozzo

 

Chairman

 

Banca OPI S.p.A.
    Director   Assicurazioni Internazionali di Previdenza S.p.A.

Virgilio Marrone

 

Managing Director and General Manager

 

IFI S.p.A.
    Director   Fiat S.p.A.
    Director   Exor Group—Luxembourg
         

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Iti Mihalich

 

Chairman

 

Societá Reale Mutua di Assicurazioni
    Chairman   Banca Reale S.p.A.
    Chairman   Rem Assicurazioni S.p.A.
    Chairman   Reale Immobili
    Chairman   Blue Assistance
    Chairman   La Piemontese Assicurazioni S.p.A.
    Chairman   La Piemontese Vita S.p.A.
    Chairman   Compagnia Italiana di Prev., Ass.ni e Riass.ni
    Chairman   ICT Immobiliare S.p.A.
    Chairman   Reale Seguros Generales S.A.
    Chairman   Reale Vida S.A.—Compania de Seguros y Reaseguros S.A.
    Chairman   Union Asseguradora, Sociedad Anonima de Seguros Generales
    Chairman   Reale Sum—Agrupacion de Interes Economico
    Chairman   Inmobiliaria Grupo Asegurador Reale S.A.
    Chairman   Immobiliare Nirasole S.p.A.
    Deputy Chairman   Ala Assicurazioni S.p.A.
    Director   Sara Assicurazioni S.p.A.
    Director   Sara Vita S.p.A.
    Director   Humanities S.p.A.

Anthony Orsatelli

 

Membre du Directoire

 

Caisse Nationale des Caisses d'Epargne S.A.
    Membre du Conseil de Surveillance   Sogeposte S.A.
    Chairman of the Board of Directors   Nexgen Financial Holding Limited
    Chairman of the Board of Directors   Nexgen Re Limited
    Member of the Board of Directors   CDC Ixis AM US Corporation
    Member of the Board of Directors   Euroclear Plc.
    Member of the Board of Directors   CDC Ixis Financial Guaranty North America Inc.

Emilio Ottolenghi

 

Chairman

 

Vis S.p.A.
    Chairman   La Petrolifera Italo Rumena S.p.A.
    Director   Argus Fund S.A.
    Director   Sapir S.p.A.

Orazio Rossi

 

Chairman

 

Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo S.p.A.
    Chairman   Sanpaolo IMI Internazionale S.p.A.

Gianguido Sacchi Morsiani

 

Chairman

 

Neos Banca S.p.A.
    Chairman   Gest Line S.p.A.
    Director   CNC Consorzio Nazionale Concessionari
        Servizio Riscossione Tributi
         

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Afredo Saenz Abad

 

Vice Presidente Segundo Y Consejero Delegado

 

Banco Santander Central Hispano S.A.
    Deputy Chairman   Santander Central Hispano Investment S.A.
    Deputy Chairman   Compania Espanola de Petroleos S.A.
    Chairman   Banco Banif S.A.
    Consejero   France Telecom Operadores de Telecomunicaciones S.A.

Mario Sarcinelli

 

Director

 

Ina Vita S.p.A.
    Director   Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.p.A.
    Director   Data Management S.p.A.

Leone Sibani

 

Chairman

 

Sanpaolo IMI Private Equity S.p.A.
    Director   Sanpaolo IMI Internazionale S.p.A.
    Director   Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico S.p.A.
    Director   Biesse S.p.A.

Alberto Tazzetti

 

Chairman

 

Sicurezza Lavoro S.r.l.
    Director   Centrale del Latte di Torino & Co. S.p.A.

Josè Manuel Varela

 

Director

 

Santander Consumer Finance S.A.
    Director   Santander Consumer Elcon Finans A.S.—Norway
    Director   Santander Consumer PTF Bank S.A.—Poland
    Director   Santander Consumer CC—Bank AG—Germany
    Director   Santander Consumer Bank S.p.A.
    Director   Interbanco—Portugal
    Director   CC—Credit R.T.—Hungary
    Director   Banque Commerciale du Maroc

Board of Statutory Auditors

        The Board of Statutory Auditors was renewed by the general shareholders' meeting of April 29, 2005. The statutory auditors were elected for a three-year term and their mandate will expire at the general shareholders' meeting called to approve the financial statement for the year ended December 31, 2007.

        The following table sets forth the names, the age and the position of the current statutory auditors of Sanpaolo Imi:

Name

  Age
  Position

Maurizio Dallocchio   48   Chairman of Board of Auditors
Aureliano Benedetti   70   Auditor
Gianluca Ferrero   42   Auditor
Augusto Franchini   66   Auditor
Paolo Mazzi   59   Auditor
Carlo Pavesio   60   Alternate Auditor
Paolo Piccatti   49   Alternate Auditor

        The statutory auditors were elected through the voting list and in observance of a procedure which envisages the timely publication of the candidacies and ensures a representation of representatives of

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minority shareholders (see: Item 6. "Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Comparative Analysis between NYSE Corporate Governance Standards and Sanpaolo IMI Corporate Governance Practice" on page 160 below).

        In case any of the statutory auditors ceases for any reason to serve in such capacity, the alternate auditor automatically replaces him until the next shareholders' meeting, at which a replacement will be elected by the shareholders. Statutory auditors are required to attend the general meeting of shareholders, Board of Directors meetings and Executive Committee meetings.

        The Board of Statutory Auditors is called upon to supervise the observance of applicable laws and the Articles of Association, the observance of principles of correct management and the adequacy of the organizational structure, for the areas of competence, of the internal control system and the Parent Bank's administrative-accounting system, as well as the adequacy of the provisions given by the Parent Bank to its subsidiaries to fulfill the communication and information obligations provided for by law. As specified below Sanpaolo IMI has designated the Board of Statutory Auditors, and the Board of Statutory Auditors has accepted such designation as Sanpaolo IMI's Audit Committee for purposes of Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act (see: "C. Board Practices—Comparative Analysis between NYSE Corporate Governance Standards and Sanpaolo IMI Corporate Governance Practice" on page 160 below).

        The general meeting of shareholders held on April 29, 2005 set the yearly compensation for the newly appointed members of the Board of Statutory Auditors at €100,000 for the Chairman of the Board of Statutory Auditors and at €65,000 for each of the Statutory Auditors.

Independent Auditors

        The financial statements of Sanpaolo IMI are required to be audited by an independent auditing firm whose assignment has to be approved by the general shareholders' meeting that approves the annual financial statements. The resolution of the general shareholders' meeting authorizing such appointment must be furnished to CONSOB together with the Board of Statutory Auditors' opinion on the appointment. Arthur Andersen S.p.A. audited the financial statements of Sanpaolo IMI and its predecessor, Sanpaolo, since the fiscal year ending December 31, 1992 and terminated its assignment with the opinion for the fiscal year 2000. PricewaterhouseCoopers S.p.A. was appointed by the general shareholders' meeting on April 28, 2000 for the three year term 2001-2003 and was confirmed for the three-year term 2004-2006 by the general shareholders' meeting of April 29, 2004.

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B.    Compensation

        The following table sets forth the compensation paid to or accrued by the Directors, the General Manager and the Statutory Auditors of Sanpaolo IMI for the year ended December 31, 2005:

Name

  Function
  Period in office
  Expiration of Office(*)
  Remuneration for the function in Sanpaolo IMI
  Non-monetary benefits
  Bonuses and other incentives(1)
  Other compensation(2)
 
 
   
   
   
  (thousands of €)

 
Directors and General Manager                              
Salza Enrico   Chairman of the Board of Directors(3)   January 1, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2006   959     80    
Rossi Orazio   Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors(3)   January 1, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2006   711 (a)   87     (a)
Iozzo Alfonso   Managing Director(3)   January 1, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2006   1,359     1,944     (b)
Modiano Pietro   General Manager   January 1, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2006   1,250   32   1,800     (c)
Barracco Maurizio   Director   January 1, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2006   64     73    
Bussolotto Pio   Director(3)   January 1, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2006   74     174 (d) 174  
Fontana Giuseppe   Director   January 1, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2006   88     120   44  
Gotti Tedeschi Ettore   Director(3)   January 1, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2006   74     174    
Marrone Virgilio   Director   January 1, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2006   67       (e)  
Mihalich Iti   Director   January 1, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2006   66     154    
Orsatelli Anthony   Director   January 1, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2006   63     40    
Ottolenghi Emilio   Director(3)   January 1, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2006   74     207    
Sacchi Morsiani Gian Guido   Director(3)   January 1, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2006   74     207   145  
Saenz Abad Alfredo   Director   January 1, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2006   62     47    
Sarcinelli Mario   Director   January 1, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2006   67     80    
Sibani Leone   Director   January 1, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2006   65     80   113  
Tazzetti Alberto   Director   January 1, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2006   65     80    
Varela Josè Manuel   Director(3)   January 1, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2006   73     174    
                               

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Statutory Auditors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Dallocchio Maurizio   Chairman of Statutory Auditors
Statutory Auditor
  April 30, 2005-
December 31, 2005
January 1, 2005-
April 29, 2005
  2007   102 (f)     63 (f)
Benedetti Aureliano   Statutory Auditor   January 1, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2007   72       62  
Ferrero Gianluca   Statutory Auditor   April 30, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2007   50        
FranchinI Augusto   Statutory Auditor   April 30, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2007   51       13  
Mazzi Paolo   Statutory Auditor   January 1, 2005-
December 31, 2005
  2007   76       42  
Paolillo Mario   Chairman of Statutory Auditors   January 1, 2005   2004   36       57  
Vitali Enrico   Statutory Auditor   April 29, 2005   2004   22        

(*)
Date of Shareholders' Meeting called to approve the financial statements for that financial year.

(1)
This includes:

•  for the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, the remuneration is related to the net consolidated income for the year 2004, divided in proportion to their participation in the meetings of the board—while both serving as Deputy Chairman—at meetings held up to April 29, 2004, on the basis of a resolution of the Board of Directors following the approval of the financial statements for 2004. The Board of Directors' meeting of May 11, 2004 and that of February 22, 2005 set an all-inclusive fixed annual remuneration for the President and Vice President for the year 2005;

•  for the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, the variable part of the remuneration for 2005 in relation to the achievement of the set objectives related to Group's performance and Share price. With regard to the Chief Executive Officer, the amount to be paid is limited to a quota of 50% with the remaining quota to be paid by the end of May 2008 on condition that the working relationship continues;

•  for the Directors, the remuneration is related to the net consolidated income for the year 2004, divided in proportion to their participation in the meetings of the board held during the year, on the basis of a resolution of the Board of Directors following the approval of the financial statements for 2004. For the year 2005, the amount due totals €2,113,000, calculated in relation to the profitability and to the results of the Group for the year 2005. Since the distribution to each member will be made after the Shareholders' Meeting to approve the 2005 financial statements, such consideration will be reported in the table attached to the financial statements for the year 2006.

(2)
Remuneration matured with other companies of the Group.

(3)
Members of the Executive Committee.

(a)
Including remuneration for the position in the Parent Bank and positions in Group companies as representative of the Parent Bank (€216,000 from Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo S.p.A. and €51,000 from Sanpaolo IMI Internazionale S.p.A.).

(b)
€472,000 paid to the Parent Bank.

(c)
€161,000 paid to the Parent Bank.

(d)
Variable part attributed in relation to participation at meetings since April 29, 2004: previously, the person held the office of Managing Director, which carried all-inclusive remuneration.

(e)
In addition to the amount shown in the table €160,000 in bonuses and other incentives (relating to the variable part of remuneration for 2004) paid to IFI SpA.

(f)
Including remuneration for the office of Statutory Auditor from January 1, 2005 to April 29, 2005 and Chairman of Statutory Auditors from April 30, 2005 to December 31, 2005.

        The aggregate compensation for the year ended December 31, 2005 for the General Manager Pietro Modiano was of €3.082 million. Such compensation includes €0.9 million payable at the end of May 2008 subject to the continuation of the working relationship.

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        The aggregate compensation for the year ended December 31, 2005 for the Senior Managers, other than Alfonso Iozzo and Pietro Modiano (whose compensation is disclosed, respectively, in the table above and in the preceding paragraph), holding such positions as of December 31, 2005 was of approximately €9.987 million. Such amount includes the compensation received by certain Senior Managers for positions within the Group that they no longer hold. The above-mentioned compensation includes bonuses of approximately €3.061 million.

        Sanpaolo IMI pays annual bonuses to the Senior Managers based on corporate performance, measured primarily by the Group's profitability. The annual bonuses also reflect the achievement of economic targets planned for the Group and for the areas of responsibility of each Senior Manager.

Stock option plans for the year ended December 31, 2005

        The shareholders' meeting, held on July 31, 1998 authorized the Board of Directors to introduce stock option plans in favor of Group executives, resorting to increases in capital against payment up to a maximum amount subsequently determined to be €40 million, corresponding to 14,285,714 Shares.

        In accordance with this mandate, the Board of Directors approved the following stock option plans:


        On April 30, 2002, the shareholders' meeting granted a new power of attorney to the Board of Directors to approve stock incentive plans in favor of Group executives, resorting to increases in capital against payment up to a maximum amount of €51,440,648, corresponding to 18,371,660 Shares.

        In accordance with this mandate, the Board of Directors:

        On May 14, 2002, on the basis of the authorization by the shareholders meeting held on April 30, 2002, the Board of Directors approved a stock option plan for the Chairman and the Managing Directors for the period 2001-2003. The plan provides for the assignment of 450,000 options each to Rainer Stefano Masera, Alfonso Iozzo and Luigi Maranzana, and 300,000 options to Pio Bussolotto, exercisable after the issue of the dividend for 2003 and expiring on the approval by the Board of Directors of the 2005 financial results and, in any event, on March 31, 2006. The strike price is €

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12.6244 per Share. On January 25, 2005 the Board of Directors postponed the expiration of this stock option plan to May 15, 2006.

 
  Number of Shares
  Average exercise price €
  Market price €
 
Development of stock option plans in 2005              
Options at January 1, 2005   16,523,270   10.6955   10.600 (a)
Options exercised in 2005   (7,694,500 ) 7.3373    
Options expired(b)   (3,093,270 ) 16.4557    
Options expired in 2005 (c)   (80,000 ) 10.6242    
Options assigned in 2005   9,650,000   12.3074    
Options at December 31, 2005   15,305,500   12.2362   13.201 (d)
Of which: exercisable at December 31, 2005        

(a)
Market price at December 30, 2004.

(b)
Options no longer exercisable because of expiry.

(c)
Options no longer exercisable following termination of employment.

(d)
Market price at December 30, 2005.

 
  Options Assigned as of December 31, 2005
   
   
 
  Options Exercisable as of December 31, 2005
 
  Minimum Residual Expiration Period
Exercise Prices (€ per Share)

  May 2004-
March 2006

  May 2004-
May 2006(1)

  May 2005-
May 2007(2)

  May 2009-
April 2012

  Total
  Total
  Average Residual
Expiration Period

12.7229   3,420,000         3,420,000    
12.6244     1,650,000       1,650,000    
7.1264       585,500     585,500    
12.3074         9,650,000   9,650,000 (3)  
   
 
 
 
 
       
Total   3,420,000   1,650,000   585,500   9,650,000   15,305,500    
   
 
 
 
 
       

(1)
Original deadline of March 2006 postponed to May 2006 by the Board of Directors on January 25, 2005.

(2)
Original deadline of March 2007 postponed to May 2007 by the Board of Directors on January 25, 2005.

(3)
4,700,000 options assigned to executives with strategic responsibilities.

C.    Board Practices

Directors' Benefit Arrangements on Termination

        As of the date of this annual report, there are no service contracts between any Director and Sanpaolo IMI or any of its subsidiaries providing benefits upon termination of service.

Remuneration and Personnel Policies Technical Committee

        As specified in Item 4. "Information on Sanpaolo IMI—C. Business Overview—Italian Banking Regulation and Corporate Governance Principles—Corporate Governance" on page 91 above, the Code recommends the constitution within the board of directors of certain technical committees.

        The Remuneration and Personnel Policies Technical Committee is a committee of the Board of Directors for evaluating, in agreement with the Chairman of the Board of Statutory Auditors and reporting to the Board of Directors, the remuneration of the Directors with particular offices and examining the total remuneration structure of the Directors, also taking into account any employment

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or assignment in subsidiaries of the Parent Bank. The Remuneration and Personnel Policies Technical Committee considers in depth the issues concerning the definition of the general strategies for senior management remuneration and management policies at Parent Bank and Group level, as well as the approval and modification of the general arrangements concerning employment relationships.

        In 2005, the Remuneration and Personnel Policies Technical Committee met 7 times. As of the date of this annual report, the Remuneration and Personnel Policies Technical Committee consists of the following three non-executive Directors one of which (Mr. Tazzetti) is an independent Director:

        The Managing Director and the General Manager take part in the meetings of the Remuneration and Personnel Policies Technical Committee.

Committee for Internal Control and Internal Audit Department

        The Committee for Internal Control (comitato per il controllo interno) has been formed pursuant to the Code. As discussed below, the Committee for Internal Control is a different body from the Board of Statutory Auditors.

        The Committee for Internal Control consists of the following non-executive Directors:

        Messrs. Fontana, Baracco and Sarcinelli are independent directors. Mr. Marrone holds executive positions in companies controlled by IFI, which is controlled by Giovanni Agnelli & C. Sapa one of the shareholders of Sanpaolo IMI, which have significant business relations with Sanpaolo IMI. Because he holds such executive positions, he is not considered to be an independent Director. The Managing Director, the General Manager and the Chairman of the Board of Statutory Auditors, as well as the Heads of the Finance and Administration Department and of the Audit Department in their respective capacities, take part in the meetings of the Committee for Internal Control.

        The Committee for Internal Control normally meets monthly; in 2005, the Committee for Internal Control met 12 times. The Committee for Internal Control analyzes the issues and the relevant policies in order to assess, in the context of its evaluation of the Group's internal control system, issues which should be further investigated. The Committee for Internal Control also evaluates the adoption of the most appropriate corrective measures in order to deal with any omissions and anomalies of the audit processes, referring to both internal audits and external audits by the independent auditors.

        In particular, the Committee for Internal Control:

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        The Committee for Internal Control also undertakes the responsibilities and functions relating to it as a regulatory body pursuant to legislative decree no. 231 of 2001 relating to the administrative responsibility of companies and presents a specific annual report on its activities to the Board of Directors. On January 24, 2006 the Board of Directors of Sanpaolo IMI resolved to update the composition and operation of the Committee as regulatory body in order to reinforce the requirements of independence and autonomy of judgment of the same and also decided to nominate three supplementary members—Alberto Abbate, Oreste Cagnasso and Enrico Fioravanti—selected from individuals external to the Company who possess the requisites of integrity and independence and of professional knowledge.

        The Bank of Italy's supervisory activities in recent years have concentrated on verifying that banks have an adequate level of efficiency and control. This has led the Bank of Italy to revise its regulatory instructions on matters of internal control. This approach, which reflects international developments, establishes a set of general principles for banks to comply with; in addition to a limited number of prescriptive measures. The Bank of Italy's goal is to encourage the management of banks to develop highly effective systems of internal control. The terminology used by the Bank of Italy, "system of internal control", introduces a strong concept of innovation, with an integrated system of controls at all levels of the organization, including controls involving formal checks and a series of control subsystems to monitor the various types of risks.

        As part of this new approach, the banks' internal audit department is required to direct its efforts towards checking the adequacy of the organization as a whole, evaluating the company's ability to achieve its objectives with efficiency and effectiveness.

        In Sanpaolo IMI this task is entrusted to a separate Internal Auditing Department, which has the necessary independence from the operating structures as it reports directly to the Managing Director. In carrying out its duties, the Internal Audit Department is not subject to any limits in its access to company information, archives and assets, as foreseen in the Internal Audit Regulations approved by the Board of Directors in December 1999, which extend to the whole Group a system of internal controls that allows the Parent Bank to exercise effective control over the Group's overall risk exposure.

        The Sanpaolo IMI Internal Audit Department is responsible for evaluating the adequacy of the Group's overall system of internal controls, checking that transactions are carried out properly and that the risks are properly controlled. Internal Audit is also responsible for bringing to the attention of the Board of Directors and senior management any improvements that could be made to the Group's risk management policies, measurement tools and procedures.

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        The Internal Audit Department reports on its activities on a quarterly basis to the Board of Directors, as well as to the Committee for Internal Control. Furthermore, there are regular, continuous contacts between the Internal Audit Department and the other control bodies including the Board of Statutory Auditors. There is a constant flow of information and cooperation between the Internal Audit Department and the Board of Statutory Auditors. Such flow of information and cooperation is ensured by periodical reports by the head of Internal Audit Department on the results of the activities performed.

Comparative Analysis between NYSE Corporate Governance Standards and Sanpaolo IMI Corporate Governance Practice.

        Due to its listing on MTA in Milan and on the NYSE since 1998, Sanpaolo IMI has progressively improved its corporate governance, in order to observe the mandatory provisions of Italian corporate and securities law and to comply with U.S. regulations applicable to foreign private issuers.

        As a result, its framework is similar in many respects to, and provides investor protections that are comparable with, the corresponding rules of the NYSE. Nevertheless, important differences remain. Pursuant to Section 303 A of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, Sanpaolo IMI, as a foreign private issuer, is permitted to follow Italian corporate governance practice. Nevertheless, under the NYSE listed company manual, Sanpaolo IMI is required to comply with certain requirements concerning the following: (i) the appointment of an audit committee that satisfies the requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act, (ii) certain certification requirements and (iii) the disclosure of the ways in which its corporate governance practices differ from those followed by U.S. companies under NYSE listing standards.

        As required by the NYSE, we provide below a brief summary of the significant differences between our corporate governance practices as an issuer incorporated in Italy and those required of U.S. companies under NYSE listing standards.

        Audit Committee.    U.S. companies listed on the NYSE are required to establish an audit committee that satisfies the requirements of Rule 10A-3 ("Rule 10A-3") under the Exchange Act. In particular, the audit committee must have a minimum of three members—at least one of which with accounting or related financial expertise—and all such members must satisfy prescribed requirements for independence. See also: Item 16A. "Audit Committee Financial Expert" on page 212 below. Moreover, the NYSE listed company manual provides for additional requirements which only U.S. issuers must comply with. Among others, the audit committee (whose purpose must be addressed in a written charter) should have the responsibility for: (i) assisting the board of directors to oversee the integrity of the company's financial statements and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (ii) assisting the board of directors to monitor the independent auditors qualifications and independence and the performance of the company's internal audit department and independent auditors; (iii) discuss with management and the independent auditors the company's annual audited financial statements and discuss policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management.

        Under Rule 10 A-3 and the relevant regulations issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), Sanpaolo IMI, as a foreign private issuer, was required to be fully compliant with the applicable regulations concerning the Audit Committee by July 31, 2005. In this regard, the SEC provided certain regulations for foreign private issuers that take into account the different legal framework and corporate governance standards related to the home jurisdictions of the foreign private issuers. In particular, the SEC sets forth a general exemption from compliance with all the audit committee requirements if the foreign private issuer meets specific requirements concerning, among others, the corporate governance model, the main features of the body appointed as audit committee and the independence requirement. As for the tasks and functions reserved to the audit committee, the SEC regulations require that the board of statutory auditors, in accordance with any applicable home

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country legal or listing requirements or the issuer's governing documents, is responsible, to the extent permitted by law, for the appointment, retention and oversight of the work of any registered public accounting firm engaged (including, to the extent permitted by law, the resolution of disagreements between management and the auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the issuer. Other requirements, such as the complaint procedures requirement, advisors requirement and funding requirement, apply to the board of statutory auditors, to the extent permitted by law.

        In accordance with the general exemption provided by the SEC regulations (Rule 10A-3 (c) (3)), Sanpaolo IMI decided to grant the role and functions of Audit Committee to its Collegio Sindacale (Board of Statutory Auditors, see: Item 6. "Directors, Senior Management and Employees—A. Directors and Senior Management" on page 144 above). In this regard, Sanpaolo IMI had adopted all the internal organizational measures in order to be in compliance with the above rules by the end of July 2005.

        Pursuant to mandatory Italian laws and regulations, the Board of Statutory Auditors is required to exercise a specific control function. According to Italian corporate law, the Board of Statutory Auditors must be composed exclusively of independent outsiders (neither directors, nor their family members, nor executive officers nor employees) appointed by the shareholders' meeting. All the members of the Board of Statutory Auditors must meet certain integrity and experience requirements under applicable regulations. Based on Sanpaolo IMI's bylaws, which reflect Italian law provisions, two members of the Board of Statutory Auditors must be financial experts in Italian GAAP or other accounting and financial standards applicable to Italian issuers (chartered accountants or equivalent) and two members must be appointed by minority shareholders.

        The Board of Statutory Auditors is a different body from the Committee for Internal Control described above under "Committee for Internal Control and Internal Audit Department". Although the Committee for Internal Control is responsible for certain internal control related issues, the Committee for Internal Control is a committee of the Board of Directors, constituted pursuant to self regulatory Italian provisions, and shares with the Board of Directors the responsibility of the management of the Parent Bank. On the other hand, the Board of Statutory Auditors is granted its general control function pursuant to mandatory Italian law provisions.

        With reference to the tasks and powers of the Board of Statutory Auditors, under Italian law, the Auditors must monitor the management of the company and its compliance with laws and regulations and with the bylaws. It must also assess and monitor the adequacy of the company's corporate structure for matters within the Board of Statutory Auditors' authority, its internal controls, its administrative and accounting systems, and its disclosure procedures, and has the obligation to report any irregularity to the CONSOB, the Bank of Italy and the shareholders' meeting called to approve the company's financial statements. There is a constant flow of information and cooperation between the Internal Audit Department and the Board of Statutory Auditors, through periodical reports by the head of the Internal Audit Department on its activities. The Board of Directors is also required to report to the Board of Statutory Auditors, at least quarterly, on the Group's activities and results, on the main transactions from an economical and financial point of view, and on the transactions in which the directors have personal interests.

        Moreover, the principal accountants of Sanpaolo IMI are appointed by the general shareholders' meeting based on the recommendation of the Board of Statutory Auditors. Pursuant to Sanpaolo IMI's policies, all other engagements of principal accountants must be pre-approved by the Board of Statutory Auditors (see: Item 16C. "Principal Accountant Fees and Services" on page 212 below).

        On April 29, 2005 Sanpaolo IMI's shareholders' meeting, in compliance with the SEC regulations, granted the Board of Statutory Auditors a fund equal to €400,000 per year in order to permit the Board of Statutory Auditors, acting as Audit Committee, to independently engage advisors.

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        Independent Directors.    Under NYSE listing rules applicable to U.S. companies, independent directors must constitute a majority of the board of directors. As of April 29, 2004, with the election of Sanpaolo IMI's new Board of Directors, there are eight independent Directors (out of the total of 17 Directors). The status of such Directors as "independent" has been evaluated by the Board of Directors pursuant to the provisions of the Code. It should be noted that the independence requirements have been recently modified by the last updating of the Code in March 2006; in any case, issuers have to be compliant with new requirements by the end of 2006. As a consequence, the independence requirements mentioned below are related to the 2002 version of the Code.

        The definition of "independent director" provided by the NYSE is more restrictive than the Italian definition set out in the Code. Furthermore, under the Code, it is not mandatory for a majority of directors to be independent.

        Pursuant to the Code (2002 version), the Parent Bank is only required to have an adequate number of independent non-executive Directors. The Code recommends that the number of independent Directors should be adequate in relation to the total number of non-executive directors and significant in terms of the total number of Directors. The adequacy of the number of independent Directors also depends on whether the company belongs to a group. Pursuant to the Code, independent Directors:

        Non-management Directors' Meetings.    Pursuant to NYSE listing standards, non-management directors must meet on a regular basis without the presence of management and independent directors must meet separately at least once per year. There are no corresponding provisions under Italian rules and Sanpaolo IMI has not provided specific mandatory requirements for having such meetings.

        Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee.    Under NYSE standards, U.S. listed companies are required to have a nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors, with the main purpose of identifying individuals qualified to become directors and develop and recommend to the board of directors a set of corporate governance principles.

        Sanpaolo IMI does not have such a committee. The nominations of the Directors are based on the proposals presented by the shareholders, who are not obliged to give advance notice of the candidates they intend to nominate. In several shareholders' meetings of Sanpaolo IMI, a list of candidates for the Board of Directors was agreed and, pursuant to applicable law provisions, disclosed in advanced by a group of shareholders.

        A voting list is not envisaged for the nomination of the Board of Directors, but it is mandatory under Italian law for the nomination of members of the Board of Statutory Auditors.

        Compensation Committee.    Under NYSE standards, U.S. listed companies are required to establish a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors. In addition to the review and approval of corporate goals relevant to the chief executive officer's compensation and evaluation of the chief executive officer's performance in light of set targets. This committee must determine and

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approve the chief executive officer's compensation and make recommendations to the board of directors with respect to non-executive compensation, incentive-compensation plans and equity-based plans.

        Pursuant to Sanpaolo IMI's bylaws, the shareholders' meeting determines the remuneration of non-executive Directors, while the Board of Directors determines the remuneration of the Chairman and the Managing Director. Such determination is made after consultation with the Remuneration and Personnel Policies Technical Committee, which is a technical committee for remuneration and personnel policies. (see: Item 6. "Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Remuneration and Personnel Policies Technical Committee" on page 157 above.)

        Internal Audit Function.    Under NYSE standards, U.S. listed companies must maintain an internal audit function to provide management and the audit committee with ongoing assessments of the company risk's management processes and system of internal control. A U.S. listed company may choose to outsource this function to a third-party service provider other than its independent auditor.

        Sanpaolo IMI has an Internal Audit Department, which reports directly to the chief executive officer. The Internal Audit Department has the main function of verifying operations and risk management performance. The Internal Audit Department, which in the performance of its activity has no constraints or limit of access to data, archives and company assets, has the responsibility of bringing to the attention of the Board of Directors and the senior management possible improvements in risk management policies, measuring instruments and procedures, providing periodic reports on the results of its activity and any anomalies found.

        Code of business conduct and ethics.    NYSE listing standards require U.S. listed companies to adopt a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees, and promptly disclose any waivers of the code for directors or executive officers. The code should provide for the reporting of breaches of its provisions.

        Sanpaolo IMI, also in compliance with the NYSE regulations and Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, has adopted a code of ethics ("Code of Ethics").

        The Code of Ethics, together with the Italian listed companies Code and Italian law provisions, regulates certain aspects relating to:


        Disclosure Committee.    It is Sanpaolo IMI's policy to ensure, as required by applicable laws and regulations, an accurate, complete, timely and correct disclosure to shareholders and holders of financial instruments issued by Sanpaolo IMI. To that end, Sanpaolo IMI in 2003 constituted a Disclosure Committee which is governed by an internal statute. The Disclosure Committee consists of members of senior management, such as the Head of Finance and Administration Department, the Head of General Affairs and Legal Department, and the Head of Audit, as well as other officers of the Group. The role of the Disclosure Committee, generally, is to assist the Managing Director, the Head

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of Finance and Administration Department and the Board of Directors in carrying out their duties and responsibilities in connection with the Group's compliance with its reporting and disclosure obligations.

        Adoption and Disclosure of Corporate Governance Guidelines.    U.S. companies listed on the NYSE are required to adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines. Such disclosures are included in this annual report and English translations of Sanpaolo IMI's corporate governance policies can be found on Sanpaolo IMI's website: www.grupposanpaoloimi.com under "corporate governance".

        Certification Requirements.    A chief executive officer of a U.S. company listed on the NYSE must annually certify that he or she is not aware of any violation by the company of NYSE corporate governance standards. In accordance with NYSE listing rules applicable to foreign private issuers, Sanpaolo IMI is not required to provide the NYSE with this annual compliance certification. However, in accordance with rules applicable to both U.S. companies and foreign private issuers, Sanpaolo IMI's chief executive officer is required to promptly notify the NYSE in writing after any executive officer becomes aware of any material non-compliance with the NYSE corporate governance standards applicable to Sanpaolo IMI. Sanpaolo IMI is also required to submit an executed written affirmation annually to the NYSE as well as an interim written affirmation each time a change occurs to the Board of Directors or any of the committees subject to the NYSE standards.

        In more general terms, Sanpaolo IMI's corporate governance system is based on transparent and rigorous rules governing the role of managing and control structures, conflicts of interest, effective internal controls and proper correct relations with shareholders. Further information is detailed in the following documents (all available in English on the website: www.grupposanpaoloimi.com, under "corporate governance"):

        The documents mentioned above are reviewed regularly and updated to reflect legislative and regulatory developments and changes in operational practice.

D.    Employees

        At December 31, 2005, the Group employed 43,476 people, in addition to 190 workers with temporary contracts (which includes fixed term employment contracts and project specific employment contracts), for a total of 43,666 employees. Compared to December 31, 2004, there is an increase of 482 people (an increase of 1.1%), due to an increase of 592 employees (an increase of 1.4%) and a reduction of 110 workers with temporary contracts.

        This growth is the result of about 1,700 new employees and 1,050 departures, which enabled completion of the generational turnover begun at the end of 2003, using the "Income, employment and retraining fund for staff in the banking industry".

        Growth in the workforce during 2005, which enabled recovery of part of the reduction recorded during the previous two-year period as a result of incentive-based resignations (600 in December 2004), is linked to investments supporting commercial development in the Banking sector and expansion of the Savings and Assurance sector, partially offset by rationalization in the tax sector. Growth was also impacted by the incorporation of Neos Servizi, which involved the addition of about 60 resources in the scope of consolidation.

        The workforce of the Commercial Banks amounted to 35,755 units, of which 24 workers with atypical contracts, an increase of 336 or 0.9% compared to December 2004, following growth in the number of employees (an increase of 1.3%), countered by the reduction of 111 workers with temporary contracts, used on an extraordinary basis in 2004 in order to handle the migration of IT procedures.

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        With reference to the Parent Bank, at the end of 2005 there were 21,070 employees, an increase of 1.3% compared to December 2004. The data are adjusted for the transfer of operative branches with network banks of the North East see: Item 4. "Information on Sanpaolo IMI—C. Business Overview—Banking Business Sector" on page 62 above. Newly hired staff amounted to 660, of which over two-thirds are in the network of branches and structures directly supporting the business, while total departures amounted to 240.

        At the end of 2005 Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli employed 5,751 people, an increase of 28 units compared to the end of 2004, due to 42 new employees, 62 departures, 45 net acquisitions by the Parent Bank and other net transfers of personnel from other companies of the Group and of workers with temporary contracts.

        At the end of 2005, the North-East Networks and Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico employed 8,934 people, an increase of 39 units compared to December 2004. The data are adjusted for the transfer of operative branches with network banks of the North East see: Item 4. "Information on Sanpaolo IMI—C. Business Overview—Banking Business Sector" on page 62 above.

        This growth is a result of a 123 employees increase in the number of employees and a decrease of 84 workers with temporary contracts. The total number of new employees amounted to about 300, with 230 departures; personnel from other Group companies grew by about 50 units.

        The other Companies of the Group closed the year with a workforce of 7,911 resources, an increase of 146 units or 1.9% as a result of approximately 670 newly hired employees and 520 departures. The number of workers with temporary contracts remained stable.

        In particular, in the Savings and Assurance sector, the Assicurazioni Internazionali di Previdenza group grew by over 100 units, following plans for reinforcement of the structure supporting business, while the Fideuram group grew by over 60 resources.

        The Neos group, operating in the consumer banking sector, grew by about 90 units, two-thirds of these following the incorporation of Neos Servizi, previously unconsolidated. In addition, measures to rationalize the tax sector continued during 2005 (a decrease of 3.4%), also using the "Income, employment and retraining fund for staff in the banking industry", with total departures in 2005 amounting to about 30 resources.

        The following table shows the Group's total headcount at the dates indicated:

 
  At December 31, 2005
  At December 31, 2004
  change, %
2005/2004

 
   
  %

   
  %

   
  %

Year-end headcount   43,476   100%   42,884   100.0%   592   1.4  %
Executives   847   1.9%   794   1.9%   53   6.7  %
Managers   14,047   32.3%   13,298   31.0%   749   5.6  %
Remaining employees   28,582   65.8%   28,792   67.1%   (210 ) (0.7)%
Other personnel(1)   190       300       (110 ) (36.7)%
   
     
     
   
Total   43,666       43,184       482   1.1  %
   
     
     
   

(1)
Includes workers on a fixed term contracts and contracts for specific projects.

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        The following table shows the Group's employees by main category of activity and by geographic location.

 
  At December 31, 2005
BANKING   34,959
Italy   32,945
Ireland   19
Luxembourg   1
Romania   399
Slovenia   788
Hungary   765
United States   42
SAVINGS AND ASSURANCE   2,156
Italy   2,005
Ireland   30
Luxembourg   98
Switzerland   23
ASSET MANAGEMENT AND INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE BANKING   696
Italy   502
Luxembourg   174
Switzerland   20
CENTRAL FUNCTIONS   5,855
Italy   5,852
Luxembourg   1
Portugal   2

        In Italy, national collective bargaining agreements are generally negotiated between the national association of banks and the national unions. The relations of the individual banks with their employees must be based on and comply with the guidelines set out by the national collective bargaining agreements.

        The national collective bargaining agreements for non-management staff, which covers almost all the employees of Sanpaolo IMI, has been recently renewed. The collective bargaining agreement takes into consideration all the recent amendments in labor laws pertaining to flexibility, traineeship and increases the adoption of temporary workers.

        Pursuant to the renewed agreement, in the 2005-2006 period wages will increase by 5,8%, with an average increase, for a middle-level employee, of €152,00 per month.

        In the specific instance of Sanpaolo IMI, a second-level collective bargaining agreement (an agreement entered into at company level to improve the provisions of the national agreement in certain specific areas) has been applied since May 2001. Negotiations for a new second-level agreement started in December 2005, and have been concluded as of May 11, 2006.

        Concerning the ongoing reorganizations and integration of the Group's companies, the procedures to introduce Sanpaolo IMI's business model have been concluded (see: Item 4. "Information on Sanpaolo IMI—C. Business Overview—Banking Business Sector" on page 62 above), while the transfer of the Commercial Banks' branches according to a territorial homogeneity criterion has been almost completed.

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        Sanpaolo IMI provides certain retirement benefits to its employees. From December 31, 1990, Sanpaolo and its employees began to make certain contributions to the Istituto Nazionale per la Previdenza Sociale ("INPS"), the state-run pension scheme, which provides an income to employees after reaching retirement age.

        Until December 31, 1990, employees of Sanpaolo were entitled to retirement benefits from the Cassa di Previdenza, a private pension scheme funded by Sanpaolo and by Sanpaolo's employees. In accordance with the Amato Law, Sanpaolo was no longer allowed to make payments to the Cassa di Previdenza after December 31, 1990.

        After December 31, 1990, those employees who were employed by Sanpaolo as of that date became entitled to receive from the Cassa di Previdenza supplemental benefits which, when added to the payments from INPS, provide such employees with equivalent retirement coverage as was previously extended to them under the Cassa di Previdenza plan before December 31, 1990. Approximately 8,800 employees of Sanpaolo IMI will benefit from this retirement plan. As of December 31, 2005 Sanpaolo IMI had set aside a total of €35 million with respect to this specific retirement coverage.

        Sanpaolo IMI has also created the Fondo Pensioni del Gruppo Sanpaolo IMI, a private pension fund to which employees can make tax deductible contributions. Sanpaolo IMI itself pays tax deductible contributions to the same fund on behalf of such employees.

        Furthermore, pursuant to Italian law, Sanpaolo IMI annually sets aside for every employee a certain amount (equal to the employee's annual salary divided by 13.5), and upon retirement, pays the employee the sum of such amounts adjusted for inflation. Sanpaolo IMI accrues this fund on its balance sheet.

        The Group extends similar retirement benefits to the employees of the other entities of the Commercial Banking Business Sector other than the Parent Bank network. Generally, employees who were employed before the enactment of the Amato Law make payments to pension schemes with definite performances, such are the schemes which will give to the employees a pay out calculated, generally, in accordance with the most recent salary. Such personnel may, as well, make payments to pension schemes with definite contributions, such are the schemes that will give to the employees a pay out corresponding exclusively to the contributions made by the employees or for the benefit of the employees, financed by tax deductible contributions by the employees and the employers.

        Personnel employed after the enactment of Legislative Decree 124 of 1993 can make payments solely to pension schemes with fixed contributions, financed by tax deductible contributions by the employees and the employers. Such funds are, depending on the employer, either funds managed by the employer pursuant to an arrangement between the employer and the trade unions, or open funds to which employees of different sectors are allowed to make payments.

        Overall, Sanpaolo IMI considers satisfactory the relations with its employees. Approximately 75% of the employees belong to one of the nine national unions, representing both employees and middle-management. This is in accordance with data from the Italian banking sector.

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E.    Share Ownership

        The following table sets forth, as of May 31, 2006, the investments in Sanpaolo IMI and in the companies it controls held by the current member of the Board of Directors and of the Board of Statutory Auditors of Sanpaolo IMI:

Name(*)

  Company
  How held
  Shares held as of May 31, 2006
Enrico Salza   Sanpaolo IMI   Direct   2,500
        Family Member   3,250
Pio Bussolotto   Sanpaolo IMI   Direct   54,750
        Family Member   1,250
Alfonso Iozzo   Sanpaolo IMI   Direct   107,087
Iti Milalich   Sanpaolo IMI   Direct   3,000
Emilio Ottolenghi   Sanpaolo IMI   Direct   320,000
    Sanpaolo IMI   Indirect   4,658,731
    Sanpaolo IMI   Family Member   4,000
Orazio Rossi   Sanpaolo IMI   Direct   52,593
Gian Guido Sacchi Morsiani   Sanpaolo IMI   Direct   202,300
Mario Sarcinelli   Sanpaolo IMI   Family Member   287
Leone Sibani   Sanpaolo IMI   Direct   56,811
    Banca Fideuram   Family Member   14,796
        Direct   30,500
Augusto Franchini   Sanpaolo IMI   Family Member   1,197

*
None of the people listed in this table beneficially owns 1% or more of Sanpaolo IMI Shares.

ITEM 7.    MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

A.    The Major Shareholders

        The following table sets forth, as of May 31 2006, the Sanpaolo IMI shareholders holding 1% or more of the outstanding Sanpaolo IMI Shares, with their corresponding interests in Sanpaolo IMI.

Shareholders (direct and/or indirect)

  Ordinary Shares
  Azioni Privilegiate
  Total Shares
  % of total capital 1.874.843.336
Shares(1)

  % of ordinary
capital
1.590.659.318
Shares(2)

Compagnia di San Paolo ("Compagnia")   108,662,399   157,341,052   266,003,451   14.188%   6.831%
Santander Central Hispano ("SCH")   158,011,176       158,011,176   8.428%   9.934%
Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo ("FCRPR")   63,487,817   68,218,267   131,706,084   7.025%   3.991%
Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna ("FCRB")   45,174,581   58,624,699   103,799,280   5.536%   2.840%
Giovanni Agnelli & C. Sapa(3)   93,071,000       93,071,000   4.964%   5.851%
Assicurazioni Generali   39,600,827       39,600,827   2.112%   2.490%
Mediobanca   32,725,000       32,725,000   1.745%   2.057%
Morgan Stanley & Co. International LTD   32,725,000       32,725,000   1.745%   2.057%
Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena   28,219,152       28,219,152   1.505%   1.774%
Società Reale Mutua di Assicurazioni   28,153,337       28,153,337   1.502%   1.770%
Caisse Nazionale des Caisses d'Epargne (CNCE)   28,088,822       28,088,822   1.498%   1.766%
Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze   28,050,000       28,050,000   1.496%   1.763%
Fondazione di Venezia   22,523,682       22,523,682   1.201%   1.416%

(1)
Total capital includes the Azioni Privilegiate held by Compagnia, FCRPR and FCRB.

(2)
Ordinary capital excludes the Azioni Privilegiate held by Compagnia, FCRPR and FCRB.

(3)
The controlling shareholder of IFI/IFIL and Fiat.

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        On April 19, 2004, the Compagnia, FCRPR and FCRB (collectively, the "Foundations") entered into an agreement (the "April 19 Agreement"), pursuant to which they agreed, among other things, to propose to Sanpaolo IMI to adopt a series of amendments to its Bylaws. The amendments related primarily to the creation of the position of General Manager. In addition, the Foundations agreed to cooperate by discussing among themselves the issues of greater relevance relating to their stakes in Sanpaolo IMI. To this end, the Foundations established an ad hoc committee chaired by Mr. Renzo Giubergia. According to its terms, the April 19 Agreement will expire on April 19, 2007.

        On April 21, 2004, the Foundations entered into an agreement (the "April 21 Agreement" and, together with the April 19 Agreement, the "Agreements") with SCH and CDC Ixis Italia Holding S.A. ("CIIH" subsequently renamed Italia Holdings S.A.) The stake in Sanpaolo IMI was subsequently transferred from Italia Holdings S.A. to its parent company Caisse Nationale des Caisses d'Epargne ("CNCE").

        Pursuant to the April 21 Agreement:

        The parties agreed to consult from time to time to exchange views concerning their respective interests as shareholders of the Parent Bank.

        Each party has agreed not to modify in any way, for the entire duration of the Agreements, except with the previous written consent of the other parties, its shareholding in the ordinary capital of the Parent Banks. The parties jointly and severally assume the mutual responsibility for ensuring that the maximum limit of Shares held in total by the parties will not exceed 29.9% of the ordinary capital of the Parent Bank threshold. Thus the parties agreed that, directly or indirectly:

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        The above-mentioned restrictions do not apply to:

        Notwithstanding the above-mentioned restrictions, each Foundation has the option, given prior information to the other parties, to reduce its shareholding of Azioni Privilegiate, while keeping the shareholding in ordinary capital unchanged.

        The Agreement will lapse automatically and its effectiveness will cease 15 days before the date of the first call of Sanpaolo IMI's shareholders' meeting that will be called to approve the financial statements for the year ending on December 31, 2006.

        In addition, causes of automatic and early dissolution of the Agreement are:

        Certain classes of voting rights (Azioni Privilegiate) were created in connection with the Cardine Merger. See: Item 4. "Information on Sanpaolo IMI—A. History and Developments of Sanpaolo IMI—The Merged Group" on page 57 above. Azioni Privilegiate are entitled to vote only at extraordinary shareholders' meetings.

        As of December 31, 2005, there were 14,510,268 ADSs outstanding, representing 29,020,536 ordinary shares or approximately 2% of Sanpaolo IMI's ordinary share capital; at such date, there were 28 holders of record of Sanpaolo IMI ADSs.

B.    Related Party Transactions

        Sanpaolo IMI has identified the related parties of the Parent Bank and has defined a Group procedure to decide on transactions with related parties, aimed at establishing specific competencies and responsibilities, as well as showing the information flows between the Bank structures and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

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        Pursuant to the procedure, and in accordance with the Disciplinary Code, the following transactions with related parties are deemed significant if they are for, at least, the following amounts:

        In addition, the Board of Directors of Sanpaolo IMI decided to require its evaluation for transactions for amounts greater than €25 million, if undertaken with parties associated to shareholders that exercise significant influence on the Parent Bank.

        Significant transactions entered into by subsidiaries of the Parent Bank with parties related to the Parent Bank require the evaluation of the Board of Directors of the applicable subsidiary. In any event, subsidiaries of the Parent Bank are required to submit their proposals to the approval of the Board of Directors of the Parent Bank, if they are for, at least, the following amounts:

        The evaluation is performed, for the Parent Bank, by the Board of Directors, after examination by the Technical Audit Committee. The significant transactions undertaken by the subsidiaries with the Parent Bank's related parties are decided upon by the Board of Directors of the subsidiary company, which must submit the proposal in advance to ensure it is in conformity with the Parent Bank.

        In addition to observing the specific decision-making procedure, the Parent Bank structures and the subsidiaries, which originate transactions with related parties, must submit a quarterly report so that the Bank may fulfill the obligations of clause 150 of D.Lgs. 58/1998 (on the subject of a report to the Board of Statutory Auditors) and must fulfill the immediate or periodic reporting requirements in relation to the market. In particular, the market is advised of transactions that are individually significant pursuant to clause 71b of CONSOB Decision 11971 of May 4, 1999.

        The preliminary stage of the transactions to be undertaken with related parties follows the same process as granting loans reserved for other non-related parties with the same credit rating. Infra-group loans are subject to specific limits, to comply with the supervisory regulations of the Bank of Italy.

        Further information can be found in the "Report on Corporate Governance".

        With regard to transactions with entities that carry out functions of management, administration and control of the Bank, besides the application of clause 2391 of the Italian Civil Code, the special regulations on the obligations of banking representatives set down at clause 136 of D. Lgs 385/1993 and the Surveillance Instructions (Consolidated Banking Law) also apply; they require, in any case, the prior unanimous favorable decision of the Board of Directors, and the unanimous favorable vote of the Board of Statutory Auditors. Those who carry out administrative, management and control functions at Group banks or companies may not undertake obligations and acts of buying or selling, directly or indirectly, with the relevant company, or undertake financial transactions with another Group company or bank without a decision by the appropriate bodies of the contracting company or bank, taken in the way described above. In these cases, furthermore, the obligation or act must have the consent of the Parent Bank issued by the Board of Directors.

        In 2005 and until May 12, 2006 no significant transactions were entered into with related parties.

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        However, the following were the material or unusual transactions between Sanpaolo IMI and its subsidiaries on the one hand, and parties related to the Group on the other hand, from January 1, 2005 through May 12, 2006:

        Given the current organizational structure, the Bank decided to include within "executives with strategic responsibilities", pursuant to IAS 24, the Directors, the Statutory Auditors, the General Manager of the Parent Bank, the Managers of the divisions and central structures of the Parent Bank reporting directly to the Managing Director or General Manager, as well as the manager of the business sector Savings and Assurance because of its particular importance at the consolidated level. Such "executives with strategic responsibilities" are those listed as Senior Managers" in Item 6.A. "Directors and Senior Managers".

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        Below are the principal benefits recognized in 2005 to the Senior Managers.

 
  2005
 
  (millions of €)

Short-term benefits(1)   23
Benefits following employee termination(2)   1
Other long-term benefits(3)  
Employee termination indemnity(4)   1
Stock option plans(5)   1
Other remuneration(6)   1
   
Total remuneration paid to executives with strategic responsibilities   27
   

(1)
Includes fixed and variable fees of directors that may be assimilated with cost of work and social security charges paid by the company for its employees.

(2)
Includes company contribution to pension funds and allocation to employee termination indemnity pursuant to legislation and company regulations.

(3)
Includes estimate of allocations for length of service awards for employees.

(4)
Includes fees paid for early retirement incentive.

(5)
Includes cost for stock option plans determined on the basis of IFRS 2 criteria and charged to financial statements.

(6)
Refers to compensation paid to member of Board of Auditors.

        The relations between the Sanpaolo IMI Group and the Senior Managers occur within the normal activities of the Group and are entered into by applying, where appropriate, the agreements made available to all employees, and maintaining complete transparency; or, in relation to independent directors (identified by Sanpaolo IMI's Board of Directors with Enrico Salza, Maurizio Barracco, Guiseppe Fontana, Emilio Ottolenghi, Orazio Rossi, Gian Guido Sacchi Morsiani, Mario Sarcinelli and Alberto Tazzetti), with whom there is a fixed-term contract in place, applying the conditions available to consultants of the same standing, in full observance of the relevant laws.

        The following table summarizes the relationships in place at December 31, 2005 with Senior Managers, and the economic effects of the financial period, including what is set out in the previous paragraph on the payments to Senior Managers.

Executives with strategic responsibilities

 
  At December 31,
2005

 
 
  (millions of €)

 
Total financial assets   1  
Total other assets    
Total financial liabilities   6  
Total operating costs   (27 )

        Certain Directors and Statutory Auditors of the Parent Bank, exercising functions relating to the administration, management and control of companies of the Group and to companies identified as being of extraordinary importance pursuant to Art. 136 of the Consolidated Banking Act have been granted loans and guarantees. Among our business with related parties in 2005 there have been and

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currently are loans, guarantees and commitments. All of these lending related credit exposures, as of June 12, 2006, were made in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms (including interest rates and collateral) as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons, and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features.

        In compliance with this provision and regulations of the Bank of Italy, such loans and guarantees are to be approved unanimously by the Board of Directors with the favorable vote of all the members of the Board of Statutory Auditors. In case of transactions entered into by subsidiaries of the Group, the prior consent of the Parent Bank is also required.

ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

A.    Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

        See the Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 17. "Financial Statements".

        Sanpaolo IMI's dividend policy is to maximize dividend payout while complying with the standards of a well-capitalized financial institution.

B.    Legal Proceedings

        The Group is subject to certain claims and is a party to a large number of legal proceedings relating to the normal course of its business. For a discussion of the arbitration proceeding including the Group and Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze. See Item 4. "Information on Sanpaolo IMI—A. History and Development of Sanpaolo IMI, Business Sectors, Central Functions" on page 69 above. Although it is difficult to determine the outcome of such claims and proceedings with certainty, Sanpaolo IMI believes that liabilities related to such claims and proceedings are unlikely to have, in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the Group's financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.

        In March 1999, the Italian High Court (Corte di Cassazione) declared the capitalization of interest payable quarterly to be unlawful, thereby completely changing the interpretation of the applicable law. This decision was based on the assumption that the relevant clauses in bank contracts do not integrate "regulatory uses" (i.e. uses which are binding towards the generality of people), as it was believed in the past, but rather "trading use" (i.e. uses which are binding only between the parties to the agreement) which contrast with the prohibition of anatocism (the accrual of interest on interest due) in compliance with Art. 1283 of the Italian Civil Code.

        After the reversal by the Italian High Court, Legislative Decree No. 342/99 was enacted, confirming the legitimacy of capitalization of interest in current account contracts if it is applied over the same period applied for calculating interest payable and receivable. The Italian Credit and Savings Interministerial Committee ("CICR") was assigned the task of determining the methods of such calculation. From April 2000, the date on which CICR's instructions became effective, all current accounts were adjusted applying quarterly capitalization to interests receivable and payable.

        Since April 2000, capitalization on a quarterly basis is considered legitimate and the dispute refers only to those contracts executed before that date. Nevertheless, despite the fact that the Italian High Court repeatedly confirmed the invalidity of capitalization clauses, many judges have disregarded the rulings and continue to take such clauses into consideration.

        With a ruling issued on November 4, 2004, the Italian High Court reiterated its position. Nevertheless, on the basis of a number of circumstances different from those already examined by the Italian High Court, the ruling issued by the Italian High Court on November 4, 2004 does not

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eliminate the possibility of upholding the legitimacy, on the basis of legal arguments considered well founded by the courts, of the method of calculating interest payable.

        The total number of cases pending is not significant in absolute terms and claims are subject to careful monitoring. The risks relating to the disputes in question correspond to the prudent accruals made to the allowance for other risks and charges which are proportionate to the total of each claim. Where the claims do not quantify the demand and until an accounting opinion has been expressed on the issue, the risk involved is covered by an accrual to the allowance for other risks and charges sufficient to cover all disputes of an undetermined amount and of an uncertain outcome.

        In 2002, CONSOB brought an administrative proceeding against Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management SGR S.p.A. ("Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management"), a company of the Group operating in the asset management business, claiming that the positive financial results of one Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management investment fund were obtained to the detriment of the financial results of two other Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management investment funds and that Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management's internal audit system was inadequate in this respect.

        Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management responded to CONSOB, asserting that there was no connection among the performances of the three investment funds and that it always took appropriate measures as far as internal controls were concerned. On December 24, 2002, CONSOB fined Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management €499,000. Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management appealed the fine at the Appeal Court (Corte di Appello) of Milan which, on November 26, 2003, declared the fine illegitimate. On May 17, 2004, CONSOB appealed the ruling to the High Court (Corte di Cassazione). The appeal is pending.

        GEST Line is the company of the Group engaged in the business of collecting duties and taxes. GEST Line was established from the merger by incorporation of the Gerico, Sanpaolo Riscossioni Genova, Sanpaolo Riscossioni Prato and Esaban tax collection companies. In Italy, private companies, often owned by banks, undertake tax collection duties on behalf of public authorities.

        The risks connected to the pending proceedings are almost exclusively due to the tax and financial authorities' allegations of irregularity in the tax collection service and vary in nature and size according to the individual companies incorporated.

        A series of administrative and accounting procedures concerning Gerico S.p.A., controlled by the former Cardine Banca, merged by incorporation into Sanpaolo IMI, are pending. The procedures were initiated by both the local financial offices and district sections of the Court of Accounts (Corte dei Conti). The procedures relate to alleged failures to collect tax revenues. The proceedings are in various stages of judgment at either first or higher-instance courts.

        The proceedings against Esaban originated from a series of proceedings concerning the denial of requests for reimbursements made by the tax and financial authorities from 1999 to 2001. All these proceedings have been taken to appeal according to the normal procedural structure.

        The risks connected to the proceedings for both Gerico and Esaban are fully covered by the unlimited guarantees assumed at the time towards the above companies by the companies conferring their respective tax collection business lines (the individual savings banks later merged into Cardine Banca and the former Banco di Napoli). These guarantees concerned any losses or liabilities due to events predating the respective conferrals and expire in 2005, without prejudice to the court cases pending on that date, for which the above mentioned guarantee is also valid beyond the said expiry date. Sanpaolo IMI, following the corporate restructuring with the incorporation of Cardine Banca and Banco di Napoli, succeeded to the obligations deriving from these guarantees, whose risks are, in total, adequately provided for.

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        The guarantees do not include the risk concerned mainly with tax collection for the Venice concession which instead falls exclusively upon GEST Line. Following proceedings for tax damages relating to tax collection activities in Venice for presumed irregularities by certain tax collection officials, the local Corte dei Conti ruled against the concessionary. The ruling has been appealed with suspension of its effectiveness. The total risk amounts to about €13 million and is covered by an appropriate allowance.

        Pursuant to Article 1, commas 426, 426-bis and 426-ter of Law n. 311 of 2004 the concessionary companies were given the ability to participate in an amnesty correcting, with regard to the tax authorities and other bodies, the administrative liabilities deriving from the activity carried out until June 30, 2005 by means of payment of a fixed amount per inhabitant served. GEST Line has decided to adhere to the amnesty by making the first of three payments, equal to 40% of the total sum payable.

        On May 11, 2006, the Italian tax authorities requested GEST Line to pay €180 million, a part of the amounts claimed. GEST Line previously started court proceedings in connection with such outstanding amounts. Sanpaolo IMI, the guarantor to the tax authorities for payment of the amounts due by GEST Line, did not think it necessary to increase its reserve relating to tax collection services. Sanpaolo IMI believes that, regardless of the merits of the request, it is unlawful because GEST Line subscribed to the amnesty pursuant to Law 311 of 2004. Pursuant to such law, concessionary companies that decided to take advantage of the amnesty by paying a lump sum, would not be liable to the tax authorities and other public entities in connection to activities carried out until June 30, 2005. Given these circumstances, GEST Line has decided not to make payment and instead to proceed against the request for payment before the Court of Accounts of Emilia Romagna with an accompanying request for suspension.

        At the same time, GEST Line has presented a case before the TAR Lazio (Administrative Court of Latium) to ask for the partial cancellation of the ministerial decree implementing the amnesty measure in terms of illegitimate limitations in application not envisaged in the original legislation. The case is still pending.

        In November 2002, the Cirio group, one of Italy's largest agricultural and food groups, defaulted on one of its corporate bonds, provoking the cross-default of all issues. Cirio had approximately €1.25 billion in principal amount of debt securities outstanding. The Sanpaolo IMI Group, like the other major Italian banking groups, had entered into a series of loan transactions with the Cirio group.

        Following an investigation from April to October 2003 into dealings in Cirio bonds by Sanpaolo IMI from 2000 to 2002, CONSOB, in a letter dated May 4, 2004, alleged that Sanpaolo IMI had committed certain regulatory violations. CONSOB's claims relate to alleged deficiencies in Sanpaolo IMI's procedures for dealing with its clients, alleged lack of adequate disclosure and alleged breach of fiduciary duties. The allegations were notified both to the Parent Bank and to the members of the Board of Directors and the Board of Statutory Auditors in office at the time of the period under investigation, as well as certain executives held responsible for alleged acts or omissions concerning the alleged irregularities.

        Both the Parent Bank and the recipients of the allegations have made their defense statement. A decree issued by the Ministry of Economy on February 28, 2005 terminated the administrative procedures. The decree endorsed a proposal made by CONSOB and imposed fines on each of the accused. Only the Parent Bank was ordered to pay the relevant amounts (up to approximately €1.2 million), since it was jointly liable pursuant to Art. 195, subsection 9 of Legislative Decree 58/1998.

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        The Parent Bank and each of the accused opposed the decree issued by the Ministry of Economy on February 28, 2005 before the Turin Court of Appeal. The proceedings were concluded with a measure published on January 18, 2006, in which the Court rejected the defense arguments of the opponents, consequently confirming the sanctions decided by the Ministry of Economy. The Parent Bank has meanwhile provided, in its capacity as joint obligor with the parties subject to the sanctions, to comply with the payment order issued to it and to request, in regress, the reimbursement of the amounts, reserving the right to evaluate, together with its consultants, the existence of any elements that may corroborate a possible claim before the High Court (Corte di Cassazione).

        State prosecutors are investigating individuals formerly or currently affiliated with several banks, including Sanpaolo IMI, concerning dealings in Cirio bonds as well as financing relationships with Cirio. These investigations, whose preliminary stage ended on May 11, 2005, also relate to certain Sanpaolo IMI executives, including two former Directors who have been charged as accessories in bankruptcy and fraud. Sanpaolo IMI believes these proceedings are unfounded. The criminal liability alleged in these proceedings is personal. The Rome Court (Tribunale di Roma) began preliminary hearings on June 16, 2006, to assess the validity of the charges. Confident of the absolute regularity, in general terms, of the Parent Bank's activities in relation to the investigations being carried out by the Criminal Courts and, in particular, of the total lack of involvement of the aforementioned representatives of the Parent Bank, Sanpaolo IMI is monitoring the development of the proceedings.

        The Parmalat group, an important multinational group in the food sector, was declared insolvent in December 2003. In total, as of that date, Parmalat had issued 26 bonds for an amount of approximately €7.2 billion, the majority of which were sold in the European market. Among the purchasers of Parmalat bonds were certain retail customers of Sanpaolo IMI.

        The initiatives taken by Sanpaolo IMI on behalf of its retail customers who had purchased Parmalat bonds was formalized in an agreement with the Comitato per la difesa dei possessori dei bond Parmalat clienti del Gruppo Sanpaolo IMI ("Parmabonds Committee"). This was established on February 2, 2004 by certain customers to monitor the developments relating to the Parmalat bonds and to obtain proof of their claims in the insolvency proceedings. Sanpaolo IMI has undertaken to provide ancillary logistical and financial support to the Parmabonds Committee, which will retain all management and decision-making autonomy.

        As part of the legal actions already undertaken, the Parmabonds Committee obtained, on the terms it requested, full recognition of the credit claimed by its members and their registration in the definitive lists of creditors of the various insolvent companies. Furthermore, civil proceedings are being initiated by members of the Parmabonds Committee in the various criminal proceedings pending in Milan and Parma in order to obtain redress for the financial and moral damages incurred as bondholders as a result of the crimes committed by all those who will be held responsible for the default of the issuing companies.

        Between June 28 and August 26, 2005, voting by the creditors was held on the proposal of the Parmalat Commissioner for the conversion of loans, reduced to the percentages agreed upon to each insolvent company, into shares issued by the contractor of the agreement (also called "Parmalat S.p.A.") and listed on the MTA of the Italian stock exchange. On October 1, 2005, the Court of Parma approved the agreement by a majority vote. Some bondholders opposed the verdict but this has not affected the effectiveness of the contested approval.

        The applicable securities, shares and warrants, were promptly made available in administered deposits to Group customers who exercised their right to vote or subsequently requested registration.

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Rights to recall shares have been given to those who have not yet made such a request and must be exercised by October 1, 2010, when they will expire.

        On November 8, 2005, the shareholders' meeting nominated the members of the board and the statutory auditors of the new Parmalat S.p.A.

        In the period between the end of December 2004 and March 2005, the Commissioner of the Parmalat group has initiated procedures against the Sanpaolo IMI Group, as well as against several other Italian and foreign banks aimed at recovering the payments made by companies of the Parmalat group on accounts held by such banks in the year preceding the beginning of Parmalat's insolvency procedure. The claims are made pursuant to Article 67, paragraph 2 of the Italian bankruptcy law (Legge fallimentare).

        The aggregate amount claimed from the Group in eight proceedings brought on behalf of six insolvent companies of the Parmalat group is €1,261 million. Pursuant to an internal evaluation of the claims, and as corroborated by the outside counsel assisting the Group in these procedures, the Group believes that its estimated liability related to the claims is scarcely material and fully accounted for in its allowance for risks and charges. The Group believes that the claims are scarcely material because several preliminary exceptions apply (exceptions which are sufficient to resolve the claims in the Group's favor) and because most of the claimed amounts lack the necessary requisites to be categorized as "payments" under Italian bankruptcy law and, therefore, are not subject to restitution. With certain rulings issued between the end of 2005 and the beginning of 2006, the Court of Parma decided to defer the questions of legitimacy raised both by the banks of the Sanpaolo IMI Group and by the other banks within the context of their respective legal actions aimed at revocation to the Constitutional Court.

        Sanpaolo IMI believes it has strong defense arguments against the Commissioner of the Parmalat group on the basis of prejudicial exceptions relating to conflicts with the Italian Constitution and incompatibility with EU competition law and other exceptions concerning payments not eligible, under the Italian bankruptcy law and procedures, to be recovered. The Court of Parma referred judgment to the Constitutional Court the questions of legitimacy raised by the Group's banks and other banks. The Constitutional Court rejected certain claims on April 5, 2006. External counsel advised Sanpaolo IMI that the Constitutional Court's ruling does not deal with issues of EU competition law. The Group consequently believes that its allowance for general risks and charges is, in the aggregate, adequate to cover the risk arising from these claims.

        In relation to defaulted bonds issued by the Republic of Argentina, public exchange offers were made in parallel in Argentina, the United States, Japan and certain European countries, including Italy, between January 14 and February 25, 2005. The exchange offers were made by the Government of Argentina to all categories of investors in bonds issued by the Republic of Argentina.

        The nominal value of the bonds subject to the exchange offers was approximately US $82 billion at the December 31, 2003 exchange rate. The number of Italian investors involved in the exchange offers was estimated at over 400,000. It was disclosed in the market that global international acceptance exceeded 76% of the nominal value of the defaulted bonds.

        The Argentina Bondholders' Association ("Associazione per la Tutela degli Investitori in Titoli Argentini" ("TFA") has proposed to those Italian bondholders who have not subscribed to the exchange offers the possibility of action against Argentina through the arbitration of the International Centre for the Settlement of the Investment Disputes ("ICSID") with the assistance and coordination of the TFA and a US law firm. This process for bondholders meeting the requirements of the TFA was open from March 27 through May 12, 2006 and is completely free of charge.

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        With respect to complaints by the Group's clients holding bonds in default, Group policy provides that Group companies pay particular attention, by way of a proper course of investigation, to the adequacy of the financial instruments sold in relation to the position of each investor.

        On the basis of the analyses and evaluations made in respect of the potential liabilities arising from complaints relating to the dealing activities by the Group in respect of bonds in default, including bonds issued by Cirio, Parmalat and the Republic of Argentina, the Group has proceeded to adjust the amount accrued to the allowance for risks and charges over previous years, bringing the balance of the allowance to €22 million as of December 31, 2005.

        With a summons received by Banca Imi on September 19, 2005, the Commissioner of Parmalat and Parmalat Finance Corporation B.V. initiated, on behalf of those companies, a suit aimed at obtaining recovery of damages concerning the alleged liability resulting from the participation of Banca Imi, as co-lead manager, of three bonds issued by Parmalat Finance Corporation B.V. with the guarantee of Parmalat between the beginning of 2000 and the beginning of 2001. The filed claim for damages is for at least €1,300 million, equivalent to the nominal value of the bonds.

        Banca Imi has appeared before the court raising a prejudicial objection concerning the absence of legitimacy of the action initiated by the Commissioner and objecting, as to the merits, the complete unfoundedness of every claim.

        Consequently, based also on the valuations made by outside counsel of Banca Imi, it has not been deemed necessary to make specific provisions.

        In January 2004, the Antitrust Authority notified Sanpaolo IMI Wealth Management, as controlling company and outsourcer of Sanpaolo Vita, and Fideuram Vita of the commencement of an investigation. The preliminary investigation conducted by the Antitrust Authority, first regarding a number of other insurance companies and later extended to the Group companies, is aimed at alleged restrictive practices in relation to the purchase of an advisory service from a company specialized in analyzing the insurance market and acquiring information on the conditions of contracts, prices and data related to competitors in the life insurance and pensions sector. According to the Antitrust Authority, the fact that several companies share the same information would appear to be potentially damaging to competition. The Group companies, as a precaution to reduce the risks resulting from any potential violation, terminated the advisory relationship with the supplier of the aforementioned market data before the investigation began.

        The investigation was concluded on September 30, 2004. The Antitrust Authority, while not imposing any fines, found the companies of the Group in violation of Article 2, subsection 2 of Law No. 287/90, ascertaining the existence of an agreement among companies, for the exchange of sensitive commercial information between competing businesses.

        An appeal against the ruling has been initiated before the Lazio Regional Administrative Court (Tribunale Amministrativo Regionale). Pursuant to a hearing held on April 20, 2005, the Lazio Regional Administrative Court, with its decision of April 27, 2005, annulled the ruling of the Antitrust Authority. The Antitrust Authority has challenged the sentence before the Council of State and the relative proceedings, in which both Sanpaolo Imi (which has assumed the specific positions that originally concerned Sanpaolo Imi Wealth Management) and A.I.P. will present their defenses are still pending.

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        In March 2004, the State Prosecution (Procura della Repubblica presso il Tribunale di Firenze) launched investigations relating to, among others, certain financial salespersons of Banca Fideuram and executives of its Swiss subsidiary, Fideuram Bank Suisse. The Investigations relate to an alleged conspiracy to offer investment services or financial products in Italy without regulatory authorization, and, in the case of one individual, money laundering.

        The Group has created a specific working group to assess the allegations and to ensure full collaboration with the investigating authorities.

        On May 5, 2005, the prosecution of Spoleto concluded an investigation related to alleged irregularities of a financial planner of Sanpaolo INVEST against certain clients of Sanpaolo INVEST. The former managing director and the former head of internal controls of Sanpaolo INVEST were also under investigation pursuant to Article 2638 of the Italian Civil Code for their failure to notify CONSOB of irregularities which emerged in an internal control in connection with the financial planner.

        Since the proceedings also relate to the managing director and the head of internal controls of Sanpaolo INVEST, Sanpaolo INVEST and Banca Fideuram (which, as holder of banking activities previously held by Sanpaolo INVEST, is deemed jointly liable with Sanpaolo INVEST) are also part of the proceedings and are, allegedly, responsible for administrative violations pursuant to Law No. 231 of 2001. Such administrative violations, if proved, would entail fines ranging from a minimum of €52,000 to a maximum of €620,000.

        On June 6, 2005, also in connection with the proceedings mentioned above, CONSOB initiated an investigation of Sanpaolo INVEST's internal controls.

        On conclusion of this investigation, CONSOB initiated, with a writ served on January 4, 2006, against representatives of Sanpaolo Invest Sim and Banca Fideuram as joint obligor with the former, proceedings aimed at imposing sanctions for a number of presumed violations of regulations, principally on the subject of internal audits. Sanpaolo Invest SIM and the addressees of the proceedings have responded, highlighting, inter alia, that the current procedures comply with the regulations in force.

        Following a series of meetings held with the management of Banca Fideuram, on June 9, 2005 CONSOB, as part of its supervisory powers, brought to the attention of Banca Fideuram that there were a number of weaknesses in the procedure followed for investment and consultancy services provided to customers as well as in those relating to the internal controls systems.

        CONSOB also requested Banca Fideuram to make all necessary arrangements to correct all the weaknesses that had been highlighted in relation to which the Bank had moreover already launched, before the intervention of CONSOB, a work plan aimed at making the necessary corrections.

        Banca Fideuram approved the actions to be taken to improve the abovementioned procedures, paying particular attention to the assessment of the adequacy of the transaction it carried out.

        In February 2005, the prosecution of Cagliari concluded its preliminary investigation concerning an alleged fraud against certain Sardinian regional institutions; the investigation was triggered by crimes

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committed by a financial salesperson of Banca Fideuram and also implicated employees of the Bank and other financial salespeople. The case is due to be heard from July 25, 2006.

        Litigation concerning the IMI Sir dispute relate to "Other assets" which include €1.3 million that refer to the estimated realizable value of credits towards Consorzio Bancario SIR S.p.A. pursuant to a Ruling of the Civil Section of the Supreme Court. The ruling substantially confirmed a previous ruling of the Rome Court of Appeal on September 11, 2001, which required Consorzio Bancario SIR S.p.A. (in liquidation) to reimburse the sum of €506 million previously paid by IMI to the heirs of Nino Rovelli as compensation for damages, in accordance with a ruling of the Rome Court of Appeal on November 26, 1990. Nino Rovelli was the main shareholder of SIR Rumianca group, one of the main oil and chemical groups in Italy which, because of its insolvency, was subject to a special restructuring program in the late 1970's. Mr. Rovelli launched a legal action to obtain compensation for damages due by IMI as a consequence of the alleged failure to comply with restructuring obligations. However, the ruling changed previous ruling with respect to the amount of interest payable by the Consorzio Bancario SIR S.p.A.—on procedural grounds and not merit—in respect of whether or not it should include the amount matured from the date on which the appeal was served (approximately €72.5 million at December 31, 2001). Furthermore, the Supreme Court referred to another section of the Rome Appeal Court the decision on whether or not the total amount owed to the Parent Bank by the Consorzio Bancario SIR S.p.A. should be reduced by approximately €14.5 million, as compensation for damages related to the transaction between the Consorzio Bancario SIR S.p.A. and IMI in respect of the additional agreement of July 19, 1979: if the trial judge holds the claim unjustified, the verdict against the Consorzio Bancario SIR S.p.A. to pay € 506 million will be reduced accordingly. In this respect, proceedings have begun for the resummoning of the case before the Rome Court of Appeal, where judgment is currently pending.

        The Supreme Court also passed final judgment on the right of the Consorzio Bancario SIR S.p.A. to be held harmless by Battistella Primarosa (as heir to Nino Rovelli) and Eurovalori S.p.A. The Supreme Court also endowed the Consorzio Bancario SIR S.p.A.'s right to recourse as subordinated to the previous payment of the amount owed to Sanpaolo IMI and assigned the ruling on this appeal to the trial judge. Proceedings commenced in February 2004 and are still under way.

        The initiatives taken so far have not achieved tangible results and the Parent Bank has therefore considered that the estimated realizable value of the amount receivable in question should not exceed the Consorzio Bancario SIR S.p.A.'s capital and its ability to pay such an amount, net of the effects attributable to the Supreme Court ruling, being substantially in line with that currently recorded.

        In line with the estimated value of the amount receivable, the investment of €477 million held in the Consorzio Bancario SIR S.p.A. entirely written off in 2001.

        In terms of civil cases undertaken as part of the criminal proceedings in relation to the payment of damages, on April 29, 2003, the Criminal Section IV of the Court of Milan finally sentenced Rovelli's heir as accessory in crime and the other co-defendants to different terms of imprisonment in relation to their respective levels of responsibility for corrupting a judge, as well as to pay the sum of €516 million to the plaintiffs for moral damages.

        That ruling was overruled by the Criminal Section II of the Milan Court of Appeal on May 23, 2005, which, by confirming (though with mitigation of penalties) the responsibility of the defendants in the corruption case affecting the outcome of the dispute, also revoked the sentence against the defendants to pay damages for moral damages, giving the civil court judge the task of establishing total damages. This ruling was appealed before the Supreme Court.

        On May 4, 2006 the Criminal Section of the Supreme Court passed a definitive sentence on the case, by which it confirmed the criminal responsibility for corruption of all the defendants, except

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Primarosa Battistella and her son Felice Rovelli, who were acquitted on the basis of different reasons that, on the other hand, do not completely exclude their non-involvement in illicit activity. Furthermore, the Supreme Court acknowledged Sanpaolo IMI's right to be compensated for the damages incurred (both moral and financial) as a consequence of the actions of the defendants. On May 22, 2006, Sanpaolo IMI initiated proceedings in the Rome Appeal Court in order to revoke the ruling of a judge given by the Court of Rome on November 26, 1990 and, at the same time, to obtain a ruling against Primarosa Battistella to reimburse to Sanpaolo IMI the amounts adjudged in 1994 as a result of the corrupt judgment. The Consorzio Bancario SIR S.p.A., in turn, notified Sanpaolo IMI and Battistella on June 3, 2006 that it had launched proceedings in the Rome Court of Appeal to the effect that the ruling of September 11, 2001 (to reimburse Sanpaolo IMI the amounts paid to Battistella) be revoked.

        The Consorzio Bancario SIR S.p.A.'s action was based on the fact that the ruling which was tainted by corruption constitutes false grounds from which the ruling of September 11, 2001 ultimately derived and should therefore be revoked.

Dividends

        The total dividend paid by Sanpaolo IMI each year is approved by the annual shareholders' meeting. The dividends related to each year are paid in the following year. Dollar amounts have been converted at the Noon Buying Rate in effect on the respective payment dates.

Year

  Dividends per Share
in €

  Dividends per Share
in U.S.$

2001   0.57(1 ) 0.53
2002   0.30(2 ) 0.35
2003   0.39(3 ) 0.48
2004   0.47(4 ) 0.59
2005   0.57(5 ) 0.73

(1)
Approved at the annual shareholders' meeting held on April 30, 2002 and paid on May 23, 2002.

(2)
Approved at the annual shareholders' meeting held on April 29, 2003 and paid on May 22, 2003.

(3)
Approved at the annual shareholders' meeting held on April 29, 2004 and paid on May 27, 2004.

(4)
Approved at the annual shareholders' meeting held on April 29, 2005 and paid on May 26, 2005.

(5)
Approved at the annual shareholders' meeting held on April 28, 2006 and paid on May 25, 2006.

C.    Significant Changes

        See: Item 4. "Information on Sanpaolo IMI—B. Significant Developments During 2005" on page 58 above.

ITEM 9.    LISTING DETAILS

A.    Performance of Sanpaolo IMI Share Prices

        The Sanpaolo IMI Share price began 2005 at €10.644 and ended at €13.216 at December 30, 2005. This increase represented a 24.2% increase in Share price. For the same period, the Milan banking share index gained 30.2% in value.

        On June 12, 2006, the closing Share price was €13.25, an increase of 0.26% from the end of 2005. During the same period the Milan indices, covering the top 40 companies (SEP/MIB index) and the banking sector, decreased by 0.79% and increased 3.53%, respectively.

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        The principal trading market for the Sanpaolo IMI Shares is the Telematico under the symbol "SPI". The Sanpaolo IMI Shares and ADSs are also traded on SEAQ International, the London Stock Exchange's quotation system for equity securities of non-UK incorporated companies. Sanpaolo IMI ADSs, each representing two Sanpaolo IMI Shares, have been listed on the NYSE under the symbol "IMI" since November 2, 1999. JPMorgan Chase Bank is Sanpaolo IMI's Depositary and issues the American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") evidencing ADSs.

        a)    The following table lists the reported annual high and low prices of Sanpaolo IMI Shares from 2001 through June 12, 2006. From January 4, 1999, the Sanpaolo IMI Shares began trading on Telematico in euro.

Year

  High(*)(€)
  Low(*)(€)
2001   18.893   8.764
2002   13.702   5.231
2003   11.346   5.796
2004   11.072   8.799
2005   13.420   10.201
2006 (through June 12, 2006)   15.556   12.986

(*)
Prices at closing of trading session, source: Borsa Italiana.

        b)    The following table lists the reported high and low prices of Sanpaolo IMI Shares on the Telematico and the reported high and low prices of Sanpaolo IMI ADSs on the NYSE for each quarter of 2004 and 2005 and for the first two quarters of 2006.

 
  Telematico(1)
  NYSE
 
  High
  Low
  High
  Low
2004                
First quarter   11.07   9.14   27.81   22.35
Second quarter   10.03   9.06   23.93   21.66
Third quarter   9.88   8.80   24.75   21.60
Fourth quarter   10.72   9.33   29.05   22.65

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
First quarter   12.08   10.20   31.40   26.15
Second quarter   12.48   11.10   32.35   26.92
Third quarter   12.92   11.37   31.34   27.29
Fourth quarter   13.42   11.79   31.76   28.76

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
First quarter   15.56   12.99   37.89   31.76
Second quarter (through June 12, 2006)   15.37   13.25   39.35   33.15

(1)
Prices at closing of trading session. (source: Borsa Italiana.)

        As of June 12, 2006, there were 16,603,886 ADSs outstanding, representing 33,207,772 Shares or approximately 2.1% of Sanpaolo IMI's ordinary share capital. As of June 12, 2006, there were 29 holders of record of Sanpaolo IMI ADSs.

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        c)     The following table lists the reported high and low market prices of Sanpaolo IMI ADSs for the most recent six months:

Months

  High
  Low
January 2006   32.92   31.76
February 2006   35.61   32.92
March 2006   37.89   34.35
April 2006   37.77   35.47
May 2006   39.35   35.53
June 2006 (through June 12, 2006)   36.54   33.15

B.    Markets

Clearance and Settlement of Sanpaolo IMI Shares

        The settlement of stock exchange transactions is facilitated by a joint stock company (Monte Titoli SpA., "Monte Titoli") which carries out the activity of central depository. Monte Titoli's shares are currently almost entirely owned by Borsa Italiana Group. Most Italian banks, brokers and securities dealers have securities accounts as participants with Monte Titoli.

        The Legislative Decree No. 213/98 provided for the dematerialization of securities listed or traded on regulated markets. As a consequence of the Legislative Decree, all listed securities must be actually entered into central depositories, and the operations concerning them have to be done by book entry. For this reason, beneficial owners of Sanpaolo IMI Shares must hold their interests through specific accounts with any of the participants in Monte Titoli. The beneficial owners of Sanpaolo IMI Shares held with Monte Titoli may transfer their shares, collect dividends, create liens and exercise other rights with respect to those Sanpaolo IMI Shares through such accounts.

        Beneficial owners of Sanpaolo IMI Shares may also hold their interests through Euroclear and Clearstream and may transfer the Sanpaolo IMI Shares, collect dividends and exercise other shareholders' rights through Euroclear or Clearstream. Investors may request Euroclear or Clearstream to transfer their Shares to an account of such holders with a participant having an account with Monte Titoli.

Securities Trading in Italy

        Sanpaolo IMI Shares are listed in Milan and New York, respectively on the Telematico and NYSE. As explained above (see: Item 4. "Information on Sanpaolo IMI—C. Business Overview—Italian Banking Regulation and Corporate Governance Principles" on page 79 above), Borsa Italiana is the joint stock company organizing and managing the regulated markets for financial instruments. Borsa Italiana, previously owned by the public sector, was privatized in January 1998. The shares of Borsa Italiana are currently owned by financial intermediaries and primarily Italian Banks: Sanpaolo IMI holds as of December 31, 2005, a 13.74% share of the capital of Borsa Italiana.

        The ordinary shareholders' meeting of Borsa Italiana is entitled, according to Section 62, Legislative Decree No. 58/1998, to issue rules establishing the condition and procedures for the admission, exclusion and suspension of market participants and financial instruments to and from trading, and those for the conduct of trading and any obligations of market participants and issuers.

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        Article 62, paragraph 3bis of the above mentioned Law n. 262 of December 28, 2005, granted CONSOB the power to determine:

        According to current Borsa Italiana regulations, a three-day rolling cash settlement period applies to all trades of equity securities in Italy. Any person, through an authorized intermediary, may purchase or sell listed securities. An "official price", calculated for each security as a weighted average of all trades effected during the trading day and a "reference price", calculated for each security as a weighted average of the last 10% of trades effected during such day are reported daily. Each of these prices is net of the quantity traded using the cross-order function.

        In particular market conditions, Borsa Italiana may, with reference to markets, categories of financial instruments or individual instruments:

        Prior to January 13, 2003, Sanpaolo IMI Shares were traded only in minimum lots of prescribed size (or multiples thereof), determined for the Sanpaolo IMI in 50 Shares. After January 13, 2003, Sanpaolo IMI Shares may be traded without any minimum lot restriction. The Shares are included in the index of the 30 largest companies on the Telematico in terms of capitalization and liquidity ("MIB30").

        Since February 19, 1996, call and put options are traded on the Italian derivatives market, which includes derivatives on Sanpaolo IMI Shares.

        Sanpaolo IMI ADSs have not at any time been suspended from trading on the NYSE (nor has trading at any other time been halted).

ITEM 10.    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A.    Bylaws

        As reported in Article 4 of the bylaws, Sanpaolo IMI has as its purpose the taking of deposits from the public and the business of lending in its various forms, in Italy and abroad.

        Sanpaolo IMI can undertake, within the limits of the regulations in force, all banking and financial transactions and services as well as any other transaction in the way of business and in whatever way related to the achievement of its corporate objective.

        Sanpaolo IMI in its capacity as Reporting Bank or capogruppo for the Bank of Italy purposes of the Sanpaolo IMI Banking Group according to the terms of Article 61 of Legislative Decree 385 of September 1, 1993—issues, in the exercise of its function of management and coordination, instructions

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to the members of the Group for the execution of the instructions issued by the regulatory authorities in the interests of stability of the Group itself as a whole.

        There are neither provision in the bylaws concerning limitations in the right to hold securities nor concerning:

        The Board of Directors, in compliance with Italian law, determine the remuneration of Directors with particular responsibilities, having heard the opinion of the board of statutory auditors. In compliance with Italian law, the compensation of the Directors is determined by the shareholders' meeting and not by the board of directors. The borrowing powers of Sanpaolo IMI are regulated by Italian law.

        The share capital is divided into ordinary Shares and Azioni Privilegiate. Shares have dividend rights. Dividends not claimed within five years following the day on which they are available are retained by Sanpaolo IMI and placed to reserves, as provide for the Article 23 of the bylaws.

        Every ordinary Share confers the right to one vote in ordinary and extraordinary meetings. Every Azione Privilegiata confers the right to one vote only in extraordinary meetings.

        The shareholders' meeting is ordinary or extraordinary according to the terms of the law and can be called in Italy not necessarily at the registered office. The ordinary shareholders' meeting is called at least once a year within 120 days the end of the financial year or, when particular circumstances demand, within 180 days. The extraordinary shareholders' meeting is called to approve matters reserved to it by law or by the articles of association. Participation and representation in the shareholders' meeting are regulated by Italian law.

        There are no provisions in the bylaws which have been designed to prevent a change in control of Sanpaolo IMI.

B.    Foreign Investment

        There are no limitations imposed by Italian law on the rights of non-residents of Italy or foreign persons to hold or vote shares other than those limitations described below, which apply equally to all owners of such shares. The Sanpaolo IMI bylaws do not provide for any limitations.

Securities Regulations

        Pursuant to Italian securities laws, any holding of any direct or indirect interest in excess of 2%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, and higher multiples of 5%, in the voting shares of a listed company must be notified to CONSOB and the company within the five trading days following the acquisition (the same communication has to be done for the reduction of such interest below the above specified percentages). The voting rights relating to the Shares for which the required notifications have not been given may not be exercised. Cross-ownership between listed companies may not exceed 2% of their respective voting Shares. Likewise, cross-ownership between a listed company and an unlisted company may not exceed 2% of the voting Shares of the listed company or 10% of the voting Shares of the unlisted company. The 2% threshold may be increased to 5% pursuant to an agreement between the companies approved by the ordinary shareholders' meeting of the two companies. Pursuant to CONSOB interpretation of cross-ownership (release of October 10, 1999) foreign companies are treated as unlisted companies. Italian listed companies' stake in a foreign company may not exceed

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10% if such foreign company's stake in the Italian listed company exceeds 2%; conversely a foreign company may not exceed the 2% limit if the Italian company owning more than 10% of such foreign company. Any Shares held in excess of such thresholds may not be voted and must be sold by one of the companies as specified by applicable law. Shares held through subsidiaries, fiduciaries or intermediaries are taken into account for the purposes of calculating these ownership thresholds. However, those provisions on cross-ownership do not apply when a controlled company purchases the shares of a controlling company, within certain limits provided by law and following the approval of the controlled company ordinary shareholders' meeting.

        In compliance with Law n. 62/2005, amending the Consolidated Securities Law and implementing the Directive 2003/6/EEC on insider dealing and market manipulation, any person who holds shares amounting to at least 10% of the share capital of a listed company and any other persons controlling such listed company is required to inform CONSOB and the public about any transaction they carry out, directly or indirectly, regarding issuer's shares or other financial instruments linked to them. The notification to CONSOB and the public must be made within five days from the date of the transaction. Such information duties do not apply in the event the overall amount of the transaction does not exceed €5000 by the end of the year.

        Furthermore, according to Consolidated Securities Law, any agreement, in whatever form, intended to regulate the exercise of voting rights in a listed company (or in the company or companies controlling a listed company), together with any of its subsequent amendments, renewal or termination, must be: (i) notified to CONSOB, within five days from its execution; (ii) disclosed to the public through the publication, in abstract form, in one Italian newspaper having general circulation, within 10 days from its execution; and (iii) deposited in the companies' Register at the site where such listed company has its registered office, within 15 days from its execution.

        The same requirements are also mandated for agreements, in whatever form, that (a) impose an obligation of prior consultation for the exercise of voting rights in a listed company and in its controlling companies; (b) contain undertaking limiting the transferability of the shares and other securities granting rights for the acquisition or subscription of the Shares; (c) provide for the acquisition of the Shares and securities hereon; and (d) contemplate or cause the exercise, also in association with other person, of dominant influence on the listed company that issued the shares and on its controlled entities.

        Based on the Consolidated Securities Law, if the shareholder's agreement provides for an expiry date, the duration of the agreement cannot exceed three years. In the event an expiry date is not provided, each party to the agreement can withdraw from such an agreement by giving six-month's notice.

        As a general rule, it is worth remembering that anyone who invests in a listed company's financial instrument is required to strictly comply with the market abuse regulation provided by the above mentioned Law n. 62 of April 18, 2005.

Banking Regulations

        The requests for the purchase of more than 5% of the capital of an Italian bank, made by any national of a State other than an EU member state, that applies discriminatory measures with regards to similar acquisitions by an Italian national must be reported to the Ministry of Economy and Finance Minister. The President of the Italian Council of Ministers may deny such authorization upon the Ministry of Economy and Finance Minister's proposal.

        For the other purchase requirements or limitations provided for Italian banking legislation, see: Item 4. "Information on Sanpaolo IMI—C. Business Overview—Italian Banking Regulation and Corporate Governance principles—Participation in the Share Capital of a Bank" on page 82 above.

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Antitrust Regulations

        In compliance with Law 262/2005, concentrations between banks which meet certain turnover thresholds and may create or strengthen a dominant position in the domestic market are subject to the Antitrust Authority's authorization, as for antitrust matters, and to the Bank of Italy's authorization as for the assessment of the sound and prudent management of the bank. However, any concentration with an "EU dimension", as defined in Article 1 of the "EC Merger Regulation" (Council Regulation No. 139/2004 of January 20, 2004 on the control of concentrations between undertakings), must be notified to the European Commission for approval before being implemented.

        For the other purchase requirements or limitations provided in relation to antitrust issues, see: Item 4. "Information on Sanpaolo IMI—C. Business Overview—Italian Banking Regulation and Corporate Governance principles—Participation in the Share Capital of a Bank" on page 82 above.

C.    Exchange Controls and Material Contracts

Exchange Controls

        As a general rule, residents of Italy may hold foreign currency and foreign securities of any kind, within and outside Italy, and no exchange control consent is required in Italy for the transfer outside of Italy of dividends or other distributions with respect to, or the proceeds from the sale of, shares of an Italian company. However, Italian residents and non-resident investors, who transfer, directly or indirectly (through banks or other intermediaries) into or out of Italy, cash, investments or other securities in excess of €12,500 must report all such transfers to the "Ufficio Italiano Cambi" (Italian Exchange Office). In the case of indirect transfers, banks or other intermediaries are required to maintain records of all such transfers for five years for inspections by Italian tax and judicial authorities. Non compliance with these reporting and record-keeping requirements may result in administrative fines or, in the case of false reporting or in certain cases of incomplete reporting, criminal penalties. The Ufficio Italiano Cambi is required to maintain reports for a period of ten years and may use such reports directly or through other government offices, to police money laundering, tax evasion and any other crime or violation.

        Individuals, non profit entities and non commercial partnerships that are residents of Italy must disclose on their annual tax returns all investments and financial assets held outside Italy, as well as the total amount of transfers to, from, within and between countries other than Italy relating to such foreign investments or financial assets, even if at the end of the taxable period foreign investment or financial assets are no longer owned. No such disclosure is required if (i) the foreign investment or financial assets are exempt from income tax; or (ii) the total value of the foreign investments or financial assets at the end of the taxable period or the total amount of the transfers effected during the fiscal year does not exceed €12,500. Corporate residents of Italy are exempt from these tax disclosure requirements with respect to their annual tax returns because this information is required to be discussed in their financial statements.

D.    Taxation

        The following summary describes the material Italian tax and U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and sale of Shares, including Shares represented by ADSs evidenced by ADRs, that are generally applicable to U.S. holders who own Shares or ADSs as capital assets. For these purposes, a U.S. holder is a beneficial owner of Shares or ADSs that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

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        This discussion is based on the tax laws and practices of Italy and the United States currently in effect, as well as the Income Tax convention. These laws may change, possibly with retroactive effect. The discussion of United States taxation does not address U.S. state, local or other non-U.S. tax consequences. This discussion is based in part upon representations by the Depositary and assumes that each obligation provided for in, or otherwise contemplated by, the Deposit Agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its respective terms. The U.S. Treasury has expressed concerns that parties to whom ADRs are pre-released may be taking actions that are inconsistent with U.S. holders of ADSs claiming foreign tax credits for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such actions would also be inconsistent with U.S. holders of ADSs claiming of the reduced rate of tax applicable to dividends received by certain non-corporate U.S. holders. Accordingly, the analysis of the creditability of Italian taxes and the availability of the reduced tax rate for dividends received by certain non-corporate U.S. holders, both described below, could be affected by actions that may be taken by parties to whom ADSs are pre-released.

        Please note that this discussion does not address all of the tax consequences that may be relevant in light of a U.S. holder's particular circumstances. In particular, it does not address U.S. holders subject to special rules, including:

        U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors with regard to the application of Italian tax law, and U.S. federal income tax laws to the Shares or ADSs, and any tax consequences arising under the laws of any U.S. state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdictions. For purposes of the Income Tax Convention, the current estate tax convention between the United States and Italy (the "Estate Tax Convention"), Italian tax and U.S. federal income tax law, U.S. holders of ADRs evidencing ADSs will be generally treated as owners of the Shares represented by those ADSs.

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        This discussion assumes that Sanpaolo IMI was not a passive foreign investment company for its 2005 taxable year, as described below.

Italian Taxation

        Italian law provides for the withholding of income tax at a 27% rate on dividends paid by Italian resident companies to shareholders who are not residents of Italy for tax purposes (the rate is 12.50% in the case of dividends from saving shares—azioni di risparmio). Reduced rates (normally 15%) apply to non-resident shareholders who are entitled to, and comply with, procedures for claiming benefits under an income tax convention. Italy has concluded income tax conventions with over 70 foreign countries, including all of the members of the European Union (the income tax convention with Latvia has been signed but not yet ratified), Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, the United States and some countries in Africa, the Middle East and Far East.

        Under the Income Tax Convention, dividends derived and beneficially owned by U.S. holders are generally subject to Italian withholding tax at a reduced rate of 15%.

        As to dividends derived in respect of shares held in the centralized deposit system managed by Monte Titoli, instead of the 27% withholding tax mentioned above, a substitute tax, at the same 27% rate, applies. Such substitute tax is levied by the custodian of the shares.

        Since the Shares underlying Sanpaolo IMI ADRs are sub-deposited with Monte Titoli, no withholding tax will be applied by Sanpaolo IMI directly, and the substitute tax will be applied by the custodian. The Depositary's instructions specify the procedures that U.S. holders of ADSs must follow in order to obtain a reduction of the rate of the substitute tax to 15% pursuant to the Income Tax Convention.

        According to Italian law, in order to obtain a reduced rate under the Income Tax Convention, the following procedure must be followed. The custodian must receive, in a timely manner (in accordance with the custodian's requirements) prior to the dividend payment date:

        The custodian may advise the Depositary, and the Depositary will advise U.S. holders, of any additional limited period during which the custodian is able to receive claims for the 15% reduced treaty rate.

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        If the custodian does not receive the required documentation on a timely basis, or if in the custodian's judgment the documentation fails to satisfy the requirements of Italian law for any reason, a U.S. Holder will not be entitled to obtain the Income Tax Convention rate at source and instead must claim a refund of 12% of the dividend (representing the difference between the 27% ordinary rate and the 15% Income Tax Convention rate) directly from the Italian tax authorities. Extensive delays have been encountered by U.S. holders seeking refunds from the Italian tax authorities.

        Italian law provides an alternative mechanism under which non-resident shareholders can claim a refund of up to four-ninths of Italian withholding taxes on dividend income by establishing to the Italian tax authorities that the dividend income was subject to income tax in another jurisdiction in an amount at least equal to the total refunds claimed. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the possible availability of these additional refunds, which traditionally have been payable only after extensive delays.

        Distribution of additional Shares to U.S. holders with respect to their Shares or ADSs that are made as part of a pro rata distribution to all shareholders of Sanpaolo IMI generally will not be subject to Italian tax.

        Italian companies are required to supply to the Italian tax authorities certain information concerning the identity of non-resident shareholders in connection with the payment of dividends. Shareholders are required to provide their Italian tax identification number, if any, or alternatively, in the case of individuals, their name, address and place and date of birth, or in the case of legal entities and partnerships, their name, country of establishment, address and the information required for individuals with respect to one of their representatives.

        Non-resident shareholders are also required to provide their foreign tax identification number, if any.

        In the case of ADSs owned by U.S. holders, Sanpaolo IMI understands that the provision of information concerning the Depositary, in its capacity as holder of record of the Shares, will satisfy these requirements. Sanpaolo IMI will be required to provide information concerning non-resident beneficial owners of Shares, however, to the extent such owners wish to benefit from reduced withholding tax rates on dividends under an income tax convention, and claims for such benefits therefore must be accompanied by the required information.

        The Italian capital gains tax is not applicable if (i) the seller is a non-resident without a permanent establishment in Italy, (ii) the Shares (or ADSs) are listed on a stock exchange and (iii) during any 12-month period the seller does not dispose of Shares (or ADSs) that comprise a "qualified shareholding". For Shares listed on a stock exchange, a "qualified shareholding" consists of shares which entitle the holder to exercise more than 2% of the voting rights of the company or represent more than 5% of the share capital.

        Since the Shares (and ADSs) are listed, capital gains realized on the sale of shareholdings in Sanpaolo IMI by non-resident holders without a permanent establishment in Italy are not subject to capital gains tax provided that the Shares disposed are not a "qualified shareholding". In addition, an exemption from capital gains tax may be available pursuant to an income tax convention. Capital gains realized on the sale of qualified shareholdings are subject to income tax at ordinary rates; the tax base is 40% of the realized gain. Pursuant to the Income Tax Convention, a U.S. holder will not be subject to capital gains tax unless the Shares or ADSs form part of the business property of a permanent establishment of the U.S. holder in Italy or pertain to a fixed base available to the U.S. holder in Italy for the purpose of performing independent personal services. U.S. holders who sell Shares or ADSs

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may be required to produce appropriate documentation establishing that they meet the requirements for the exemption from capital gains under the Income Tax Convention.

Other Italian Taxes

        Pursuant to Law 383 of October 18, 2001, inheritance and gift tax no longer applies to inheritance and gift transfers made after October 25, 2001. Gift transfers to persons other than the spouse, ascendants or descendants or relatives within the 4th degree will be subject to transfer taxes ordinarily applicable to transfers for consideration, if any, when the value of the gift to each person exceeds €180,759.91; the tax applies only to the amount in excess thereof.

        No transfer tax is payable upon the transfer of Shares through an officially recognized stock exchange. Transfers of Shares or ADSs outside an officially recognized stock exchange are also exempted from the payment of transfer tax provided that the parties entering into the agreement pursuant to which the transfer takes place are:

        In any other case, transfer tax is currently payable at the following rates:

        The change of a clearing system or depository (e.g., Euroclear, Clearstream or Monte Titoli) not involving a transfer of the ownership of the transferred Shares or ADSs will not trigger the Italian transfer tax.

        Apart from the above exemptions and exclusions, there are questions regarding the applicability of the transfer tax to the transfer of ADSs, since ADSs are not shares themselves. In general, with respect to U.S. holders, the transfer tax will not be applicable on transfers of Sanpaolo IMI Shares or ADSs. However, in the case of transfers which are not executed on an official stock exchange and are entered into with an Italian counterparty other than a bank or other authorized financial intermediary or an investment fund, it is advisable that U.S. holders consult their own tax advisors concerning the applicability of this transfer tax. Deposits and withdrawals of Shares in return for ADSs by U.S. holders will not be subject to the transfer tax.

United States Federal Income Taxation

        Distributions made with respect to the Shares or ADSs (other than certain pro rata distributions of Shares), without reduction for any Italian tax withheld, will generally constitute foreign source dividend income for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent such distributions are made from Sanpaolo

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IMI's current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles. A corporate U.S. holder will not be entitled to claim a dividends-received deduction for dividends paid on the Shares or ADSs. Subject to applicable limitations that may vary depending upon a holder's individual circumstances and the discussion above regarding concerns expressed by the U.S. Treasury, dividends paid to certain non-corporate U.S. holders in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011 may be taxable at a maximum tax rate of 15%. Non-corporate U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisers to determine whether they are subject to any special rules that limit their ability to be taxed at this favorable rate.

        The amount of any dividend paid in euros, including the amount of any Italian tax withheld, will be equal to the U.S. dollar value of such euros on the date of receipt by the Depositary, in the case of U.S. holders of ADSs, or by the U.S. holder, in the case of U.S. holders of Shares, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt. Gain or loss, if any, recognized on the sale or other disposition of such euros will be U.S. source ordinary income or loss. If the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, you generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. The amount of any distribution of property other than cash will be the fair market value of such property on the date of distribution.

        Subject to applicable limitations and restrictions and the discussion above regarding concerns expressed by the U.S. Treasury, Italian taxes withheld from dividends at a rate not in excess of that provided in the Income Tax Convention will be eligible for credit against a U.S. holder's U.S. federal income tax liability. Italian taxes withheld in excess of the rate provided in the Income Tax Convention will generally not be eligible for credit against a U.S. holder's U.S. federal income tax liability. See: "—Italian Taxation—Taxation of Dividends" above for a discussion of how to obtain the rate of withholding provided for in the Income Tax Convention.

        The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. The rules governing foreign tax credits are complex. Therefore, U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the availability of foreign tax credits in their particular situation.

        A U.S. holder will recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes on the sale or exchange of Shares or ADSs in the same manner as the U.S. holder would on the sale or exchange of any other shares of stock held as capital assets. As a result, a U.S. holder will generally recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes equal to the difference between the amount realized and such holder's adjusted basis in the Shares or ADSs determined in U.S. dollars. Any capital gain or loss will generally be U.S. source and will be long-term if the Shares or ADSs were held for longer than one year. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors about the treatment of capital gains, which may be taxed at lower rates than ordinary income for non-corporate U.S. holders, and capital losses, the deductibility of which may be limited.

        Based on proposed U.S. Treasury regulations, Sanpaolo IMI does not expect to be considered a "passive foreign investment company" ("PFIC") for U.S. federal income tax purposes for its 2005 taxable year. However, this is a factual determination that must be made annually and thus there can be no assurance that Sanpaolo IMI will not be considered a PFIC for any future taxable year. In addition, there can be no assurance that the proposed regulations will be finalized in their current form. If Sanpaolo IMI were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. holder held Shares or ADSs, certain adverse tax consequences could apply to the U.S. holder.

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        A U.S. holder may, under certain circumstances, be subject to information reporting and backup withholding with respect to dividends or the proceeds of any sale, exchange or redemption of ADSs or Shares unless the U.S. holder:

        Any amount withheld under these rules will be creditable against a U.S. holder's U.S. federal income tax liability if the U.S. holder provides the required information to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. If a U.S. holder is required to and does not provide a correct taxpayer identification number, the U.S. holder may be subject to penalties imposed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

E.    Documents on Display

        Sanpaolo IMI is required by Italian law and the regulatory authorities to make available to the public certain documents. These include principally the financial statements of the Group and of the Parent Bank, the Articles and Bylaws and any other documents relating to shareholders' resolutions.

        These documents are available at Segreteria Societaria of Sanpaolo IMI, Piazza San Carlo 156, 10121 Turin, Italy.

ITEM 11.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

General

The basic principles

        The Group is strongly committed to risk management and control on the basis of the following three principles:

        The policies relating to the acceptance of credit and financial risks are defined by the Parent Bank's Board of Directors and Executive Committee with support from specific committees.

        The Parent Bank also performs general risk management and control functions and takes risk-acceptance decisions in the case of particularly large risks, supported by the Risk Management Department.

        The Business Areas that generate credit and/or financial risks are assigned limits of autonomy and each has its own control structure. For the main Group banking subsidiaries (Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli, Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna, Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, Cassa di Risparmio di Venezia, Friulcassa and Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico), these functions are carried out, on the basis of an outsourcing contract, by the Parent Bank's risk control functions, which periodically report to the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee of the subsidiary.

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The Basel 2 Project

        In June 2004, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision published the final version of the Capital Accord ("Basel 2"), adopted by the European Union at the end of 2005 through the Directive on Capital Adequacy.

        Very briefly, Basel 2 provides for new quantitative rules to establish the minimum capital requirement to cover credit, market and operational risks:

        Basel 2 is designed to promote, through a lower absorption of capital, the adoption of more sophisticated methods, in both credit risks and operational risks. In order to obtain access to these options, however, the banks must satisfy a set of minimum requirements for risk management and control methodologies, to be verified by the applicable Supervisory Authority (in Italy the Bank of Italy).

        Most of the advantages of Basel 2 are expected to arise from the management and operating results obtained from the systematic application of the new methodologies which should allow the improvement of risk management and control capabilities as well as increase the efficiency and effectiveness of customer service.

        In order to take advantage of these opportunities, since 2003 Sanpaolo IMI has launched the "Basel 2 Project", whose mission is to prepare the Group for the adoption of the advanced approaches as soon as Basel 2 becomes enforceable. It is expected that Basel 2 will become enforceable at the beginning of 2007.

        A new Group credit procedure was introduced during 2005 that, in accordance with Basel 2, includes the use of internal rating as an essential part of deliberations on credit acceptance and management.

        The new procedure is applied to the corporate, small business and household mortgage sectors. During 2006 it will be extended to other retail loans, thereby reaching an almost total coverage of customer loans.

Information on risks and hedging Banking Group's Risks

Qualitative Information

        Sanpaolo IMI has established lines of conduct to be followed throughout the Group when taking on risk. The Parent Bank and the banking subsidiaries are assigned approval limits defined in terms of total Group exposure to the counterparty and also differentiated according to the counterparty's internal rating. Any transaction exceeding the prescribed limits must be submitted to the approval of the appropriate bodies of the Parent Bank, consisting of (according to the level of exposure) the Credit Department, the Group Credit Committee (composed of the General Manager and the heads of the relevant structures), the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.

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        The Credit Department, which is independent from the Business Areas, is responsible for defining and updating the credit procedures and processes at Group level. With regard to the approval phase, it ensures the investigation and approval of transactions that exceed the abovementioned approval limits. The Credit Department is also responsible for controlling and preventing the deterioration in the credit quality, and setting policies for the management and control of doubtful loans.

        The Risk Management Department is responsible, at Group level, for defining and updating the credit risk measurement methods, with the objective of guaranteeing their alignment with best practice, as well as for analyzing the risk profile and preparing summary reports for Sanpaolo IMI's senior management on the changes in the Group's asset quality.

        The control structures operating within the individual companies of the Group are responsible for measuring and monitoring the portion of the loan book assigned to them.

        For the main Group banking networks (Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli, Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna, Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, Cassa di Risparmio di Venezia, Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico and Friulcassa) these functions are carried out, on the basis of an outsourcing contract, by the Parent Bank's risk control functions that report periodically to the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee of the subsidiary.

        Sanpaolo IMI has developed a set of instruments to ensure analytical control over the quality of the loans to customers and financial institutions, and exposures subject to country risk.

        With regard to loans to customers, rating models have been developed, differentiated according to the economic sector and size of the counterpart. These models make it possible to summarize the credit quality of the counterparty's credit quality in a measurement, the rating, which reflects the probability of default over a period of one year, adjusted on the basis of the average level of the economic cycle. Statistical calibrations have rendered these rating fully consistent with those awarded by rating agencies, forming a single scale of reference. The periodic backtesting analyses carried out to date, comparing the insolvency forecasts with the effective defaults, confirm the validity of the models used.

        In 2005, the rating, previously used in the loan approval process with regard to counterparties submitted to the Group Credit Committee or higher bodies, was introduced as an essential element of the process in relation to the credit granted by the Group's banking networks. Together with the assessment of the credit mitigating factors (typically guarantees and covenants), the rating contributes to defining the credit risk strategy, represented by the set of commercial policies and management behavior (frequency of reviews of lines of credit and recovery actions).

        The new loan approval process, designed in accordance with the Basel 2 organizational requirements, has been implemented in the corporate, small business and mortgage areas of the Group's banking networks and Banca OPI. During the year, it will be progressively extended to the other types of customer and to all the Italian companies of the Group whose principal mission is to take on credit risks.

        With regard to banking and finance counterparties, a system has been established to classify the financial institutions on a scale consistent with those used by rating agencies. The risk class forms the basic information that, integrated by the type and duration of the transaction, and by any guarantees present, makes it possible to determine the credit limits with each counterparty.

        Finally, as regards country risk, the rating is assigned on the basis of a model that takes into consideration the judgment of specialized institutions and agencies, market information and internal assessments.

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        The ratings are not just a direct instrument to monitor credit risk, but are also a primary element for the credit risk portfolio model, which summarizes the information on asset quality in terms of risk indicators, including expected losses and capital at risk.

        The expected loss is the product of exposure to default, probability of default (derived from the rating) and loss given default. The latter is measured with reference to an economic rather than accounting concept of loss including legal costs and prudently calculated on the discounted value of post-default recoveries.

        The "expected" loss represents the average of the loss distribution, whereas the capital at risk is defined as the maximum "unexpected" loss that the Group may incur with a confidence level of 99.95%.

        The techniques for the mitigation of credit risk are the elements that contribute to reducing potential loss. They include guarantees, facility types and covenants.

        The evaluation of the mitigating factors is performed through a procedure that assigns each individual loan a loss given default, assuming the highest values in the case of ordinary unsecured loans and decreasing in accordance with the strength given to any mitigating factors present.

        The "very strong" and "strong" mitigating factors include financial collateral and residential mortgages. Other mitigating guarantees include non-residential mortgages and personal guarantees issued by unrated parties, provided they have sufficient personal assets. The strength of the personal guarantee issued by rated parties (typically banks, credit guarantee consortia and corporates, in general belonging to the same counterpart group) is assessed on the basis of the guarantor's credit quality through mechanisms based on the so called "PD substitution" which consists of the substitution of the obligor's probability of default with the guarantor's one.

        The loss given default values are subsequently aggregated at customer level in order to provide a summary evaluation of the strength of the mitigating factors.

        Within the credit acceptance and management process, as mentioned above, the strength of the mitigating factors is important in the definition of the credit strategy, in particular with reference to the counterparties classified by the rating system as non investment grade.

        In addition, certain types of transactions, typically medium-long term loans, require collateral or covenants for their finalization regardless of the defined credit strategy.

        This description focuses on the technical-organizational and methodological procedures used in the management and control of impaired financial assets; it includes the methods of classification of the assets by counterparty quality, the factors that allow transition from impaired exposures to performing exposures, the analysis of the exposure by length of past due, and the procedures for the assessment of the adequacy of write-downs and provisions.

        The monitoring of the correct application of the classification rules, using dedicated tools and procedures, is delegated to a central structure in the credit department responsible for credit control.

        With reference to loans past due by more than 180 days, restructured loans and problem loans, the structures responsible for their management are identified, on the basis of pre-determined thresholds of increasing significance, within the operational areas, in decentralized organizational units that carry out specialist activities and in a dedicated central structure that is responsible for the entire management and coordination of these matters.

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        The management of non performing positions is centralized within specialized functions of the head office that, in carrying out relevant recovery actions, relies on personnel located throughout the banking networks of the Group. Within these actions, in order to identify the strategies that may be implemented for each individual position, the out of court and judicial solutions are examined, in terms of cost-benefit analyses, taking into account the financial impact of the estimated recovery times.

        The valuation is reviewed whenever significant events come to light that may alter the recovery prospects. In order for adjustments for these events to be made in a timely manner, the information relating to the debtor is periodically monitored and the progress of out of court settlements and the various phases of legal proceedings are periodically verified.

        The return of impaired exposures to performing status, governed by the specific internal regulations, may only take place on the proposal of the structures responsible for their management, upon ascertainment that the critical conditions or state of default no longer exist and subject to the binding opinion, where envisaged, of the structure responsible for to credit control whenever the return to performing status occurs within six months since the classification as imparied asset.

        The overall doubtful loans portfolio is continually monitored through a predetermined control system and periodic managerial reporting.

Break-down of exposures by external and internal ratings

        The break-down of exposures by external and internal ratings refers to loans and commitments on and off balance sheet of the Group companies to which the models of credit risk measurement apply (Sanpaolo IMI, Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli, Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico, Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna, Cassa di Risparmio di Venezia, Friulcassa, Banca OPI, Sanpaolo IMI Bank Ireland, Sanpaolo Leasint and Neos Bank), which overall represent more than 95% of the credit risk weighted assets of the Group.

        External ratings are present on 23% of the loans to customers and on 52% of the loans to banks. Since they refer to counterparties belonging to the public and banking sector and to corporate customers of high standing, these ratings are concentrated on the highest classes, as shown in the following chart.

        The following chart presents, at year end 2005, the break-down of on- and off-balance sheet loans by external rating:

GRAPHIC

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        Internal ratings, also attributed to counterparts with external ratings, cover loans to banks almost completely (97%) and cover 75% of loans to customers. This coverage is high and is steadily increasing for the corporate and small business sectors, which, as described above, have been affected during the year by the introduction of new Basle 2 compliant procedures. Unrated counterparties are concentrated in the household segment, where, moreover, the residential mortgage rating model, which represents the largest portion of the segment, has been refined during 2005 and its usage introduced in the approval process. The introduction of the other rating models, for other loans issued to retail counterparties, will be implemented gradually during the second half of 2006. For the purposes of calculating risk indicators, unrated counterparties are assigned an estimated rating on the basis of the average probabilities of default.

        The breakdown of loans by class of internal rating, outlined in the following chart, reflects almost completely investment grade counterparties (up to BBB-) as far as banks are concerned. Loans to customers, however, are ranked 76% in the investment grade area, 18% in the intermediate classes (BB) and 6% in the riskiest classes. There are almost no loans in the highest risk levels (less than B-).

        The following chart presents, at year end 2005, the break-down of on- and off-balance sheet loans by internal rating:

GRAPHIC

Securitization and Sale of Asset Transactions

        As at December 31, 2005 the Sanpaolo IMI Group is a party to the following securitization by the subsidiary Sanpaolo Leasint:

        SPLIT2 Operation—in the fourth quarter of 2004 Sanpaolo Leasint sold, without recourse, to Split2 Srl ("Split2"), a special purpose vehicle set up pursuant to Italian law no. 130/99, the loans deriving from performing leasing contracts covering real estate, automotive vehicles and capital goods for a total amount of €1,805 million. In addition to this portfolio, the structure of the securitization in order to comply with certain conditions, includes the sale to Split 2 from Sanpaolo Leasint of further portfolios on a quarterly basis which will replace the loans from time to time received by Split2 in the first 18 months. In order to gather the funding necessary for purchasing the loans, Split2 issued three classes of security rated by all three agencies (Moody's, S&P and Fitch) which have been successfully placed on the market and a junior class with a nominal value of €18 million, underwritten by Sanpaolo Leasint. The objectives of the operation were to diversify the company's sources of funding, to implement a time matching between the funding and the underlying loans and investments, and to free up economic and regulatory capital. Sanpaolo Leasint, in its role as servicer, continues to manage the collections on the loans portfolio that was sold and to maintain direct relations with the customers,

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transferring the collections in terms of principal and interest from the portfolio to accounts opened in the name of the SPV at the depositary bank of the collections. It regularly provides information on the portfolio, necessary for monitoring by the rating agencies. The amount of loans collected as at December 31, 2005 as servicer is €622 million. The securitized assets underlying the junior security as at December 31, 2005 are €1,622 million attributable to performing loans, €11 million reconcilable to expired and unpaid loans (delinquent loans) and €3 million attributable to defaulted loans.

Models for measuring credit risk

        The synthetic risk indicators (expected loss and economic capital) show an improvement in the credit quality of the portfolio over the course of 2005. The expected loss of loans to customers, at year end 2005, was 0.44% of loans, a slight decrease on the 0.46% recorded at the end of 2004 (on a comparable basis).

        Economic capital, at year end 2005, was 4.5% of loans, stable compared to year end 2004.

Market Risks

        The main body responsible for the management and control of market risks is the Board of Directors of the Parent Bank, which defines the guidelines and strategic issues concerning market risks, allocates capital on the basis of the expected risk/return profile and approves the risk limits for the Parent Bank and the guidelines for the subsidiaries.

        The Comitato Rischi Finanziari e di Mercato di Gruppo, the Group Financial and Market Risk Committee ("CRFMG") is responsible for defining risk measurement criteria and methodologies, the risk limit framework of the Parent Bank and its subsidiaries and verifying the Group companies' risk profile. The CRFMG consists of the General Manager, the heads of the units responsible for risk-assumption, and the Risk Management Department.

        The Parent Bank's Treasury Department centrally carries out the treasury activities and the financial risk management of the Group's domestic banking networks. Trading activities within the Group are mainly carried out by the Group's investment bank, Banca IMI.

        Parent Bank Risk Management Department is responsible for developing risk monitoring methodologies and proposals regarding the system of risk limits for the Parent Bank and the Group, as well as measuring risks for the main group banking subsidiaries (Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli, Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna, Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico, Cassa di Risparmio di Venezia and Friulcassa) on the basis of a specific outsourcing contract.

        The Group's financial risk profile and the appropriate actions undertaken to change it are examined, at least monthly, by the CRFMG.

        Non-trading market risk arises primarily in the Parent Bank and in the main subsidiaries that carry out retail and corporate banking. First of all, interest rate risk is managed by the Parent Bank in order to maximize the profitability, consistently with the stability of results over a long-term basis. For this purpose, position-taking reflects the strategic views set by the CRFMG. Risk exposures are primarily managed both by monitoring the mix of assets and liabilities deriving from retail activities and liquidity management; when the natural composition of assets and liabilities plus cash management (mainly short-term interbank deposits) create an interest rate risk profile which is not coherent with the goals set by CRFMG, actions are taken mainly through hedging derivatives. Short-term risk exposures (less

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than 18 months) are mostly managed by cash instruments (interbank deposits), with direct access to the interbank market. Other instruments (mainly bonds) are employed to manage long-term risk exposures (greater than 18 months) residually. Differently from the Parent Bank, banking subsidiaries, with the aid of the Parent Bank's Treasury Department, pursue a substantially complete hedging against interest rate risk, in order to keep the individual risk profiles of subsidiaries within very narrow limits: for this purpose, cash and derivative deals are traded with the Parent Bank or, as in the case of long-term derivatives, with Banca IMI. As to the foreign-exchange risk, spot and forward transactions are carried out by Parent Bank's Treasury Department with the task of ensuring uniform pricing standards throughout the Group and managing risk position originated by the brokerage activity of foreign currencies traded by customers. The non-trading portfolios also include market risk exposures arising from equity participations held by the Parent Bank and all other subsidiaries (Fin.Opi, SanpaoloIMI Internazionale, Imi Investimenti, Sanpaolo IMI International and Sanpaolo Imi Private Equity) in companies with listed market prices not fully consolidated or accounted for under either the equity method or the available for sale principle.

        The following methods are used to measure market risks of non-trading portfolios:

        Value at Risk modeling is a statistical technique that produces an estimate of the potential loss in a portfolio over a specified holding period which is a statistically unlikely to be exceeded more than once during the given holding period. The Group uses a model based on historical volatility and correlations between the individual risks of each currency made up of short and long-term interest rates, exchange rates and equity prices. The Group's model is based on the last 250 trading days, a 10 day holding period and a 99% confidence level. The VaR is used, other than for the daily monitoring of risk arising from equity investments, to assess each Business Unit's market risk exposure, thereby taking into account diversification benefits. VaR models have certain limitations; they are more reliable during normal market conditions, and historical data may fail to predict the future. The VaR assessment is based on a certain number of assumptions and approximations:

        There are also a number of approximations in the VaR calculation. For example, benchmark indexes are used instead of certain risk factors, and in the case of some activities, not all the relevant risk factors are taken into account which can be due to difficulties obtaining daily data.

        VaR results, therefore, cannot guarantee that actual risk will follow the statistical estimate. As a result, management also relies on other tools to measure risk of non-trading portfolios, such as Sensitivity analysis.

        Sensitivity analysis quantifies the change in value of a portfolio resulting from adverse movements in the risk factors. As regards interest rate risk, adverse movement is defined as a parallel and uniform shift of 100 basis points of the interest rate curves. The measurements include the risk originated by customer demand loans and deposits, whose features of stability and partial and delayed reactions to interest rate fluctuations have been studied by analyzing a large collection of historical data, obtaining a maturity representation model through equivalent deposits. For demand loans, the average duration is

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very short (approximately one month), whereas the estimated average duration for demand deposits is greater (approximately 12 months), depending on their stability features.

        The net interest income sensitivity is also measured, which quantifies the impact on net interest income of a parallel and instantaneous shock in the interest rate curve of ±25 basis points, over a timescale of 12 months. This measure shows the effect of the changes in interest rates on the non-trading portfolios, excluding assumptions regarding future changes in the mix of assets and liabilities and therefore cannot be considered a predictor of future level of net interest income.

        The Group's fair value hedges principally consist of interest rate swaps that are used to protect against changes in the fair value of fixed assets and liabilities due to movements in market interest rates. The types of swap transactions mostly used are plain vanilla interest rate swap ("IRS"), overnight index swap ("OIS"), cross currency swap ("CCS") and options on interest rates. Derivatives are negotiated mainly with Banca IMI, which, in turn, replicates the same transactions with third parties so that the hedging transactions meet the specified criteria to be considered IAS/IFRS eligible (to obtain hedge accounting treatment). For short-term hedging, derivatives are also negotiated with third parties. Hedged items, specifically identified (micro-hedging), are mainly bonds issued by the bank and loans to customers. Macro-hedging is carried out only on demand deposits through interest rate swaps and overnight index swaps.

        Cash flow hedging transactions, whose objective is to hedge against the volatility of receivable and payable floating cash flows, represent a relatively modest proportion of the Group's current outstanding derivatives.

        In 2005, the interest rate risk generated by non-trading portfolios, measured through sensitivity analysis, showed an average value of around €12 million, compared with €83 million in the previous year, reaching €65 million at the end of 2005.

        The net interest income sensitivity—assuming a rise in interest rates of 25 basis points—amounted at the end of December 2005 to €42 million (a decrease of €34 million in the case of a reduction in interest rates), unchanged compared with the end of 2004 and corresponding to approximately 1% of the Group's net interest income.

        During 2005, the VaR fluctuated around an average value of €33 million (compared with €36 million in 2004), with a minimum value of €13 million at the beginning of 2005 and a maximum of €62 million at the end of December 2005.

        During 2005, the foreign exchange risk generated by non-trading portfolios was not material.

        Equity price risk is measured using VaR (10-day timescale and 99% level of confidence). In 2005, equity price risk generated by the non-trading portfolios, almost fully held in the available for sale portfolio, recorded an average level of €109 million, with a minimum of €94 million and a maximum of €127 million, reached at the end of 2005. The small increase in VaR compared with the end of 2004 can be attributed to growth in portfolio value as a result of the increased prices in equity markets experienced in the second half of 2005, partially offset by a decrease in average portfolio volatility (from 16% at the end of 2004 to 13% at the end of 2005).

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VaR—Equity investment portfolio

 
  Year ended December 31,
 
  2005
  2004
 
  (millions of €)

Average   109.0   135.1
Low   94.2   102.2
High   127.2   213.6
Year-End   127.2   114.7

        The Group's policy is to concentrate trading activities in Banca IMI and its subsidiaries, where proprietary trading is carried out by both simple and complex products (mainly equities, bonds, foreign exchange contracts and other derivatives), either privately negotiated over-the-counter ("OTC") or transacted through regulated exchanges. Trading activities in the investment bank are segmented into specific books, which hold homogenous groups of transactions by type of risk and allow to reflect the risk/return profile of each individual business accurately. Management is predominantly aimed at arbitrage strategies, depending on the liquidity level of the instruments, rather than on risk-taking and positioning activities.

        The Parent Bank does not carry out trading activities; some of its financial assets are classified under the accounting framework as held for trading, although they are not held for the purpose of generating trading gains, but rather as a part of the Group's treasury portfolio for asset and liability management, liquidity and regulatory purposes. Moreover, the Parent Bank has classified some of its derivatives as held for trading, mostly related to brokerage transactions, and also transactions offsetting the risk arising from the securities portfolio and the hedging for certain short-term items. Therefore trading market risk assumed by the Parent Bank and the banking subsidiaries is residual and can be assigned primarily to the market risk of the banking book.

        Methods of measuring the trading portfolios mainly consist of:

        Worst Case Scenario's application is limited to trading portfolios. This method establishes a risk measurement defined as "maximum potential loss", which represents the worst possible economic result of those obtained in various hypothetical scenarios. The method is designed to represent a significant shock to current market parameters on the basis of a holding period of one day and accumulating the losses deriving from the various risk factors in absolute terms. The idea underlying the determination of the shocks to be assigned to the risk factors is to ensure a high degree of prudence; the objective of the method is to quantify and limit the maximum potential loss that could emerge in extreme market conditions.

        VaR and sensitivity analysis are explained in the paragraph above "Measurement techniques for non-trading portfolios".

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        During 2005 a VaR model was adopted based on the historical simulation method (historical VaR), which involves constructing a distribution of hypothetical daily changes in the value of the trading portfolio based on risk factors embedded in the current portfolio and historical observations of daily changes in these risk factors to determine the expected potential loss at a 99% confidence level over a one day timescale. From top management's point of view, this model is able to satisfy the regulatory requirements set by the Bank of Italy as the internal model to calculate net capital charges for the general and specific market risks; the approval process is expected to begin in the second half of 2006. The risk estimates calculated using the historical VaR do not differ significantly from the results shown below and obtained with the VaR model, indicated in the following paragraph.

        The VaR of trading activities during 2005 carried out by Banca Imi and its subsidiaries, averaged €9 million (compared to €7 million in 2004), with a minimum of €4 million and a maximum of €15 million. At the end of December 2005, VaR was €12 million, against €6 million on the same period of the previous year.

VaR—Trading portfolios by type of risk

 
  2005
  2004
 
 
  Year End
  Average
  Low
  High
  Year End
  Average
 
 
  (millions of €)

 
Interest rate risk   10.3   4.8   1.1   12.1   4.2   3.6  
Foreign exchange risk   1.1   1.1   0.1   6.5   1.6   1.3  
Equity price risk   6.1   6.5   2.8   12.9   3.5   4.8  
Diversification effect   (5.3 ) (4.0 ) n.s.   n.s.   (3.6 ) (2.9 )
Total   12.1   8.5   4.1   15.2   5.8   6.9  

n.s. means not significant.

        In addition to VaR, the Worst Case Scenario analysis is used to monitor the impact of the potential losses that might arise under extreme market conditions. The maximum potential daily loss in 2005 was an average of €54 million (€41 million in 2004), registering a maximum of €65 million at the end of March 2005 and a minimum of €36 million at the beginning of 2005.

Maximum Potential Loss
(€ million)

         GRAPHIC

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        Backtesting showed the prudent nature of the internal measurement technique used. In 2005, actual daily losses were never greater than the risk measures expressed in terms of maximum potential loss, while the actual trading loss exceeded the previously calculated daily VaR only once.

Liquidity Risks

        The metric used for liquidity risk management is based on cash flow analysis through the calculation of mismatches between inflows and outflows, grouped in different maturity buckets according to their contractual or expected residual maturities. A centralized approach is adopted for managing liquidity risk of the Parent Bank and the banking subsidiaries. The Parent Bank's Treasury Department, together with Sanpaolo IMI Ireland, as single points of direct access to the markets, raise funds against the assets originated from the retail and corporate activity at the branch level. In this framework, the liquidity management is overseen by the Parent Bank's Treasury Department, in line with the Group's policy, which defines, at a consolidated level, a liquidity target ratio for the 0 - 1 month period and attention thresholds on subsequent time bands, the triggering of which activates a contingency plan. A minimum treasury securities portfolio, made up of promptly liquid assets, is held to cover very short-term liquidity risk. The consolidated liquidity position also includes obligations deriving from the liquidity requirements identified by other main Group's Subsidiaries that use the Parent Bank's Treasury Department as a single point of access to the markets.

        The Risk Management Department periodically monitors liquidity risk limits; reporting is periodically presented and discussed at the CRFMG.

Operational Risk

        Sanpaolo IMI considers two other types of risk in its models: operational risk and business risk.

        Operational risk is defined as the risk of incurring losses as a result of failures in internal control or information systems, personnel or external events. The internal definition of operational risk includes the risk introduced by Basel 2, extending it to include reputational risk.

        Sanpaolo IMI has defined the overall operational risk management framework by setting up a Group policy and organizational processes for measuring, managing and controlling operational risk. The control of operational risk is attributed to the Parent Bank's Board of Directors, that sets the management policies and the subsequent organizational structure. The Operational Risk Committee (made up of the General Manager and the heads of the main Business Areas has the task of monitoring the operational risk profile of the Group and deciding the main activities of mitigation and transfer. The centralized unit at Group level, part of Risk Management, is responsible for developing methodologies for measuring risk, processing loss data and preparing the resultant management instruments. In line with Basel 2 requirements, the Business Areas, subsidiaries and the Corporate Center structures are directly involved in the Operational Risk Management process, by means of setting up specific decentralized control centers at the operational units for both the business and the support level. These decentralized centers are responsible for the processes of gathering information about events that have generated operational losses, carrying out analyses of scenarios and evaluating the riskiness associated with the business environment and the operating context.

        The measurement methodology of the operational risk profile requires the combined use of information on internal and external historical operational losses, with qualitative factors deriving from scenario analyses and evaluations of the system of internal controls and of the operating context.

        The internal operational losses are recorded by decentralized control centers, suitably verified by the central structure and managed by a dedicated computer system. For each category of risk, in line with the definitions of Basel 2, the database of historical events is analyzed, including both internal

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Group events and events traceable to the participation in loss data sharing initiatives (DIPO in Italy and ORX at international level). Results are obtained by applying actuarial techniques that separately analyze the frequency and the severity of events and subsequently create, by means of suitable Monte Carlo techniques, the aggregated annual loss distribution and consequently the measurement of risk.

        The scenario analyses are based on structured and organized gathering of subjective estimates expressed directly by Senior Management and have as their objective the evaluation of the potential economic impact for particularly serious operational events. These evaluations, calculated with statistical-actuarial techniques, give an estimate of unexpected loss that is subsequently integrated with the measurement obtained from the analysis of historical loss data.

        Capital at risk is therefore identified as the minimum measurement at Group level, net of insurance cover, necessary to bear the maximum potential annual loss with a level of confidence of 99.95% (99.9% will be used for regulatory reporting under Basel 2). The methodology also applies a corrective factor, which derives from the qualitative analyses of the riskiness of the operating context, to take account of the efficiency of internal controls in the various organizational units.

Business Risk

        The business risk (or strategic risk) is defined as the risk of incurring losses because of changes in the macro-or micro-economic scenario that could jeopardize the ability to generate income, typically by a drop in operating volumes or margin compression. It is evaluated by breaking down the activities in the Business Areas, based on the respective cost and revenue structures, in elementary "industrial" businesses (for example data processing, consultancy and distribution). The level of capitalization in line with the level observed in companies operating with the same processes is attributed to the Business Areas.

Insurance Companies' Risks

Life Insurance

        The typical risks of a life insurance portfolio can be divided into three main categories of risk: insurance rating risk, death risk and reserve risk.

        Insurance rating risks are protected first of all during the definition of the technical features and product pricing and subsequently during the life of the policy by means of periodic checks on the sustainability and the technical foundations and the hypotheses which were initially adopted in order to understand the effective sustainability and profitability both at the product level and at the portfolio level, including all of the Group's liabilities. Among the instruments used during definition of a product is profit testing, which apart from measuring profitability is used to identify in advance any weaknesses (technical or economic) in the product itself, in order to correct them.

        The actuarial risks arise when we record an unfavorable trend in actual claims compared with the estimated trend when the rate was calculated and these risks are reflected in the level of reserves. The Group protects itself against these risks by means of statistical analysis of the evolution (subdivided by risk type) of the liabilities of its own policy portfolio. Therefore the evolution for example of the demographic components is protected on the one hand by monitoring the customers' propensity to receive at maturity annuity instead of capital of our own portfolio, and on the other hand by analyzing the actual claims of some contractual categories and from the analysis of the forms supplied by ISVAP into regulation 1054 of December 04, 1998 and, not least, with the active participation in working groups proposed by ANIA (Associazione Nazionale Imprese di Assicurazione). In terms of reserves, these risks are accounted for via the placing in the financial statements of supplementary allocations deriving from the abovementioned analyses, i.e. from the use of technical demographic tables that are updated and recognized by the regulator. Among the risks that require particular attention there are

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also the risks connected with costs hedging. To this end the Group has developed a detailed analysis model that allows it to analyze costs by product macrocategory and by life cycle of the product itself. This tool, which is shared by several departments of the Group, is used to monitor costs, the correct rate and the sustainability of the reserves.

        The mathematical reserves are calculated on a policy basis and the methodology used to determine the reserves takes into account all the future commitments of the Group. In addition, a series of checks is carried out, both detailed (with preventive checks for example on the correct system saving of the variables necessary for the calculation like yields, quotations, demographic tables, parameters for the supplementary reserves, recalculation of the value of single contracts) and overall, by comparing the results with the estimates that are produced on a monthly basis.

Casualty Insurance

        Regarding the assumation of risk, the policies at the time of purchase are checked in order to verify the correspondence of the portfolio with the technical and rate settings agreed with the sales network.

        The check, apart from being formal is therefore also substantial and allows, in particular, verification of the exposure in terms of capital and liability containment.

        After the statistical checks are carried out, to check for potentially anomalous situations (like for example a concentration by area or by type of risk), and to keep under control the accumulation at the individual customer level (with particular reference to policies that provide cover in the accident and illness branches).

Risk concentration factors

        Among the risk concentration factors used for calculating the rates and with particular reference to the civil liability motorvehicle insurance and illness insurance, the table below shows the premium assignments for the Group for each Italian region.

Regions

  Premia
 
  (millions of €)

Piemont   34,242
Val D'Aosta   195
Liguria   673
Lombardy   4,060
Trentino Alto Adige   13
Veneto   482
Friuli Venezia Giulia   99
Emilia Romagna   413
Marche   81
Tuscany   177
Umbria   47
Lazio   8,537
Campania   1,200
Abruzzo   155
Molise   62
Puglia   384
Basilicata   62
Calabria   216
Sicily   320
Sardinia   115
Total   61,179

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Risk protection factors

        The reinsurance structure for the year 2005 for the companies Egida and Fideuram Assicurazioni is given below.

Reinsurance structure for Egida S.p.A.

BRANCHES/PRODUCTS

  TYPE(1)
  QUOTA ASSIGNED/PRIORITY
Injury   Quota assigned   30%
Illness   Quota assigned   20%
Motor vehicles   Quota assigned   50%
Fire and natural elements   Quota assigned   50%
Natural + GCL   Damage excess   1° layer: 750,000 per risk €1,000,000 per event;
2° layer: €3,000,000 per event
    Quota assigned   50%
Cl motor vehicles   Damage excess   1° layer: €750,000 per event;
2° layer: €1,500,000 per event
Other branches   Quota assigned   60%
Sanpaolo INI group CPI CP product   Quota assigned   40%
CPI posts product   Quota assigned   60%

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Reinsurance structure for Fideuram Assicurazioni S.p.A.

BRANCHES/PRODUCTS

  TYPE(1)
  QUOTA ASSIGNED/PRIORITY
Injury   Quota Assigned   25% Average Assigned previous years; 20% 2005.
    Facultative   Up to 60% of 100%. Non-standard risks.
Protecting the Remnant
1° layer: €200,000 XS 60,000 deductible
aggregate 120,000;
    Damage Excess   2° layer: €260,000 XS 260,000;
3° layer: €520,000 XS 520,000 (at least 2 witnesses);
4° layer: €4,160,000 XS 1,040,000
(at least 2 witnesses).
Illness   Quota Assigned   26% Average Assigned previous years.
Up To 60% Of 100%.
    Facultative (IPM Garantee)   Non-standard risks.
Protecting the Remnant
1° layer: €200,000 XS 60,000 deductible aggregate 120,000;
    Damage Excess
(IPM Guarantee)
  2° layer: €260,000 XS 260,000;
3° layer: €520,000 XS 520,000 (at least 2 witnesses);
4° layer: €4,160,000 XS 1,040,000
(at least 2 witnesses).
Up to 80%.
Fire And Natural Elements + GCL   Facultative   Non-standard risks.
    Damage Excess   Protecting the Entire Portfolio
Single layer: €1,948,000 XS 52,000
(per risk and per event).
Other Property Damage   Facultative   80%
Protecting the Entire Portfolio
    Damage Excess   Single layer: €1,948,000 XS 10,000
(per risk and per event).

(1)
"Quota assigned" means a proportional transfer of a specific percentage of the economic risk of all the insurance policies included in a specific line of business to the reinsurer pursuant to contractual arrangements. "Damage excess" means a non proportional risk's transfer to the reinsurer i.e. the reinsurer is obliged to pay only for claims that are in excess to an agreed level (layer). The recourse to reinsurance is used on mature portfolio or in products such as motor vehicle insurance policies where for each policy the risk could be relevant. "Facultative" means that the insurer chooses whether or not to use the reinsurance contract and the reinsurer is required to accept the insurer's decision on a previously agreed basis.

Financial Risks

        The insurance risks, concentrated in the A.I.P. group, are generated by life policies of the traditional, revaluable type and of the index-linked and unit-linked types. The former offers the insured, apart from participation in the profit from the fund management, a minimum guaranteed level and therefore generate proprietary financial and credit risks for the insurance company, risks that are

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linked to the characteristics of the investment portfolio vis-à-vis the commitments made to the insured. Index-linked and unit-linked policies which usually do not present direct risks are are in any case monitored with regard to reputation risks and, for what concerns certain unit-linked products, with regard to longevity risk.

        In line with the growing attention to value, risk and capital which have in the last two years affected the insurance sector, in 2005 A.I.P. began a series of initiatives aimed both at reinforcing the risk governance and at managing and controlling the risk based capital. In particular, A.I.P. has established an investment policy that defines the goals and the limits that are needed to distinguish the investments of the separately managed accounts in terms of asset allocation, long-term investments, credit risk, concentration risk and market risk. For investiments vis-à-vis free assets (the assets which are not required for coverage of insurance's technical reserve) there are special limits in terms of VaR with a time span of a year and a confidence level of 99%.

        With regard to management and control of value and risk, in the second half of 2005 A.I.P. launched the so called "Financial Analysis Program" ("FAP"), which allows the development of a dynamic model that can make forecasts of stochastically-generated economic scenarios, simulating the evolution of the value of assets and liabilities based on the technical characteristics of the products, the significant financial variables and a management rule that directs investments and divestments. The risk factors considered by the model to measure the capital requirements are of an actuarial and financial nature. Among the former, the FAP models risks deriving from the dynamics of an extreme surrendering of policies, from sharp changes in mortality and longevity, and from pressure on costs; among the latter, the FAP takes into consideration scenarios of stress over year-long time spans on interest rates, on credit spread and on stock market trends.

Quantitative Information

        At the end of 2005, the investment portfolio of A.I.P. for traditional revaluable policies and free assets amounted, at market value, to over €20 billion and comprises debt securities for 94.3% and equity securities for 5.7%.

        The following chart shows, at year end 2005, the rating of the debt securities held in our investment portfolio for traditional revaluable policies and free assets.

GRAPHIC

209


A.I.P.: exposure of debt securities by rating

        The 10-day VaR of the investments made by A.I.P. vis-à-vis free assets amounts, at year end 2005, to €13 million.

Financial derivative instruments

        The notional values of the financial derivatives of A.I.P. at the end of 2005 are shown below:

Financial derivatives: end-of-period notional values

 
  Debt securities and interest rates
  Equities and equity price index
  Exchange rate and gold
   
   
  Total as at 31/12/2005
 
  Other Values
Type of Portfolio/Underlying instrument

  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
Trading     4,286             250     4,536
Hedging     106                 106
Total     4,392             250     4,642

        The related positive and negative fair values amount, respectively, to €262 million and €189 million as at December 31, 2005.

ITEM 12.    DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

        Not applicable.


PART II

ITEM 13.    DEFAULT, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

        None.

ITEM 14.    MATERIAL MODIFICATION TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

        None.

ITEM 15.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

        As of December 31, 2005, Sanpaolo IMI, under the supervision of and with the participation of Sanpaolo IMI's management, including the Managing Director and the Head of Finance and Administration Department, performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of Sanpaolo IMI's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, Sanpaolo IMI's Managing Director and Head of Finance and Administration Department concluded that Sanpaolo IMI's disclosure controls and procedures are effective for gathering, analyzing and disclosing the information Sanpaolo IMI is required to disclose in the reports it files under the Exchange Act, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Sanpaolo IMI's management necessarily applied its judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures, which by their nature can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management's control objectives.

        There has been no change in Sanpaolo IMI's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Sanpaolo IMI's internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 16.    RESERVED

ITEM 16A.    AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

        As specified in Item 6. "Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Comparative Analysis between NYSE Corporate Governance Standards and Sanpaolo IMI Corporate Governance Practice—Audit Committee" on page 160 above, the Board of Statutory Auditors performs the functions of the Audit Committee for purposes of Section 10A the Exchange Act, as permitted by Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. According to applicable regulations (with particular reference to Article 148 of the Consolidated Securities Law and Ministerial Decree No. 162 of March 30, 2000), at least two members of the Board of Statutory Auditors must comply with specific accounting experience requirements, and all the members of the Board are required to have experience in the financial sector. Taking into account that the members of the Sanpaolo IMI Board of Statutory Auditors comply with both of the above-mentioned conditions, the Board of Statutory Auditors has acknowledged on May 13, 2005 that each of its members is an Audit Committee financial expert, as defined in the instruction to paragraph (a) of item 16A of Form 20-F. For the names of the members of the Board of Statutory Auditors, see: Item 6. "Directors, Senior Management and Employees—A. Directors and Senior Management—Board of Statutory Auditors" on page 152 above.

ITEM 16B.    CODE OF ETHICS

        In response to Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Sanpaolo IMI has adopted a code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officers or persons performing similar functions. A copy of the code is attached to this annual report.

        Information regarding any future amendments or waivers to the code will be published on Sanpaolo IMI's website (www.grupposanpaoloimi.com under "corporate social responsibility").

ITEM 16C.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

        As a company listed on the Italian Stock Exchange, Sanpaolo IMI is subject to a mandatory audit by an audit firm registered on a special list maintained by CONSOB. The term of this appointment, resolved by the shareholders' meeting at the suggestion of the Board of Directors and subject to the opinion of the Board of Statutory Auditors, is three years and may not be renewed for more than two consecutive succeeding terms.

        The first three-year appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers S.p.A. for the audit of Sanpaolo IMI's financial statements ended with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. The shareholders' meeting of Sanpaolo IMI on April 29, 2004, reappointed PricewaterhouseCoopers S.p.A. as independent auditors for the three-year period 2004-2006.

        Effective from April 10, 2003, Sanpaolo IMI established a Group directive for the Board of Statutory Auditors' pre-approval of fees for any audit service and permitted non-audit services provided by the auditors of Sanpaolo IMI and the auditors upon whom such auditors rely. The directive was adopted in order to comply with rules issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to release No. 33-8183 (the "Auditor Independence Rules").

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        The following table summarizes the assignments invoiced to Gruppo Sanpaolo IMI by PricewaterhouseCoopers S.p.A. or by companies within its network.

 
  Year of Invoice
Assignment

  2004
  2005
 
  (in thousands of €)

  Amount approved by
Sanpaolo IMI's Board of Statutory Auditors (%)(*)

Audit Fees   6,731   8,890   84.8%
Audit-Related Fees   3,463   3,112   89.0%
Tax Fees   144   32   14.2%
All Other Fees   309   142   68.4%

(*)
The percentage that was not approved by Sanpaolo IMI's Board of Statutory Auditors relates to assignments that pre-date May 6, 2003, the date of effectiveness of the Auditor Independence Rules. After such date, all audit and permitted non-audit services assigned to PricewaterhouseCoopers S.p.A. and its network were approved by the Board of Statutory Auditors. The percentage also includes invoices related to appointments made by courts and other public authorities.

        Audit fees mainly consist of fees billed for professional services rendered to the Sanpaolo IMI Group by PricewaterhouseCoopers S.p.A. and its network for the audit of Sanpaolo IMI's and its subsidiaries, individual and consolidated financial statement for fiscal years 2004 and 2005.

        Audit-related fees mainly consist of the consideration paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers S.p.A. and its network for issuing comfort letters in connection with securities offerings in the international markets, assurance statements requested by local regulations and by supervisory bodies, as well as financial due diligence and audits as part of corporate merger and acquisition transactions. Audit-related fees included, in 2005, €1,043,700 paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers S.p.A. for extraordinary professional services rendered in relation to the transition to IAS/IFRS.

        Tax fees include the consideration paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers S.p.A. and its network for the provision of professional services in relation to tax matters rendered primarily to the Group's foreign companies.

        All other fees consist of the aggregate fees billed for services, other than the services reported above under "audit fees", "audit-related fees" and "tax fees", provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers S.p.A. and its network in 2004 and 2005.

ITEM 16D.    EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEE

        Not applicable.

ITEM 16E.    PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

        The general shareholders' meeting of Sanpaolo IMI held on April 28, 2006 renewed the authorization for Sanpaolo IMI to purchase its Shares, for 18 months and up to a maximum of 180 million Shares at a price of no less than 30% and no more than 10% of the end of trading price of the Shares on the Milan Stock Exchange on the day preceding each individual transaction. The shareholders' meeting of Sanpaolo IMI also acknowledged and confirmed the amount of the reserve to purchase Shares at €1,000 million. Own Shares can also be used, in the context of incentive plans to employees of the Parent Bank or of the Group.

212



        The following table sets forth the number and price of the Shares purchased by the Group in 2005. None of the purchases of Shares carried out by the Group in 2005 were made as part of publicly announced plans or programs.

Year 2005

  Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased(1)
  Average Price Paid per Share
 
   
 

January 2005   161,000   10.503
February 2005   359,176   11.903
March 2005   191,801   11.220
April 2005   18,006   11.830
May 2005   779,779   11.650
June 2005   1,418,917   11.485
July 2005   35,693   11.061
August 2005   36,360   11.876
September 2005   819,841   12.326
October 2005   166,505   12.140
November 2005   234,397   12.544
December 2005   721,781   12.722
   
 
Total   4,943,256   11.704
   
 

(1)
The amounts do not include the Shares acquired by Banca Fideuram and Invesp in the context of the Insurance Reorganization.


PART III

ITEM 17.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        The following financial statements, together with the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers thereon, are filed as part of this annual report:

 
  Page
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements 2005   F-1
Report of Independent Auditors   F-4
Consolidated Balance Sheet   F-9
Consolidated Statement of Income   F-11
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity   F-13
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows   F-14
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   F-15

ITEM 18.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        Not applicable.

213



ITEM 19.    EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.

  Description

  1.1   Articles and By-laws of Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A.
11.1   Report on Corporate Governance and adherence to the code of conduct for listed companies(1)
11.2   Ethical Code of Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A.(1)

(1)
Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits filed with Sanpaolo IMI's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2004 filed with the SEC on June 28, 2005 (file 1-1487C).

214



SIGNATURE

        The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

    Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A.

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
BRUNO PICCA      
Name: Bruno Picca
Title: Head of Finance and Administration Department

Date: June 28, 2006

215



CERTIFICATIONS

        I, Alfonso Iozzo, Managing Director of Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A. ("Sanpaolo IMI"), certify that:

        1.     I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Sanpaolo IMI;

        2.     Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

        3.     Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrants as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

        4.     Sanpaolo IMI's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrants and we have:

        5.     Sanpaolo IMI's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to Sanpaolo IMI's auditors and the Audit Committee of Sanpaolo IMI's Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

Date: June 28, 2006

/s/  ALFONSO IOZZO      
        Alfonso Iozzo
        Managing Director
        Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A.
   

216



CERTIFICATIONS

        I, Bruno Picca, Head of Finance and Administration Department of Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A. ("Sanpaolo IMI"), certify that:

        1.     I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Sanpaolo IMI;

        2.     Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

        3.     Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrants as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

        4.     Sanpaolo IMI's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrants and we have:

        5.     Sanpaolo IMI's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to Sanpaolo IMI's auditors and the Audit Committee of Sanpaolo IMI's Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

Date: June 28, 2006

/s/  BRUNO PICCA      
        Bruno Picca
        Head of Finance and Administration Department
        Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A.
   

217



Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

June 28, 2006

Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549

Ladies and Gentlemen:

        The certification set forth below is being submitted in connection with the Sanpaolo IMI. Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2005, (the "Report") for the purpose of complying with Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15(d)-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

        Alfonso Iozzo the Managing Director of Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A. and Bruno Picca the Head of Finance and Administration Department of Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A., certifies that, to the best of his knowledge:

        1.     the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

        2.     the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A.

/s/  ALFONSO IOZZO      
        Alfonso Iozzo
        Managing Director
        Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A.
   

/s/  
BRUNO PICCA      
        Bruno Picca
        Head of Finance and
        Administration Department
        Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A.

 

 

        A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signatures that appear in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), has been provided to Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A. and will be retained by Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

218



INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
  Page
Report of Independent Public Accountants   F-4
Consolidated Balance Sheet   F-9
Consolidated Statement of Income   F-11
Statement of income/expenses in the consolidated financial statement   F-12
Statements of changes in consolidated Shareholders' Equity   F-13
Statement of consolidated cash flows   F-14
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   F-15
Part A—Accounting Policies   F-15
A.1 General information   F-15
—Section 1—Compliance with IAS/IFRS   F-15
—Section 2—Basis of preparation   F-15
—Section 3—Scope and methods of consolidation   F-16
—Section 4—Subsequent events   F-16
—Section 5—Other aspects   F-17
A.2 Information on the main aggregate values of the financial statements   F-18
—Section 1—Financial assets held for trading   F-18
—Section 2—Available for sale financial assets   F-19
—Section 3—Held-to-maturity investments   F-20
—Section 4—Loans and guarantees issued   F-20
—Section 5—Financial assets designated as at fair value   F-23
—Section 6—Hedge accounting   F-23
—Section 7—Equity investments   F-24
—Section 8—Tangible assets   F-25
—Section 9—Intangible assets   F-25
—Section 10—Discontinued operations   F-26
—Section 11—Current and deferred tax   F-26
—Section 12—Provisions for risks and charges   F-27
—Section 13—Debts and securities issued   F-29
—Section 14—Financial liabilities held for trading   F-30
—Section 15—Financial liabilities designated as fair value   F-30
—Section 16—Foreign Currency transactions   F-30
—Section 17—Insurance assets and liabilities   F-31
—Section 18—Other information   F-32
A.3 Fair Value of Financial Instruments   F-34
Part B—Information on the consolidated balance sheet   F-36
Assets   F-36
—Section 1—Cash and cash equivalents—Caption 10   F-36
—Section 2—Investments held for trading—Caption 20   F-36
—Section 3—Financial assets designated as at fair value—Caption 30   F-38
—Section 4—Available for sale financial assets—Caption 40   F-40
—Section 5—Held-to-maturity investments—Caption 50   F-42
—Section 6—Loans to banks—Caption 60   F-43
—Section 7—Loans to customers—Caption 70   F-44
—Section 8—Hedging derivatives—Caption 80   F-47
—Section 9—Changes in fair value of assets in hedged portfolios (+/-)—Caption 90   F-47
—Section 10—Investments in associates and companies subject to joint control—Caption 100   F-48
—Section 11—Insurance reserves attributable to reinsurers—Caption 110   F-59
—Section 12—Tangible assets—Caption 120   F-60
     

F-1


—Section 13—Intangible assets—Caption 130   F-63
—Section 14—Fiscal assets and liabilities—Caption 140 under assets and Caption 80 under liabilities   F-66
—Section 15—Discontinued operations and disposal groups of operations held for sale, and associated liabilities—Caption 150 under assets and Caption 90 under liabilities   F-70
—Section 16—Other assets—Caption 160   F-71
Liabilities   F-72
—Section 1—Due to banks—Caption 10   F-72
—Section 2—Due to customers—Caption 20   F-72
—Section 3—Securities issued—Caption 30   F-73
—Section 4—Financial liabilities held for trading—Caption 40   F-74
—Section 5—Financial liabilities designated as fair value—Caption 50   F-75
—Section 6—Hedging derivatives—Caption 60   F-76
—Section 7—Changes in fair value of liabilities in hedged portfolios—Caption 70   F-77
—Section 8—Tax liabilities—Caption 80   F-77
—Section 9—Liabilities included in disposal groups classified as held for sale—Caption 90   F-77
—Section 10—Other liabilities—Caption 100   F-77
—Section 11—Provisions for employee termination indemnities—Caption 110   F-78
—Section 12—Provisions for risks and charges—Caption 120   F-78
—Section 13—Technical reserves—Caption 130   F-86
—Section 14—Redeemable shares—Caption 150   F-87
—Section 15—Group's shareholders' equity—Captions 140, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200 and 220   F-87
—Section 16—Shareholders' equity attributable to minority interests—Caption 210   F-91
Other information   F-93
Appendix to Part B—Estimation of fair value related to financial instruments   F-96
Part C—Information on the consolidated statement of income   F-98
—Section 1—Interest—Captions 10 and 20   F-98
—Section 2—Commissions—Captions 40 and 50   F-99
—Section 3—Dividends and similar revenues—Caption 70   F-102
—Section 4—Profits (losses) on financial trading activities—Caption 80   F-102
—Section 5—Fair value adjustments from hedge accounting—Caption 90   F-103
—Section 6—Profits (losses) from sale/repurchase transactions—Caption 100   F-103
—Section 7—Net income from financial assets and liabilities designated as fair value—Caption 110   F-104
—Section 8—Impairment losses/write-backs—Caption 130   F-104
—Section 9—Net insurance premiums—Caption 150   F-105
—Section 10—Other income/charges arising on insurance activities—Caption 160   F-106
—Section 11—Administrative costs—Caption 180   F-107
—Section 12—Net provisions for risks and charges—Caption 190   F-110
—Section 13—Net adjustments to tangible assets—Caption 200   F-110
—Section 14—Net adjustments to intangible assets—Caption 210   F-110
—Section 15—Other operating income (expenses)—Caption 220   F-111
—Section 16—Profits (losses) on investments in associates and companies subject to joint control—Caption 240   F-112
—Section 17—Net fair value adjustment to tangible and intangible assets—Caption 250   F-112
—Section 18—Impairment of goodwill—Caption 260   F-113
—Section 19—Profits (losses) on disposal of investments—Caption 270   F-113
—Section 20—Income taxes for the period—Caption 290   F-113
—Section 21—Profits (losses) from discontinued operations—Caption 310   F-114
—Section 22—Profit (loss) for the period attributable to minority interests—Caption 330   F-114
     

F-2


—Section 23—Other information   F-114
—Section 24—Profit per share   F-114
Part D—Segment Reporting   F-116
Part E—Information on risks and risk hedging policies   F-119
—Section 1—Banking Group's risks   F-119
—Section 2—Insurance companies' risks   F-155
Part F—Information on consolidated shareholders' equity   F-160
—Section 1—Consolidated shareholders' equity   F-160
—Section 2—Shareholders' equity and regulatory ratios   F-160
Part G—Business combinations   F-167
Part H—Transactions with related parties   F-168
—Section 1—Information on remuneration of directors and executives   F-168
—Section 2—Information on transactions with related parties   F-169
Part I—Payment agreements based on own financial instruments   F-174
Part L—Information on comparison with financial year 2004   F-177
Information on the balance sheet   F-177
Assets   F-177
—Section 1—Loans   F-177
—Section 2—Securities   F-181
—Section 3—Equity investments   F-182
—Section 5—Other assets   F-186
Liabilities   F-187
—Section 6—Payables   F-187
—Section 8—Capital, equity reserves, reserve for general banking risks and subordinated liabilities   F-188
—Section 9—Other liabilities   F-192
Other information   F-193
—Section 10—Guarantees and commitments   F-193
Contribution of the insurance business to the consolidated balance sheet   F-198
—Section 13—Insurance business—balance sheet data   F-198
Information on the statement of income   F-203
—Section 1—Interest   F-203
—Section 2—Commissions   F-203
—Section 3—Profits and losses from financial transactions   F-205
—Section 5—Adjustments, write-backs and provisions   F-206
—Section 6—Other statement of income captions   F-207
Contribution of the insurance business to the consolidated statement of income   F-208
—Section 8—Insurance business—statement of income data   F-208
Part M — Summary of significant differences between EU GAAP, IFRS as published by IASB and U.S. GAAP   F-214
Attachements—Attachements to the Consolidated Explanatory Notes   F-230

F-3



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Sanpaolo IMI SpA

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sanpaolo IMI SpA and its subsidiaries (Sanpaolo IMI) as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, of cash flows and of changes in shareholders' equity for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of Sanpaolo IMI's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. The aforementioned financial statements have been prepared for the first time in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the reports of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        We did not audit the financial statements of certain consolidated subsidiaries, which statements reflect "total assets" of 3 per cent and 2 per cent of the related consolidated totals as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, total "net interest income" of 1 per cent of the related consolidated totals for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2005 and total "net interest and other banking income" of 6 per cent and 12 per cent of the related totals for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2005. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose reports thereon have been furnished to us, and our opinion expressed herein, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for these companies, is based solely on the reports of the other auditors.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sanpaolo IMI SpA and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with the International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union.

F-4


        As explained in the note "Information on transition to the international accounting standards" included in the attachments to the consolidated explanatory notes, Sanpaolo IMI changed its method of accounting for financial instruments and certain insurance contracts as a result of adopting IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4 on January 1, 2005.

        International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Part M to the consolidated financial statements.

Turin, June 28, 2006

PricewaterhouseCoopers SpA

/s/  SERGIO DUCA      
Sergio Duca
(Partner)
   

F-5



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders of
Banca Fideuram S.p.A.

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Banca Fideuram S.p.A. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Banca Fideuram S.p.A. and subsidiaries as at December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union.

        International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences as of and for the year ended December 31, 2005 is presented in Notes G and H to the consolidated financial statements.

 
   
     
     

/s/ Reconta Ernst & Young S.p.A.
   

Rome, Italy
April 5, 2006
except for notes G and H as to which the date is
June 16, 2006

F-6



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
GEST Line S.p.A.

1.
We have audited the balance sheet of GEST Line S.p.A. (the "Company"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A., as at December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, and the related statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the years then ended. Such financial statements were previously provided to you and are not enclosed herewith. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's Directors. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

2.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

3.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of GEST Line S.p.A. as of December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2005 in conformity with the Italian law governing financial statements and generally accepted accounting principles in Italy.

4.
Accounting principles generally accepted in Italy vary in certain significant respects from International Financial Reporting Standards, which, in turn, vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Notes "Significant differences between Italian GAAP and IFRS" and "Significant differences between IFRS and US Generally accepted accounting principles" attached to the financial statements of GEST Line S.p.A. (such financial statements were previously provided to the Board of Directors and are not enclosed herewith).

F-7


5.
For a better understanding of the financial statements, we draw your attention to the following aspects, which are more fully described in the Directors' Report on Operations and the Explanatory Notes:

with regard to the provisions of Law no. 248/2005, which have reformed the national tax collection service, the Company's Directors have chosen to take advantage of the amnesty introduced by Law no. 311/2004. The relevant charge, amounting to approximately 24.2 million euros, has been fully expensed in the income statement for the year ended 31 December 2005. Following this decision, provisions previously made to cover the cost of disputes with the tax authorities were released. Moreover, under the guarantees formerly received from Sanpaolo IMI, amounts received from the Parent Company to cover such charge, total 18.4 million euros, have been recognised;

the Company is involved in litigation with the Venice Court of Auditors regarding tax damages deriving from the indictment of a number of Tax Collectors and in relation to which the Company has received 8 convictions, amounting to a sum of 10.5 million euros, immediately appealed before the Central Divisions of the Court of Auditors. In accordance with the opinions of external legal advisors regarding the presumable outcome of the litigation, the Directors believe the specific provisions of 6.6 million euros made to be fair and prudential. Further provisions of 1.5 million euros have been made following a series of measures denying the right to rebate/discharge issued by local revenue agencies;

pursuant to the law, the Company has declared that it is subject to the management and coordination of Sanpaolo IMI S.p.A. and has, therefore, included highlights from this company's financial statements in its Explanatory Notes. Our opinion on the financial statements of GEST Line S.p.A. does not extend to such data.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE S.p.A.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche S.p.A.

Naples, Italy
March 16, 2006 (May 30, 2006 as to paragraph 4)

F-8



CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

Part/section of the
Explanatory Notes

   
  ASSETS
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004(*)
 
   
   
  (€/mil)

  (€/mil)

 
   
   
  (millions of €)

B/Ass/1   10.   Cash and balance at central banks   1,107   1,347
B/Ass/2   20.   Financial assets held for trading   25,037    
B/Ass/3   30.   Financial assets designated at fair value   22,528    
B/Ass/4   40.   Available for sale financial assets   29,837    
B/Ass/5   50.   Held-to-maturity investments   2,535    
L/Ass/2   20. It Treasury bills and similar bills eligible for refinancing with central banks       2,612
L/Ass/2   50. It Bonds and other debt securities       23,702
L/Ass/2   60. It Shares, quotas and other equities       3,026
    140. It Own shares or quotas       54
B/Ass/6   60.   Loans to banks   28,836    
L/Ass/1   30. It Loans to banks       23,942
B/Ass/7   70.   Loans to customers   139,507    
L/Ass/1   40. It Loans to customers       123,201
B/Ass/8   80.   Hedging derivatives   435    
B/Ass/9   90.   Changes in fair value of assets in hedged portfolios (+/-)      
L/Ass/13(**)       Assets related to insurance activities       39,429
B/Ass/10   100.   Investments in associates and companies subject to joint control   819    
L/Ass/3   70. It Equity investments       3,652
L/Ass/3   80. It Investments in Group companies       1,082
B/Ass/11   110.   Insurance reserves attributables to reassures   29    
L/Ass/13(**)       Insurance reserves attributables to reassures       25
B/Ass/12   120.   Tangible assets   2,177   2,328
B/Ass/13   130.   Intangible assets   1,008   1,055
        of which:        
        —goodwill   756   766
B/Ass/14   140.   Tax assets   2,728   3,304
        a) current   988   1,798
        b) deferred   1,740   1,506
B/Ass/15   150.   Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale   220    
B/Ass/16   160.   Other assets   6,455    
L/Ass/5   150. It Other assets       20,174
L/Ass/5   160. It Accrued income and prepaid expenses       3,827
        Total assets   263,258   252,760

(*)
The consolidated balance sheet for the year ended December 31, 2004 was prepared in accordance with EU GAAP; however, as permitted by IFRS 1, these results excluded the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, for which the transition date was January 1, 2005 and Italian GAAP continued to apply to the recognition and presentation of results, asset and liabilities to which IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4 would otherwise have applied.

(**)
Entries include contribution of insurance business only.

F-9


Part/section of the
Explanatory Notes

   
  LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004(*)
 
   
   
  (€/mil)

  (€/mil)

 
   
   
  (millions of €)

B/Liab/1   10.   Due to banks   35,682    
L/Liab/6   10. It Due to banks       28,277
B/Liab/2   20.   Due to customers   92,306    
L/Liab/6   20. It Due to customers       88,510
B/Liab/3   30.   Securities issued   46,985    
B/Liab/4   40.   Financial liabilities held for trading   11,342    
B/Liab/5   50.   Financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit and loss   25,939    
L/Liab/6   30. It Securities issued       47,986
B/Liab/6   60.   Hedging derivatives   730    
B/Liab/7   70.   Changes in fair value of liabilities in hedged portfolios (+/-)   (35 )  
L/Liab/6   40. It Public funds administered       150
L/Liab/8   110. It Subordinated liabilities       6,955
L/Liab/13(**)       Liabilities related to insurance activities       638
B/Ass/14-   80.   Tax liabilities   860   783
B/Liab/8       a) current   216   304
        b) deferred   644   479
B/Liab/9   90.   Liabilities included in disposal groups classified as held for sale   164    
B/Liab/10   100.   Other liabilities   10,573    
L/Liab/9   50. It Other liabilities       22,755
L/Liab/9   60. It Accrued expenses and deferred income       2,651
B/Liab/11   110.   Provisions for employee termination indemnities   1,001   882
B/Liab/12   120.   Provisions for risks and charges:   1,882   1,734
        a) post-retirement benefit obligations   425   209
        b) other   1,457   1,525
B/Liab/13   130.   Technical reserves   22,113    
L/Liab/13(**)       Technical reserves       38,849
B/Liab/14   140.   Valuation reserves   1,286   343
        a) available-for-sale financial assets (+/-)   1,157    
        b) tangible assets (+)      
        c) cashflow hedge (+/-)   (18 )  
        d) special revaluation laws   346   343
        e) other   (199 )  
B/Liab/14   150.   Redeemable shares      
B/Liab/15   160.   Equity securities      
B/Liab/15   170.   Reserves   4,298   4,575
B/Liab/15   180.   Share premium reserve   769   725
B/Liab/15   190.   Capital   5,239   5,218
B/Liab/15   200.   Own shares (-)   (92 )  
B/Liab/16   210.   Minority interests (+/-)   233   282
B/Liab/15   220.   Profit (loss) for the year   1,983   1,447
        Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   263,258   252,760

(*)
The consolidated balance sheet for the year ended December 31, 2004 was prepared in accordance with EU GAAP; however, as permitted by IFRS 1, these results excluded the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, for which the transition date was January 1, 2005 and Italian GAAP continued to apply to the recognition and presentation of results, asset and liabilities to which IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4 would otherwise have applied.

(**)
Entries include contribution of insurance business only.

F-10



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

Part/section of the
Explanatory Notes

  2005
  2004(*)
 
 
   
   
  (€/mil)

  (€/mil)

 
 
   
   
  (millions of €)

 
C/CE/1   10.   Interest income and similar revenues   8,235      
L/CE/1   10. It.   Interest income and similar revenues       7,196  
C/CE/1   20.   Interest expenses and similar charges   (3,786 )    
L/CE/1   20. It   Interest expenses and similar charges       (3,534 )
    30.   Net interest income   4,449   3,662  
C/CE/2   40.   Commission income   4,166      
L/CE/2   40. It   Commission income       3,980  
C/CE/2   50.   Commission expense   (758 )    
L/CE/2   50. It   Commission expense       (764 )
    60.   Net commissions   3,408   3,216  
C/CE/3   70.   Dividends and similar revenues   475      
L/CE/6   30. It   Dividends and other revenues       152  
C/CE/4   80.   Profits (losses) on financial trading activities   104      
C/CE/5   90.   Fair value adjustments from hedge accounting   (4 )    
C/CE/6   100.   Profits (losses) from sale or repurchase of:   394      
        a) loans   57      
        b) available-for-sale financial assets   347      
        c) held to maturity investments        
        d) financial liabilities   (10 )    
C/CE/7   110.   Profits (losses) on financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value   219      
L/CE/3   60. It   Profits (losses) on financial transactions       227  
L/CE/8(**)       Technical income from the casualty insurance business gross of administrative costs       10  
L/CE/8(**)       Technical income from the life insurance business gross of administrative costs       (1,478 )
    120.   Net interest and other banking income   9,045   5,789  
C/CE/8   130.   Impairment losses/write-backs to:   (442 )    
        a) loans   (437 )    
        b) available-for-sale financial assets   (1 )    
        c) held to maturity investments        
        d) other financial transactions   (4 )    
L/CE/6   140. It   Provisions to the reserve for probable loan losses       (17 )
L/CE/6   120. It   Adjustments to loans and provisions for guarantees and commitments       (914 )
L/CE/6   130. It   Write-backs of adjustments to loans and provisions for guarantees and commitments       410  
L/CE/6   150. It   Adjustments to financial fixed assets       (106 )
L/CE/6   160. It   Write-backs of adjustments to financial fixed assets       124  
    140.   Net result of financial activities   8,603   5,286  
C/CE/9   150.   Net insurance premiums   3,599      
C/CE/10   160.   Balance of other income (charges) arising on insurance activities   (4,496 )    
    170.   Net result of financial and insurance activities   7,706   5,286  
C/CE/11(***)   180   Administrative costs:   (4,353 ) (4,346 )
        a) personnel   (2,839 ) (2,821 )
        b) other   (1,514 ) (1,525 )
C/CE/12   190.   Net provisions for risks and charges   (53 ) (216 )
C/CE/13(***)   200.   Net adjustments to tangible assets   (239 ) (242 )
C/CE/14   210   Net adjustments to intangible assets   (198 ) (230 )
C/CE/15   220   Other operating income (expenses)   74   29  
L/CE/8(**)       Other net income from insurance activities       1,838  
    230   Operating costs   (4,769 ) (3,167 )
C/CE/16   240   Profits (losses) on investments in associates and companies subject to joint control   70      
C/CE/17   250   Net result of fair value adjustments to tangible and intangible assets          
    170. It   Profits (losses) from investments carried at equity       26  
C/CE/18   260   Impairment of goodwill   (1 )    
C/CE/19   270   Profits (losses) on disposal of investments   17      
    280   Operating profits (losses) before tax from continuing operations   3,023   2,145  
L/CE/5   190. It   Other income       286  
L/CE/5   200. It   Other expense       (138 )
    230. It   Change in reserve for general banking risks       (2 )
C/CE/20   290   Income taxes for the period   (948 )    
L/CE/5   240. It   Income taxes       (754 )
    300   Net profit (loss) after tax from continuing operations   2,075   1,537  
C/CE/21   310   Profits (losses) from discontinued operations   (35 ) (35 )
    320   Profit (loss) for the period   2,040   1,502  
C/CE/22(***)   330   Profit (loss) for the period attributable to minority interests   (57 ) (55 )
    340   Profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent   1,983   1,447  
C/CE/24       Net profit (loss) per share   1.06   0.79  
C/CE/24       Diluted profit (loss) per share   1.06   0.79  

(*)
The consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2004 was prepared in accordance with EU GAAP; however, as permitted by IFRS 1, these results excluded the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, for which the transition date was January 1, 2005 and Italian GAAP continued to apply to the recognition and presentation of results, asset and liabilities to which IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4 would otherwise have applied.

(**)
Entries include contribution of insurance business only.

(***)
Entries include values relating to insurance business.

F-11



STATEMENT OF INCOME/EXPENSES IN THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR AT DECEMBER 31, 2005

Caption/Value

  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
 
  (€/mil)

  (€/mil)

 
A. Capital gains (losses) in the year          
  1. Capital gains (losses) from real-estate revaluation pursuant to special laws   3   (3 )
  2. Valuation reserves:   456   n.a.  
    available-for-sale financial assets   459   n.a.  
      —capital gains (losses) from valuation in net shareholders' equity   807   n.a.  
      —returns to current year statement of income   (348 ) n.a.  
    cash-flow hedge   (3 ) n.a.  
  3. Exchange differences in foreign investments      
  4. Actuarial profits (losses) on fixed pension plans   (296 ) n,a  
  5. Taxes on net shareholders' equity and returns   90   1  
Total A   253   (2 )
B. Consolidated net profit in the statement of income   2,040   1,502  
C. Total income/expenses in the year (A+B)   2,293   1,500  
  Attributable to:          
  Parent Bank   2,236   1,444  
  minority interests   57   56  
D. Impact of transition to accounting standards at 1/1/2005 and 1/1/2004          
  1. Capital gains (losses) for real-estate evaluation pursuant to special laws   1   274  
  2. Valuation reserves:   692   n.a.  
    available-for-sale financial assets   707   n.a.  
    cash-flow hedge   (15 ) n.a.  
  3. Profit reserves   (1,033 ) 166  
Total D   (340 ) 440  
  Attributable to:          
  Equity holders of the Parent Bank   (273 ) 440  
  minority interests   (67 )  
E. Total income/expenses in the year (C+D)   1,953   1,940  
  Attributable to:          
  Parent Bank   1,963   1,884  
  minority interests   (10 ) 56  

F-12



STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

DECEMBER 31, 2004 - DECEMBER 31, 2005

 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Changes in the year
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
  Allocation of preceding
year's income

   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Transactions in shareholders' equity
   
   
   
   
 
 
  Balance at
12/31/2004

   
  Balance at
1/1/2005

  Changes in
reserves

  Profits
(losses) at
12/31/2005

  Shareholders'
equity at
12/31/2005

 
 
   
  Reserves
   
  Issue of new shares
  Purchase of own shares
   
   
   
   
 
 
  Change
in
opening
balance

  Dividends
and
other
allocations

   
  Change
in
capital
instruments

  Derivatives
on
own
shares

   
 
 
  Minority
interests

  Group
  Minority
interests

  Group
  Minority
interests

  Group
  Minority
interests

  Group
  Minority
interests

  Group
  Minority
interests

  Group
  Extraordinary
distribution
of dividends

  Stock
options

  Minority
interests

  Group
  Minority
interests

  Group
 
 
  (millions of €)

 
Shareholders' equity:                                                                                          
  a) ordinary shares   115   4,131   (11 ) 104   4,131                     21             291                   104   4,443  
  b) other shares     1,087         1,087                                 (291 )                   796  
Additional paid-in capital     725         725                     44                                     769  
Reserves:                                                                                          
  a) income   108   4,575   (1,033 ) 57   3,666   14   573       10   57                           81   4,296  
  b) other           5                                 (3 )           2  
Valuation reserves:                                                                                          
  a) available for sale(1)       707     707                 450                                             1,157  
  b) cash-flow hedge       (15 )   (15 )               (3 )                                           (18 )
  c) special laws   4   343   1   5   343                 3                                           5   346  
  d) actuarial profits (losses)                           (199 )                                           (199 )
Capital instruments                                                                            
Own shares           (17 ) (61 )                 (47 )     3   16                           (14 ) (92 )
Profits (losses) in the year   55   1,447     55   1,447   (14 ) (573 ) (915 )                                         57   1,983   57   1,983  
Shareholders' equity   282   12,308       204   12,035           (915 ) 10   261     65   3   16         (3 ) 57   1,983   233   13,483  

(1)
Valuation reserves for Assets available for sale do not include the insured parties' component attributable to valuation of products included in the separate management of insurance business (shadow accounting).

DECEMBER 31, 2003 - DECEMBER 31, 2004

 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Changes in the year
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
  Allocation of preceding
year's income

   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Transactions in shareholders' equity
   
   
   
   
 
  Balance at
12/31/2003

   
  Balance at
12/31/2004

  Changes in
reserves

  Profits
(losses) at
12/31/2004

  Shareholders'
equity at
12/31/2004

 
   
  Reserves
   
  Issue of new shares
  Purchase of own shares
   
   
   
   
 
  Change
in
opening
balance

  Dividends
and
other
allocations

   
  Change
in
capital
instruments

  Derivatives
on
own
shares

   
 
  Minority
interests

  Group
  Minority
interests

  Group
  Minority
interests

  Group
  Minority
interests

  Group
  Minority
interests

  Group
  Minority
interests

  Group
  Extraordinary
distribution
of dividends

  Stock
options

  Minority
interests

  Group
  Minority
interests

  Group
 
  (millions of €)

Shareholders' equity:                                                                                        
  a) ordinary shares   97   4,057   105   202   4,057                   (87 ) 74                               115   4,131
  b) other shares     1,087         1,087                                                     1,087
Additional paid-in capital     708         708                     17                                     725
Reserves:                                                                                        
  a) income   123   4,099   166   123   4,265   6   257       9   27   (30 ) 26                       108   4,575
  b) other                                                      
Valuation reserves:                                                                                        
  a) available for sale                                                                      
  b) cash-flow hedge                                                                      
  c) special laws   3   72   274   3   346               1   (3 )                                         4   343
  d) actuarial profits (losses)                                                                      
Capital instruments                                                                          
Own shares                                                                    
Profits (losses) in the year   48   972     48   972   (6 ) (257 ) (757 )                                         55   1,447   55   1,447
Shareholders' equity   271   10,995       376   11,435           (757 ) 10   24   (117 ) 117               55   1,447   282   12,308

F-13



STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

 
   
 
 
  Amount
 
Part/section of the Explanatory Notes

  INDIRECT METHOD

 
  2005
  2004
 
 
   
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
    A. OPERATIONS          
      1. Management activities   2,488   3,283  
        — profit for the year (+/-)   1,983   1,447  
        — capital gains/losses on financial assets held for trading and on assets/liabilities designated as at fair value (-/+)   (1,265 )  
        — capital gains/losses on hedging activities (-/+)   4    
        — net value adjustments/write-backs due to impairment (+/-)   (734 ) 469  
        — net value adjustments/write-backs on tangible and intangible assets (+/-)   438   520  
        — net provisions for risks and charges and other costs/revenues (+/-)   1,492   214  
        — net premiums to be collected (-)   (20 ) (16 )
        — other unrealized insurance income/charges (-/+)   739   742  
        — unpaid duties and taxes (+)   (184 ) (128 )
        — net adjustments/write-backs on groups of discontinued operations, net of taxes (-/+)   35   35  
        — other adjustments (+/-)      
      2. Liquid assets generated/absorbed by financial assets   (12,335 ) (17,067 )
        — financial assets held for trading   3,804   (11,371 )
        — financial assets designated as at fair value   2,989    
        — available for sale financial assets   (3,514 ) (28 )
        — due from banks: repayable on demand   1,132   3,320  
        — due from banks: other loans   (4,186 ) (4,830 )
        — loans to customers   (13,689 ) 1,231  
        — other asset captions   1,129   (5,389 )
      3. Liquid assets generated/absorbed by financial liabilities   12,098   16,078  
        — due to banks: repayable on demand   2,594   (1,616 )
        — due to banks: other deposits   4,795   1,331  
        — due to customers   3,571   8,611  
        — Securities issued   (6,076 ) (2,790 )
        — Financial liabilities held for trading   72    
        — Financial liabilities evaluated at fair value   5,148    
        — Other liabilities   1,994   10,542  
    Net liquid assets generated/absorbed by operations   2,251   2,294  
    B. INVESTMENTS          
      1. Liquid assets generated by   172   195  
        — sale of investments   118   32  
        — dividends received from investments      
        — sale of financial assets held to maturity      
        — sale of tangible assets   54   162  
        — sale of intangible assets     1  
        — sale of subsidiaries and business divisions      
      2. Liquid assets absorbed by   (1,243 ) (1,184 )
        — purchase of investments   (72 ) (391 )
        — purchase of financial assets held to maturity   (717 ) (262 )
        — purchase of tangible assets   (208 ) (329 )
        — purchase of intangible assets   (155 ) (168 )
        — purchase of subsidiaries and business divisions   (91 ) (34 )
    Net liquid assets generated/absorbed by investments   (1,071 ) (989 )
    C. FUNDING ACTIVITIES          
      — issue/purchase of own shares   (31 )  
      — issue/purchase of capital instruments      
      — dividend distribution and other uses   (1,406 ) (1,420 )
    Net liquid assets generated/absorbed by funding activities   (1,437 ) (1,420 )
B/Ass/1   NET LIQUID ASSETS GENERATED/ABSORBED DURING THE YEAR   (257 ) (115 )
 
  Amount
 
RECONCILIATION
Captions

 
  2005(*)
  2004(**)
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Cash and liquid balances at the beginning of the period   1,364   1,480  
Total liquid assets generated/absorbed during the year   (257 ) (115 )
Cash and cash equivalents: effect of movements in exchange rates      
Cash and cash equivalents at the close of the year   1,107   1,365  

(*)
The caption "Cash and liquid balances at the beginning of the year" includes IAS 32 and 39 and IFRS 4.

(**)
Includes 18 million euro contained in the caption "Insurance business assets" (L/Ass/13).

F-14



PART A—ACCOUNTING POLICIES

PART A.1    GENERAL INFORMATION

Section 1—Compliance with IFRS

        Pursuant to Article 3, para. 1, of D.Lgs. no. 38/2005, the SANPAOLO IMI Group Financial Statements have been drawn up in accordance with International Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards, as endorsed by the European Commission at December 31, 2005 on the basis of the procedure set forth in EC Regulation no. 1606/2002.

        We remind you that the first SANPAOLO IMI Group financial report to be drawn up in accordance with international accounting standards was the Half Year Report as at June 30, 2005.

Section 2—Basis of Preparation

        The Group's accounting results, stated in millions of euro, have been obtained by applying the international accounting standards (IAS/IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and endorsed by the European Commission as at December 31, 2005 pursuant to European Regulation no. 1606 of July 19, 2002.

        In preparing the financial statements, further reference was made to that set forth by the Bank of Italy in its Circular no. 262 of December 22, 2005 governing bank financial statements, and the provisional implementation measures issued by the Bank of Italy in its Sanction dated December 22, 2005.

        In order to achieve a better interpretation and application of the new accounting principles, additional documents not endorsed by the European Commission were also examined:

        Lastly, still on the subject of interpretation, other documents taken into account included those dealing with the application of IAS/IFRS in Italy issued by the Italian Accounting Standards setter (OIC) and the Italian Bankers' Association (ABI).

        In the "official" financial statement schedules, the results of the year are shown, for comparative purposes, beside the 2004 data. In this case, the SANPAOLO IMI Group exercised the option provided by IFRS 1 to defer the first-time application of IAS 32 and 39, and IFRS 4 to January 1, 2005, and apply Italian GAAP standards for comparative information regarding the financial instruments and insurance contracts subject to the aforementioned IAS/IFRS.

        The differences resulting from the application of the above different accounting principles have made it necessary to report them separately in the column relative to 2004. For this purpose, and exclusively for the items in question, the comparative schedules make use of the denominations set forth in Circular no. 166 issued by the Bank of Italy on July 30, 1992, with specific captions introduced for insurance subsidiaries in order to integrate the information provided. The captions regarding insurance subsidiaries are not found, however, in the SAN PAOLO IMI Group financial statements published in the 2004 Annual Report.

        It should be added that adjustments were made to comparative data within the scope of Group consolidation in accordance with IAS/IFRS governing consolidated financial statements. For further details on changes to the scope of consolidation, see "Section 3—Scope and Methods of Consolidation".

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        Details are provided on figures reported on the basis of Italian GAAP standards in Part L of the Explanatory Notes, in accordance with the schedules set forth in the aforementioned Circular no. 166. With regard to the accounting policies adopted for each specific statement caption, see the 2004 Annual Report.

        Finally, Part L of the Explanatory Notes also provides further detail on insurance business. This information is provided in accordance with the information requirements set forth in D.Lgs. no. 173/1997 and the regulatory measures issued by the competent authority (ISVAP).

Section 3—Scope and Methods of Consolidation

        The scope of consolidation on a line-by-line basis includes banking, financial and instrumental subsidiaries that are part of the SANPAOLO IMI Banking Group as recorded in the appropriate register in compliance with article 64 of D.Lgs. no. 385 dated September 1, 1993, the remaining subsidiaries that carry out activities different from those referred to above, and the entities or companies in respect of which the Group is exposed to the majority of the risks and obtains the majority of benefits. The scope of the line-by-line consolidation excludes some minor entities whose balance sheets and results of operations are not significant to the consolidated financial statements.

        "Joint control" equity investments and companies over which the Group has "significant influence" are accounted for using the equity method. In fact the Group decided to consolidate joint control equity investments on the equity method, although previously they were consolidated on the proportional method. The impact of the decision on the financial statements as at December 31, 2004 was, however, negligible, as the only company subject to joint control is the holding Allfunds Bank S.A. A company is considered subject to joint control where agreements exist to the effect that any administrative, financial and management decisions require both the Group's consent and that of the other participants sharing control over the company.

        The financial statements used for the line-by-line and the proportional consolidation process were those prepared as at December 31, 2005, as approved by the boards of the subsidiaries concerned and adjusted, where necessary, for consistency with Group accounting policies. The valuation of investments using the equity method was made on the basis of the latest reports or financial statements available.

        The scope of the line-by-line and proportional consolidation of the Group as at December 31, 2005, did not change significantly compared to December 31, 2004 which was on an IAS compliant basis. Details of the scope of the line-by-line and proportional consolidation as well as of the companies valued using the equity method can be found in Section 10 of these Consolidated Explanatory Notes.

Section 4—Subsequent Events

        Regarding to the future of the subsidiary Gest Line S.p.A. which operates in the sector of tax collection, the first few months of 2006 saw the continuation of the plan of activities for Riscossione S.p.A., the company destined to acquire all the current concessionary companies. It should be pointed out that, in accordance with, and pursuant to, Art. 3, para. 9 of Law 248 of 2005, the costs for the acquisition of concessionary companies are set on the basis of general criteria established by the primary financial institutions selected through competition.

        Riscossione S.p.A. has therefore launched a private tender to identify an advisor to define the valuation criteria. Fdp consulting of Prof. LAGHI, Professor of Business Economics at the Faculty of Economics of La Sapienza University of Rome and lecturer in Financial Analysis at the Luiss in Rome, was nominated advisor and established the equity method as the evaluation criterion, deemed the only one applicable to companies whose concession will expire on September 30, 2006.

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        On March 7, 2006, a meeting was held between Riscossione S.p.A. and the concessionary companies to explain time schedules for the acquisition of the concessionary companies by Riscossione S.p.A., as well as the valuation criteria established by the advisor. Riscossione S.p.A. presented a letter to be proposed to the shareholders in the concessionary companies requesting their agreement to the ceding of a quota of the company capital (no less than 51%) and, if so, information on the sum of the quota to be ceded and if the branch of the company related to the management of local taxes is to be spun off.

Section 5—Other Aspects

        As mentioned in "Section 2—Basis of Preparation" and in accordance with the provisions set forth in IFRS 1 and EC Regulation no. 1606/2002, Group results were measured in compliance with international accounting standards in force as at the date of the financial statements (December 31, 2005), and endorsed by the European Commission.

        Following the publication of the SANPAOLO IMI Group Half Year Report as at June 30, 2005, the European Commission approved the integration of IAS 39, endorsing the amendments homologated by the IASB with regard to the fair value option, in EC Regulation no. 1864/2005. The amended standard expressly limits the bases upon which the fair value option may be exercised, setting forth the instances and grounds which may justify its application.

        As a result of the issue of the new accounting standards endorsed by the European Commission, some companies in the Group exercised the fair value option. Consequently, the amounts reported in the IAS/IFRS compliant financial statements as at January 1, 2005 were adjusted and reconciliation as at January 1, 2005 between the results obtained under Italian accounting standards and those obtained under international accounting standards amended.

        The effects are reported, for illustrative purposes only, in the annex to Part B of the Explanatory Notes. For further details, see the information provided therein.

        The Parent Bank SANPAOLO IMI did not exercise the fair value option itself. The effects reported in the annex to the Explanatory Notes refer substantially to fully consolidated subsidiary companies in the Group.

Use of Estimates and Assumptions in Preparing the Financial Statements

        The preparation of financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions that may have a significant effect on the amounts stated in the balance sheet and statement of income, and on the potential assets and liabilities reported in the financial statement. Estimates are based on available information and subjective evaluations, often founded on past experience, which are used to formulate reasonable assumptions to be made in measuring operating phenomena. Given their nature, the estimates and assumptions used may vary from year to year, and hence it cannot be excluded that current amounts carried in the financial statements may differ significantly in future financial years as a result of changes in the subjective evaluations made.

        The main cases for which subjective evaluations are required to be made by management include:

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        The information provided on the accounting policies applied for the main aggregate values of the financial statements includes the necessary details for identifying the main assumptions and subjective evaluations made in preparing the financial statements. For further detail in the breakdown and relative carrying values of the specific statement captions affected by estimates, see the relevant sections of the Explanatory Notes.

Mandatory Audit

        SANPAOLO IMI Group Financial Statements are subject to the financial audit of PricewaterhouseCoopers S.p.A. pursuant to D.Lgs. no. 58/1998 and in application of the three-year 2004/2005/2006 assignment approved by resolution of the shareholders in the meeting on April 29, 2004.

Audit of the Half Year Report and Schedules Relating to the Transition to International Accounting Standards

        The SANPAOLO IMI Group prepared and published its report on Group operations for the half year of 2005 in accordance with the law and the provisions set forth by Consob.

        The Half Year Report was duly audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers S.p.A. in limited review financial audit form, in compliance with the recommendations of Consob Communications no. 97001574 of February 20, 1997, no. 10867 of July 31, 1997 and no. 5025723 of April 15, 2005, and in application of the aforementioned shareholders' resolution carried in the meeting on April 29, 2004.

        In compliance with the aforementioned Consob Communication no. 5025723 of April 15, 2005, the reconciliation schedules on shareholders' equity as at January 1, 2004, December 31, 2004, and January 1, 2005, and the results as at June 30, 2005, required by IFRS 1 for the transition to international accounting standards, were duly audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers S.p.A.

PART A.2    INFORMATION ON THE MAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT ITEMS

Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

        The measurement bases adopted in the preparation of the financial schedules in compliance with the IAS/IFRS in force as at December 31, 2005 are illustrated below.

Standardized purchase and sale of financial assets

        As regards standardized purchases and sales of financial assets, that is those transactions governed by agreements requiring that the assets be handed over within a set period of time established by regulations or market conventions, it was decided to make reference to the settlement date.

Section 1—Financial Assets Held for Trading

        The "financial assets held for trading" category includes:

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        Financial assets held for trading are initially recorded in the balance sheet at their fair value, which generally corresponds to the amount paid. Any direct transaction costs/income relating thereto are recorded in the statement of income.

        The subsequent valuation is made on the basis of the evolution of the fair value, any changes being recorded in the statement of income.

        Equities and related derivative contracts for which fair value cannot be reliably established are accounted at cost, and adjusted for value losses. These losses in values are not restored.

        The fair value of financial instruments listed on active markets is represented by the related market price. If no such active market exists for the asset, the fair value is obtained by taking into account the prices provided by external operators and by using measurement models that are mainly based on objective financial variables as well as the prices recorded on recent transactions and market prices for similar financial instruments.

        Derivatives are treated as assets if the fair value is positive and as liabilities if the fair value is negative. The Group offsets current positive and negative values arising from transactions made with the same counterparty where such offset has been expressly provided for under the terms of the contract, and where the Group effectively intends to settle the account on such a basis.

        Financial assets held for trading also include derivatives that are embedded in another complex financial instrument, which are to be separated from the host contract if:


Section 2—Available-for-Sale Financial Assets

        These assets are different from loans and financing, held-to-maturity investments, financial assets held for trading, and assets designated at fair value through profit and loss, including debt securities and equities.

        At first inception, available-for-sale financial assets are carried in the balance sheet at their fair value, which normally corresponds to the amount paid for their purchase, plus any transaction costs directly arising therefrom.

        They are subsequently measured at fair value, any gains or losses arising from changes in fair value being included as a specific reserve under equity.

        The results of the measurements are recorded in a specific reserve under equity and are included in the statement of income at the time of disposal or where an impairment loss is incurred.

        Certain unlisted equities, the fair value of which cannot be reliably established or verified, also taking into account the importance of the range of values obtainable from the measurement models generally adopted by the market, are stated in the financial statements at cost, and adjusted for any impairment losses verified.

        The Group assesses whether an event has given rise to an impairment loss and determines its amount by making reference to its past experience on asset evaluation and using all the information available that is based on facts that have already occurred and data that can be observed at the valuation date.

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        As regards debt securities, the information that is considered as being particularly relevant to assessing whether an impairment loss has occurred is as follows:

        As regards equities, any impairment losses will be established by taking into account relevant information which includes any changes that have occurred in the technological, market, economical or legal environment in which the issuer operates. A significant or prolonged reduction in the fair value of equities below their cost may be considered as objective evidence of impairment.

        Impairment losses on equities cannot give rise to write-backs in the statement of income if the reason for the writedown ceases to exist. Such write-backs therefore are only recorded in a specific reserve under equity.

        Any write-back of debt securities, instead, is recorded in the statement of income.

        As regards debt securities classified as being available for sale, the related yield, calculated using the amortized cost method, is recorded in the statement of income, as are the effects of exchange differences.

        Exchange differences relating to available-for-sale capital instruments, on the other hand, are recorded in a specific reserve under equity.

Section 3—Held-to-Maturity Financial Assets

        The investments classified in this category are represented by non-derivative financial instruments listed, with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturity that the Group intends to, and can, hold until maturity.

        On the date of their first recording, financial assets held to maturity are recorded in the balance sheet at their fair value, usually corresponding to the purchase amount, to which are added any dealing costs directly attributable to the purchase.

        Held-to-maturity financial assets are stated at amortized cost, using the effective interest method. Gains and losses arising on financial assets held to maturity are recorded in the statement of income where such assets are eliminated or their value is impaired, as well as through amortization.

        Impairment losses are calculated as the difference between the book value of assets and the present value of expected future financial flows, discounted using the original effective interest rate.

        In the event of write-backs, these are recorded in the statement of income but only to the extent of the amortized cost of the financial assets.

Section 4—Loans and Guarantees

        Loans are represented by financial assets that are not derivatives, including debt securities, with fixed or determinable payments, which are not listed on active markets and that have not been classified at inception date as financial assets available for sale, held for trading or designated at fair value.

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        San Paolo IMI's loan impairment provisions are established to recognize any impairment losses arising on its loan portfolio. A loan is impaired when there is objective evidence that events since the loan was granted have affected expected cash flows from the loan to the extent that it is probable that not all amounts of the principal, interest and fees will be received. The impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount of the loan and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the loan's original effective interest rate.

        Loans are initially recognized at their fair value, which generally corresponds to the consideration given, plus any direct transaction costs/income that are directly attributable to the issue of the loan.

        After initial recognition, loans are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. Short-term loans, including on demand loans, are not measured at amortized cost as the effect of applying the effective interest rate method is negligible.

        Loans recognized at amortized cost in the financial statements are regularly tested to establish if there is any objective evidence that an impairment has been incurred reflecting a diminution in their net carrying amount (presumibile valore di realizzo). The main events considered in assessing the existence ofimpairment includes:

        Impairment testing further takes into account any guarantees pledged.

        As regards the classification of impaired loans under the different risk categories (non-performing, problem, restructured and overdue exposures), reference was made to the provisions issued by the Bank of Italy on the subject, as integrated by internal policy which prescribe criteria and automatic rules for the reclassification of loans to the various risk categories.

        The classification is defined by the operating structures independently or subject to the advise/prescription of central and local functions specialized in loan monitoring and collection, with the exception of loans due/overdue by more than 180 days, for which classification defined out by automatic procedures.

        Any adjustments for impairment to the carrying amount of loans are calculated taking into account the extent of the significance of the amount involved, applying an individual or a collective assessment, as detailed below.

        The following are assessed for impairment on an individual basis:

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        The net carrying amount of impaired loans that are assessed on a individual basis, which is formalized by resolutions issued by the administrative offices of the Parent Bank and other offices, which have been especially authorized to deal with the matter, is the net present value of the expected cash flows of capital and interest of the various exposures.

        In determining the net present value of the cash flows relating to the impaired loan, the main factors considered are the estimated future cash flows; their timing and the applicable discount rate. The estimated future cash flows and their timing (that constitute the expected repayment schedules) are based on analytical assumptions made by the departments in charge for loan assessment and, where such assumptions are not available, on lump-sum estimates based on statistics of internal historical data and sector studies.

        The applicable discount rates used to discount the estimated future cash flows (as included in the expected repayment schedules) of impaired loans were the original effective interest rates used for medium-long term loans and the weighted average of the rates charged on short-term loan exposures with similar contractual characteristics, maturity and risk profile.

        The following loans are evaluated on a collective basis:

        The model used for the collective assessment of impairment on aggregate measurement of performing loans involves the following stages:

            a.     customer segments

            b.     business sectors

            c.     geographical location

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        Write-downs, whether specific or collective, are made by recognizing in the income statement a "value adjustment" to reduce the value of the asset shown in the balance sheet on the basis of the aforementioned criteria. These write-downs, however, may be reinstated by means of write-backs recorded in a caption included in the statement of income where all net value adjustments on loans are recorded, in the event that the reason for such write-downs ceases to apply or the amount recovered on the loans is higher than the original write-down recorded in the accounting records.

        Considering the methodology used to calculate the write-downs of impaired exposures, the mere passage of time, and the fact that the expected repayment dates are consequently brought closer, implies an automatic reduction of the implicit financial charges previously deducted from the value of the loans. This effect is recorded in the financial statements under net adjustments/write-backs (caption 130).

        If the loans are disposed, they are removed from the balance sheet and the resulting net profit (or loss) is recorded in the statement of income only when all the risks and rewards of ownership connected with the loans have been transferred to the assignee. If, despite the fact that title of the loan passes to the purchaser, the Group still maintains control over the cash flows arising from the loan as well as the risks and rewards connected with it, the loan is shown in the financial statements with a liability recorded to reflect the proceeds received from the purchaser.

        Financial guarantees issued that do not represent derivative contracts are evaluated taking into account the provisions of IAS 39 which provide for the recording of commissions received, pursuant to IAS 18, on the one hand and,,the evaluation of risks and charges in connection to the guarantees applying the criteria contained in IAS 37 on the other hand. On the basis of Bank of Italy provisions, this evaluation is recognized in the financial statements with other liabilities. Moreover, this type of contract is not dealt with in the insurance compartment.

Section 5—Financial assets designated at fair value

        The Group exercised the fair value option, with subsequent adjustments in value recorded in the statement of income, at the initial measurement of investments with respect to insurance policies under which total risk is borne by the insured parties.

Section 6—Hedge Accounting

        According to the financial policies adopted, the Group makes use of derivative contracts to hedge against interest rate, exchange rate and credit risks as well as the risk on highly probable forecast transactions.

        The hedging transactions used for the above-mentioned risks aim at covering potential losses attributable to certain types of risks through gains that may arise on hedging instruments.

        Group companies use the following types of hedging transactions:

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        For the purpose of applying hedge accounting, governed by the related accounting principles, the Group formally documents the relationship between the hedging instruments and the hedged items as well as its risk management objectives, its strategy for undertaking the various hedging transactions and the methods used to verify hedge effectiveness. In line with IAS/IFRS, hedge effectiveness is assessed both at inception and on an ongoing basis. Generally a hedge is considered to be highly effective if, both at inception and during its life, the changes in the fair value or in the cash flows of the hedged item are almost completely offset by the changes in the fair value or in the cash flows of the hedging derivative, that is to say that the actual results fall within an interval ranging between 80% and 125%.

        The hedging relationship ceases to exist when: (i) the derivative is not, or has ceased to be, highly effective as a hedge, (ii) it expires, or is sold, terminated or exercised, (iii) the hedged item matures, is sold or repaid, or presents impairment, and (iv) the forecast transaction is no longer deemed highly probable.

Fair Value Hedge Accounting

        If fair value hedges are in place, any changes in the fair value of hedging instruments and hedged items (as regards the part attributable to the hedged risk and in the case of hedge effectiveness) are recorded in the statement of income. The differences between the changes in value represent the ineffective portion of the hedge and give rise to a net economic impact.

        When a hedge ceases to exist for reasons other than the sale of the hedged item, the fair value hedging adjustment made to the latter, recorded in the financial statements until such time that the effective hedge was in place, is recorded in the statement of income on the basis of the amortized cost method in the case of interest-bearing financial instruments, or as a lump sum in all other cases.

Cash Flow Hedges

        With regard to cash flow hedges, the fair value gain or loss associated with the portion of the cash flow hedge deemed effective is recognized initially in shareholder's equity, with no impact on the statement of income. When the cash flows that have been hedged against eventually occur and are recorded in the statement of income, the aforementioned gains or losses on the hedging instrument are transferred from shareholders' equity to the corresponding caption in the statement of income.

        When a cash flow hedge relating to a forecast transaction expires or is no longer effective, any cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at the time remains in equity under a specific reserve account until such transaction actually takes place (or the forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur). When the transaction occurs, such amount is recognized in the statement of income under "net dealing income."

Hedges of Net Investment in Foreign Operations

        With reference to investment hedging in foreign operations, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is initially recognized directly in equity, no entries being made in the statement of income. The amount recognized in equity is transferred to the statement of income upon disposal of the foreign operation.

Section 7—Equity investments

        Equity investments which are neither consolidated on a line-by-line or proportional basis and shareholdings which are subject to joint control or significant influence by the Group are accounted for using the equity method. A company is considered as being subject to significant influence if the Group is actively involved in formulating the administrative, financial and operating policies of the company as

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a result of legal relationships and prevailing situations. Significant influence is assumed to exist when the Group holds at least 20% or more of the company's voting rights.

        The remaining minority investments are classified in the categories provided by IAS 39. In particular, investments not held for trading purposes are generally included under "available-for-sale investments."

Section 8—Tangible Assets

        Tangible assets include:

        "Functional property" is represented by assets either owned by the Group or held under a finance lease contract, that are used by the Group to carry out its business activity or for administration purposes, whose useful life extends beyond the financial year.

        "Property investments" are represented by assets either owned by the Group or held under a finance lease contract, for the purpose of collecting lease rentals and/or held for capital appreciation.

        Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost increased by any ancillary charges directly attributable to the acquisition and installation of the assets. Subsequently they are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and provisions for impairment, if any.

        Any expenses incurred after the date of purchase increase the book value of the asset or are recorded as separate assets only where their use gives rise to an increase in future economic benefits. Other types of subsequent expenditures are charged to the statement of income of the year in which they are incurred.

        Depreciation is provided on the annual depreciable amount of tangible assets systematically on straight line basis over the estimated useful life of each asset. The useful life of tangible assets that are subject to depreciation is kept regularly under review, to take account of any change in circumstances and if any initial estimates are changed then the related depreciation rate is adjusted too.

        In particular, as regards property, the parts relating to land and buildings represent separate assets for accounting purposes and are recorded separately at the time of acquisition.

        As land is expected to have an indefinite useful life, no depreciation is provided on the part that relates to the land.

        Similarly, no depreciation is provided on works of art included under tangible assets, as their useful life cannot be estimated and generally the related value does not depreciate due to the passage of time.

Section 9—Intangible Assets

        Intangible assets are identifiable non-monetary assets without physical substance that are held to be used over a period of more than one year. They include goodwill and software either developed internally or purchased from third parties.

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        Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries, associated entities and business units and represents the excess of the purchase amount paid over the net fair value of the Group's share of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed on the date of the acquisition.

        Goodwill is not amortized; in fact it is regularly reviewed for impairment. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. An impairment loss will be recorded where the recoverable amount is lower than its current book value in the financial statements. The recoverable amount is represented by the greater of the fair value of the cash-generating unit, net of selling costs, and the value in use, represented by the present value of the future cash flows expected to be produced by the cash-generating unit and arising on its disposal at the end of its useful life. At the consolidated level, to test for impairment, goodwill is allocated to groups of cash-generating units that represent the lowest level within the Group at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. This is done also by taking into account the organizational structure of the Group and its Business Sectors.

        Goodwill concerning investments in associates and companies subject to joint control carried in shareholders' equity is included in the value of the investments themselves.

        Internal costs incurred to develop software are capitalized in the financial statements under intangible assets, only upon verification of the technical feasibility of the projects involved and their completion as well as their ability to generate future economic benefits. At the development stage, these assets are valued at cost, inclusive of any direct ancillary costs and any costs relating to internal staff employed on the development. If the results of the trial testing are negative, then the costs are charged to the statement of income.

        Intangible assets arising on software developed internally or acquired externally are amortized on a straight-line basis, starting from the date of completion and implementation, over an estimated useful life of three years. Where the recoverable amount of such assets is lower than their book value, the difference is recorded in the statement of income.

Section 10—Discontinued Operations

        Discontinued assets are held for sale. Individual long-term assets, units generating cash flow, and groups of these or their individual parts, are classified as held for sale only when their disposal is considered highly probable.

        Such assets are valued at the lower of book and fair value, net of selling costs. If depreciation has previously been written down on the assets, the depreciation process is suspended as of the year in which the assets were classified as discontinued operations.

        "Individual" discontinued asset values, as with the net results deriving from their subsequent disposal, are carried under the relevant captions of the statement of income.

        The balance, whether positive or negative, of income or charges relating to discontinued "groups of operations" are stated in the statement of income net of current and deferred taxation.

Section 11—Current and Deferred Tax

        Income tax, calculated according to domestic tax regulations, is recognized for as a cost in compliance with the accruals concept, in line with the method followed to include, in the financial statements, the costs and income that generated them. Therefore, they represent the balance of current and deferred taxation relating to the net result for the period.

        Current tax assets and liabilities include the tax balances of the single Group companies due to the relevant Italian and foreign tax authorities. More specifically, these captions include the net balance of current tax liabilities for the year, calculated on the basis of a prudent estimate of the tax charges due

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for the period, assessed according to the tax regulations currently in force, and the current tax assets represented by advances paid and other tax credits for withholding taxes borne or tax credits of previous financial years that any company within the Group can claim against taxes payable in future financial years.

        Current tax assets also include tax credits in respect of which a tax refund claim has been filed with the relevant tax authorities.

        Deferred taxation is calculated under the so-called "balance sheet liability method," taking into account the tax effect of temporary differences between the book value of assets and liabilities and their value for taxation purposes which will give rise to taxable income or deductible amounts in future years. To this end, "taxable temporary differences" are differences which will give rise to taxable income in future years while "deductible temporary differences" are those which will give rise to deductible amounts in future years.

        Deferred tax liabilities are calculated by applying, with regard to each consolidated company, the tax rates currently in force to taxable temporary differences that are likely to generate a tax burden and to the deductible temporary differences if these are likely to be recovered. Deferred tax assets and liabilities relating to the same tax and expiring in the same period are offset against each other.

        In the financial years where deductible temporary differences are greater than taxable temporary differences, the related anticipated taxes are included under balance sheet assets among "deferred tax assets". On the other hand, in the years where taxable temporary differences are greater than deductible temporary differences, the related deferred taxes are included under balance sheet liabilities among deferred tax liabilities.

        If deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to items pertaining to the statement of income, the balancing item will be represented by income tax.

        Where anticipated and deferred taxation relate to transactions that have been recorded in shareholders' equity without affecting earnings (evaluations of available-for-sale financial assets or of cash flow hedge derivative contracts), the balancing entry is made in shareholders' equity, under specific reserves where so provided (e.g. valuation reserves).

        Deferred taxation on equity reserves that will become taxable "however used" is charged against shareholders' equity. Deferred taxation relating to revaluations arising on conversion to the euro, credited directly to a specific reserve named "Reserve pursuant to article 21 of D.Lgs. no. 213/98," which qualify for deferred taxation, is charged directly against this reserve.

        No provision is made for the Parent Bank's reserves subject to taxation only in the event of distribution. This is because such reserves are allocated to accounts that are not available for distribution and because the events which would give rise to such taxation are not expected to occur.

        Deferred taxation on shareholders' equity items of consolidated companies is not recorded in the financial statements if it is unlikely that any tax liability will actually arise, also bearing in mind the permanent nature of the investment.

Section 12—Provisions for Risks and Charges

        Provisions for risks and charges represent liabilities, the timing and amount of which is uncertain and are shown in the financial statements for the following reasons:

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        The sub-caption "post-retirement benefit obligations" includes provisions booked according to IAS 19 "Employee Benefits" to balance the technical deficit of the supplementary defined pension benefit plan.

        Actuarial calculations are carried out in this case too, as provided by the aforementioned accounting standard, by an external actuary based on the "Projected Unit Credit Method."

        For employee provisions, this method, which falls within the scope of general techniques relating to so-called "accrued benefits," takes into account each period of service by the employee with the company as an additional unit of benefit entitlement. Hence, the actuarial liability must be quantified exclusively on the basis of the employee's length of service as at the date of measurement. The overall liability is therefore usually recalculated based on the ratio of total years of service matured as at the date of measurement to the total number of years of service accrued at the time the benefit will be paid. Furthermore, the above method takes into account any future salary increases due for any reason (inflation, seniority and promotion, contract renewal, etc.), up until the time the employment relationship is terminated. With regard to employee pension commitments, the above corrective measures are not applied as the commitment is fully matured.

        The discount rate used for the evaluations is based on the market rate of zero coupon bonds, considered most representative of market performance, taking into account the expected future cash outflows of the pension fund.

        The current year accrual to the statement of income represents the sum of the annual interest matured on the average present value of pension benefits at the beginning of the year and the average present value of services rendered by the employees in service during the year, net of the expected yearly yield on the pension fund assets invested.

        To this end, the discount rate used to calculate the interest on the average present value of pension benefits is the discount rate of benefits forecast at the beginning of the year, and the rate used to calculate the yield expected on the pension fund assets is the yield rate of pension fund investments forecast at the beginning of the year.

        More specifically, the Group's commitment is calculated as the algebraic sum of the following values:

        Resulting actuarial gains and losses are stated in a specific valuation reserve balancing the specific asset or liability.

        As required by IAS 19, as amended by EC Regulation no. 1910/2005 of November 8, 2005, in the case of defined benefit plans that spread risks between the various entities under joint control, the information reported in the Explanatory Notes, as required by section 120 A of IAS 19, refers to the plans taken on a collective basis.

        "Other funds" include provisions made to cover estimated losses on legal disputes, including revocatory actions, sums paid in connection with the renegotiation of subsidized home mortgage loans (Law no. 133/99 and that dictated by Budget Law 2001 and other regional laws), the estimated amounts payable in relation to customer disputes in respect of dealing activities in securities, other sums payable in connection with legal or implicit obligations existing at the end of the financial year, including accruals for incentive voluntary redundancy payments, other welfare and social contributions as well as contractual indemnities due to Private Bankers of the Group.

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        Where the liability crystallizes after a significant period of time, the Group calculates the amount of the provisions and of the accruals based on the present value of the sums that will eventually be paid out in respect of such liability. The discount rate used is gross of taxes and is such that it reflects current market valuations of the present value of currencies and the specific risks associated with the liability.

        If the accruals are discounted to present value, the amount of the provisions included in the financial statements increases in each financial year to reflect the passage of time. Adjustments to the funds are stated in the statement of income.

        "Other funds" include provisions to set up the reserve necessary to pay out seniority bonuses to employees that become payable at the terms set forth under company by-laws. These provisions have also been accrued on the basis of an independent actuary by adopting the methods recommended by IAS 19 dealt with earlier. Considering the characteristics of the Group's commitment, the `corridor' method is not applicable, therefore any actuarial gain or loss is recorded in the financial statements regardless of its amount.

        The provisions made are re-examined at each balance sheet date and adjusted to reflect the best current estimates. When it looks unlikely that resources will be needed to produce economic benefits to meet the obligation, the accrual is reversed.

        The caption `provisions for risks and charges' does not include however the writedowns owing to the deterioration of guarantees given, the derivative contracts assimilated to the former according to international accounting standards and the irrevocable commitments to grant finance. These writedowns are included under `other liabilities'.

Termination Indemnities

        The liability relating to staff termination indemnities is shown in the financial statements based on its actuarial value, the latter being the quantifiable benefit due to employees according to a defined benefit plan.

        Again in this case, the present value of the Bank's commitments is calculated by an external expert using the Projected Unit Credit Method, illustrated above.

        The annual discount rate adopted for the calculations is assumed to be equal to the market rate at the end of the period as regards zero coupon bonds, deemed most representative of market performance, with the average remaining life of the liability taken into consideration.

        The recording of defined benefit plans requires an actuarial estimate of the sum total of benefits matured by employees on the basis of service rendered over the current and previous years, and the discounting of such service, in order to determine the current value of the Group's commitments.

        The amount of termination indemnities accrued in the year and charged to the statement of income under personnel costs is equal to the sum of the average present value of entitlements matured by current employees in the year, and the annual interest accrued on the present value of the Bank's commitments at the beginning of the year, calculated using the discount rate applied to expected future payments to estimate the liability at the end of the previous financial year.

        Resulting actuarial gains or losses are stated in a special reserve balancing the reduction or addition to the balance sheet liability recorded.

Section 13—Debts and Securities Issued

        Loans to banks and loans to customers include all technical forms of funding granted to the aforesaid counterparts including operating debts and finance lease liabilities.

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        Securities issued, both listed and unlisted, including investment certificates and certificates of deposits, are shown in the financial statements net of any repurchased portions.

        Debts and securities issued are shown in the financial statements at fair value amended, where necessary, for any charges and income that are directly attributable to these liabilities. Fair value usually coincides with the proceeds received or the issue price of the securities.

        Debts and securities issued, except for repayable on demand and short-term customer deposits, are valued at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

        Deposits valued at amortized cost include sums collected by the Group's insurance companies in respect of policies issued that are mainly financial products for investments where the risk is not entirely borne by the underwriter.

        The difference between the cost incurred to repurchase the securities issued and their respective book value is recorded in the statement of income. The sale of any repurchased securities is, from the point of view of the accounting procedures, like a new placing and therefore gives rise to a change in the average book value of the related liabilities.

Section 14—Financial Liabilities Held for Trading

        Financial liabilities held for trading include the negative results of the valuations of dealing derivatives, and "technical losses" on securities.

Section 15—Financial Liabilities Designated as at Fair Value

        The Group exercised the fair value option for liabilities, designating insurance policies (with predominantly financial characteristics and investments under which total risk is borne by the insured parties) and certain issues of structured securities with characteristics similar to the former. Investments relating to such forms of deposits were also designated at fair value, thereby eliminating or considerably reducing "accounting biases" that would otherwise arise from measuring assets and liabilities on different bases. The effects of initial recognition of liabilities at fair value on the balance sheet are recorded in the statement of income.

        Bonds issued by subsidiaries whose return is correlated to the performance of investment fund portfolios are also designated at fair value and recorded as balance sheet assets. The adoption of the fair value option for this category of structured financial instruments enables their recording in the financial statements on a basis that reflects the natural hedging approach taken through their structuring.

        These liabilities are recorded at fair value as at the date of issue through the application of the fair value option, and include the value of any embedded derivatives, net of placement fees paid. The difference between the amounts collected upon issue, net of placement fees, and the fair value of the bonds as at the date of issue is recorded in the statement of income on an accrual basis over the bond life term.

Section 16—Foreign Currency Transactions

        Foreign currency transactions are recorded in euros, that represent the Group's functional currency, applying the exchange rate applicable as at the date of the transaction.

        In general terms, assets, liabilities and the components of net equity related to currency transactions that differ from those arising from costs and income in the period are converted using the exchange rate at the date of closure, while costs and income for the year are converted using the exchange rate at the date of transaction, or by using an average rate if the exchange fluctuations for period used as reference to establish the average are not significant. All the differences arising from the above-mentioned conversions are recorded in net equity. In the case of net investment in a foreign

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unit, the exchange difference, initially recorded in net equity, is later moved to the statement of income when and if the investment is ceded.

        Monetary items are translated at the exchange rate applicable as at the end of the period. Non-monetary items that are not hedged against the exchange rate risk and which are not measured at fair value are translated at the rate applicable as at the date when they are first included in the financial statements.

        Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary and non-monetary items are recorded in the statement of income.

        The exchange differences arising on the translation of monetary items using rates that differ from those applied when the transaction was initially recorded or those applicable as at end of the previous are recorded in the statement of income.

        The exchange differences arising on the translation of non-monetary items at rates that differ from those used when the transaction was originally booked in the records, if applicable based on the above-mentioned principle, are recorded in the financial statements as follows:

Section 17—Insurance Assets and Liabilities

Insurance Products

        Products for which insurance risk is deemed significant include, among other things, temporary first branch death policies and income and mixed policies with guaranteed fixed conversion rates at the time of issue, and certain types of unit-linked policies and damage cover. As regards these products, IAS/IFRS substantially confirm the national accounting standards (GAAP) concerning insurance. In brief, IFRS 4 sets forth:

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Financial Products Included Under Separate Management

        Financial products included under separate management despite their not being subject to significant insurance risk, and which therefore contain discretionary profit sharing features, include the majority of life policies and mixed first branch policies, as well as fifth branch capitalization policies. These are accounted for according to the principles set forth in IFRS 4, in brief:

Financial Products Not Included Under Separate Management

        Financial products that are not subject to significant insurance risk and are not included under separate management, and which therefore do not contain discretionary profit sharing features, are mostly represented by index-linked policies and some of the unit-linked ones, as well as those specific asset policies that are not included under separate management. These products are accounted for according to the principles set forth in IAS 39, as summarized below:


Section 18—Other Information

Reserves

        This item, reporting profit reserves, also includes the consolidation differences from the companies consolidated in shareholders' equity.

Valuation Reserves

        Valuation reserves include reserves arising from the valuation of available-for-sale investments, net of "shadow accounting" of insurance liabilities, net derivative contracts used as cash flow hedges and

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the revaluation reserves set up pursuant to special laws in past financial years that have not been allocated to other items making up Group shareholders' equity. Furthermore, the caption also includes revaluations of tangible assets made when the IAS/IFRS were first applied, as a result of the "deemed cost" evaluation of tangible assets.

Own Shares

        Own shares purchased are shown in the financial statements at cost under a specific caption, with a minus sign, as part of the Group shareholders' equity and as a result they are not valued.

        In the event that they are sold on the market, any difference between the purchase cost and the selling price is recorded under shareholders' equity.

Accruals, Prepayments and Deferrals

        Accruals, prepayments and deferrals for the year which include income and charges for the period, matured on assets and liabilities, are shown in the financial statements as an increase or decrease of the assets and liabilities they relate to.

Stock Option Plans

        As regards the stock option plans in favor of employees and private bankers of the Group approved, starting from November 2002 and December 2002 respectively, the Group applies the accounting treatment set out in IFRS 2 which deals with share-based payments.

        According to this accounting method, the options granted are valued at the fair value prevailing at the grant date, which coincides with the date the plan is approved by the competent bodies. Such fair value is included in the statement of income under a specific caption, being allocated over the period that the rights assigned mature, the other side of the entry being in a caption included under shareholders' equity which is not available for distribution.

        The fair value of the options is calculated on the basis of a valuation model that takes into account not only the exercise price but also the volatility of the stock price of the options, the expected dividend yield and the risk-free interest rate at grant date.

        In the event that the options are not exercised owing to the non-occurrence of certain conditions, not dependent on market trends, the cumulative cost included in the financial statements in respect of the stock option plans is reversed in the statement of income, the corresponding entry being in shareholders' equity under a specific reserve not available for distribution.

        If the stock options are exercised, the cumulative cost stated in the specific reserve of shareholders' equity is charged as an addition to share premiums.

        Failure to exercise the stock option rights due to market conditions does not give rise to a reversal of the cumulative cost, but the equity amount recorded as the corresponding entry to personnel costs in the period over which the plan matures becomes available for distribution.

Revenue and Cost Recognition

        Revenue arising from the sale of goods or rendering of services is included in the financial statements using the fair value of the sale proceeds received, as long as the following conditions are met:

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        Commissions receivable and other income for services rendered are included in the financial statements in the period in which the services are actually provided.

        In particular, revenue arising from the sale of insurance policies where the risk is borne by the insured parties are included on the basis of the duration of the contract. The costs relating to the purchase of these contracts are accounted for in the statement of income in the same period as the related revenue is recorded.

        Interest is recorded in the financial statements on an accrual basis. In particular:

        As regards the trading activity in financial instruments, the difference between the fair value of the instruments and the amount paid or received is recorded in the statement of income where the fair value can be reliably assessed, a valuation model based on market parameters is used, and prices applied to recent transactions in the same market where the instrument is traded can be verified. Failing these conditions, the estimated difference is recorded in the statement of income on a straight-line basis over the duration of the transactions.

        Revenue and costs are recorded in the statement of income for the periods to which they relate. If the above matching can only be done generally or indirectly, then the costs are allocated to more than one accounting period according to rational procedures and on a systematic basis. Those costs that cannot be matched with the related revenues are immediately charged to the statement of income.

        Finally, insurance charges from insurance business are stated on the basis of their nature, and recorded in the relevant statement items.

PART A.3 FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

        Fair value is the value at which assets may be dealt, or liabilities extinguished, in a free trade between parties with equal contractual power.

        The fair value of financial instruments listed on active markets coincides with the active market price. As concerns the identification of the active market, the Group uses specific rules and procedures to fix the price and verify the reliability of the shares bought.

        The market price, considered representative of fair value, for assets owned by the Bank is taken at the bid price, whilst for assets to be acquired, the market price is taken at the asking price. If the bid and asking prices are not available, current fair value is evaluated at the price of the last transaction made. Where financial assets and liabilities are matched in terms of market risk, reference is made to average market prices in order to establish their fair value.

        Financial assets with more than one listing price on distinct active markets are designated at the price the Bank deems most favorable.

        If no market price exists for a financial instrument in its entirety, but only for its components, the fair value is calculated on the basis of the relevant market prices of the components.

        For a considerable portion of the assets and liabilities held or issued by SAN PAOLO IMI, market prices are not available. In these cases, appropriate measurement techniques were employed which involved the net present value of future cash flows, using parameters based on the market conditions prevailing at the date of the financial statements.

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        Since the measurement results may be significantly influenced by the assumptions made, mainly as concerns the timing of future cash flows, the discount rates used, and the credit risk estimate methods employed, the fair value estimated would not necessarily be realized if the financial instruments were sold immediately.

        In determining the fair value of the financial instruments reported in the tables of the Explanatory Notes—Part B, where required by Bank of Italy Circular no. 262 of December 22, 2005, the following methods and key assumptions were used:

        Finally, it should be noted that the parameters assumed and models used may differ from one financial institution to another; hence where different assumptions are used, the results may significantly differ. It should further be noted that IAS/IFRS exclude certain financial instruments (e.g. deposits on demand) and non-financial instruments (e.g. goodwill, tangible assets, equity investments, etc.) from the fair value option, and therefore overall fair value cannot be taken as an estimate of the economic value of the Group.

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PART B—INFORMATION ON THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

ASSETS

SECTION 1—CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—CAPTION 10

1.1 Cash and cash equivalents: break-down

 
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004(*)
 
  (€/mil)

a) Cash   1,007   1,045
b) Demand deposits at central banks   100   302
Total   1,107   1,347

(*)
Does not include 18 million euro included in the caption "Insurance business assets" (L/Ass/13).

SECTION 2—FINANCIAL ASSETS HELD FOR TRADING—CAPTION 20

2.1   Financial assets held for trading: break-down by type

 
  12/31/2005
Caption/Value

  Listed
  Unlisted
 
  (€/mil)

A. Non-derivatives financial assets        
  1. Debt securities   9,915   1,121
  2. Equity instruments   447   7
  3. Investment fund units   2,767   430
  4. Financing    
  5. Impaired assets   5  
  6. Assets sold and not cancelled   1,550  
Total A   14,684   1,558
B. Derivative instruments        
  1. Financial derivatives   427   8,346
  2. Credit derivatives     22
Total B   427   8,368
Total (A+B)   15,111   9,926

        Financial assets held for trading include mainly the portfolios held by Banca IMI for trading on financial markets. The amount of financial assets held for trading relating to the insurance sector is 278 million euro.

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2.2 Financial assets held for trading: break-down by debtor/issuer

Caption/Value

  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

A. Non derivatives financial assets    
  1. Debt securities   11,036
    a) Governments and central banks   8,443
    b) Other public entities   190
    c) Banks   1,872
    d) Other issuers   531
  2. Equity instruments   454
    a) Banks   7
    b) Other issuers   447
      —insurance companies  
      —financial institutions   20
      —non-financial companies   393
      —other   34
3. Investment fund units   3,197
4. Loans  
  a) Governments and central banks  
  b) Other public entities  
  c) Banks  
  d) Other entities  
5. Impaired assets   5
  a) Governments and central banks   5
  b) Other public entities  
  c) Banks  
  d) Other entities  
6. Assets sold and not cancelled   1,550
  a) Governments and central banks   1,550
  b) Other public entities  
  c) Banks  
  d) Other issuers  
Total A   16,242
B. Derivative instruments    
  a) Banks   7,674
  b) Customers   1,121
Total B   8,795
Total (A + B)   25,037

        The OICR quotas in the portfolio are predominantly made up of bond funds.

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2.3   Financial assets held for trading: derivative instruments held for trading

Type of derivative/Underlying asset

  Interest
rates

  Currencies
and gold

  Equities
  Loans
  Other
  Total
12/31/2005

 
   
   
  (€/mil)

A.   Listed derivatives                        
    1)   Financial derivatives:   3     424       427
        with underlying asset exchange   3     14       17
            —purchased options       2       2
            —other derivatives   3     12       15
        without underlying asset exchange       410       410
            —purchased options       410       410
            —other derivatives            
    2)   Credit derivatives:            
        with underlying asset exchange            
        without underlying asset exchange            
Total A   3     424       427
B. Unlisted derivatives                        
    1)   Financial derivatives:   6,967   556   768     55   8,346
        with underlying asset exchange     515   11       526
            —purchased options     306   9       315
            —other derivatives     209   2       211
        without underlying asset exchange   6,967   41   757     55   7,820
            —purchased options   765   20   741     25   1,551
            —other derivatives   6,202   21   16     30   6,269
    2)   Credit derivatives:   15   2     5     22
        with underlying asset exchange   15   2         17
        without underlying asset exchange         5     5
Total B   6,982   558   768   5   55   8,368
Total (A + B)   6,985   558   1,192   5   55   8,795

        Details on the technical form of derivative contracts can be found in the summary in Section 17—"Other information" in this part of the Explanatory Notes.

SECTION 3—FINANCIAL ASSETS DESIGNATED AS AT FAIR VALUE—CAPTION 30

3.1   Financial assets designated as at fair value: break-down by type

 
  12/31/2005
Caption/Value

  Listed
  Unlisted
 
  (€/mil)

1. Debt securities   13,737   1,110
2. Equity instruments   3,411  
3. Investments fund units     4,266
4. Loans     4
5. Impaired assets    
6. Assets sold and not cancelled    
Total   17,148   5,380
Cost   15,729   5,376

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        Assets valued at fair value essentially include assets in which money collected through insurance policies where the total risk is retained by the insured (so-called Class D) was invested. The amount of assets evaluated at fair value which relates to the insurance business is 21,832 million euro.

        The remainder essentially refers to debt securities with incorporated derivatives or subject to hedging in the portfolio of the Parent Bank, classified in this category as "assets", in line with IASB.

3.2   Financial assets designated as at fair value: break-down by debtor/issuer

Caption/Value

  12/31/2005
 
   
   
  (€/mil)

1.   Debt securities   14,847
    a)   Governments and central banks   7,351
    b)   Other public entities   62
    c)   Banks   3,584
    d)   Other issuers   3,850
2.   Equity instruments   3,411
    a)   Banks   479
    b)   Other issuers:   2,932
        —insurance companies   152
        —financial institutions   222
        —non-financial companies   2,557
        —other   1
3.   Investment fund units   4,266
4.   Loans   4
    a)   Governments and central banks  
    b)   Other public entities  
    c)   Banks  
    d)   Other entities   4
5.   Impaired assets  
    a)   Governments and central banks  
    b)   Other public entities  
    c)   Banks  
    d)   Other entities  
6.   Assets sold and not cancelled  
    a)   Governments and central banks  
    b)   Other public entities  
    c)   Banks  
    d)   Other entities  
Total   22,528

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SECTION 4—AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE FINANCIAL ASSETS—CAPTION 40

4.1   Available-for-sale financial assets: break-down by type

 
   
  12/31/2005
Caption/Value

  Listed
  Unlisted
 
   
  (€/mil)

1.   Debt securities   20,673   4,585
2.   Equity instruments   2,847   1,261
3.   Investment fund units   296   89
4.   Loans     14
5.   Impaired assets    
6.   Assets sold and not cancelled   32   40
Total   23,848   5,989

        The amount of available-for-sale assets relating to the insurance sector is 19,057 million euro.

        The available-for-sale assets include the share held by the Group in Santander Central Hispano of 1,524 million euro.

        Certain unlisted equities, for 215 million euro (of which 185 million euro attributable to investments in the Bank of Italy), the fair value of which cannot be reliably established or verified, also taking into account the importance of the range of values obtainable from the valuation models generally adopted by the market, are stated in the financial statements at cost, as adjusted for any impairment losses verified.

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4.2   Available-for-sale financial assets: break-down by debtor/issuer

Caption/Value

  12/31/2005
 
   
   
  (€/mil)

1.   Debt securities   25,258
    a)   Governments and central banks   18,272
    b)   Other public entities   3,897
    c)   Banks   1,245
    d)   Other issuers   1,844
2.   Equity instruments   4,108
    a)   Banks   2,075
    b)   Other issuers:   2,033
        —insurance companies   41
        —financial institutions   288
        —non-financial companies   690
        —other   1,014
3.   Investment fund units   385
4.   Loans   14
    a)   Governments and central banks  
    b)   Other public entities  
    c)   Banks   10
    d)   Other entities   4
5.   Impaired assets  
    a)   Governments and central banks  
    b)   Other public entities  
    c)   Banks  
    d)   Other entities  
6.   Assets sold and not cancelled   72
    a)   Governments and central banks   32
    b)   Other public entities  
    c)   Banks  
    d)   Other entities   40
Total   29,837

4.3   Available-for-sale financial assets: hedged assets

 
   
  12/31/2005
 
   
  Fair value
  Cash flows
 
   
  (€/mil)

1.   Debt securities   3,702   414
2.   Equity instruments   4  
3.   Investment fund units    
4.   Loans    
5.   Portfolio    
Total   3,706   414

4.4   Available-for-sale financial assets: assets subject to specific hedging

        Only about 15% of the Group's available-for-sale financial assets portfolio is subject to hedging. Hedging is largely carried out in fair value hedge transactions and only residually through specific cash flow hedge transactions.

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SECTION 5—INVESTMENTS HELD TO MATURITY—CAPTION 50

5.1   Held-to-maturity investments: break-down by type

 
   
  12/31/2005
Type of transaction/Value

  Book value
  Fair value
 
   
  (€/mil)

1.   Debt securities   764   764
2.   Loans    
3.   Impaired assets    
4.   Assets sold and not cancelled   1,771   1,769
Total   2,535   2,533

        Held-to-maturity investments which relate to the Parent Bank amount to 2,312 million euro. Most of the contribution by other companies comes from Banka Koper D.D. (196 million euro). At December 31, 2005 the insurance area portfolio did not include investments held to maturity.

5.2   Held-to-maturity investments: break-down by debtor/issuer

Caption/Value

  12/31/2005
 
   
   
  (€/mil)

1.   Debt securities   764
    a)   Governments and central banks   548
    b)   Other public entities   21
    c)   Banks  
    d)   Other issuers   195
2.   Loans  
    a)   Governments and central banks  
    b)   Other public entities  
    c)   Banks  
    d)   Other entities  
3.   Impaired assets  
    a)   Governments and central banks  
    b)   Other public entities  
    c)   Banks  
    d)   Other entities  
4.   Assets sold and not cancelled   1,771
    a)   Governments and central banks   1,771
    b)   Other public entities  
    c)   Banks  
    d)   Other entities  
Total   2,535

5.3   Held-to-maturity investments: hedged

        At December 31, 2005 the SANPAOLO IMI Group had no hedged investments held to maturity.

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SECTION 6—LOANS TO BANKS—CAPTION 60

6.1   Loans to banks: break-down by type

Type of transaction/Value

  12/31/2005
 
   
   
  (€/mil)

A.   Due to Central Banks   345
    1.   Tied deposits   65
    2.   Compulsory reserve   196
    3.   Repurchase agreements   49
    4.   Other   35
B.   Due to banks   28,491
    1.   Current accounts and sight deposits   2,839
    2.   Tied deposits   10,670
    3.   Other financing   13,984
    4.   Debt securities   998
    5.   Impaired assets  
    6.   Assets sold and not cancelled  
Total (book value)   28,836
Total (fair value)   28,814

6.2   Loans to banks: assets subject to specific hedging

Type of transaction/Value

  12/31/2005
 
   
  (€/mil)

1.   Loans subject to fair value hedging   106
2.   Loans subject to cash flow hedging  
Total   106

6.3   Financial leases

        At December 31, 2005 the Group did not have significant financial leasing operations in place with banks.

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SECTION 7—LOANS TO CUSTOMERS—CAPTION 70

        Loans to customers include 595 million euro of loans to Società per la gestione di attività S.p.A. (Sga), of which 545 million euro (814 million euro at December 31, 2004) was granted under Law 588/96. Furthermore, in accordance with the international accounting standards, loans to customers include also loans for performing leasing contracts assigned in the last quarter of 2004, by Sanpaolo Leasint within the context of the Split2 securitization transaction (assets sold and not cancelled).

        Details about credit quality and the degree of risk of the loan portfolio can be found in Part E of these Notes.

7.1   Loans to customers: break-down by type

Type of transaction/Value

  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

1. Current accounts   16,245
2. Repurchase agreements   2,302
3. Mortgage loans   73,706
4. Credit cards, personal loans, loans on salary   4,747
5. Financial leases   4,932
6. Factoring   1,449
7. Other transactions   30,825
8. Debt securities   312
9. Impaired assets   3,310
10. Assets sold and not cancelled(*)   1,679
Total (book value)   139,507
Total (fair value)   141,237

(*)
Including four million euro of impaired assets.

        In the above table, "Other transactions" mainly include prepayments and other subsidies not in current accounts, loans to inland revenue and public bodies for the collection company and import-export financing, as well as the mentioned loans to the Sga.

F-44



7.2   Loans to customers: break-down by debtor/issuer

Type of transaction/Value

  12/31/2005
 
   
   
  (€/mil)

1.   Debt securities:   312
    a)   Governments  
    b)   Other public entities  
    c)   Other issuers   312
        —non-financial companies   5
        —financial companies   307
        —insurance companies  
        —other  
2.   Loans to:   134,206
    a)   Governments   2,852
    b)   Other public entities   10,696
    c)   Other entities   120,658
        —non-financial companies   76,906
        —financial companies   11,821
        —insurance companies   690
        —other   31,241
3.   Impaired assets:   3,310
    a)   Governments  
    b)   Other public entities   9
    c)   Other entities   3,301
        —non-financial companies   2,443
        —financial companies   32
        —insurance companies  
        —other   826
4.   Assets sold and not cancelled:   1,679
    a)   Governments  
    b)   Other public entities  
    c)   Other entities   1,679
        —non-financial companies   1,679
        —financial companies  
        —insurance companies  
        —other  
Total   139,507

7.3   Loans to customers: assets subject to specific hedging

Type of transaction/Value

  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

1. Loans subject to fair value hedging   19,733
2. Loans subject to cash flow hedging   93
Total   19,826

        Loans subject to fair value hedging are indicated at cost modified for the fair value of the hedging risk. In the case of partial hedging, of part of the amount or of part of the duration, the entire amount of the loan is indicated, including the part not subject to hedging, modified for the fair value of the hedging risk. Loans subject to financial flow hedging are indicated at the amortised cost.

F-45



7.4   Financial leases

Reconciliation between the total value of minimum contractual payments and their present value

 
  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

Minimum contractual payments   6,904
Present value of minimum contractual payments as at 12/31/2005   6,078

Time frame between reconciliation amounts

 
  Within 1 year
  1-5 years
  Beyond 5 years
  Total
 
  (€/mil)

Present value of minimum contractual payments as at 12/31/2005   1,433   3,157   1,488   6,078

        The Group operates in the sector of financial leasing to customers mainly through Sanpaolo Leasint, the specialized company. Its loan portfolio for financial leasing is made up of 46,879 contracts, 67% of which for property letting, 26% for instrumental goods and 5% for automobiles; the remainder refers to the naval-aviation sector. The five most important contracts together show a guaranteed residual value on net investment of around 104 million and differed financial profits of 21 million; there are no potential rents for accounting as income in the year. As of December 31, 2005, the above positions showed no deterioration in minimum uncollected leasing payments nor non-guaranteed residual values.

        Besides the above-mentioned company, financial leasing contracts may also be issued by Neos Finance, in the context of consumer credit, and Banca OPI in the area of public sector financing.

F-46


SECTION 8—HEDGING DERIVATIVES—CAPTION 80

8.1   Hedging derivatives: break-down by type of contract and underlying asset

Type of derivative/Underlying asset

  Interest
rates

  Currencies
and gold

  Equities
  Loans
  Other
  Total
12/31/2005

 
   
   
  (€/mil)

A. Listed derivatives                        
    1)   Financial derivatives:            
        with underlying asset exchange            
            —purchased options            
            —other derivatives            
        without underlying asset exchange            
            —purchased options            
            —other derivatives            
    2)   Credit derivatives:            
        with underlying asset exchange            
        without underlying asset exchange            
Total A            
B.   Unlisted derivatives                        
    1)   Financial derivatives:   430   5         435
        with underlying asset exchange     5         5
            —purchased options            
            —other derivatives     5         5
        without underlying asset exchange   430           430
            —purchased options            
            —other derivatives   430           430
    2)   Credit derivatives:            
        with underlying asset exchange            
        without underlying asset exchange            
Total B   430   5         435
Total (A + B)   430   5         435

        For details of the technical form of derivative contracts, see the summary in Section 17—"Other information" in this part of the Explanatory Notes.

8.2   Hedging derivatives: break-down by hedged portfolio and type of hedging (book value)

        The hedging derivatives recognized at caption 80 of the assets represent valuation to the market of specific fair value hedge operations against the banking book. Further information about the Group's risk hedging policies can be found in Part E of these Notes.

SECTION 9—VALUE ADJUSTMENT OF FINANCIAL ASSETS SUBJECT TO MACROHEDGING—CAPTION 90

        At December 31, 2005 the Group had no assets subject to macrohedging.

F-47


SECTION 10—SCOPE OF CONSOLIDATION AND EQUITY INVESTMENTS—CAPTION 100

        Listed below are entities included in line by line consolidation of investments in jointly-controlled companies and in companies subject to significant influence.

 
   
   
   
  Ownership
  Voting rights
at ordinary
shareholders'
meeting %(2)

   
   
 
  Company name

  Registered offices
  Type of
relationship(1)

  Book
value

   
 
  Held by
  %
  Remarks
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  (€/mil)

   
Entities included in the consolidation using the line by line method                            
SANPAOLO IMI S.p.A. (Parent Bank)   Turin                
1   Assicurazioni Internazionali di Previdenza S.p.A. (A.I.P.)   Turin   1   New Step   99.96   99.96   XXX   (A)
2   Banca Comerciala Sanpaolo IMI Bank Romania S.A.   Romania   1   Sanpaolo IMI Internazionale   98.65   98.65   XXX   (B)
3   Banca Fideuram S.p.A.   Rome   1   New Step   73.37   73.43   XXX   (A)
4   Banca d'Intermediazione Mobiliare IMI S.p.A. (Banca IMI)   Milan   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
5   Banca IMI Securities Corp.   United States   1   IMI Capital Market USA   100.00   100.00   XXX    
6   Banca OPI S.p.A.   Rome   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
7   Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico S.p.A.   Teramo   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
8   Banka Koper d.d.   Slovenia   8   Sanpaolo IMI   63.93   32.99   XXX   (C)
9   Banque Privée Fideuram Wargny S.A.   France   1   Financiere Fideuram   99.91   99.91   XXX   (D)
10   Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo S.p.A.   Padua   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
11   Cassa di Risparmio di Venezia S.p.A.   Venice   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
12   Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna S.p.A.   Bologna   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
13   Egida Compagnia di Assicurazioni e Riassicurazioni S.p.A.   Turin   1   A.I.P.   50.00   50.00   XXX   (E)
14   Eolo Investments B.V.   Netherlands   1   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
15   Farbanca S.p.A.   Bologna   5   Sanpaolo IMI   22.69   22.69   XXX   (G)
16   Fideuram Asset Management (Ireland) Ltd   Ireland   1   Banca Fideuram   100.00   100.00   XXX    
17   Fideuram Assicurazioni S.p.A.   Rome   1   A.I.P.   100.00   100.00   XXX    
18   Fideuram Bank S.A.   Luxembourg   1   Banca Fideuram   99.99   99.99   XXX    
                A.I.P.   0.01   0.01   XXX    
                   
 
       
                    100.00   100.00        
19   Fideuram Bank (Suisse) A,G.   Switzerland   1   Fideuram Bank   99.95   99.95   XXX    
20   Fideuram Fiduciaria S.p.A.   Rome   1   Banca Fideuram   100.00   100.00   XXX    
21   Fideuram Fund Bond Global Emerging Markets   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   59.68     XXX   (F)
22   Fideuram Fund Bond Global High Yield   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   58.17     XXX   (F)
23   Fideuram Fund Equity Europe   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   94.67     XXX   (F)
24   Fideuram Fund Equity Global Emerging Markets   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   91.94     XXX   (F)
25   Fideuram Fund Equity Italy   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   92.58     XXX   (F)
26   Fideuram Fund Equity Japan   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   93.14     XXX   (F)
27   Fideuram Fund Equity Pacific Ex Japan   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   88.81     XXX   (F)
28   Fideuram Fund Equity Usa   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   93.93     XXX   (F)
                                 

F-48


29   Fideuram Fund Euro Bond Long Risk   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   59.43     XXX   (F)
30   Fideuram Fund Euro Bond Low Risk   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   61.98     XXX   (F)
31   Fideuram Fund Euro Bond Medium Risk   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   50.11     XXX   (F)
32   Fideuram Fund Euro Corporate Bond   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   62.52     XXX   (F)
33   Fideuram Fund Euro Short Term   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   53.64     XXX   (F)
34   Fideuram Fund Europe Listed Consumer Discretionary Equity   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   55.10     XXX   (F)
35   Fideuram Fund Europe Listed Consumer Staples Equity   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   60.07     XXX   (F)
36   Fideuram Fund Europe Listed Financials Equity   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   52.56     XXX   (F)
37   Fideuram Fund Europe Listed T.T. Equity   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   57.33     XXX   (F)
38   Fideuram Fund Usa Listed Consumer Discretionary Equity   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   55.47     XXX   (F)
39   Fideuram Fund Usa Listed Consumer Staples Equity   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   51.81     XXX   (F)
40   Fideuram Fund Usa Listed Financials Equity   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   51.94     XXX   (F)
41   Fideuram Fund Usa Listed T.T. Equity   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   56.51     XXX   (F)
42   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2006   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
43   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2007   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
44   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2008   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
45   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2009   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
46   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2010   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
47   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2011   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
48   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2012   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
49   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2013   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
50   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2014   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
51   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2015   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
52   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2016   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
53   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2017   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
54   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2018   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
55   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2019   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
56   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2020   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
57   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2021   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
58   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2022   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
                                 

F-49


59   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2023   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
60   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2024   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
61   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2025   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
62   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2026   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
63   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2027   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
64   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2028   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
65   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2029   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
66   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2030   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
67   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2031   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
68   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2032   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
69   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2033   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
70   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2034   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
71   Fideuram Fund Zero Coupon 2035   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   100.00     XXX   (F)
72   Fideuram Gestions S.A.   Luxembourg   1   Banca Fideuram   99.94   99.94   XXX    
                A.I.P.   0.06   0.06   XXX    
                   
 
       
                    100.00   100.00        
73   Fideuram Investimenti S.G.R. S.p.A.   Rome   1   Banca Fideuram   99.50   99.50   XXX    
74   Fideuram Wargny Active Broker S.A.   France   1   Banque Privée Fideuram Wargny   100.00   100.00   XXX   (D)(H)
75   Fideuram Wargny Gestion S.A.   France   1   Banque Privée Fideuram Wargny   99.97   99.97   XXX   (D)(I)
76   Fideuram Wargny Gestion S.A.M.   Monaco   1   Banque Privée Fideuram Wargny   99.95   99.95   XXX   (D)
77   FIN. OPI S.p.A.   Turin   1   Banca OPI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
78   Financière Fideuram S.A.   France   1   Banca Fideuram   99.98   99.98   XXX   (D)
79   Fondo Caravaggio   Luxembourg   8   Sanpaolo Life   100.00     XXX   (F)
80   Fondo Doppia Opportunità   Luxembourg   8   Sanpaolo Life   100.00     XXX   (F)
81   Friulcassa S.p.A.   Gorizia   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
82   GEST Line S.p.A.   Naples   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
83   IE Befektetesi Alapkezelo Rt. (ex Europool Befektetesi Alapkezelo Rt.)   Hungary   1   Inter-Europa Bank   100.00   100.00   XXX    
84   IE-New York Broker Rt   Hungary   1   Inter-Europa Bank   100.00   100.00   XXX    
85   IMI Capital Markets USA Corp.   United States   1   IMI Investments   100.00   100.00   XXX    
86   IMI Finance Luxembourg S.A.   Luxembourg   1   IMI Investments   100.00   100.00   XXX    
87   IMI Investimenti S.p.A.   Turin   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
88   IMI Investments S.A.   Luxembourg   1   Banca IMI   99.99   99.99   XXX    
                Banca IMI Securities   0.01   0.01   XXX    
                   
 
       
                    100.00   100.00        
                                 

F-50


89   Inter-Europa Bank Rt   Hungary   1   Sanpaolo IMI Internazionale   85.87   85.87   XXX   (J)
90   Inter-Europa Beruhazo Kft   Hungary   1   Inter-Europa Bank   100.00   100.00   XXX    
91   Inter-Europa Consulting Kft   Hungary   1   Inter-Europa Fejlesztesi   51.00   51.00   XXX    
                Inter-Europa Szolgaltato   49.00   49.00   XXX    
                   
 
       
                    100.00   100.00        
92   Inter-Europa Ertekesitesi Kft   Hungary   1   Inter-Europa Bank   100.00   100.00   XXX    
93   Inter-Europa Fejlesztesi Kft   Hungary   1   Inter-Europa Bank   100.00   100.00   XXX    
94   Inter-Europa Szolgaltato Kft   Hungary   1   Inter-Europa Bank   100.00   100.00   XXX    
95   Inter-Invest Risk Management Vagyonkezelo Rt   Hungary   1   Inter-Europa Bank   48.00   48.00   XXX    
                Inter-Europa Consulting   48.00   48.00   XXX    
                Inter-Europa Szolgaltato   4.00   4.00   XXX    
                   
 
       
                    100.00   100.00        
96   LDV Holding B.V.   Netherlands   1   Sanpaolo IMI Private Equity   100.00   100.00   XXX    
97   Lyxor Global Equity Capital Guaranteed Fund   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   96.52     XXX   (F)
98   Lyxor Noricum Cash Guaranteed   Luxembourg   8   A.I.P.   98.44     XXX   (F)
99   Neos Banca S.p.A. (ex Finemiro Banca S.p.A.)   Bologna   1   Sanpaolo IMI   99.49   99.49   XXX    
100   Neos Finance S.p.A. (ex Finemiro Finance S.p.A.)   Bologna   1   Neos Banca   100.00   100.00   XXX    
101   NEW Step S.p.A. (subsequently Eurizon Financial Group S.p.A.)   Turin   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX   (K)
102   NHS Investments S.A.   Luxembourg   1   IMI Investimenti   99.99   99.99   XXX    
                LDV Holding   0.01   0.01   XXX    
                   
 
       
                    100.00   100.00        
103   Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli S.p.A.   Naples   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
104   Sanpaolo Bank S.A.   Luxembourg   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
105   Sanpaolo Bank (Suisse) S.A.   Switzerland   1   Sanpaolo Bank   99.98   99.98   XXX    
106   Sanpaolo Fiduciaria S.p.A.   Milan   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
107   Sanpaolo IMI Alternative Investments S.G.R. S.p.A.   Milan   1   Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management   100.00   100.00   XXX    
108   Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management Luxembourg S.A. (ex Sanpaolo IMI WM Luxembourg S.A.)   Luxembourg   1   Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management   100.00   100.00   XXX    
109   Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management S.G.R. S.p.A.   Milan   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX   (L)
110   Sanpaolo IMI Bank (International) S.A.   Madeira   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
111   Sanpaolo IMI Bank Ireland Plc   Ireland   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
                                 

F-51


112   Sanpaolo IMI Capital Company I L.l.c.   United States   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
113   Sanpaolo IMI Fondi Chiusi S.G.R. S.p.A.   Bologna   1   Sanpaolo IMI Private Equity   100.00   100.00   XXX    
114   Sanpaolo IMI Insurance Broker S.p.A.   Bologna   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
115   Sanpaolo IMI International S.A.   Luxembourg   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
116   Sanpaolo IMI Internazionale S.p.A.   Padua   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
117   Sanpaolo IMI Investimenti per lo Sviluppo SGR S.p.A.   Naples   1   Sanpaolo IMI Private Equity   100.00   100.00   XXX    
118   Sanpaolo IMI Private Equity S.p.A.   Bologna   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
119   Sanpaolo IMI US Financial Co.   United States   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
120   Sanpaolo Immobiliere S.A. (ex SP Immobiliere S.A.)   Luxembourg   1   Sanpaolo Bank   99.99   99.99   XXX    
                Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management Luxembourg   0.01   0.01   XXX    
                   
 
       
                    100.00   100.00        
121   Sanpaolo Invest Ireland Ltd   Ireland   1   Banca Fideuram   100.00   100.00   XXX    
122   Sanpaolo Invest SIM S.p.A.   Rome   1   Banca Fideuram   100.00   100.00   XXX    
123   Sanpaolo Leasint S.p.A.   Milan   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
124   Sanpaolo Life Ltd   Ireland   1   A.I.P.   100.00   100.00   XXX    
125   Sanpaolo Real Estate S.A. (ex IMI Real Estate S.A.)   Luxembourg   1   Sanpaolo Bank   99.99   99.99   XXX    
                Sanpaolo IMI International   0.01   0.01   XXX    
                   
 
       
                    100.00   100.00        
126   SEP S.p.A.   Turin   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   XXX    
127   Sirens B.V.   Netherlands   8   A.I.P.   82.88     XXX    
                Sanpaolo Life   16.75     XXX    
                   
 
       
                    99.63           (F)
128   Spilt 2 S.r.l.   Treviso   8   Sanpaolo Leasint       XXX   (M)
129   Sygman Szolgaltato es Kereskedelmi Kft   Hungary   1   Inter-Europa Bank   100.00   100.00   XXX    
130   Universo Servizi S.p.A.   Milan   1   A.I.P.   100.00   100.00   XXX    

Notes to the table on the scope of line by line consolidation:

(1)
Type of relationship:

F-52


(2)
Availability of voting rights at ordinary shareholder's meeting. Any "potential votes" are highlighted in specific notes.

(A)
In November 2005 the company was sold by the Parent Bank to New Step S.p.A..

(B)
Sanpaolo IMI Internazionale holds options for acquisition of the remaining 1.35% of the holding.

(C)
The Parent Bank holds options for acquisition of a further 33.25% of the holding.

(D)
Company for which Banca Fideuram has initiated the disposal process (IFRS5).

(E)
The company is considered to be controlled by virtue of the call option rights that can be exercised from 31 December 2005.

(F)
Collective investment entity in which the A.I.P. Group holds the majority of the risks/benefits (SIC 12).

(G)
Company subject to management pursuant to clause 26—paragraph 1—D.Lgs. 87/92.

(H)
In January 2006 the company was incorporated by Banque Privée Fideuram Wargny S.A..

(I)
In June 2005 the company incorporated Sogesmar S.A..

(J)
Sanpaolo IMI Internazionale holds options for acquisition of a further 10% of the holding.

(K)
In November 2005 the company was the beneficiary of the transfer, by the Parent Bank,, of the holdings in Banca Fideuram S.p.A. and A.I.P. S.p.A..

(L)
In December 2005 the company incorporated Sanpaolo IMI Institutional Asset Management S.p.A..

(M)
SDS—Società a Destinazione Specifica (Specific Purpose Company) for securitization of leasing loans (in accordance with Law 130 of April 30, 1999).

F-53


10.1 Investments in jointly-controlled companies (carried at equity) and in companies under to significant influence: information on investments

 
   
   
   
  Ownership
  Voting rights
at ordinary
shareholders'
meeting %(2)

   
   
Company name

   
  Type of
relationship(1)

  Book
value

   
  Registered offices
  Held by
  %
  Remarks
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  (€/mil)

   
Investments carried at equity        
1   Aeroporti Holding S.r.l.   Turin   4   IMI Investimenti   30.00   30.00   9   (A)
2   Allfunds Bank S.A.   Spain   7   Sanpaolo IMI   50.00   50.00   19    
3   Banque Palatine S.A. (ex Banque Sanpaolo S.A.)   France   4   Sampaolo IMI   40.00   40.00   183   (B)
4   Cassa dei Risparmi di Forlì S.p.A.   Forlì   7   Sanpaolo IMI   38.25   38.25   82    
5   Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze S.p.A.   Florence   4   Sanpaolo IMI   18.66   18.70   239   (C)
6   CBE Service S.p.r.l.   Belgium   4   Sanpaolo IMI   31.70   31.70      
7   Cedar Street Securities Corp.   United States   1   Banca IMI Securities   100.00   100.00      
8   Consorzio Studi e Ricerche Fiscali   Rome   1   Sanpaolo IMI   55.00   55.00      
                Banca Fideuram   10.00   10.00      
                A.I.P.   10.00   10.00      
                Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management   5.00   5.00      
                Banca IMI   5.00   5.00      
                Banca OPI   5.00   5.00      
                Sanpaolo Leasint   5.00   5.00      
                IMI Investimenti   2.50   2.50      
                Sanpaolo IMI Private Equity   2.50   2.50      
                   
 
       
                    100.00   100.00        
9   Consumer Financial Services S.r.l.   Bologna   1   Neos Banca   100.00   100.00   1    
10   CR Firenze Gestion Internationale S.A.   Luxembourg   4   Sanpaolo IMI   20.00   20.00   4    
11   Finor d.o.o.   Slovenia   1   Banka Koper   100.00   100.00   2    
12   Global Menkul Degerler A.S.   Turkey   4   Banca IMI   20.00   20.00   3   (D)
13   I. Tre Iniziative Immobiliari Industriali S.p.A.   Rovigo   4   Cassa di Risparmio Padova e Rovigo   20.00   20.00      
14   Immobiliare 21 S.r.l.   Milan   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00      
15   Immobiliare Nettuno S.p.A.   Bologna   1   Cassa di Risparmio Bologna   100.00   100.00   1    
16   IW Bank S.p.A.   Milan   4   Banca IMI   20.00   20.00   5    
17   Lama Dekani d.d.   Slovenia   1   Banka Koper   78.41   78.41   2    
18   Liseuro S.p.A.   Udine   4   Sanpaolo IMI   35.11   35.11   1    
19   Sagat S.p.A.   Turin   4   IMI Investimenti   12.40   12.40   7    
20   Sanpaolo IMI Equity Management S.A.   Luxembourg   1   Sanpaolo IMI Private Equity   99.99   99.99   1    
                LDV Holding   0.01   0.01      
                   
 
       
                    100.00   100.00   1    
21   Sanpaolo IMI Management Ltd   United Kingdom   1   Sanpaolo IMI Private Equity   100.00   100.00   1    
22   Sanpaolo IMI Private Equity Scheme B.V.   Netherlands   4   Ldv Holding   23.50   29.38      
                Sanpaolo IMI Equity Management   20.00        
                   
 
       
                    43.50   29.38     (E)
                                 

F-54


23   Sanpaolo Leasint G.M.B.H.   Austria   1   Sanpaolo Leasint   100.00   100.00   1    
24   Sinloc—Sistemi Iniziative Locali S.p.A.   Turin   4   FIN. OPI   11.85   11.85   6    
                Banca OPI   8.15   8.15   4    
                   
 
       
                    20.00   20.00   10    
25   Società Friulana Esazione Tributi S.p.A.   Udine   4   Gest Line   33.33   33.33   2    
26   Società Gestione per il Realizzo S.p.A.   Rome   4   Sanpaolo IMI   28.31   28.31   1    
                Banca Fideuram   0.64   0.64      
                   
 
       
                    28.95   28.95   1    
27   Splosna Plovba Portoroz d.o.o.   Slovenia   4   Banka Koper   21.00   21.00      
28   Studi e Ricerche per il Mezzogiorno   Naples   1   Sanpaolo IMI   16.67   16.67      
                Banca OPI   16.67   16.67      
                Sanpaolo IMI Investimenti   16.67   16.67      
                Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli   16.66   16.66      
                   
 
       
                    66.67   66.67        
29   Synesis Finanziaria S.p.A.   Turin   4   IMI Investimenti   25.00   25.00   112    
30   Tobuk Ltd   Ireland   1   Sanpaolo IMI Bank Ireland   100.00   100.00      
31   Trivimm S.r.l.   Verona   4   Sanpaolo IMI   23.00   23.00      
32   W.D.W. S.A.   France   1   Banque Privèe Fideuram Wargny   99.92   99.92      
33   West Trade Center S.A.   Romania   1   Sanpaolo IMI Internazionale   100.00   100.00      
34   Aeroporto di Napoli S.p.A. (in liq.)   Naples   4   Sanpaolo IMI   20.00   20.00      
35   BN Finrete S.p.A. (in liq.)   Naples   1   Sanpaolo IMI   99.00   99.00      
36   Cardine Suisse S.A. (in liq.)   Switzerland   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00      
37   Centradia Group Ltd (in liq.)   United Kingdom   4   Sanpaolo IMI   30.45   30.45      
38   Cioccolato Feletti S.p.A. (in liq.)   Aosta   1   Sanpaolo IMI   95.00   100.00      
39   Consorzio Bancario SIR S.p.A. (in liq.)   Rome   4   Sanpaolo IMI   32.84   32.84      
40   Cotonificio Bresciano Ottolini S.r.l. (in liq.)   Brescia   1   Sanpaolo IMI   97.58   97.58      
41   Emil Europe `92 S.r.l. (in liq.)   Bologna   1   Cassa di Risparmio Bologna   93.47   93.47      
42   G.E.CAP S.p.A. (in liq.)   Foggia   4   GEST Line   37.25   37.25      
43   Imifin S.p.A. (in liq.)   Rome   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00      
44   IMI Bank A.G. (in liq.)   Germany   1   Sanpaolo Bank   100.00   100.00      
45   Integra S.r.l. (in liq.)   Belluno   4   Cassa di Risparimio Padova e Rovigo   29.64   29.64      
46   ISC Euroservice G.M.B.H. (in liq.)   Germany   1   Sanpaolo IMI   80.00   80.00      
47   Mega International S.p.A. (arrangement with creditors)   Ravenna   4   Neos Banca   48.00   48.00      
48   Progema S.r.l. (in liq.)   Turin   4   SEP   10.00   10.00      
                Neos Banca   10.00   10.00      
                   
 
       
                    20.00   20.00        
                                 

F-55


49   S.A.G.E.T. S.p.A. (in liq.)   Teramo   1   GEST Line   99.98   99.98      
50   Sanpaolo U.S. Holding Co. (in liq.)   United States   1   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00   100.00   3    
51   Se.Ri.T. S.p.A. (in liq.)   Teramo   1   GEST Line   100.00   100.00      
52   Sicilsud Leasing S.p.A. (in liq.)   Palermo   1   FIN. OPI   100.00   100.00     (F)
53   West Leasing S.A. (in liq.)   Romania   1   Sanpaolo IMI Bank Romania   88.71   88.71   1    

Total investments "carried at equity"

 

690

 

 
Total excess in net shareholders' equity   129    
Total caption 100. Investments   819    

Notes to the table of investments carried at equity:

(1)
Type of relationship:
(2)
Availability of voting rights at ordinary shareholder's meeting. Any "potential votes" are highlighted in specific notes.

(A)
In November 2005 the company was sold by Sanpaolo IMI Private Equity to IMI Investimenti.

(B)
The evaluation was carried out on the basis of the consolidated financial statements drawn up by the subsidiary.

(C)
The evaluation was carried out on the basis of the consolidated financial statements drawn up by the subsidiary as at 30 September 2005.

(D)
The holding was acquired in November 2005.

(E)
Company for which LDV B.V. has initiated the disposal process (IFRS5).

(F)
In January 2006 the company was removed from the Company Register.

        The following table highlights the goodwill arising on shareholders' equity as a result of investments carried at equity included in the financial statements under "Equity investments" (caption 100).

Company name

  Goodwill arising on application
of the equity method

 
  (€/mil)

A. Investments carried at equity:    
  Cassa dei Risparmi di Forlì S.p.A.   66
  Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze S.p.A.   47
  Sagat S.p.A.   10
  Allfunds Bank S.A.   6
Total   129

F-56


10.2 Equity investments in jointly-controlled companies and in companies subject to significant influence: accounting information

Company name

  Total
assets

  Total
revenues

  Profit
(loss)

  Shareholders'
equity

  Consolidated
Book value

  Fair value
  Notes
 
  (€/mil)

A. Companies evaluated using the equity method                            
  A.1 subject to joint control                            
      1 Allfunds Bank S.A.   113   118   9   39   19   XXX    
      2 Cassa dei Risparmi di Forlì S.p.A.   2,946   188   3   214   82   XXX    
  A.2 subject to significant influence                            
      3 Aeroporti Holding S.r.l.   39       30   9   XXX   (A)
      4 Banque Palatine S.A. (ex Banque Sanpaolo S.A.)   8,173   433   34   458   183   XXX   (B)
      5 Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze S.p.A.   21,626   746   121   1,280   239   527   (C)
      6 CBE Service S.p.r.l.             XXX   (A)
      7 Cedar Street Securities Corp.             XXX    
      8 Consorzio Studi e Ricerche Fiscali   1   2         XXX    
      9 Consumer Financial Services S.r.l.   9   1     1   1   XXX    
      10 CR Firenze Gestion Internationale S.A.   32   60   16   18   4   XXX    
      11 Finor d.o.o.   18   4     2   2   XXX    
      12 Global Menkul Degerler A.S.   31   1,421     10   3   XXX   (A)
      13 I. Tre Iniziative Immobiliari Industriali S.p.A.   10   4         XXX   (A)
      14 Immobiliare 21 S.r.l.   2           XXX    
      15 Immobiliare Nettuno S.p.A.   1       1   1   XXX    
      16 IW Bank S.p.A.   572   50   6   27   5   XXX    
      17 Lama Dekani d.d.   7   3     2   2   XXX   (D)
      18 Liseuro S.p.A.   9   4     4   1   XXX    
      19 Sagat S.p.A.   142   60   7   54   7   XXX   (E)
      20 Sanpaolo IMI Equity Management S.A.   1   2   1   1   1   XXX    
      21 Sanpaolo IMI Management Ltd   1   2     1   1   XXX    
      22 Sanpaolo IMI Private Equity Scheme B.V.             XXX    
      23 Sanpaolo Leasint G.M.B.H.   4   1     1   1   XXX    
      24 Sinloc—Sistemi Iniziative Locali S.p.A.   48   2   1   47   10   XXX    
      25 Società Friulana Esazione Tributi S.p.A.   43   9     6   2   XXX   (A)
      26 Società Gestione per il Realizzo S.p.A.   63   36   5   25   1   XXX   (A)
      27 Splosna Plovba Portoroz d.o.o.   10   5     4     XXX   (A)
      28 Studi e Ricerche per il Mezzogiorno   1   1     1     XXX   (A)
      29 Synesis Finanziaria S.p.A.   9,687   753   30   449   112   XXX    
      30 Tobuk Ltd             XXX    
      31 Trivimm S.r.l.   2   1     1     XXX    
      32 W.D.W. S.A.             XXX    
      33 West Trade Center S.A.             XXX    
      34 Aeroporto di Napoli S.p.A. (in liq.)             XXX   (A)
      35 BN Finrete S.p.A. (in liq.)   2           XXX    
      36 Cardine Suisse S.A. (in liq.)   1       1     XXX   (F)
      37 Centradia Group Ltd (in liq.)   3   6   (2 ) (26 )   XXX   (E)
      38 Cioccolato Feletti S.p.A. (in liq.)             XXX    
      39 Consorzio Bancario SIR S.p.A. (in liq.)   1       (500 )   XXX   (A)
      40 Cotonificio Bresciano Ottolini S.r.l. (in liq.)             XXX    
      41 Emil Europe '92 S.r.l. (in liq.)   20   19     1     XXX    
      42 G.E.CAP S.p.A. (in liq.)   31       1     XXX    
      43 Imifin S.p.A. (in liq.)   1           XXX    
      44 IMI Bank A.G. (in liq.)             XXX   (A)
      45 Integra S.r.l. (in liq.)             XXX   (A)
      46 ISC Euroservice G.M.B.H. (in liq.)             XXX   (D)
      47 Mega International S.p.A. (arrangement with creditors)         (2 )   XXX   (A)
      48 Progema S.r.l. (in liq.)             XXX   (A)
      49 S.A.G.E.T. S.p.A. (in liq.)   1           XXX    
      50 Sanpaolo U.S. Holding Co. (in liq.)   6   2   2   6   3   XXX    
      51 Se.Ri.T. S.p.A. (in liq.)   17   1         XXX    
      52 Sicilsud Leasing S.p.A. (in liq.)   1   2   (1 )     XXX   (G)
      53 West Leasing S.A. (in liq.)   1       1   1   XXX    

Notes to the tables on information on investment relationships:

(A)
Data refers to the financial statements at 31 December 2004 drawn up by the subsidiary.

(B)
Data refers to the consolidated financial statements drawn up by the subsidiary.

F-57


(C)
Data refers to the consolidated financial statements at September 31, 2005 drawn up by the subsidiary. The total revenue caption contains the total company's consolidated "net operating income".

(D)
Data refers to the financial statements at June 30, 2005 drawn up by the subsidiary.

(E)
Data refers to the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2004 drawn up by the subsidiary.

(F)
Data refers to the liquidation financial statements at October 31, 2004 drawn up by the subsidiary.

(G)
Data refers to the liquidation financial statements at December 14, 2005 drawn up by the subsidiary.

10.4 Commitments related to investments in jointly-controlled companies

        The purchase contract for shares in Cassa dei Risparmi di Forlì S.p.A., executed on November 29, 2000 between Fondazione CR Forlì (seller) and SANPAOLO IMI and Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze (purchasers), provides that the purchasers transfer to the Fondazione an option to sell a maximum number of ordinary shares representing 51.35% of the CR Forlì capital, exercisable in several tranches, at the unit price of 8.11 euro per share for the first two tranches and at a determined price with reference to the fair market value for the remaining tranches. The put option may be exercised by the Fondazione from June 12, 2002 and up to the 15th day before the expiry of the first period for the termination of the Shareholders' Agreement entered into by the same parties (December 31, 2008). On May 12, 2003 Fondazione CR Forlì exercised the option to purchase on the first tranche of 8,335,370 ordinary shares (representing 8.75% of the share capital) at a price of 68 million euro for the SANPAOLO IMI quota; subsequently, on November 15, 2005 it exercised the put option on the second tranche of 8,103,596 ordinary shares (representing 8.48% of the share capital) at a price of 66 million euro for the SANPAOLO IMI quota. After these acquisitions, the holding of SANPAOLO IMI rose to 38.25%, while the option on the quota of capital still owned by the Fondazione involved 21.29% of the capital.

10.5 Commitments related to investments in companies subject to significant influence

        1 May 2005 saw the expiry of the Shareholders' Agreement executed on November 15, 1999 between Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze, BNP Paribas and SANPAOLO IMI concerning the capital investment of the Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze. Subsequently, on September 28, 2005 SANPAOLO IMI, in acknowledging the lengthy period in which the agreement had not been renewed, resolved to exercise its option to purchase ordinary shares in the Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze, held by the Ente, of 10.78% of capital. The exercise of the option, the validity of which was disputed by the Ente, provided for a price of 3 euro per share, which represented 1.5 times the "base value" of the Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze share, to be calculated in this case by taking into account the evaluation methods normally used for the sector. Because of the dispute by the Ente, the arbitration process required by the agreement was initiated. The board of arbitrators was set up following the appointment of its chair by the Florence court, but has not yet released a decision.

        For completeness, the characteristics of the other commitments undertaken by the Parent Bank for the purchase of Banka Koper (company consolidated line by line), Banca delle Marche, Si Holding (Available-for-sale assets) and Banca Italo Albanese are outlined below.

F-58


SECTION 11—TECHNICAL RESERVES REASSURED WITH THIRD PARTIES—CAPTION 110

11.1 Insurance reserves attributable to reassures: break-down

 
  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

A. Casualty branch   24
  A1. premiums reserves   12
  A2. claims reserves   12
  A3. other reserves  
B. Life branch   5
  B1. mathematical reserves   4
  B2. reserves for amounts to be disbursed   1
  B3. other reserves  
C. Technical reserves for investment risks to be borne by the insured  
  C1: reserves for contracts with disbursements connected with investment funds and market indices  
  C2: reserves from pension fund management  
D. Total technical reserves carried by reinsurers   29

F-59


11.2 Changes in caption 110 "Insurance reserves attributable to reassures"

        Insurance reserves attributable to reassures did not undergo significant variations as compared with the previous financial year.

SECTION 12—TANGIBLE ASSETS—CAPTION 120

12.1 Tangible assets: break-down of assets valued at cost

Asset/Value

  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
   
   
   
  (€/mil)

A. Functional assets        
    1.1   owned by the Bank   1,987   2,101
        a)   land   912   922
        b)   buildings   819   886
        c)   fixtures and fittings   99   105
        d)   electrical equipment   118   149
        e)   other   39   39
    1.2   leased   69   92
        a)   land   31   30
        b)   buildings   26   26
        c)   fixtures and fittings   1  
        d)   electrical equipment   10   35
        e)   other   1   1
Total A   2,056   2,193
B.   Tangible assets held for investment        
    2.1   owned by the Bank   121   135
        a)   land   91   96
        b)   buildings   30   39
    2.2   leased    
        a)   land    
        b)   buildings    
Total B   121   135
Total (A + B)   2,177   2,328

12.2 Tangible assets: break-down of assets evaluated at fair value or revaluated

        The SANPAOLO IMI Group did not carry out an evaluation at fair value of tangible assets.

F-60



12.3 Tangible assets: annual changes

 
   
   
   
  Land
  Buildings
  Fixtures and
fittings

  Electrical
equipment

  Other
  12/31/2005
Total

 
 
   
   
   
  (€/mil)

 
A.   Gross opening balance   952   2,711   460   1,290   557   5,970  
    A.1   Total net decreases in value     1,799   355   1,106   517   3,777  
    A.2   Net opening balance   952   912   105   184   40   2,193  
B.   Increases   12   67   23   72   92   266  
    B.1   Purchases   5   16   20   68   91   200  
    B.2   Capitalized improvement expenses     37         37  
    B.3   Write-backs              
    B.4   Positive fair value changes charged to:              
        a)   shareholders' equity              
        b)   statement of income              
    B.5   Positive exchange differences              
    B.6   Transfers from assets held for investment   3   6         9  
    B.7   Other changes   4   8   3   4   1   20  
C.   Decreases   (21 ) (134 ) (28 ) (128 ) (92 ) (403 )
    C.1   Sales   (6 ) (34 ) (1 ) (6 ) (1 ) (48 )
    C.2   Depreciation     (77 ) (20 ) (108 ) (28 ) (233 )
    C.3   Value adjustments due to deterioration charged to:   (1 ) (1 ) (2 )     (4 )
        a)   shareholders' equity              
        b)   statement of income   (1 ) (1 ) (2 )     (4 )
    C.4   Negative fair value changes charged to:              
        a)   shareholders' equity              
        b)   statement of income              
    C.5   Negative exchange differences              
    C.6   Transfers to:   (14 ) (18 ) (3 )     (35 )
        a)   tangible assets held for investment              
        b)   assets being disposed of   (14 ) (18 ) (3 )     (35 )
    C.7   Other changes     (4 ) (2 ) (14 ) (63 ) (83 )
D.   Net closing balance   943   845   100   128   40   2,056  
    D.1   Total net decreases in value     1,722   335   998   489   3,544  
    D.2   Gross closing balance   943   2,567   435   1,126   529   5,600  

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12.4 Tangible assets held for investment: annual changes

 
   
   
   
  12/31/2005
 
 
   
   
   
  Land
  Buildings
 
 
   
   
   
  (€/mil)

 
A.   Opening balance   96   39  
B.   Increases   8   3  
    B.1   Purchases   5   3  
    B.2   Capitalized improvement expenses      
    B.3   Net positive fair value changes      
    B.4   Write-backs      
    B.5   Positive exchange differences      
    B.6   Transfers from tangible assets      
    B.7   Other changes   3    
C.   Decreases   (13 ) (12 )
    C.1   Sales   (6 ) (1 )
    C.2   Amortization/depreciation     (1 )
    C.3   Net negative fair value changes      
    C.4   Adjustments for impairment   (1 )  
    C.5   Negative exchange differences      
    C.6   Transfers to other asset portfolios   (6 ) (9 )
        a)   tangible assets   (3 ) (6 )
        b)   assets being disposed of   (3 ) (3 )
    C.7   Other changes     (1 )
D.   Closing balance   91   30  
E.   Evaluated at fair value   91   39  

12.5 Commitments to purchase tangible assets

        The Group has no significant commitments to purchase tangible assets.

Depreciation rate of tangible assets

Tangible assets

  Depreciation rate applied
(range %)

Property    
  —buildings   3.75%
furniture and plant fixtures    
  —fixtures and fittings   from 24% to 30%
  —electrical equipment   40%
  —other   from 30% to 60%

F-62


SECTION 13—INTANGIBLE ASSETS—CAPTION 130

13.1 Intangible assets: break-down by type of asset

 
   
   
   
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
Caption/Value

  Definite life
  Indefinite life
  Definite life
  Indefinite life
 
   
   
   
  (€/mil)

A.1   Goodwill   X   756   X   766
    A.1.1   attributable to the group   X   756   X   766
    A.1.2   attributable to minority interests   X     X  
A.2   Other intangible assets   252     289  
    A.2.1   Assets valued at cost   252     289  
        a)   Intangible assets generated internally   169     194  
        b)   Other assets   83     95  
    A.2.2   Assets valued at fair value        
        a)   Intangible assets generated internally        
        b)   Other assets        
Total   252   756   289   766

        The following table shows the list of goodwill amounts for the SANPAOLO IMI Group as of December 31, 2005 and highlights the company to which such goodwill relates.

Analysis of goodwill

 
  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

Banco di Napoli   636
Banka Koper   57
Noricum   24
Gruppo Cardine   11
Sanpaolo IMI Private Equity   7
Inter-Europa Bank   5
Eptaconsors   5
Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico   4
Other   7
Total   756

Information on the method used to undertake the impairment test on the goodwill

        For the purposes of the impairment test, the goodwill amounts of the SANPAOLO IMI Group were allocated to the following three business areas:

        Goodwill is monitored at the central function level. However, in conformity with international accounting standards, which require the allocation of goodwill to entities, single cashflow-generating units or groups thereof, no larger than the segments identified for management reporting, goodwill has been attributed to the above business areas.

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        Of a total goodwill book value of 756 million euro, 727 million euro can be allocated to the business area "Banking". The impairment test carried out on the three business areas did not reveal any impairment in the goodwill.

Parameters used for impairment test of the goodwill allocated to the "Banking activities" business area

        An impairment loss to goodwill will be recorded where the recoverable amount is lower than its current book value in the goodwill allocated to "Banking".

        The recoverable value of the business area "Banking" was determined through the calculation of its value in use. For the purposes of the impairment test the following data, methods and assumptions were used:

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13.2 Intangible assets: annual changes

 
   
  Other intangible assets:
generated internally

  Other intangible assets:
other

   
 
 
  Goodwill
  Definite life
  Indefinite life
  Definite life
  Indefinite life
  Total
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
A. Opening balance   766   368     218     1,352  
  A.1. Total net decreases in value     174     123     297  
  A.2. Net opening balance   766   194     95     1,055  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
B Increases     104     68     172  
  B.1 Purchases     87     68     155  
  B.2 Increases in internal intangible assets   X   17         17  
  B.3 Write-backs   X            
  B.4 Positive fair value changes charged to:              
    —shareholders' equity   X            
    —statement of income   X            
  B.5 Positive exchange differences              
  B.6 Other changes              
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
C. Decreases   (10 ) (129 )   (80 )   (219 )
  C.1 Sales              
  C.2 Adjustments   (1 ) (127 )   (71 )   (199 )
    —Amortization   X   (127 )   (69 )   (196 )
    —Write-downs   (1 )     (2 )   (3 )
      + shareholders' equity   X            
      + statement of income   (1 )     (2 )   (3 )
  C.3 Negative fair value changes charged to:              
    —shareholders' equity   X            
    —statement of income   X            
  C.4 Transfers to assets being disposed of     (1 )   (2 )   (3 )
  C.5 Negative exchange differences              
  C.6 Other changes   (9 ) (1 )   (7 )   (17 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
D. Net closing balance   756   169     83     1,008  
  D.1 Total net adjustments   1   301     192     494  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
E. Gross closing balance   757   470     275     1,502  

13.3 Other information

        The Group has no significant commitments to purchase intangible assets.

Amortization rate of intangible assets
Intangible assets with limited useful life

  12/31/2005
Depreciation rate applied
(range %)

 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Software yet to be implemented    
Software in use   33.33 %

F-65


SECTION 14—TAX ASSETS AND TAX LIABILITIES—CAPTION 140 UNDER ASSETS AND CAPTION 80 UNDER LIABILITIES

        Tax assets and liabilities are analyzed as follows

 
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

Tax assets   2,728   3,304
  current   988   1,798
  deferred   1,740   1,506
Tax liabilities   860   783
  current   216   304
  deferred   644   479

        The following tables provide details on prepaid/anticipated and deferred tax assets and liabilities and their movements. With regard to their break-down, they are essentially related to taxable income or deductible losses for Italian companies in future years.

14.1 Deferred tax assets: break-down

 
  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

Corresponding statement of income caption   1,136
  1 Provisions and reserves   390
  2 Loans   202
  3 Losses carried forward   4
  4 Other   540
Corresponding shareholders' equity caption   604
  1 Cash flow hedge   14
  2 Recognition of actuarial losses   98
  3 Available for sale assets  
  4 Compensated goodwill pursuant to D.Lgs. 87/92   226
  5 Adjustments on technical insurance reserves   182
  6 Other   84

        The residual categories "other" also include tax adjustments consequent upon the assessment of taxable income in accordance with criteria other than the IAS/IFRS.

14.2 Deferred tax liabilities: break-down

 
  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

Corresponding statement of income caption   192
  1 Securities at fair value   27
  2 Deductible generic loan losses   119
  3 Other   46
   
Corresponding shareholders' equity caption   452
  1 Reserves pursuant to Law 169/83   4
  2 Reserves pursuant to Law 213/98   8
  3 Financial instruments of the insurance sector   228
  4 Available for sale assets   37
  5 Other   175

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        The residual categories "other" also include tax adjustments consequent upon the assessment of taxable income in accordance with criteria other than the IAS/IFRS.

14.3 Change in deferred tax assets credited to the statement of income

 
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

1. Initial amount   1,269   1,362
2. Increases   687   248
  2.1 Advanced taxes recognized during the year   642   248
    a) from previous years   7  
    b) due to adoption of different accounting standards   278  
    c) write-backs    
    d) other   357   248
  2.2 New taxes or increases in fiscal rates    
  2.3 Other increases   45  
   
 
3. Decreases   820   341
  3.1 Advanced taxes cancelled during the year   498   323
    a) reallocation   498   323
    b) Write-downs due to irrecoverability    
    c) Adoption of different accounting standards    
  3.2 Decreases in fiscal rates    
  3.3 Other decreases   322   18
   
 
4. Final amount   1,136   1,269

        "Other decreases" include, with no impact on the statement of income, 194 million euro for redistribution of tax amounts entered as open balances in the deferred taxes for FTA which, following the clarifications introduced by Bank of Italy Circular 262, have been entered (net amount) in prepaid assets.

14.4 Change in deferred tax liabilities credited to the statement of income

 
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

1. Initial amount   141   126
2. Increases   199   62
  2.1 Deferred taxes recognized during the year   124   62
    a) from previous years    
    b) due to adoption of different accounting standards   87  
    c) other   37   62
  2.2 New taxes or increases in fiscal rates    
  2.3 Other increases   75  
   
 
3. Decreases   148   47
  3.1 Deferred taxes cancelled during the year   78   36
    a) reallocation   74   36
    b) due to adoption of different accounting standards    
    c) other   4  
  3.2 Decreases in fiscal rates    
  3.3 Other decreases   70   11
   
 
4. Final amount   192   141

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14.5 Change in deferred tax assets credited in net shareholders' equity

 
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

1. Initial amount   237   237
2. Increases   526  
  2.1 Advanced taxes recognized during the year   524  
    a) from previous years    
    b) due to adoption of different accounting standards   523  
    c) other   1  
  2.2 New taxes or increases in fiscal rates    
  2.3 Other increases   2  
   
 
3. Decreases   159  
  3.1 Advanced taxes cancelled during the year   16  
    a) reallocation   16  
    b) Write-downs due to irrecoverability    
    c) due to adoption of different accounting standards    
  3.2 Decreases in fiscal rates    
  3.3 Other decreases   143  
   
 
4. Final amount   604   237

        The "deferred taxes recognized during the year- due to adoption of different accounting standards" also include 98 million euro relating to actuarial losses charged to shareholders' equity.

14.6 Change in deferred liabilities credited in net shareholders' equity

 
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

1. Initial amount   338   341
2. Increases   388  
  2.1 Deferred taxes recognized during the year   363  
    a) from previous years    
    b) due to adoption of different accounting standards   351  
    c) other   12  
  2.2 New taxes or increases in fiscal rates   20  
  2.3 Other increases   5  
   
 
3. Decreases   274   3
  3.1 Deferred taxes cancelled during the year   12   1
    a) reallocation     1
    b) due to adoption of different accounting standards    
    c) other   12  
  3.2 Decreases in fiscal rates    
  3.3 Other decreases   262   2
   
 
4. Final amount   452   338

        "Other decreases" include, with no impact on the statement of income, 194 million euro for redistribution of tax amounts entered as open balances in the deferred taxes for FTA which, following the clarifications introduced by Bank of Italy Circular 262, have been entered (net amount) in prepaid assets.

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14.7 Other information

        With D.Lgs. 344 of December 12, 2003 the reform was implemented of taxation on corporate income which provided for the introduction of domestic tax consolidation. At the end of 2004 following the authorization of the Board of Directors on October 12, 2004, the domestic tax consolidation of the SANPAOLO IMI Group began (through communication to the finance authorities). Listed below are the companies that adopted this form of taxation for the financial year 2005:

Holding companies:
—SANPAOLO IMI S.p.A.

Subsidiary companies:
—Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo S.p.A.
—Cassa di Risparmio di Venezia S.p.A.
—Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna S.p.A.
—Friulcassa S.p.A.
—Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli S.p.A.
—Banca di Intermediazione Mobiliare IMI S.p.A.
—Emil Europe "92 S.r.l. in liquidazione
—FIN. OPI S.p.A.
—GEST Line S.p.A.
—IMI Investimenti S.p.A.
—Immobiliare 21 S.r.l.
—Eurizon Financial Group S.p.A.
—Sanpaolo Fiduciaria S.p.A.
—Sanpaolo IMI Insurance Broker S.p.A.
—Sanpaolo IMI Internazionale S.p.A.
—Sanpaolo Leasint S.p.A.
—Banca Fideuram S.p.A.
—Fideuram Investimenti S.G.R. S.p.A.
—Fideuram Fiduciaria S.p.A.
—Sanpaolo Invest SIM S.p.A.
—Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management S.G.R. S.p.A.
—Sanpaolo IMI Alternative Investments S.G.R. S.p.A.
—Sanpaolo IMI Institutional Asset Management S.G.R. S.p.A.(*)
—Assicurazioni Internazionali di Previdenza S.p.A.
—Fideuram Assicurazioni S.p.A.
—Universo Servizi S.p.A.
—Sanpaolo IMI Private Equity S.p.A.
—Sanpaolo IMI Investimenti per lo Sviluppo S.G.R. S.p.A.
—Sanpaolo IMI Fondi Chiusi S.G.R. S.p.A.
—Neos Banca S.p.A.
—Neos Finance S.p.A.
—Consumer Financial Services S.r.l.
—Servizi S.r.l.(**)


(*)
Incorporated into Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management SGR.

(**)
Incorporated into Neos Banca S.p.A..

        Information on principal tax litigation can be found in Part B—Section 12—Provisions for risks and charges—of these Notes.

F-69



SECTION 15—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND GROUPS OF OPERATIONS BEING DISPOSED, AND ASSOCIATED LIABILITIES—CAPTION 150 UNDER ASSETS AND CAPTION 90 UNDER LIABILITIES

15.1 Non current assets and groups of assets being disposed: break-down

 
   
   
  12/31/2005
 
   
   
  (€/mil)

A.   Single assets    
    A.1   Equity investments   9
    A.2   Tangible assets   40
    A.3   Intangible assets  
    A.4   Other non-current assets  
Total A   49
B.   Groups of assets (operating units sold)    
    B.1   Financial assets held for trading   29
    B.2   Financial assets designated as at fair value  
    B.3   Available-for-sale investments  
    B.4   Held-to-maturity investments  
    B.5   Due from banks   66
    B.6   Loans to customers   41
    B.7   Equity investments  
    B.8   Tangible assets  
    B.9   Intangible assets  
    B.10   Other assets   35
Total B   171
C.   Liabilities on single assets being disposed of    
    C.1   Debts  
    C.2   Securities  
    C.3   Other liabilities  
Total C  
D.   Liabilities on groups of assets being disposed of    
    D.1   Due to banks   12
    D.2   Due to customers   86
    D.3   Securities issued  
    D.4   Financial liabilities held for trading  
    D.5   Financial liabilities evaluated at fair value  
    D.6   Provisions   25
    D.7   Other liabilities   41
Total D   164

        The caption investments (individual assets) refers to the subsidiary Sanpaolo IMI Private Equity Scheme B.V. (subsidiary company of Sanpaolo IMI Private equity).

        The caption tangible assets refers to portfolio assets to be sold to the Parent Bank and to the network banks.

        The groups of assets (and related liabilities) being disposed of reflect the impact of the classification of assets of the French subsidiaries belonging to the Fideuram Wargny group into those classes.

F-70



        During 2005, the Board of Directors of Banca Fideuram appointed consultancy company Banca Rothschild Italia to look into the possibility of selling the French group. The consultancy company began that process, preparing an Information Memorandum and making contact with potential purchasers.

        As a result, several non-binding offers were brought to the attention of the Board of Directors of Banca Fideuram at its meeting of November 10, 2005. The consultancy company then organized meetings with potential purchasers to consider the preliminary Terms Sheet and define the binding offers. These offers are being defined and it is likely that the entire process will be concluded by the end of 2006.

SECTION 16—OTHER ASSETS—CAPTION 160

 
  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

Unprocessed transactions   2,586
Amounts in transit with bank branches and subsidiaries   641
Amounts related to insurance business   532
Amounts due from tax authorities   326
Items related to securities transactions   268
Deposit with Bank of Italy relating to liquidation of Isveimer   58
Checks and other instruments held   36
Deposits with clearing houses   31
Deposit to Bank of Italy relating to the coverage of SGA losses   7
Other items   1,970
Total   6,455

F-71



LIABILITIES

SECTION 1—DUE TO BANKS—CAPTION 10

1.1   Due to banks: break-down by type

Type of transaction/Value

  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

1. Due to central banks   3,210
2. Due to banks   32,472
  2.1 Current accounts and demand deposits   4,853
  2.2 Tied deposits   11,793
  2.3 Loans   9,481
  2.4 Debts for repurchase of own capital instruments   7
  2.5 Liabilities corresponding to assets sold and not cancelled   6,078
  2.6 Other amounts due   260
Total   35,682
Fair Value   35,773

1.2   Detail of caption 10 "Due to Banks": subordinated payables

        At December 31, 2005 there were no subordinated payables due to banks.

1.4   Break-down of caption 10 "Due to banks": debts subject to microhedging

Type of transaction/Value

  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

1. Debts subject to fair value hedging   78
2. Debts subject to cash flow hedging   1,633
Total   1,711

1.5   Detail of caption 10 "Due to Banks": payables for financial leasing

        At December 31, 2005 the Group did not have significant debt positions for financial leasing.

SECTION 2—DUE TO CUSTOMERS—CAPTION 20

2.1   Due to customers: break-down by type

Type of transaction/Value

  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

1. Current accounts and demand deposits   74,562
2. Tied deposits   5,734
3. Public funds administered   145
4. Loans   585
5. Debts for repurchase of own capital instruments   79
6. Liabilities corresponding to assets sold and not cancelled   10,545
7. Other amounts due   656
Total   92,306
Fair value   92,306

2.2   Detail of caption 20 "Due to customers": subordinated payables

        At December 31, 2005 subordinated liabilities amounted to two million euro.

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        Part F of these Notes contains detail of the subordinated payables.

2.4   Break-down of caption 20 "Due to customers": debts subject to microhedging

Type of transaction/Value

  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

1. Debts subject to fair value hedging   110
  a) interest rate risk   110
  b) exchange rate risk  

2.5   Detail of caption 20 "Due to customers": payables for financial leasing

        At December 31, 2005 the Group did not have significant debt positions for financial leasing.

SECTION 3—SECURITIES ISSUED—CAPTION 30

3.1 Securities issued: break-down by type 

 
  12/31/2005
Type of security/Value

  Book value
  Fair value
 
  (€/mil)

A. Listed securities   13,698   13,953
  1. Bonds   10,056   10,311
  2. Other securities   3,642   3,642
B. Unlisted securities   33,287   33,287
  1. Bonds   24,415   24,415
  2. Other securities   8,872   8,872
Total   46,985   47,240

3.2   Detail of caption 30 "Securities issued": subordinated securities

        At December 31, 2005 the amount of subordinated securities issued was 6,219 million euro.

        Part F of these Notes contains detail of the subordinated liabilities.

3.3   Break-down of caption 30 "Securities issued": securities subject to microhedging

Type of transaction/Value

  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

1. Debt securities subject to fair value hedging   21,669
2. Debt securities subject to cash flow hedging   889
Total   22,558

F-73


SECTION 4—FINANCIAL LIABILITIES HELD FOR TRADING—CAPTION 40

4.1   Financial liabilities held for trading: break-down by type

 
  12/31/2005
 
   
  Fair Value
Type of transaction/Value

  Nominal or notional value
  Listed
  Unlisted
 
  (€/mil)

A. Non derivatives financial liabilities            
  1. Due to banks   39   151   5
  2. Due to customers   1,905   2,150   39
  3. Debt securities      
    3.1 Bonds      
    3.2 Other securities      
Total A   1,944   2,301   44
B. Derivatives            
  1. Financial derivatives   X   648   8,329
  2. Credit derivatives   X     20
Total B   X   648   8,349
Total (A + B)   X   2,949   8,393

        The financial liabilities held for trading mainly include the portfolios held by Banca IMI in relation to its trading on the financial markets, and are essentially technical exposures on securities.

4.2   Detail of caption 40 "Financial liabilities held for trading": subordinated liabilities

        At December 31, 2005 no subordinated liabilities held for trading had been incurred.

F-74



4.4   Financial liabilities held for trading: derivative instruments

Type of derivative/Underlying asset

  Interest
rates

  Currencies
and gold

  Equities
  Loans
  Other
  Total
12/31/2005

 
  (€/mil)

A. Listed derivatives                        
  1) Financial derivatives:   1     647       648
    with underlying asset exchange   1     259       260
      — issued options            
      — other derivatives   1     259       260
    without underlying asset exchange       388       388
      — issued options       387       387
      — other derivatives       1       1
  2) Credit derivatives:            
    with underlying asset exchange            
    without underlying asset exchange            
Total A   1     647       648
B. Unlisted derivatives                        
  1) Financial derivatives:   7,361   366   494     108   8,329
    with underlying asset exchange   1   323   47       371
      — issued options   1   78   36       115
      — other derivatives     245   11       256
    without underlying asset exchange   7,360   43   447     108   7,958
      — issued options   610   9   440     18   1,077
      — other derivatives   6,750   34   7     90   6,881
  2) Credit derivatives:   17       3     20
  with underlying asset exchange   17           17
  without underlying asset exchange         3     3
Total B   7,378   366   494   3   108   8,349
Total (A + B)   7,379   366   1,141   3   108   8,997

        For details of the technical form of derivative contracts, see the summary in Section 17—"Other information" in this part of the Explanatory Notes.

SECTION 5—FINANCIAL LIABILITIES DESIGNATED AT FAIR VALUE—CAPTION 50

5.1   Financial liabilities designated at fair value: break-down by type

 
  12/31/2005
 
   
  Fair Value
Type of transaction/Value

  Nominal value
  Listed
  Unlisted
 
  (€/mil)

1. Due to banks      
2. Due to customers   22,317     22,317
3. Debt securities   3,559     3,622
Total   25,876     25,939

        Liabilities valued at fair value traditionally include amounts collected by the Group's insurance companies through the issuing of mainly financial policies against investments where the risks are borne wholly by the subscribers. The amount of liabilities evaluated at fair value which relate to the insurance business is 22,413 million euro.

        The nominal value of policies relating to the insurance business is indicated at fair value.

F-75


5.2   Detail of caption 50 "Financial liabilities designated at fair value": subordinated liabilities

        At December 31, 2005 there were no subordinated liabilities designated at fair value.

SECTION 6—HEDGING DERIVATIVES—CAPTION 60

6.1   Hedging derivatives: break-down by type of contract and underlying asset

Type of derivative/Underlying asset

  Interest
rates

  Currencies
and gold

  Equities
  Loans
  Other
  Total
12/31/2005

 
  (€/mil)

A. Listed derivatives                        
  1) Financial derivatives:            
    with underlying asset exchange            
      —issued options            
      —other derivatives            
    without underlying asset exchange            
      —issued options            
      —other derivatives            
  2) Credit derivatives:            
    with underlying asset exchange            
    without underlying asset exchange            
Total A            
B. Unlisted derivatives                        
  1) Financial derivatives:   293   433   1     3   730
    with underlying asset exchange     433       3   436
      —issued options            
      —other derivatives     433       3   436
    without underlying asset exchange   293     1       294
      —issued options       1       1
      —other derivatives   293           293
  2) Credit derivatives:            
    with underlying asset exchange            
    without underlying asset exchange            
Total B   293   433   1     3   730
Total (A + B)   293   433   1     3   730

        For details on the technical form of derivative contracts, see the summary in Section 17—"Other Information" in this part of the Explanatory Notes.

6.2   Hedging derivatives: break-down by hedged portfolio and type of hedging

        The hedging derivatives recognized at liabilities caption 60 represent the market evaluation of specific fair value hedges transactions against the banking book. Further information on the Group's risk coverage policies can be found in Part E of these Notes.

F-76



SECTION 7—ADJUSTMENT FOR FINANCIAL LIABILITIES OF MACROHEDGED ITEMS—CAPTION 70

7.1   Value adjustment of hedged liabilities

Value adjustment of hedged liabilities

  12/31/2005
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
1. Positive adjustment of financial liabilities   2  
2. Negative adjustment of financial liabilities   (37 )
Total   (35 )

7.2   Liabilities subject to macrohedging of interest-rate risk: break-down

        This caption contains the balance of variations in value of liabilities subject to macrohedging against interest rate risk. Taking advantage of the option that emerged in the definition of the carve out IAS 39, the Group adopted the abovementioned macrohedging, limited to coverage of core deposits.

SECTION 8—TAX LIABILITIES—CAPTION 80

        See Assets—section 14.

SECTION 9—LIABILITIES ON GROUPS OF ASSETS BEING DISPOSED—CAPTION 90

        Detail of and comments on the liabilities associated with groups of assets being disposed of can be found at the corrisponding assets in section 15 of Assets.

SECTION 10—OTHER LIABILITIES—CAPTION 100

10.1 Other liabilities

 
  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

Unprocessed transactions and amounts in transit with branches and subsidiaries   3,010
Amounts available for third parties   1,902
Amounts relating to insurance business   1,656
Tax payment accounts   642
Amounts due to personnel   460
Provisions for guarantees and commitments   354
Due to tax authorities   271
Illiquid balances from portfolio transactions   159
Amounts payable due to settlement value date   153
Other items   1,966
Total   10,573

        Other items include 58 million euro and seven million euro for the Bank of Italy respectively for the liquidation of Isvemeir and loans to be restored ex law 588/96.

F-77


SECTION 11—PROVISIONS FOR EMPLOYEE TERMINATION INDEMNITIES—CAPTION 110

11.1 Provisions for employee termination indemnities: annual changes

 
  (€/mil)
A. Opening balance as at 12/31/04   882
B. Increases   193
  B.2 Provisions during the year   82
  B.3 Other increases   111
C. Decreases   74
  C.2 Amounts paid   60
  C.3 Other decreases   14
D. Closing balance as at 12/31/05   1,001

        The other increases include 99 million euro relating to the recording of actuarial losses, on the basis of the assessment of an independent actuary, offset against a specifically set-up reserve (66 million euro after the recognition of deferred tax assets of 33 million euro).

11.2 Other information

        Since the provision for employee termination indemnities is contained as a defined benefit fund, the variations in the actuarial evaluations are set out in detail in Section 12 of these Notes (see Defined benefit company pension funds).

SECTION 12—PROVISIONS FOR RISKS AND CHARGES—CAPTION 120

12.1 Provisions for risks and charges: break-down

Caption/Value

  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

1. Company pension funds   425   209
2. Other provisions for risks and charges   1,457   1,525
  2.1 Legal disputes   551   547
  2.2 Personnel charges   415   448
  2.3 Other   491   530
Total   1,882   1,734

F-78


12.2 Provisions for risks and charges: annual changes

 
  Pension funds
  Other funds
  Total
 
  (€/mil)

A. Opening balance as at 12/31/04   209   1,525   1,734
B. Increases   314   529   843
  B.1 Provisions during the year   25   269   294
  B.2 Changes due to the elapsing of time   84   18   102
  B.3 Changes due to discount rate adjustments   198     198
  B.4 Other increases(*)   7   242   249
C. Decreases   98   597   695
  C.1 Use during the year   12   564   576
  C.2 Changes due to discount rate adjustments   2     2
  C.3 Other decreases   84   33   117
D. Closing balance as at 12/31/05   425   1,457   1,882

(*)
Includes the recording of 84 million euro in major funds determined by the application of IAS 32 and 39 and IFRS 4.

Provision for tax litigation

Banca Fideuram S.p.A.

        On December 20, 2005 Banca Fideuram S.p.A. received notice of a challenge by regional revenue officials in Lazio in relation to the financial period 2003-2004 concerning, as well as other less significant matters, the overall taxation regime of the Loyalty Plan of the Network of Private Bankers (Partnership), regarding which the Bank's choice of taxation regime was called into question. The detailed evaluations that were carried out reveal that the taxation regime used in previous years is valid. Consequently, no allocations for potential future disputes were carried out as the risk was considered fairly remote.

Assicurazioni Internazionali di Previdenza S.p.A.

        The pending taxation case involves Fideuram Vita incorporated by Compagnia Assicurazioni Internazionali di Previdenza S.p.A., and is largely recuperative, aimed at obtaining payment by the finance authorities of debts resulting from income declarations and reimbursement demands. In summary:

F-79


Sanpaolo IMI Bank International S.A.

        On January 5, 2006 Sanpaolo IMI Bank International S.A. was notified by the Portuguese tax authorities of a judgment relating to 2001 in which the company was charged with failure to carry out withholding of interest from bonds for an amount of 28 million euro, demanding its repayment together with compensating interest of five million euro. Subsequently, on January 30, 2006, notification of further judgment was received in which the company the company was charged with same omission for the year 2002 for an amount of 18 million euro for omitted withholdings and two million euro for compensating interest.

        It was immediately reported that the notification relating to 2001 must be considered as untimely, since the deadline for the notification expired on December 31, 2005.

        Therefore, from the substantive point of view, only the dispute relating to 2002 is effectively pending. In this regard the company intends to sustain that the conduct adopted was in conformity with Portuguese tax legislation. Should the local authorities not share this opinion we consider, in any case, that it can be proved that 80% of the interest for 2002 was paid to investors not resident in Portugal and therefore the amount of the withholdings to be paid and the interest must be reduced proportionally. As a result, four million euro have been allocated in the company's financial statements against potential commitments to the tax authorities.

12.3 Defined benefit company pension funds

12.3.1  Details of the funds

        This item provides the information required by IAS 19 for defined benefit funds, including that relating to the employee termination indemnities which are part of them.

        As required by the international accounting standards with reference to plans that share the risk between various entities under common control, the information detailed in the tables below relates to the plans as a whole, with a note specifying the Bank's share.

        As they are defined benefit pension funds, the calculation of the actuarial values required by the adoption of IAS 19 "employee benefits" is performed by an independent Actuary, using the Projected Unit Credit Method, as shown in detail in Part A—Accounting Policies.

F-80


        The defined benefits funds, to which certain Group companies are committed may be divided into:

        The internal funds include:

        The external funds include:

F-81


12.3.2  Annual change in present value of defined benefit obligations

 
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
Defined benefit obligations

  Employee
termination
indemnities

  INTERNAL
PLANS

  EXTERNAL
PLANS

  Employee
termination
indemnities

  INTERNAL
PLANS

  EXTERNAL
PLANS

 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Defined benefit obligations at beginning of year   882   191   1,721   926   172   1,546  
Current service costs   46   3   22   53   3   18  
Recognized past service costs              
Unrecognized past service costs              
Interests costs   36   8   76   45   8   74  
Recognized actuarial losses   104   32   229        
Unrecognized actuarial losses         9   19   158  
Positive exchange differences              
Increases—business combinations   5       14      
Participants' contributions              
Recognized actuarial gains   -5     (1 )      
Unrecognized actuarial gains         (6 )    
Negative exchange differences              
Benefits paid   (60 ) (11 ) (173 ) (131 ) (11 ) (132 )
Decreases—business combinations   (7 )     (24 )    
Curtailments             (30 )
Settlements              
Other increases   2     7       87  
Other decreases   (2 )     (1 )    
Defined benefit obligations at end of year   1,001   223   1,881   885   191   1,721  
Total unrecognized actuarial gains         6      
Total unrecognized actuarial losses         9   19   158  
 
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
Analysis of defined benefit obligations
Liabilities of defined benefit obligations pension plan

  Employee
termination
indemnities

  INTERNAL
PLANS

  EXTERNAL
PLANS

  Employee
termination
indemnities

  INTERNAL
PLANS

  EXTERNAL
PLANS

 
  (€/mil)

a) unfunded plans   1,001   40     885   32  
b) partly funded plans            
c) wholly funded plans     183   1,881     159   1,721

F-82


12.3.3  Annual changes in plan assets and other information

 
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
Annual changes in fair value of plan assets
Plan assets

  INTERNAL PLANS
  EXTERNAL PLANS
  INTERNAL PLANS
  EXTERNAL PLANS
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year   155   1,721   152   1,684  
Expected return   6   76   7   83  
Recognized actuarial losses   (7 )      
Unrecognized actuarial losses          
Positive exchange differences          
Employer contributions   3   8   3   88  
Participants' contributions          
Recognized actuarial gains     44     31  
Unecognized actuarial gains not recorded       (4 ) (3 )
Negative exchange differences          
Benefits paid   (10 ) (173 ) (10 ) (132 )
Curtailments         (30 )
Settlements          
Other changes   4   3   7    
Fair value of plan assets at end of year   151   1,679   155   1,721  
Total unrecognized actuarial gains       4   3  
Total unrecognized actuarial losses          
 
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
Plan assets

  INTERNAL
PLANS

  %
  EXTERNAL
PLANS

  %
  INTERNAL
PLANS

  %
  EXTERNAL
PLANS

  %
 
  (€/mil)

Equity securities       356   21.2       304   17.6
Debt securities   139   92.1   1,011   60.2   145   93.5   1,089   63.3
Real estate       154   9.2       158   9.2
Insurance activities       124   7.4       119   6.9
Other assets   12   7.9   34   2.0   10   6.5   51   3.0

F-83


12.3.4  Reconciliation between the current value of the pension plan, the current value of plan assets and the assets and liabilities recognized in the financial statements.

 
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
Assets and liabilities recognized

  Employee
termination
indemnities

  INTERNAL
PLANS

  EXTERNAL
PLANS

  Employee
termination
indemnities

  INTERNAL
PLANS

  EXTERNAL
PLANS

 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Current value of defined benefit obligations   1,001   223   1,881   885   191   1,721  
Fair value of the plan assets   N/A   151   1,679   N/A   155   1,721  
Fund status   (1,001 ) (72 ) (202 ) (885 ) (36 )  
Unrecognized actuarial gains (summation of those accumulated)         6   4   3  
Unrecognized actuarial losses (summation of those accumulated)         (9 ) (19 ) (127 )
Unrecognized past service costs             13  
Unrecognized assets because not reimbursable   N/A       N/A     144  
Fair value of assets reimbursable by third parties   N/A       N/A      
          (3 ) (15 ) 33  
Recognized assets     151       155    
Recognized liabilities   1,001   223   202   882   176   33  

12.3.5.  Description of main actuarial assumptions

Actuarial assumptions
Employee termination indemnities

  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
Discount rate   3.7 % 4.3 %
Expected increase in salaries   2.0 % 2.0 %
Inflation rate   2.0 % 2.0 %
 
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
Actuarial assumptions
INTERNAL PLANS

  Discount
rate

  Rate of
expected
return

  Rate of
expected
salary
increases

  Inflation
rate

  Discount
rate

  Rate of
expected
return

  Rate of
expected
salary
increases

  Inflation
rate

 
Banca popolare dell'Adriatico   3.9 % N/A   2.0 % 2.0 % 4.5 % N/A   2.0 % 2.0 %
Cassa di Risparmio di Venezia   4.0 % 4.5 % 2.0 % 2.0 % 4.5 % 5.0 % 2.0 % 2.0 %
Friulcassa (ex Crup)   3.5 % 4.0 % 2.0 % 2.0 % 4.0 % 5.0 % 2.0 % 2.0 %
Friulcassa (ex Carigo)   3.6 % N/A   2.0 % 2.0 % 4.1 % N/A   2.0 % 2.0 %

F-84


 
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
Actuarial assumptions
EXTERNAL PLANS

  Discount
rate

  Rate of
expected
return

  Rate of
expected
salary
increases

  Inflation
rate

  Discount
rate

  Rate of
expected
return

  Rate of
expected
salary
increases

  Inflation
rate

 
Supplementary pension fund for staff of Istituto Bancario Sanpaolo di Torino   4.0 % 4.5 % 2.0 % 2.0 % 4.5 % 5.0 % 2.0 % 2.0 %
Supplementary pension fund for staff of Banco di Napoli   3.7 % 4.2 % 2.0 % 2.0 % 4.2 % 5.0 % 2.0 % 2.0 %
Employee pension fund Cariparo-retired employees section   3.7 % 4.2 % 2.0 % 2.0 % 4.2 % 5.0 % 2.0 % 2.0 %

12.3.6  Comparative information

 
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
  12/31/2003
State of the Fund

  Employee termination indemnities
  INTERNAL
PLANS

  EXTERNAL
PLANS

  Employee
termination
indemnities

  INTERNAL
PLANS

  EXTERNAL
PLANS

  Employee
termination
indemnities

  INTERNAL
PLANS

  EXTERNAL
PLANS

 
  (€/mil)

Current value of defined benefit obligations   1,001   223   1,881   885   191   1,721   926   172   1,547
Fair value of plan assets   N/A   151   1,679   N/A   155   1,721   N/A   152   1,684
Fund status   (1,001 ) (72 ) (202 ) (885 ) (36 )   (926 ) (20 ) 137
Adjustments to plan assets                  
Adjustments to liabilities deriving from the plan                  

12.4  Provisions for risks and charges—other provisions

Caption/Value

  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

2. Other funds        
  2.1 legal disputes   551   547
  2.2 personnel charges   415   448
staff leaving incentives   175   280
seniority bonuses to employees   117   83
sundry personnel charges   123   85
  2.3 other risks and charges   493   530
other indemnities due to agents of the distribution network   95   62
renegotiation of mortgage loans   18   70
customers' complaints on Cirio, Argentina and Parmalat placements   22   29
other   358   369
Total   1,459   1,525
 
  12/31/2005 months
Average disbursement times for the main appropriations subject to time discounting

  Timing for use
of own resources

Total Provisions for legal disputes   39
Total Sundry personnel provisions   64
Total Sundry provisions for other risks and charges   60

F-85


SECTION 13—TECHNICAL RESERVES—CAPTION 130

13.1 Technical reserves: break-down

 
   
   
  Direct work
  Indirect work
  Total 12/31/2005
 
   
   
   
   
  (€/mil)

A.   Casualty branch   76     76
    A1.   premiums fund   52     52
    A2.   claims fund   23     23
    A3.   other reserves   1     1
B.   Life branch   18,356     18,356
    B1.   Mathematical reserves   17,588     17,588
    B2.   Funds for amounts to be disbursed   73     73
    B3.   Other reserves   695     695
C.   Technical reserves for investment risks to be borne by the insured   3,681     3,681
    C1.   funds for contracts with disbursements connected with pension funds and market indices   3,681     3,681
    C2.   funds from pension fund management      
D.   Total technical reserves   22,113     22,113

13.2 Technical reserves: annual changes

 
   
   
  12/31/2005
 
 
   
   
  (€/mil)

 
A.   Casualty branches   76  
    —opening balance as at 12/31/04(*)   61  
        +/- effect of IFRS 4 adoption    
        +/- change to the reserve   15  
Total casualty branch reserves   76  
B.   Life branches   22,037  
    —opening balance as at 12/31/04(*)   38,788  
        +/- effect of IFRS 4 adoption   (18,866 )
        +/- change to the reserve   2,115  
Total life branch reserves   22,037  
Total technical reserves   22,113  

(*)
Excl. IFRS 4

F-86


SECTION 14—REDEEMABLE SHARES—CAPTION 150

14.1 Redeemable shares: break-down

        At December 31, 2005 the Group had not issued any redeemable shares.

SECTION 15—GROUP'S SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY—CAPTIONS 140, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200 AND 220

15.1 Group's shareholders' equity: break-down

Caption/Value

  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
   
  (€/mil)

1.   Capital   5,239   5,218
2.   Additional paid-in capital   769   725
3.   Reserves(*)   4,298   4,575
4.   (Own shares)   (92 )
    a) Parent Bank   (51 )
    b) Subsidiaries   (41 )
5.   Valuation reserves   1,286   343
6.   Capital instruments    
7.   Profit (loss) for the year attributable to the Group   1,983   1,447
Total   13,483   12,308

(*)
Includes valuation reserves for companies carried at equity for 31 million euro.

15.2 "Capital and own shares": break-down

        At December 31, 2005 the Parent Bank's capital, increased during the year by 21,544,600 euro following the exercise of stock options assigned to management, was 5,239,223,740.80 euro, divided into 1,586,967,318 ordinary shares and 284,184,018 preference shares, both with a nominal value of 2.8 euro.

        At December 31, 2005 there were 4,774,774 SANPAOLO IMI shares held by the Group, representing 0.26% of capital, set out on the basis of the new IAS/IFRS criteria as negative components in the shareholders' equity accounts, amounting to 51.0 million euro overall. These shares were held by the Parent Bank and its subsidiaries, as well as by the collective investment entities held within the Group's insurance business and wholly integrated in line with international standards.

        In the year 2005, transactions on SANPAOLO IMI shares were as follows:

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        In the light of the amount of own shares in the portfolio, the Parent Bank and Banca IMI have the same amount in the non-disposable reserve required by law.

        The own shares of the subsidiaries refer to Banca Fideuram S.p.A. shares in that bank's portfolio.

        At December 31, 2005 those shares, held exclusively by Banca Fideuram in support of the stock option plan, numbered 12,655,273 (2.4 million euro nominal value), equal to 1.3% of share capital (14,997,000 at 12/31/2004).

        In application of IAS 32, these shares are shown, at historic values, in adjustment of Banca Fideuram's shareholders' equity (including the third party quota) for 54.4 million euro.

        The number of own shares decreased in the second half of 2005, following the exercise of 2,341,727 stock options in the context of the 2004 Incentive plan, which provides for the assignment to the Group's Private Bankers of options to acquire Banca Fideuram shares in the ratio of one option per share, to be exercised in the period June-December 2005 at the unit price of 4.43 euro. Following the exercise of the stock options, 2,341,727 shares had been sold.

F-88



15.3 Capital—Number of parent company shares: annual changes

Caption/Type

  Ordinary
  Other
 
A.   Number of shares at the beginning of the year   1,475,122,818   388,334,018  
    —fully paid-up shares   1,475,122,818   388,334,018  
    —shares not fully paid up      
    A.1   Own shares (-)   (4,774,774 )  
    A.2   Shares in circulation: opening balance   1,470,348,044   388,334,018  
B.   Increases   111,844,500    
    B.1   New issues   111,844,500    
        —on a payment basis:   111,844,500    
            —business combinations      
            —conversion of bonds      
            —exercise of warrants      
            —other   111,844,500    
        —on a free basis:      
            —in favor of employees      
            —in favor of directors      
            —other      
    B.2   Sale of own shares      
    B.3   Other changes      
C.   Decreases     (104,150,000 )
    C.1   Cancellation      
    C.2   Purchase of own shares      
    C.3   Sale of companies      
    C.4   Other changes     (104,150,000 )
D.   Shares in circulation: closing balance   1,582,192,544   284,184,018  
    D.1   Own shares (+)   4,774,774    
    D.2   Number of shares at the end of the year   1,586,967,318   284,184,018  
        —fully paid-up shares   1,586,967,318   284,184,018  
        —shares not fully paid up      

15.4 Capital—Other information

        Further information on the calculation of "diluted" profit per share can be found in Part C—Section 24 of these Notes.

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15.5 Income reserves: Other information

        Further information on the availability and possibility for distribution of Parent Bank profits can be found in Part B section 14 of SANPAOLO IMI S.p.A. financial statements.

15.6 Valuation reserves: break-down

Caption/Value

  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

1. Available for sale investments   1,157  
2. Tangible assets    
3. Intangible assets    
4. Foreign investment on hedge    
5. Cash-flow hedge   (18 )
6. Exchange differences    
7. Discontinued operations    
8. Special revaluation laws   346   343
9. Recognition of actuarial gains/losses   (199 )
Total   1,286   343

        It should be noted that the Group, in application of paragraphs 93B-93D of IAS 19, as amended by regulation 1910/205 of November 8, 2005, recorded actuarial loses in a special reserve under equity, net of deferred tax, relating to the defined benefit pension funds and the employee termination indemnities for a total amount of 199 million euro. This amount is included in the caption Recognition of actuarial gains/losses.

15.7 Valuation reserves: annual changes

 
  Available
for sale
investments

  Tangible
assets

  Intangible
assets

  Foreign
investment
hedge

  Cashflow
hedge

  Exchange
differences

  Recognition
of actuarial
gains/
losses

  Special
revaluation
laws

 
  (€/mil)

A. Opening balance                 343
B. Increases   1,296         5       3
  B.1 Increases in fair value   544         4      
  B.2 Other changes   752         1       3
C. Decreases   139         23     199  
  C.1 Decreases in fair value   50         2     199  
  C.2 Other changes   89         21      
D. Closing balance   1,157         (18 )   (199 ) 346

        With regard to the valuation reserves on available for sale investments and Cashflow hedge, it should be emphasized that "Other changes", increasing or decreasing, include the recognition of positive or negative valuation reserves recorded in the course of the first application of IAS 32 and 39 and IFRS 4 for a total of 691 million euro (-15 million euro of valuation reserves for Cashflow hedge and 706 million euro for available for sale investments). It should also be noted that valuation reserves for available for sale investments do not include the component of the insured parties attributable to the evaluation of products included under separate management of insurance business ("shadow accounting").

F-90



15.8 Valuation reserves of available for sale investments: break-down

 
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
  Positive reserve
  Negative
reserve

  Positive reserve
  Negative reserve
 
  (€/mil)

1. Debt securities   130   (2 )  
2. Equity instruments   1,039   (10 )  
3. Investments fund units   2   (2 )  
4. Loans        
Total   1,171   (14 )  

15.9 Valuation reserves of available for sale investments: annual changes

 
  Debt securities
  Equities
  OICR shares
  Loans
 
  (€/mil)

1. Opening balance        
2. Positive changes   225   1,067   4  
  2.1 Increases in fair value   16   527   1  
  2.2 Reallocation of negative reserves to statement of income:                
    —due to impairment        
    —due to realization   2      
  2.3 Other changes   207   540   3  
3. Negative changes   97   38   4  
  3.1 Decreases in fair value   38   10   2  
  3.2 Adjustments to impairment        
  3.3 Reallocation to statement of income from positive reserves:                
    —due to realization   39     2  
  3.4 Other changes   20   28    
D. Closing balance   128   1,029    

SECTION 16—MINORITY INTEREST—CAPTION 210

16.1 Shareholders' equity attributable to minority interests: break-down

Caption/Value

  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

1. Capital   104   115
2. Additional paid-in capital    
3. Reserves   81   108
4. (Own shares)   (14 )
5. Valuation reserves   5   4
6. Capital instruments    
7. Profit (loss) attributable to minority interests   57   55
Total   233   282

F-91


16.2 Valuation reserves: break-down

Caption/Value

  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

1. Available for sale investments    
2. Tangible assets    
3. Intangible assets    
4. Foreign investment on hedge    
5. Cash-flow hedge    
6. Exchange differences    
7. Discontinued operations    
8. Special revaluation laws   5   4
Total   5   4

16.3 Capital instruments: break-down and annual changes

        At 12/31/2005 the Group's companies had no types of capital instruments.

16.4 Valuation reserves of available for sale investments: break-down

        At 12/31/2005 there were no valuation reserves for available for sale investments attributable to minority interests.

16.5 Valuation reserves: annual changes

 
  12/31/2005
 
  Available
for sale
investments

  Tangible
assets

  Intangible
assets

  Foreign
investment
hedge

  Cashflow
hedge

  Exchange
differences

  Discontinued
operations

  Special
revaluation
laws

 
  (€/mil)

A. Opening balance                 4
B. Increases                 1
  B.1 Increases in fair value                
  B.2 Other changes                 1
C. Decreases                
  C.1 Decreases in fair value                
  C.2 Other changes                
D. Closing balance                 5

F-92


OTHER INFORMATION

1.     Guarantees granted and commitments

Transactions

  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

1) Financial guarantees granted   8,767
  a) Banks   368
  b) Customers   8,399
2) Commercial guarantees granted   12,598
  a) Banks   610
  b) Customers   11,988
3) Irrevocable commitments to grant finance   26,595
  a) Banks   4,021
    i) certain to be called on   3,333
    ii) not certain to be called on   688
  b) Customers   22,574
    i) certain to be called on   1,735
    ii) not certain to be called on   20,839
4) Underlying commitments to credit derivatives: sale of protection   1,892
5) Assets lodged to guarantee minority interest   48
6) Other commitments   5,407
Total   55,307

2.     Assets lodged to guarantee own liabilities and commitments

Portfolios

  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

1. Investments held for trading   1,660
2. Investments designated as at fair value   249
3. Available for sale investments   1,483
4. Held-to-maturity investments   1,799
5. Loans to banks   2,236
6. Loans to customers   4,138
7. Tangible assets  

4.     Break-down of investments including unit-linked and index-linked policies

        Below is detailed information on the assets and liabilities corresponding to unit-linked and index-linked policies, set out in the format required by ISVAP provisions.

 
  12/31/2005
 
  Disbursements in
connection with pension
funds and market indices

  Disbursements in
connection with pension
fund management

  Total
 
  (€/mil)

Assets on the balance sheet   21,832     21,832
Infra-group assets   5,480     5,480
Total Assets   27,312     27,312
Financial liabilities on the balance sheet   22,413     22,413
Technical reserves on the balance sheet   3,681     3,681
Infra-group liabilities      
Total Liabilities   26,094     26,094

F-93


5.     Administration and dealing on behalf of third parties

Type of services/Amount

  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

1. Financial instruments dealing on behalf of third parties    
  a) Purchases    
    1. settled   99,476
    2. not settled   37
  b) Sales    
    1. settled   99,547
    2. not settled   36
2. Portfolio management    
  a) individual   74,745
  b) collective   37,353
3. Custody and administration of securities    
  a) Third-party securities held on deposit in connection with depositary bank's services (excluding asset management)    
    1. securities isssued by companies included in the scope of consolidation   36
    2. other   97,275
  b) other third-party securities held on deposit (excluding asset management): other    
    1. securities isssued by companies included in the scope of consolidation   17,243
    2. other   205,109
  c) third-party securities deposited with third parties   194,701
  d) own securities deposited with third parties   103,025
4. Other transactions    
  a) Orders collection   88,685
  b) Income from third-party loans on portfolio transactions   17,047
  c) Tax collection activities    
    1. Amounts collected on behalf of tax offices   36,215
    2. Amounts collected on mandate from preceding collectors   469
    3. Amounts collected on mandate from collectors in other districts   3,477
    4. Other amounts collected on behalf of other entities   153

F-94


Quantitative information on derivative contracts and forward transactions on currency

        The following table shows the nominal notional capital, divided by type, the forward sales of currency and the derivative contracts on interest rates, exchange and share prices for all the companies consolidated on a line-by-line basis.

Notional amounts

  Interest
rate related

  Exchange
rate related

  Stockmarket
index related

  Other
  Total
 
  (€/mil)

OTC trading contracts                    
  —Forward(a)   92,056   22,189       114,245
  —Swap(b)   857,394   845       858,239
  —Options purchased   40,144   18,468   3,387   250   62,249
  —Options sold   68,698   19,345   3,503     91,546
  —Other   4,920   205     325   5,450
Listed trading contracts                    
  —Futures purchased   49,850   63   98     50,011
  —Futures sold   47,952   68   75     48,095
  —Currency against currency futures     231       231
  —Options purchased   3,558     6,344     9,902
  —Options sold   8,048     6,456     14,504
  —Other       2     2
Total dealing contracts   1,172,620   61,414   19,865   575   1,254,474
Total hedging contracts   11,351   2,503   8,918     22,772
Overall total   1,183,971   63,917   28,783   575   1,277,246
  —of which unlisted contracts   1,074,563   63,556   10,904   575   1,149,598

(a)
Includes F.R.A. contracts and forward currency purchase/sale transactions.

(b)
Mainly includes I.R.S., C.I.R.S. and basis swap contracts.

F-95


APPENDIX TO PART B—ESTIMATION OF THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

        The table below compares the fair value of the financial instruments with their relative value in the financial statements and summarizes the outcome already presented in Part B in the information given in the tables requested by the Bank of Italy.

 
  Value in financial statements
at 12/31/2005

  Fair value
at 12/31/2005

  Potential capital
gain (loss)

 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Assets              
  Cash and cash equivalents   1,107   1,107    
  Investments held for trading   25,037   25,037    
  Financial assets evaluated at fair value   22,528   22,528    
  Available for sale investments   29,837   29,837    
  Held-to-maturity investments   2,535   2,533   (2 )
  Loans to banks   28,836   28,814   (22 )
  Loans to customers   139,507   141,237   1,730  
  Hedging derivatives   435   435    
Liabilities              
  Due to banks   35,682   35,773   (91 )
  Due to customers   92,306   92,306    
  Securities issued   46,985   47,240   (255 )
  Financial liabilities held for trading   11,342   11,342    
  Financial liabilities evaluated at fair value   25,939   25,939    
  Hedging derivatives   730   730    
Total potential capital gain/loss           1,360  

        As already highlighted in Part A of these Explanatory Notes, the fair value of financial instruments has been determined using the following methods and key assumptions:

F-96


        The parameters assumed and models used may differ from one financial institution to another, hence where different assumptions are used, the results may significantly differ. IAS/IFRS exclude certain financial instruments (e.g. deposits on demand) and non-financial instruments (e.g. goodwill, tangible assets, equity investments, etc.) from the fair value option, and therefore overall fair value cannot be taken as an estimate of the economic value of the Group.

F-97



PART C—INFORMATION ON THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

SECTION 1—INTERESTS—CAPTIONS 10 AND 20

Interest: contribution by type of asset

 
  12/31/2005
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
10. Interest income and similar revenues   8,235  
20. Interest expenses and similar charges   (3,786 )
30. Interest income   4,449  
of which: banking group   3,747  
of which: insurance sector   702  

1.1   Interest income and similar revenues: break-down

 
  Performing investments
   
   
   
Captions/Technical types

  Debt securities
  Loans
  Impaired
investments

  Other
assets

  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

1. Investments held for trading   441         441
2. Investments designated at fair value   194       44   238
3. Available for sale investments   831         831
4. Held-to-maturity investments   45   10       55
5. Due from banks   28   579       607
6. Loans to customers   6   5,727   122     5,855
7. Hedging derivatives(*)   X   X   X   111   111
8. Investments sold and not cancelled     46       46
9. Other assets   X   X   X   51   51
Total   1,545   6,362   122   206   8,235

(*)
Represent the net effect of differentials on derivative hedging contracts.

        Interests matured on investments sold and not cancelled (in relation to repurchase agreements) are summarized in the asset categories.

1.3   Interest income and similar revenues: other information

1.3.1     Interest income on financial assets in currencies

        At December 31, 2005 income on financial assets in currencies amounted to 498 million euro.

1.3.2     Interest income on financial leasing operations

        At December 31, 2005 income on financial leasing operations amounted to 233 million euro.

        Deferred financial gains relating to financial leasing amounted to 698 million euro. This profit is gross of the cost of collection.

F-98



1.3.3     Interest income on loans using public funds

        At December 31, 2005 the Group did not have significant interest income on loans using public funds.

1.4   Interest expenses and similar charges break-down

Captions/Technical types

  Debts
  Securities
  Other
liabilities

  12/31/2005
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
1. Due to banks   (761 ) X   (151 ) (912 )
2. Due to customers   (1,138 ) X   (4 ) (1,142 )
3. Securities issued   X   (1,504 ) (90 ) (1,594 )
4. Financial liabilities held for trading     (2 ) (42 ) (44 )
5. Financial liabilities designated as at fair value       (31 ) (31 )
6. Liabilities corresponding to assets sold and not cancelled     (42 )   (42 )
7. Other liabilities   X   X   (21 ) (21 )
8. Hedging derivatives(*)   X   X      
Total   (1,899 ) (1,548 ) (339 ) (3,786 )

(*)
Represent the net effect of differentials on derivative hedging contracts.

        Interests matured on financial liabilities associated to assets sold and not cancelled (repurchase agreements) are included in due to custmers or banks according to the nature of the counterparty in the transactions.

1.6   Interest expenses and similar charges: other information

1.6.1     Interest expense on liabilities in currencies

        At December 31, 2005 income on liabilities in currencies amounted to 577 million euro.

1.6.2     Interest expense on liabilities for financial leasing operations

        At December 31, 2005 the Group did not have significant interest expense on liabilities for financial leasing operations.

1.6.3     Interest expense on loans using public funds

        At December 31, 2005 the Group did not have significant interest income on loans using public funds.

SECTION 2—COMMISSIONS—CAPTIONS 40 AND 50

Commissions: contribution by type of asset

 
  12/31/2005
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
40. Commissions income   4,166  
50. Commissions expense   (758 )
60. Net commissions   3,408  
of which: banking group   3,476  
of which: insurance sector   (68 )

F-99


2.1   Commissions income: break-down

Type of services/Value

  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

a) Guarantees granted   101
b) Credit derivatives  
c) Management, dealing and advisory services:   2,182
  1. financial instruments trading   71
  2. currency trading   30
  3. portfolio management   1,421
    3.1 individual   276
    3.2 collective   1,145
  4. custody and administration of securities   60
  5. depositary bank   128
  6. placement of securities   102
  7. acceptance of instructions   84
  8. advisory services   26
  9. distribution of third party services   260
    9.1 portfolio management   131
      9.1.1 individual  
      9.1.2 collective   131
    9.2 insurance products   129
    9.3 other products  
d) Collection and payment services   356
e) Servicing for securitization transactions  
f) Services for factoring transactions  
g) Tax collection services   193
h) Other services   1,334
Total   4,166
Analysis of the caption "Other services"

  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

Loans granted   294
Deposits and current account overdrafts   340
Insurance services   374
Current accounts   179
Other   147
Total   1,334

F-100


2.2   Commissions income: products and services distribution channels

Channel/Value

  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

a) With own operating points:   1,151
  1. portfolio management   1,017
  2. placement of securities   34
  3. third party services and products   100
b) Outside supply:   575
  1. portfolio management   404
  2. placement of securities   11
  3. third party services and products   160
c) Other distribution channels   57
  1. portfolio management  
  2. placement of securities   57
  3. third party services and products  
Total   1,783

2.3   Commissions expense: break-down

Service/Value

  12/31/2005
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
a) Guarantees received   (13 )
b) Credit derivatives    
c) Management and dealing services   (488 )
  1. financial instruments trading   (24 )
  2. currency trading   (1 )
  3. portfolio management:   (36 )
    3.1 own portfolio   (18 )
    3.2 third party portfolio   (18 )
  4. custody and administration of securities   (28 )
  5. placement of financial instruments   (18 )
  6. door-to-door sales of securities, financial products and services   (381 )
d) Collection and payment services   (100 )
e) Other services   (157 )
Total   (758 )
Analysis of the caption "Other services"

  12/31/2005
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Dealing activities on loan transactions   (12 )
Loans obtained   (80 )
Insurance services   (16 )
Other   (49 )
Total   (157 )

F-101


SECTION 3—DIVIDENDS AND OTHER REVENUES—CAPTION 70

3.1   Dividends and other revenues: break-down

 
  12/31/2005
Caption/Income

  Dividends
  Income
from OICR
shares

 
  (€/mil)

A. Investments held for trading   317  
B. Available for sale investments   99   1
C. Investments designated at fair value   58  
D. Equity investments     X
Total   474   1

SECTION 4—PROFITS (LOSSES) ON FINANCIAL TRADING ACTIVITIES—CAPTION 80

4.1   Profits (losses) on financial trading activities: break-down

 
  12/31/2005
 
Transaction/Income component

  Capital gain
(A)

  Profit on
trading
(B)

  Capital
losses
(C)

  Losses on
trading
(D)

  Net income
[(A+B) - (C+D)]

 
 
  (€/mil)

 
1. Held-for-trading financial assets   147   835   (169 ) (575 ) 238  
  1.1 Debt securities   63   320   (39 ) (330 ) 14  
  1.2 Equities   84   504   (130 ) (241 ) 217  
  1.3 OICR shares            
  1.4 Loans            
  1.5 Other     11     (4 ) 7  
2. Financial liabilities held for trading            
  2.1 Debt securities            
  2.2 Debts            
  2.3 Other            
3. Other financial assets and liabilities: exchange differences   X   X   X   X   40  
4. Derivative instruments   1,742   35,565   (1,141 ) (36,354 ) (174 )
  4.1 Financial derivatives   1,728   35,550   (1,112 ) (36,342 ) (162 )
    —on debt securities and interest rates   871   34,530   (357 ) (34,874 ) 170  
    —on equities and equity indices   608   696   (421 ) (881 ) 2  
    —on currencies and gold   X   X   X   X   14  
    —others   249   324   (334 ) (587 ) (348 )
  4.2 Credit derivatives   14   15   (29 ) (12 ) (12 )
Total   1,889   36,400   (1,310 ) (36,929 ) 104  

        During the year no significant losses or devaluations were recorded in dealing income due to deterioration of debtor's credit status.

F-102



SECTION 5—FAIR VALUE ADJUSTMENTS IN HEDGE ACCOUNTING—CAPTION 90

5.1   Fair value adjustments in hedge accounting: break-down

Income component/Value

  12/31/2005
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
(A) Total income from hedging activities   882  
(B) Total charges from hedging activities   (886 )
(C) Net hedging income (A-B)   (4 )

SECTION 6—PROFITS (LOSSES) FROM SALES/REPURCHASES—CAPTION 100

6.1   Profits (losses) from sales/repurchases: break-down

 
  12/31/2005
 
Caption/Income component

  Profits
  Losses
  Net income
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Investments              
  1. Loans to banks(*)     (1 ) (1 )
  2. Loans to customers(*)   73   (15 ) 58  
  3. Available for sale investments   390   (43 ) 347  
    3.1 Debt securities   152   (18 ) 134  
    3.2 Equities   201   (22 ) 179  
    3.3 OICR shares   36   (3 ) 34  
    3.4 Loans   1     1  
  4. Held-to-maturity investments        
Total assets   464   (59 ) 404  
Financial liabilities              
  1. Due to banks        
  2. Due to customers     (1 ) (1 )
  3. Securities issued   5   (14 ) (9 )
Total liabilities   5   (15 ) (10 )

(*)
In addition to profits/losses from sales, also includes penalties for early settlement of debts.

F-103


SECTION 7—PROFITS (LOSSES) ON FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES DESIGNATED AS AT FAIR VALUE—CAPTION 110

7.1   Profits (losses) on financial assets and liabilities designated as at fair value: break-down

 
  12/31/2005
 
Transaction/Income component

  Capital gain
(A)

  Profits on disposals
(B)

  Capital losses
(C)

  Losses on disposals
(D)

  Net income
[(A+B) - (C+D)]

 
 
  (€/mil)

 
1. Investments   1,369   792   (171 ) (124 ) 1,866  
  1.1 Debt securities   816   413   (171 ) (32 ) 1,026  
  1.2 Equities   539   349     (76 ) 812  
  1.3 OICR shares   14   12     (1 ) 25  
  1.4 Loans     18     (15 ) 3  
2. Financial liabilities   36     (1,562 )   (1,526 )
  2.1 Debt securities   36     (62 )   (26 )
  2.2 Due to banks            
  2.3 Due to customers       (1,500 )   (1,500 )
3. Other financial assets and liabilities: exchange differences   X   X   X   X   (108 )
4. Derivative instruments                      
  4.1 Financial derivatives   18   21   (1 ) (21 ) (13 )
    —on debt securities and interest rates   9   1       10  
    —on equities and equity indices   9   20   (1 ) (21 ) 7  
    —on currencies and gold   X   X   X   X   (30 )
    —other            
  4.2 Credit derivatives            
Total derivatives   18   21   (1 ) (21 ) (13 )
Total   1,423   813   (1,734 ) (145 ) 219  

        Evaluation of financial liabilities refers essentially to insurance policies where the total risk is retained by the insured parties.

        During the year no significant losses or devaluations were recorded in financial liabilities evaluated at fair value due to deterioration of debtor's credit status.

SECTION 8—IMPAIRMENT LOSSES/WRITE-BACKS—CAPTION 130

8.1   Impairment losses/write-backs: break-down

 
  12/31/2005
 
 
  Adjustments(1)
  Write-backs(2)
   
 
 
  Specific
   
  Specific
  Portfolio
   
 
Transaction/Income component

  Cancellations
  Other
  Portfolio
  Due to
interests

  Other
write-backs

  Due to
interests

  Other
write-backs

  Total
(3)=(1)+(2)

 
 
  (€/mil)

 
A. Loans to banks     (1 ) (1 )   3       1  
B. Loans to customers   (13 ) (614 ) (192 ) 48   327     6   (438 )
Total   (13 ) (615 ) (193 ) 48   330     6   (437 )

F-104


8.2   Impairment losses/write-backs to investments available for sale: break-down

 
  12/31/2005
 
 
  Adjustments(1)
  Write-backs(2)
   
 
 
  Specific
  Specific
   
 
Transaction/Income component

  Cancellations
  Other
  Due to
interests

  Other
Write-backs

  Total
(3)=(1)+(2)

 
 
  (€/mil)

 
A. Debt securities            
B. Equities     (1 ) X   X   (1 )
C. OICR shares       X      
D. Loans to banks            
E. Loans to customers            
F. Total     (1 )     (1 )

8.3   Impairment losses/write-backs to investments held to maturity: break-down

        No impaired losses/write-backs to investments held to maturity were recorded during the year.

8.4   Impairment losses/write-backs to other financial transactions: break-down

 
  12/31/2005
 
 
  Adjustments(1)
  Write-backs(2)
   
 
 
  Specific
  Portfolio
  Specific
  Portfolio
   
 
Transaction/Income component

  Cancellations
  Other
   
  Due to
interests

  Other
write-backs

  Due to
interests

  Other
write-backs

  Total
(3)=(1)+(2)

 
 
  (€/mil)

 
A. Guarantees granted                  
B. Credit derivatives                  
C. Commitments to grant finance     (24 ) (5 )   25       (4 )
D. Other transactions                  
Total     (24 ) (5 )   25       (4 )

SECTION 9—NET INSURANCE PREMIUMS—CAPTION 150

9.1   Net insurance premiums: break-down

 
  Direct work
  Indirect work
  Total 12/31/2005
 
 
   
  (€/mil)

   
 
A. Life branch   3,568     3,568  
  A.1 Gross premiums accounted for (+)   3,573     3,573  
  A.2 Premiums ceded for reinsurance (-)   (5 ) X   (5 )
  A.3 Total   3,568     3,568  
B. Casualty branch   31     31  
  B.1 Gross premiums accounted for (+)   61     61  
  B.2 Premiums ceded for reinsurance (-)   (21 ) X   (21 )
  B.3 Changes of the gross amount of premium reserve (+/-)   (13 )   (13 )
  B.4 Changes in premium reserves reassured with third parties (-/+)   4     4  
  B.5 Total   31     31  
C. Total net insurance premiums   3,599     3,599  

F-105


SECTION 10—BALANCE OF OTHER INCOME/CHARGES ARISING ON INSURANCE ACTIVITIES—CAPTION 160

10.1 Balance of other income/charges arising on insurance activities: break-down

 
  (€/mil)

 
 
  12/31/2005
 
1. Net change in technical reserves   (2,295 )
2. Claims accrued and paid during the year   (1,981 )
3. Other income/charges arising on insurance activities   (220 )
Total   (4,496 )

10.2 Break-down of sub-caption "Net change in technical reserves"

 
  (€/mil)

 
 
  12/31/2005
 
1. Life branch      
  A. Technical reserves      
    A.1 Gross annual amount   (2,258 )
    A.2 (-) Amount reassured with third parties   2  
  B. Other technical reserves      
    B.1 Gross annual amount   (136 )
    B.2 (-) Amount reassured with third parties   92  
  C. Technical reserves for investment risks to be borne by the insured      
    C.1 Gross annual amount   5  
    C.2 (-) Amount reassured with third parties    
Total life branch reserves   (2,295 )
2. Casualty branch    
Changes in other technical reserves of casualty branch other than claims fund net of ceded reinsurance    

10.3 Break-down of sub-caption "Claims accrued during the year"

 
  12/31/2005
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Life branch: charges associated to claims, net of reinsurance ceded      
  A. Amounts paid      
    A.1 Gross annual amount   (1,968 )
    A.2 (-) Amount reassured with third parties    
  B. Changes of funds for amounts to be disbursed      
    B.1 Gross annual amount    
    B.2 (-) Amount reassured with third parties    
Total life branch claims   (1,968 )
Casualty branch: charges associated to claims, net of recoveries and reinsurance ceded      
  C. Amounts paid:      
    C.1 Gross annual amount   (15 )
    C.2 (-) Amount reassured with third parties   4  
  D. Changes of recoveries, net of amounts reassured with third parties    
  E. Changes in claims fund      
    E.1 Gross annual amount   (2 )
    E.2 (-) Amount reassured with third parties    
Total life branch claims   (13 )

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10.4.  Break-down of sub-caption "Other income/charges arising on insurance activities"

 
  12/31/2005
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Other income   17  
  10.4.1 Life branch   6  
  10.4.2 Casualty branch   11  
Other expenses   (237 )
  10.4.1 Life branch   (231 )
  10.4.2 Casualty branch   (6 )

SECTION 11—ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS—CAPTION 180

11.1 Personnel costs: break-down

Type of costs/Value

  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
1) Employees          
  a) Wages and salaries   (1,971 ) (1,972 )
  b) Social security charges   (521 ) (508 )
  c) Provision for termination indemnities   (38 ) (34 )
  d) Social security costs   (5 ) (1 )
  e) Accruals to provision for termination indemnities   (82 ) (99 )
  f) Accruals to pension funds and similar funds   (31 ) (14 )
  —defined contribution   (1 )  
  —defined benefit   (30 ) (14 )
  g) Amounts paid to external complementary social security funds   (59 ) (54 )
  —defined contribution   (57 ) (52 )
  —defined benefit   (2 ) (2 )
  h) Costs arising on payment agreements based on own financial instruments   (7 ) (2 )
  i) Other benefits in favor of employees   (103 ) (107 )
2) Other personnel   (7 ) (13 )
3) Directors   (15 ) (17 )
Total   (2,839 ) (2,821 )

11.2 Average number of employees by category

 
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
Employees   43,181   43,244
  1. executives   821   818
  2. Total managers   13,673   13,499
—third and fourth level managers   5,016   5,195
  3. other employees   28,687   28,927
Other personnel   245   260
Total   43,426   43,504

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11.3 Defined benefit company pension funds: total costs

 
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
Costs recorded at statement of income

  Employee
termination
indemnity

  INTERNAL
PLANS

  EXTERNAL
PLANS

  Employee
termination
indemnity

  INTERNAL
PLANS

  EXTERNAL
PLANS

 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Employee benefit plan costs related to work performance   (46 ) (3 ) (22 ) (53 ) (3 ) (18 )
Financial costs of determining the present value of the defined benefit obligations   (36 ) (8 ) (76 ) (45 ) (8 ) (74 )
Expected profit from the fund's assets   N/A   6   76   N/A   7   83  
Reimbursement from third parties              
Recognized actuarial losses              
Recognized actuarial income              
Employee benefit plan costs related to past work performance(*)              
Reduction of the Fund              
Payment of the fund              
Assets incurred in the year and not recognised              

(*)
Yearly quota.

        At December 31, 2005 costs relating to the pension funds had been entered directly in Shareholders' equity for 199 million euro after tax.

11.4 Other benefits in favor of employees

        Other benefits in favor of employees essentially include provisions for employee seniority bonuses.

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11.5 Other administrative costs: break-down

 
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
IT costs   (399 ) (423 )
  Software maintenance and upgrades   (148 ) (128 )
  External data processing   (76 ) (93 )
  Maintenance of operating assets   (54 ) (60 )
  Data transmission charges   (48 ) (73 )
  Database access charges   (50 ) (45 )
  Equipment leasing charges   (23 ) (24 )
Property costs   (299 ) (290 )
  Rental of premises   (180 ) (179 )
  Security services   (35 ) (34 )
  Cleaning of premises   (31 ) (32 )
  Maintenance of property owned by the Bank   (24 ) (26 )
  Maintenance of leasehold premises   (29 ) (19 )
General expenses   (205 ) (231 )
  Postal and telegraph charges   (61 ) (58 )
  Office supplies   (33 ) (31 )
  Transport and counting of valuables   (20 ) (22 )
  Courier and transport services   (21 ) (20 )
  Other expenses   (70 ) (100 )
Professional and insurance fees   (307 ) (283 )
  Professional fees   (159 ) (156 )
  Legal and judiciary expenses   (53 ) (56 )
  Insurance premiums banks and customers   (57 ) (45 )
  Investigation/commercial information costs   (38 ) (26 )
Promotion, advertising and marketing expenses   (132 ) (101 )
  Advertising and entertainment   (114 ) (82 )
  Contributions and membership fees to trade unions and business associations   (18 ) (19 )
Indirect personnel costs   (101 ) (106 )
  Indirect personnel expenses   (101 ) (106 )
Utilities   (80 ) (85 )
  Energy   (48 ) (48 )
  Telephone   (32 ) (37 )
Recoveries   64   45  
Total   (1,459 ) (1,474 )
Indirect duties and taxes   (315 ) (251 )
—stamp duties   (216 ) (169 )
—substitute tax (Pres. Decree 601/73)   (53 ) (35 )
—local property taxes   (12 ) (14 )
—tax on stock exchange contracts   (4 ) (7 )
—non-recoverable VAT on purchases   (9 ) (7 )
—other   (21 ) (19 )
Recoveries   260   200  
Total   (55 ) (51 )
Total other administrative costs   (1,514 ) (1,525 )

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SECTION 12—NET PROVISIONS FOR RISKS AND CHARGES—CAPTION 190

Break-down of caption 190 "Net provisions for risks and charges"

 
  12/31/2005
 
 
  Provisions
  Uses
  Total
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Accruals for legal disputes   (128 ) 6   (122 )
Accruals for other personnel charges   (8 ) 1   (7 )
Accruals for sundry charges   (107 ) 183   76  
Total   (243 ) 190   (53 )
Total 12/31/2004   (244 ) 28   (216 )

        Further information on the Group's operational risks and current litigation can be found in Part E of these Notes.

SECTION 13—NET ADJUSTMENTS TO TANGIBLE ASSETS—CAPTION 200

13.1 Net adjustments to tangible assets: break-down

Asset/Income component

  Depreciation
(a)

  Impairment
adjustments
(b)

  Write-backs
(c)

  12/31/2005
net income
(a+b-c)

 
 
  (€/mil)

 
A. Tangible assets                  
  A.1 Owned by the Bank   (220 ) (5 )   (225 )
    — for business use   (219 ) (4 )   (223 )
    — for investment   (1 ) (1 )   (2 )
  A.2 Leased   (14 )     (14 )
    — for business use   (14 )     (14 )
    — for investment          
Total   (234 ) (5 )   (239 )
Total 12/31/2004   (238 ) (4 )   (242 )

SECTION 14—NET ADJUSTMENTS TO INTANGIBLE ASSETS—CAPTION 210

14.1 Net adjustments to intangible assets: break-down

Asset/Income component

  Amortization
(a)

  Impairment
adjustments
(b)

  Write-backs
(c)

  12/31/2005
net income
(a+b-c)

 
 
  (€/mil)

 
A. Intangible assets                  
  A.1 Owned by the Bank   (196 ) (2 )   (198 )
    — generated internally   (127 )     (127 )
    — other   (69 ) (2 )   (71 )
  A.2 Leased          
Total   (196 ) (2 )   (198 )
Total 12/31/2004   (230 )     (230 )

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SECTION 15—OTHER OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSES)—CAPTION 220

15.1 Other operating expenses: break-down

 
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Other operating expenses          
Other charges on consumer credit leasing transactions   (25 ) (36 )
Other collection expenses   (25 ) (7 )
Transactions for legal disputes   (9 ) (3 )
Other non-recurring expenses   (35 ) (47 )
Other expenses   (12 ) (39 )
Total   (106 ) (132 )

        Also shown is the potential amount of financial leasing fees, recognized as charges during the year, which amounts to 27 million euro.

15.2 Other operating income: break-down

 
  12/31/2005
  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

Other operating income        
Cost recoveries   17   45
Income from IT companies   2   2
Reimbursements for services to third parties   18   18
Other income on consumer credit and leasing transactions   30   19
Rent and other income from property   4   8
Other collection income   30   9
Other non-recurring income   56   20
of which: recovery of tax credits in dispute   7  
Other income   23   40
Total other income   180   161

        The caption "Cost recoveries" includes those recoveries that, pursuant to IAS/IFRS regulation, cannot be offset against the related expenses incurred.

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SECTION 16—PROFITS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES AND COMPANIES SUBJECT TO JOINT CONTROL—CAPTION 240

16.1 Profits (losses) on investments: break-down

Income component/Value

  12/31/2005
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
1) Subject to joint control      
  A. Income   7  
    1. Revaluations   7  
    2. Profit on disposal    
    3. Write-backs    
    4. Other positive changes    
  B. Charges   (46 )
    1. Write-downs    
    2. Adjustments for impairment   (46 )
    3. Losses on disposal    
    4. Other negative changes    
Net income   (39 )
2) Companies subject to significant influence      
  A. Income   112  
    1. Revaluations   53  
    2. Profit on disposal   59  
    3. Write-backs    
    4. Other positive changes    
  B. Charges   (3 )
    1. Write-downs   (2 )
    2. Adjustments for impairment    
    3. Losses on disposal   (1 )
    4. Other negative changes    
Net income   109  
Total   70  

        This table does not include the evaluation of Sanpaolo IMI Private Equity Scheme B.V. as it is included among "Non-current assets and groups of discounted assets". This evaluation had no impact on the consolidated statement of income.

        The "adjustments for impairment" refer to the adjustment made by the Parent Bank to the holding in the Cassa dei Risparmi di Forlì.

SECTION 17—NET RESULT OF FAIR VALUE ADJUSTMENT TO TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS—CAPTION 250

17.1 Net result of fair value adjustment to tangible and intangible assets: break-down

        The SANPAOLO IMI Group does not carry out an evaluation at fair value of tangible and intangible assets.

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SECTION 18—IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL—CAPTION 260

18.1 Impairment of goodwill: break-down

        During the year, the SANPAOLO IMI Group did not incur significant impairment of goodwill. The adjustment of one million euro shown at caption 260 of the consolidated statement of income refers to the cancellation of the residual goodwill arising from an investment in a private equity company.

SECTION 19—PROFITS (LOSSES) ON DISPOSALS OF INVESTMENTS—CAPTION 270

19.1 Profits (losses) on disposal of investments: break-down

Income component/Value

  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

A. Property   9
  —Profit on disposal   9
  —Losses on disposal  
B. Other assets   8
  —Profit on disposal   8
  —Losses on disposal  
Net income   17

SECTION 20—INCOME TAXES FOR THE PERIOD—CAPTION 290

20.1 Income taxes for the period: break-down

Income component/Value

  12/31/2005
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
1. Current income taxes (-)   (826 )
2. Changes in current income taxes of previous periods (+/-)   (5 )
3. Decrease in current income taxes of the period (+)   67  
4. Change in deferred tax asset (+/-)   (215 )
5. Change in deferred tax liabilities (+/-)   31  
6. Taxes for the year (-) (-1+/-2+3+/-4+/-5)   (948 )

20.2 Reconciliation of theoretical and effective tax charges in the financial statements

        With a charge for taxes of 948 million euro, the tax rate of the SANPAOLO IMI Group in the financial year 2005 was 31.4%, less than the theoretical tax rate for a banking group (37.3%, 33% IRES and 4.3% IRAP). The reduction principally reflects:

 
  12/31/2005
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Theoretical income taxes for the period   37.3  
Impact of participation exemption(*)   (7.8 )
Impact of lower foreign rates   (4.0 )
Impact of non deductible IRAP for personnel costs   4.6  
Impact of non deductible IRAP on loans adjustments   1.0  
Other   0.3  
Total   31.4  

(*)
Reflects the impact of exemption of capital gains on participation meeting the requirement of Art. 87 of D.P.R. no. 917/1986. With regard to the changes made to "participation exemption"

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SECTION 21—PROFITS (LOSSES) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS—CAPTION 310

21.1 Profits (losses) from discontinued operations: break-down

Income component/Value

  12/31/2005
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Group of assets/liabilities      
  Income   43  
  Charges   (51 )
  Income from valuation of the group of assets and associated liabilities   (27 )
  Profits (losses) on disposals    
  Taxes    
Profit (loss)   (35 )

        Losses on non-current operations net of tax (35 million euro) reflect the economic impact of the contribution to the consolidation and of the evaluation of the French subsidiaries belonging to the Fideuram Wargny group (see Part B—Information on the consolidated balance sheet / Section 15—Non-current operations and groups of discontinued operations—Assets caption 150 Assets and Liabilities caption 90).

21.2 Break-down of income taxes on groups of discontinued assets/liabilities

        Evaluation of the Fideuram Wargny group does not include significant amounts of income tax.

SECTION 22—PROFIT (LOSS) FOR THE PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINORITY INTERESTS—CAPTION 330

22.1 Break-down of caption 330 "profit for the period attributable to minority interests"

        Income attributable to minority interests of 59 million euro refers essentially to the share attributable to minority shareholders in Banca Fideuram and its subsidiaries (apart from the Fideuram Wargny group).

22.2 Break-down of caption 330 "loss for the period attributable to minority interests"

        The loss attributable to minority interests of two million euro refers essentially to the share of losses attributable to minority shareholders in Banque Privée Fideuram Wargny.

SECTION 23—OTHER INFORMATION

        Further information on the Group's consolidated results for 2005, including in relation to the various business sectors in which it operates, can be found in the Items of the Form 20-F.

SECTION 24—PROFIT PER SHARE

24.1 Average number of ordinary shares with diluted capital

        At December 31, 2005 the Bank's fully-paid share capital of 5,239,223,740.80 euro was divided into 1,586,967,318 ordinary shares and 284,184,018 preference shares, both with a nominal value of 2.8 euro.

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        During the year, the number of ordinary shares increased by 111,844,500 compared to December 31, 2004, 7,694,500 of which were attributable to the increases in share capital through the stock option plans and 104,150,000 of which were attributable to the conversion to preference shares.

        With reference to the calculation of the base profit per share, the weighted average of the ordinary shares is increased by the weighted average of the preference shares. This decision is justified by the net result for the period which ensured an identical flow of remuneration both to ordinary and to preference shareholders.

        Net of own shares held by the Parent Bank and the other subsidiaries, the weighted average of the ordinary and preference shares included in the calculation of the base gain per share was 1,862,359,089 shares.

        For the purposes of calculating the "diluted" gain per share, the shares that could be issued following the conversion to shares of all the "ordinary shares with potential dilution effect" supporting the stock option plan in place at December 31, 2005 were added to the number of computable shares. Their contribution is 1,573,429 shares.

        Below are the principal elements used as numerator and denominator to compute the base profit and diluted profit per share in comparison to the results for 2004.

        The impact of dilution, attributable exclusively to the increase in ordinary shares consequent to the potential exercise of the residual stock option rights, is negligible.

 
  2005
  2004
Calculation of basis profit per share        
Consolidated net profit (€/mil)   1,983   1,447
of which:        
attributable to ordinary shareholders (€/mil)   1,570   1,141
attributable to preferred shareholders (€/mil)   413   306
weighted average number of shares   1,862,359,089   1,834,968,712
Basis profit per share   1.06   0.79
Calculation of diluted profit per share        
Contribution of potential ordinary shares arising from the stock option plans   1,573,429   2,219,967
Weighted average number of shares   1,863,932,519   1,837,188,679
Diluted income per share   1.06   0.79

24.2 Other information

        The amount of the base and diluted profit per share attributable to assets intended for disposal shown in the financial statements, and attributable largely to the loss from sale of the holdings in the Wargny group (36 euro/mil) was irrelevant (-0.00), for the explanatory purposes of this section of the Notes.

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PART D—SEGMENT REPORTING

Primary reporting

Organization by Business Sector

        Following the redesign of the organizational structure initiated on July 5, 2005, the SANPAOLO IMI Group was divided into the following Business Sectors:


        This division, which focused on the banking area (divided into the business lines "retail and private" and "corporate"), on savings and assurance, including insurance business and asset gathering, and on asset management, is consistent with the provisions of IAS 14, Segment Reporting. It was specifically chosen as primary reporting, in conformity with the management approach, since it reflects the operational responsibilities laid down by the abovementioned organizational review.

        The table below shows the main data summarizing the growth of the Business Sector.

        Where necessary, the financial information relating to the financial year 2004 and operational data at 12/31/2004 have been reconstructed homogeneously with regard to the business structure.

 
  Banking
  Savings and
Assurance

  Asset Management
and International
Private Banking

  Central
Functions

  Netting and
consolidation
entries

  Group
total

REVENUES OF THE SECTOR (€/mil)(1)                        
2005 financial year   6,649   1,072   344   341   (4 ) 8,402
2004 financial year(*)   6,282   925   325   154   18   7,704
Change 2005 financial year / 2004 financial year (%)   5.8%   15.9%   5.8%   121.4%   n.s.   9.1%

RESULT OF THE SECTOR (€/mil)(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
2005 financial year   2,555   600   233   (380 ) 15   3,023
2004 financial year(*)   1,994   532   181   (531 ) (5 ) 2,171
Change 2005 financial year / 2004 financial year (%)   28.1%   12.8%   28.7%   (28.4% ) n.s.   39.2%

TOTAL INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS (€/mil)(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
12/31/2005   141,463   6,460   4,137   86,730   (53,022 ) 185,768
12/31/2004   124,132   5,063   4,549   78,206   (48,036 ) 163,914
Change 12/31/2005 - 12/31/2004 (%)   14.0%   27.6%   (9.1% ) 10.9%   10.4%   13.3%

(1)
Total operating income.

(2)
Pre-tax operating profit.

(3)
Excluding Banca IMI Group.

(*)
The consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2004 was prepared in accordance with EU GAAP; however, as permitted by IFRS 1, these results excluded the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, for which the transition date was January 1, 2005 and

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Criteria for calculating profitability of the Business Sectors

The income statement has been prepared as follows:

        Furthermore, each Sector has been attributed the average absorbed capital on the basis of the current risks (credit, market and operational risks) calculated according to the VaR (Valued at Risk) approach; these risks are covered entirely by the primary capital. The only exception is Banca Fideuram, which operates in the Savings and Assurance sector, and for which, as it is a listed company, reference has been made to end of the period accounting net shareholders' equity (excluding net profit) in conformity with Group practice.

        Profitability of each Sector has been expressed in terms of RORAC (Return On Risk Adjusted Capital), relating the Sector's contribution to the net profit of the Group to the amount of average absorbed capital measured according to VaR. For the Savings and Assurance sector, profitability has been calculated relating the contribution of the Sector to the Group net profit to the amount of net shareholders' equity of Banca Fideuram and the average absorbed capital of Assicurazioni Internazionali di Previdenza.

Secondary reporting

        In accordance with the Group's management approach and organizational decisions, the disclosure by Geographical Sectors constitutes the secondary reporting required by IAS 14. Below is a summary

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report of the main operating data for Italy that is the area where the majority of the Group's activities are concentrated, Europe and the rest of the world.

 
  Italy
  Europe
  Rest of
the world

  Group
total

 
REVENUES OF THE SECTOR (€/mil)(1)                  
2005 financial year   7,504   843   55   8,402  
2004 financial year (*)   6,920   738   46   7,704  
Change 2005 financial year / 2004 financial year (%)   8.4 % 14.2 % 19.6 % 9.1 %

TOTAL INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS (€/mil)(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
12/31/2005   167,541   11,631   6,596   185,768  
12/31/2004   150,810   8,586   4,518   163,914  
Change 12/31/2005 - 12/31/2004 (%)   11.1 % 35.5 % 46.0 % 13.3 %

(1)
Total operating income.

(2)
Excluding Banca IMI Group.

(*)
The consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2004 was prepared in accordance with EU GAAP; however, as permitted by IFRS 1, these results excluded the application of IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4, for which the transition date was January 1, 2005 and Italian GAAP continued to apply to the recognition and presentation of results, asset and liabilities to which IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4 would otherwise have applied.

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PART E—INFORMATION ON RISKS AND HEDGING

SECTION 1—BANKING GROUP'S RISKS

1.1   CREDIT RISK

        The SANPAOLO IMI Group is strongly committed to risk management and control, which is based on three principles:

        The policies relating to the acceptance of credit and financial risks are defined by the Parent Bank's Board of Directors and Executive Committee with support from specific operating Committees.

        The Parent Bank also performs general functions of risk management and control and makes risk-acceptance in the case of major risks, supported by the Risk Management Department.

        The Group companies that generate credit and/or financial risk are assigned limits of operational autonomy and have their own control structures. For the main Group banking networks (Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli, Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna, Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, Cassa di Risparmio di Venezia, Friulcassa and Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico) these functions are carried out, on the basis of an outsourcing contract, by the Parent Bank risk control functions that report periodically to the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee of the subsidiary.

QUALITATIVE INFORMATION

Credit risk management policies

Organizational aspects

        SANPAOLO IMI has established lines of conduct to be followed throughout the Group when taking on risk. The Parent Bank and the subsidiaries are assigned approval limits defined in terms of total Group exposure to the counterpart and also differentiated according to the counterpart's internal rating. Any transaction exceeding the prescribed limits must be submitted to the approval/opinion of the appropriate Bodies of the Parent Bank, consisting of (according to the level of exposure) the Credit Department, the Group Credit Committee (composed of the Managing Director and the heads of the responsible structures), the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.

        The Credit Department, which is independent from the business segments, is responsible for defining and updating the credit procedures and processes at Group level. With regard to the acceptance phase, it ensures the investigation and approval/opinion phase of transactions that exceed the abovementioned approval limits. The Credit Department is also responsible for controlling and preventing the deterioration in the credit quality, and setting policies for the management and control of doubtful loans.

        The Risk Management Department is responsible, at Group level, for defining and updating the credit risk measurement methods, with the objective of guaranteeing their alignment with best practice, as well as for analyzing the risk profile and preparing summary reports for SANPAOLO IMI's top management on the changes in the Group's asset quality.

        The control structures operating within the individual Companies are responsible for measuring and monitoring the portion of the loan book assigned to them. For the main Group banking networks (Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli, Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna, Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo,

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Cassa di Risparmio di Venezia, Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico and Friulcassa) these functions are carried out, on the basis of an outsourcing contract, by the Parent Bank's risk control functions that report periodically to the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee of the subsidiary.

Management, measurement and control systems

        SANPAOLO IMI has developed a set of instruments to ensure analytical control over the quality of the loans to customers and financial institutions, and exposures subject to country risk.

        With regard to loans to customers, grading models have been developed, differentiated according to the economic sector and size of the counterpart. These models make it possible to summarize the credit quality of the counterparty's credit quality in a measurement, the rating, which reflects the probability of default over a period of one year, adjusted on the basis of the average level of the economic cycle. Statistical calibrations have rendered these rating fully consistent with those awarded by rating agencies, forming a single scale of reference. The periodic backtesting analyses carried out to date, comparing the insolvency forecasts with the effective defaults, confirm the validity of the models used.

        In 2005, the rating, previously used in the loan approval process with regard to counterparties submitted to the Group Credit Committee or higher bodies, was introduced as an essential element of the process in relation to the credit granted by the branch network. Together with the assessment of the credit mitigating factors (typically guarantees and covenants), the rating contributes to defining the credit risk strategy, represented by the set of commercial policies and management behavior (frequency of reviews of lines of credit and recovery actions).

        The new network loan approval process, designed in accordance with the Basel 2 organizational requirements, has been implemented in the Corporate, Small Business and Mortgage segments of the banking networks and Banca OPI. During the year, it will be progressively extended to the other types of customer and to all the Italian companies of the Group whose principal mission is to take on credit risks.

        With regard to banking and finance counterparties, a system has been established to classify the financial institutions in a scale consistent with those used by rating agencies. The risk class forms the basic information that, integrated by the type and duration of the transaction, and by any guarantees present, makes it possible to determine the credit limits with each counterparty.

        Finally, as regards country risk, the rating is assigned on the basis of a model that takes into consideration the judgment of specialized institutions and agencies, market information and internal assessments.

        The ratings are not just a direct instrument to monitor credit risk, but are also a primary element for the credit risk portfolio model, which summarizes the information on asset quality in terms of risk indicators, including expected losses and capital at risk. The expected loss is the product multiplication of exposure to default, probability of default (derived from the rating) and loss given default. The latter is measured with reference to an economic rather than accounting concept of loss including legal costs and prudently calculated on the discounted value of post-default recoveries.

        The "expected" loss represents the average of the loss distribution, whereas the capital at risk is defined as the maximum "unexpected" loss that the Group may incur with a confidence level of 99.95%.

Techniques for the mitigation of credit risk

        The techniques for the mitigation of credit risk are the elements that contribute to reducing the loss given default. They include guarantees, facility types and covenants.

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        The evaluation of the mitigating factors is performed through a procedure that assigns each individual loan a loss given default, assuming the highest values in the case of ordinary unsecured loans and decreasing in accordance with the strength given to any mitigating factors present. The "very strong" and "strong" mitigating factors include financial collateral and residential mortgages. Other mitigating guarantees include non-residential mortgages and personal guarantees issued by unrated parties, provided they have sufficient personal assets. The strength of the personal guarantee issued by rated parties (typically banks, Credit Guarantee Consortia and corporates, in general belonging to the same counterpart group) is assessed on the basis of the guarantor's credit quality through mechanisms based on "PD substitution". The loss given default values are subsequently aggregated at customer level in order to provide a summary evaluation of the strength of the mitigating factors.

        Within the credit acceptance and management process, as mentioned above, the strength of the mitigating factors is important in the definition of the credit strategy, in particular with reference to the counterparties classified by the rating system as non investment grade. In addition, certain types of transactions, typically medium-long term, require collateral or covenants for their finalization regardless of the credit strategy defined.

Impaired financial assets

        This item describes the technical-organizational and methodological procedures used in the management and control of impaired financial assets. This information includes the methods of classification of the assets by counterparty quality, the factors that allow transition from impaired exposures to performing exposures, the analysis of the exposure by length of past due, and the procedures for the assessment of the adequacy of write-downs and provisions.

****

        Details of the classification of the impaired assets are provided in Part A—Accounting policies. The monitoring of the correct application of the classification rules, using dedicated tools and procedures, is delegated to a central structure responsible for credit control.

        With reference to loans past due by more than 180 days, restructured loans and watch list loans, the structures responsible for their management are identified, on the basis of pre-determined thresholds of increasing significance, within the operational areas, in decentralized organizational units that carry out specialist activities and in a dedicated central structure that is responsible for the entire management and coordination of these matters.

        The management of non performing positions is centralized within specialized functions of the head office that, in carrying out relevant recovery actions, relies on personnel located throughout the branch network. Within these actions, in order to identify the strategies that may be implemented for each individual position, the out of court and judicial solutions are examined, in terms of cost-benefit analyses, taking into account the financial impact of the estimated recovery times.

        The loss in value of impaired assets is calculated on the basis of the criteria detailed in part A—Accounting policies. The valuation is reviewed whenever significant events come to light that may alter the recovery prospects. In order for adjustments to be made in a timely manner for these events, the information relating to the debtor is periodically monitored and the progress of out of court settlements and the various phases of legal proceedings are continually verified.

        The return of impaired exposures to performing status, governed by the specific internal regulations, may only take place on the proposal of the abovementioned structures responsible for their management, upon ascertainment that the critical conditions or state of default no longer exist and subject to the binding opinion, where envisaged, of the structure responsible for to credit control.

        The overall doubtful loans portfolio is continually monitored through a predetermined control system and periodic managerial reporting.

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QUANTITATIVE INFORMATION

A.    CREDIT QUALITY

A.1  Performing and impaired loans: amounts, adjustments, changes, break-down by type and geographical area

A.1.1   Financial assets analyzed by portfolio and credit quality (book value)

 
   
  Banking group
  Other companies
   
Portfolios/Quality

  Non-performing
loans

  Problem
loans

  Restructured
loans

  Expired
loans

  Country
risk

  Other
assets

  Impaired
  Other
  Total
 
   
  (€/mil)

1.   Assets held for trading   5           24,754     278   25,037
2.   Available for sale assets             10,781     19,056   29,837
3.   Held-to-maturity assets             2,535       2,535
4.   Due from banks           47   28,724     65   28,836
5.   Loans to customers   1,080   1,074   94   1,066   17   136,176       139,507
6.   Assets designated at fair value             696     21,832   22,528
7.   Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale             136       136
8.   Hedging derivatives             435       435
Total   1,085   1,074   94   1,066   64   204,237     41,231   248,851

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A.1.2   Financial assets analyzed by portfolio and credit quality (gross and net values)

 
   
   
  Impaired assets
  Other assets
   
Portfolios/Quality

  Gross
exposure

  Specific
adjustments

  Portfolio
adjustments

  Net
exposure

  Gross
exposure

  Portfolio
adjustments

  Net
exposure

  Total
(net
exposure)

 
   
   
  (€/mil)

A.   Banking group                                
    1.   Assets held for trading   5       5   24,754   X   24,754   24,759
    2.   Available for sale assets           10,781     10,781   10,781
    3.   Held-to-maturity assets           2,535     2,535   2,535
    4.   Due from banks   4   4       28,791   20   28,771   28,771
    5.   Loans to customers   7,275   3,807   154   3,314   137,267   1,074   136,193   139,507
    6.   Assets designated at fair value           696   X   696   696
    7.   Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale           136     136   136
    8.   Hedging derivatives           435   X   435   435
Total A   7,284   3,811   154   3,319   205,395   1,094   204,301   207,620
B.   Other companies included in the scope of consolidation                                
    1.   Assets held for trading           278   X   278   278
    2.   Available for sale assets           19,056     19,056   19,056
    3.   Held-to-maturity assets                
    4.   Due from banks           65     65   65
    5.   Loans to customers                
    6.   Assets designated at fair value           21,832   X   21,832   21,832
    7.   Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale                
    8.   Hedging derivatives             X    
Total B           41,231     41,231   41,231
Total   7,284   3,811   154   3,319   246,626   1,094   245,532   248,851

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A.1.3   Cash and off-balance sheet due from banks: gross and net values

Type of loan/Value

  Gross exposure
  Specific value
adjustments

  Portfolio value
adjustments

  Net exposure
 
   
   
  (€/mil)

A.   ON-BALANCE SHEET EXPOSURES                
    A.1   Banking group                
        a) Non-performing loans   3   3    
        b) Problem loans   1   1    
        c) Restructured loans        
        d) Expired loans        
        e) Country risk   55   X   8   47
        f) Other assets   33,993   X   12   33,981
    Total A.1   34,052   4   20   34,028
    A.2   Other companies                
        a) Impaired        
        b) Other   12,713   X     12,713
    Total A.2   12,713       12,713
Total A   46,765   4   20   46,741
B.   OFF-BALANCE SHEET EXPOSURES                
    B.1   Banking group                
        a) Impaired        
        b) Other   7,554   X   1   7,553
    Total B.1   7,554     1   7,553
    B.2   Other companies                
        a) Impaired        
        b) Other     X    
    Total B.2        
Total B   7,554     1   7,553

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A.1.4   Cash due from banks: changes in impaired loans subject to "country risk"—gross

Type/Category

  Non-performing
loans

  Problem
loans

  Restructured
loans

  Expired
loans

  Country risk
 
   
  (€/mil)

A.   Opening gross exposure   3   1       26
    —of which: loans sold and not cancelled          
B.   Increases   2         32
    B.1 from performing loans          
    B.2 transfer from other categories of impaired loans          
    B.3 other increases   2         32
C.   Decreases   2         3
    C.1 to performing loans          
    C.2 cancellations           1
    C.3 collections   2         2
    C.4 arising from sales          
    C.5 transfer to other categories of impaired loans          
    C.6 other decreases          
D.   Closing gross exposure   3   1       55
    —of which: loans sold and not cancelled          

A.1.5   Cash due from banks: changes in total value adjustments

Type/Category

  Non-performing
loans

  Problem loans
  Restructured
loans

  Expired
loans

  Country risk
 
   
  (€/mil)

A.   Total opening adjustments   3   1       7
    —of which: loans sold and not cancelled          
B.   Increases   1         4
    B.1 adjustments   1         1
    B.2 transfer from other categories of impaired loans          
    B.3 other increases           3
C.   Decreases   1         3
    C.1 write-backs due to valuation          
    C.2 write-backs due to collection   1        
    C.3 cancellations           1
    C.4 transfer to other categories of impaired loans          
    C.5 other decreases           2
D.   Total closing adjustments   3   1       8
    —of which: loans sold and not cancelled          

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A.1.6   Cash and off-balance sheet loans to customers: gross and net values

Type of loan/Value

  Gross exposure
  Specific value
adjustments

  Portfolio value
adjustments

  Net exposure
 
   
   
  (€/mil)

A.   ON-BALANCE SHEET EXPOSURES                
    A.1   Banking group                
        a) Non-performing loans   4,326   3,233   8   1,085
        b) Problem loans   1,573   486   13   1,074
        c) Restructured loans   128   34     94
        d) Expired loans   1,253   54   133   1,066
        e) Country risk   25   X   8   17
        f) Other assets   162,322   X   1,066   161,256
    Total A.1   169,627   3,807   1,228   164,592
    A.2   Other companies                
        a) Impaired        
        b) Other   28,289   X     28,289
    Total A.2   28,289       28,289
Total A   197,916   3,807   1,228   192,881
B.   OFF-BALANCE SHEET EXPOSURES                
    B.1   Banking group                
        a) Impaired   135   36     99
        b) Other   49,840   X   63   49,777
    Total B.1   49,975   36   63   49,876
    B.2   Other companies                
        a) Impaired        
        b) Other     X    
    Total B.2        
Total B   49,975   36   63   49,876

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A.1.7   Cash loans to customers: changes in impaired loans subject to "country risk"—gross

Type/Category

  Non-performing
loans

  Problem
loans

  Restructured
loans

  Expired
loans

  Country
risk

 
   
  (€/mil)

A.   Opening gross exposure(*)   4,609   1,642   193   1,104   36
    —of which: loans sold and not cancelled          
B.   Increases   933   1,353   102   566  
    B.1 from performing loans   139   837   13   523  
    B.2 transfer from other categories of impaired loans   491   202   39   4  
    B.3 other increases   303   314   50   39  
C.   Decreases   1,216   1,422   167   417   11
    C.1 to performing loans   23   175     290  
    C.2 cancellations   616   32     1  
    C.3 collections   368   631   50   58   10
    C.4 arising from sales   66   31      
    C.5 transfer to other categories of impaired loans   38   518   115   65  
    C.6 other decreases   105   35   2   3   1
D.   Closing gross exposure   4,326   1,573   128   1,253   25
    —of which: loans sold and not cancelled   3   2      

(*)
Excluding loans "in course of restructuring" shown in the financial statements at 12/31/2004 following the abolition of that category of impaired loans by the Bank of Italy.

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A.1.8   Cash loans to customers: changes in total value adjustments

Type/Category

  Non-performing
loans

  Problem
loans

  Restructured
loans

  Expired
loans

  Country
risk

 
   
  (€/mil)

A.   Total opening adjustments(*)   3,472   528   44   117   10
    —of which: loans sold and not cancelled          
B.   Increases   703   297   23   73   2
    B.1 adjustments   484   200   6   32  
    B.2 transfer from other categories of impaired loans   121   43   12    
    B.3 other increases   98   54   5   41   2
C.   Decreases   934   326   33   3   4
    C.1 write-backs due to valuation   64   58   4     3
    C.2 write-backs due to collection   124   81      
    C.3 cancellations   616   32     1  
    C.4 transfer to other categories of impaired loans   16   132   28    
    C.5 other decreases   114   23   1   2   1
D.   Total closing adjustments   3,241   499   34   187   8
    —of which: loans sold and not cancelled   1        

(*)
Excluding loans "in course of restructuring" shown in the financial statements at 12/31/2004 following the abolition of that category of impaired loans by the Bank of Italy.

        Loans to risk countries by SANPAOLO IMI Group are 80 million euro gross of adjustments and 64 million euro net of adjustments (loans to banks and to customers). The data is essentially concentrated in the Parent Bank's banking book.

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A.2  Break-down of exposures by external and internal ratings

        The break-down of exposures by external and internal ratings refers to loans and commitments on and off balance sheet of the Group companies to which the models of credit risk measurement apply (SANPAOLO IMI, Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli, Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico, Cariparo, Carisbo, Carivenezia, Friulcassa, Banca OPI, Sanpaolo IMI Bank Ireland, Sanpaolo Leasint and Neos), which overall represent more than 95% of the credit risk weighted assets of the Group.

        External ratings are present on 23% of the loans to customers and on 52% of the loans to banks. Since they refer to counterparties belonging to the public and banking sector and to corporate customers of high standing, these ratings are concentrated on the highest classes, as shown in Chart 1.

        Internal ratings, attributed also to counterparts with external ratings commented on above, cover loans to banks almost completely (97%) and 75% of loans to customers. This coverage is high and is steadily increasing for the Corporate and Small Business sectors, which, as described above, have been affected during the year by the introduction of new Basle 2 compliant processes. Unrated counterparties are concentrated in the family segment, where, moreover, the residential mortgage model, which represents the largest portion of the segment, has been refined during 2005 and its usage introduced in the acceptance process. The introduction of remaining rating models, for other loans issued to retail counterparties, will be implemented gradually during 2006. For the purposes of calculating the risk indicators, unrated counterparties are assigned an estimated rating on the basis of the average probabilities of default.

        With reference to the breakdown of loans by class of internal rating, given in Chart 2, these are classified almost completely in the investment grade area (up to BBB-) as far as banks are concerned. Loans to customers, however, are 76% in the investment grade area, 18% in the intermediate classes (BB) and 6% in the riskiest classes; where the highest risk levels (less than B-) are almost absent.

GRAPHIC   GRAPHIC

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A.3  Breakdown of guaranteed loans by type of guarantee

        The following tables show the amount of guaranteed loans to banks and customers (book value of guauanteed loans).

Secured loans to customers

 
  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

a) From mortgage loans   36,636
b) From pledges on:    
  1. cash deposits   1,730
  2. securities(*)   4,018
  3. other values   983
c) For guarantees from:    
  1. governments   11,019
  2. other public entities   6,719
  3. banks   1,402
  4. other operators   23,809
Total   86,316

(*)
Include repurchase and similar transactions guaranteed by underlying securities.

Secured due from banks

 
  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

a) From mortgage loans  
b) From pledges on:    
  1. cash deposits  
  2. securities(*)   6,321
  3. other values  
c) For guarantees from:    
  1. governments  
  2. other public entities   51
  3. banks   92
  4. other operators   2
Total   6,466

(*)
Include repurchase and similar transactions guaranteed by underlying securities.

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B.    DISTRIBUTION AND CONCENTRATION OF LOANS

Loans to customers by counterparty(1)

 
  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)
  (%)
Financing to households   31,435   22.5
Financing to family businesses and non-financial companies   81,028   58.1
Financing to financial companies   12,543   9.0
Financing to governments and public entities(2)   13,557   9.7
of which: tax collection   1,539   1.1
Financing to others   632   0.5
Financing to customers   139,195   99.8
Debt securities   312   0.2
Loans to customers   139,507   100.0

(1)
Including accruals and value adjustments for fair value hedge.

(2)
Excluding financing to municipal companies under Banca OPI, included in financing to non-financial companies.

B.2  Distribution of loans to non-financial companies

 
  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

a) Other services relating to sales   16,025
b) Commercial, recovery and repair services   10,189
c) Public works   8,001
d) Transport services   4,193
e) Energy products   4,015
f) Other sectors   30,997
g) Non-resident, non-financial companies   7,608
Total   81,028

B.3  Significant Exposures

 
  12/31/2005
a) Amount (€/mil)   6,903
b) Number   3

C.    SECURITIZATION AND SALE OF ASSET TRANSACTIONS

C.1  Securitization transactions

        As at December 31, 2005 SANPAOLO IMI Group has in place a securitization transaction performed by the subsidiary Sanpaolo Leasint S.p.A.:

        SPLIT2 Operation—in the fourth quarter of 2004 Sanpaolo Leasint sold, without recourse, to Split2 Srl, a vehicle company specially set up pursuant to Italian law no. 130/99, the loans deriving from performing leasing contracts covering real estate, automotive vehicles and capital goods for a total amount of 1,805 million euro. In addition to this portfolio, and to meet certain conditions, the structure of the operation includes the sale of further portfolios on a quarterly basis which will replace the loans

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from time to time collected by Split2 in the first 18 months (revolving period). In order to gather the funding necessary for purchasing the loans, Split2 issued three classes of security with ratings assigned by all three agencies (Moody's, S & P and Fitch), which have been successfully put on the market, and a Junior class of 18 million euro, completely underwritten by Sanpaolo Leasint. The objectives of the operation were to diversify the com-pany's sources of funding, to implement a time matching between the funding and the underlying loans and investments, and to free up economic and regulatory capital. In its role as servicer, Sanpaolo Leasint continues to manage the collections on the loans portfolio that was sold and to maintain direct relations with the customers, transferring the collections in terms of principal and interest from the portfolio to accounts opened in the name of the SPV at the depositary bank of the collections. It regularly provides information on the portfolio, necessary for monitoring by the rating agencies. The amount of loans collected as servicer as at December 31, 2005 comes to 622 million euro. The securitised assets underlying the Junior security as at December 31, 2005 are 1,622 million euro referrable to performing loans, 11 million euro reconcilable to expired and unpaid loans (delinquent loans) and three million euro referrable to defaulted loans.

Securities in portfolio representing third-party securitizations

        The Group holds securities for investment and trading which represent securitizations performed by third parties as shown in the following table.

 
   
  Senior
securities

  Mezzanine
securities

  Junior
securities

   
Type of underlying asset

  Credit
quality

   
 
  Total
 
   
  book value
(€/mil)

   
Investments held for trading,
available for sale and designated as at fair value
                   
  Central and local public administration   Performing   696   32   21   749
  Residential mortgage loans   Performing   18       18
  Commercial/industrial/agricultural mortgage loans   Performing   32       32
  Consumer credit   Performing   14       14
  Leasing   Performing   14       14
  Securities   Performing   81       81
  Health care receivable   Performing   365       365
  Public real estate assets   Performing   64       64
  Social contributions   Performing   183       183
  Tax credits   Performing        
  Other loans   Performing   20   10     30
        1,487   42   21   1,550

        The assets underlying the junior securities deriving from third-party securitizations (pro-quota value) amount to 28 million euro.

D.    MODELS FOR MEASURING CREDIT RISK

        The synthetic risk indicators show an improvement in the credit quality of the portfolio over the course of the year: in particular, the expected loss of loans to customers, at year end, is 0.44% of loans, a slight decrease on the 0.46% recorded at the end of 2004 (on a homogeneous basis).

        Economic capital is 4.5% of loans, stable compared to the end of 2004.

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1.2   MARKET RISKS

        The remarks below refer to the following paragraphs of Banca d'Italia Circular 262 of December 22, 2005:

1.2.1
Interest-rate risk—Trading portfolios;

1.2.2
Interest-rate risk—Non trading portfolios;

1.2.3
Price risk—Trading portfolios;

1.2.4
Price risk—Non trading portfolios;

1.2.5
Foreign exchange risk.

Organization

        The main body responsible for the management and control of market risks is the Board of Directors of the Parent Bank, which defines the guidelines and strategic issues concerning market risks, allocates capital on the basis of the expected risk/return profile and approves the risk limits for the Parent Bank and the guidelines for the subsidiaries.

        The Group Financial and Market Risk Committee ("CRFMG") is responsible for defining risk measurement criteria and methodologies, the risk limit framework of the Parent Bank and its subsidiaries and verifying the Group companies' risk profile. The CRFMG consists of the General Manager, the heads of the units responsible for risk-assumption, and the Risk Management Department.

        The Parent Bank's Treasury Department carries out the treasury activities and the financial risk management of the national banking networks centrally. Trading activities within the Group are mainly carried out by the Group's investment bank, Banca IMI.

        Parent Bank Risk Management is responsible for developing risk monitoring methodologies and proposals regarding the system of risk limits for the Parent Bank and the Group, as well as measuring risks for the main group banking subsidiaries (Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli, Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna, Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, Cassa di Risparmio di Venezia e Friulcassa, on the basis of a specific outsourcing contract).

        The Group's financial risk profile and the appropriate action undertaken to change it are examined, at least monthly, by the CRFMG.

Market risk of non-trading portfolios

General issues and market risk management of non-trading portfolios

        Non-trading market risk arises primarily in the Parent Bank and in the main subsidiaries that carry out retail and corporate banking. First of all, interest rate risk is managed by the Parent Bank in order to maximize the profitability, consistently with the stability of P&L results over a long-term basis.For this purpose, position-taking reflects the strategic views set by the CRFMG. Risk exposures are primarily managed both by monitoring the mix of assets and liabilities deriving from retail activities and liquidity management; when the natural composition of assets and liabilities plus cash management (mainly short term interbank deposits) create an interest rate risk profile which is not coherent with the goals set by CRFMG, actions are taken mainly through hedging derivatives. Short-term risk exposures (less than 18 months) are mostly managed by cash instruments (interbank deposits), with direct access to the interbank market. Other cash instruments (mainly bonds) are employed to manage long term risk exposures (greater than 18 months) residually. Differently from the Parent Bank, banking subsidiaries, with the aid of the Parent Bank's Treasury Department, pursue a substantially complete

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hedging against interest rate risk, in order to keep the individual risk profiles of subsidiaries within very narrow limits: for this purpose, cash and derivative deals are traded with SANPAOLO IMI or, as in the case of long-term derivatives, with Banca IMI. As to the foreign-exchange risk, spot and forward transactions are carried out by Parent Bank's Treasury Department with the task of ensuring uniform pricing standards throughout the Group and managing risk position originated by the brokerage activity of foreign currencies traded by customers. The non-trading portfolios also include market risk exposures arising from equity participations held by the Parent Bank, FIN. OPI, IMI Investimenti, Sanpaolo IMI-International, Sanpaolo IMI Internazionale and Sanpaolo IMI Private Equity, in companies with quoted market prices not fully consolidated or accounted for under either the equity method or the available for sale principle.

Measurement techniques for non-trading portfolios

        The following methods are used to measure market risks of non-trading portfolios:


        Value at Risk modeling is a statistical technique that produces an estimate of the potential loss in a portfolio over a specified holding period which is a statistically unlikely to be exceeded more than once during the given holding period. The Group uses a model based on historical volatility and correlations between the individual risks of each currency made up of short and long-term interest rates, exchange rates and equity prices. The Group's model is based on the last 250 trading days, a 10 day holding period and a 99% confidence level. The VaR is used, other than for the daily monitoring of risk arising from equity investments, to assess each business unit's market risk exposure, thereby taking into account diversification benefits.. VaR models have certain limitations; they are more reliable during normal market conditions, and historical data may fail to predict the future. VaR results, therefore, cannot guarantee that actual risk will follow the statistical estimate. As a result, management also relies on other tools, such as Sensitivity Analysis and Worst Case Scenario.

        Sensitivity analysis quantifies the change in value of a portfolio resulting from adverse movements in the risk factors. As regards interest rate risk, adverse movement is defined as a parallel and uniform shift of 100 basis points of the interest rate curve. The measurements include the risk originated by customer demand loans and deposits, whose features of stability and partial and delayed reactions to interest rate fluctuations have been studied by analyzing a large collection of historical data, obtaining a maturity representation model through equivalent deposits. For demand loans, the average duration is very short (approximately 1 month), whereas the estimated average duration for demand deposits is greater (approximately 12 months), depending on their stability features.

        The net interest income sensitivity is also measured, which quantifies the impact on net interest income of a parallel and instantaneous shock in the interest rate curve of ±25 basis points, over a timescale of twelve months. This measure shows the effect of the changes in interest rates on the portfolio being measured, excluding assumptions regarding future changes in the mix of assets and liabilities and therefore cannot be considered a predictor of future level of net interest income.

Fair value hedge, cashflow hedge and macro-hedge

        The Group's fair value hedges principally consist of interest rate swaps that are used to protect against changes in the fair value of fixed assets and liabilities due to movements in market interest rates. The types of swap transactions mostly used are plain vanilla interest rate swap (IRS), overnight index swap (OIS), cross currency swap (CCS) and options on interest rates. Derivatives are negotiated mainly with Banca IMI, which, in turn, replicates the same transactions with third parties so that the hedging transactions meet the specified criteria to be considered IAS/IFRS eligible (to obtain hedge

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accounting treatment). For short-term hedging, derivatives are also negotiated with third parties. Hedged items, specifically identified (micro-hedging), are mainly bonds issued by the bank and loans to customers. Macro-hedging is carried out only on demanddemand deposits through interest rate swaps and overnight index swaps.

        Cash flow hedging transactions, whose objective is to hedge against the volatility of receivable and payable floating cash flows, represent a relatively modest proportion of the Group's current outstanding derivatives.

Quantitative information

        In 2005, the interest rate risk generated by non-trading portfolios, measured through sensitivity analysis, showed an average value of around 12 million euro, compared with 83 million euro in the previous year, reaching 65 million euro at the end of the year.

        The net interest income sensitivity—assuming a rise in interest rates of 25 basis points—amounted at the end of December to 42 million euro (-34 million euro in the case of reduction), unchanged compared with the end of previous year and approximately 1% of the Group's net interest income.

        During 2005 the VaR fluctuated around an average value of 33 million euro (compared with 36 million in 2004), with a minimum value of 13 million at the beginning of the year and a maximum of 62 million at the end of December.

        The foreign exchange risk generated by non-trading portfolios was not material during the year.

        Equity price risk is measured using VaR (10-day timescale and 99% level of confidence). In 2005, equity price risk generated by the non-trading portfolios, almost fully held in the available for sale portfolio, recorded an average level of 109 million euro, with a minimum of 94 million euro and a maximum of 127 million euro, reached at the end of 2005. The small increase in VaR compared with the end of 2004 can be attributed to growth in portfolio value as a result of the recovery in equity markets experienced in the second half of the year, partially offset by a decrease in average portfolio volatility (from 16% at the end of 2004 to 13% at the end of 2005).

VaR—Equity investments portfolio

 
  2005
  2004
 
  (€/mil)

Average   109.0   135.1
Low   94.2   102.2
Hight   127.2   213.6
Year-End   127.2   114.7

Market risk of trading portfolios

General issues and market risk management of trading portfolios

        The Group's policy is to concentrate trading activities in Banca IMI and its subsidiaries, where proprietary trading is carried out by both vanilla and complex products (mainly equities, bonds, foreign exchange contracts and other derivatives), either privately negotiated over-the-counter (OTC) or—in the case of standard contracts—transacted through regulated exchanges. Trading activities in the investment bank are segmented into specific books, which hold homogenous groups of transactions by type of risk and allow to reflect the risk/return profile of each individual business accurately. Management is predominantly aimed at arbitrage strategies, depending on the liquidity level of the instruments, rather than on risk-taking and positioning activities.

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        The Parent Bank does not carry out trading activities strictly; some of its financial assets are classified under the accounting framework as held for trading, where they are not held for the purpose of generating trading gains, but rather as a part of the Group's treasury portfolio for asset and liability management, liquidity and regulatory purposes. Moreover, the Parent Bank has classified some of its derivatives as held for trading, mostly related to brokerage transactions, and also transactions offsetting the risk arising from the securities portfolio and the hedging for certain short-term items. Therefore trading market risk assumed by the Parent Bank and the banking subsidiaries is residual and can be assigned primarily to the market risk of the banking book.

Measurement techniques for trading portfolios

        Methods of measuring financial risks related to the trading portfolios mainly consist of:

        Worst Case Scenario is applied limited to trading portfolios. This method establishes a risk measurement defined as "maximum potential loss", which represents the worst possible economic result of those obtained in various hypothetical scenarios. The method is designed to represent a significant shock to current market parameters on the basis of a holding period of one day and accumulating the losses deriving from the various risk factors in absolute terms. The idea underlying the determination of the shocks to be assigned to the risk factors is to ensure a high degree of prudence; the objective of the method is to quantify and limit the maximum potential loss that could emerge in extreme market conditions.

        VaR and sensitivity analysis are explained in the paragraph above "Measurement techniques for non-trading portfolios".

        During 2005 a VaR model was adopted based on the historical simulation method (Historical VaR), which involves constructing a distribution of hypothetical daily changes in the value of the trading portfolio based on risk factors embedded in the current portfolio and historical observations of daily changes in these risk factors to determine the expected potential loss at a 99% confidence level over a one day timescale. From top management's point of view, this model is able to satisfy the regulatory requirements set by the Supervisory Banking Authority as the internal model to calculate net capital charges for the general and specific market risks; the approval process will begin during 2006. The risk estimates calculated using the historical VaR do not differ significantly from the results shown below and obtained with the VaR model, indicated in the paragraph "Quantitative information".

Quantitative information

        The VaR of trading activities during 2005 carried out by Banca IMI and its subsidiaries, averaged nine million euro (compared to seven million euro in 2004), with a minimum of 4 million euro and a maximum of 15 million euro. At the end of December, the VaR was 12 million euro, against 6 million euro on the same period of the previous year.

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  12/31/2005
   
   
  12/31/2004
   
 
VaR — Trading portfolios by type of risk

   
   
   
   
 
  Year-End
  Average
  Minimum
  Maximum
  Year-End
  Average
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Interest rate risk   10.3   4.8   1.1   12.1   4.2   3.6  
Foreign exchange risk   1.1   1.1   0.1   6.5   1.6   1.3  
Equity price risk   6.1   6.5   2.8   12.9   3.5   4.8  
Diversification effect   (5.3 ) (4.0 ) n.s.   n.s.   (3.6 ) (2.9 )
Total   12.1   8.5   4.1   15.2   5.8   6.9  

        In addition to VaR, the Worst Case Scenario analysis is used to monitor the impact of the potential losses that might arise under extreme market conditions. The maximum potential daily loss in 2005 was an average of 54 million euro (41 million euro in the previous year), registering a maximum of 65 million euro at the end of March and a minimum of 36 million euro at the beginning of the year.

Backtesting showed the prudent nature of the internal measurement technique used. In 2005, actual daily losses were never greater than the risk measures expressed in terms of maximum potential loss, while the actual trading loss exceeded the ex-ante VaR on a daily basis in only one case.

GRAPHIC

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1.2.6    Financial derivative instruments

A.    Financial derivatives:

A.1  Regulatory trading portfolio: end-of-period notional values

 
  Debt securities
and interest rates

  Equities
and equity price index

  Exchange rate
and gold

   
   
  Total as at
12/31/2005

 
  Other values
Type of transaction/underlying

  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
 
  (€/mil)

1. Forward rate agreement     92,056                 92,056
2. Interest rate swap     839,135                 839,135
3. Domestic currency swap             15         15
4. Currency interest rate swap             830         830
5. Basis swap     18,259                 18,259
6. Equity index swaps                    
7. Real index swaps                    
8. Futures   97,802     173     362         98,337  
9. Cap options                    
  —Purchased                    
  —Issued                    
10. Floor options                    
  —Purchased                    
  —Issued                    
11. Other options   11,606   108,842   12,800   6,890     37,813       24,406   153,545
  —Purchased   3,558   40,144   6,344   3,386     18,468       9,902   61,998
    —Plain vanilla   3,558   40,144   6,186   1,294     15,855       9,744   57,293
    —Exotic       158   2,092     2,613       158   4,705
  —Issued   8,048   68,698   6,456   3,504     19,345       14,504   91,547
    —Plain vanilla   8,048   68,698   6,416   716     13,333       14,464   82,747
    —Exotic       40   2,788     6,012       40   8,800
12. Forward agreements             22,181         22,181
  —Purchases             14,846         14,846
  —Sales             4,539         4,539
  —Currency against currency             2,796         2,796
13. Other derivative contracts     634   2       205     325   2   1,164
Total   109,408   1,058,926   12,975   6,890   362   61,044     325   122,745   1,127,185

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A.2  Banking portfolio: end-of-period and average notional amounts

A.2.1     Hedging instruments

 
  Debt securities
and interest rates

  Equities
and equity price index

  Exchange rate
and gold

   
   
  Total as at
12/31/2005

 
  Other values
Type of transaction/Underlying instrument

  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
 
  (€/mil)

1. Forward rate agreement     100                 100
2. Interest rate swap     10,256                 10,256
3. Domestic currency swap                    
4. Currency interest rate swap             2,460         2,460
5. Basis swap     404                 404
6. Equity index swaps                    
7. Real index swaps                    
8. Futures       3             3  
9. Cap options                    
  —Purchased                    
  —Issued                    
10. Floor options                    
  —Purchased                    
  —Issued                    
11. Other options     155                 155
  —Purchased     75                 75
    —Plain vanilla     75                 75
    —Exotic                    
  —Issued     80                 80
    —Plain vanilla     80                 80
    —Exotic                    
12. Forward agreements             43         43
  —Purchases                    
  —Sales             43         43
  —Currency against currency                    
13. Other derivative contracts                    
Total     10,915   3       2,503       3   13,418

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A.2.2     Other derivatives

 
  Debt securities
and interest rates

  Equities
and equity price index

  Exchange rate
and gold

   
   
  Total as at
12/31/2005

 
  Other values
Type of transaction/Underlying instrument

  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
 
  (€/mil)

1. Forward rate agreement                    
2. Interest rate swap     34                 34
3. Domestic currency swap                    
4. Currency interest rate swap                    
5. Basis swap                    
6. Equity index swaps                    
7. Real index swaps                    
8. Futures                    
9. Cap options                    
  —Purchased                    
  —Issued                    
10. Floor options                    
  —Purchased                    
  —Issued                    
11. Other options     62   4,900   4,014           4,900   4,076
  —Purchased     31     1,545             1,576
    —Plain vanilla *     31     641             672
    —Exotic *         904             904
  —Issued     31   4,900   2,469           4,900   2,500
    —Plain vanilla *     31   127   925           127   956
    —Exotic *       4,773   1,544           4,773   1,544
12. Forward agreements                    
  —Purchases                    
  —Sales                    
  —Currency against currency                    
13. Other derivative contracts                    
Total     96   4,900   4,014           4,900   4,110

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A.3  Financial derivatives: purchase and sale of underlying instruments

 
  Debt securities
and interest rates

  Equities
and equity price index

  Exchange rate
and gold

   
   
  Total as at
12/31/2005

 
  Other values
Type of transaction/Underlying instrument

  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
 
  (€/mil)

A. Regulatory trading portfolio:   109,408   1,040,493   12,975   6,891   362   61,196     325   122,745   1,108,905
  1. Transactions with exchange of capital   12,927   144   310   494   362   60,886       13,599   61,524
    —Purchase   6,416   117   175   355   63   28,495       6,654   28,967
    —Sale   6,511   27   135   139   68   18,903       6,714   19,069
    —Currency against currency           231   13,488       231   13,488
  2. Transactions without exchange of capital   96,481   1,040,349   12,665   6,397     310     325   109,146   1,047,381
    —Purchase   49,260   546,546   5,464   5,021     47     39   54,724   551,653
    —Sale   47,221   493,803   7,201   1,376     220     286   54,422   495,685
    —Currency against currency             43         43
B. Banking portfolio:                                        
  B.1 Hedging instruments     10,510   3       2,504       3   13,014
    1. Transactions with exchange of capital             2,504         2,504
      —Purchase             2,336         2,336
      —Sale             168         168
      —Currency against currency                    
    2. Transactions without exchange of capital     10,510   3             3   10,510
      —Purchase     6,663   3             3   6,663
      —Sale     3,847                 3,847
      —Currency against currency                    
  B.2 Other derivatives     96   4,900   4,014           4,900   4,110
    1. Transactions with exchange of capital         1,523             1,523
      —Purchase         299             299
      —Sale         1,224             1,224
      —Currency against currency                    
    2. Transactions without exchange of capital     96   4,900   2,491           4,900   2,587
      —Purchase     62   209   927           209   989
      —Sale     34   4,691   1,564           4,691   1,598
      —Currency against currency                    

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A.4  Financial derivatives: Over the counter: positive fair value—counterparty risk

 
  Debt securities
and interest rates

  Equities
and equity price index

  Exchange rate
and gold

  Other values
  Different underlying instruments
Counterparty/Underlying instrument

  Gross
unsettled

  Gross settled
  Future exposure
  Gross
unsettled

  Gross settled
  Future exposure
  Gross
unsettled

  Gross settled
  Future exposure
  Gross
unsettled

  Gross settled
  Future exposure
  Settled
  Future
exposure

 
  (€/mil)

A. Regulatory trading portfolio:                                                        
A.1 Governments and central banks   1   4   2                      
A.2 Public entities   132     29         1     1          
A.3 Banks   23   5,592   49   22   443     78   406   64   24   7   5   756   1,067
A.4 Financial institutions   39   220   6     112   7   26   45   24     10     171   160
A.5 Insurance companies   2       17     6                
A.6 Non-financial companies   17     7         26     12          
A.7 Other entities   211     61   4     25   103     50          
Total   425   5,816   154   43   555   38   234   451   151   24   17   5   927   1,227
B. Banking portfolio:                                                        
B.1 Governments and central banks                            
B.2 Public entities                            
B.3 Banks   76   244   6     156   35     5           42   13
B.4 Financial institutions   5   101   1                     98   11
B.5 Insurance companies                            
B.6 Non-financial companies                            
B.7 Other entities             1                
Total   81   345   7     156   36     5           140   24

A.5  Financial derivatives: Over the counter: negative fair value—financial risk

 
  Debt securities
and interest rates

  Equities
and equity price index

  Exchange rate
and gold

  Other values
  Different underlying instruments
Counterparty/Underlying instrument

  Gross
unsettled

  Gross settled
  Future exposure
  Gross
unsettled

  Gross settled
  Future exposure
  Gross
unsettled

  Gross settled
  Future exposure
  Gross
unsettled

  Gross settled
  Future exposure
  Settled
  Future
exposure

 
  (€/mil)

A. Regulatory trading portfolio:                                                        
A.1 Governments and central banks   30     3     10                 6   10
A.2 Public entities   46     13                      
A.3 Banks   560   5,903   110   26   135   25   80   291   45   30   50     613   359
A.4 Financial institutions   51   178   23     17   7   10   46   3     14     35   8
A.5 Insurance companies   1       13     9         14     12    
A.6 Non-financial companies   9     3         7     2          
A.7 Other entities   39     30         63     13       3    
Total   736   6,081   182   39   162   41   160   337   63   44   64   15   654   377
B. Banking portfolio:                                                        
B.1 Governments and central banks                            
B.2 Public entities                            
B.3 Banks   87   123   17         3   386   6         377   35
B.4 Financial institutions       1           47           47   1
B.5 Insurance companies                            
B.6 Non-financial companies                            
B.7 Other entities   1     1   182                    
Total   88   123   19   182       3   433   6         424   36

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A.6  Residual maturity of over the counter financial derivatives: notional values

Underlying instruments/Residual maturity

  Up to 1 year
  1 to 5 years
  Over 5 years
  Total
 
  (€/mil)

A. Regulatory trading portfolio                
  A.1 Financial derivatives on debt securities and interest rates   528,568   341,544   188,814   1,058,926
  A.2 Financial derivatives on equities and interest rates   2,572   3,907   411   6,890
  A.3 Financial derivatives on exchange rate and gold   57,342   3,132   570   61,044
  A.4 Financial derivatives on others   119   206     325
B. Banking portfolio                
  B.1 Financial derivatives on debt securities and interest rates   6,090   3,031   1,890   11,011
  B.2 Financial derivatives on equities and interest rates   652   2,047   1,315   4,014
  B.3 Financial derivatives on exchange rate and gold   1,777   726     2,503
  B.4 Financial derivatives on others        
Total   597,120   354,593   193,000   1,144,713

B.    Credit derivatives

B.1  Credit derivatives: notional end-of-year values

 
  Regulatory trading portfolio
  Other transactions
 
  Single subject
  Basket
  Single subject
  Basket
Type of transaction

  Notional value
  Notional value
  Notional value
  Notional value
 
  (€/mil)

1. Purchases of protection                
  1.1 With underlying asset exchange                
    —credit default swap   1,632     67  
    —credit linked note   12   110    
  1.2 Without underlying asset exchange                
    —credit default swap     2,097    
Total   1,644   2,207   67  
2. Sales of protection                
  2.1 With underlying asset exchange                
    —credit default swap   1,510   110    
  2.2 Without underlying asset exchange                
    —credit default swap   115   150    
    —credit linked note     6    
Total   1,625   266    

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B.2  Credit derivatives: positive fair value—counterparty risk

Type of transaction/Values

  Notional value
  Positive fair value
  Future exposure
 
  (€/mil)

A. REGULATORY TRADING PORTFOLIO   2,884   24   43
  A.1 Hedging purchases with counterparties:   1,348   13   41
    1 Governments and central banks      
    2 Other public entities      
    3 Banks   1,168   11   28
    4 Financial companies   180   2   13
    5 Insurance businesses      
    6 Non-financial companies      
    7 Others      
  A.2 Hedging sales with counterparties:   1,536   11   2
    1 Governments and central banks      
    2 Public entities      
    3 Banks   1,115   8  
    4 Financial companies   421   3   2
    5 Insurers      
    6 Non-financial companies      
    7 Others      
Type of transaction/Values

  Notional amount
  Positive fair value
  Future exposure
 
  (€/mil)

B. BANKING PORTFOLIO   67     5
  B.1 Hedging purchases with counterparties:   67     5
    1 Governments and central banks      
    2 Public entities      
    3 Banks   67     5
    4 Financial companies      
    5 Insurers      
    6 Non-financial companies      
    7 Others      
  B.2 Hedging sales with counterparties:      
    1 Governments and central banks      
    2 Public entities      
    3 Banks      
    4 Financial companies      
    5 Insurers      
    6 Non-financial companies      
    7 Others      
Total   2,951   24   48

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B.3  Credit derivatives: negative fair value—financial risk

Type of transaction/Values

  Notional value
  Negative fair value
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
REGULATORY TRADING PORTFOLIO          
1. Hedging purchases with counterparties:          
  1.1 Governments and central banks      
  1.2 Public entities      
  1.3 Banks   1,591   (7 )
  1.4 Financial companies   911   (4 )
  1.5 Insurers      
  1.6 Non-financial companies      
  1.7 Others      
Total   2,502   (11 )

B.4  Residual maturity of credit derivative contracts: notional values

Underlying instruments/Residual maturity

  Up to 1 year
  1 to 5 years
  Over 5 years
 
  (€/mil)

A Regulatory trading portfolio            
  A.1 Credit derivatives with "qualified reference obligation"   493   3,732   1,517
  A.2 Credit derivatives with "unqualified reference obligation"      
B Banking portfolio            
  B.1 Credit derivatives with "qualified reference obligation"      
  B.2 Credit derivatives with "unqualified reference obligation"     67  
Total   493   3,799   1,517

1.3   LIQUIDITY RISKS

QUALITATIVE INFORMATION

        The metric used for liquidity risk management is based on a cash-flow analysis through the calculation of mismatches between inflows and outflows, grouped in different maturity buckets according to their contractual or expected residual maturities. A centralized approach is adopted for managing liquidity risk of the Parent Bank and the banking subsidiaries. The Parent Bank's Treasury Department, together with Sanpaolo IMI Ireland, as single points of direct access to the markets, raise funds against the assets originated from the retail and corporate activity at the branch level. In this framework, the liquidity management is overseen by the Parent Bank's Treasury Department, in line with the Group's Policy, which defines, at a consolidated level, a liquidity target ratio for the 0 - 1 month period and attention thresholds on subsequent time bands, the triggering of which activates a contingency plan. A minimum treasury securities portfolio, made up of promptly liquid assets, is held to cover very short-term liquidity risk.The consolidated liquidity position also includes obligations deriving from the liquidity requirements identified by other main Group's Subsidiaries that use the Parent Bank's Treasury Department as a single point of access to the markets.

        The Risk Management Department periodically monitors liquidity risk limits (liquidity gap, ratio observance); reporting is periodically presented and discussed at the CRFMG.

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QUANTITATIVE INFORMATION

Break-down by contractual residual maturity of financial assets and liabilities

 
  Definite duration
   
   
 
  On demand
  Up to

3 months

  Between 3
and 12 months

  Between 1
and 5 years

  Beyond
5 years

  Indefinite
duration

  Total
 
  (/mil)

A. Assets                            
  A.1 Investments held for trading   3,666   552   4,502   4,522   2,949   5   16,196
  A.2 Investments evaluated at fair value   5   7   366   465   153     996
  A.3 Available for sale investments   3,732   274   219   1,676   4,869   10   10,780
  A.4 Investments held to maturity     282   51   1,629   573     2,535
  A.5 Due from banks   4,244   16,672   5,202   1,861   724   70   28,773
  A.6 Loans to customers   22,115   20,231   15,174   41,212   38,437   2,718   139,887
  Total on balance financial assets   33,762   38,018   25,514   51,365   47,705   2,803   199,167
  A.7 Off-balance sheet transactions   48,946   184,039   102,230   96,473   447,378   316,597   1,195,663
Total assets   82,708   222,057   127,744   147,838   495,083   319,400   1,394,830
B. Liabilities                            
  B.1 Due to customers   73,377   16,922   3,244   618   252   2   94,415
  B.2 Due to banks   6,535   14,861   4,576   2,942   6,852     35,766
  B.3 Securities issued   1,992   9,723   6,472   25,361   8,021     51,569
  B.4 Financial liabilities held for trading   34   24   453   942   549   339   2,341
  B.5 Financial liabilities evaluated at fair value     143   383   2,999   3     3,528
  Total on balance financial liabilities   81,938   41,673   15,128   32,862   15,677   341   187,619
  B.6 Off-balance sheet transactions   50,832   162,497   107,463   87,663   486,946   300,262   1,195,663
Total liabilities   132,770   204,170   122,591   120,525   502,623   300,603   1,383,282

2.     Break-down of financial liabilities by sector

Counterparty

  Governments
and Central Banks

  Other
public
entities

  Financial
companies

  Banks
  Insurance
companies

  Non-financial
companies

 
  (/mil)

1. Due to customers   1,888   2,204   11,829     1,189   23,161
2. Securities issued       2,832   505     4,179
3. Financial liabilities held for trading   557   1,313   88   156     111
4. Financial liabilities evaluated at fair value       98   3,524    
Total   2,445   3,517   14,847   4,185   1,189   27,451

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3.     Break-down of financial liabilities by region

Counterparty

  Italy
  Other European
countries

  America
  Asia
  Rest of
the world

 
  (/mil)

1. Due to customers   80,309   7,389   3,168   656   784
2. Due to banks   11,838   8,146   1,964   2,812   10,922
3. Securities issued   37,588   7,578   2,028   4,223  
4. Financial liabilities held for trading   798   1,364   164     18
5. Financial liabilities evaluated at fair value   25,901        
Total   156,434   24,477   7,324   7,691   11,724

1.4   OPERATIONAL RISK

        SANPAOLO IMI considers two other types of risk in its models: the operational risk and the business risk.

OPERATIONAL RISK

        The operational risk is defined as the risk of incurring losses as a result of failures in internal control or information systems, personnel or external events. The internal definition of operational risk includes the risk introduced by the New Basel Capital Accord, extending it to include the reputational risk.

        SANPAOLO IMI has defined the overall Operational risk management framework by setting up a Group policy and organizational processes for measuring, managing and controlling operational risk. The control of operational risk is attributed to the Parent Bank's Board of Directors, that sets the management policies and the subsequent organizational structure. The Operational Risk Committee (made up of the General Manager and Department Managers) has the task of monitoring the operational risk profile of the Group and deciding the main activities of mitigation and transfer. The centralized unit at Group level, part of Risk Management, is responsible for developing methodologies for measuring risk, processing loss data and preparing the resultant management instruments. In line with Basel 2 requirements, the business lines, subsidiaries and the Corporate Centre structures are now directly involved in the Operational Risk Management process, by means of setting up specific decentralized control centers at the operational units. These decentralized centers are responsible for the processes of gathering information about events that have generated operational losses, carrying out analyses of scenarios and evaluating the riskiness associated with the business environment and the operating context.

        The measurement methodology of the operational risk profile requires the combined use of information on internal and external historical operational losses, with qualitative factors deriving from scenario analyses and evaluations of the system of internal controls and of the operating context.

        The internal operational losses are recorded by decentralized control centers, suitably verified by the central structure and managed by a dedicated computer system. For each category of risk, in line with the definitions of the Basel regulations, the database of historical events is analyzed, including both internal Group events and events traceable to the participation in loss data sharing initiatives (DIPO in Italy and ORX at international level). Results are obtained by applying actuarial techniques that separately analyze the frequency and the severity of events and subsequently create, by means of suitable Monte Carlo techniques, the aggregated annual loss distribution and consequently the measurement of risk.

        The scenario analyses are based on structured and organized gathering of subjective estimates expressed directly by Management (Business Areas/Corporate Center) and have as their objective the

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evaluation of the potential economic impact for particularly serious operational events. These evaluations, calculated with statistical-actuarial techniques, give an estimate of unexpected loss that is subsequently integrated with the measurement obtained from the analysis of historical loss data.

        Capital at risk is therefore identified as the minimum measurement at Group level, net of insurance cover, necessary to bear the maximum potential annual loss with a level of confidence of 99.95% (99.9% for regulation measurement). The methodology also applies a corrective factor, which derives from the qualitative analyses of the riskiness of the operating context, to take account of the efficiency of internal controls in the various organizational units.

BUSINESS RISK

        The business risk (or strategic risk) is defined as the risk of incurring losses because of changes in the macro-or micro-economic scenario that could jeopardize the ability to generate income, typically by a drop in operating volumes or margin compression. It is evaluated by breaking down the activities in the Business Areas, based on the respective cost and revenue structures, in elementary "industrial" businesses (for example data processing, consultancy and distribution). The level of capitalization in line with the level observed in companies operating with the same processes is attributed to the Business Areas.

LEGAL DISPUTES

Anatocism

        In March 1999, the Italian Court of Cassation declared the quarterly capitalization of interest payable to be illegitimate, thereby completely changing the previous law based on the assumption that the relevant clauses in bank contracts do not integrate "regulatory" use as believed in the past, but rather "trading" use, which contrasts with the prohibition of anatocism pursuant to Art. 1283 of the Italian Civil Code.

        The subsequent D.Lgs. no. 342 of 1999 confirmed the legitimacy of capitalization of interest in current accounts, as long as it has the same periodicity of calculating interest for both debt and credit interest. From the date of this regulation coming into force (April 2000), all current account operations have been brought into line, with quarterly capitalization of both interest income and expense. Therefore, the dispute which has arisen about this concerns only those contracts which were agreed before the indicated date.

        With the decision of both its Sections on 4/11/2004, the Court of Cassation has again excluded the possibility that said use may become the rule. This ruling by the Court of Cassation has not moreover eliminated the possibility of maintaining (on the basis of profiles different from those examined) the legitimacy of methods of infra-annual interest calculation: in some cases the prevailing legislation has actually recognized the soundness of these different profiles.

        The overall number of pending cases is at an insignificant level in absolute terms, and is subject to careful monitoring. The risks related to these disputes are covered by prudential allocations to the provision for other risks and charges, commensurate with the amount of individual requests by the court. Also in case no specific amount is requested (on the part of the party who brings the case to court) and until the judicial accounting appraisal is carried out at the investigating stage, the risk of legal dispute is catered for by adequate allocations to the provisions for risks and charges covering pending legal disputes.

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GEST Line dispute

        GEST Line S.p.A. is the SANPAOLO IMI Group company that carries out tax collection activities, created as a result of the merger of Gerico, Sanpaolo Riscossioni Genova, Sanpaolo Riscossioni Prato and Esaban tax collecting companies.

        The risks connected to this dispute are almost exclusively attributable to a dispute with the tax authorities in respect of claims of irregularities and vary by nature and size according to the business of each merged company.

        With reference to Gerico S.p.A., previously a subsidiary of the former Cardine Banca which was later merged by incorporation into SANPAOLO IMI S.p.A., there are a number of administrative and accounting proceedings pending, filed by local Tax Offices and by the General Accounting Office for alleged tax irregularities that give rise to liabilities owing to failure to collect taxes. More specifically, the aforementioned proceedings are connected with alleged irregularities committed by some tax collection officials while carrying out report drafting activities during inspections at delinquent taxpayers' premises. These proceedings are still pending, being dealt by either first or higher-instance courts, and are constantly defended by the legal professionals engaged by the company.

        The dispute involving Esaban S.p.A. (a company in the tax collection sector of former Banco di Napoli, which incorporated all the other tax collection companies of the Group, changing its name to GEST Line S.p.A.) originated from a series of provisions denying the reimbursements issued by the tax authorities in the years 1999 - 2001, all appealed against following the hierarchical line.

        The risks connected with the Gerico S.p.A. and Esaban S.p.A. disputes are covered by unlimited guarantees already received by the aforementioned companies from the companies transferring the respective tax collection branches of business (each of the savings banks then merged into Cardine Banca and former Banco di Napoli). The abovementioned guarantees cover any losses or contingent liabilities following events prior to the respective dates of transfer and expire in 2005, without prejudice to the court cases pending on that date, for which the abovementioned guarantee is also valid beyond the said expiry date. In light of the events involving the merger of Cardine Banca and Banco di Napoli, SANPAOLO IMI took over the commitments deriving from the aforementioned guarantees, the risks of which are, as a whole, covered by appropriate accruals.

        Pursuant to Article 1, commas 426, 426 bis and 426 ter of Law no. 311/2004, the facility has been granted to concessionary companies of correcting, with regard to the inland revenue and other bodies, the administrative responsibilities deriving from the activity carried out until June 30, 2005 by means of payment of a fixed amount per inhabitant served.

        GEST Line has decided to adhere to the abovementioned correction by making the first of three payments, equal to 40% of the total sum to pay.

        The risk pertaining to the dispute in respect of the tax collection activities of the concession in Venice is not comprised in the aforementioned guarantees and, instead, solely affects the capital of GEST Line. Following the proceedings for fiscal damages because of alleged irregularities by some tax officials, the local section of the General Accounting Office ruled against the licensee.

        The measures have been regularly impugned before the administrative and accounting judge, and so have the previously mentioned sentences, with suspension of their executive effect.

        The total risk, that—as mentioned—encumbers the equity of GEST Line in its entirety, amounts to about 13 million euro and is offset by a congruous allocation.

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The Cirio group insolvency in respect of the sale of bonds

        In November 2002, the Cirio group, one of the largest Italian groups operating in the agro-industrial sector, was declared insolvent in respect of the repayment of a loan issued on the Euromarket. This event led to a cross default on all the existing issues. The bonds issued by the Cirio group had a nominal value totaling around 1.25 billion euro. The SANPAOLO IMI Group, like all primary Italian banking groups, had loan transactions with the Cirio group.

Consob proceedings in relation to operations carried out on Cirio bonds

        Following the investigations carried out in April-October 2003, in relation to SANPAOLO IMI's dealings in Cirio bonds during the 2000/2002 three-year period, in a letter of May 4, 2004, Consob raised a series of claims of alleged violation of the regulations governing the sector in which SANPAOLO IMI supposedly operated when trading in the aforementioned bonds.

        These claims were notified to the Bank, the members of the Board of Directors and to the Board of Statutory Auditors in office at the time of the dealings, as well as to some company directors who, at various levels, were considered responsible for the activities connected to the alleged irregularities.

        Both the Bank and the other accused parties have moved to formulate their statements for their defense. The administrative proceedings were concluded through a decree issued by the Ministry of Finance on February 28, 2005 which, accepting the proposal made by Consob, inflicted fines on each of the accused but it was the Bank which was ordered to pay the relevant amounts, being jointly liable with the other parties according to Art. 195, subsection 9 of D.Lgs. 58/1998.

        The Bank and each of the sanctioned parties have appealed against the aforementioned ruling before the competent Court of Appeal of Turin. The relative proceedings were concluded with a measure published on January 18, 2006, in which the Court has rejected the defensive arguments of the opponents, consequently confirming the sanctions decided by the Ministry of Finance, with the exception of three individual positions in relation to which one has ascertained an invalidating defect as to the notification. The Bank has in the meanwhile provided, in its capacity of joint obligor with the parties subject to the sanctions, to comply with the payment order issued to it, reserving itself the right to value, with its consultants, the existence of elements that may serve to corroborate a possible impugnation before the Court of Cassation.

Criminal investigations related to Cirio

        At the same time, the Criminal Courts are investigating a number of credit institutions, including SANPAOLO IMI, concerning dealing activities with savers in relation to bonds issued by Cirio group companies and the management of financial activities with the aforementioned group. The investigations, the preliminary stage of which were on May 11, 2005, involve also some corporate people, including two Directors who are no longer in office.

        Confident of the absolute regularity, in general terms, of the Company's activities in relation to the investigations being carried out by the Criminal Courts and, in particular, of the total lack of involvement of the aforementioned company representatives, the Bank is monitoring the development of the proceedings under way.

Revocatory actions filed by the Commission for the Parmalat group companies under insolvency proceedings

        In the period between the end of 2004 and mid-2005, the Commission for the Parmalat group companies filed against the SANPAOLO IMI Group—as well as against many other Italian and foreign banks—a series of revocatory actions pursuant to Art. 67, para. 2 of the Bankruptcy Law, aimed at obtaining repayment of all remittances of funds made on current accounts held with SANPAOLO IMI,

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Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna and Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo by Parmalat group companies in the year before the insolvency proceedings were instituted.

        The total amount claimed in the eight proceedings thus instituted is equal to approximately 1.261 million euro.

        Following the internal preliminary investigation on the legitimacy of the claims, it was considered, in agreement with the legal advisors who assist the Group companies in the legal dispute, that the risk associated with these judgments is barely significant compared to the actual amounts of the claims, as many preliminary legal exceptions could resolve the dispute favorably and also because the claims for the repayment of the sums lack the requisites to be treated as payments.

        In connection to some decisions issued between the end of 2005 and the beginning of 2006, the Court of Parma has seen fit, as not manifestly unfounded and significant for the purposes of the decision, to defer the questions of legitimacy raised both by the Banks of the Sanpaolo Group and by other Banks within the context of their respective legal actions aimed at revocation to the scrutiny of the Constitutional Court. The matter will remain suspended until the decision of the Court.

        Such risk is sufficiently covered by specific accruals to provisions for risks and charges.

Proceedings aimed at reparation of damages against Banca IMI initiated by the Court-appointed Liquidator of Parmalat S.p.a and Parmalat Finance Corporation B.V.

        With a summons of summons received by Banca IMI on September 19, 2005, the Court-appointed Liquidator of Parmalat S.p.a and Parmalat Finance Corporation B.V. has initiated, on behalf of said companies, a suit aimed at obtaining reparation of damages concerning the theorized responsibility resulting from the participation of Banca IMI, as co-lead manager, in the consortiums for the placement concerning three bonded loans issued by Parmalat Finance Corporation B.V. with the guarantee of Parmalat S.p.a. between the beginning of 2000 and the beginning of 2001.

        The claim for damages is filed for presumed damages of at least 1,300 million euro, equivalent to the nominal value of the bonds subject to placement.

        Banca IMI has appeared before the court raising numerous prejudicial objections concerning the unacceptability and legitimacy—in relation to both constitutional and community law—of the action initiated by the Court-appointed Liquidator and objecting, as to the merits, the complete unfoundedness of every claim for reparation.

        Consequently, based on the valuations made by the lawyers assisting Banca IMI, it has not been deemed necessary to make specific allocations.

The management of claims relating to defaulted bonds

        As regards complaints by customers holding Parmalat, Cirio and Argentine bonds, the Group policy is that Group companies should carefully evaluate that the financial instruments sold to customers are adequate to each investor's financial standing.

        Contingent liabilities relating to complaints concerning said bonds are adequately covered by accruals to the provision for risks and charges. As of December 31, 2005, the related accruals amounted to 22 million euro.

Dispute relating to the sanction proceedings initiated by Consob against Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management S.G.R. S.p.A.

        The pecuniary administrative penalties imposed by the Ministry of Finance upon proposal by Consob because of investigations carried out at the premises of Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management have

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been appealed against, in accordance with Art. 195 TUF (Consolidated Financial Law), by SGR and its sanctioned representatives before the Court of Appeal of Milan which, on November 26, 2003, ruled that the penalties were illegal. Consob and the Ministry have filed an appeal against this decision before the Italian Court of Cassation. SGR immediately filed a counterclaim, requesting the dismissal of the appeals filed by the Authorities. The related judgment is still pending.

Proceedings initiated by the Antitrust Authority against the former Sanpaolo IMI Wealth Management (now Sanpaolo IMI Asset Management SGR) and the former Fideuram Vita (now A.I.P.)

        In January 2004 the Antitrust Authority notified Sanpaolo IMI Wealth Management, as holding company and outsourcer of Sanpaolo Vita, and Fideuram Vita that they were subject to investigations in respect of the purchase of a database from a company specialized in analyzing the insurance market. This database contained information concerning contractual conditions, prices and methods of distribution of life insurance and pension products. Having concluded the investigation, initially performed on a number of insurance companies and then on the aforementioned Group companies, the Antitrust Authority issued, on September 30, 2004, a measure in which, whilst not inflicting pecuniary sanctions, ascertained the existence, among the companies facing proceedings, in violation of Art. 2, para, 2 of Law 287/90, of a horizontal agreement consisting of the exchange of delicate commercial information between competing companies.

        The abovementioned sanction was appealed against before the TAR (Regional Administrative Court) in Lazio, which overruled it on April 27, 2005, asserting that no such restriction of competition existed. The Guarantor Authority has impugned the sentence before the Council of State and the relative proceedings, in which both SANPAOLO IMI (that due to subsequent company changes, has taken over the specific positions that originally concerned Sanpaolo IMI Wealth Management) and A.I.P. will present their defenses, are still pending.

Proceedings initiated by the Legal Authorities against certain financial planners of Banca Fideuram and employees of the subsidiary Fideuram Bank Suisse

        There are no developments as to the investigations initiated by the Juridical Authorities that concern a number of financial promoters of the Banca Fideuram group and employees of the subsidiary Fideuram Bank Suisse. The disputes concern, in their entirety, the hypothesis of complicity in the crime of illicit practice (that consists of the offer, on the part of a party that is not authorised in Italy, of investment services or financial products) with the exception of a single financial promoter, who is no longer active today, and who is also charged with the crime of money-laundering. The Bank has set up a specific work team for the rigorous verification of the facts, and has assured the investigating authorities the greatest possible collaboration.

Investigations initiated by the Public Prosecutor's office of Spoleto against Sanpaolo Invest SIM S.p.A. and Banca Fideuram S.p.A.

        On May 5, 2005, the Public Prosecutor's office of Spoleto terminated its investigation of a case involving a number of crimes committed against some customers by a Sanpaolo Invest SIM financial planner.

        The investigation involved also some representatives of Sanpaolo Invest who were accused of violating Art. 2638 of the Italian Civil Code on the assumption that they had not informed Consob of the irregularities found in connection with the abovementioned case during verification on the internal control procedures related to the financial planners.

        The alleged accusations made against the previously mentioned representatives caused Sanpaolo Invest, as well as Banca Fideuram (held to be jointly responsible by virtue of being the beneficiary of

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the partial spin-off of the banking branch previously owned by Sanpaolo Invest Sim), to be held liable for the alleged violation of Law 231/2001.

        Such responsibility, if established, entails the application of penalties which, with regard to the type of crime challenged to the company representatives, are only pecuniary.

        A working group that has been set up at the Parent Bank carefully monitors the proceedings, which have only gone as far as the preliminary stage.

        In June 2005, Consob launched an investigation into Sanpaolo Invest SIM with regard to the efficiency of its management and internal control processes.

        On conclusion of this investigation, Consob initiated, with writ served on January 4, 2006 against representatives of Sanpaolo Invest Sim and the Company itself as jointly obliged with the former, proceedings aimed at inflicting sanctions for a number of presumed violations of regulations, principally on the subject of internal audits. Sanpaolo Invest Sim and the addressees of the contestations have formulated their deductions, among other things highlighting that the current procedures comply with the regulations in force.

Initiatives taken by Consob against Banca Fideuram S.p.A.

        Following a series of meetings held with the management of Banca Fideuram, on June 9, 2005 Consob, as part of its supervisory powers, brought to the attention of Banca Fideuram that there were a number of weaknesses in the procedures followed for investment and consultancy services provided to customers as well as in those relating to the internal control systems.

        Consob also requested Banca Fideuram to make all necessary arrangements to correct all the weaknesses that had been highlighted in relation to which the Bank had moreover already launched, before the intervention of Consob, a work plan aimed at making the necessary corrections.

        The Bank Bodies then approved the actions to be taken to improve the abovementioned procedures, paying particular attention to the assessment of the adequacy of the transaction carried out by it.

Investigations initiated by the Attorney's Office of Cagliari against employees of Sardinian public employees as well as promoters and employees of Banca Fideuram.

        In February 2005 the Attorney's Office of Cagliari, concluded the preliminary investigation carried out by it concerning a hypothesis of fraud perpetrated to the damage of a number of Sardinian regional institutions; the investigation, that was triggered by crimes committed by a promoter of Banca Fideuram, has also involved employees of the Bank and other promoters of the network structure.

IMI Sir dispute

        Other assets include 1.3 million euro that refer to the estimated realizable value of the credit, which was definitively enforced by the Civil Section of the Italian Court of Cassation through sentence no. 2469/03. This sentence has substantially confirmed decision no. 2887, passed by the Rome Court of Appeal on September 11, 2001, which condemned Consorzio Bancario SIR S.p.A. (in liquidation) to reimburse the Bank the sum of 506 million euro previously paid by IMI to the heirs of Mr. Nino Rovelli as compensation for damages, in accordance with the sentence passed by the Rome Court of Appeal on November 26, 1990. However, the sentence changed the ruling on the amount of interest payable by the Consorzio—on the grounds of procedures and not of merit—in respect of whether or not it should include the amount matured from the date on which the appeal was served (equal to around 72.5 million euro as of December 31, 2001). Furthermore, the Italian Court of Cassation referred to another section of the Rome Appeal Court the decision on whether or not the total amount

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owed to the Bank by the Consorzio should be reduced by approximately 14.5 million euro, as compensation for the damages related to the transaction between the Consorzio and IMI in respect of the additional agreement of July 19, 1979: if the trial judge holds the claim amount unjustified, the sentence against the Consorzio to pay the sum of 506 million euro will be reduced accordingly. In this respect, proceedings have begun, within the terms, for the resummons of the sentence before the Rome Court of Appeal, where judgment is currently pending.

        The same Italian Court of Cassation sentence passed final judgment on the right of the Consorzio to be held harmless by Mrs. Battistella Primarosa (heir to Mr. Nino Rovelli) and Eurovalori S.p.A.. The Italian Court of Cassation also endowed the Consorzio's right to recourse as subordinate to the previous payment of the amount owed to SANPAOLO IMI S.p.A. and assigned the sentence on this particular appeal to the trial judge. Judgment commenced in February 2004 and is still under way.

        For the purposes of preparing the financial statements, the book value of the credit subject to the Italian Court of Cassation sentence has been calculated in accordance with applicable accounting standards as regards revenue recognition on the basis of its estimated realizable value, as confirmed by authoritative opinions.

        With reference to the above, taking into account that the initiatives taken so far have not achieved tangible results, the Bank has considered that the estimated realizable value of the amount receivable in question should be within the bounds of the Consorzio's capital and its ability to pay; such amount, net of the effects attributable to the previously mentioned Italian Court of Cassation sentence, being substantially in line with that currently recorded.

        In line with the estimated value of the amount receivable, it is worth noting that, since 2001, the investment held in the Consorzio has been written down to zero.

        As regards the civil initiatives undertaken as part of the criminal proceedings in relation to the payment of offence damages, it is underlined that on April 29, 2003, the Criminal Section IV of the Court of Milan finally sentenced Rovelli's heir and the other co-defendants to different terms of imprisonment in relation to their respective levels of responsibility for the crimes committed, as well as to pay the sum of 516 million euro to the plaintiffs as moral damage.

        The above sentence was overruled by the Criminal Section II of the Milan Court of Appeal through a sentence issued on May 23, 2005, which, by confirming (though with the mitigation of penalties) the responsibility of the defendants concerning the corruption case that affected the outcome of the IMI Sir dispute, has also revoked the sentence against the defendants to pay damages for moral injury, giving the civil court judge the task to establish the amount of the total offence damages. Such sentence was appealed against and is currently being examined by the Italian Court of Cassation.

        In the context, it is extremely clear that the actual amount receivable from Consorzio Bancario SIR S.p.A. in liquidation is correct.

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SECTION 2—INSURANCE COMPANIES' RISKS

2.1   INSURANCE RISKS

Life branch

        The typical risks of a life insurance portfolio can be divided into three main categories of risk: insurance rating risk, death risk and reserve risk.

        Insurance rating risks are protected first of all during the definition of the technical features and product pricing and subsequently during the life of the instrument by means of periodic checks on the sustainability and the technical foundations and the hypotheses which were initially adopted in order to understand the effective sustainability and profitability both at the product level and at the portfolio level, including all of the Company's liabilities. Among the instruments used during definition of a product is profit testing, which apart from measuring the profitability is used to identify in advance any weaknesses (technical or economic) in the product itself, in order to correct them beforehand.

        The actuarial risks arise when we record an unfavorable trend in actual accidents compared with the estimated trend when the rate was calculated and these risks are reflected in the level of reserves. The Company guards against these risks by means of statistical analysis of the evolution (subdivided by risk type) of the liabilities of its own contract portfolio. Therefore the evolution for example of the demographic components is protected on the one hand by monitoring the propensity to effective income of our own portfolio, and on the other hand by analyzing the actual accidents of some contractual categories and from the analysis of the forms supplied by the Ministry and, not least, with the active participation in work groups proposed by the Institutional Organs. In terms of reserves, these risks are accounted for via the placing in the financial statements of the supplementary allocations deriving from the abovementioned analyses, i.e. from the use of technical foundations that are updated and recognized at the level of Control Body. Among the risks that require particular attention we mention here also the risks connected with hedging the costs. To this end the Company has developed a detailed analysis model that allows it to analyze costs by product macrocategory and by life cycle of the product itself. This tool, which is shared by several departments of the Company, is used to monitor costs, the correct rate and the sustainability of the reserves.

        The mathematical reserves are calculated contract by contract and the methodology used to determine the reserves takes account of all the future commitments of the company. In addition a series of checks is carried out, both detailed (with preventive checks for example on the correct system saving of the variables necessary for the calculation like yields, quotations, technical foundations, parameters for the supplementary reserves, recalculation of the value of single contracts) and overall, by comparing the results with the estimates that are produced on a monthly basis.

Casualty branch

        Regarding the assuming of risk, the policies at the time of purchase are checked in order to verify the correspondence of the portfolio with the technical and rate settings agreed with the sales network.

        The check, apart from being formal is therefore also substantial and allows, in particular, verification of the exposure in terms of capital—limits of liability.

        Afterwards the statistical checks are carried out, to check for potentially anomalous situations (like for example a concentration by area or by type of risk), and to keep under control the accumulation at the level of individual persons (with particular reference to policies that provide cover in the accident and illness branches).

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Risk concentration factors

        Among the risk concentration factors used for calculating the rates and with particular reference to the R.C.Auto and illness branches, the table below shows the premium assignments for each Italian region.

Regions

  premiums
PIEDMONT   34,242
VAL D'AOSTA   195
LIGURIA   673
LOMBARDY   4,060
TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE   13
VENETO   482
FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA   99
EMILIA ROMAGNA   413
MARCHE   81
TUSCANY   177
UMBRIA   47
LAZIO   8,537
CAMPANIA   1,200
ABRUZZO   155
MOLISE   62
PUGLIA   384
BASILICATA   62
CALABRIA   216
SICILY   320
SARDINIA   115
TOTAL   61,179

Risk protection factors

        The reinsurance structure for the year 2005 for the companies Egida and Fideuram Assicurazioni is given below.

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        Reinsurance structure for Egida S.p.A.

BRANCHES/PRODUCTS

  TYPE
  QUOTA ASSIGNED/PRIORITY
INJURY   QUOTA ASSIGNED   30%
ILLNESS   QUOTA ASSIGNED   20%
TERRESTRIAL VEHICLES   QUOTA ASSIGNED   50%
FIRE AND NATURAL ELEMENTS   QUOTA ASSIGNED +   50%
NATURAL + GCL   DAMAGE EXCESS   1° layer: 750,000 per risk and 1,000,000 per event;
        2° layer: 3,000,000 per event
CL TERRESTRIAL VEHICLES   QUOTA ASSIGNED +   50%
    DAMAGE EXCESS   1° layer: 750,000 per event; 2°layer: 1,500,000 per event
OTHER BRANCHES   QUOTA ASSIGNED   60%
SANPAOLO GROUP CPI CP PRODUCT   QUOTA ASSIGNED   40%
CPI POSTS PRODUCT   QUOTA ASSIGNED   60%
BRANCHES/PRODUCTS

  TYPE
  QUOTA ASSIGNED/PRIORITY
INJURY   QUOTA ASSIGNED   25% AVERAGE ASSIGNED previous years;
        20% 2005.
    FACULTATIVE   UP TO 60% OF 100%.
        Non-standard risks.
    DAMAGE EXCESS   PROTECTING THE REMNANT
        1° layer: € 200,000 XS 60,000 deductible aggregate 120,000;
        2° layer: € 260,000 XS 260,000;
        3° layer: € 520,000 XS 520,000 (at least 2 witnesses);
        4° layer: € 4,160,000 XS 1,040,000 (at least 2 witnesses).
ILLNESS   QUOTA ASSIGNED   26% AVERAGE ASSIGNED previous years.
    FACULTATIVE (IPM   UP TO 60% OF 100%.
    GUARANTEE)   Non-standard risks.
    DAMAGE EXCESS   PROTECTING THE REMNANT
    (IPM GUARANTEE)   1° layer: € 200,000 XS 60,000 deductible aggregate 120,000;
        2° layer: € 260,000 XS 260,000;
        3° layer: € 520,000 XS 520,000 (at least 2 witnesses);
        4° layer: € 4,160,000 XS 1,040,000 (at least 2 witnesses).
FIRE AND NATURAL ELEMENTS + GCL   FACULTATIVE   UP TO 80%.
Non-standard risks.
    DAMAGE EXCESS   PROTECTING THE ENTIRE PORTFOLIO
        single layer: € 1,948,000 XS 52,000 (per risk and per event).
OTHER PROPERTY DAMAGE   FACULTATIVE   80%.
    DAMAGE EXCESS   PROTECTING THE ENTIRE PORTFOLIO.
        Single layer: € 1,948,000 XS 10,000 (per risk and per event).

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2.2   FINANCIAL RISKS

QUALITATIVE INFORMATION

        The insurance risks, concentrated in the A.I.P. Group, are generated by life policies of the traditional, revaluable type and of the index-linked and unit-linked types. The former offer the insured, apart from participation in the profit from the fund management, a minimum guaranteed level and therefore generate proprietary financial and credit risks for the insurance Company, risks that are linked to the characteristics of the investment portfolio vis-à-vis the commitments made to the insured. Index-linked and unit-linked policies which usually do not present direct risks are are in any case monitored with regard to reputation risks.

        In line with the growing attention to value, risk and capital which have in the last two years affected the insurance sector, in 2005 A.I.P. began a series of initiatives aimed both at reinforcing the risk governance and at managing and controlling the risk based capital. In particular, the Company has taken on an Investment Policy that defines the goals and the limits that are needed to distinguish the investments of the separately managed accounts in terms of asset allocation, long-term investments, credit risk, concentration risk and market risk. For investiments vis-à-vis free assets there are special limits in terms of VaR with a time span of a year and a confidence level of 99%.

        With regard to management and control of value and risk, in the second half of 2005 the Company launched FAP (Financial Analysis Program), which allows the construction of a dynamic model that can make forecasts of stochastically-generated economic scenarios, simulating the evolution of the value of assets and liabilities based on the technical characteristics of the products, the significant financial variables and a management rule that directs investments disinvestments. The risk factors considered by the model are of an actuarial and financial nature. Among the former, the FAP models risks deriving from the dynamics of an extreme surrendering of policies, from sharp changes in mortality and longevity, and from pressure on costs; among the latter, the FAP takes into consideration scenarios of stress over year-long time spans on interest rates, on credit spread and on stock market trends.

QUANTITATIVE INFORMATION

        At the end of 2005, the investment portfolio for traditional revaluable policies and free assets amounted, at market value, to over 20 billion euro and is 94.3% made up of bond securities while the stock component amounts to 5.7%.

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        In conformance with the directives established by the Investment Policy, the credit quality of the bond investments is high, as is shown in the chart.

CHART

A.I.P.: exposure of debt securities by rating

        The 10-day VaR of the investments made by A.I.P. vis-à-vis free assets amounts, at the end of December, to 13 million euro.

Financial derivative instruments

        The notional values of the financial derivatives at the end of 2005 are shown below:

Financial derivatives: end-of-period notional values

 
  Debt securities
and interest rates

  Equities
and equity price index

  Exchange rate
and gold

   
   
  Total as at
12/31/2005

 
  Other values
Type of portfolio/Underlying instrument

  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
  Listed
  Unlisted
 
  (/mil)

A Trading     4,286             250       4,536
B Hedging     106                     106
Total     4,392             250     4,642

        The related positive and negative fair values amount, respectively, to 262 million euro and 189 million euro as at December 31, 2005.

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PART F—INFORMATION ON CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

SECTION 1—CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

        The consolidated shareholders' equity represents the equity owned by the Group and is made up of all those elements which are not included in the definition of assets or liabilities according to the measurement and quantification methods defined by the international standards.

        As regards the management of the economic capital, the average absorbed capital was assigned to the single Business Sectors (Banking, Savings and Assurance, Asset Management and International Private Banking, Central Functions) which form the organizational structure of the SANPAOLO IMI Group, on the basis of the current risks (credit, market and operative) measured according to the VaR approach; those risks are entirely confronted with the tier 1 capital. The only exception is Banca Fideuram, operating in the sector of Savings and Assurance, for which the exact end of period book value of the shareholders' equity (excluding the profit of the period) was taken as reference as it is a listed company.

        In particular, the Group's policy of capital management aims at prompt recapitalization of subsidiaries according to specific operative requirements, in compliance with the company's practice which requires that the maximum dividend possible be distributed by the Group's companies.

        As regards the insurance companies, being part of the Group and operating in the life and/or casualty branches, in compliance with provisions set in the Insurance Code as per L.Dgs. no. 209 of September 7, 2005, such companies must check that the company has sufficient own equity to guarantee the solvency with respect to the commitments taken towards customers.

        These requirements are audited through the calculation of the solvency margin (called "corrected" if calculated at consolidation level) which compares the equity at the company's disposal (capital, equity reserves, subordinated loans within the preset limits and characteristics, in addition to other integrative elements submitted to the approval of the Regulatory Authority), which contribute to quantifying the available margin, with the company's undertakings (required margin). The amount of such margin is determined on the basis of preset ratios between premiums collected or claims paid (flow data) and the size of technical reserves at year end (stock data).

        Under the management profile, the company constantly monitors the presence of minimum requirements of capitalization set by regulations in force, by evaluating the trend of the required margin with respect to the development of the portfolio, in order to calibrate its insurance offer in the best way and manage its equity availability also considering its consistency with the regulatory requirements.

        The composition and amount of the Group's and its components' equity is shown in Section 15 of the Liabilities—GROUP EQUITY.

SECTION 2—REGULATORY CAPITAL AND SOLVENCY RATIOS

        The concept of risk capital was introduced by the Basel Committee in 1988 and the European guidelines, aiming at limiting the insolvency risk of financial intermediaries, are indicated in the EU Directive 2000/12/EEC.

        According to EU instructions, since 1992 Bank of Italy decided that the capital adequacy of a bank should be evaluated according to the ratio between regulatory capital and the total of the weighted risk assets. In particular, the regulatory capital, made of tier 1 capital and tier II capital, must not be lower, on a consolidated basis, than 8% of weighted risk assets.

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Tier 1 capital

        The paid-up capital, reserves and capital innovation instruments, such as preferred shares, are top-quality capital elements. The total of such elements, after deduction of own shares or quotas, of intangible assets, as well as of losses recorded in previous and current fiscal years, form the tier 1 capital. The innovative capital instruments can be included in tier 1, up to 15% of the total of tier 1 capital. The possible surplus can be assigned to the tier II capital and can be classified among the hybrid capitalization instruments.

Tier II capital

        The appreciation reserves, the hybrid instruments and subordinated liabilities usually form the tier II capital elements. Tier II capital must not be higher than tier 1 capital and certain elements included in tier II cannot be higher than a specified amount: subordinated liabilities, for example, cannot exceed 50% of tier 1.

        The solvency ratio must be calculated on the basis of the amount of tier 1 capital and tier II capital, net of shareholding investments in financial and insurance companies, hybrid instruments, and subordinated loans granted to the same entities.

        In order to evaluate the capital adequacy, the bank capital must be calculated in relation to the amount of weighted assets for its own risk. Therefore, the various asset categories are weighted by granting one of the following risk percentages:
0%, 20%, 50%, 100% and 200%.

        Furthermore, as of December 2005, the composition and amount of regulatory capital are being processed in compliance with the so-called "discipline of prudential filters" issued in November 2005 by the Regulatory Body in order to regulate the effects of the implementation of IAS/IFRS on the regulatory capital in banks. The calculation of such capital must take into account provisions set by the Directive 2002/87/EEC regarding financial conglomerates and include deduction of shareholding investments in insurance companies, as well as subordinated loans granted to them.

        The approach recommended by the Basel Committee and by CEBS, included in instructions given by the Bank of Italy, broadly states that, for activities differing from trading, capital losses should be deduced line by line at fair value valuation from the tier 1 capital, and capital gains should be partially computed at fair value valuation in the tier II capital (i.e. asymmetric approach).

        In particular, the regulatory capital calculation as of December 31, 2005, took into account the specific provisions given by the Regulatory Body, and according to such recommendations, the following guidelines were applied.

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        Furthermore, according to instructions of the Bank of Italy, shareholdings in insurance companies, subordinated assets in portfolio issued by consolidated insurance companies as well as investments in Bank of Italy capital were deducted from the regulatory capital of the banking group according to the specific treatment required.

        With regard to the perimeter and methods of consolidation, the following differences were found between the area of application of the rules for regulatory capital and the application of the norms governing financial statements:

        The regulatory capital and details of the prudential and capital requirements are given below.

Break-down

 
   
  12/31/2005
 
 
   
  (€/mil)

 
A.   Tier 1 capital before application of prudential filters   11,144  
    Prudential filters for tier 1 capital:   142  
    —Positive IAS/IFRS prudential filters   348  
    —Negative IAS/IFRS prudential filters   (206 )
B.   Tier 1 capital after application of prudential filters   11,286  
C.   Tier 2 capital before application of prudential filters   4,857  
    Prudential filters for tier 2 capital:   (137 )
    —Positive IAS/IFRS prudential filters    
    —Negative IAS/IFRS prudential filters   (137 )
D.   Tier 2 capital after application of prudential filters   4,720  
E.   Tier 1 and tier 2 capital after application of prudential filters   16,006  
    Items to be deducted from tier 1 and tier 2 capital   (2,308 )
F.   Regulatory capital   13,698  

        Details as at December 31, 2005 of subordinated loans issued by the Group's banking compartment are given below. It should be noted that the amounts used to determine the consolidated regulatory capital are expressed in nominal values and net of infra-group transactions.

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  Original
currency

  Amount
in the
financial
statements
as of
12/31/05

  Amount
in the
original
currency
(millions)

  Interest rate
  Issue
date

  Maturity
date

  Starting date
of early
redemption
of the loan

 
 
   
  (€/mil)

   
   
   
   
   
 
Preferred Shares   EUR   1,000   1,000   up to 11/10/2010: 8.126% p.a.
subsequently: 1 year Euribor + 3.5% p.a.
  11/10/2000   not redeemable   11/10/2010  
Total innovative capital
instruments (Tier 1)
      1,000                      
Debenture loan   EUR   132   150   5.75% p.a.   09/15/2009   09/15/2009     (*)
Debenture loan   EUR   200   200   6 months Euribor + 0.50% p.a.   10/01/1999   10/01/2009     (*)
Notes   EUR   500   500   6.375% p.a.   04/06/2000   04/06/2010     (*)
Debenture loan   EUR   6   20   1.00% p.a.   04/27/2001   04/27/2006     (*)
Debenture loan   EUR   299   300   5.55% p.a.   07/31/2001   07/31/2008     (*)
Debenture loan   EUR   1   1   ECB interest rate on repurchase agreement refinancing transactions   09/20/2001   09/20/2006     (*)
Debenture loan   EUR   199   200   5.16% p.a.   10/02/2001   10/02/2008     (*)
Notes   EUR   500   500   up to 6/28/2007 included: 3 months Euribor + 0.49 p.a.
subsequently: 3 months Euribor + 1.09% p.a.
  06/28/2002   06/28/2012   06/28/2007  
Debenture loan   EUR   47   54   up to 7/15/2007: 4.90% p.a.
subsequently: 6 months Euribor + 0.76% p.a.
  07/15/2002   07/15/2012   07/15/2007  
Debenture loan   EUR   127   147   up to 12/4/2007: 4.32% p.a.
subsequently: 6 months Euribor + 0.85% p.a.
  12/04/2002   12/04/2012   12/04/2007  
Notes   EUR   299   300   5.375% p.a.   12/13/2002   12/13/2012     (*)
Notes   EUR   350   350   up to 6/9/2010 excluded: 3.75% p.a.
subsequently: 3 months Euribor + 1.05% p.a.
  06/09/2003   06/09/2015   06/09/2010  
Notes   EUR   150   158   up to 7/1/2008 excluded: 6 months Euribor + 0.48
subsequently: 6 months Euribor + 1.08% p.a.
  07/01/2003   07/01/2013   07/01/2008  
Notes   EUR   62   75   up to 9/29/2008 excluded: 6 months Euribor + 0.46% p.a.
subsequently: 6 months Euribor + 1.06% p.a.
  09/29/2003   09/29/2013   09/29/2008  
Notes   GBP   241   165   up to 3/18/2019 excluded: 5.625% p.a.
subsequently: 3 months Sterling Libor + 1.125% p.a.
  03/18/2004   03/18/2024   03/18/2019  
Notes   EUR   700   700   up to 6/28/2011 excluded: 3 months Euribor + 0.30% p.a.
subsequently: 3 months Euribor + 0.90% p.a.
  06/28/2004   06/28/2016   06/28/2011  
Debenture loan   EUR   127   134   up to 8/3/2009 excluded: 3.72% p.a.
subsequently: 6 months Euribor + 0.60% p.a.
  08/03/2004   08/03/2014   08/03/2009  
Notes   EUR   500   500   up to 3/2/2015 excluded: 3.75% p.a.
subsequently: 3 months Euribor + 0.89% p.a.
  03/02/2005   03/02/2020   03/02/2015  
Notes   EUR   25   21   up to 6/10/2005 included: 3 months Euribor + 0.40% p.a.
subsequently: 3 months Euribor + 1.00% p.a.
  06/10/2005   06/10/2015   06/10/2010  
Debenture loan   EUR   16   20   up to 8/1/2010 included: 2.90% p.a.
subsequently: 6 months Euribor + 0.74% p.a.
  08/01/2005   08/01/2015   08/01/2010  
                               

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Total subordinated liabilities (Tier 2)       4,481                      
Notes   EUR   50   50   UP TO 11/14/2004: 1.44289% p.a.
subsequently: 1.50% p.a.
  06/26/2003   11/15/2007     (*)
Notes   EUR   550   550   3 months Euribor + 0.15% p.a.   12/20/2005   01/07/2008     (*)
Total tier 3 subodinated liabilities       600                      
Total       6,081                      

(*)
Early redemption of the loan is not provided for.

        Tier 2 subordinated loans to be computed in the regulatory capital at December 31, 2005 amounted to 4,224 million euro.

Preferred securities, to be computed in base capital, meet the following requirements:

        Tier 2 subordinated loans are not subject to provisions for early redemption nor to conditions permitting conversion into capital or other form of liability. In more detail, the contracts state:

        Tier 3 subordinated loans, issued to meet market risks, satisfy the following conditions:

F-164


Details of prudential requirements

 
   
   
   
  12/31/2005
 
Category/Value

  Unweighted amounts
  Weighted
amounts/requirements

 
 
   
   
   
  (€/mil)

 
A.   RISK ASSETS          
    A.1   CREDIT RISK   212,054   136,017  
    STANDARD METHOD          
    ON-BALANCE SHEET ASSETS          
    1.   Loans (other than equities and other subordinated assets) to (or secured by):   148,075   94,940  
        1.1   Governments and central banks   28,279   101  
        1.2   Public entities   10,162   2,050  
        1.3   Banks   20,779   4,461  
        1.4   Other entities (other than residential and non-residential mortgage loans)   88,855   88,328  
    2.   Mortgage loans—residential property   24,603   12,302  
    3.   Mortgage loans—non-residential property          
    4.   Shares, investments and subordinated assets   2,610   2,739  
    5.   Other assets   5,823   3,634  
    OFF-BALANCE SHEET ASSETS          
    1.   Guarantees and commitments to (or secured by):   30,630   22,305  
        1.1   Governments and central banks   5,923   1  
        1.2   Public entities   1,670   334  
        1.3   Banks   1,395   328  
        1.4   Other entities (other than residential and non-residential mortgage loans)   21,642   21,642  
    2.   Derivative contracts to (or secured by):   313   97  
        2.1   Governments and central banks          
        2.2   Public entities          
        2.3   Banks   198   39  
        2.4   Other entities (other than residential and non-residential mortgage loans)   115   58  
B.   REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS          
    B.1   CREDIT RISK       10,881  
    B.2   MARKET RISK       1,219  
        1.   STANDARD METHOD   X   1,219  
            of which:          
            + position risk on debt securities   X   744  
            + position risk on equities   X   134  
            + exchange rate risk   X   19  
            + other risks   X   322  
        2.   INTERNAL MODELS   X    
            of which:          
            + position risk on debt securities   X   X  
            + position risk on equities   X   X  
            + exchange rate risk   X   X  
    B.3   OTHER REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS   X   23  
    B.4   TOTAL REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS (B1+B2+B3)   X   12,123  
                       

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C.   RISK ASSETS AND REGULATORY RATIOS          
    C.1   Risk-weighted assets   X   151,542  
    C.2   Tier 1 capital/Weighted risk assets (Tier 1 capital ratio)   X   7.4 %
    C.3   Regulatory capital/Weighted risk assets (Total capital ratio)   X   9.4 %

        As for the make-up of the regulatory capital and the details of the prudential requirements as at December 31, 2004, see part L—section 8—Regulatory capital in these Explanatory Notes.

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PART G—BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

        No business combinations were carried out during 2005 or after the close of the year.

F-167



PART H—TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

Transparency procedures

        SANPAOLO IMI has identified the Bank's related parties and has defined a Group procedure to decide on transactions with them, aimed at establishing specific competencies and responsibilities, as well as showing the information flows between the Bank structures and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

        Under the procedure, and in line with the Disciplinary Code, the transactions with related parties deemed significant on the basis of analytical levels according to types of transaction and counterparty, with reference to the Parent Bank, are to be decided by the Board of Directors, after examination by the Technical Audit Committee. The significant transactions undertaken by the subsidiaries with the Parent Bank's related parties are decided upon by the Board of Directors of the subsidiary company, which must submit the proposal in advance to ensure it is in conformity with the Parent Bank.

        In addition to observing the specific decision-making procedure, the Parent Bank structures and the subsidiaries, which originate transactions with related parties, must submit a quarterly report so that the Bank may fulfill the obligations of clause 150 of D.Lgs. 58/1998 (on the subject of a report to the Board of Statutory Auditors) and must fulfill the immediate or periodic reporting requirements in relation to the market. In particular, the market is advised of transactions that are individually significant pursuant to clause 71 bis of Consob Decision 11971 of May 14, 1999.

        The preliminary stage of the transactions to be undertaken with related parties follow the same process as granting loans reserved for other non-related parties with the same credit rating. Infra-group loans are subject to specific limits, to comply with the supervisory regulations of the Bank of Italy.

        Further information can be found in the "Report on Corporate Governance".

        With regard to transactions with entities that carry out functions of management, administration and control of the Bank, besides the application of clause 2391 of the Italian Civil Code, the special regulations on the obligations of banking representatives set down at clause 136 of D. Lgs 385/1993 and the Surveillance Instructions (Consolidated Banking Law) also apply; they require, in any case, the prior unanimous favourable decision of the Board of Directors, and the unanimous favourable vote of the Board of Statutory Auditors. Those who carry out administrative, management and control functions at Group banks or companies may not undertake obligations and acts of buying or selling, directly or indirectly, with the relevant company, or undertake financial transactions with another Group company or bank without a decision by the appropriate bodies of the contracting company or bank, taken in the way described above. In these cases, furthermore, the obligation or act must have the consent of the Parent Bank issued by the Board of Directors.

1.     Information on remuneration of directors and executives

        Given the current organizational structure, the Bank decided to include within "executives with strategic responsibilities" (hereafter "key managers"), pursuant to IAS 24, the Directors, the Statutory Auditors, the General Manager of the Parent Bank, the Managers of the Divisions and central structures of the Parent Bank reporting directly to the Managing Director or General Manager, as well as the Manager of the business sector Savings and Assurance because of its particular importance at the consolidated level.

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        Below are the principal benefits recognized by the group to the key managers under the various forms summarized in the table.

 
  2005
 
  (€/mil)

Short term benefits(1)   23
Benefits following employee termination(2)   1
Other long term benefits(3)  
Employee termination indemnity(4)   1
Stock option plans(5)   1
Other remuneration(6)   1
Total remuneration paid to executives with strategic responsibilities   27

(1)
Includes fixed and variable fees of directors that may be assimilated with cost of work and social security charges paid bythe company for its employees.

(2)
Includes company contribution to pension funds and allocation to employee termination indemnity pursuant to legislation andcompany regulations.

(3)
Includes estimate of allocations for length of service awards for employees.

(4)
Includes fees paid for early retirement incentive.

(5)
Includes cost for stock option plans determined on the basis of IFRS 2 criteria and charged to financial statements.

(6)
Refers to compensation paid to members of Board of Statutory Auditors.

        The details of remuneration paid to Directors, Statutory Auditors and General Managers pursuant to clause 78 of CONSOB decision 11971 of May 4, 1999, and the stock options plans kept exclusively for them, are reported in Part H of the Explanatory Notes to the Parent Bank financial statements.

        The shares in the Parent Bank and the subsidiaries held by the Directors, Statutory Auditors and General Manager of the Parent Bank as well as other entities pursuant to clause 79 of CONSOB decision 11971/99, are detailed in the table set out in Part H of the Explanatory Notes to the Parent Bank financial statements.

2.     Information on transactions with related parties

2.1   Transactions of atypical and/or unusual nature

        On April 28, 2005 a compromise agreement was completed between Sanpaolo Bank S.A. and Ente Holding S.r.l. (100% controlled by the Fondo Pensioni of the SANPAOLO IMI Group, one of the Banks' related parties) regarding a real estate transaction between the same Ente Holding S.r.l. and a third party, a defaulting seller on behalf of which Sanpaolo Bank operated on the basis of a fiduciary contract. In compliance with such agreement, Sanpaolo Bank acquired, on a nonrecourse basis, the amounts due (recuperation and compensation) by the defaulting seller to Ente Holding, in respect of a payment of 7.8 million euro made by Sanpaolo Bank in favor of Ente Holding (the amount was equal to the nominal value of the legally binding money deposit paid at the time by Ente Holding); in relation to this compromise agreement, Ente Holding waived its entitlement to interest, charges and main damages arising on the transaction. The compromise was considered adequate and overall fair also from the point of view of Sanpaolo Bank as, given the particularly complex context and the peculiarities of Ente Holding, it avoided a legal dispute and the risks associated with it as well as any additional costs which might have been incurred.

F-169



2.2   Transactions of ordinary or recurrent nature

        Non-atypical or non-unusual transactions entered into with related parties fall within the scope of the Group's ordinary activities and are usually entered into at market conditions, based on valuations of mutual economic convenience, in line with the internal procedures mentioned above. Transactions with infra-Group related parties, since they are not part of the consolidated balance sheet, are not included in this report. However, the report on transactions with related parties put in place by the Parent Bank is included in the Explanatory Notes to the company's financial statements.

        Below are the principal terms of reference of the operations of each category of related party, on the basis of the entities indicated in IAS 24, net of infra-group operations; the paragraph above has information on payments to directors and management.

2.2.1   Transactions with shareholders

        Having regard to the ownership structure of SANPAOLO IMI and thus to the shareholders' agreements entered into on April 21, 2004, while excluding a check, even joint, on the individual shareholders that were parties to those agreements, nonetheless, opting for maximum transparency, the parties to those agreements were included in the list of related parties, as it was not possible to exclude the reconstruction of a position of "significant influence" on the Bank involving those parties. This resulted in the inclusion of entities that exercise control on the important shareholders as well as, with reference to the investment relationships of the important shareholders, the parties controlled by the significant shareholders since they are subject to their direction, when they make significant transactions.

        The transactions with those shareholders fall under the Group's ordinary activity and are entered into at the same market conditions applied to other non-related parties enjoying the same credit rating.

        The following table summarizes the relationships with Shareholders at December 31, 2005 and the economic effects of the transactions undertaken during the year.

Shareholders

  12/31/2005
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Total financial assets   132  
Total other assets    
Total financial liabilities   126  
Total other liabilities    
Total interest income   3  
Total interest expense   (3 )
Total commissions income    
Total commissions expense    
Total operating costs    
Total adjustments to financial assets    
Total other revenues    
Total other costs    

2.2.2   Transactions with executives with strategic responsibilities

        The relations between the SANPAOLO IMI Group and key managers occur within the normal activities of the Group and are entered into by applying, where appropriate, the agreements made available to all employees, and maintaining complete transparency; or, in relation to independent representatives, with whom there is a fixed-term contract in place, applying the conditions available to consultants of the same standing, in full observance of the relevant laws.

F-170



        The following table summarizes the relationships in place at December 31, 2005 with executives with strategic responsibilities, and the economic effects of the financial period, including what is set out in the previous chapter on the payments to directors and management.

Executives with strategic responsibilities

  12/31/2005
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Total financial assets   1  
Total other assets    
Total financial liabilities   6  
Total other liabilities    
Total interest income    
Total interest expense    
Total commissions income    
Total commissions expense    
Total operating costs   (27 )
Total adjustments to financial assets    
Total other revenues    
Total other costs    

2.2.3   Transactions with subsidiaries not consolidated line by line

        It should be noted that transactions with subsidiaries not consolidated line by line are attributable to the ordinary internal operations of a multifunctional banking company.

Subsidiaries not consolidated line by line

  12/31/2005
 
  (€/mil)

Total financial assets   40
Total other assets   5
Total financial liabilities   6
Total other liabilities  
Total interest income   2
Total interest expense  
Total commissions income  
Total commissions expense  
Total operating costs  
Total adjustments to financial assets  
Total other revenues  
Total other costs  

        The list of Group companies and subsidiary companies subject to significant influence at December 31, 2005 is presented in detail in the Explanatory Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Part B—Section 10).

F-171



2.2.4   Transactions with associated companies

        It should be noted that transactions with associated companies are attributable to the ordinary internal operations of a multifunctional banking company. In this regard, please refer to Part H of the Parent Bank's Explanatory Notes.

Associated companies

  12/31/2005
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Total financial assets   756  
Total other assets    
Total financial liabilities   117  
Total other liabilities    
Total interest income   20  
Total interest expense   (4 )
Total commissions income   1  
Total commissions expense    
Total operating costs    
Total adjustments to financial assets    
Total other revenues    
Total other costs    

2.2.5   Transactions with joint ventures

        At December 31, 2004 there were no significant relations with joint venture companies nor were there significant economic effects relating to these entities.

2.2.6   Transactions with other related parties

        The following table summarizes the relationships with other related parties.

Other related parties

  12/31/2005
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Total financial assets   591  
Total other assets    
Total financial liabilities   626  
Total other liabilities   2  
Total interest income   5  
Total interest expense   (4 )
Total commissions income    
Total commissions expense    
Total operating costs   (17 )
Total adjustments to financial assets    
Total other revenues    
Total other costs    

2.3   Significant transactions

        During the last year no significant transactions were entered into with related parties.

        However, certain relevant transactions are highlighted below:

F-172


F-173



PART I—PAYMENT AGREEMENTS BASED ON OWN FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

A.    QUALITATIVE INFORMATION

1.     Description of payment agreements based on own financial instruments

Stock option

SANPAOLO IMI S.P.A.

        At the Shareholders' Meeting of July 31, 1998, the shareholders authorized the Board of Directors to implement plans for a stock option program for Group executives, by raising increases in paid capital of up to a maximum amount subsequently defined as 40 million euro, corresponding to 14,285,714 shares.

        By virtue of this authorization the Board of Directors:

        At the Shareholders' Meeting of April 30, 2002, the shareholders renewed the Board of Directors' authorization to implement plans for stock option programs for Group executives, by raising increases in paid capital of up to a maximum amount of 51,440,648 euro, corresponding to 18,371,660 shares.

        By virtue of this authorization the Board of Directors:


        In addition, on May 14, 2002 the Board of Directors launched a stock option program for the President and the Managing Directors, for the three-year period 2001-2003. Based on this plan, Dott. Rainer Stefano MASERA, Dott. Alfonso IOZZO and Rag. Luigi MARANZANA were each assigned a total of 450,000 fixed rights for the three-year period 2001-2003. Rag. Pio BUSSOLOTTO was assigned a total of 300,000 rights for the three-year period 2001-2003. The rights assigned became exercisable—at a price of 12.6244 euro—from the date of the dividend issue for the financial year 2003 and in any case not after May 15, 2006. The latter deadline was extended by a resolution of the Board of Directors on January 25, 2005 (the previous deadline was March 31, 2006). This plan is detailed in Part H of the company explanatory note.

F-174


BANCA FIDEURAM S.P.A.

        Regarding the subsidiary Banca Fideuram, the following is of note.

        On 16 December 2003, the Board of Directors approved a stock option program that assigns, to Banca Fideuram Group's Private Bankers, options to buy Banca Fideuram shares, at the ratio of one option per share, at a unit price, reestablished following the split with Fideuram Vita, of 4.43 euro. This program closed in December 2005 and involved the assigning of 2,341,727 Banca Fideuram shares to Private Bankers of that bank and of the subsidiary Sanpaolo Invest.

        On March 16, 2005, the Board of Directors approved a new stock option program for the three-year period 2005-2007 in favour of the Private Bankers of Banca Fideuram Group, the main elements of which are given below:

B.    QUANTITATIVE INFORMATION

1.     Annual changes

        In compliance with the provisions of IFRS 2, the following table gives information on the evolution and details of the stock option programs of SANPAOLO IMI Group.

SANPAOLO IMI S.P.A.

Evolution of stock option plans in 2005

 
  Number of shares

  Average exercise
price

  Market price
 
 
   
  (€)

  (€)

 
Rights existing as at 1/1/2005   16,523,270   10.6955   10.600 (a)
Rights exercised in 2005   (7,694,500 ) 7.3373    
Rights expired(b)   (3,093,270 ) 16.4557    
Rights expired in 2005(c)   (80,000 ) 10.6242    
Rights assigned in 2005   9,650,000   12.3074    
Rights existing as at 12/31/2005   15,305,500   12.2362   13.201 (d)
Of which: exercisable as at 12/31/05        


(a)
Reference price as at 12/30/2004.


(b)
Concerning rights no longer exercisable following expiry of exercising deadline.


(c)
Concerning rights no longer exercisable following expiry of employee termination indemnity.


(d)
Reference price as at 12/30/2005.

F-175


Break-down of rights by exercise price and residual maturity

 
  Minimum contractual residual maturity
   
  of which: exercisable
as at 12/31/2005

Exercise prices

  May 2004 -
March 2006

  May 2004 -
May 2006
(a)

  May 2005 -
May 2007
(b)

  May 2009 -
April 2012

  Total
  Total
  Average residual
contractual
maturity

(€)

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
12.7229   3,420,000         3,420,000    
12.6244     1,650,000       1,650,000    
7.1264       585,500     585,500    
12.3074         9,650,000   9,650,000 (c)  
Total   3,420,000   1,650,000   585,500   9,650,000   15,305,500    


(a)
Original expiry March 2006, deferred to May 2006 by resolution of the Board of Directors on 25 January 2005.


(b)
Original expiry March 2007, deferred to May 2007 by resolution of the Board of Directors on January 25, 2005.


(c)
Of which 4,700,000 rights assigned to executives with strategic responsibilities.

BANCA FIDEURAM S.P.A.

        The table below gives the evolution of the stock option programs of Banca Fideuram in the financial year 2005.

Evolution of stock option plans in 2005

 
  12/31/2005
 
  Number of options
  Average prices
  Average expiry
A. Opening balance   3,557,695   4.43   June-December 2005
B. Increases   5,626,203   4.074   X
  B.1. New issues   5,626,203   4.074   June-December 2008
  B.2. Other changes       X
C. Decreases   (3,557,695 ) 4.43   X
  C.1 Annulled         X
  C.2 Exercised   (2,341,727 ) 4.43   X
  C.3 Expired         X
  C.4 Other changes   (1,215,968 ) 4.43   X
D. Closing balance   5,626,203   4.074   June-December 2008
E. Options exercisable at the end of the year       X

F-176



PART L—INFORMATION ON COMPARISON WITH FINANCIAL YEAR 2004

        As is better described in part A—Accounting principles of this explanatory note, SANPAOLO IMI Group has used the facility, provided for by IFRS 1, of deferring the date of first application of IAS 32 and 39 and IFRS 4 until January 1, 2005. Consequently, for the comparative information for the financial year 2004 relating to financial instruments and insurance contracts, the national accounting principles (D.Lgs. 87/92 and related instructions issued by Banca d'Italia) have been applied.

        Therefore, the sections of the 2004 consolidated explanatory notes relating to the above mentioned captions are given, suitably modified to take account of the changes to the area of consolidation.

        More precisely, the original numbering of the sections given by the above-cited instructions from Banca d'Italia has been maintained.

INFORMATION ON THE BALANCE SHEET—ASSETS

SECTION 1—LOANS

 
  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

Loans to banks (caption 30)   23,942
Loans to customers (caption 40)(*)   123,201
Total   147,143

(*)
The amount includes 841 million euro of loans to Società per la gestione di Attività S.p.A. (Sga), of which 814 million euro is granted within the intervention provided for by Italian Law 588/96.

Break-down of caption 30 "Loans to banks" (table 1.1 B.I.)

  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

a) Due from central banks   477
b) Bills eligible for refinancing with central banks  
c) Loans for finance lease contracts  
d) Repurchase agreement transactions   12,383
e) Securities lending   193

Break-down of caption 40 "loans to customers" (table 1.2 B.I.)


 

12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

a) Bills eligible for refinancing with central banks  
b) Loans for finance lease contracts   5,370
c) Repurchase agreement transactions   2,306
d) Securities lending   502

F-177



Secured loans to customers (table 1.3 B.I.)


 

12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

a) Mortgages   34,099
b) Pledged assets:    
  1. cash deposits   347
  2. securities   4,782
  3. other instruments   413
c) Guarantees given by:    
  1. governments   4,407
  2. other public entities   592
  3. banks   628
  4. other entities   18,812
Total   64,080

 


 

12/31/2004

Cash loans to customers (Provision B.I. 12.17.98)

  Gross exposure
  Total
adjustments

  Net exposure
 
  (€/mil)

A. Doubtful loans   6,611   4,083   2,528
  A.1 Non-performing loans   4,610   3,462   1,147
  A.2 Problem loans   1,642   527   1,115
  A.3 Loans in course of restructuring   131   39   92
  A.4 Restructured loans   193   45   149
  A.5 Unsecured loans exposed to country risk   36   10   25
B. Performing loans   121,770   1,097   120,673
Total loans to customers   128,381   5,180   123,201

 


 

12/31/2004

Cash loans to banks (Provision B.I. 12.17.98)

  Gross exposure
  Total
adjustments

  Net exposure
 
  (€/mil)

A. Doubtful loans   30   11   20
  A.1 Non-performing loans   3   3  
  A.2 Problem loans   1   1  
  A.3 Loans in course of restructuring      
  A.4 Restructured loans      
  A.5 Unsecured loans exposed to country risk   26   7   20
B. Performing loans   23,938   16   23,922
Total loans to banks   23,968   27   23,942

Movements in gross doubtful loans to customers—non-performing loans (table 1.4 B.I.)


 

12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

Non-performing loans (net amount in the financial statement including default interest)   1,147

Movements in gross doubtful loans to customers (Provision B.I. 12.17.98)
Type/Category


 

Non-performing
loans


 

Problem
loans


 

Loans in
course of
restructuring


 

Restructured
loans


 

Unsecured loans
exposed to
country risk


 
 
  (€/mil)

 
A. Opening gross exposure as at 1/1/04   4,360   1,818   24   193   31  
  A.1 of which: for default interest   791   93   1   1    
B. Increases   1,086   1,681   323   254   8  
  B.1 from performing loans   175   1,238   123   35    
  B.2 default interest   123   29   1   1    
                       

F-178


  B.3 transfer from other categories of doubtful loans   618   153   175   156    
  B.4 other increases   170   261   24   62   8  
C. Decreases   (837 ) (1,857 ) (217 ) (254 ) (3 )
  C.1 to performing loans   (12 ) (144 )   (39 )  
  C.2 write-offs   (305 ) (162 )   (1 )  
  C.3 collections   (414 ) (727 ) (25 ) (96 ) (2 )
  C.4 disposals   (15 ) (9 )      
  C.5 transfer to other categories of doubtful loans   (61 ) (782 ) (178 ) (80 )  
  C.6 other decreases   (30 ) (33 ) (14 ) (38 ) (1 )
D. Gross exposure as at 12/31/04   4,609   1,642   131   193   36  
  D.1 of which: for default interest   844   78   1      

Movements in gross doubtful amounts due from banks (Provision B.I. 12.17.98)
Type/Category


 

Non-performing
loans


 

Problem loans


 

Loans in course of restructuring


 

Restructured loans


 

Unsecured loans
exposed to country risk


 
 
  (€/mil)

 
A. Opening gross exposure as at 1/1/04   6   1       39  
  A.1 of which: for default interest           1  
B. Increases   1         1  
  B.1 from performing loans            
  B.2 default interest            
  B.3 transfer from other categories of doubtful loans            
  B.4 other increases   1         1  
C. Decreases   (4 )       (14 )
  C.1 to performing loans            
  C.2 write-offs   (3 )       (2 )
  C.3 collections   (1 )       (12 )
  C.4 disposals            
  C.5 transfer to other categories of doubtful loans            
  C.6 other decreases            
D. Closing gross exposure as at 12/31/04   3   1       26  
  D.1 of which: for default interest            

Movements in adjustments to loans to customers (Provision B.I. 12.17.98)
Type/Category


 

Non-performing
loans


 

Problem
loans


 

Loans in
course of
restructuring


 

Restructured
loans


 

Unsecured loans
exposed to country risk


 

Performing
loans


 
 
  (€/mil)

 
A. Total adjustments as at 1/1/04   3,198   646   3   43   9   1,015  
  A.1 of which: for default interest   789   93   1   1     19  
B. Increases   789   381   71   49   6   220  
  B.1 adjustments   521   246   43   20   4   211  
    B.1.1 of which: for default interest   123   29   1   1     14  
                           

F-179


  B.2 use of reserves for probable loan losses   21   3          
  B.3 transfer from other categories of doubtful loans   197   116   23   17     9  
  B.4 other increases   50   16   5   12   3    
C. Decreases   (525 ) (500 ) (35 ) (47 ) (5 ) (138 )
  C.1 write-backs from valuation   (38 ) (28 )   (4 ) (1 ) (13 )
    C.1.1 of which: for default interest              
  C.2 write-backs of collection   (114 ) (93 ) (1 ) (16 )   (37 )
    C.2.1 of which: for default interest   (29 ) (8 ) (1 )     (5 )
  C.3 write-offs   (305 ) (162 )   (1 )   (14 )
  C.4 transfer to other categories of doubtful loans   (45 ) (205 ) (29 ) (15 )   (69 )
  C.5 other decreases   (23 ) (12 ) (5 ) (12 ) (4 ) (5 )
D. Total adjustments as at 12/31/04   3,462   527   39   45   10   1,097  
  D.1 of which: for default interest   844   78   1       13  

Movements in adjustments to loans to banks (Provision B.I. 12.17.98)
Type/Category


 

Non-performing
loans


 

Problem
loans


 

Loans in
course of
restructuring


 

Restructured
loans


 

Unsecured loans
exposed to
country risk


 

Performing
loans

 
  (€/mil)

A. Total adjustments as at 1/1/04   6   1       9   11
  A.1 of which: for default interest           1  
B. Increases   1         2   5
  B.1 value adjustments   1           1
    B.1.1 of which: for default interest            
  B.2 use of reserves for probable loan losses             4
  B.3 transfer from other categories of doubtful loans            
  B.4 other increases           1  
C. Decreases   (4 )       (4 )
  C.1 write-backs from valuation            
    C.1.1 of which: for default interest            
  C.2 write-backs due of collection              
    C.2.1 of which: for default interest            
  C.3 write-offs   (4 )       (2 )
  C.4 transfer from other categories of doubtful loans            
  C.5 other decreases           (2 )
D. Total adjustments as at 12/31/2004   3   1       7   16
  D.1 of which: for default interest            

F-180



 


 

Gross exposure

 
   
  of which: unsecured
Loans to customers and banks resident in nations exposed to country risk
Country

  Total
  book value
  weighted value
 
  (€/mil)

Brazil   51   30   29
Azerbaijan   37   12   12
Venezuela   13   8   8
Trinidad and Tobago   4   4   4
Argentina   51   3   3
Serbia and Montenegro   3   2   2
Costa Rica   1   1  
Cayman Islands   18    
Lebanon   11    
Dominican Republic   9    
Pakistan   6    
Philippines   4    
Other   3   2   2
Total gross exposure   211   62   60
Total value adjustments   17   17    
Net exposure as at 12/31/04   194   45    

SECTION 2—SECURITIES

 
  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

Treasury bills and similar bills eligible for refinancing with central banks (caption 20)   2,612
Bonds and other debt securities (caption 50)   23,702
Shares, quotas and other equities (caption 60)   3,026
Total   29,340

 


 

12/31/2004

Investment securities (table 2.1 B.I.)

  Book value
  Market value
 
  (€/mil)

1. Debt securities        
  1.1 Government securities        
    —quoted   2,088   2,155
    —unquoted   46   58
  1.2 other securities        
    —quoted   540   546
    —unquoted   453   496
2. Equities        
  —quoted   7   7
  —unquoted   63   63
Total   3,197   3,325

F-181



 


 

12/31/2004

Dealing securities (table 2.3 B.I.)

  Book value
  Market value
 
  (€/mil)

1. Debt securities        
  1.1 Government securities        
    —quoted   7,827   7,827
    —unquoted   24   24
  1.2 other securities        
    —quoted   6,130   6,130
    —unquoted   9,206   9,440
2. Equities        
  —quoted   2,623   2,623
  —unquoted   333   333
Total   26,143   26,377

SECTION 3—EQUITY INVESTMENTS

 
  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

Equity investments (caption 70)   3,652
Investments in Group companies (caption 80)   1,082
Total   4,734
—significant investments carried at equity   1,824
—other equity investments carried at cost   2,910

Break-down of caption 80 "investments in group companies" (table 3.5 B.I.)


 

12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

a) in banks    
  1. quoted  
  2. unquoted  
b) in financial institutions    
  1. quoted  
  2. unquoted   8
c) other    
  1. quoted  
  2. unquoted   1,074
Total   1,082

Break-down of caption 70 "investments" (table 3.4 B.I.)


 

12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

a) in banks    
  1. quoted   1,505
  2. unquoted   797
b) in financial institutions    
  1. quoted  
  2. unquoted   381
c) other    
  1. quoted   203
  2. unquoted   766
Total   3,652

F-182



Investments in Group companies (table 3.6.1 B.I.)


 

12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

A. Opening balance   1,130
B. Increases    
  B1. purchases   1
  B2. write-backs  
  B3. revaluation  
  B4. other changes   214
C. Decreases    
  C.1 sales   226
  C.2 adjustments   18
    of which:    
    —long-term write-downs  
  C.3 other changes   19
D. Closing balance   1,082
E. Total revaluations   69
F. Total adjustments   871

Other equity investments (table 3.6.2 B.I.)


 

12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

A. Opening balance   3,654
B. Increases    
  B.1 purchases   31
  B.2 write-backs   123
  B.3 revaluation  
  B4. other changes   421
C. Decreases    
  C.1 sales   165
  C.2 adjustments   60
    of which:    
    —long-term write-downs   10
  C.3 other changes   352
D. Closing balance   3,652
E. Total revaluations   245
F. Total adjustments   1,046

Amounts due to and from Group companies (table 3.2 B.I.)


 

12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

a) Assets    
  1. due from banks  
    of which:    
    —subordinated  
  2. due from financial institutions   18
    of which:    
    —subordinated  
  3. due from other customers   250
    of which:    
    —subordinated   150
  4. bonds and other debt securities   139
    of which:    
    —subordinated   2
Total assets   407
     

F-183


b) Liabilities    
  1. due to banks   59
  2. due to financial institutions   10
  3. due to other customers   230
  4. securities issued   1,036
  5. subordinated liabilities  
Total liabilities   1,335
c) Guarantees and commitments    
  1. guarantees issued   4
  2. commitments  
Total guarantees and commitments   4

Assets and liabilities with investee companies (other than Group companies) (table 3.3 B.I.)


 

12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

a) Assets    
  1. due from banks   1,371
    of which:    
    —subordinated   10
  2. due from financial institutions   1,659
    of which:    
    —subordinated   1
  3. due from other customers   797
    of which:  
    —subordinated    
  4. bonds and other debt securities   307
    of which:    
    —subordinated   9
Total assets   4,134
b) Liabilities    
  1. due to banks   1,150
  2. due to financial institutions   367
  3. due to other customers   213
  4. securities issued  
  5. subordinated liabilities  
Total liabilities   1,730
c) Guarantees and commitments    
  1. guarantees issued   788
  2. commitments   434
Total guarantees and commitments   1,222

F-184



Amounts due to and from affiliated companies


 

12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

a) Assets    
  1. due from banks   817
    of which:    
    —subordinated  
  2. due from financial institutions   457
    of which:    
    —subordinated  
  3. due from other customers   49
    of which:    
    —subordinated  
  4. bonds and other debt securities   18
    of which:    
    —subordinated   9
Total assets   1,341
b) Liabilities    
  1. due to banks   80
  2. due to financial institutions   12
  3. due to other customers   5
  4. securities issued  
  5. subordinated liabilities  
Total liabilities   97
c) Guarantees and commitments    
  1. guarantees issued   182
  2. commitments   10
Total guarantees and commitments   192

F-185


SECTION 5—OTHER ASSETS

 
  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

Other assets (caption 150)   20,174
Accrued income and prepaid expenses (caption 160)   3,827
Total   24,001

Break-down of caption 150 "other assets" (break-down 5.1 B.I)


 

12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

Derivative contracts and currency transactions:   12,785
  —valuation of derivatives on interest rates and stockmarket indices   9,886
  —premiums paid on purchased options   1,465
  —other derivative contracts   897
  —effect of currency hedges, forex swap and cross-currency swap   537
Unprocessed transactions   2,497
Due from tax authorities   845
  —advanced taxes on Employee termination indemnity—Law 662/96   53
  —advanced taxes pursuant to L.D. December 10, 2003 no. 341   562
  —other loans   230
Tax collection account   1,253
Amounts in transit with branches and subsidiaries   925
Reimbursement of the incentive pursuant to the Ciampi Law suspended   200
Loans to Carlyle Group   155
Deposit with the Bank of Italy relating to Isveimer liquidation   58
Deposit with the Bank of Italy in connection with coverage of Sga's losses   7
Other items   1,449
Total   20,174

Break-down of caption 160 "accrued income and prepaid expenses" (break-down 5.2 B.I.)


 

12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

Accrued income    
  —income from derivative contracts   1,636
  —interest from loans to customers   517
  —interest on securities   277
  —interest on loans to banks   89
  —other   220
Prepaid expenses    
  —commissions on placement of securities and mortgage loans   75
  —up front fees and other charges on derivative contracts   355
  —discounts on bond issues   245
  —other expenses   413
Total   3,827

Break-down of subordinated assets (table 5.4 B.I.)


 

12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

a) Due from banks   10
b) Loans to customers   151
c) Bonds and other debt securities   255
Total   416

F-186


INFORMATION ON THE BALANCE SHEET—LIABILITIES

SECTION 6—PAYABLES

 
  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

Due to banks (caption 10)   28,277
Due to customers (caption 20)   88,510
Securities issued (caption 30)   47,986
Public funds administered (caption 40)   150
Total   164,923

Due to banks (caption 10)


 

12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

Due to central banks    
  —repurchase agreements and securities loaned   551
  —other deposits from the Italian Exchange Office   193
  —other deposits from central banks   2,334
Due to other banks    
  —deposits   7,155
  —repurchase agreements and securities loaned   7,960
  —medium/long-term loans from International Organizations   7,565
  —current accounts   848
  —other   1,671
Total   28,277

Detail of caption "due to banks" (table 6.1 B.I.)


 

12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

a) Repurchase agreements   8,154
b) Securities loaned   357

F-187


Due to customers and securities issued (captions 20 and 30)

  December 31, 2004
 
  (€/mil)

Due to customers    
  —current accounts   58,826
  —repurchase agreements and securities loaned   11,664
  —deposits   14,410
  —short-term payables relating to special management services carried out for the
    Government
  37
  —other transactions   3,573
Securities issued    
  —bonds   41,076
  —certificates of deposit   2,904
  —banker's drafts   646
  —other securities   3,360
Total   136,496
Detail of caption "due to customers" (table 6.2 B.I.)

  December 31, 2004
 
  (€/mil)

a) Repurchase agreements   11,356
b) Securities loaned   308
Public funds administered (caption 40)

  December 31, 2004
 
  (€/mil)

Funds provided by the State   43
Funds provided by regional public authorities   107
Total   150
of which:    
funds with risk borne by the Government pursuant to Law February 6, 1987 no.19   9

SECTION 8—CAPITAL, EQUITY RESERVES, RESERVE FOR GENERAL BANKING RISKS AND SUBORDINATED LIABILITIES

Capital, equity reserves and reserve for general banking risks

        Comparative data to compare for the financial year 2004 is given in Part B of Information on the consolidated balance sheet—section 15.

F-188



Regulatory capital

        The following table gives the break-down of the regulatory capital and the details of the prudential requirements, the results of which are not affected by the application of international accounting principles since they are regulated by the Bank of Italy regulations in force.

Category/Value

  December 31, 2004
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
A. Regulatory capital      
  A.1 Tier 1 capital   10,860  
  A.2 Tier 2 capital   5,356  
  A.3 Items to be deducted   (840 )
  A.4 Regulatory capital   15,376  
B. Regulatory prudential requirements      
  B.1 Credit risk   9,568  
  B.2 Market risk   1,045  
    of which:      
    —risks of the dealing portfolio   1,039  
    exchange risks   6  
    concentration risks    
    B.2.1 Tier 3 subordinated loans   594  
  B.3 Other minimum requirements   63  
  B.4 Total minimum requirements   10,676  
C. Risk assets and capital adequacy ratios      
  C.1 Risk weighted assets(*)   133,450  
  C.2 Tier 1 capital/Risk weighted assets   8.1 %
  C.3 Tier 1 capital/Risk weighted assets(**)   12.0 %

(*)
Total mimimum requirements multiplied by the minimum compulsory ratio for credit risks.

(**)
On the basis of Bank of Italy letter no.10155 dated August 3, 2001, in order to compute the Total Risk ratios, Tier 3 subordinated loans are considered a component of total capital.

 
  Original
currency

  Amount
in the
financial
statements
as at
December 31, 2004

  Amount
in the
original
currency
(millions)

  Interest rate
  Issue
date

  Maturity
date

  Starting date
of early
redemption
of loan

 
 
   
  (€/mil)

   
   
   
   
   
 

Preferred Shares

 

EUR

 

1,000

 

1,000

 

up to November 10, 2010: 8.126% p.a. subsequently: 1 year Euribor + 3.5% p.a.

 

November 10, 2000

 

not redeemable

 

November 10, 2010

 

Total innovative capital instruments (Tier 1)

 

 

 

1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes

 

USD

 

69

 

94

 

6 months LIBOR—0.25% p.a.(a)

 

November 30, 1993

 

November 30, 2005

 

 

(*)

Debenture loan

 

EUR

 

136

 

150

 

5.75%

 

September 15, 1999

 

September 15, 2009

 

 

(*)
                               

F-189



Debenture loan

 

EUR

 

200

 

200

 

6 months Euribor + 0.50% p.a.

 

October 1, 1999

 

October 1, 2009

 

 

(*)

Notes

 

EUR

 

500

 

500

 

6.375% p.a.

 

April 6, 2000

 

April 6, 2010

 

 

(*)

Notes

 

EUR

 

347

 

350

 

up to April 6, 2005 excluded: 3 months Euribor + 0.50% p.a. subsequently: 3 months Euribor + 1.25% p.a.

 

April 6, 2000

 

April 6, 2010

 

April 6, 2005

 

Notes

 

EUR

 

1,000

 

1,000

 

up to September 27, 2005 excluded: 3 months Euribor + 0.65% p.a. subsequently: 3 months Euribor + 1.25% p.a.

 

September 27, 2000

 

September 27, 2010

 

September 27, 2005

 

Debenture loan

 

EUR

 

6

 

20

 

1.00% p.a.

 

April 27, 2001

 

April 27, 2006

 

 

(*)

Debenture loan

 

EUR

 

299

 

300

 

5.55% p.a.

 

July 31, 2001

 

July 31, 2008

 

 

(*)

Debenture loan

 

EUR

 

1

 

1

 

ECB interest rate on repurchase agreement refinancing transactions

 

September 20, 2001

 

September 20, 2006

 

 

(*)

Debenture loan

 

EUR

 

199

 

200

 

5.16% p.a.

 

October 2, 2001

 

October 2, 2008

 

 

(*)

Notes

 

EUR

 

499

 

500

 

up to June 28, 2007 included: 3 months Euribor + 0.49% p.a. subsequently: 3 months Euribor + 1.09% p.a.

 

June 28, 2002

 

June 28, 2012

 

June 28, 2007

 

Debenture loan

 

EUR

 

48

 

54

 

up to July 15, 2007: 4.90% subsequently: 6 months Euribor + 0.76% p.a.

 

July 15, 2002

 

July 15, 2012

 

July 15, 2007

 

Debenture loan

 

EUR

 

133

 

147

 

up to December 4, 2007: 4.32% p.a. subsequently: 6 months Euribor + 0.85% p.a.

 

December 4, 2002

 

December 4, 2012

 

December 4, 2007

 

Notes

 

EUR

 

300

 

300

 

5.375% p.a.

 

December 13, 2002

 

December 13, 2012

 

 

(*)

Notes

 

EUR

 

346

 

350

 

up to June 9, 2010 excluded: 3.75% p.a. subsequently: 3 months Euribor + 1.50% p.a.

 

June 9, 2003

 

June 9, 2015

 

June 9, 2010

 
                               

F-190



Notes

 

EUR

 

150

 

158

 

up to July 1, 2008 excluded: 6 months Euribor + 0.48% p.a. subsequently: 6 months Euribor + 1.08% p.a.

 

July 1, 2003

 

July 1, 2013

 

July 1, 2008

 

Notes

 

EUR

 

62

 

75

 

up to September 29, 2008 excluded: 6 months Euribor + 0.46% p.a. subsequently: 6 months Euribor + 1.06% p.a.

 

September 29, 2003

 

September 29, 2013

 

September 29, 2008

 

Notes

 

GBP

 

234

 

165

 

up to March 18, 2019 excluded: 5.625% p.a. subsequently: 3 months Sterling Libor + 1.125% p.a.

 

March 18, 2004

 

March 18, 2024

 

March 18, 2019

 

Notes

 

EUR

 

700

 

700

 

up to June 28, 2011 excluded: 3 months Euribor + 0.30% p.a. subsequently: 3 months Euribor + 0.90% p.a.

 

June 28, 2004

 

June 28, 2016

 

June 28, 2011

 

Notes

 

EUR

 

132

 

134

 

up to August 3, 2009 excluded: 3.72% p.a. subsequently: 6 months Euribor + 0.60% p.a

 

August 3, 2004

 

August 3, 2014

 

August 3, 2009

 

Total subordinated liabilities (Tier 2)

 

 

 

5,361

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debenture loan

 

EUR

 

345

 

350

 

2.98% p.a.

 

May 15, 2003

 

November 15, 2005

 

 

(*)

Notes

 

EUR

 

50

 

50

 

up to November 14, 2004: 1.44% p.a. subsequently: 1.50% p.a.

 

June 26, 2003

 

November 15, 2007

 

 

(*)

Bond

 

EUR

 

199

 

200

 

2.42%

 

June 30, 2003

 

December 30, 2005

 

 

(*)

Total tier 3 subordinated liabilities

 

 

 

594

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

6,955

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(*)
Early redemption of the loan is not provided for.

(a)
With a minimum of 5.375% and a maximum of 8.250%

F-191


SECTION 9—OTHER LIABILITIES

 
  December 31, 2004
 
  (€/mil)

Other liabilities (caption 50)   22,755
Accrued expenses and deferred income (caption 60)   2,651
Total   25,406
Break-down of caption 50 "other liabilities" (table 9.1 B.I.)

  December 31, 2004
 
  (€/mil)

Items relating to derivative contracts and currency transactions:   13,389
  —Valuation of derivatives on interest rates and stockmarket indices   10,438
  —Valuations of foreign currency derivative contracts   1,204
  —Premiums collected on options sold   875
  —Other derivative contracts   872
Amounts available for third parties   2,180
Unprocessed transactions   1,923
Amounts in transit with branches and subsidiaries   733
Illiquid items for portfolio transactions   602
Tax payment accounts   599
Amounts due to personnel   486
Amounts due to the Inland Revenue   688
Caution money for land and property assets   145
Securities transactions   130
Amounts receivable for settlement   72
Other items   1,808
Total   22,755
Break-down of caption 60 "accrued expenses and deferred income" (table 9.2 B.I.)

  December 31, 2004
 
  (€/mil)

Accrued expenses    
  —interest on securities issued   543
  —charges on derivative contracts   1,373
  —interest on amounts due to banks   105
  —payroll and other operating costs   5
  —interest on amounts due to customers   85
  —other expenses   142
Deferred income    
  —up front and other income on derivative contracts   81
  —interest on discounted portfolio   29
  —other revenues   288
Total   2,651

F-192


OTHER INFORMATION

SECTION 10—GUARANTEES AND COMMITMENTS

 
  December 31, 2004
 
  (€/mil)

Guarantees (caption 10)   17,299
Commitments (caption 20)   29,815
Total   47,114
Break-down of caption 10 "guarantees granted" (table 10.1 B.I.)

  December 31, 2004
 
  (€/mil)

a) Commercial guarantees   10,097
b) Financial guarantees   7,086
c) Assets lodged in guarantee   116
Total   17,299
Break-down of caption 20 "commitments" (table 10.2 B.I.)

  December 31, 2004
 
  (€/mil)

a) Commitments to grant finance (certain to be called on)   9,079
b) Commitments to grant finance (not certain to be called on)   20,736
Total   29,815
Detail of caption 20 "commitments"

  December 31, 2004
 
  (€/mil)

Purchase of securities not yet settled   2,783
Commitments for derivatives on loans   1,397
Other commitments certain to be called on   700
Undrawn lines of credit granted   12,556
Put options issued   1,613
Mortgage loans and leasing contracts to be disbursed   6,279
Deposits and loans to be made   4,074
Membership of Interbank Deposit Guarantee Fund   159
Other commitments not certain to be called on   254
Total   29,815

F-193


Assets lodged in guarantee of own liabilites (table 10.3 B.I.)

  December 31, 2004
(€/mil)

Portfolio securities lodged with third parties to guarantee repurchase agreements   9,679
Securities lodged with clearing houses for derivative market transactions   9
Securities lodged with Central Banks to guarantee advances   839
Securities lodged with the Bank of Italy to guarantee banker's drafts   165
Other tied bonds   2,375
Total   13,067
Active margins to be used for credit lines (table 10.4 B.I.)

  December 31, 2004
 
  (€/mil)

a) Central banks   99
b) Other banks   305
Total   404

F-194


Forward transactions (table 10.5 B.I.)
December 31, 2004


  Hedged
transactions

  Dealing
transactions
(*)

  Other
transactions

  Total
 
  (€/mil)

1. Purchase/sale of                
  1.1 Securities                
    —purchases     2,780     2,780
    —sales     2,352     2,352
  1.2 Currencies                
    —currency against currency   2,525   970     3,495
    —purchases against euro   6,785   1,996     8,781
    —sales against euro   5,201   2,049     7,250
2. Deposits and loans                
  —to be disbursed       4,235   4,235
  —to be received       5,356   5,356
3. Derivative contracts                
  3.1 With underlying asset exchange                
    a) securities                
      —purchases   2   4,881   384   5,267
      —sales   1,109   2,421   681   4,211
    b) currencies                
      —currency against currency   21   4,850     4,871
      —purchases against euro   2,442   8,107     10,549
      —sales against euro   225   7,882     8,107
    c) other values                
      —purchases        
      —sales        
  3.2 Without underlying asset exchange                
    a) currencies                
      —currency against currency     69     69
      —purchases against euro     24     24
      —sales against euro     44     44
    b) other instruments(**)                
      —purchases   24,725   369,557   257   394,539
      —sales   16,155   390,412   4,122   410,689
Total   59,190   798,394   15,035   872,619

(*)
Also includes the derivative contracts hedging items belonging to the dealing portfolio for 5,846 million euro.

(**)
Includes basis swap contracts for 19,938 million euro both in purchases and sales.

F-195


Notional amounts
December 31, 2004


  Interest rate
related

  Exchange
rate related

  Stockmarket
index related

  Other
  Total
 
  (€/mil)

OTC trading contracts                    
  —Forward(a)   25,435   3,513       28,948
  —Swap(b)   554,026   456       554,482
  —Options purchased   26,292   10,475   4,655     41,422
  —Options sold   41,060   9,925   6,548     57,533
  —Other   978   40   113     1,131
Exchange traded contracts                    
  —Futures purchased   37,986   12   24     38,022
  —Futures sold   45,390   19   56     45,465
  —Currency against currency futures     49       49
  —Options purchased   736     2,624     3,360
  —Options sold   453     2,236     2,689
  —Other          
Total trading contracts   732,356   24,489   16,256     773,101
Total non-trading   36,827   15,043   9,329     61,199
Grand total(c)   769,183   39,532   25,585     834,300
  —of which unquoted contracts   684,617   39,453   20,646     744,716

(a)
The entry includes the F.R.A. contracts and the forward currency buying and selling transactions.

(b)
The entry mainly includes the I.R.S., C.I.R.S. and basis swap contracts.

(c)
Includes basis swap contracts for the amount of 19,938 million euro and does not include forward currency transactions with original duration less than 2 days and amounting overall to 3,658 million euro.

Residual maturity of notional amounts of OTC derivative contracts
December 31, 2004


  Up to
12 months

  Between
1 and 5 years

  Beyond
5 years

  Total
 
  (€/mil)

Interest rate related   286,031   252,035   146,551   684,617
Exchange rate related   33,899   4,971   583   39,453
Stockmarket index related   7,706   10,039   2,901   20,646
Other contracts        
Notional amounts, market value and similar add on of OTC derivative contracts
December 31, 2004


  Interest rate
related

  Exchange
rate related

  Stockmarket
index related

  Other
  Total
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Notional amounts   684,617   39,453   20,646     744,716  
A. Market value of OTC trading contracts                      
  A.1 positive market value   10,934   460   471     11,865  
  A.2 negative market value   (11,023 ) (454 ) (406 )   (11,883 )
B. Add on   3,118   210   374     3,702  
C. Market value of OTC non-trading contracts                      
  C.1 positive market value   509   270   544     1,323  
  C.2 negative market value   (1,043 ) (988 ) (191 )   (2,222 )
D. Add on   108   270   283     661  
Equivalent credit risk (A.1+B+C.1+D)   14,669   1,210   1,672     17,551  

F-196


Notional amounts and market values of quoted contracts
December 31, 2004


  Interest rates
  Foreign
exchange

  Share prices
  Other
  Total
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Notional amounts   84,566   79   4,939     89,584  
A. Market value of OTC trading contracts                      
  A.1 positive market value   7   2   3     12  
  A.2 negative market value   (18 ) (1 ) (2 )   (21 )
B. Market value of OTC non-trading contracts                      
  B.1 positive market value            
  B.2 negative market value            
Credit quality of OTC derivative contracts, by counterparty

  Positive market
value

  Add on
  Equivalent
credit risk(a)
(current value)

 
  (€/mil)

Governments and central banks     7   7
Banks   11,849   3,964   15,813
Other operators   1,339   392   1,731
Total   13,188   4,363   17,551

(a)
Includes the equivalent credit risk for contracts with original duration not longer than 14 days. The presence of agreements of Master Netting Agreement allows reduction of the equivalent credit risk shown above for 12,523 million euro with regard to credit bodies and for 137 million euro with regard to other operators.

Credit derivative contracts (table 10.6 B.I.)
Type of transaction


  Dealing
  Other transactions
  Total
 
  (€/mil)

1. Purchase of protection            
  1.1 With underlying asset exchange            
    —credit default swap   833   233   1,066
    —credit linked note     202   202
  1.2 Without underlying asset exchange            
    —credit default swap   250     250
2. Sales of protection          
  2.1 With underlying asset exchange            
    —credit default swap   798   372   1,170
    —credit linked note     40   40
  2.2 Without underlying asset exchange            
    —credit default swap   150     150
    —credit linked note   6   30   36
Total   2,037   877   2,914

F-197


CONTRIBUTION OF THE INSURANCE BUSINESS TO THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

SECTION 13—INSURANCE BUSINESS—BALANCE SHEET DATA

ASSETS

        The contributions of the insurance business are made up as follows:

Insurance business contributions

  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

Insurance business assets (Captions A, C, D, E, F, G)   39,429
Insurance reserves attributable to reassures (Caption D-bis)   25
Total   39,454

        The contributions reported in the consolidated financial statements of SANPAOLO IMI Group from the operations of the insurance business are shown in the format given in the ISVAP specifications. These contributions take account of the changes in the area of consolidation of the insurance business determined by the introduction of international accounting principles—reconciliable with the line by line consolidation of Egida and the collective investment organisms in which Assicurazioni Internazionali di Previdenza (A.I.P.) holds the majority of risks/benefits—the netting of existing infra-group links between the insurance business and the banking group and refer only to items affected by the application of IAS 32 and 39 dealing with financial instruments and IFRS 4 on insurance contracts.

F-198


Insurance business contributions – balance sheet – assets(*)

   
   
   
   
   
   
  (€/mil)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
A. LOANS TO SHAREHOLDERS FOR SHARE CAPITAL SUBSCRIBED NOT PAID IN                   1   0
                              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
    of which called up share capital       2   0                
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                

B.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
      1.  Acquisition commissions to be amoritized       3   X                
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
      2.  Other acquisition costs       4   X                
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
      3.  Goodwill       5   X                
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
      4.  Other intangible assets       6   X                
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
      5.  Consolidation difference       7   X           8   X
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................           .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

C.

INVESTMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  I. – Land and buildings               9   X        
                      .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
  II. – Investments in group companies and in other investee companies                            
      1.  Shareholdings:                            
                           a)  Parent company   10                        
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                        
                           b) subsidiaries   11                        
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                        
                           c) affiliates   12                        
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                        
                           d) associates   13                        
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                        
                           e) other   14   15   0                
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
      2.  Bonds issued by companies       16   258                
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
      3.  Financing to companies "six thousand double points"       17       18   258        
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
  III. – Other financial investments                            
      1.  Shares and quotas       19   83                
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
      2.  Quotas of mutual funds       20   551                
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
      3.  Bonds and other fixed-income securities       21   14.686                
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
      4.  Loans       22   7                
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
      5.  Quotas in mutual investments       23                    
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
      6.  Deposits with credit institutions       24                    
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
      7.  Other financial investments       25   18   26   15.345        
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
  IV. – Deposits with ceding companies               27       28   15.603
                      .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

D.

INVESTMENTS IN FAVOR OF THE INSURED OF THE LIFE BRANCHES, WHO BEAR THE RISK AND ARISING ON PENSION FUND MANAGEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29

 

22.912
                              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

D bis.

TECHNICAL RESERVES REASSURED WITH THIRD PARTIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    I. – CASUALTY BRANCH                            
                           1.  Premiums fund       30   11                
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
                           2.  Claims fund       31   11                
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
                           3.  Other       32       33   22        
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
    II. – LIFE BRANCHES                            
                           1.  Technical reserves       34   3                
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
                           2.  Funds for amounts to be disbursed       35                    
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
                           3.  Other reserves       36                    
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
                           4.  Technical reserves for investment risks to be borne by the insured and funds from pension fund management       37       38   3   39   25
              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

E.

LOANS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  I. – Receivables arising on direct insurance transactions               40   19        
                      .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
  II. – Receivables arising on reinsurance transactions               41            
                      .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
  III. – Other loans               42   537   43   556
                      .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        

F.

OTHER ASSET CAPTIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  I. – Tangible assets and inventories               44   1        
                      .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
  II. – Cash and cash equivalents               45   321        
                      .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
  III. – Own shares or quotas               46            
                      .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
  IV. – Other assets               47   9   48   331
                      .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

G.

ACCRUALS AND DEFERRALS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

49

 

27
                              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
          TOTAL ASSETS           50   X
                              .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
(*)
The captions reporting an "X" are not impacted by the introduction of IAS 32/39 and IFRS 4; therefore such data are disclosed in the relative sections of the consolidated explanatory notes in the 2004 column of 2005 financial statements.

F-199


Loans: break-down (Caption E)

  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

Receivables arising on direct insurance transactions   19
Other loans   537
Total   556

Other loans: break-down (Caption E III)


 

12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

Amounts receivable from the inland revenue   450
Other loans   87
Total   537

LIABILITIES

        The contributions of the insurance business are made up as follows:

Insurance business contributions

  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

Insurance business liabilities (Captions B, F, G, H)   638
Technical reserves (Captions C, D)   38,849
Total   39,487

        The contributions reported in the consolidated financial statements of SANPAOLO IMI Group from the operations of the insurance business are shown in the format given in the ISVAP specifications. These contributions take account of the changes in the area of consolidation of the insurance business determined by the introduction of international accounting principles—reconciliable with the line by line consolidation of Egida and the collective investment organisms in which Assicurazioni Internazionali di Previdenza (A.I.P.) holds the majority of risks/benefits—the netting of existing infra-group links between the insurance business and the banking group and refer only to items affected by the application of IAS 32 and 39 dealing with financial instruments and IFRS 4 on insurance contracts.

F-200


Insurance business contributions – balance sheet – liabilities and shareholders' equity(*)

   
   
   
  (€/mil)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
A. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                    
I. Group shareholders' equity                        
    1 – Share capital suscribed or similar provision   51   X                
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
    2 – Capital reserves   52   X                
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
    3 – Consolidation reserves   53   X                
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
    4 – Valuation reserves for non consolidated equity investments   54   X                
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
    5 – Translation reserve   55   X                
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
    6 – Reserves for own shares and parent bank shares   56   X                
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
    7 – Profit (loss) for the period   57   X   58   X        
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
II. Minority interest                        
    1 – Third party capital and reserves   59   X                
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
    2 – Profit (loss) attributable to minority interests   60   X   61   X   62   X
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

B.

SUBORDINATED LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

63

 

155
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

C.

TECHNICAL RESERVES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  I. – CASUALTY BRANCH                        
            1.  Premiums fund   64   39                
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
            2.  Claims fund   65   21                
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
            3.  Equalisation reserve   66   0                
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
            4.  Other reserves   67   1   68   61        
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
  II. – LIFE BRANCHES                        
            1.  Technical reserves   69   15.964                
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
            3.  Funds for amounts to be disbursed   70   14                
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                
            5.  Other reserves   71   35   72   16.013   73   16.074
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

D.

TECHNICAL RESERVES FOR INVESTMENT RISKS TO BE BORNE
BY THE INSURED AND FUNDS FROM PENSION FUND MANAGEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

74

 

22.775
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

E.

PROVISIONS FOR RISKS AND CHARGES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  1. Provisions for pensions and similar obligations           75   X        
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
  2. Tax provisions           76   X        
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
  3. Consolidation provision for future risks and charges           77   X        
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
  4. Other provisions           78   X   79   X
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

F.

DEPOSITS RECEIVED BY REINSURERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

80

 

3
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

G.

PAYABLES AND OTHER LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  I – Payables arising on direct insurance transactions           81   64        
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
  II – Payables arising on reinsurance transactions           82   3        
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
  III – Bond loans           83            
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
  IV – Due to banks and financial institutions           84            
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
  V – Payables with collateral           85            
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
  VI – Other loans and financial payables           86   4        
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
  VII – Provisions for employee termination indemnities           87            
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
  VIII – Other amounts due           88   67        
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................        
  IX – Other liabilities           89   341   90   479
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

H.

ACCRUALS AND DEFERRALS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

91

 

1
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY               92   X
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
(*)
The captions reporting an "X" are not impacted by the introduction of IAS 32/39 and IFRS 4; therefore such data are disclosed in the relative sections of the consolidated explanatory notes in the 2004 column of 2005 financial statements.

F-201


OTHER INFORMATION

        The contributions reported on the consolidated financial statements of SANPAOLO IMI Group from the operations of the insurance business are shown in the format given in the ISVAP specifications.

Insurance business contributions—balance sheet—guarantees, commitments and other memorandum accounts

   
  (€/mil)



 

 

 

 

 
GUARANTEES, COMMITMENTS AND OTHER MEMORANDUM ACCOUNTS        
  I—Guarantees given   93   10
    .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
  II—Guarantees received   94   0
    .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
  III—Guarantees given to third parties in the Parent Bank's interest   95   0
    .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
  IV—Commitments   96   4.460
    .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
  V—Third-party commodities   97   0
    .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
  VI—Assets in pension funds managed in the name or on behalf of third parties   98   0
    .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
  VII—Securities deposited with third parties   99   30.677
    .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
  VIII—Other memorandum accounts   100   0
    .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

F-202


INFORMATION ON THE STATEMENT OF INCOME

SECTION 1—INTERESTS

 
  12/31/2004
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Interest income and similar revenues (caption 10)   7,197  
Interest expenses and similar charges (caption 20)   (3,534 )
Break-down of caption 10 "Interest income and similar revenues" (table 1.1.B.I.)

  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

a) Loans to banks   445
of which:    
  due from Central Banks   40
b) Loans to customers   5,796
of which:    
  loans using public funds  
c) On debt securities   931
d) Other interest income   25
Total   7,197
Break-down of caption 10 "Interest income and similar revenues" (table 1.3 B.I)

  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

a) On assets denominated in foreign currency   248
Break-down of caption 20 "Interest expense and similar charges" (table 1.2 B.I)

  12/31/2004
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
a) On amounts due to banks   (694 )
b) On amounts due to customers   (957 )
c) On securities issued(*)   (1,369 )
of which:      
  on certificates of deposit   (60 )
d) On loans using public funds    
e) Subordinated liabilities   (294 )
f) Negative balance of differentials on hedging transactions(**)   (220 )
Total   (3,534 )

(*)
Excluding interests on subordinated securities included in item e)

(**)
Represent the net effect of differentials on hedging derivative contracts

Break-down of caption 20 "Interest expense and similar charges" (table 1.4 B.I.)

  12/31/2004
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
a) On liabilities denominated in foreign currency   (261 )

SECTION 2—COMMISSIONS

 
  12/31/2004
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Commission income (caption 40)   3,980  
Commission expense (caption 50)   (764 )

F-203


Break-down of caption 40 "commission income" (table 2.1 B.I.)

  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

a) Guarantees granted   96
b) Credit derivatives   4
c) Management, dealing and advisory services    
  1. securities dealing   106
  2. currency trading   29
  3. portfolio management:    
    3.1 individual   218
    3.2 collective   1,319
  4. custody and administration of securities   59
  5. depositary bank   136
  6. placement of securities   34
  7. order collection   89
  8. advisory services   19
  9. distribution of third party services:    
    9.1 portfolio management:    
      a) individual   28
      b) collective   27
    9.2 insurance products   350
    9.3 other products   2
d) Collection and payment services   345
e) Servicing for securitization transactions  
f) Tax collection services   169
g) Other services   950
Total   3,980
Break-down of sub-caption "g) Other services"

  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

Loans granted   314
Deposits and current account overdrafts   352
Current accounts   177
Other services   107
Total   950
Break-down of caption 40 "commission income": "products and services distribution channels" (table 2.2 B.I)

  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

a) with own operating points:    
  1. portfolio management   1,123
  2. placement of securities   30
  3. third party services and products   213
b) outside supply:    
  1. portfolio management   414
  2. placement of securities   4
  3. third party services and products   194

F-204


Break-down of caption 50 "commission expense" (table 2.3 B.I)

  12/31/2004
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
a) Guarantees received   (4 )
b) Credit derivatives   (4 )
c) Management and dealing services:      
  1. securities dealing   (57 )
  2. currency trading   (1 )
  3. portfolio management:      
    3.1 own portfolio    
    3.2 third party portfolio   (86 )
  4. custody and administration of securities   (26 )
  5. placement of securities   (8 )
  6. door-to-door sales of securities, products and services   (352 )
d) Collection and payment services   (97 )
e) Other services   (129 )
Total   (764 )
Break-down of sub-caption "e) Other services"

  12/31/2004
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Dealing activities on loan transactions   (71 )
Loans obtained   (1 )
Dealing activities on financial transactions   (4 )
Other services   (53 )
Total   (129 )

SECTION 3—PROFITS AND LOSSES FROM FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS

Analysis of caption 60 "profits (losses) from financial transactions" (Table 3.1 B.I.)

12/31/2004

  Security
transactions

  Currency
transactions

  Other
transactions

  Total
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
A1. Revaluations   324     7,079   7,403  
A2. Writedowns   (216 )   (7,083 ) (7,299 )
B. Other profits and losses   106   65   (48 ) 123  
Total   214   65   (52 ) 227  
of which:                  
1. on Government securities   59              
2. on other debt securities   160              
3. on equities   217              
4. on security derivatives   (222 )            

F-205


SECTION 5—ADJUSTMENTS, WRITE-BACKS AND PROVISIONS

 
  12/31/2004
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Adjustments to loans and provisions for guarantees and commitments (caption 120)   (914 )
Writebacks of adjustments to loans and provisions for guarantees and commitments (caption 130)   410  
Provisions to reserves for probable loan losses (caption 140)   (17 )
Adjustments to financial fixed assets (caption 150)   (106 )
Writebacks of adjustments to financial fixed assets (caption 160)   124  
Analysis of caption 120 "adjustments to loans and
provisions for guarantees and commitments" (Table 5.1 B.I.)


  12/31/2004
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
a) Adjustments to loans   (879 )
of which:      
  —general adjustments for country risk   (3 )
  —other general adjustments   (80 )
b) Provisions for guarantees and commitments   (35 )
of which:      
  —general provisions for country risk    
  —other general provisions   (17 )
Total   (914 )
Break-down of caption 130 "writebacks on provisions for guarantees and commitments"

  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

Revaluation of loans previously written down   84
Revaluation of loans previously written off   4
Revaluation of provisions for guarantees and commitments   21
Collection of loan principal previously written down   219
Collection of loan principal and interest previously written off   40
Collection of default interest previously written down   42
Total   410
Analysis of caption 150 "adjustments to financial fixed assets"

  12/31/2004
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Adjustments to equity investments   (78 )
Adjustments to other investment securities   (28 )
Total   (106 )
Detail of adjustments to equity investments

  12/31/2004
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Hutchison 3G Italia S.p.A.   (61 )
Fiat S.p.A.   (5 )
Compagnia Assicuratrice Unipol S.p.A.   (3 )
Kiwi II Ventura — Serviços de Consultoria S.A.   (3 )
Praxis Calcolo S.p.A.   (1 )
Euromedia Venture Belgique S.A.   (1 )
Fin. Ser. S.p.A.   (1 )
Volare Group S.p.A.   (1 )
Other adjustments   (2 )
Total   (78 )

F-206


SECTION 6—OTHER STATEMENT OF INCOME CAPTIONS

 
  12/31/2004
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Dividends and other revenues (caption 30)   152  
Other income (caption 190)   286  
Other charges (caption 200)   (138 )
Income taxes for the period (caption 240)   (754 )
Break-down of caption 30 "dividends and other revenues"

  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

On shares, quotas and other equities   79
On equity investments not consolidated line by line or valuated using the equity method   73
  Santander Central Hispano S.A.   39
  CDC Ixis S.A.   8
  Banca d'Italia   4
  Borsa Italiana S.p.A.   3
  Banco del Desarrollo S.A.   2
  Compagnia Assicuratrice Unipol S.p.A.   2
  Banca delle Marche S.p.A.   2
  Serene S.p.A.   2
  Autostrada BS-VR-VI-PD S.p.A.   1
  Biat S.A.   1
  Centro Leasing S.p.A.   1
  Banksiel S.p.A.   1
  SI Holding S.p.A.   1
  AEM Torino S.p.A.   1
  Other minority interests   5
Total   152
Break-down of caption 190 "Other income"

  12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

Other income   73
Non-existent liabilities   7
Appropriation of securities prescribed   2
Disposal of own shares   50
Adjustment of collection accounts  
Capital gains on:    
  —equity investments   124
  —interests in consolidated companies   3
  —investment securities   3
  —other financial fixed assets   2
  —tangible and intangible fixed assets   22
Total   286

F-207


Break-down of caption 200 "Other charges"

  12/31/2004
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Amnesty and facilitated conditions   (3 )
Non-existent assets   (5 )
Transactions for legal disputes    
Restructured   (3 )
Staff leaving incentives   (18 )
Other expenditure towards customers of private bankers   (5 )
Adjustment of collection accounts    
Other charges for supplementary pension funds   (15 )
Charges for robberies   (6 )
Capital losses on:      
  —investment securities    
  —equity investments (disposal)   (1 )
  —equity investments (assignment)   (50 )
  —other financial fixed assets    
  —tangible and intangible fixed assets   (13 )
Other expenditure   (19 )
Total   (138 )
Break-down of caption 240 "Income taxes for the period" (Provision B.I 03.08.99)

  12/31/2004
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
1. Current income taxes   (626 )
2. Changes in deferred tax assets   (82 )
3. Changes in deferred tax liabilities   (46 )
4. Income taxes for the period   (754 )

CONTRIBUTION OF THE INSURANCE BUSINESS TO THE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

SECTION 8—INSURANCE BUSINESS—STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA

        The contributions of the insurance business are made up as follows:

Contribution from the insurance compartment

  12/31/2004
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Casualty branch technical income gross of administrative costs   10  
Life branch technical income gross of administrative costs   (1,478 )
Total   (1,468 )

        The contributions shown on the consolidated financial statements of SANPAOLO IMI Group from the operations of the insurance business, are shown in the format given in the ISVAP specifications. These contributions take account of the changes in the area of consolidation of the insurance business determined by the introduction of international accounting principles—reconciliable with the line by line consolidation of Egida and the collective investment organisms in which Assicurazioni Internazionali di Previdenza (A.I.P.) holds the majority of risks/benefits—the netting of existing infra-group links between the insurance business and the banking group and refer only to items affected by the application of IAS 32 and 39 dealing with financial instruments and IFRS 4 on insurance contracts.

F-208


Insurance business contributions—statement of income 2004—technical statements of casualty branches(*)

   
   
   
  (€/mil)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    I. TECHNICAL STATEMENTS OF CASUALTY BRANCHES                          

1.

RELEVANT PREMIUMS, NET OF DISPOSALS IN REINSURANCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  a) Gross accountable premiums           1   46          
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
    b) (-) Premiums disposed of in reinsurance           2   18          
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
    c) Change in gross total of premiums fund           3   (12 )        
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
    d) Change in premiums fund borne by reinsurers           4   4   5   20  
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

3.

OTHER TECHNICAL INCOME, NET OF DISPOSALS IN REINSURANCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

 

0

 

4.

CHARGES FOR CLAIMS, NET OF RECOVERIES AND DISPOSALS IN REINSURANCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    a) Amounts paid                          
        aa) Gross amount   8   (15 )                
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                  
        bb) (-) Quotas borne by reinsurers   9   5                  
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                  
        cc) Change in recoveries net of quotas borne by reinsurers   10       11   (10 )        
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
    c) Change in claims fund                          
        aa) Gross amount   12   (2 )                
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                  
        bb) (-) Quotas borne by reinsurers   13   2   14   0   15   (10 )
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          

5.

CHANGE IN OTHER TECHNICAL RESERVES, NET OF DISPOSALS IN REINSURANCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16

 

0

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

6.

MONEY REFUND OFFERS AND INVESTMENTS IN EARNINGS, NET OF DISPOSALS IN REINSURANCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17

 

0

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  
7. COSTS:                          
  a) Acquisition commissions           18   (8 )        
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
  b) Other acquisition costs           19   0          
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
  c) Change in commissions and other acquisition costs to be amortized           20   0          
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
  d) Collection commissions           21   0          
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
  e) Other administrative costs           22   X          
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
  f) (-) Commissions and investments in earnings received from reinsurers           23   8   24   X  
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          

8.

OTHER TECHNICAL CHARGES, NET OF DISPOSALS IN REINSURANCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25

 

0

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

9.

CHANGE IN EQUALIZATION RESERVES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26

 

0

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

10.

INCOME OF THE TECHNICAL STATEMENTS OF CASUALTY BRANCHES (CAPTION III. 1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27

 

X

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  
(*)
The captions reporting an "X" are not impacted by the introduction of IAS 32/39 and IFRS 4; therefore such data are disclosed in the relative sections of the consolidated explanatory notes in the 31 December 2004 column of the 2005 financial statements.

F-209


Insurance business contributions—statement of income 2004—technical statements of life branches(*)

   
   
   
  (€/mil)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    II. TECHNICAL STATMENTS OF LIFE BRANCHES                          

1.

ANNUAL PREMIUMS, NET OF DISPOSALS IN REINSURANCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  a) Gross accountable premiums           28   8.542          
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
    b) (-) Premiums disposed of in reinsurance           29   3   30   8.539  
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

2.

(+)

QUOTAS OF INVESTMENTS TRANSFERRED FROM THE NON-TECHNICAL STATEMENTS (Caption III.5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

40

 

X

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

3.

INCOME AND UNREALIZED CAPITAL GAINS RELATED TO INVESTMENTS IN FAVOR OF THE INSURED
WHO BEAR THE RISK AND ARISING ON PENSION FUND MANAGEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

41

 

1.611

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

4.

OTHER TECHNICAL INCOME, NET OF DISPOSALS IN REINSURANCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

42

 

202

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

5.

CHARGES FOR CLAIMS, NET OF DISPOSALS IN REINSURANCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  a) Amounts paid                          
    aa) Gross amount   43   (2.702 )                
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                  
    bb) (-) Quotas borne by reinsurers   44   0   45   (2.702 )        
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
  b) Change in reserve for amounts to be paid                          
    aa) Gross amount   46   (14 )                
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                  
    bb) (-) Quotas borne by reinsurers   47   0   48   (14 ) 49   (2.716 )
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          

6.

CHANGE IN MATHEMATICAL RESERVES AND OTHER TECHNICAL RESERVES, NET OF DIPOSALS IN REINSURANCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  a) Mathematical reserves:                          
    aa) Gross amount   50   (3.048 )                
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                  
    bb) (-) Quotas borne by reinsurers   51   1   52   (3.047 )        
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
  b) Other                          
    aa) Gross amount   56   (38 )                
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                  
        bb) (-) Quotas borne by reinsurers   57   0   58   (38 )        
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
  c) Technical reserves for investment risks to be borne by the insured and deriving from
pension funds
                         
    aa) Gross amount   59   (4.186 )                
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                  
    bb) (-) Quotas borne by reinsurers   60   0   61   (4.186 ) 62   (7.271 )
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

7.

MONEY REFUND OFFERS AND INVESTMENTS IN EARNINGS, NET OF DISPOSALS IN REINSURANCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

63

 

 

 

8.

COSTS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  a) Acquisition commissions           64   (219 )        
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
  b) Other acquisition costs           65   0          
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
  c) Change in commissions and other acquisition costs to be amortized           66   0          
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
  d) Collection commissions           67   (94 )        
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
  e) Other administrative costs           68   X          
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
  f) (-) Commissions and investments in earnings received from reinsurers           69   1   70   X  
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

9.

EQUITY AND FINANCIAL CHARGES AND UNREALIZED CAPITAL LOSSES RELATED TO INVESTMENTS IN FAVOR OF THE INSURED WHO BEAR THE RISK AND ARISING ON PENSION FUND MANAGEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

75

 

(385

)
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

10.

OTHER TECHNICAL CHARGES, NET OF DISPOSALS IN REINSURANCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

76

 

(3

)
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

11.

INCOME OF THE TECHNICAL STATEMENTS OF LIFE BRANCHES (CAPTION III. 2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

78

 

X

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  
(*)
The captions reporting an "X" are not impacted by the introduction of IAS 32/39 and IFRS 4; therefore such data are disclosed in the relative sections of the consolidated explanatory notes in the 31 December 2004 column of the 2005 financial statements.

F-210


Insurance business contributions—statement of income 2004—non-technical statements(*)

   
   
   
  (€/mil)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
    III. NON-TECHNICAL STATEMENTS                          

1.

INCOME OF THE TECHNICAL STATEMENTS FOR CASUALTY BRANCHES (CAPTION I. 10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

79

 

X

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

2.

INCOME OF THE TECHNICAL STATEMENTS FOR LIFE BRANCHES (CAPTION II. 13)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

80

 

X

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

3.

INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  a) Income from shares and quotas                          
    aa) Quotas of annual income on equity investments evaluated using the equity method   81                      
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                  
    bb) Other   82   4   83   4          
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
  b) Income from other investments:                          
    aa) Land and buildings   84   3                  
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................                  
    bb) Other investments   85   596   86   599          
          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
  c) Recoveries of adjustments to investments           87   21          
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
    d) Profits from realization of investments           88   133   89   757  
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

4.

EQUITY AND FINANCIAL CHARGES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  a) Investment management charges and passive interest           90   (56 )        
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
  b) Adjustments to investments           91   (8 )        
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................          
  c) Losses on realization of investments           92   (17 ) 93   (81 )
                  .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

5.

(-) QUOTA OF PROFIT FROM INVESTMENTS TRANSFERRED TO THE TECHNICAL STATEMENTS OF CASUALTY BRANCHES (CAPTION I. 2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

94

 

X

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

6.

OTHER INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

95

 

23

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

7.

OTHER CHARGES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

98

 

(20

)
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

8.

INCOME FROM ORDINARY ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99

 

X

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

9.

EXTRAORDINARY INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100

 

17

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

10.

EXTRAORDINARY CHARGES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

101

 

0

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

11.

INCOME FROM EXTRAORDINARY ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

102

 

X

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

12.

PRE-TAX PROFIT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

103

 

X

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

13.

INCOME TAX FOR THE YEAR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

104

 

X

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

14.

CONSOLIDATED INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

105

 

X

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

15.

PROFIT (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINORITY INTERESTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

106

 

X

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  

16.

GROUP PROFIT (LOSS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

107

 

X

 
                          .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................  
(*)
The captions reporting an "X" are not impacted by the introduction of IAS 32/39 and IFRS 4; therefore such data are disclosed in the relative sections of the consolidated explanatory notes in the 31 December 2004 column of the 2005 financial statements.

F-211


Yearly premiums, net of reinsurance transfers—Casualty Branch (Caption 1)
Casualty Branch

  12/31/2004
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Injury, Sickness   27  
Land vehicles    
Fire and other property damage   2  
General responsibility   1  
Credit and security    
Pecuniary losses   3  
Legal protection    
Assistence   1  
    34  
Premiums transferred in reinsurance, net of premium fund   (14 )
Total   20  

Yearly premiums, net of reinsurance transfers—Life Branch (Caption 1)
Life Branches


 

12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

Branch I   3,342
Branch III   4,222
Branch V   978
Total   8,542

Expenses related to losses, net of recoveries and reinsurance transfers—Casualty Branch (Caption 4)
Casualty Branch


 

12/31/2004

 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Injury, Sickness   (11 )
Land vehicles    
Fire and other property damage   (1 )
General responsibility   (1 )
Pecuniary losses    
Legal protection    
Assistance    
    (13 )
Losses and reinsurers reserve   3  
Total   (10 )

Expenses related to losses, net of reinsurance transfers—Life Branch (Caption 5)
Direct labor


 

12/31/2004

 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Amounts paid   (2,702 )
  —branch I   (1,176 )
  —branch III   (1,424 )
  —branch V   (102 )
Commission amounts to be paid   (14 )
  —branch I   (13 )
  —branch III    
  —branch V   (1 )
Indirect labor    
Total   (2,716 )

F-212



Proceeds from investments (Caption 3)


 

12/31/2004
 
  (€/mil)

Proceeds from shares and quotas   4
Proceeds from other investments   599
Adjustments to equity investments   21
Proceeds from profits from realization of investments   133
Total   757

Capital and financial expenses (Caption 4)


 

12/31/2004

 
 
  (€/mil)

 
Management expenses for investment and interest liabilities   (56 )
Adjustments to investments   (8 )
Losses on realization of investments   (17 )
Total   (81 )

F-213



PART M—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EU GAAP, IFRS
AS PUBLISHED BY IASB AND U.S. GAAP

        As described in Part A.1 "General Information" on page F-15, the Consolidated Financial Statements of the SANPAOLO IMI Group have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Commission for use in the European Union ("EU GAAP") that vary in certain respects from "IFRS as published by IASB" and from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). SANPAOLO IMI Group has applied EU GAAP from January 1, 2004, with the exception of the standards relating to financial instruments and insurance contracts which are applied only from January 1, 2005. Therefore the impacts of adopting IAS 32, IAS 39 and IFRS 4 are not included in the EU GAAP 2004 comparatives and financial instruments and insurance contracts are accounted for under Italian GAAP. A description of the significant differences and their effects on net income and shareholders' equity is set forth in the following sections. See also Part A—"Accounting Policies" on page F-15 for additional information on the accounting principles that SANPAOLO IMI follows.

SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES IN VALUATION AND INCOME RECOGNITION PRINCIPLES UNDER EU GAAP AND IFRS AS PUBLISHED BY IASB   Section 1


SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES IN VALUATION AND INCOME RECOGNITION PRINCIPLES UNDER EU GAAP AND U.S. GAAP

 

Section 2


NET INCOME AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY RECONCILIATION BETWEEN EU GAAP, IFRS AS PUBLISHED BY IASB AND U.S. GAAP

 

Section 3


SIGNIFICANT PRESENTATION DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EU GAAP AND U.S. GAAP

 

Section 4


CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Section 5

Section 1—Significant differences in valuation and income recognition principles under EU GAAP and IFRS as published by IASB

        SANPAOLO IMI Group applies EU GAAP as its basis of accounting. In comparison to IFRS as published by IASB, EU GAAP eliminates certain restrictions concerning hedge accounting for portfolio hedges of core deposits. The impact on net income and shareholders' equity of this difference is reconciled within Section 3 below.

F-214



Section 2—Significant differences in valuation and income recognition principles under EU GAAP and U.S. GAAP

        The impact on net income and shareholders' equity of each of these differences is reconciled within Section 3 below.

EU GAAP
  U.S. GAAP
(a) Business Combinations
Goodwill
From January 1, 2004 goodwill recognized in the EU GAAP balance sheet is not amortized but tested annually for impairment. As permitted by IFRS 1 the Group did not retroactively apply IFRS 3. Accordingly the previous accounting treatment under Italian GAAP was carried forward as of January 1, 2004.   From January 1, 2002 goodwill is no longer amortized but reviewed at least annually for impairment.

Goodwill relating to business combinations accounted under the pooling of interest method under Italian GAAP were accounted using the purchase method under U.S. GAAP.

Purchase Price Allocation
Prior to January 1, 2004 the Group used the pooling of interest method that requires the assets and liabilities of the merged entity to remain at cost.   Using the purchase method under U.S. GAAP results in the allocation of the purchase price to the assets and liabilities of the acquired company. These fair value adjustments are amortized over their individual useful economic lives.

F-215


EU GAAP
  U.S. GAAP
(b) Investments in Debt, Equity Securities and Own Bonds (2004)

Debt and equity securities held for investment or trading purposes are accounted for as follows:

 

Debt and marketable equity securities are classified according to management's intent within one of the following categories:


Investment debt securities are stated at amortized cost less any write-down for permanent diminution in value; the original value of the investment is reinstated if the reason for write-downs ceases to apply.

 


Held to maturity securities are measured at amortized cost less any other than temporary impairment. Reversals of impairments are not permitted.


Marketable debt securities and equity securities held for trading purposes and all other securities held without a particular identifiable purpose are classified as trading

 


Trading securities are held at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recognized in the statement of income.
  securities. These securities are recorded at market value, with the related unrealized gains and losses recognized in the statement of income.   Available for sale securities are held at fair value, with unrealized gains recorded as a net amount directly to a separate component of equity until they are realized, at which time the gain or loss is reclassified to the statement of income. Any "other than temporary" impairment is taken to the statement of income. Reversals of impairments are not permitted.

Debt and equity securities held for sale in the Group's insurance portfolios are recorded at the lower of cost or market value, with any related losses recognized in the statement of income.

 

Investments in debt and marketable equity securities held within the Group's insurance portfolios would be classified and recorded based on management's intent described above.

Permanent investments in companies where the Group owns less than 20% of the voting shares are stated at cost, less any write-down for permanent diminution in value. The original value of the investment is reinstated if the reason for write-downs ceases to apply.

 

Non-marketable equity investments of 20% or less are accounted for under the cost method, reduced through write-downs to reflect "other than temporary" impairments in value. Reversals of impairments are not permitted.

Holding of own bonds are classified and accounted for similar to third party debt securities.

 

Purchases of own bonds are treated as a reduction of the debt outstanding. Any difference between the cost of repurchase and the carrying value of the liability is taken to the statement of income. Any gain or loss on resale is treated as a premium or discount and amortized over the remaining term of the bond.

F-216


EU GAAP
  U.S. GAAP
(c) Investments in Equity Securities (2005)

Non-marketable equity investments of 20% or less, with reliable fair value, are accounted at fair value with unrealized gains or losses recognized in a specific equity reserve. Certain unlisted equity securities, whose fair value cannot be reliably established or verified, are stated at cost, as adjusted for any impairment losses verified.

 

Non-marketable equity investments of 20% or less are accounted for under the cost method, reduced through write-downs to reflect "other than temporary" impairments in value. Reversals of impairments are not permitted.

(d) Fair Value Option (2005)

Certain financial instruments are designated as "at fair value through profit and loss". These instruments are recognized at fair value in the balance sheet with changes in fair value recognized in the income statement.

 

Under U.S. GAAP these financial instruments are reported as available for sale instruments with movements in fair value recognized in shareholders' equity.

(e) Derivatives and Hedge Accounting (2004)

The accounting treatment for derivatives is dependent upon whether the derivative is entered into and qualifies as a hedge of an asset, liability or firm commitment. Derivatives not qualifying as hedges are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the statement of income. Derivatives qualifying as a hedge are generally not reflected in the financial statements until the corresponding impact of the hedged transaction is recognized in the statement of income. Embedded derivatives are separated from the underlying host contract, but are held at cost.

 

US GAAP only permits hedge accounting to be applied if certain criteria are met.
    
The Group has chosen not to adopt hedge accounting for all derivatives held for non-trading purposes due to the operational cost of meeting the documentation and effectiveness requirements of SFAS133.
    
All derivative instruments (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) are recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the statement of income.

(e) Derivatives and Hedge Accounting (2005)


Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value of a derivative are recognized as they arise in profit or loss unless the derivative is the hedging instrument in a qualifying hedge. The Group enters into two types of hedge relationship:
• hedges of changes in the fair value of a recognised asset or liability or firm commitment (fair value hedges); and
• hedges of the variability in cash flows from a recognised asset or liability or a forecast transaction (cash flow hedges).


 


U.S. GAAP principles are similar to EU GAAP. There are however differences in their detailed application.
The Group has chosen not to adopt hedge accounting for all derivatives held for non-trading purposes due to the operational cost of meeting the documentation and effectiveness requirements of SFAS133.
All derivative instruments (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) are recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the statement of income.

F-217


EU GAAP
  U.S. GAAP
(f) Treasury Shares (2004)
Treasury shares purchased by the Parent are recognized on the balance sheet as assets and carried at acquisition cost, while those purchased by subsidiaries are also recognized on the balance sheet as assets, but carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses taken in the statement of income. Gains and losses on sales are recorded through earnings.   Treasury shares are classified as treasury stock and shown as a deduction from stockholders' equity at cost.

(g) Property Revaluation and Depreciation
Properties are recorded in the financial statements at original cost, adjusted in some circumstances for the application of specific monetary revaluation required by Italian law. As permitted by IFRS 1, valuation as at January 1, 2004, after the measurement at fair value of the land, is its deemed cost.   Revaluations of property are not permitted.

Depreciation is charged on properties based on the revalued amount.

 

Depreciation is charged on all properties based on historical cost.

(h) Employee Benefits
Pension Costs
EU GAAP requires pension liabilities to be assessed based on current actuarial assumptions and methods and pension assets to be measured at fair value. The net pension surplus or deficit, representing the difference between plan assets and liabilities, is recognized on the balance sheet. The Group also elects to record all the actuarial gains on losses on the pension surplus or deficit in the year they occur within the Statement of Recognized Income and Expenses.   U.S. GAAP requires a similar method of actuarial valuation for pension liabilities and measurement of plan assets at fair value. Where the accumulated benefit obligations (the value of benefits accrued based on employee service up to the balance sheet date) exceeds the value of plan assets, the Group recognizes and additional minimum pension liability equal to this excess, as long as the excess is greater than any accrual already established for unfunded pension costs.

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP does not permit recognition of all actuarial gains and losses in a performance statement other than the primary income statement. Under U.S. the Group elects to use the corridor method, whereby actuarial gains and losses outside a certain range are recognized in the income statement, in equal amounts over the remaining service lives of current employees. The range is equal to 10% of the greater of plan assets and plan liabilities. The remaining additional minimum pension liability is recognized directly in Other Comprehensive Income.

F-218


EU GAAP
  U.S. GAAP
Employee Termination Indemnity

Employee termination indemnity relates to the Group's employees in its Italian operations. In accordance with Italian Severance Pay Statutes, the Group is registered to record an indemnity liability for severance of employment. Under EU GAAP this benefit is treated as a defined benefit plan and is accounted based on actuarial calculations.
Fair value of the liability is calculated as the present value of the vested benefit to which the employee is entitled but based on the employee's expected date of separation or retirement.

 

Under U.S. GAAP in accordance with EITF 88-1 the Group elected to record the employee termination indemnity at current value of the vested benefits to which the employee is entitled if the employee separates immediately.

Actuarial gains and losses arising on changes to the underlying assumptions that are incorporated into the calculation of defined the benefit plans are accounted for in a specific equity reserve.

 

The movements in the provision less any payment is recognized within the statement of income.

Stock Option Plans
Under EU GAAP stock-based compensation cost in measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized as expense over the vesting period. The Group, as permitted by IFRS 1 amended, has elected not to apply IFRS 2 "Share based payment" to stock options assigned before November 7, 2002 and to assignments after that date if they had already matured at January 2, 2005.   In 2004, the Group adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective application. Under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123(R), stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized as expense over the vesting period. In connection with the use of the modified prospective application, compensation expense recognized in 2004 equals the expense for the year that would have been recognized had the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123(R) been applied to all awards granted.

(i) Employee Termination Costs and Other Provisions
Under EU GAAP certain restructuring costs relating to voluntary employee termination are recognized when a restructuring plan has been announced.   Employee termination cost is recognized when the employee is eligible for the termination benefit and has accepted the termination offer.

Provisions are recorded when there is a probable present obligation to transfer economic benefits as a result of past events. The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the balance sheet date. The anticipated cash flows are discounted using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and those risks specific to the liability if the effect is material.

 

Similar to EU GAAP, except that a provision is only discounted when the timing of the cash flows is fixed.

F-219


EU GAAP
  U.S. GAAP
(j) Deferred Acquisition Costs and Actuarial Reserves
Life insurance products that are not classified as insurance contracts are accounted for under IAS 39 and acquisition costs expensed as incurred. Products with sufficient insurance risk to be classified as insurance contracts are accounted for under IFRS 4 and acquisition costs for new contracts are deferred and amortized over the useful life of the contracts.   Under U.S. GAAP, life insurance products are accounted depending on the nature of the underlying product and the level of insurance risk. This give rise to measurement and classification differences. Acquisition costs for new contracts are deferred and amortized over the useful life of the contracts.

(k) Deferred Taxes on Equity Reserves
Deferred taxes are not calculated on equity reserves generated by either domestic and foreign group companies regarding unremitted earnings or revaluation of assets if those reserves will not be distributed.   Deferred taxes are calculated on equity reserves generated by domestic group companies regarding unremitted earnings and revaluation of assets irrespective of whether they will be distributed. During 2003 a new tax law in Italy allows the Group to prepare consolidated tax returns, as a result the Group will not calculate deferred taxes on unremitted earnings generated after December 31, 2002.

(l) Investments in Associates
As permitted by IFRS 1 the Group did not retroactively apply IFRS 3, accordingly the previous accounting treatment under Italian GAAP was carried forward as of January 1, 2004. As a result part of the goodwill on acquisitions of investments in associates as part of business combinations recorded using the pooling of interest method prior to January 1, 2004 were charged directly to shareholders' equity.   Goodwill relating to business combinations prior to January 1, 2004 accounted under the pooling of interest method under Italian GAAP was accounted using the purchase method under U.S. GAAP.

From January 1, 2004 goodwill recognized in the IFRS balance sheet is not amortized but tested annually for impairment.

 

From January 1, 2002 goodwill is no longer amortized but reviewed at least annually for impairment. The difference in the carrying amount of the investments as at January 1, 2004 resulted in differences in impairment charges.

Recent accounting developments

Applicable developments in EU GAAP

        IFRS 7 ("Financial Instruments Disclosures") and an amendment to IAS 1 ("Presentation of Financial Statements") on capital disclosures were issued by the IASB in August 2005 for application in accounting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2007 and have been adopted by the European Commission.

        IFRS 7 "Financial Instruments: Disclosures' replaces IAS 30 "Disclosures in the Financial Statements of Banks and Similar Financial Institutions" and the disclosure provisions in IAS 32 "Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation". IFRS 7 requires disclosure of the significance of financial instruments for an entity's financial position and performance and of qualitative and

F-220



quantitative information about exposure to risks arising from financial instruments. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2007. Earlier application is encouraged.

        Amendment "Capital Disclosures" to IAS 1 "Presentation of Financial Statements" requires disclosures about an entity's capital and the way it is managed. This amendment is also effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2007. Earlier application is encouraged.

        The IASB has also issued three amendments to IAS 39 "Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement". The first, "Cash Flow Hedge Accounting of Forecast Intragroup Transactions", published in April 2005, amends IAS 39 to permit the foreign currency risk of a highly probable forecast intragroup transaction to qualify as a hedged item in consolidated financial statements. The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2006.

        The second, "The Fair Value Option", published in June 2005, places conditions on the option in IAS 39 to designate on initial recognition a financial asset or financial liability as at fair value through profit or loss. The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2006. Earlier application is encouraged. The Group has adopted this amendment from 1 January 2005.

        The third, "Financial Guarantee Contracts", published in August 2005, amends IAS 39 and IFRS 4 "Insurance Contracts'. The amendments define a financial guarantee contract. They require such contracts to be recorded initially at fair value and subsequently at higher of the provision determined in accordance with IAS 37 "Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets" and the amount initially recognized less amortization. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2006.

        In December 2005, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 21 "The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates" to clarify that a monetary item can form part of the net investment in overseas operations regardless of the currency in which it is denominated and that the net investment in a foreign operation can include a loan from a fellow subsidiary. The amendments are effective immediately but have not been endorsed by the EU. The Group is reviewing IFRS 7 and the amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 21 and those to IAS 39 that it has not implemented, to determine their effect on its financial reporting and will be adopted by the Group for reporting in 2007. Consideration will be given early in 2006 to the implications, if any, of the following IFRIC interpretations issued during 2005 which first apply to accounting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2006:

Applicable developments in US GAAP

SFAS 153: Exchanges of non-monetary assets

        The FASB issued SFAS 153 Exchanges of Non-monetary Assets, an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29 in December 2004. SFAS 153 provides for a general exemption from fair value measurement for exchanges of non monetary assets that do not have commercial substance. The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. Sanpaolo IMI will adopt the statement from January 1, 2006. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the Group's financial position or results of operations.

F-221



SFAS 154: Accounting changes and corrections of errors

        SFAS 154 was issued in May 2005 and is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. SFAS 154 provides guidance on the accounting changes (voluntary and those required by the issuance of an accounting pronouncement) and error corrections. APB Opinion No.20 previously required that most voluntary changes in accounting principles be recognized by including in net income in the period of change, the cumulative effect of changing to a new accounting principle. SFAS 154 establishes, unless impracticable, retrospective application of the direct effects of the change as the required method for reporting change in accounting principles in the absence of explicit transition requirements specific to the newly adopted accounting principle. The correction of an error in previously issued financial statements is not an accounting change although the reporting of an error correction involves adjustments to previously issued financial statements similar to those reporting an accounting change. Sanpaolo IMI will adopt the statement from January 1, 2006. This statement will become applicable to the Group if it either has to correct an error or change in accounting principle.

SFAS 155: Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments

        In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, "Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments" (SFAS 155), an amendment to SFAS 140 and SFAS 133. SFAS 155 permits election to measure any hybrid financial instrument at fair value (with changes in fair value recognized in earnings) if the hybrid instruments contains an embedded derivative that would otherwise be required to be bifurcated and accounted for separately under SFAS 133. The election to measure the hybrid instrument at fair value is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irreversible.

        The statement will be effective for all instruments acquired, issued, or subject to a remeasurement event occurring after the beginning of fiscal years that begin after September 15, 2006, with earlier adoption permitted as at the beginning of the Group's 2006 fiscal year. Sanpaolo IMI is assessing the impact of this change in accounting in its consolidated financial statements.

SFAS 156: Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets

        In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156 Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets. SFAS 156 amends FASB Statement No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, with respect to the accounting for separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. The statement requires entities to initially recognize servicing rights at fair value and subsequently measure them either at fair value or amortized cost. Subsequently, entities may elect to measure separately recognized servicing assets and liabilities using the current amortization method or at fair value, with changes in value recognized in current period earnings. The fair value election is irrevocable and must be applied on a class-by-class basis. Sanpaolo IMI is evaluating the potential impact of the fair value election, but otherwise plans to adopt the initial recognition provisions and the statement's other requirements as of January 1, 2006.

FSP FAS 115-1 and FAS 124-1 The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments

        This FSP was issued in November 2005, nullifies the guidance in EITF 03-1 The Meaning of Other-Than Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments and addresses the determination as to when an investment is considered impaired, whether the impairment is other than temporary, and the measurement of any impairment loss. An investment is deemed impaired if the fair value of the investment is less than cost. This impairment is either temporary or other than temporary but not permanent. If the impairment is other than temporary, an impairment loss equal to the difference between the investment's cost and fair value is recognised. The fair value becomes the new cost base and is not adjusted for any recoveries in value. This FSP is applicable to the first reporting period beginning after 15 December 2005. Sanpaolo IMI will adopt this FSP from January 1, 2006. Adoption of this FSP is not expected to have a material impact on Sanpaolo IMI'S US GAAP financial statements.

F-222


Section 3—Net Income and Shareholders' Equity reconciliation between EU GAAP, IFRS as published by IASB and U.S. GAAP

        The following is a summary of the most significant adjustments to consolidated net income and to consolidated shareholders' equity which would be required if U.S. GAAP had been applied to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent

 
   
  Year ended December 31,
 
 
   
  2005
  2004
 
 
   
  (millions of €)

 
    Profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent under EU GAAP   1,983   1,447  

Section 1)

 

Macrohedge of Core Deposits

 

(35

)


 

 

 

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent under IFRS as published by IASB

 

1,948

 

1,447

 

a)

 

Business Combinations

 

(336

)

(441

)
b)   Investments in Debt, Equity Securities and Own Bonds     (299 )
c)   Investments in Equity Securities   (32 )  
d)   Fair Value Option   (24 )  
e)   Derivatives and Hedge Accounting   (251 ) (419 )
f)   Treasury Shares     (58 )
g)   Property Revaluation and Depreciation   13   50  
h)   Employee Benefits   (5 ) 5  
i)   Employee Termination Costs and Other Provision   (18 ) (29 )
j)   Deferred Acquisition Costs and Actuarial Reserves   39   40  
l)   Investments in Associates   (16 ) (106 )
    Deferred Tax effect on US GAAP adjustments   274   369  
    Minority interests effect on US GAAP adjustements      
       
 
 
    Profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent under US GAAP   1,592   559  
       
 
 

 

 

Basic Earnings/Loss Per Share (in Euro)

 

0.85

 

0.31

 
    Diluted Earnings/Loss Per Share (in Euro)   0.85   0.30  

 

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 
    Profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent under US GAAP   1,592   559  
    Gross change in unrealized gain/loss on available for sale securities   419   364  
    Reclassification adjustments (for realized gains/losses on sales of available for sale securities previously included in comprehensive income)   (248 ) (28 )
    Change in foreign currency translation adjustments      
    Amortization of cash flow hedge reclassified as earnings/costs (FAS 133)   7   4  
    Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of related tax effect      
    Minimum liabilities (pension plans)   (46 ) (8 )
    Deferred tax on other comprehensive income   19   (101 )
       
 
 
    Other comprehensive income   151   231  
       
 
 
    Comprehensive income   1,743   790  
       
 
 

F-223


Shareholders' equity attributable to equity holders of the Parent

 
   
  At December 31,
 
 
   
  2005
  2004
 
 
   
  (millions of €)

 
    Shareholders' equity attributable to equity holders of the Parent under EU GAAP   13,483   12,308  

Section 1)

 

Macrohedge of Core Deposits

 

(35

)


 

 

 

Shareholders' equity attributable to equity holders of the Parent under IFRS as published by IASB

 

13,448

 

12,308

 

a)

 

Business Combinations

 

5,170

 

5,506

 
b)   Investments in Debt, Equity Securities and Own Bonds     865  
c)   Investments in Equity Securities   (330 )  
e)   Derivatives and Hedge Accounting   (3 ) (466 )
f)   Treasury Shares     (77 )
g)   Property Revaluation and Depreciation   (775 ) (786 )
h)   Employee Benefits   222   (25 )
i)   Employee Termination Costs and Other Provisions   (48 ) (37 )
j)   Deferred Acquisition Costs and Actuarial Reserves   95   (515 )
k)   Deferred Tax on Equity Reserves   (430 ) (430 )
l)   Investments in Associates   68   84  
    Deferred Tax effect on US GAAP adjustments   (537 ) (577 )
    Minority interests effect on U.S. GAAP adjustments   (56 ) 26  
       
 
 
    Shareholders' equity attributable to equity holders of the Parent under U.S. GAAP   16,824   15,876  
       
 
 

Section 4—Significant presentation differences between EU GAAP and U.S. GAAP

        In addition to the differences in valuation and income recognition principles disclosed in Section 1 and Section 2, other differences exist between EU GAAP and U.S. GAAP relating to the presentation of financial statements. These are only presentation difference and do not result in additional differences between EU GAAP and U.S. GAAP figures.

        The following is a summary of the significant classification differences between U.S. GAAP formats—as set forth in Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America—and the formats required by the Italian Regulation (Bank of Italy Circular 262 of December 22, 2005). Furthermore, in Section 5 are reported the balance sheet and the statement of income in accordance with the format required by US GAAP. However, these statements are prepared on the basis of the financial information included in the Italian financial statements prepared in accordance with EU GAAP; hence before the US GAAP adjustments indicated in the table reported in Section 3.

Balance Sheet

Assets

F-224


Liabilities

F-225


Statements of Income

F-226



Section 5—Consolidated Financial Statements

        The following consolidated balance sheets and statements of income show the impact of applying U.S. GAAP presentation requirements to amounts determined under EU GAAP. The following tables do not reflect the U.S. GAAP adjustments indicated in table in Section 3 of Part M.

F-227



Consolidated Balance Sheet

 
  At December 31,
 
  2005
  2004
 
  (millions of €)

ASSETS        
Cash and due from banks   1,107   1,523
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks   3,030   9,180
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements or similar arrangements   14,027   15,383
Trading account assets   25,723   26,248
Investment securities   31,424   16,319
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses   151,286   122,670
Premises and equipment   2,177   5,598
Investments in affiliated companies   1,934   3,713
Other assets   10,711   29,223
Assurance assets attributable to policyholders and other assets related to insurance business   21,839   22,849
   
 
Total Assets   263,258   252,706
   
 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 
Deposits   102,080   78,122
Short-term borrowings   6,299   7,643
Securities sold under repurchase agreement   17,373   20,177
Other interest bearing liabilities   17,354   6,615
Other liabilities   14,316   22,755
Long-term debt   47,689   66,055
Insurance reserves   44,431   38,857
   
 
Total Liabilities   249,542   240,224

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

 

233

 

282
Other shareholders' equity   8,244   6,982
Capital stock   5,239   5,218
   
 
    13,716   12,482
   
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity   263,258   252,706
   
 

F-228


Consolidated Statement of income

 
  Year Ended December, 31
 
 
  2005
  2004
 
 
  (millions of €)

 
Interest income:          
Interest earning deposits and loans to credit institutions   613   471  
Interest income on loans and leases to non-credit institutions   5,999   5,815  
Interest income on investment securities   877   640  
Trading account interest   635   837  
   
 
 
Total interest income   8,124   7,763  

Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 
Interest expense on borrowings from credit institutions   (912 ) (731 )
Interest expense on borrowings from non-credit institutions   (1,236 ) (959 )
Interest expense on securities and commercial paper   (1,638 ) (1,642 )
   
 
 
Total interest expense   (3,786 ) (3,332 )

Net effect of off-balance sheet investments

 

111

 

(220

)
   
 
 
Net interest income   4,449   4,211  

Net write-offs and provision for loan losses

 

(437

)

(508

)
   
 
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   4,012   3,703  

Non interest income:

 

 

 

 

 
Dividends   100   82  
Commissions and fees from fiduciary activities   1,467   1,575  
Commissions/brokers fees/mark-ups securities underwriting and other securities activities   356   433  
Fees from other customer services   2,123   2,172  
Profit or loss on transactions in securities in dealer trading account   694   330  
Equity in (loss) earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies     50  
Income (loss) in affiliated, other companies and investments securities   381   254  
Other income   474   506  
Premiums earned (net)   3,599    
Other income related to insurance business   17   202  
   
 
 
Total non interest income   9,211   5,544  

Non interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 
Salaries and employee benefits   (2,819 ) (2,836 )
Net occupancy expenses of premises   (210 ) (221 )
Goodwill impairment   (1 ) (97 )
Net cost operation of premises and equipment   (242 ) (312 )
Amortization of intangibles   (198 ) (195 )
Other expenses   (2,253 ) (2,771 )
Other expenses related to insurance business   (4,512 ) (559 )
Total non interest expense   (10,235 ) (6,991 )
Interest before income tax expense   2,988   2,256  
Income tax expense   (948 ) (754 )
   
 
 
Net income before minority interest   2,040   1,502  
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries   (57 ) (55 )
   
 
 
Net income after minority interest   1,983   1,447  
   
 
 

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Attachments


ATTACHMENTS TO THE CONSOLIDATED EXPLANATORY NOTES

INFORMATION ON TRANSITION TO INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

RECONCILIATION STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND NET PROFIT
FOR THE YEAR OF THE PARENT COMPANY AND OF CONSOLIDATED
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND NET PROFIT FOR THE YEAR

LIST OF EQUITY INVESTMENTS GREATER THAN 10% OF CAPITAL
IN UNLISTED COMPANIES AND LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES

F-230


INFORMATION ON TRANSITION TO THE INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Introduction

        The SANPAOLO IMI Group implemented first-time adoption of the international accounting standards in preparing its consolidated half year report as of June 30, 2005, in accordance with the optional provisions of art. 81 of the Issuers Regulations adopted by Consob Decision no. 11971 of May 14, 1999 and subsequent modifications and integrations.

        In addition, on November 15, 2005, the European Commission approved, with Regulation no. 1864, the updates to "IAS 39—Financial instruments: recognition and measurement", "IAS 32—Financial instruments: disclosure in the financial statements and in the additional information" and "IFRS 1—First-time adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards", issued by the IASB in June and related to use of the so-called fair value option. The regulation expressly outlined the circumstances under which the subject valuation option may be used, specifying the circumstances and reasons that justify application.

        Following the aforementioned amendments to the accounting standards in force, it became necessary to review the consolidated IAS/IFRS accounting balances as of January 1, 2005 and, consequently, adjust the amounts regarding the reconciliation, at that date, from the Italian accounting standards to the international accounting standards. These data have already been published together with the 2005 half year report, in which the possibility of carrying out such a change was specifically mentioned.

        Very briefly, these adjustments resulted in the following:

        This attachment to the annual report provides information regarding the transition to the IAS/IFRS as required by IFRS 1 "First-time adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards", integrating the contents of the reconciliation statements following the above-mentioned regulatory update.

        The information on the transition is provided according to the scheme set out below:

        Accounting principles for transition to the IAS/IFRS.    Describes the accounting policies applied for adoption of the new accounting standards, as well as any exemptions and exceptions to the general transition rule used by the Group for first-time adoption of the IAS/IFRS.

        Reconciliation statements and notes.    Provides the relative reconciliation statements of shareholders' equity as of January 1, 2004, December 31, 2004 and January 1, 2005, as well as of the statement of income for the 2004 financial year (so-called summary reconciliations). The reconciliations of the financial position as of December 31, 2004 and January 1, 2005 and of the economic results for 2004 are also provided on a line-by-line basis, following the financial statement layouts (so-called analytical reconciliation), for a better understanding of the comparatives included in the 2005 financial statements. Finally, the reconciliation statements are accompanied by explanatory notes.

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        Net interest margin.    The difference pertains to the notional financial charges relating to social security liabilities and funds, which are recognized at their net present value under IAS/IFRS. The discounting of the aggregate matured liabilities, both relating to employees and potential liabilities for other risks and charges, require the recognition in the income statement of the interest expenses from adjustments in the value of the corresponding funds on a year-by-year basis.

        Personnel costs.    The negative effect is due to the net provisions to the TFR personnel fund. In fact, IFRS prescribe a different treatment for the determination of and timing of the maturity of liabilities relating to obligations towards employees. The provisions are determined on the basis of the existing population but with reference to the probable working life expectancy whereas the corresponding liability should be subject to discounting. On the other hand, the national accounting standards (Italian GAAP) which were in force before the IFRS, required a provision only for the matured obligations up to the recording date, measured at nominal value.

        Value adjustments on tangible assets.    Relate to the reversal of amortizations accounted for on an Italian GAAP basis, on goodwill existing in 2004 which is no longer recognized under IFRS. In this regard, for the purposes of IFRS, goodwill forms part of intangible assets with an indefinite useful life and is no longer subject to the systematic amortization but has to be subjected to periodical impairment tests, at least annually.

        Return on investments.    Also related to the reversal of amortizations accounted for in 2004 on goodwill pertaining to companies consolidated using the Net Equity method. In this case, the same explanation provided for the value adjustment on tangible assets applies.

Transition to the IAS/IFRS accounting standards

        The general accounting principle set out in IFRS 1 for first-time adoption of IAS/IFRS provides for the restatement of all balance sheet balances at the date of transition, such date being January 1, 2004, by applying international accounting standards used for the preparation of the first IAS-compliant financial statements retrospectively, as if they had always been in force.

        The adjustments deriving from the retrospective application of international accounting standards at the date of transition are charged directly to shareholders' equity.

        As an exception to the above, IFRS 1 allows the date of transition for first-time adoption of IAS 32 and 39 (financial instruments) and of IFRS 4 (insurance contracts) to be set at January 1, 2005. The Group has chosen this option: therefore, in the prior year financial statements, the captions relating to financial instruments and insurance contracts reflect the accounting principles in force before the new rules, taking into account however, the effect of extending the line by line consolidation to include subsidiaries which were previously excluded (the so-called mix model). IFRS 1 also provides some exemptions to the retrospective application of international accounting principles.

        The following is a list of exemptions that the SANPAOLO IMI Group availed itself of in the first time adoption of IAS/IFRS.

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Reconciliation statements and notes

        The explanatory notes are provided with the reconciliation statements, at the relevant dates, between the consolidated results prepared on the basis of Italian accounting principles (known as Italian GAAP) and those restated applying international accounting standards, with the exception of IAS 32 and 39 and IFRS 4 for dates prior to January 1, 2005. Additional reconciliation statements provided are those relating to shareholders' equity as of January 1, 2004, December 31, 2004 and January 1, 2005, together with the statement of income for 2004 fiscal year.

        In order to allow a better understanding of the method of restating comparative results included in the financial statements, reconciliation statements are also provided for the individual captions of the balance sheet as of December 31, 2004 and January 1, 2005 and of the statement of income for 2004.

        Following the introduction of the new international accounting standards or in the event of modifications to or different interpretation of the principles already applied, the values carried in the reconciliation statements may change before the 2005 consolidated financial statements are published.

        The reconciliation of shareholders' equity as of January 1, 2004, December 31, 2004 and January 1, 2005 and of the statement of income as of December 31, 2004 are subject to audit by an independent auditors in accordance with the provisions of Consob Communication n. 5025723 dated April 15, 2005.

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Table 1    Summary reconciliation of consolidated shareholders' equity according to IFRS 1

 
   
  January 1, 2004
(*)

  December 31, 2004
(*)

  January 1, 2005
(**)

  Effect of
adopting the
Fair Value
Option (***)

  January 1, 2005
(****)

 
 
   
  (€/mil)

 
Consolidated shareholders' equity according to Italian GAAP   11,266   11,980   11,980       11,980  
Group   10,995   11,804   11,804       11,804  
minority interests   271   176   176       176  
20.   Investments held for trading   n.a.   n.a.   317       317  
30.   Financial assets evaluated at fair value   n.a.   n.a.   76   (1 ) 75  
40.   Available for sale investments   n.a.   n.a.   932   1   933  
60.   Loans to banks   n.a.   n.a.   2       2  
70.   Loans to customers   n.a.   n.a.   794       794  
80.   Hedging derivatives (positive value)   n.a.   n.a.   747       747  
100.   Equity investments     19   19       19  
120.   Tangible assets   475   471   471       471  
130.   Intangible assets   10   111   111       111  
140./ 80.   Tax assets/liabilities   (227 ) (248 ) (86 )     (86 )
160./100.   Other assets/liabilities   31   56   (607 )     (607 )
10.   Due from banks   n.a.   n.a.   (3 )     (3 )
30.   Securities issued   n.a.   n.a.   (1,035 )     (1,035 )
40.   Financial liabilities held for trading   n.a.   n.a.   (406 )     (406 )
60.   Hedging derivatives (negative value)   n.a.   n.a.   (783 )     (783 )
70.   Value adjustment of financial liabilities subject to macrohedging   n.a.   n.a.   (18 )     (18 )
110.   Provisions for employee termination indemnities   17   4   4       4  
120.   Provisions for risks and charges   180   135   51       51  
130.   Technical reserves   n.a.   n.a.   (389 )     (389 )
210.   Changes in the area of consolidation—Minority interest   59   62   62       62  
Total adjustments for IAS/IFRS   545   610   259     259  
Consolidated shareholders' equity according to IAS/IFRS   11,811   12,590   12,239       12,239  
Group   11,435   12,308   12,035       12,035  
minority interests   376   282   204       204  

(*)
Excluding IAS 32 and 39 and IFRS 4.

(**)
Including IAS 32 and 39 and IFRS 4.

(***)
Regulation 1864/2005 implemented prevailing IASB guidelines on Fair Value Options in the EU area.

(****)
After adoption of Reg. 1864/2005 "Fair Value Option".

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Table 2    Summary reconciliation of the consolidated net income according to IFRS 1(*)

 
   
  2004
(**)

 
 
   
  (€/mil)

 
Net income applying Italian GAAP   1,441  
pertaining to the Group   1,393  
minority interests   48  
30.   Net interest income   (27 )
60.   Net commissions   (3 )
180 a ) Personnel costs   (15 )
180 b ) Other administrative costs   (7 )
190.   Net provisions for risk and charges   (1 )
200.   Net adjustments to tangible assets   (4 )
210.   Net adjustments to intangible assets   104  
220.   Other operating charge/income   1  
240.   Profits (losses) on investments in associates and companies subject to joint control   25  
270.   Profits (losses) on disposal of investments   (1 )
290.   Income taxes for the period   (18 )
330.   Profits (loss) for the period attributable to minority interests   7  
    Total adjustments for IAS/IFRS   61  
Net income applying IAS/IFRS   1502  
pertaining to the Group   1447  
minority interests   55  

(*)
The amounts shown in the table do not reflect the overall effect on single income captions affected by the reconciliation since they do not take into account the reclassifications between captions through the application of new accounting standards and the extension of the area of consolidation.

(**)
Excluding IAS 32 and 39 and IFRS 4.

F-235


Notes to the reconciliations

        The "summary reconciliation statements" (Tables 1 and 2) show, for each caption of the new financial statements, the effects of the change before taxation, which are shown altogether under a separate caption.

        "Financial assets held for trading".    The securities portfolio, separately identified according to Italian GAAP as "dealing" and "investment", has been reclassified as of January 1, 2005 by the Parent Bank and its subsidiaries, to the categories provided by IASB in line with prevailing management and operating guidelines and, in any case, with the objectives of the Group. The Group has classified under "Dealing transactions" those securities held in its trading desk portfolios which are generally traded very frequently or expected to be disposed of in the short term as well as derivatives held for dealing. Furthermore, IAS 39 rules governing hedging transactions have led to the de-recognition of a significant portion of hedging transactions previously carried out in the portfolio. The inclusion under "financial assets held for trading" of derivatives which, at January 1, 2005, could not be classified as hedging transactions and their consequent valuation at fair value, gave rise to a write-up adjustment to assets of 455 million euro, of which 206 million euro refer to options that already hedged optional components of structured deposits. To partially compensate the aforementioned adjustments to derivatives, the total adjustment shown in the reconciliation statements includes the elimination of own shares of the Parent Bank (61 million euro) and of individual subsidiaries (57 million euro), as well as lower amounts for: (i) the adjustment to fair value of securities previously valued at cost; (ii) the effect of recalculating the fair value of dealing derivatives in order to reflect the valuation models, taking into account the credit worthiness of the counterparties and other specifications provided for by international accounting standards.

        Financial assets designated as at fair value.    The Banking Group has made limited use of the designation at fair value (known as fair value option) for financial instruments, restricting it mainly to account for its portfolio of structured securities, whereas it has been used extensively by its insurance subsidiaries in respect of securities to cover policies where the investment risk is borne by the insured. Ideally, the exposure of the Group to such securities is compensated by offsetting the policies against the relevant liabilities designated at fair value.

        Available for sale financial assets.    Upon first-time adoption of international accounting standards, those debt securities which could not be classified under any other portfolio have been included under available for sale financial assets, together with all equity investments that do not fall under the subsidiary, affiliated or joint-control category. Only where valuations were not reliable—taking into account, among other things, the specific characteristics of the issuer, that is, the significant spread in the ranges of value resulting from the application of the valuation models, or rather, the lack of information useful to applying valuation models given the scarse importance of the shareholding—were securities still carried at cost. The most significant investments still carried at cost are investments in Banca d'Italia, Borsa Italiana, Hutchison 3G Italia and Credito Sportivo. The positive adjustment refers to the fair value of securities already valued at cost, offset against a specific valuation reserve included under shareholders' equity. The valuation reserve relating to available for sale investments, included under shareholders' equity, was not adjusted for taxation since, according to IAS/IFRS, investments maintain current tax exemptions (participation exemption regime).

        The balance sheet adjustment of 583 million euro refers in particular to the fair value adjustment made to debt securities of the insurance sector, against high risk insurance policies. The relevant valuation reserve relating to available for sale investments, included under shareholders' equity, is partially compensated by recording a valuation reserve but with opposite sign, calculated on the insurance liabilities (mathematical reserves) according to the option given by IFRS 4, to take advantage of "shadow accounting" for the portion of income due to policy underwriters.

F-236



        Held-to-maturity investments.    The investment portfolio has been recalculated due to stricter constraints being imposed by the international accounting standards on "held-to-maturity investments", by reclassifying those securities that had been previously classified as "available for sale investments". No adjustments were made to those values already booked according to Italian accounting principles.

        Loans to banks.    Only inter-bank placements are classified in this caption, with the exclusion therefore of debt securities. The adjustment of two million euro refers to an adjustment to the value of hedged transactions.

        Loans to customers.    In addition to non-securitized loans to customers, the IAS/IFRS loan portfolio (loans and receivables) also comprises unquoted securities arising from the restructuring of exposures or purchased upon subscription or assignment of corporate customers. As regards the discounting of doubtful loans, the SANPAOLO IMI Group has adopted the net present value criteria set by IAS/IFRS for doubtful loans since 1998, the year in which its shares were quoted on the US market. Therefore, the value of equity at transition has been changed only in respect of the adjustment of hedged loans (+640 million euro) and the improvement of the application of "amortized cost" in accordance with IAS/IFRS. More specifically, as regards this last point, equity was reduced by 34 million euro (21 million net of its tax effect) due to an adjustment to the value of non-interest bearing loans granted by GEST Line, the tax collection subsidiary company, to the various entities on behalf of which it carries out its collection activity. The adjustment was made to take into account the discounting at effective interest rates, compared to the expected average collection period. This adjustment reflects also the 167 million euro increase in loans due to the separate accounting of the commitment incorporated in the FIAT convertible facility under derivative liabilities (dealing).

        Hedging derivatives.    This caption comprises derivatives which were already classified as hedging instruments in the financial statements prepared in accordance with Italian accounting principles and which, at January 1, 2005 could be considered as such according to IFRS 1 transition rules. The adjustment to shareholders' equity (+747 million euro) reflects the adjustment to fair value of such derivatives and is substantially compensated by the adjustment to fair value of the underlying hedged items.

        Investments carried at net equity.    This caption includes both the valuation to net equity of investments in affiliated companies and the positive differences in shareholders' equity which are carried under a separate caption in the financial statements prepared according to Italian accounting principles. The 2004 adjustments relate to the write-back of the 2004 amortization charge on such differences since IFRS 3 does not provide for the systematic amortization of goodwill with effect from January 1, 2004. The write-back of 2004 amortization has a positive effect on the economic result for 2004, due to the increase in profit of companies carried at equity.

        Tangible assets.    Tangible assets included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with Italian accounting principles have been reclassified to this caption which, for the first time, includes also leasehold property where the related entry is included under financial liabilities. The increase in shareholders' equity relates mainly to the fair value adjustment (+366 million euro) of land in the real estate portfolio, made on the basis of appraisals carried out by independent experts. This fair value represents the new book value that replaces cost. Works of art are also subject to adjustment to fair value (+42 million euro) as a replacement of cost, again based on appraisals carried out by independent experts. Since they are considered to be assets not subject to amortization, previous amortization charges (made on the basis of Italian accounting principles) have been reversed (+19 million euro). In the statement of income, the higher "adjustments to the value of tangible fixed assets" refer mainly to amortization of leasehold property, which previously had not been included.

        Intangible assets.    This caption reflects the reversal of long-term charges and other intangible assets which, according to IAS/IFRS, can no longer be capitalized. Furthermore, amortization of

F-237



internally-developed software has been recalculated according to criteria approved under the IAS/IFRS principles.

        In particular, this caption includes goodwill arising on the line by line consolidation and on the purchase of business branches. Following the adoption of IAS/IFRS, goodwill is considered as an asset with an indefinite economic life and as such it can no longer be systematically amortized (as required, on the contrary, by Italian accounting principles). Goodwill must be reviewed annually for impairment (impairment test) and, if necessary, written down to reflect any "permanent loss in value". The SANPAOLO IMI Group carried out an impairment test on goodwill recorded as of January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2004 which revealed no losses in value compared to the amounts reported in the financial statements. As already noted, no other adjustments were made to goodwill given that the Group decided not to adopt IFRS 3 to business combinations retrospectively. The write-up adjustment made to the caption refers to the reversal of 2004 amortization charges and reflects positively on the result for 2004, under the caption "adjustments to intangible assets".

        Tax assets and liabilities.    The amounts shown relate to deferred taxation on taxable and deductible temporary differences arisen by applying the international accounting standards to other balance sheet items.

        Other assets and liabilities.    This caption covers Group assets and liabilities not reported in other captions of the financial statement. The more important adjustments refer to the reporting in assets of the deferrals of placement commission expenses paid to companies outside the Group (129 million) for the placement of policies issued by the insurance business, and in liabilities of the corresponding deferrals of positive commissions collected by the underwriters on the issue of those policies (380 million). These amounts will be reported in the statement of income on a straight line basis for the life of the underlying products. Moreover, purchase commitments were subscribed for controlled investments to the sum of 83 million, liabilities were eliminated for dividends attributable to the minority interests of subsidiaries (42 million euro at January 1, 2004 and at December 31, 2004/January 1, 2005) and already recorded in other liabilities in accordance with national accounting standards, and deferred assets and liabilities were eliminated in relation to hedged derivatives closed in previous years.

        Due to banks.    This caption comprises all amounts due to banks at their "amortized cost". The adjustment of three million euro refers to an adjustment to the value of hedge accounting positions.

        Securities issued.    On the basis of Italian accounting principles, own securities issued and then repurchased on the market for trading are considered as assets to be included in the financial statements. On the other hand, IAS/IFRS require such securities to be cancelled on repurchase. In accordance with IAS 39, own debt securities have been cancelled against the corresponding liability caption "Debt securities issued"; the excess value of the amount already recorded under assets over the corresponding liability resulted in a negative adjustment to opening shareholders' equity, due to the higher carrying value of the securities portfolio compared to the amortized value of the relevant collected amount.

        Upon transition to IAS/IFRS, deposits of structured securities were recorded by retrospectively applying "split accounting" whereby both the embedded derivative and the host contract are initially recorded separately at fair value, and at a later stage, the derivative is recorded at fair value and the host contract at amortized cost as adjusted to take into account any relevant hedges. The fair values (of embedded derivatives and of the host contracts) that are initially recorded, unless significantly different from their related market value, must be equal to the amounts collected. This accounting method, provided for in the international accounting standards, resulted in allocating total issue costs and income over the life of the product by recording the host contract at amortized cost and writing off any day-one profit recorded in the previous financial statements prepared according to Italian accounting

F-238



principles. The adjustment includes 234 million euro relating to the recording of the host contracts at amortized cost after deducting the relevant derivatives and 525 million euro relating to the recording of hedges on deposits represented by securities.

        Financial liabilities held for trading.    This caption comprises those dealing derivatives with a negative fair value. The adjustment refers to the negative value of 766 million euro of derivatives previously classified as hedges and reclassified as dealing at the date of transition as well as to the positive value of 359 million euro for options sold which were embedded in the structured deposits and accounted for separately from the host contract (split accounting).

        Hedging derivatives—liabilities.    This caption comprises only derivatives with a negative fair value which were already qualified as hedges in the financial statements prepared in accordance with Italian accounting principles and which, at January 1, 2005 could be considered as hedges according to IFRS 1 transition rules. The adjustment to equity (-783 million euro) is basically compensated by the adjustment to fair value of the underlying hedged items.

        Changes in fair value of liabilities in hedged portfolios.    The adjustment refers to an adjustment to the value of portfolios of financial liabilities exposed to interest rate risk to take into account the related hedges.

        Provisions for employee termination indemnities.    IAS/IFRS provide for a different accrual principle for liabilities matured in respect of obligations to employees. Accruals are calculated on the basis of the existing workforce taking into account the expected length of service, and the total liability matured must be subject to actuarial calculations. For IAS/IFRS purposes the specific accounting treatment of the accruals in accordance with Art. 2120 of the Civil Code is still subject to discussion by the accounting profession. In line with prevailing doctrine, the Group has chosen to evaluate the above liability towards its workforce according to the provisions of IAS 19 "Employee benefits" as regards defined benefit pension funds. As a result of the above decision, the commitment has been subject to valuation by an independent actuary. The accrual at January 1, 2004 was made taking into account also all prior year actuarial losses and gains as permitted by the transition provisions.

        The Group has chosen to accrue all such losses and gains by adopting the so-called "corridor accounting". The 2004 statement of income benefited from the positive effect of lower accruals recorded in personnel costs.

        Provisions and reserves.    provisions and reserves include provisions for employees specifically required by IAS 19 "Employee benefits" and, especially, accruals for commitments to make good the technical deficit in the defined benefit pension funds.

        As regards the latter, estimates already made by an independent actuary for the purposes of the financial statements prepared in accordance with Italian accounting principles, have been adjusted to take into consideration the "projected unit credit method" and other requirements set out in the aforementioned international accounting principle. With regard to potential liabilities other than those linked to a working relationship, the IAS/IFRS provide that they be recorded at the present value payable when due; this differs from Italian accounting principles which provide for the full accrual of the potential liability. Therefore the relevant accruals have been reduced to take into account the cost of money by discounting the expected future cash outflows. Lastly, those provisions which did not satisfy the stricter requirements of IAS 37 in respect of accruals have been wholly eliminated. In accordance with international accounting standards, the statement of income for the 2004 financial year has been adjusted by a charge for interest payable calculated on the amounts accrued.

F-239



        Technical reserves.    In brief, Italian accounting principles for insurance products provide that:

        On the other hand, IAS/IFRS distinguish products mostly on the basis of their economic content, which can be financial or insurance related. In this way, products issued by insurance companies must be entered either as financial or insurance instruments, depending on the type of risks associated with them.

        The products characterized mostly by insurance risks follow IFRS 4 rules, which basically refer to the accounting principles; on the other hand, products of a financial nature are accounted for in accordance with IAS 39 "financial instruments".

        Therefore, technical reserves relating to products which also under IAS/IFRS provisions are classified as insurance products, have been accounted for in accordance with Italian accounting principles and, in accordance with IAS 39, adjusted to take into account the different valuation of the relevant investments made. In particular, the Group has chosen to avail itself of "shadow accounting", whereby insurance liabilities are adjusted by way of an entry to a valuation reserve under shareholders' equity which mirrors the recording of the related available for sale investments. It should be noted that the reserves for policies with a significant financial content have been reclassified as financial liabilities.

        Changes in the area of consolidation—minority interests.    Under international accounting standards, all subsidiaries are consolidated on a line by line basis, and therefore, in the specific case of the SANPAOLO IMI Group, also the entire insurance sector, which was previously included in the consolidated accounts using the equity method. This change has not affected the Group shareholders' equity in any way; however, the inclusion of investments consolidated on a proportional basis or carried at equity in the consolidation area of the consolidated financial statements prepared on a line by line basis, in accordance with Italian accounting principles, has affected minority interest. The greater amount shown refers mainly to the line by line consolidation of Banca Koper which was previously consolidated using the proportional method.

F-240


RECONCILIATION STATEMENT OF INDIVIDUAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND NET PROFIT FOR THE YEAR AND CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND NET PROFIT FOR THE YEAR 2005

 
  Net profit
  Capital
and reserves

  Total
 
 
  (€/mil)

 
PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   1,165   9,730   10,895  
Balance from subsidiaries consolidated by the line-by-line method   2,048   17,005   19,053  
Consolidation adjustments:              
  —book value of investments consolidated by the line-by-line method     (15,390 ) (15,390 )
  —dividends of consolidated companies   (1,113 ) 1,113    
  —elimination of goodwill arising on consolidation     (914 ) (914 )
  —reversal of profits from disposal of available for sale equities   (55 ) 55    
  —evaluation of investments carried at equity   56   (39 ) 17  
  —minority interests   (57 ) (176 ) (233 )
  —elimination of write-downs of investments evaluated at equity     108   108  
  —reversal of disposals of infra-group branches   (32 )   (32 )
  —tax benefits arising on the merger of Banco Napoli     226   226  
  —debts to minority interests     (151 ) (151 )
  —securities placement and infra-group policy   (26 ) (98 ) (124 )
  —other adjustments   (3 ) 31   28  
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   1,983   11,500   13,483  

F-241


        PROSPECTUS OF SHARES OWNED AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2005 GREATER THAN 10% OF CAPITAL REPRESENTED BY SHARES WITH VOTING RIGHTS IN UNLISTED COMPANIES OR FROM SHARES IN LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES (PURSUANT TO ART. 126 OF CONSOB DECISION NO. 11971 OF 14 MAY 1999)(1)

Name

  Investor
  Share %
Agricola del Varano S.r.l.   Cassa di Risparmio Padova e Rovigo   26.58
Alilaguna S.r.l.   Cassa di Risparmio Venezia   80.00
Ama International S.p.A.   FIN. OPI   14.97
Associazione Nazionale per l'Enciclopedia della Banca e della Borsa   Sanpaolo IMI   12.11
    Banca Fideuram   0.35
        12.46
Banca d'Italia   Sanpaolo IMI   8.33
    Cassa di Risparmio Bologna   6.20
    Cassa di Risparmio Padova e Rovigo   1.20
    Cassa di Risparmio Venezia   0.88
    Friulcassa   0.62
        17.23
Banco del Desarrollo S.A.   Sanpaolo IMI   15.71
Banque Espirito Santo et de la Venetie S.A.   Sanpaolo IMI   18.00
Banque Galliere S.A. (in liq.)   Cassa di Risparmio Bologna   17.50
Beato Edoardo Materiali Ferrosi S.r.l.   Cassa di Risparmio Padova e Rovigo   50.00
    Cassa di Risparmio Venezia   50.00
        100.00
Biessefin S.p.A. (in liq.)   Sanpaolo IMI   36.10
Bipielle Riscossioni S.p.A.   Sanpaolo IMI   11.20
Borsa Italiana S.p.A.   Banca IMI   7.94
    Sanpaolo IMI   5.37
    Sanpaolo Bank   0.43
        13.74
Calitri Denim Industries S.p.A. (bankrupt)   Isveimer (in liq.)   14.29
Celeasing S.r.l.   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00
Cen.Ser. Centro Servizi S.p.A.   Cassa di Risparmio Padova e Rovigo   11.60
Centradia Limited (in liq.)   Centradia Goup (in liq.)   100.00
Centradia Services Ltd (in liq.)   Centradia Goup (in liq.)   100.00
Centrale dei Bilanci S.r.l.   Sanpaolo IMI   12.60
Centro Agroalimentare di Napoli Scpa   Sanpaolo IMI   12.56
Centro Factoring S.p.A.   Sanpaolo IMI   10.81
Centro Leasing S.p.A.   Sanpaolo IMI   12.33
Cimos International d.d.   Banka Koper   13.55
Dorado — Cigs S.r.l.   Cassa di Risparmio Bologna   25.00
Dulevo S.p.A. (bankrupt)   Sanpaolo IMI   16.29
Elvetia Edile S.r.l.   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00
Emporium S.r.l.   Cassa di Risparmio Padova e Rovigo   51.27
Equipe Investments S.p.A.   Cassa di Risparmio Padova e Rovigo   100.00
Esatto S.p.A.   GEST Line   16.33

F-242


Name

  Investor
  Share %
Esped Spedizioni S.r.l.   Cassa di Risparmio Padova e Rovigo   29.80
Evoluzione 94 S.p.A.   Sanpaolo IMI   5.99
    Cassa di Risparmio Bologna   2.55
    Friulcassa   1.97
        10.51
Fides S.p.A. (bankrupt)   Isveimer (in liq.)   20.00
Fin.Ser. S.p.A.   Cassa di Risparmio Padova e Rovigo   15.00
Fin. Tess. S.p.A.   Cassa di Risparmio Padova e Rovigo   98.00
Fonti di Gaverina   Sanpaolo IMI   60.64
Gerard H Polderman S.r.l.   Cassa di Risparmio Padova e Rovigo   100.00
Giraglia Immobiliare S.p.A.   Sanpaolo IMI   17.15
Guiness Peat Aviation ATR Ltd   Sanpaolo IMI Bank Ireland   12.50
I Guardi S.r.l.   Cassa di Risparmio Venezia   56.00
IAM Piaggio S.p.A. (in liq.)   Sanpaolo IMI   9.68
    Banca Fideuram   3.74
        13.42
Idra Partecipazioni S.p.A. (in liq.)   Ldv Holding   11.56
Immobiliare dell'Isola Cattaneo S.p.A.   Sanpaolo IMI   48.57
Immobiliare Femar S.p.A.   Cassa di Risparmio Padova e Rovigo   38.57
Immobiliare Peonia Rosa S.r.l.   Sanpaolo IMI   57.00
Immobiliare Santa Caterina S.r.l.   Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli   100.00
Impianti S.r.l. (in liq.)   Sanpaolo IMI   14.16
Inkuitalia S.p.A.   Friulcassa   65.00
Integrated Shipping Company   Sanpaolo IMI   100.00
Istituto per il Credito Sportivo   Sanpaolo IMI   10.81
Isveimer S.p.A. (in liq.)   Sanpaolo IMI   65.22
    Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico   0.17
        65.39
Ittica Ugento S.p.A.   Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli   26.96
IXIS Asset Management Group S.A.   Sanpaolo IMI   12.00
Kall Kwik Italia S.p.A. (in liq.)   Sanpaolo Leasint   15.00
Kish Receivables Co.   Tobuk   20.83
La Compagnia Finanziaria S.p.A.   Sanpaolo IMI   12.09
Leiballi Carni S.p.A.   Cassa di Risparmio Padova e Rovigo   33.33
Marche Capital S.p.A.   Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico   11.99
Mirano Costruzioni S.r.l.   Cassa di Risparmio Venezia   100.00
Pdp Box Doccia S.p.A.   Cassa di Risparmio Padova e Rovigo   80.00
Pila 2000 S.p.A.   Cassa di Risparmio Padova e Rovigo   37.19
Praxis Calcolo S.p.A.   Ldv Holding   14.52
    Sanpaolo IMI Private Equity   0.29
        14.81
Primorske Novice d.o.o.   Banka Koper   17.12
Print S.r.l.   Banca Popolare dell'Adriatico   100.00
Razvojni Center Mal. Gospod. D.o.o.   Banka Koper   19.53

F-243


Name

  Investor
  Share %
Sago S.p.A. (2)   Sanpaolo IMI   26.67
SI Holding S.p.A.   Sanpaolo IMI   11.16
Siteba S.p.A.   Sanpaolo IMI   10.45
Soa Nordest S.p.A.   Cassa di Risparmio Padova e Rovigo   15.00
Società Capua Group Imbottigliamento Bevande Gassate S.p.A.   Sanpaolo Banco di Napoli   80.19
SSB — Società per i Servizi Bancari S.p.A.   Sanpaolo IMI   15.54
    Banca Fideuram   0.02
        15.56
Stoà S.c.p.a.   Sanpaolo IMI   10.20
Tecnoalimenti S.c.p.a. (2)   Sanpaolo IMI   20.00
Tecnobiomedica S.p.A. (2)   Sanpaolo IMI   26.32
Tecnocittà S.r.l. (in liq.)   Sanpaolo IMI   12.00
Tecnofarmaci S.p.A. (2)   Sanpaolo IMI   20.50
Tecnogen S.c.p.a. (2)   Sanpaolo IMI   29.96
Tecnotessile S.r.l. (2)   Sanpaolo IMI   40.00
Trieste Terminal Cereali S.r.l.   Cassa di Risparmio Padova e Rovigo   31.25
Zampieri S.r.l.   Cassa di Risparmio Venezia   25.00

(1)
The list does not include equity investments already shown in "Part B—Section 10" of the consolidated Explanatory Note.

(2)
Equity investments deriving from transactions pursuant to Italian Law no. 1089 of October 25, 1968 (Applied Research Fund).

F-244




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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
RISK FACTORS
PART I
PART II
PART III
SIGNATURE
CERTIFICATIONS
CERTIFICATIONS
Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
STATEMENT OF INCOME/EXPENSES IN THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR AT DECEMBER 31, 2005
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
PART A—ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PART B—INFORMATION ON THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
LIABILITIES
PART C—INFORMATION ON THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
PART D—SEGMENT REPORTING
PART E—INFORMATION ON RISKS AND HEDGING
SECTION 1—BANKING GROUP'S RISKS
PART F—INFORMATION ON CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
PART G—BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
PART H—TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
PART I—PAYMENT AGREEMENTS BASED ON OWN FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
PART L—INFORMATION ON COMPARISON WITH FINANCIAL YEAR 2004
PART M—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EU GAAP, IFRS AS PUBLISHED BY IASB AND U.S. GAAP
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS TO THE CONSOLIDATED EXPLANATORY NOTES