SWISS franc denominated loans started blooming in Cyprus in 2006, when the Republic was a candidate for euro area membership. At the time, Swiss franc loans lured in consumers on the premise of a significantly reduced cost of borrowing.
Around 11,000 borrowers will be affected by the Parliamentary committee of Finance should they reach a decision on the CHF loans. Currently borrowers in Swiss franc have seen their loans inflate as a result of the Swiss franc gaining significant strength against the euro. Currently one euro trades at less than 1.1 Swiss francs, whereas some borrowers have borrowed at rates over 1.6.
On September 21st, Members of the Cyprus Parliament asked the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) to investigate the cost to local banks to convert mortgages in CHF to euro at their original exchange rates. The CBC has just two weeks to communicate with the banks and provide its opinion. Parliament warned that legislation regarding the case would follow even without an answer from the CBC.
The significant volume of CHF denominated loans in the Cyprus is an indication of the banks’ foreign currency loan selling practices in previous years.
| Total Swiss Franc Loans | Millions (Euro) ? |
|---|---|
| Jan-15 | 3,621 |
| Feb-15 | 3,545 |
| Mar-15 | 3,313 |
| Apr-15 | 3,288 |
| May-15 | 2,810 |
| Jun-15 | 2,710 |
| Jul-15 | 2,653 |
| Aug-15 | 2,580 |
It’s not too difficult to assess the full extent of the damage. The billion euro question concerns the legality of these loans, particularly whether Cypriot banks were transparent in communicating risks involved. A precedent has already been set for CHF loans in Croatia, Greece and Hungary, where the banks bear the FX hit. These are not the only cases where a European court has ruled in favour of the consumer when it comes to foreign denominated loans. A recent court decision in Athens called for the banks to pay the full extent of the foreign currency hit. The court cases stress that European consumers are protected against dubious selling practices in which the banks were evidently engaged.
However, from our perspective, some banks have handled the CHF issue more responsibly than others. Most banks are willing to share at least some of the burden of foreign currency loans and our restructuring practice has forced banks to negotiate up to 100% of the foreign exchange loss, especially in the case of mortgages or personal loans. Whereas some banks deal with each case individually, others employ universal policies of 5-12% write-offs. The Greek subsidiaries appear to be more advanced at dealing with these types of cases, settling at much higher write-offs.
In most cases, however, this will require significant negotiating and even the threat of legal action. Most consumers will be unable to resist the banks negotiating tactics. Moreover, as a general rule banks are willing to write-off just 5-12% of the hit, arguing that the borrowers were well aware and informed of the risks. Additionally, the borrowers are required to sign off their rights to any further claims. It should be clear that consumers are protected against mountains of non-transparent lending.
There is no arguing that banking practices regarding foreign currency loans have been dubious in the past. Although an authoritative decision on foreign currency loans should force the banks to accept responsibility it will take a significant toll on an already fragile financial sector.
Dr. George Mountis
Managing Partner
T: +357 22 000060
F: +357 22 000080
E: [email protected]
W: www.delfipartners.com
Costas Zeniou
Senior Analyst
T: +357 22 000060
F: +357 22 000080
E: [email protected]
W: www.delfipartners.com
