Q2 2026 KBC Group NV Earnings Call

August 6, 2026

Operator: Six results conference call. For the first part of the conference call, the participants will be in listen-only mode. During the questions and answer session, participants are able to ask questions by dialing pound key five on their telephone keypad. I will hand the conference over to Kurt De Baenst, Head of Investor Relations. Please go ahead, sir.

Speaker #1: 6 results conference call. For the first part of the conference call, the participants will be in listen-only mode; during the questions-and-answer session, participants are able to ask questions by dialing #key5 on their telephone keypad, now I will hand the conference over to Kurt de Bonst, Head of Investor Relations.

Operator: KBC results conference call. For the first part of the conference call, the participants will be in listen-only mode. During the questions and answer session, participants are able to ask questions by dialing pound key five on their telephone keypad. I will hand the conference over to Kurt De Baenst, Head of Investor Relations. Please go ahead, sir.

Speaker #1: Please go ahead, sir.

Speaker #2: Thank you. A very good morning to all of you from the headquarters of KBC in Brussels, and welcome to the KBC conference call. Today is Thursday, August 6, 2026, and we are hosting the conference call on the second quarter results of KBC.

Kurt De Baenst: Thank you. A very good morning to all of you from the headquarters of KBC in Brussels, and welcome to the KBC conference call. Today is Thursday, 6 August 2026, and we are hosting the conference call on the Q2 results of KBC. As usual, we have Johan Thijs, our Group CEO, with us, as well as Group CFO, Bartel Puelinckx, and they will both elaborate on the results. As such, it's my pleasure to give the floor to our CEO, Johan Thijs, who will quickly run you through the presentation.

Speaker #2: As usual, we have Johan Thijs, our Group CEO, with us, as well as Group CFO Bartel Peulings, and they will both elaborate on the results.

Speaker #2: As such, it's my pleasure to give the floor to our CEO, Johan Theis, who will quickly run you through the presentation.

Speaker #3: Thank you very much, Kurt. Also, from my side, a warm welcome to the announcement of the second-quarter results. As always, we will start with the overview.

Johan Thijs: Thank you very much, Kurt, and also from my side, a warm welcome on the announcement of the Q2 results. As always, we start with the overview. I'm very happy to announce a very excellent result over the Q2, totaling EUR 1,152,000,000. This is a return on tangible equity of 18%, and once again, it highlights that KBC is not only a very well-integrated bank insurance group, but that KBC is once again able to make the machine turn on all its fire on all its cylinders. All countries performed excellently in delivering this result, and that is also translated in, amongst others, customer loans growth and customer deposits growth over the quarter again. That also totals in a very strong inflow of core customer monies, now totaling in one single quarter, EUR 6 billion.

Johan Thijs: Thank you very much, Kurt, and also from my side, a warm welcome on the announcement of the Q2 results. As always, we start with the overview. I'm very happy to announce a very excellent result over the Q2, totaling EUR 1.152 billion. This is a return on tangible equity of 18%, and once again, it highlights that KBC is not only a very well-integrated bank insurance group, but that KBC is once again able to make the machine turn on all its fire on all its cylinders. All countries performed excellently in delivering this result, and that is also translated in, amongst others, customer loans growth and customer deposits growth over the quarter again. That also totals in a very strong inflow of core customer monies, now totaling in one single quarter, EUR 6 billion.

Speaker #3: And I'm very happy to announce a very excellent result over the second quarter, totaling €1,152,000,000. This is a return on tangible equity of 18%, and once again, it highlights that KBC is not only a very well-integrated bank-insurance group, but that KBC is once again able to make the machine turn on all its fire, on all its cylinders.

Speaker #3: All countries performed excellently in delivering this result, and that is also translated in, amongst others, customer loans growth and customer deposits growth over the quarter.

Speaker #3: Again, and that also totals in a very strong inflow of core customer monies, now totaling— in one single quarter— €6 billion. It also translates and transpires in an excellent net interest income result, which allows us to increase the guidance to approximately €7,050,000,000.

Johan Thijs: It also translates and transpires in an excellent net interest income result, which allows us to increase the guidance to approximately EUR 7,050,000,000. Not only the interest income part was delivering, but as I said, the diversification into the fee and commission business and the insurance business both delivered excellent results. Again, very strong inflow on the asset management business, but also on the life and non-life side, if you compare it with same periods in previous year, we see a strong growth more than 10% each. In terms of guidance also there, we will further increase the guidance. In terms of the sum of all parts, you will not be surprised that also total income guidance is now brought to approximately 11%, as it is a comparison to 9.9%. An increase of roughly 1.2%. Costs are well under control.

Johan Thijs: It also translates and transpires in an excellent net interest income result, which allows us to increase the guidance to approximately EUR 7.050 billion. Not only the interest income part was delivering, but as I said, the diversification into the fee and commission business and the insurance business both delivered excellent results. Again, very strong inflow on the asset management business, but also on the life and non-life side, if you compare it with same periods in previous year, we see a strong growth more than 10% each. In terms of guidance also there, we will further increase the guidance. In terms of the sum of all parts, you will not be surprised that also total income guidance is now brought to approximately 11%, as it is a comparison to 9.9%. An increase of roughly 1.2%. Costs are well under control.

Speaker #3: Not only the interest income part was delivering, but as I said, the diversification into the fee and commission business and the insurance business, both delivered excellent results.

Speaker #3: Again, very strong inflow on the asset management business, but also on the life and non-life side. If you compare it with previous periods—in the same periods, sorry, in previous years—then we see a strong growth, more than 10% each.

Speaker #3: In terms of guidance also there, we will further increase the guidance. In terms of the sum-of-all-parts, you will not be surprised that also total income guidance is now brought to approximately 11%, as it is a comparison to 9.9%, so an increase of roughly 1.2%.

Speaker #3: Costs are well under control. They're perfectly in line with the guidance which we gave at the end of, on the back of, the fourth quarter results.

Johan Thijs: They are perfectly in line with the guidance which we gave on the back of the Q4 results, and is now also perfectly in line with our internal trajectory on the cost evolution. As a matter of fact, we have some advance in that perspective. That trajectory was used to put the guidance in place. In terms of loan loss impairments, excellent credit cost ratio, and we have taken some impairments on other matters, but I will come back to that in a second. Solvency and liquidity positions remain very strong with a solvency position of 14.4%, which allows us also to announce today, as usual, the execution of our dividend policy, indicating that we are going to pay out a EUR 1 per share interim dividend as usual in November of this year. Let me go then more into the detail.

Speaker #3: And it is now also perfectly in line with our internal trajectory on the cost evolution. As a matter of fact, we have some advance in that perspective; that trajectory was used to put the guidance in place.

Speaker #3: Now, in terms of loan loss impairments—excellent credit cost ratio—and we have taken some impairments on other matters, but I will come back to that in a second.

Speaker #3: Solvency and liquidity positions remain very strong, with the solvency position at 14.4%, which also allows us to announce today, as usual, the execution of our dividend policy—indicating that we are going to pay out a €1 per share interim dividend, as usual, in November of this year.

Speaker #3: Let me go, then, more into the detail on the next slide. You can see what I just said about the diversification in general—it's more or less a 50/50 split this quarter.

Johan Thijs: On the next slide, you can see what I just said about the diversification. In general, it is more or less 50/50 split. This quarter, it was a little bit more on the net interest income side. It is a 50% to 48%, and this is confirming what I said, highly diversified. In KBC, both growth and costs are under control because of the investments which we do in the digital environment, artificial intelligence, amongst others, and that is then transpiring into what you all know under the name Kate. Kate is continuously improving its deliveries in terms of both the revenue side and on the cost side. More than 6.2 million of our customers are in contact with Kate and using it, and the autonomy in that perspective of Kate is hovering around 80%, so 77% in Belgium this quarter, 75% in Czech Republic, where we launched Kate 2.0.

Speaker #3: It was a little bit more on the net interest income side. It's a 52/48%, and this confirms what I said—highly diversified.

Speaker #3: In KBC, both growth and costs are under control because of the investments we make in the digital environment, artificial intelligence, among others, and that is then transpiring into what you all know under the name Kate.

Speaker #3: Kate is continuously improving its deliveries in terms of both the revenue side and the cost side. More than 6.2 million of our customers are in contact with Kate and using it, and the autonomy in that perspective of Kate is hovering around 80%—so, 77% this quarter, and 75% in the Czech Republic, where we launched Kate 2.0.

Speaker #3: In the other Central European countries, Kate 2.0 is going to be launched in the quarters to come, which also means that there you can expect, indeed, a further increase. And as you know, we want to have numbers of autonomy at 80%.

Johan Thijs: In the other central European countries, Kate 2.0 is going to be launched in the quarters to come, which also means that there you can expect indeed a further increase, and as you know, we want to have numbers of autonomy 80% or more. In terms of the translation into what is the effect on the cost side, well, Kate is doing the equivalent of work of at least 420 of our commercial employees, and it is calculated in a very conservative way. Let me also highlight something else. Kate is generating on the back of customer data leads, which are then sent out to our employees in a dedicated way. On the back of that, Kate was able to trigger roughly half a million sales in this quarter. To be precise, 488,000 sales were delivered on the back of that.

Speaker #3: Or more. In terms of translating this into the impact on costs, well, Kate is doing the equivalent work of at least 420 of our commercial employees, and that is calculated in a very conservative way.

Speaker #3: But let me also highlight something else. Kate is generating, on the back of customer data, leads which are then sent out to our employees in a dedicated way, and on the back of that, Kate was able to trigger roughly half a million sales in this quarter. To be precise, 488,000 sales were delivered on the back of that.

Speaker #3: Just to give you an idea, this is a success rate of roughly 19%. For instance, in the business unit Belgium, that's the lead to contract ratio.

Johan Thijs: Just to give you an idea, this is a success rate of roughly 19%, for instance, in the business unit Belgium, lead to contract. On the next page, you can see an overview of where we are in terms of the different position profitability, sustainability, but let me skip that to spend more time on the really technical numbers. This quarter was also characterized by a couple of one-offs. The most important one-off, which is in this pack, is the adjustment for the modification losses in Hungary. Well, that in essence, is very straightforward. As you remember, there is a cap on the interest rates for mortgages in Hungary. That cap goes by the normally taking 6 months timeline. Every 6 months it was decided if the cap would be withheld or not, triggering an impairment, a modification loss.

Johan Thijs: Just to give you an idea, this is a success rate of roughly 19%, for instance, in the business unit Belgium, lead to contract. On the next page, you can see an overview of where we are in terms of the different position profitability, sustainability, but let me skip that to spend more time on the really technical numbers. This quarter was also characterized by a couple of one-offs. The most important one-off, which is in this pack, is the adjustment for the modification losses in Hungary. Well, that in essence, is very straightforward. As you remember, there is a cap on the interest rates for mortgages in Hungary. That cap goes by the normally taking 6 months timeline. Every six months it was decided if the cap would be withheld or not, triggering an impairment, a modification loss.

Speaker #3: On the next page, you can see an overview of where we are in terms of the different positions: profitability, sustainability. But let me skip that to spend more time on the really technical numbers.

Speaker #3: This quarter was also characterized by a couple of one-offs. The most important one-off, which is in this pack, is the adjustment for the modification losses in Hungary.

Speaker #3: Well, that is in essence very straightforward. As you remember, there is a cap on the interest rates for mortgages in Hungary. That cap was, by the normal six-month timeline, so every six months it was decided if the cap would be withheld or not.

Speaker #3: Triggering an impairment, a modification loss. The previous government, the Orban government, just before they handed over the bar to the Peter Magyar government, changed that and actually decided to get rid of that temporary 6-month cap, and therefore the impairment needs to be calculated over the full lifetime of the loans, totaling €42 million.

Johan Thijs: The previous government, Orbán government, just before they handed over the bar to the Péter Magyar government, they changed that and actually have decided to get rid of that temporary 6 months cap. Therefore, the impairment needs to be calculated over the full lifetime of the loans, totaling EUR 42 million. As we speak, Hungarian government is indeed reconsidering that position, and then bringing back the caps again. A couple of things needs to be discussed on that matter, but it is potentially possible that we are going to review that EUR 42 million in the quarters to come, and then obviously we will write back that impairment. So in essence, over the full quarter, after taxes, EUR 38 million total one-offs, which is, as you can see on the graph, a bit different than on previous quarter.

Johan Thijs: The previous government, Orbán government, just before they handed over the bar to the Péter Magyar government, they changed that and actually have decided to get rid of that temporary six months cap. Therefore, the impairment needs to be calculated over the full lifetime of the loans, totaling EUR 42 million. As we speak, Hungarian government is indeed reconsidering that position, and then bringing back the caps again. A couple of things needs to be discussed on that matter, but it is potentially possible that we are going to review that EUR 42 million in the quarters to come, and then obviously we will write back that impairment. So in essence, over the full quarter, after taxes, EUR 38 million total one-offs, which is, as you can see on the graph, a bit different than on previous quarter.

Speaker #3: As we speak, the Hungarian government is indeed reconsidering that position, and then bringing back the caps again on a couple of things needs to be discussed on that matter. But it is potentially possible that we are going to review that €42 million in the quarters to come, and then, obviously, we will write back that impairment.

Speaker #3: So, in essence, over the full quarter, after taxes, there were €38 million total one-offs, which is, as you can see on the graph, a bit different than in the previous quarter.

Speaker #3: Let me go into the different P&L lines, and as usual, we always start with net interest income. Well, we had an extremely good quarter: €1,805 million is indeed a strong performance, and it's triggered by its two main drivers.

Johan Thijs: Well, let me go into the different P&L lines, and as usual, we always start with net interest income. We have an extremely good quarter. EUR 1.805 billion is indeed a strong performance, and it is triggered by its two main drivers, plus an extra. The two main drivers are the transformation results. First of all, transformation results wound up significantly over the quarter on the back of two things. First of all, higher yields. Second thing, a continuous inflow of benchmark deposit volumes. I will come back to that in a second, but in this quarter, we had a very strong inflow again on current accounts and saving accounts. Next to that, we had a strong increase of our lending income, roughly EUR 28 million more than before, which is due to two things. First of all, the traditional lending income generated by volumes and margin.

Speaker #3: Plus an extra. The two main drivers are the transformation results. First of all, transformation results bound up yields. And second thing, a continuous inflow of benchmark deposit volumes.

Speaker #3: I will come back to that in a second, but in this quarter, we had a very strong inflow again on current accounts and savings accounts.

Speaker #3: Next to that, we had a strong increase in our lending income, roughly €28 million more than before, which is due to two things.

Speaker #3: First of all, the traditional lending income is generated by volumes and margin. Volumes were up in all countries, and in a very significant way compared to our guidance.

Johan Thijs: Volumes were up on all countries and in a very significant way compared to our guidance. In this quarter alone, volumes increased with 2.8%, and that is 7.2% on the year for good understanding, which is indeed significant. As a matter of fact, year to date, giving the Q2 result, we now have an increase of our lending volumes of 4.3%, which is already almost achieving the full year target guidance, which we gave at least 5%. On the back of that, we are going to increase that guidance for the loan growth to at least 6% for 2026. Gross volume is one thing. What about the margin? It's clear that in a lot of markets where we are present, and on the mortgage side and on the corporate side, margins are under pressure. It's not always downward.

Speaker #3: In this quarter alone, volumes increased with 2.8%, which is indeed that is 7.2% on the year for good understanding, which is indeed significant. As a matter of fact, year to date, giving the second quarter result, we now have a increase of our lending volumes of 4.3%, which is already almost achieving the full year target guidance which we gave at least 5%.

Speaker #3: And on the back of that, we are going to increase that guidance for the loan growth to at least 6% for 2026. Growth is volume is one thing.

Speaker #3: What about the margin? It's clear that in a lot of markets where we are present, and on the mortgage side and on the corporate side, margins are under pressure.

Speaker #3: It's not always downward. Sometimes we are able to increase margin, but in general, I would say there is commercial pressure on the margins on the lending side.

Johan Thijs: Sometimes we are able to increase margin, but in general, I would say there is commercial pressure on the margins on the lending side. In terms of the total margin for the entire book, that means, and the margins on the deposit side replicating portfolio, and the margin on the lending side, and all other products which are generating interest income, the margin went up from 217 basis points to 223 basis points, which is indeed a very strong increase. If you compare it over the year, then the increase is 15 basis points, and that is indeed very significant. I said two drivers, I just explained them, and an extra. The extra is inflation-linked bonds. As we have indicated on the announcement of the previous quarter, where inflation-linked bonds were contributing negatively, this quarter was stellar.

Speaker #3: In terms of the total margin for the entire book, that means the margins on the deposit side, the replicating portfolio, the margin on the lending side, and all other products which are generating interest income—the margin went up from 217 basis points to 223 basis points, which is indeed a very strong increase.

Speaker #3: If you compare it over the year, then the increase is 15 basis points, and that is indeed very significant. So I said two drivers.

Speaker #3: I just explained them, and one extra. The extra is inflation-linked bonds, as we indicated in the announcement of the previous quarter, where inflation-linked bonds were contributing negatively.

Speaker #3: This quarter was stellar. €45 million net interest income was generated through those inflation-linked bonds, which makes the difference compared to the previous quarter, €57 million.

Johan Thijs: EUR 45 million net interest income was generated through those inflation-linked bonds, which makes the difference back to back the previous quarter, EUR 57 million. As a matter of fact, the totals, the interest income for the inflation-linked bonds over this year already to EUR 34 million. We guided previously between EUR 30 million and EUR 40 million, we are getting close to that. You cannot extrapolate the EUR 45 million this quarter going forward. Probably will generate a couple of million EUR every quarter in the two coming quarters to come. What about the other adjustments to a lesser extent, number of days, EUR 9 million extra, where it was previously negative. All in all, a very strong number. Let me come back to what I said on the volumes. There was a 2% growth overall on the quarter of our deposits.

Speaker #3: As a matter of fact, the totals for the interest income from the inflation-linked bonds over this year are already at €34 million. We had previously guided between €30 and €40 million, so we are getting close to that.

Speaker #3: You cannot extrapolate the €45 million of this quarter going forward. We will probably generate a couple of million euros every quarter in the coming quarters.

Speaker #3: What about the other adjustments? There are, to a lesser extent, a number of days. €9 million extra, where it was previously negative. So, all in all, a very strong number. But let me come back to what I said on the volumes.

Speaker #3: There was a 2% growth overall in the quarter for our deposits. If you look at the inflow of core customer monies on the next slide, it is indeed a very strong quarter.

Johan Thijs: If you look at the inflow of core customer monies on the next slide, it is indeed a very strong quarter. EUR 6 billion of inflow of core customer monies. What is even more important is that in comparison to previous quarter, this quarter was characterized by a strong inflow on current accounts and saving accounts rather than on term deposits. As a matter of fact, the inflow on current account and saving accounts is double of the term deposits, which is a different trend as what was probably assumed in Q1. If you sum it up of all parts, we are almost at EUR 12 billion net inflow of core customer monies. You also see that in that perspective, we do see EUR 1.4 billion inflow on the mutual fund business, which already gives you an indication on the strong performance of last year.

Speaker #3: 6 billion EUR of inflow of core customer monies, and what is even more important is that this in comparison to previous quarter, this quarter was characterized by a strong inflow on current accounts and saving accounts rather than on term deposits.

Speaker #3: As a matter of fact, the inflow on current accounts and savings accounts is double that of the term deposits, which is a different trend from what was probably assumed in Q1.

Speaker #3: If you sum it up over all parts, then we are almost at €12 billion net inflow of core customer monies. You also see that, in that perspective, we do see a €1.4 billion inflow in the mutual fund business, which already gives you an indication of the strong performance of last year.

Speaker #3: Let me say one more word on the term deposits. Term deposits here are also used as a defensive instrument. This defensive instrument is used, for instance, when competitors are launching these kinds of products, or when states are launching state notes.

Johan Thijs: Let me say one more word on the term deposits. Term deposits here are also used as a defensive instrument. This defensive instrument is used, for instance, when competition is launching these kind of products, when states are launching state notes with higher interest rates. Well, term deposits are often used to actually facilitate our customers with sort like products. There is one fundamental difference. Most of the time, we do see that clearly, for example, in the business unit Belgium, our private banking is using this instrument for the same reason that most customers lock in those monies in a very short term. 55% of all the monies which are on term deposits in that perspective in Belgium are having a tenor of less than 3 months.

Speaker #3: With higher interest rates, well, then term deposits are often used to actually facilitate our customers with sort-like products, but there is one fundamental difference.

Speaker #3: Most of the time, we do see that clearly. For example, in the business unit Belgium, or in private banking, they are using this instrument for the same reason: most customers lock in those monies for a very short term.

Speaker #3: Fifty-five percent of all the monies which are on term deposits, in that perspective in Belgium, have a tenor of less than three months. Seventy-five percent have a tenor of less than six months, which means it's just an instrument to mitigate potential other investments in the future. Amongst all those mutual funds—let me just say it differently—amongst all those products with higher yields.

Johan Thijs: 75% have a tenor of less than 6 months, which means it's just an instrument to mitigate potential other investments in the future, amongst others, mutual funds. Let me say it differently, amongst others, products with higher yields. Let me go into immediate bridge to the fee and commission. Already mentioned the very strong inflows, EUR 758 million put net fee and commission income at a record high. This is due to actually two things. In essence, 4% growth on the asset management services and 4% as well growth on the banking services. Asset management services, as you know, is also driven on the evolution of the market. The market performance is generating here a very strong uptick. Our assets under management grew to EUR 328 billion, which is a increase of 10% on the quarter.

Johan Thijs: 75% have a tenor of less than six months, which means it's just an instrument to mitigate potential other investments in the future, amongst others, mutual funds. Let me say it differently, amongst others, products with higher yields. Let me go into immediate bridge to the fee and commission. Already mentioned the very strong inflows, EUR 758 million put net fee and commission income at a record high. This is due to actually two things. In essence, 4% growth on the asset management services and 4% as well growth on the banking services. Asset management services, as you know, is also driven on the evolution of the market. The market performance is generating here a very strong uptick. Our assets under management grew to EUR 328 billion, which is a increase of 10% on the quarter.

Speaker #3: Let me then go immediately to the bridge to fee and commission, already mentioning very strong inflows. What €758 million put to net fee and commission income at a record high.

Speaker #3: And this is due to actually two things. In essence, 4% growth in the asset management services, and 4% growth in the banking services as well.

Speaker #3: Asset management services, as you know, are also driven by the evolution of the market. So, the market performance is generating here a very strong uptick.

Speaker #3: Our assets under management grew to €328 billion, which is an increase of 10% on the quarter. That 10% is actually generated by roughly 9 to 10% market performance and 1% net inflow.

Johan Thijs: That 10% is actually generated to roughly 9% to 10% market performance and 1% net inflow. Given that market performance, there is no big surprise that the asset management fees are increasing indeed strongly over the quarter, and that net inflows follow up, but to a lesser extent, that is a translation of the strong inflow of the EUR 1.4 billion. In terms of the banking services, very strong performance on the payment services. Payment services are the bulk of those banking services, but also very strong performance on the network income and the credit files linked to the loan growth, but also on the security related fees, which we get on our trading platforms in Belgium, Czech Republic, and Hungary.

Speaker #3: Now, given that market performance, there is no big surprise that the asset management fees are increasing indeed strongly over the quarter, and that net inflows follow up.

Speaker #3: But to a lesser extent, that is a translation of the strong inflow of the €1.4 billion. In terms of the banking services, a very strong performance on the payment services.

Speaker #3: Payment services are the bulk of those banking services. But also very strong performance on the network income and the credit files linked to the loan growth, but also on the security-related fees, which we get on our trading platforms in Belgium, Czech Republic, and Hungary.

Speaker #3: Just to give you an idea, we had—again on the record of last quarter—another improvement: 12% more customers on the Bolero platform in Belgium over the year, compared to 36% more transactions.

Johan Thijs: Just to give you an idea, we had, again, on the record of last quarter, we had another improvement, 12% more customers on the Bolero platform in Belgium over the year compared 36% more transactions. All in all, very strong performance on the fee and commission side. We stand now at EUR 3 billion net sales inflow in the H1 of this year, it is a perfect in line with our ambition in this perspective. As you know, we don't give detailed guidance, but we are quite positive about the evolution. Just to give you an idea, in the first months of this Q3, we have achieved a sale of EUR 1 billion net as well. What about the insurance side? Well, non-life business is doing excellently, 10% sales increase, which is quite significant. This is due to all countries. Belgium, 7% more mature market, bigger portfolio.

Speaker #3: So, all in all, very strong performance on the fee and commission side. We stand now at €3 billion gross—sorry, €3 billion net sales inflow in the first half of this year, and this is perfectly in line with our ambition.

Speaker #3: And from this perspective, as you know, we don't give detailed guidance, but we are quite positive about the evolution. Just to give you an idea, in the first months of this third quarter—yes, third quarter—we have achieved a sale of €1 billion net, as well.

Speaker #3: What about the insurance side? Well, non-life business is doing excellently—10% sales increase, which is quite significant. This is due to all countries: Belgium 7%—a more mature market with a bigger portfolio—and then the Central European portfolios; they all grew above their targets: more than 10%, 12% in Bulgaria, 16% in Hungary, and 14% in Czech Republic. Slovakia is a bit lower.

Johan Thijs: The Central European portfolios, they all grew above their targets, more than 10%, 12% in Bulgaria, Hungary 16%, and 14% in Czech Republic, Slovakia is a bit lower. Why on purpose? Because of the reshuffling which we are doing on the portfolios, this is mainly due to the MTPL portfolio. Combined ratios in all countries are performing excellently, despite the fact that we had thunderstorms with consequences in Belgium and in Hungary, but also a couple of big fires in, amongst others, Czech Republic. If you all take that into account and you put it into a combined ratio, you see that combined ratio stands at an excellent 85%, perfectly comparable with the same period previous year and clearly below the target of lower than 91%.

Speaker #3: Why? On purpose, because of the reshuffling which we're doing on the portfolios, and this is mainly due to the MTBL portfolio. Combined ratios in all countries are performing excellently.

Speaker #3: Despite the fact that we had thunderstorms, and in Hungary, but also a couple of big fires in, amongst others, the Czech Republic. But if you take all that into account and you put it into a combined ratio, then you see that the combined ratio stands at an excellent 85%, perfectly comparable with the same period the previous year, and clearly below the target of lower than 91%.

Speaker #3: So, this is a clear token that the underlying quality of this portfolio is of such a kind that it allows us to absorb even a couple of calamities, which can happen in a quarter.

Johan Thijs: This is a clear token that the underlying quality of this portfolio is of such kind that allows us to absorb even a couple of calamities which can happen in a quarter. What about the life business? Well, the quarter performance looks, compared to previous quarter, subdued. Well, this is not correct observation. As you know, a lot of sales in these portfolios are driven by campaigns, the Q1 characterized by very strong campaignment, not only in Belgium but also Central European countries, amongst others, Czech Republic. This was not the case in the Q2. Only we had only one campaign in Belgium and in Bulgaria. Nevertheless, we were able to generate 24% more sales in this quarter than in the same period last year, where you have the same seasonality.

Speaker #3: What about the Live business? Well, the quarter performance looks, compared to the previous quarter, subdued. Well, this is not a correct observation. As you know, a lot of sales in these portfolios are driven by campaigns, and the first quarter was characterized by very strong campaigning not only in Belgium, but also in Central European countries, amongst others, the Czech Republic.

Speaker #3: This was not the case in the second quarter. We had only one campaign in Belgium, and in Bulgaria, and nevertheless, we were able to generate 24% more sales in this quarter than in the same period last year, where you have the same seasonality.

Speaker #3: So, combining the two quarters, the first half of the year net sales was 18% higher than the same period last year. Just to indicate that, also in that perspective, the commercial machine has been doing its utmost to generate extra sales.

Johan Thijs: Combining the 2 quarters, the H1, net sales was 18% higher than the same period last year. Just to indicate that also in that perspective, the commercial machine has been doing its utmost to generate extra sales. Quality-wise, also the margin which we deliver on those products, CSM margin, has further increased. It now is solidly above the 17%, which is a fundamental uptick in comparison with, for instance, the same position a year ago. We go on to more volatile results, that is the financial instruments at fair value. As you can see, we have a clear improvement on the derivatives, which are used for our mark-to-market positions, EUR 42 million better, which is on the back of the lower ineffectiveness of our macro hedges. All the other stuff you can read in the detail.

Johan Thijs: Combining the two quarters, the H1, net sales was 18% higher than the same period last year. Just to indicate that also in that perspective, the commercial machine has been doing its utmost to generate extra sales. Quality-wise, also the margin which we deliver on those products, CSM margin, has further increased. It now is solidly above the 17%, which is a fundamental uptick in comparison with, for instance, the same position a year ago. We go on to more volatile results, that is the financial instruments at fair value. As you can see, we have a clear improvement on the derivatives, which are used for our mark-to-market positions, EUR 42 million better, which is on the back of the lower ineffectiveness of our macro hedges. All the other stuff you can read in the detail.

Speaker #3: Quality-wise, the margin which we deliver on those products—the CSM margin—has further increased. It's now solidly above 17%, which is a fundamental uptick in comparison with, for instance, the same period, the same position, a year ago.

Speaker #3: Then we go on to more volatile results. That is, the financial instruments at fair value. As you can see, we have a clear improvement on the derivatives, which are used for our mark-to-market positions.

Speaker #3: €42 million BEPA, which is on the back of the lower ineffectiveness of our macro hedges. All the other stuff, you can read in the detail.

Speaker #3: In essence, the total result improved with roughly 26 million EUR over the quarter, which is totaling minus 92 million EUR. Net other income, the income generated through the leasing and real estate, and the assistance company is here perfectly in line with the run rate, 50 million EUR is precisely the result which we have booked in this quarter.

Johan Thijs: In essence, the total result improves to roughly EUR 26 million over the quarter, which is totaling EUR -92 million. Net other income, the income generated through the leasing and real estate and the assistance company is here perfectly in line with the run rate, EUR 50 million is precisely the result which we have booked in this quarter. Coming to the operating expenses. Well, operating expenses are significantly lower than previous quarter. Once again here, be careful. Bank taxes are, as you know, upfront paid in the Q1. Let's ignore that. If you look purely at the underlying operating expenses, well, the expenses this quarter are roughly EUR 5 million lower than previous quarter. If you take into account the FX effect, we had a very strong appreciation of the forint. To a lesser extent, the Czech koruna.

Speaker #3: Coming to the operating expenses, operating expenses are significantly lower than the previous quarter, but once again, be careful—bank taxes are, as you know, upfront paid in the first quarter.

Speaker #3: So let's ignore that, and if you look purely at the underlying operating expenses, well, then the expenses this quarter are roughly €5 million lower than the previous quarter.

Speaker #3: If you take into account the FX effect, we had a very strong appreciation of the forint, to a lesser extent the Czech koruna. If you exclude that, so make it a like-for-like comparison, well, then the cost growth is €9 million.

Johan Thijs: If you exclude to make it like-for-like comparison, well, the cost growth is EUR 9 million, which is a translation that costs are under control. The comparison made by previous quarter need to be aware we paid EUR 23 million bonus in that quarter. Despite the fundamental uptick of inflation, despite the fundamental uptick of the FX effect, we were able to keep costs more or less in line compared to previous quarter. Also that transpires in a calculation of the underlying effectiveness of KBC Group. If you exclude, you make a like-for-like comparison, if you exclude the FX effect I just was referring to, the one-off profit bonus, of course, the acquisition of 365.bank.

Speaker #3: This is a translation that costs out under control. For the comparison made with the previous quarter, you need to be aware that we paid a €23 million bonus in that quarter.

Speaker #3: So, despite the fundamental uptick of inflation, despite the fundamental uptick of the FX effect, we were able to keep costs more or less in line compared to the previous quarter.

Speaker #3: And also that transpires in a calculation of the underlying effectiveness of KBC Group. If you exclude, so you make a like for like comparison, if you exclude the FX effect I just was referring to, the one of profit bonus, and then, of course, the acquisition of 365 bank, let me remind you, that the integration of 365 bank at this stage is an integration of a not efficient institution.

Johan Thijs: Let me remind you that the integration of 365.bank at this stage is an integration of a not efficient institution, at high cost, that the benefits of that, the synergies, that they will be reaped in 2028. Start to do that in 2027, ultimately the big chunk comes in 2028. It is front-loading the cost and backloading the efficiencies or the synergies. Well, if you exclude that 365.bank to make a comparison on a like-for-like basis, we do see this quarter an increase of our cost of 3.4%, absorbing indeed what I just said, wage inflation, which I think is a major achievement. This is perfectly in line with the guidance and also, these are numbers you obviously don't know, perfectly in line with the trajectory which we had forecasted for ourselves to get to the guidance.

Speaker #3: So at high cost, and the benefits of that—the synergies—they will be reaped in 2028. They start to do that in 2027, but ultimately the big chunk comes in 2028.

Speaker #3: So, it is front-loading the costs and back-loading the efficiencies, or the synergies. Well, if you exclude that 365 bank to make a comparison on a like-for-like basis, then we do see, this quarter, an increase of our costs of 3.4%.

Speaker #3: Absorbing, indeed, what I just said—which is inflation—which I think is a major achievement. This is perfectly aligned with the guidance, and also, but these are numbers you obviously don't know, perfectly in line with the trajectory which we had forecasted for ourselves to get to the guidance.

Speaker #3: So, cost-income ratio now stands at 39.8%. When you exclude the bank taxes, and that is better than the 41% of previous year. Certainties in life are bank taxes.

Johan Thijs: Cost-income ratio now stands at 39.8% when you exclude the bank taxes, that is better than the 41% of previous year. Certainties in life are bank taxes. Well, we paid another EUR 64 million, mainly triggered by the windfall taxes in Hungary, EUR 54 million. We do expect that by year-end, the sum of all taxes paid is EUR 730 million. That is indeed quite a lot. Going to asset impairments. Well, asset impairments are very benign in this quarter, despite the very difficult circumstances, which were part of our lives, EUR 135 million. If you look at really underlying impairments on loans, it is only EUR 53 million. That EUR 53 million is translated into 11 basis points credit cost ratio, which is indeed a very good result. If you compare that with previous quarter, it is an improvement.

Speaker #3: Well, we paid another €64 million, mainly triggered by the windfall taxes in Hungary—€54 million. We do expect that by year-end, the sum of all taxes paid will be €730 million.

Speaker #3: And that is indeed quite a lot. Going to asset impairments—well, asset impairments are very benign in this quarter. Despite the very difficult circumstances which were part of our lives, €135 million.

Speaker #3: But if you look at the really underlying impairments on loans, it's only 53 million EUR. That 53 million EUR is translated into 11 basis points credit cost ratio.

Speaker #3: Which is indeed a very good result, and if you compare that with the previous quarter, it's an improvement. If you compare that with the results of last year, it's another improvement.

Johan Thijs: If you compare that with the results of last year, it is another improvement. Indeed, the quality of our portfolio is and remains good. The impairment loans ratio stands at 1.8%, which is stable over the years. If you translate it at EBA level, it is 146%, that is clearly below the European average. Now, we have added a couple of things to those impairments this quarter, that is, first of all, given the turbulence in the world, the parameters change, therefore, the modeled ECL buffer has increased to EUR 30 million. As I indicated on previous quarter, the EUR 75 million management overlay we would not touch. If you add both numbers together, then the total buffer for geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties, plus the management overlay stands at EUR 188 million, which is roughly eight basis points of our lending book.

Speaker #3: So, indeed, the quality of our portfolio is and remains good. No, sorry, the impaired loans ratio stands at 1.8%, which is stable over the years. If you translate it at EBA level, then it's 146%, and that's clearly below the European average.

Speaker #3: Now, we have added a couple of things to those impairments this quarter, and that is, first of all, given the turbulence in the world, the parameters change, and therefore the modeled ECL buffer has increased by €13 million.

Speaker #3: As I indicated in the previous quarter, the €75 million management overlay, we would not touch. And if you add both numbers together, then the total buffer now stands—so the total buffer for geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties, plus the management overlay—at €188 million, which is roughly 8 basis points of our lending book.

Johan Thijs: The other impairment which we took is the EUR 42 million modification losses, which I explained earlier, which we potentially are going to take back in the coming quarters. We also took a EUR 28 million impairment on software. That impairment is a seasonal exercise, which we do for sure H1 and end of year. Probably we will do it every quarter now going forward because also this impairment has a positive impact on our capital position, therefore, it will indeed have a positive contribution to our CT1 ratio. Let me go into the exposures which we have particularly on our portfolio. You might have questions about that. We already indicated in Q1, has not changed, that we do have no exposure to private credit. We have hardly any exposure to private equity, we have hardly exposure to the Middle East.

Speaker #3: The other impairment which we took is the €42 million modification losses, which I explained earlier, and which we potentially are going to take back in the coming quarters.

Speaker #3: But we also took a €28 million impairment on software. That impairment is a seasonal exercise, which we do for sure half-year and end of year.

Speaker #3: Probably, we'll do it every quarter now, going forward, because also this impairment has a positive impact on our capital position, and therefore it will indeed have a positive contribution to our CET1 ratio.

Speaker #3: Let me go into the exposures that we have, particularly in our portfolio. You might have questions about that. We already indicated in the first quarter, and that has not changed, that we do not have any exposure to private credit.

Speaker #3: We have hardly any exposure to private equity, and we have hardly any exposure to the Middle East—0.2% in the latter on our outstanding book is indeed limited.

Johan Thijs: 0.2% in the latter on our outstanding book is indeed limited, also sectors which can be qualified as vulnerable, our exposures are limited. You can see the numbers on this page. I am not going to dwell upon this in detail. Might you have questions about it, we are happy to answer those questions. Now we go to the sum of all parts, which brings us to the CET1 ratio. Well, the CET1 ratio stands at 14.4%, which is the consequence of capital distribution through the profit generation. Mind you that it might occur that the dividend which is coming from the insurance company is pretty low. As you know, this has to do with the dividends which are generated through the Belgian GAAP results and paid out. There is always a quarter delay. That EUR 25 million will be in the next quarter, for instance, EUR 208 million.

Speaker #3: But also, in sectors which could be classified as vulnerable, our exposures are limited. You can see the numbers on this page. I'm not going to dwell on this in detail.

Speaker #3: If you have any questions about it, we’re willing and happy to answer those questions. Let me go to the sum of all parts, which brings us to the CET1 ratio. Well, the CET1 ratio stands at 14.4%.

Speaker #3: Which is the consequence of capital distribution, through the profit generation, mind you that it might occur that the dividend which is coming from the dividend sorry, from the insurance company is pretty low.

Speaker #3: As you know, this has to do with the dividends that are generated through the Belgian GAAP result and paid out. So, there's always a quarter delay.

Speaker #3: That €25 million will be in the next quarter, for instance, €208 million. So there is some seasonality in those numbers, and then the second thing is, of course, the evolution of the risk-weighted assets.

Johan Thijs: There is some seasonality in those numbers. The second thing is, of course, the evolution of the risk-weighted assets. We have had a strong growth of the volume. I indicated already that on the back of that, we increased our guidance. This, of course, translates itself in the volume increase of our risk-weighted assets. As you can see, EUR 2.3 billion out of the EUR 3.5 billion directly comes from that volume increase and also affects the very strong uptick of the forint and, to a lesser extent, the Czech koruna, have generated 0.6% extra risk-weighted assets. Sum of two parts is explaining roughly 90% of that increase. 14.4% on the capital side, which actually triggers also buffers roughly EUR 4.8 billion if you compare them with the MDA of the OCR level.

Speaker #3: We have had strong growth in volume. I indicated already that, on the back of that, we increased our guidance. But this, of course, translates itself into an increase in the volume of our risk-weighted assets.

Speaker #3: As you can see, €2.3 billion out of the €3.5 billion directly comes from that volume increase, and also we have the effect of the very strong uptake of the forint and, to a lesser extent, the Czech koruna.

Speaker #3: We have generated 0.6% extra risk-weighted assets. The sum of two parts is explaining roughly 90% of that increase—so, 14.4% on the capital side, which actually triggers also buffers, roughly of €4.8 billion.

Speaker #3: If you compare them with the MDA at the OCR level, there is a small adjustment on the MDA—five basis points come on, sorry, on the OCR, four basis points come on top of that because of an increase in the countercyclical buffer in the Czech Republic as of the 1st of July this year.

Johan Thijs: There is a small adjustment on the MDA, that 5 basis points come on the OCR. 4 basis points come on top of that because of an increase of the countercyclical buffer in Czech Republic as of 1 July of this year. MDA buffer now stands at 10.99%, which is due to a 5 basis point shortfall on the AT1. Leverage ratios are actually in line with what it was previous quarter. Also, the liquidity ratios are super stable, and the insurance company stands at a rock solid 231% solvency ratio. Now, I already mentioned that in the introduction, given the strong results, we actually updated, and I should say upgraded, our guidance. The guidance now stands for the total income 11%, which compares to the previous guidance, 9.9%.

Speaker #3: The MDA buffer now stands at 10.99%, which is due to a 5 basis point shortfall on the 81A. Leverage ratios are actually in line with what they were in the previous quarter.

Speaker #3: Also, the liquidity ratios are super stable, and the insurance company stands at a rock-solid 231% solvency ratio. Now, I already mentioned that in the introduction. Given the strong results, we actually updated—and I should say upgraded—our guidance.

Speaker #3: The guidance now stands for total income at 11%, which compares to the previous guidance of 9.9%. This is mainly triggered by an interest income guidance increase to approximately €7.05 billion.

Johan Thijs: This is mainly triggered by an interest income guidance increase to approximately EUR 7.05 billion, and an increase of the insurance revenue to approximately 9%. You'll already notice there is a difference in the wording where we used previously, "at least" we now use more precisely, "approximately." The difference is, at the beginning of the year, the world is very uncertain. We make a prediction for a full year. Now, 7 months down the road, it becomes quite clear where we are, and therefore we're making a guidance now, which is far more precise than the previous one, which has given you a bigger range. This is the reason why we have changed that, and that is also translated in the operating expenses, which we now guide at approximately 3.4% year on year. Consequently, the Jaws are standing now 3.3%, which means that we also upgraded the Jaws.

Johan Thijs: This is mainly triggered by an interest income guidance increase to approximately EUR 7.05 billion, and an increase of the insurance revenue to approximately 9%. You'll already notice there is a difference in the wording where we used previously, "at least" we now use more precisely, "approximately." The difference is, at the beginning of the year, the world is very uncertain. We make a prediction for a full year. Now, seven months down the road, it becomes quite clear where we are, and therefore we're making a guidance now, which is far more precise than the previous one, which has given you a bigger range. This is the reason why we have changed that, and that is also translated in the operating expenses, which we now guide at approximately 3.4% year on year. Consequently, the Jaws are standing now 3.3%, which means that we also upgraded the Jaws.

Speaker #3: And an increase in insurance revenues to approximately 9%. You'll already notice there's a difference in the wording: where we previously used 'at least,' we now more precisely use 'approximately.'

Speaker #3: The difference is, at the beginning of the year, the world is very uncertain. We make a prediction for a full year. Now, seven months down the road, it becomes quite clear where we are, and therefore we're making a guidance now which is far more precise than the previous one, which was giving you a bigger range.

Speaker #3: So, this is the reason why we changed that, and that is also reflected in the operating expenses, which we now guide at approximately 3.4% year-on-year.

Speaker #3: Consequently, the JAWS are standing now at 3.3%, which means that we also upgraded the JAW. Previously, the JAWS stood at 2.2%. So, the full increase of income is indeed calculated on top of the JAWS, so that benefit is fully taken into the JAW.

Johan Thijs: Previously, the Jaws stood at 2.2%, the full increase of income is indeed calculated on top of the Jaws so that benefit is fully taken into the Jaws. The cost income ratio will be approximately 40%, and the rest of the guidance remains unchanged. We didn't touch the guidance of 2028, because that guidance is only done once a year. That is, as you know, always at the back of a budget exercise, which is currently starting up. Update on 2028, but also giving you insights on 2029 will be delivered as always in the month of February on the back of the Q4 results. Well, I keep it here, and I'll give back the floor to Kurt, who will guide us through your questions.

Speaker #3: The cost income ratio will be approximately 40%, and the rest of the guidance remains unchanged. We didn't touch the guidance of 2028, because that guidance was sorry, that guidance is only done once a year, and that is, as you know, always at the back of a budget exercise, which is currently starting up.

Speaker #3: So, updated on the 28th, but also giving you insights on the 29th, will be delivered as always in the month of February, on the back of the fourth quarter results.

Speaker #3: Well, I'll leave it here, and I'll give back the floor to Kurt, who will guide us through your questions.

Speaker #2: Thank you. Let's open the floor for questions. Please restrict the number of questions to two. This is to allow a maximum number of people to raise questions.

Kurt De Baenst: Thank you, Johan. Let's open the floor for questions. Please restrict the number of questions to two to allow for a maximum number of people to raise questions. Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thank you.

Operator: If you wish to ask a question, please dial #5 on your telephone keypad to enter the queue. If you wish to withdraw your question, please dial #6 on your telephone keypad. The next question comes from Tariq El Mejjad from BofA. Please go ahead.

Operator: If you wish to ask a question, please dial pound key five on your telephone keypad to enter the queue. If you wish to withdraw your question, please dial pound key six on your telephone keypad. The next question comes from Tarik El Mejjad from BofA. Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: If you wish to ask a question, please dial pound key 5 on your telephone keypad to enter the queue. If you wish to withdraw your question, please dial pound key 6 on your telephone keypad.

Speaker #3: The next question comes from Tariq El-Mejad from BofA. Please go ahead.

Tarik El Mejjad: Hi. Good morning. Thanks for taking my questions. Two from my side, please. First on the M&A and HS deal, could you please update us on what's the latest on the discussion from the government side, on the optionality around HS, this recent report, what you make of it. Also, you've been open about distributing the equivalent capital to shareholders in case that deal doesn't happen. I think from the LY perspective, it's probably not the best to deal cash or a buyback. Would you consider opening up to another M&A option across Europe, Central Europe? You've been always transparent about what could be the target, which country, or at least when asked, not pushing back too much on commenting. Would you be opening up to another option to use the capital? Second question is on costs, especially in Belgium.

Speaker #4: Hi, good morning. Thanks for taking my questions. Two from my side, please. First, on the M&A and HS deal, could you please update us on the latest discussions from the government side on the optionality around HES? There's this recent report—what do you make of it?

Speaker #4: And also, I mean, you've been open about distributing the equivalent capital to shareholders in case that deal doesn't happen. I mean, I think from the ROI perspective, it's probably not the best being cash or a buyback.

Speaker #4: Would you consider opening up to another M&A option across Europe, Central Europe? I mean, you have always been transparent about what could be the target— which country.

Speaker #4: Or at least when asked, not pushing back too much on commenting. So would you be opening up to another option to use the capital?

Speaker #4: And the second question is on costs, especially in Belgium. So your last comment about 'approximately' versus 'at least' seems that you're confident about your cost target.

Tarik El Mejjad: Your last comment about approximately versus at least seems that you're confident about your cost target

Tarik El Mejjad: Your last comment about approximately versus at least seems that you're confident about your cost target. What do you make of the fact that if inflation picks up because of this uncertain macro environment, especially in the Middle East, take cost inflation up and that cost in Belgium up. Have you identified any levers to offset that inflation, in case it persists? Thank you.

Speaker #4: What do you make of the fact that if inflation picks up because of this uncertain macro environment—especially in the Middle East—it could drive cost inflation up, and then costs in Belgium up as well?

Giulia Aurora Miotto: What do you make of the fact that if inflation picks up because of this uncertain macro environment, especially in the Middle East, take cost inflation up and that cost in Belgium up. Have you identified any levers to offset that inflation, in case it persists? Thank you.

Speaker #4: So have you identified any levers to offset that inflation in case it persists? Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thank you very much, Tariq. For your questions and let me take the first one. So indeed, what we said about potential M&A and then especially the ATS file, we said it is at this stage, I mean, on the previous quarter, I mean, I said at this stage, it's only certain that Belgius will come to the market.

Johan Thijs: Thank you very much, Tarik, for your questions, and let me take the first one. Indeed, what we said about potential M&A, and then especially the Ethias file. We said at this stage, on the previous quarter, I said, on this stage, it's only certain that Belfius will come to the market. The government's trying to sell 20% stake, and that process has now started up. We expect by year-end that the government will make a clear statement about what they're going to do with Ethias. Well, where we are today, and that is also in the newspapers and also picked up by analyst reports. Actually, that statement, which we made last quarter before, is confirmed by the official declarations of the government. It's quite clear that the government has launched a process to sell 20% stake in Belfius.

Speaker #2: The government is trying to sell a 20% stake, and that process has now started. We expect that, by year-end, the government will make a clear statement about what they're going to do with ATS.

Speaker #2: Well, where we are today, and that is also in the newspapers and also picked up by analyst reports, actually that statement which we made last quarter, quarter before, is confirmed by the official declarations of the government.

Speaker #2: So it's quite clear that the government, as launched a process to sell 20% stake in Belfius. The government has also triggered a investment firm to give an analysis on what to do with ATS.

Johan Thijs: The government has also triggered an investment firm to give an analysis on what to do with Ethias, and then also to comment on the possibilities of merging Belfius and Ethias at this stage. The intermediate conclusions, which have been also sounded by the Minister of Finance, were that a merger between Belfius and Ethias is not possible when you do a launch of the sale of 20% stake in Belfius, as is happening today. As a matter of fact, also economically, it makes a lot of sense to merge Ethias with another financial institution, a bank and insurance company, which means actually that they are now indicating that the process of Belfius is one and potential process of Ethias is another.

Speaker #2: And then also to comment on the possibilities of merging Belfius and ATS at this stage. The intermediate conclusions, which have been also sounded by the Minister of Finance, were that a Berger between Belfius and ATS is not possible when you do a launch of the stake the sale of 20% stake in Belfius.

Speaker #2: As is happening today. As a matter of fact, also economically, it makes a lot of sense to merge ATS with another financial institution, a bank, an insurance company.

Speaker #2: Which means, actually, that they are now indicating that the process of Belfius is one, and the potential process of ATS is another. The minister is going to come back—or sorry, the investment firm is going to come back—to the Belgian government before the end of September, and then, on the back of that, the government is going to take a decision on ATS.

Johan Thijs: The investment firm is going to come back to the Belgian government, before the end of September. On the back of that, the government is going to take a decision on Ethias. Which means before the year ends, we know what they're going to do with Ethias. Let me remind you that whatever happens, so if the government is willing to sell Ethias, we will be a candidate. For the right price, we will pursue that transaction. If the government would decide not to sell it will not break KBC because we are growing our market share on insurance side. We are the meanwhile number three in Belgium and growing. In that perspective, that's what to do when the monies. I agree with you that you have two options. In essence, you would go for building business, which we're currently doing.

Speaker #2: And which means before the year end, we know what they're going to do with ATS. And let me remind you that whatever happens, so if the government is willing to sell ATS, we will be a candidate.

Speaker #2: And for the right price, we will pursue that transaction. And if the government would decide not to sell it, it will not break KBC, because we are growing our market share on the insurance side.

Speaker #2: We are the main one, number three in Belgium, and growing. And in that perspective, you know, that's what to do when the money's—I agree with you.

Speaker #2: You have two options. In essence, you would go for building business, which we're currently doing. That's not forget that we grew our lending book roughly 5% this quarter.

Johan Thijs: Let's not forget that we grew our lending book roughly 5% this quarter. We grow our insurance book roughly 10% in this quarter. If you take that into account, then I could say that we grow the size of an Ethias every year again, roughly over two years, I think it will be roughly there. Over five years, we grew the size of a company like Caisse d'Epargne organically. What we definitely will do continuously screen the market for opportunities. In the first place, in the countries where we are present. This is translated into, for instance, the acquisition of 365 and others in the previous years. As I said before, we look in specific markets that if an opportunity arises, which fits our strategy and which clearly fits also our business model, that we will at least consider.

Speaker #2: We grew our insurance book roughly 10% this quarter. So, if you take that into account, then I could say that we grow the size of an ATS every year. Again, roughly over two years, I think it will be roughly there.

Speaker #2: Over five years, we grew the size of a company like Shares of Bay, organically. What we definitely will do continuously is screen the market for opportunities.

Speaker #2: In the first place, in the countries where we are present, this is translated into, for instance, the acquisition of 365 and others in previous years.

Speaker #2: And as I said before, we look in specific markets that if an opportunity arises, which fits our strategy and which clearly fits also our business model, that we will at least consider.

Speaker #2: And countries which we have mentioned in the past were, amongst others, Romania. And if it is an opportunity, then we'll definitely pursue it. In terms of business development, given the returns which we are making, I think also it makes a lot of sense for investors that we use our capital to expand our business organically, for sure.

Johan Thijs: Countries which we have mentioned in the past were, amongst others, Romania. If it is an opportunity, we'll definitely pursue. In terms of business development, given the returns which we are making, I think also it makes a lot of sense for investors that we use our capital to expand our business organically for sure, but, if possible, inorganically as well.

Speaker #2: But if possible, inorganically as well.

Speaker #4: A very good morning to all of you from my side, and good morning, Tariq. Thanks for your question on OPEX. So basically, indeed, as Johan has been highlighting, we maintain our guidance on the OPEX evolution.

Bartel Puelinckx: A very good morning to all of you from my side, good morning, Tarik. Thanks for your question on OpEx. Basically, indeed, as Johan has been highlighting, we maintain our guidance on the OpEx evolution. We made it more specific by changing it below to approximate. We maintain the 7.7% year-on-year on a non-organic basis and the 3.4% organic basis, so excluding 365 and also the fixed impact. As far as wage inflation in Belgium is concerned, there we are very clear that we, as Johan also has been highlighting, that we anticipate that we will be able to absorb in 2026 the inflation increase by further efficiency improvements, driven mainly by, of course, Kate and the impact on that on our FTE savings, theoretical FTE savings. From that perspective, you should take that into account that we will absorb that.

Speaker #4: We made it more specific by changing it below to 'approximate.' So, we maintain the 7.7% year-on-year on a non-organic basis and the 3.4% on an organic basis.

Speaker #4: So excluding 365 and the fixed impact. As far as wage inflation is in Belgium is concerned, there we are very clear that highlighting, that we anticipate that we will be able to absorb in 26 the inflation increase by further efficiency improvements driven mainly by, of course, Kate and the impact on that on our FTE savings theoretical FTE savings.

Speaker #4: So, from that perspective, you should take that into account, that we will absorb that. Okay, thank you very much.

Giulia Aurora Miotto: Okay. Thank you very much.

Tarik El Mejjad: Okay. Thank you very much.

Speaker #1: The next question comes from Julia Aurora Meado from Morgan Stanley. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Giulia Aurora Miotto from Morgan Stanley. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Hi, good morning. Thank you for taking my two questions. And first of all, on NII, I hear you that you have changed from at least to approximately.

Giulia Aurora Miotto: Hi. Good morning. Thank you for taking my two questions. First of all, on NII, I hear you that you have changed from at least to approximately. I am just trying to understand if this is a realistic or still conservative guidance. If I take Q2, I assume it is flat in Q3 and Q4, I am already at or above the EUR 705 guidance. Of course, you still have got loan growth and deposit growth coming. Is the difference because the contribution from the inflation-linked bonds is going to be lower, or is it conservatism? Some comments on that. Secondly, loan growth is ahead of deposit growth in each market. For now, I think it is fine because loans are still below deposits.

Speaker #5: But I'm just trying to understand if this is realistic or still sort of conservative guidance. If I take Q2 and assume it's flat in Q3 and Q4, I'm already at or above the 705 guidance.

Speaker #5: And then, of course, you still have loan growth and deposit growth coming. So is the difference because the contribution from the inflation-linked bonds is going to be lower, or is it conservatism?

Speaker #5: So some comments on that. And then secondly, long growth is ahead of deposit growth in each market. And for now, I think it's fine because loans are still below deposits.

Speaker #5: But is there a moment, or do you think we are approaching a moment, where there needs to be much more deposit competition because loan growth is accelerating and banks need to fund the loan growth?

Giulia Aurora Miotto: Is there a moment, or do you think we are approaching a moment where there needs to be much more deposit competition because loan growth is accelerating and banks need to fund the loan growth? Thank you.

Speaker #5: Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Julia, for your questions. Let me answer the first one. So of course, I mean, like always, your calculation is correct. And then the question is how you what is the driver behind that?

Johan Thijs: Thank you, Julia, for your questions. Let me answer the first one. Of course, like always, your calculation is correct. The question is, what is the driver behind that? Well, if you make the analysis on the evolution net interest income, first of all, two main drivers are transformation result. Transformation result is triggered by inflows, and I just highlighted that we do have a very strong performance on the inflow of core deposit money, and that the yields are higher. On transformation results, actually, the outlook is the same as what we have given already for many quarters. That will continue to increase. On the lending side, while we gave guidance that it is at least 6%, and that the current position after six months is 4.3%, which means the Q2 is not going to grow as fast.

Johan Thijs: Thank you, Giulia, for your questions. Let me answer the first one. Of course, like always, your calculation is correct. The question is, what is the driver behind that? Well, if you make the analysis on the evolution net interest income, first of all, two main drivers are transformation result. Transformation result is triggered by inflows, and I just highlighted that we do have a very strong performance on the inflow of core deposit money, and that the yields are higher. On transformation results, actually, the outlook is the same as what we have given already for many quarters. That will continue to increase. On the lending side, while we gave guidance that it is at least 6%, and that the current position after six months is 4.3%, which means the Q2 is not going to grow as fast.

Speaker #2: Well, if you make the analysis on the evolution, that interest income, then first of all, two drivers are two main drivers are transformation result, transformation result is triggered by inflows and I just highlighted that we do have a very strong performance on the that we do have a very strong performance on the inflow of core deposit money.

Speaker #2: And that the yields are higher. So on inflation on transformation result, actually the outlook is the same as what we have given already for many quarters.

Speaker #2: That will continue to increase. On the lending side, well, we gave guidance that it is at least 6% and that the current position after six months is 4.3%.

Speaker #2: Which means the second quarter is not going to grow as fast, or we do expect that it's not going to grow as fast, as it did in the first half of the year.

Johan Thijs: We do expect that it's not going to grow as fast as it did in the first half of the year. So in that perspective, some slowdown, assuming same margins, well, you will have anyway some slowdown in that perspective. Then we already highlighted the impact in the second quarter, that you need to be careful. Inflation-linked bonds have been totaling EUR 45 million this quarter. You cannot keep that constant going forward. We expect inflation-linked bonds to generate a couple of million euros every quarter, but definitely not the 45 which you have seen in this quarter. In all pieces, if you put them together, you will see some further increase on your net interest income, which brings us to the approximately EUR 705. But that the margin of conservatism which was in the first guidance, well, that margin of conservatism has certainly come down.

Speaker #2: So in that perspective, some slowdown, assuming same margins, well, you will have anyway some slowdown in that perspective. And then the you already highlighted the impact in the second linked bonds.

Speaker #2: I've been totally in 45 million euro in this quarter. You cannot keep that constant going forward. So we expect inflation linked bonds to generate a couple of million euros every quarter, but definitely not the 45 which you have seen in this quarter.

Speaker #2: So, in all pieces, if you put them together, you will see some further increase in your net interest income, which brings us to approximately 705.

Speaker #2: But that margin of conservatism, which was in the first guidance—well, that margin of conservatism has certainly come down. I'm not saying it's zero, but it's certainly come down.

Johan Thijs: I'm not saying it's zero, but it's certainly come down.

Speaker #4: Good morning, Julia. I'm on your question on the loan growth, which is higher than the deposit growth, obviously correct. We have 2.8% organic growth on the loan side and 2% on the deposit side.

Bartel Puelinckx: Good morning, Giulia. On your question on the loan growth, which is higher than the deposit growth, obviously correct. We have a 2.8% organic growth on the loan side and 2% on the deposit side. There's two elements that I would like to highlight. First of all, you're also seeing that basically we have a strong inflow into our asset management business. Net sales EUR 1.4 billion, EUR 3 billion for the year. So that also you should take into account. We are indeed also driving our inflows in order to generate higher investment returns, which are also where the margins are also well north of 100 basis points, and which ties in the clients even better, so it improve also the client loyalty. But secondly, also within KBC, we've always done that, whereas we obviously guide and steer our entities on loan growth.

Speaker #4: Now, there are two elements I would like to highlight. First of all, you have also seen that we have a strong inflow into our asset management business—net sales of €1.4 billion in Q2, and €3 billion for the year.

Speaker #4: So that also you should take into account. We are indeed also driving our inflows in order to generate higher investment returns, which is also where the margins are well known—100 basis points.

Speaker #4: And which ties in the clients even better. So it's improved also the loan the client loyalty. But secondly, also within KBC, we've always done that.

Speaker #4: Whereas we obviously guide and steer our entities on loan growth, we do the same also on the deposit growth. So they need to focus also on growing deposits.

Bartel Puelinckx: They need to focus also on the deposit growth, obviously, without generating a deposit war. A good example of that you can see in Slovakia. In Slovakia, where we had the loan-to-deposit ratio of well above 140%, this has now dropped to 127%, exactly because also the Slovakians have been focusing on increasing their deposit base. Moreover, thanks to Kate as well, and thanks to the fact that we've been able to increase our NPS scores, we are also able to attract new clients, and new clients means also nice deposit growth. From that perspective, our loan-to-deposit ratio for the whole group still stands at a very favorable 88%. It will grow somewhat, but we will definitely manage that to avoid that it would be increasing dramatically.

Speaker #4: Obviously, without generating a deposit war. And a good example of that, you can see in Slovakia. In Slovakia, where we had the loan to deposit ratio of well above 140%.

Speaker #4: This has now dropped to 127%, exactly, because also in Slovakia they have been focusing on increasing their deposit base. Moreover, thanks to Kate as well, and thanks to the fact that we've been aiding to increase our NPS scores, we are also able to attract new clients, and new clients also means nice deposit growth.

Speaker #4: So from that perspective, our loan to the deposit ratio for the whole group still stands at a very favorable 88%. And so that it will grow somewhat, but we will definitely manage that to make to avoid that it would be increasing dramatically.

Speaker #5: Thanks.

Giulia Aurora Miotto: Thanks.

Speaker #1: The next question comes from Namida Semtani from Barclays. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Namita Samtani from Barclays. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: Good morning, and thank you for taking my questions. My first question is about the net interest income in Belgium. It's up 18% year-on-year in the second quarter, but loans grew below that at 6% year-on-year, and deposits only 2% year-on-year.

Namita Samtani: Morning. Thank you for taking my questions. My first question is the net interest income in Belgium. It's up 18% year-on-year in Q2. Loans grew below that at 6% year-on-year, and Deposits only 2% year-on-year. You've spoken about lending margin pressure. Can you just break down to me the components of how Belgium NII can grow 18% year-on-year? I just wondered if it's all the replicating portfolio with saving rates not moving. My second question, which is again on the loan-to-deposit ratio, but in Czech. The Czech loan-to-deposit ratio was 67% three years ago, and now it's 80%. Are you happy for the loan-to-deposit ratio to continue to grind upwards there, or is there a limit? What assumption for the Czech retail bond have you made in your NII guidance? Thank you.

Speaker #6: And you've spoken about lending margin pressure. So, can you just break down for me the components of how Belgium NII can grow 18% year on year?

Speaker #6: I just wondered if it's all the replicating portfolio with saving rates not moving. And then my second question, which is again on the loan-to-deposit ratio, but in Czech.

Speaker #6: So the Czech loan to deposit ratio is 67% three years ago and now it's 80%. Are you happy for the loan to deposit ratio to continue to grind upwards there or is there a limit?

Speaker #6: And what assumption for the Czech retail bond have you made in your NII guidance? Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Namida, for your questions. I will take the first one. So, indeed, we do have in Belgium a very strong beat in the net interest income.

Johan Thijs: Thank you, Namita, for your questions. I will take the first one. Indeed, we do have in Belgium a very strong beat in the net interest income. That is driven by the two elements which I highlighted for the group in essence. First of all, you have in Belgium a very strong performance on the transformation side, given the fact that inflow of core monies, so current accounts and saving accounts, is indeed also happening in Belgium. As you know, this is by far the biggest portfolio. We do see that net interest income, we're now talking about nominal amounts, whereas inflow, we mostly speak about percentages. In net interest income is indeed generated through the transformation result at a higher yield on a higher volume in current account saving accounts, which are the two products which have the highest margin in this perspective.

Speaker #2: And that is driven by the two elements which I highlighted for the group, in essence. So, first of all, you have in Belgium a very strong performance on the transformation side, given the fact that inflow of core money—so current accounts and savings accounts—is indeed also happening in Belgium. And as you know, this is by far the biggest portfolio.

Speaker #2: We do see that the net interest income—we're now talking about nominal amounts—whereas inflow, we mostly speak about percentages. So, net interest income is indeed generated through the transformation result: a higher yield on a higher volume in current accounts and saving accounts, which are the two products that have the highest margin in this perspective.

Speaker #2: And as a consequence, we do see in Belgium that the transformation result increases significantly. As you know, we don't give a precise number—and definitely not per country—but believe me, it was significant.

Johan Thijs: As a consequence, we do see in Belgium that the transformation result increases significantly. As you know, we don't give a precise number, and definitely not per country. Believe me, it was significant. The other element is the lending income. Belgium had a very strong quarter on the growth. In that perspective, the growth was on two sides, both on the mortgage side, where, as you know, we tried in Q1 to push up the margins. Also in Q4 2025, push up the margin. We lost some market share consequently because the competition did not follow. We do see that in Q2, that has completely been restored to the detriment, certain extent of our margin. You can see that in the detail which we have published. Volumes have gone up significantly.

Speaker #2: The other element is the lending income. Belgium had a very strong quarter on the growth. And in that perspective, the growth was on two sides.

Speaker #2: Both on the mortgage side, where, as you know, we tried in the first quarter to push up the margins, and also in the last quarter of '25, it pushed up the margin.

Speaker #2: We lost some market share, consequently, because the competition did not follow. But we do see that in the second quarter, that has completely been restored.

Speaker #2: To the detriment, certain extent of our margin, you can see that in the detail which we have published. But volumes have gone up significantly in Belgium.

Johan Thijs: In Belgium, we do see an increase of our volumes on the term loans with 4% and roughly 1% on the mortgages restoring our market share back to 21%. Both have been contributing significant increase of that net interest income. Let's not forget, in Belgium, inflation-linked bonds is the main book of the inflation-linked bonds are booked in Belgium on the insurance company. The EUR 45 million is almost entirely on the interest income of the business here in Belgium.

Speaker #2: We do see an increase of our volumes on the terminals, with 4%, and roughly a percent on the mortgages, restoring our market share back to 21%.

Speaker #2: So both have been contributing significant increase of that net interest income. And let's not forget in Belgium, inflation-linked bonds is the main bulk of the inflation-linked bonds are booked in Belgium.

Speaker #2: On the insurance company, and so the €45 million is almost entirely on the inflation on the interest income of the business here in Belgium.

Speaker #3: Good morning, Namida. Your question on the loan to deposit ratio in the Czech Republic. Indeed, our loan to deposit ratio currently stands at 83%, which is indeed up compared to the previous quarters.

Bartel Puelinckx: Good morning, Namita. Your question on the loan to deposit ratio in the Czech Republic. Indeed, our loan to deposit ratio currently stands at 83%, which is indeed up compared to the previous quarters. This needs to be put somewhat into perspective. What I said earlier, with respect to the focus on loan growth and then also on the deposit growth is also valid, of course, for the Czech Republic. There, what you clearly see indeed is the impact, of course, of the retail state bond, which was more successful than anticipated. They expected to raise CZK 40 billion, now at CZK 74 billion, which is significantly up, roughly EUR 3 billion. That only led to an outflow within ČSOB of roughly CZK 7 billion, which is well below the market share of 21% on the deposit side.

Speaker #3: But this needs to be put somewhat into the spec. What I said earlier, with respect to the focus on loan growth, and also on the deposit growth, is also valid, of course, for the Czech Republic.

Speaker #3: There, what you clearly see indeed is the impact, of course, of the retail state bond, which was more successful than anticipated. They expected to raise 40 billion Czech koruna, now at 74 billion.

Speaker #3: Which is significantly up, roughly €3 billion. Now, that only led to an outflow within TSOB of roughly €7 billion, which is well below the market share of 21% on the deposit side.

Speaker #3: Moreover, you should also take into account that, notwithstanding the fact that we have that in the Czech Republic, we had, of course, also a policy rate increase, the market continues to react in quite a reasonable way.

Bartel Puelinckx: Moreover, you should also take into account that notwithstanding the fact that in the Czech Republic, we had, of course, also a policy rate increase. The market continues to react quite in a reasonable way, in the sense that the top rate remains at 400 basis points. We, by the way, as I already highlighted on the first quarter, have been decreasing the top rates. The top rate for the saving accounts from 400 basis points to 380 basis points. Nevertheless, our market share in saving accounts did not drop. We continue to see also quite some strong growth. We will not do crazy things. On top of that, we are also focusing in the Czech Republic on shifting part of that towards our investment products, in order that again, to also link better our clients, which we do with quite a success.

Speaker #3: In the sense that the top rate remains at 400 basis points, we, by the way, as I already highlighted in the first quarter, have been decreasing the top rate for the savings accounts from 400 basis points to 380 basis points.

Speaker #3: And nevertheless, our market share in saving accounts did not drop. So we continue to see also quite some strong growth. We will do not do crazy things.

Speaker #3: And on top of that, we're also focusing, in the Czech Republic, on shifting part of that towards our investment products. In order that, again, to also link better our clients, which we do with quite a success, because also you can see that our private banking and wealth market shares continue to increase, and our assets under management also continue to increase.

Bartel Puelinckx: Because also you can see that our private banking and wealth market shares continue to increase, and our assets under the management also continue to increase. Take also those two aspects into account.

Speaker #3: So the bank also takes those two aspects into account.

Speaker #6: That's helpful. Thanks very much.

Namita Samtani: That's helpful. Thanks very much.

Speaker #1: The next question comes from Ahmed Ranjan from JP Morgan. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Amit Ranjan from JPMorgan. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Yes, hi. Good morning, and thank you for taking my questions. The first one is on risk-weighted assets. Besides loan volume, should we expect any other drivers going forward?

Amit Ranjan: Yes. Hi, good morning, and thank you for taking my questions. The first one is on risk-weighted assets. Besides loan volume, should we expect any other drivers going forward? In that context, if we could also talk about SRTs, if you plan to undertake more in H2, please. The second one is just generally on asset quality. Is there any pockets or signs of stress anywhere that you're seeing, if you could talk about the different geographies, please. Thank you.

Speaker #5: And in that context, if we could also talk about SRTs—if you plan to undertake more in the second half, please. And the second one is just generally on asset quality.

Speaker #5: Are there any pockets or signs of stress anywhere that you're seeing? If you could talk about the different geographies, please. Thank you.

Speaker #3: Yes, good morning. So, in terms of your question related to the risk-weighted assets, indeed, risk-weighted assets for this quarter increased by €3.5 billion, or 2.6%.

Bartel Puelinckx: Yes. Good morning. In terms of your question related to the risk-weighted assets, indeed, risk-weighted assets for this quarter increased by EUR 3.5 billion, 2.6%. That is, as you have seen in the company presentation, is mainly driven by volume increase. Also by FX, obviously. To some extent, we also have seen an increase as a result of the defaulted loan portfolio now there. To be very clear, this is not immediately linked to a potential deterioration of the loan portfolio. This is simply because we have been writing off quite a number of legacy files with higher provision coverage than the inflow of new files, which explains the increase of the risk-weighted assets on that side. We see a relatively modest, but something that you cannot avoid, increase in our risk-weighted assets from models and model changes.

Speaker #3: That is, as you have seen in the company presentation, is mainly driven by volume increase, and also by ethics, obviously. To some extent, we have also seen an increase as a result of the defaulted loan portfolio.

Speaker #3: Now there, to be very clear, this does not immediately link to a potential deterioration of the loan portfolio. This is simply because we have been writing off quite a number of legacy files with higher provision coverage than the inflow of new files, which explains the increase. You see a relatively modest, but something that you cannot avoid, increase in our risk-weighted assets from the models.

Speaker #3: And model changes. This is obviously related to updates of models, but also interventions of the regulator. As we indicated already before, we will mitigate that by, of course, using or further managing our portfolio through management initiatives.

Bartel Puelinckx: This is obviously related to updates of models, but also interventions of the regulator. As we indicated already before, we will mitigate that by, of course, using or further managing through portfolio management initiatives. These are, amongst others, SRTs, but it's also more than SRTs. We are also looking, obviously, at credit insurance, but we're also looking at further improving our data and also being much more aware of what the impact is of potential increases in loan volumes on the risk-weighted assets side. In terms of SRTs, we have been issuing our second SRT in June, which was on a EUR 1.25 billion corporate portfolio in Belgium, generating an RWA saving of EUR 0.7 billion. We do have, indeed, another number of SRTs into our planning still also for this year.

Speaker #3: These are, amongst others, SRTs. But there's also more than SRTs. We are also looking, obviously, at credit insurance, but we're also looking at further improving our data and also being much more aware of what the impact is of potential increases in loan volumes on the risk-weighted asset side.

Speaker #3: So in terms of SRTs, you know, we have been issuing our second SRT in June. Which was on a 1 billion 250 million corporate portfolio in Belgium generating RWA saving of 0.7 billion.

Speaker #3: We do have indeed another number of SRTs into our planning. Still also for this year. But it's too early to give you an indication on what the impact would be and on what the portfolio would be because as you know, the impact is depending on the concentration of the portfolio.

Bartel Puelinckx: It's too early to give you an indication on what the impact would be and on what the portfolio would be, because as you know, the impact is depending on the concentration of the portfolio. Yes, if there are any further impacts of model changes, et cetera, we will, to the extent possible, manage that through portfolio management. Amit, I will take your second question. What about asset quality and what about potential stress? Well, if you look at the numbers, which are also part of our disclosures today, both in the PowerPoint analyst presentation, as in the detailed quarterly report, you can see that our loan asset impairment ratio and our credit cost ratio are actually either stable or improving. The answer to your question on basis of this macro picture of our portfolio is actually very straightforward.

Speaker #3: But yes, if there are any further impacts of model changes, et cetera, we will to the extent possible manage that through portfolio management.

Johan Thijs: Amit, I will take your second question. What about asset quality and what about potential stress? Well, if you look at the numbers, which are also part of our disclosures today, both in the PowerPoint analyst presentation, as in the detailed quarterly report, you can see that our loan asset impairment ratio and our credit cost ratio are actually either stable or improving. The answer to your question on basis of this macro picture of our portfolio is actually very straightforward.

Speaker #2: Ahmed, I will take your second question. So giving what about asset quality and what about potential stress? Well, if you look at the numbers, which are also part of our disclosures today, both in the PowerPoint analyst presentation as in the detail quarterly report, you can see that our known asset impairment ratio and our credit cost ratio are actually either stable or improving.

Speaker #2: So the macro picture is the answer to your question. On the basis of this macro picture of our portfolio, it's actually very straightforward. Well, you don't see any kind of deterioration.

Bartel Puelinckx: Well, we don't see any kind of deterioration despite the stress which is there. There are some shocks given the straight up home disclosures and so on and so forth. We don't see it transpiring directly in a fundamental uptick into our numbers. One of the reasons is we are not exposed to, first of all, directly the region, and secondly, the number of sectors which are very sensitive to this are not present in our portfolios in a large extent. That detail is provided in the analyst presentation. Looking into specifically the ratios, as I said, in the quarterly report, you also find an overview of the PD classes, the different buckets, PD 1 to 4, 5 to 7, 8, and 9, and then you have 10 to 12.

Johan Thijs: Well, we don't see any kind of deterioration despite the stress which is there. There are some shocks given the straight up home disclosures and so on and so forth. We don't see it transpiring directly in a fundamental uptick into our numbers. One of the reasons is we are not exposed to, first of all, directly the region, and secondly, the number of sectors which are very sensitive to this are not present in our portfolios in a large extent. That detail is provided in the analyst presentation. Looking into specifically the ratios, as I said, in the quarterly report, you also find an overview of the PD classes, the different buckets, PD 1 to 4, 5 to 7, 8, and 9, and then you have 10 to 12.

Speaker #2: Despite the stress, which is there—so there isn't, there are some shocks given the straight-up harmless closures and so on and so forth.

Speaker #2: But we don't see it transpiring directly in a fundamental uptick into our numbers. One of the reasons is we are not exposed to, first of all, directly, the region.

Speaker #2: And secondly, the number of sectors which are very sensitive to this are not present in our portfolios in a large extent. That detail is provided in the analyst presentation.

Speaker #2: Now, looking into specifically the ratios, as I said, in the quarterly report, you also find an overview of the PD classes. We the different buckets, PD 1 to 4, 5 to 7, 8 and 9.

Speaker #2: And then you have 10, 11, 10 to 12. Well, if you make that average of and you look into the evolution over time, if you would do that exercise, you will see that the second quarter is better than the previous one.

Bartel Puelinckx: Well, if you make that average and you look into the evolution over time, if you would do that exercise, you will see that the Q2 is better than the previous one. As a matter of fact, those quarters are basically in line with what you have seen over the last two years. As a matter of fact, they're slightly higher than 2022, which was a period when the credit cost ratio was absolutely at its lowest level. Hardly zero or hardly positive and close to zero. Our guidance remains. If you look at what is happening, you look at our credit cost ratio, it is improving. It is 11 basis points. It will now go back to zero. We do expect that we will have a normalization of the underlying impairments on our portfolio. This would be a normal way of thinking.

Johan Thijs: Well, if you make that average and you look into the evolution over time, if you would do that exercise, you will see that the Q2 is better than the previous one. As a matter of fact, those quarters are basically in line with what you have seen over the last two years. As a matter of fact, they're slightly higher than 2022, which was a period when the credit cost ratio was absolutely at its lowest level. Hardly zero or hardly positive and close to zero. Our guidance remains. If you look at what is happening, you look at our credit cost ratio, it is improving. It is 11 basis points. It will now go back to zero. We do expect that we will have a normalization of the underlying impairments on our portfolio. This would be a normal way of thinking.

Speaker #2: And as a matter of fact, those quarters are perfectly in line with what you have seen over the last two years. As a matter of fact, the slightly higher than 2022, which was a period when the credit cost ratio was absolutely at its lowest level.

Speaker #2: So, hardly zero, or hardly positive and close to zero. So, our guidance remains: if you look at what is happening, you look at our credit cost ratio—it is improving.

Speaker #2: It is 11 basis points. It will now go back to zero. We do expect that we will have a normalization of the underlying impairments on our portfolio.

Speaker #2: This would be a normal way of thinking. It is not crystallizing yet in our portfolios, but we remain extremely, extremely vigilant about that, extremely attentive about that.

Bartel Puelinckx: It is not crystallizing yet in our portfolios. We remain extremely vigilant about that, extremely attentive about that. We do on every book for every country, particular exercises on sectors which might be vulnerable to external factors, amongst others, the conflicts in the Middle East. As I said, that attentiveness makes us sure that we will not have big jumps in our credit cost ratio. A normalization is what we guided before and which we continue to say today.

Johan Thijs: It is not crystallizing yet in our portfolios. We remain extremely vigilant about that, extremely attentive about that. We do on every book for every country, particular exercises on sectors which might be vulnerable to external factors, amongst others, the conflicts in the Middle East. As I said, that attentiveness makes us sure that we will not have big jumps in our credit cost ratio. A normalization is what we guided before and which we continue to say today.

Speaker #2: We do, on every book for every country, particular exercises on sectors which might be vulnerable to external factors, amongst others, the conflicts in the Middle East.

Speaker #2: And as I said, that attentiveness makes us sure that we will not have big jumps in our credit cost ratio. But the normalization is what we guided before, which we continue to say today.

Speaker #1: Very helpful. Thank you.

Amit Ranjan: Very helpful. Thank you.

Speaker #4: The next question comes from Benoit Petrarch from Kepler Cheuvreux. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Benoit Petrarque from Kepler Cheuvreux. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Yes, good morning. So the first question is actually to come back on the 28th target. So again, what is the reason not to upgrade the 28th numbers given your upgraded 26 guidance?

Benoit Petrarque: Yes, good morning. The first question is actually to come back on the 2028 targets. Again, what is the reason not to upgrade the 2028 numbers given your upgraded 2026 guidance? I think your exit NII will be at about EUR 7.2 billion in the Q4. You've been guiding for EUR 7.9 billion by 2028 in city or more than that, actually. Trying to understand why you decide not to upgrade to 2028. Is that just a budgetary exercise which did not take place, or are there uncertainties around assumptions, especially on the net interest income for the future? The second one is on the NII guidance, the EUR 7.5 billion. What type of assumptions did you take for the rest of the year in terms of pass-through rates and also mix shift?

Speaker #1: I think your exit and I will be at about 7.2 billion in the fourth quarter. You've been guiding for 7.9 billion by 28 implicitly, or more than that actually.

Speaker #1: So, trying to understand why you decided not to, yeah, to upgrade the 28th. Is that just a budgetary exercise which did not take place?

Speaker #1: Or are there sentences around, you know, assumptions especially on the net interest income for the future? The second one is on the NI guidance, the 7 billion 50 so what type of assumptions did you take for the rest of the year in terms of past through rates and also mixed shift?

Speaker #1: I just wanted to understand a bit how you view the competition in the second part of the year on the deposit side. And just maybe one last question is on the net interest generated from lending.

Benoit Petrarque: Just wanted to understand a bit how you view the competition in the second part of the year on the deposit side. Just maybe last one is on the NII generated from lending. I think you've been able to grow it in H1. I think you flagged some margin pressure in some countries. I think the mortgage margin is under pressure in Belgium. There's some margin pressure also in Southeastern Europe. Overall, can you start to grow again your lending NII, or you think it's going to be more on the flattish side? Thank you.

Speaker #1: I think you've been able to grow it in H1 and I think you flagged some margin pressure in some countries. I think the mortgage margin is under pressure in Belgium and there are some margin pressure also in Southwestern Europe.

Speaker #1: But overall, can you start to grow again your lending NI? Or you think it's going to be more on the flattish side? Thank you.

Speaker #3: Bonjour Benoit. As far as your first question is concerned, related to the upgrade of the 28 numbers, indeed, you actually already gave yourself the answer.

Bartel Puelinckx: Bonjour, Benoit. As far as your first question is concerned, related to the upgrade of the 2028 numbers, indeed, you actually already gave yourself the answer. We enter into our budget exercise as of September. We typically do not upgrade the 2028 numbers because we have not yet run our budget exercise. That's the reason why we have not upgraded that. As far as the second question is concerned, this is mainly the assumptions in terms of our EUR 7 billion 50 million approximately guidance for the NII.

Speaker #3: I mean, we enter into our budget exercise as of September, and we typically do not upgrade the 2028 numbers because we have not yet run our budget exercise.

Speaker #3: So that's the reason why we have not upgraded that. As far as the second question is concerned, this is mainly the assumptions in terms of our approximately €7.05 billion guidance for the NI.

Bartel Puelinckx: As you know, as we've been indicating already in the past, we have been taking into account indeed, some impact, particularly in Belgium, on the pass-through rates, in the sense that obviously, when you still have, it's still the case today, a pass-through on the saving accounts or an external rate on the saving accounts in Belgium, 60 basis points, which is historically low with the current evolution of the rates and also, of course, the replication portfolios of banks, it is not unlikely to expect that there might be some increase. We did include some increases, particularly over the full cycle until 2028.

Speaker #3: As you know, and as we've been indicating already in the past, we have been taken into account indeed some impact particularly in Belgium on the past through rates.

Speaker #3: In the sense that, obviously, when you still have—and it's still the case today—a passthrough on the savings accounts, or an external rate on the savings accounts in Belgium, of 60 basis points, which is historically low, with the current evolution of the rates and also, of course, the replication portfolios of banks.

Speaker #3: It is not unlikely to expect that there might be some increase, so we did include some increases, particularly over the full cycle until 2028.

Speaker #3: Now, what is important here is that what we see in Belgium today is that we see very rational behavior in terms of competition, in the sense that none of the large banks has increased their rates on the savings accounts.

Bartel Puelinckx: Now, what is important here is that what we see in Belgium today is that we see a very rational behavior of competition in the sense that none of the large banks has increased their rates on the saving accounts. Then I'm referring on the standard saving accounts. What we did see is that quite a number of banks, including ourselves, have been increasing their external rates on the specific saving accounts, so saving accounts with specific features. In our case, this is the Start to Save saving accounts, which means that basically, we have increased our external rate on that to 315 basis points. Of course, the amounts of that are limited. It's limited to up to EUR 500 a month maximum. The impact of that today is roughly EUR 4 billion. It's only a small part of our total savings.

Speaker #3: And then I'm referring to the standard savings accounts. What we did see is that quite a number of banks, including ourselves, have been increasing their external rates on the specific savings accounts.

Speaker #3: So saving accounts with specific features in our case, this is the start to save saving accounts, which means that basically we are have increased our external rate on that to 315 basis points.

Speaker #3: But of course the amounts of that are limited. It's limited to up to 500 euro a month maximum. The impact of that for today is roughly 4 billion.

Speaker #3: So only a small part of our total savings. So we do not expect an irrational behavior as we have seen in the past particularly in Belgium.

Bartel Puelinckx: We do not expect an irrational behavior as we have seen in the past, particularly in Belgium, but we can, of course, not exclude going forward that there will be further initiatives taken on that side, depending also on what is going to happen with the policy rates going forward. As far as NII on the lending side is concerned, NII on the lending is obviously increasing. We saw a quite nice increase of our NII on the lending quarter-on-quarter. This, to some extent, also, of course, was also driven by the correction on the calculation of the interest rates on the subsidized loans in Hungary. All in all, thanks to the strong loan growth, we do see an increase. There is margin pressure, as everyone has been highlighting. It has an impact on the NII income, but mainly indeed on the mortgages.

Speaker #3: But we can of course not exclude going forward that there will be further initiatives taken on that side depending also on what is going to happen with the policy rates going forward.

Speaker #3: As far as NII on the lending side is concerned, NII on the lending is obviously increasing. We saw a quite nice increase of our NII on the lending, quarter on quarter.

Speaker #3: This to some extent also of course was also driven by the correction on the calculation of the interest rates on the on the subsidized loans in Hungary.

Speaker #3: But all loan growth, we do see an increase. There is margin pressure, as you have been highlighting. It has an impact on the NII income, but mainly indeed on the mortgages.

Speaker #3: In Belgium, the mortgages are currently the margins on mortgages are indeed under pressure again. Minus 19 basis points quarter on quarter on the margin.

Bartel Puelinckx: In Belgium, the margins on mortgages are indeed under pressure again, -19 basis points quarter-on-quarter on the margin. As you know, in Belgium, the sales of mortgages is mainly driven by, of course, the ancillary business that you can generate. If you take that into account, the margins remain quite very attractive, well north of 100 basis points. Also in the Czech Republic, we see some pressure on the margins, but there, the margins now are somewhat less lower, but only a few basis points than the back book. Indeed, there is some pressure. The good news, however, is that basically in Belgium, we've seen a very strong growth on the corporate side with margins that actually have increased. From that perspective, there is some compensation, but indeed, NII on the lending side is going to be under pressure going forward.

Speaker #3: But as you know, in Belgium, the sales of mortgages is mainly driven by of course the ancillary business that you can generate if you take that into account, the margins remain quite very attractive, well not of 100 basis points.

Speaker #3: Also in the Czech Republic, we see some pressure on the margins. But there the margins now are somewhat less lower, but only a few basis points than the backbook.

Speaker #3: So indeed, there is some pressure. The good news, however, is that basically in Belgium, we've seen very strong growth on the corporate side, with margins that actually have increased.

Speaker #3: So from that perspective, there is some compensation. But indeed, NII on the lending side is going to be under pressure going forward.

Speaker #1: Great. Thank you very much.

Benoit Petrarque: Great. Thank you very much.

Speaker #2: The next question comes from Sharath Kumar from Deutsche Bank. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Sharath Kumar from Deutsche Bank. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Good morning. Thank you for taking my questions. I have two please. Firstly, on fees, wanted to understand about asset management flows. In the context of the shorter tenure term deposits come and you made earlier.

Sharath Kumar: Good morning. Thank you for taking my questions. I have two, please. Firstly, on fees, wanted to understand about asset management flows in the context of the shorter tenure term deposits comment you made earlier. Overall, asset management flows at 1% does not look high in the context of very strong markets. What explains this? Do you expect flows to go towards mutual funds from term deposits in the coming quarters? Secondly, a follow-up on M&A. It's very clear that your near-term priority is Ethias, maybe Romania. Previously, you spoke about Greece as an interesting market over the near medium term. Do you see the need to accelerate interest in this market in the wake of successful hostile takeover of Commerzbank by UniCredit? Can you provide a pecking order of your M&A preferences as of today? Thank you.

Speaker #1: Overall asset management flows at 1% does not look high in the context of very strong markets. So what explains this? Do you expect flows to go towards mutual funds from term deposits in the coming quarters?

Speaker #1: Secondly, a follow-up on M&A. It's very clear that your near-term priority is ETIAS, maybe Romania. Previously, you spoke about Greece as an interesting market over the near to medium term.

Speaker #1: Do you see the need to accelerate interest in this market in the wake of successful hostile takeover of Commerzbank by UniCredit? Can you provide a pecking order of your M&A preferences as of today?

Speaker #1: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Good morning, Sharath. I will take the question on fees and inflows for asset management. As far as asset management is concerned, we have actually seen a quite nice increase in our assets under management, from €295 billion to €328 billion.

Bartel Puelinckx: Good morning, Sharad. I will take the question on fees and inflows of asset management. As far as asset management is concerned, we have actually seen a quite nice increase in our assets under management from EUR 295 billion to EUR 328 billion. Also, the inflow of direct client money increased quite significantly to a total of EUR 141 billion, which is up roughly by EUR 13.7 billion. Out of that, as Johan has been highlighting, EUR 1.4 billion net sales. What is important is that particularly that net sales is supported by a kind of what I would always call our bread and butter in terms of support of our assets under management, which are the RIPs, the Regular Investment Plans, which continue to generate quite some nice inflows. This quarter, this was EUR 557 million, which is roughly one third of the net sales and which is actually continuously growing.

Speaker #3: Also the inflow of direct client money increased quite significantly to a total of 141 billion, which is up roughly by 13.7 billion. Out of that, as Johan has been highlighting, 1.4 billion net sales.

Speaker #3: But what is important is that particularly that net sales is supported by a kind of what I would always call our bread and butter in terms of support of our assets under management.

Speaker #3: Which is, which are the RIPs, the regular investment plans, which continue to generate quite some nice inflows this quarter. This was €557 million, which is roughly one third of the net sales, and is actually continuously growing.

Bartel Puelinckx: This quarter, this was EUR 557 million, which is roughly one third of the net sales and which is actually continuously growing.

Speaker #3: Not only in terms of the number of RIPs that we are selling, both in Belgium and in the Czech Republic and in Central Europe, but also in terms of the average inflow on a monthly basis in Belgium, which increased now from €121 to €125.

Bartel Puelinckx: Not only in terms of the number of RIPs that we are selling, both in Belgium and in the Czech Republic, and in Central Europe, but also in terms of the average inflow on a monthly basis in Belgium, that increased now from EUR 121 to EUR 125. And in the Czech Republic, we are almost at EUR 59 per month, increased up from EUR 55. In also international markets, we are now already at EUR 54. Next to that, as you know, only a small part of our asset management flows come today from the Central Europe. What is clearly happening and what we're always expecting is the wealth conversion, and we see a proportion strong growth of our assets under management in particularly in Central Europe, going forward.

Speaker #3: And in the Czech Republic, we're even almost at—we are almost at €659 per month, up from €55, also in international markets.

Speaker #3: We are now already at 54. Next to that, as you know, only a small part of our asset management flows come today from Central Europe.

Speaker #3: But what is clearly happening and what we always expecting is the wealth conversion. And we still we see a proportion strong growth of our assets under management in particularly in Central Europe going forward.

Speaker #3: So from that perspective, the we do not of course our net fee and commission income on because this is to a larger extent also depending on our on the market performance.

Bartel Puelinckx: From that perspective, we do not guide, of course, our net fee and commission income, because this is to a large extent also depending on the market performance. 50% of the portfolio is equity, and that, of course, is depending on external market performance. The other 50% is, of course, non-market, so there the impact would be less. That's how you should look at the future development of our flows. We're certainly not negative on that.

Speaker #3: You know, 50% of the portfolio is more is equity and that of course is depending on external market performance. But the other 50% is of course non-market.

Speaker #3: So we're there the impact would be less. So that's that's how you should look at the future development of our flows. So we're certainly not negative on that.

Speaker #4: And I will answer your second question, Sharath. So, on the M&A, let me actually repeat what I answered to the question of Tariq earlier.

Johan Thijs: I will answer your second question, Sharath. On the M&A, let me actually repeat what I answered to the question of Tarik earlier. We will continue to monitor the markets in terms of M&A, definitely the core countries we are present, and that is for banking and insurance activities or related activities. In the past, on the back of also some rumors in the market, we reacted indeed that we were interested in opening a banking insurance franchise in Romania. Until further notice, this has not been materialized, given there are no opportunities or not opportunities which allow us to take a significant position in that market. For a good understanding, we never said that we were interested in the Greek market. I know that some investment bankers are running around with packages saying that we should buy something in Greece, but that's something else.

Speaker #4: We we will continue to to monitor the markets in terms of M&A. Definitely the core countries were present and that is for banking and insurance activities.

Speaker #4: Or related activities. And in the past, on the back of some rumors in the market, we indeed reacted that we were interested in opening a banking insurance franchise in Romania.

Speaker #4: Until further notice, this has not been materialized, given that there are no opportunities or no opportunities which allow us to take a significant position in that market.

Speaker #4: But for a good understanding, we never said that we were interested in the Greek market. I know that some investment bankers are running around with packages saying that we should buy something in Greece, but that's something else.

Speaker #4: But until further notice, we have never made a statement that we would be interested in Greece. And I confirm today that we have not looking into entering Greece.

Johan Thijs: Until further notice, we have never made a statement that we would be interested in Greece, and I confirm today that we're not looking into entering Greece.

Sharath Kumar: Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you.

Speaker #2: The next question comes from Chris Hallam from Goldman Sachs International. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Chris Hallam from Goldman Sachs International. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Oh, I have a follow-up on M&A and then a question on NII. But maybe just the NII one first. On the transformation side of things, you know, we're moving into a slightly different rates backdrop compared to what we thought about at the start of the year.

Chris Hallam: Hi. I have a follow-up on M&A and then a question on NII, but maybe just the NII one first. On the transformation side of things, we're moving into a slightly different rates backdrop to what we thought about at the start of the year. A few of your peers have changed the shape and the size of the structural hedge. I know you don't want to give precise details on what the hedge looks like, but just are you making any changes in how that hedge is set up that would impact either NII growth for the next few years, but also rate sensitivity as we go forward? Just mechanical on NII. Secondly, on M&A.

Speaker #5: A few of your peers have changed the shape and the size of the structural hedge. I don't I know you don't want to give you know, precise details on what the hedge looks like, but just are you making any changes in how that hedge is set up that would impact either NII growth for the next few years, but also rate sensitivity as we go forward?

Speaker #5: So just mechanical on NII. Secondly, on M&A, so if ETIAS is a no-go, right, and you talked about looking at other opportunities, would that be that you start looking properly and setting things in motion after getting clarity on ETIAS at the end of this year?

Chris Hallam: If ETF is a no-go, and you talked about looking at other opportunities, would that be that you start looking properly and setting things in motion after getting clarity on ETF at the end of this year? Because I guess you have around $2 billion of excess capital versus your 13% floor today. If you start looking for alternative options after the end of this year, I can assume that's going to take a year or more to close. Likewise, anything, in terms of accelerated investment to the business, you could probably cover that by organic capital generation. You're doing 18% ROT today. Am I right in thinking that if ETF is a no-go, you're almost certainly going to need to distribute some of the excess capital at the end of this year, because otherwise the time frames are becoming just too extended.

Speaker #5: Because I guess you have around €2 billion of excess capital versus your 13% floor today. If you start looking for alternative options after the end of this year, I mean, I can assume that's going to take a year or more to close.

Speaker #5: Likewise, anything you know, in terms of accelerated investment to the business, you could probably cover that by organic capital generation and you're doing 18% ROT today.

Speaker #5: So am I right in thinking that if ETIAS is a no-go, you're almost certainly going to need to distribute some of the excess capital at the end of this year because otherwise the timeframes are becoming just too extended.

Speaker #5: And maybe, if you could remind us of the moving parts on how much capital ETIAS could consume. I know there’s obviously a wide range of potential numbers there, but just what you think that would look like.

Chris Hallam: Maybe if you could remind us the moving parts on how much capital ETF could consume. I know there's obviously a wide range of potential numbers there, but just what you think that would look like. You mentioned Romania a few times. There's obviously one big opportunity or one big option in Romania, but that's closer to 300 basis points of capital consumption. Just any thoughts about how much further up you'd be willing to take CT1 to sit on a bigger sum of excess in order to give you more flexibility with regards to Romania. Thank you.

Speaker #5: And you mentioned Romania a few times. There's obviously one big opportunity in or one big option in Romania, but that's closer to 300 basis points of capital consumption.

Speaker #5: So just any thoughts about how much further up you'd be willing to take CT1 to sit on a bigger sum of excess in order to give you more flexibility with regards to Romania?

Speaker #5: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Good morning, Chris. I will take the first question; Johan will take the second. As far as our replication portfolio is concerned, you're right.

Bartel Puelinckx: Good morning, Chris. I will take the first question. Johan will take the second. As far as our replication portfolio is concerned, you're right. From that perspective, we do not disclose too because we consider that as our internal kitchen. Having said that, I can confirm that, yes, we have been somewhat reviewing the hedge, and that we have started to shorten somewhat the duration gradually, which will allow us indeed to further benefits going forward. I would like to recall that anyway, we do not yet see the infliction point in the coming cycle in the sense that we expect our transformation result to further increase over the next cycle.

Speaker #3: So from that perspective, we do not disclose too because we consider that as our internal kitchen. But having said that, I can confirm that yes, we have been somewhat reviewing the hedge.

Speaker #3: And that we have started to shorten somewhat the duration. Gradually, which will allow us indeed to further benefit going forward. I would like to recall that anyway, we are do not yet see the inflection point in the coming cycle in the sense that we expect our transformation result to further increase over the next cycle.

Speaker #4: Thank you for your second question, Chris. And indeed, I think it was a perfect analysis on of all the topics which are which are on our table.

Johan Thijs: Thank you for your second question, Chris. Indeed, I think it was a perfect analysis of all the topics which are on our table. In essence, let me highlight a couple of potential answers to your questions. For good understanding, we never disclose the impact or the potential acquisition of ADS may be. I know that in the market, some assumptions are made by, amongst others, analysts and investment firms. We never disclose any precise number. What is clear is that when an ADS comes to the market and when we would acquire it, we would do it under the Danish Compromise, and we would acquire via the insurance company of KBC Group. We do have, indeed, in that perspective, the opportunity of the Danish Compromise. What is also mentioned by a lot of investment firms that the impact might max the 100 basis points.

Speaker #4: So in essence, let me highlight a couple of answers to potentially to a potential answers to your questions. So for good understanding, we never disclosed the impact or the potential acquisition of ETIAS may be.

Speaker #4: I know that in the market some assumptions are made by, amongst other analysts and investment firms. But we never disclose any precise number. What is clear is that when an ETIAS comes to the market, and when we would achieve it, we would acquire it—sorry, we would do it under the Danish compromise, and we would acquire it via the insurance company of KBC Group.

Speaker #4: So we do have in that indeed that perspective, the opportunity of the Danish compromise. What is also mentioned then by a lot of investment firms that the impact might max be 100 basis points.

Speaker #4: I do not comment on that. But we never disclose the precise number besides the fact that it is indeed under the Danish compromise. So the question is what happens if it doesn't fly?

Johan Thijs: I do not comment on that. We never disclose the precise number besides the fact that it is indeed under the Danish Compromise. The question is, what happens if it doesn't fly? What happens if it is not for sale, or we consider it not to be at the right price? We will end up with the capital position, which we have today, plus then the upcoming period of profit and everything else, which is influencing the risk-weighted assets evolution and the capital position. Well, it's clear if we do not have any opportunities for building our book inorganically, then we do have capital, which is exceeding the threshold of, let's call it, the surplus capital. We do not have a precise threshold anymore, as you know. That means that it is at the discretion of the board what to do with it.

Speaker #4: What happens if it does not for sale or we consider it not to be at the right price? So we will end up with with the capital position which we have today plus then the upcoming period of of of profits and everything else which is influencing the the the risk-rated assets evolution.

Speaker #4: And the capital position—well, it's clear that if we do not have any opportunities for building our book inorganically, then we reach the threshold of, let's call it, the surplus capital.

Speaker #4: We do not—I mean, we do not have a precise threshold anymore. As you know, that means it is at the discretion of the board what to do with it.

Speaker #4: But it's quite clear that surplus capital, or capital which we cannot make work—so which is more than what we need for organic growth and for any opportunities in, let's call it, the short to midterm.

Johan Thijs: It's quite clear that surplus capital or capital, which we cannot make work, so which is more than what we need for organic growth and for any opportunities in the, let's call it, the short-term, midterm, that capital will be distributed to shareholders. We were quite clear about that, quite vocal about that on previous occasion. We are not going to change that today. What is the ideal position in terms of capital, for instance, Romania, you pointed out what a potential acquisition might cost. I agree with you. It's fundamentally higher than what, for instance, an acquisition of ADS could cost. Well, that position is taken into consideration when we take the decision on what to do with capital and what to do with distribution.

Speaker #4: That capital will be distributed to shareholders. We were quite clear about that, quite vocal about that on previous occasions, and we are not going to change that today.

Speaker #4: What is the ideal position in terms of capital? For instance, Romania, you pointed out what potential acquisition might cost. And I agree with you.

Speaker #4: It's fundamentally higher than what, for instance, an acquisition of ETIAS could cost. Well, that position is taken into consideration when we make the decision on what to do with capital.

Speaker #4: And what to do with distribution? Distribution will be, anyway, to the higher end of the range, which is currently in our dividend policy—that is, 50% to 65%. And the higher range means that it indeed is at the very end of that range.

Johan Thijs: Distribution will be anyway to the higher end of the range, which is currently in our dividend policy, that is 50% to 65%. The higher range means that it indeed is at the very end of that range. What it is in terms of capital distribution, I cannot disclose because we simply didn't have that discussion with our board, because at this stage, we are still having a potential opportunity on the table called ADS. We will clearly come back to that to you in the period to come on definitely after year-end and give you much clarification.

Speaker #4: What it is in terms of capital distribution, I cannot disclose, because we simply didn't have that discussion with our board. Because at this stage, we are still having a potential opportunity on the table called ETIAS.

Speaker #4: So we will come back to that—clearly come back to that—to you in the period to come, and definitely after year-end, and give you much clarification.

Speaker #5: That's really helpful. Thank you.

Chris Hallam: That's really helpful. Thank you.

Speaker #1: The next question comes from Shrey Srivastava from City. Please go ahead.

Operator: The next question comes from Shrey Srivastava from Citi. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: Hi. And thank you for taking my question. It's actually just a follow-up on an eye. And obviously your guidance is predicated on forward rates as of early August, which actually implies more than one incremental rate hike this year.

Shrey Srivastava: Hi. Thank you for taking my question. It's actually just a follow-up on NII. Obviously, your guidance is predicated on forward rates as of early August, which actually implies more than one incremental rate hike this year. If you were to instead, for example, assume flat rates for the rest of year or only one hike, how would that affect your net interest income guidance? Thank you.

Speaker #6: So, if you were to instead, for example, assume flat rates for the rest of this year, or only one hike, how would that affect your net interest income?

Speaker #6: Guidance. Thank you.

Speaker #7: That is general.

Speaker #3: Good morning, Shiran. Well, you're right. Of course, forwards I'm taking into account for for the guidance. So what is important here indeed they do include a rate hike.

Bartel Puelinckx: Good morning, Shrey. Well, you're right. Of course, forwards, I'm taking into account for the guidance. What is important here, indeed, they do include a rate hike. What I can give you is what we gave you before. That is, of course, the sensitivity on our NII, which we maintain at the parallel shift of 25 basis points, would have an impact on a yearly basis of EUR 60 million. Obviously, we do not expect a parallel shift. It will be more on the short side than on the long end.

Speaker #3: What I can give you is what we give you before. That is, of course, the sensitivity on our NII. Which is and which we maintain at parallel shift of 25 basis points would have an impact on a yearly basis of 60 million 60 million euro.

Speaker #3: But obviously, we do not expect a parallel shift, so it would be more on the short side than on the long end.

Speaker #6: And even, sort of qualitatively, how has the shortening of the duration of your replicating portfolio affected this? Thank you.

Shrey Srivastava: Even sort of qualitatively, how has the shortening of the duration of your replicating portfolio sort of affected this? Thank you.

Speaker #3: Well, of course, that's the reason why we shortened somewhat the duration. Because we expect this to provide a positive impact—that goes without saying.

Bartel Puelinckx: Well, of course, that's the reason why we shorten somewhat the duration because we expect this to provide a positive impact that goes without saying.

Speaker #6: And that and that's expected to offer you some sort of benefit this year. From this year itself.

Shrey Srivastava: That's expected to offer you some sort of benefit from this year itself.

Speaker #3: Well, yes. I mean, we are five months to go, so from that perspective, this will already have an impact indeed, and it has been taken into account, of course, also in the guidance.

Bartel Puelinckx: Well, yes. We have five months to go. From that perspective, this will have already an impact indeed, and has been taken into account, of course, also in the guidance.

Speaker #6: Thank you.

Shrey Srivastava: Thank you.

Speaker #1: There are no more questions at this time, so I will hand the conference back to the speakers for any closing comments.

Operator: There are no more questions at this time. I hand the conference back to the speakers for any closing comments.

Speaker #4: All right. If there are no further questions, this sums it up for this call. I would like to thank you for your attendance, and enjoy the rest of the day.

Bartel Puelinckx: All right. If there are no further questions, this sums it up for this call. I would like to thank you for your attendance. Enjoy the rest of the day. Bye-bye.

Johan Thijs: All right. If there are no further questions, this sums it up for this call. I would like to thank you for your attendance. Enjoy the rest of the day. Bye-bye.

Speaker #4: Bye-bye.

Operator: Thanks for joining today's call. You may now disconnect.

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