Public companies are required to disclose risks that can affect the business and impact the stock. These disclosures are known as “Risk Factors”. Companies disclose these risks in their yearly (Form 10-K), quarterly earnings (Form 10-Q), or “foreign private issuer” reports (Form 20-F). Risk factors show the challenges a company faces. Investors can consider the worst-case scenarios before making an investment. TipRanks’ Risk Analysis categorizes risks based on proprietary classification algorithms and machine learning.

Banco Bradesco SA disclosed 42 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Banco Bradesco SA reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q4, 2019

Risk Distribution

40% Finance & Corporate

24% Legal & Regulatory

19% Macro & Political

10% Production

5% Tech & Innovation

2% Ability to Sell

Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy

This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.

Risk Change Over Time

S&P500 Average

Sector Average

Risks removed

Risks added

Risks changed

Banco Bradesco SA Risk Factors

New Risk (0)

Risk Changed (0)

Risk Removed (0)

No changes from previous report

The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.

The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.

Risk Highlights Q4, 2019

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 17 Risks

Finance & Corporate

With 17 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

+14

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

+14

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

Recent Changes

18Risks added

4Risks removed

24Risks changed

Since Dec 2019

18Risks added

4Risks removed

24Risks changed

Since Dec 2019

Number of Risk Changed

+22

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

+22

From last report

S&P 500 Average: 3

See the risk highlights of Banco Bradesco SA in the last period.

Risk Word Cloud

The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.

Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 42

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 17/42 (40%)Below Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights10 | 23.8%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

Changed

3.D.40.09 You may be unable to exercise preemptive rights relating to our shares.

You will not be able to exercise preemptive rights relating to our shares underlying your preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs unless a registration statement under the Securities Act is effective with respect to those rights or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available. Similarly, we may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders. The depositary bank will not offer rights to you as a holder of the preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs unless the rights are either registered under the Securities Act or are subject to an exemption from the registration requirements. We are not obligated to file a registration statement with respect to the shares or other securities relating to these rights, and we cannot assure you that we will file any such registration statement. Accordingly, you may receive only the net proceeds from the sale by the depositary bank of the rights received in respect of the shares represented by your preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs or, if the preemptive rights cannot be sold, they will be allowed to lapse. You may also be unable to participate in rights offerings by us, and your holdings may be diluted as a result.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2

Changed

3.D.40.11 A majority of our common shares are held, directly and indirectly, by one shareholder and our Board of Directors is composed of 10 members, including two independent members; accordingly, non-independent members may have conflicting interest with our other investors.

In March 2020, Fundação Bradesco directly and indirectly held 58.8% of our common shares. As a result, Fundação Bradesco has the power, among other things, to prevent a change in control of our company, even if a transaction of that nature would be beneficial to our other shareholders, Fundação Bradesco may also elect the majority of the Board of Directors of the Company, as well as to approve related party transactions or corporate reorganizations. Under the terms of Fundação Bradesco's bylaws, members of our Diretoria Executiva, that have been working with us for more than ten years serve as members of the Board of Trustees of Fundação Bradesco. The Board of Trustees has no other members. Our Board of Directors has ten members, two of which are independent, in other words they are not associated with Fundação Bradesco, in accordance with the criteria included of Law No. 6,404/76, in the regulation issued by the CVM (Brazilian Corporate Law). The Brazilian Corporate Law states that only individuals may be appointed to a company's Board of Directors. Accordingly, there is no legal or statutory provision requiring us to have independent directors, however, to exercise good corporate governance, our Board of Directors has two independent directors. Since the majority of members are not independent, the interests of our Board of Directors may not always be aligned with the interests of part of our other shareholders and these holders do not have the same protections they would have if most of the directors were independent. Furthermore, our non-independent directors are associated with Fundação Bradesco and circumstances may arise in which the interests of Fundação Bradesco, and its associates, conflict with our other investors' interests. Fundação Bradesco and our Board of Directors could make decisions in relation to our policy towards acquisitions, divestitures, financings or other transactions, which may be contrary to the interests of our shareholders of common shares and have a negative impact on the interests of those shareholders. For more information on our shareholders, see "Item 7.A. Major Shareholders.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3

Changed

3.D.40.04 Our shares, preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs are not entitled to a fixed or minimum dividend.

Holders of our shares and, consequently, our preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs are not entitled to a fixed or minimum dividend. Pursuant to the Deposit Agreements, if the depositary (as holder of the common shares and preferred shares underlying the common share ADSs and preferred share ADSs) receives any cash dividend or distribution from us, it shall distribute a corresponding U.S. dollar amount, net of depositary fees and certain withholding tax adjustments as described in the Deposit Agreements, to holders of our common share ADSs and preferred share ADSs as promptly as practicable. However, if we do not pay dividends to holders of our common shares or preferred shares then there will be no payment of dividends to holders of our common share ADSs or preferred share ADSs. Pursuant to our Bylaws, our preferred shares are entitled to dividends 10.0% higher than those of our common shares. Although under our current Bylaws we are obligated to pay our shareholders at least 30.0% of our annual adjusted net income, the shareholders attending our Annual Shareholders' Meeting may decide to suspend this mandatory distribution of dividends if the Board of Directors advises that payment of the dividend is not compatible with our financial condition. Neither our Bylaws nor Brazilian law specify the circumstances in which a distribution would not be compatible with our financial condition, and our controlling shareholders have never suspended the mandatory distribution of dividends. However, Brazilian law provides that a company need not pay dividends if such payment would endanger the existence of the company or harm its normal course of operations. In March 2013, CMN Resolution No. 4,193/13 was issued in an effort to further implement the Basel III Accord in Brazil. Pursuant to such rule, a restriction of dividend and interest payments on equity may be imposed by the Central Bank in the event of non-compliance with the additional capital requirements established by the Central Bank, as further described in "Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources – 4.B.70.02-03 Capital adequacy and leverage". In light of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Bank issued Resolution No. 4,797/20, which, among other measures, established that financial institutions may not declare payment of interest on own capital or dividends above the minimum level required by their respective bylaws.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4

Changed

3.D.40.05 As a holder of preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs you will have fewer and less well-defined shareholders' rights than in the United States and certain other jurisdictions.

Our corporate affairs are governed by our Bylaws and Brazilian Corporate Law, which may differ from the legal principles that would apply if we were incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United States or in certain other jurisdictions outside Brazil. Under Brazilian Corporate Law, you and the holders of our shares may have fewer and less well-defined rights to protect your interests relative to actions taken by our Board of Directors or the holders of our common shares than under the laws of other jurisdictions outside Brazil. Although Brazilian Corporate Law imposes restrictions on insider trading and price manipulation, the Brazilian securities markets are not as highly regulated and supervised as the U.S. securities markets or markets in certain other jurisdictions. In addition, self-dealing and the preservation of shareholder interests may be less heavily regulated and what regulations are in place may not be as strictly enforced in Brazil as in the United States, which could potentially disadvantage you as a holder of our shares underlying preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs. For example, compared to Delaware general corporation law, Brazilian Corporate Law and practices have less detailed and well-established rules and judicial precedents relating to review of Management decisions under duty of care and duty of loyalty standards in the context of corporate restructurings, transactions with related parties, and sale-of-business transactions. In addition, shareholders in Delaware companies must hold 5.0% of the outstanding share capital of a corporation to have valid standing to bring shareholder derivative suits, while shareholders in companies based in Brazil do not normally have valid standing to bring a class action.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5

Changed

3.D.40.08 The payments on the preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs may be subject to U.S. withholding under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act ("FATCA").

The United States has enacted rules, commonly referred to as FATCA, that generally impose a reporting and withholding regime with respect to certain U.S. source payments (including interest and dividends), gross proceeds from the disposition of property that can produce U.S. source interest and dividends and certain payments made by entities that are classified as financial institutions under FATCA. The United States has entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement regarding the implementation of FATCA with Brazil (the "IGA"). Under the current terms and conditions of the IGA, we do not expect payments made on or with respect to the preferred share ADSs or common share ADSs to be subject to withholding under FATCA. However, significant aspects of when and how FATCA will apply remain unclear, and no assurance can be given that withholding under FATCA will not become relevant with respect to payments made on or with respect to the preferred share ADSs or common share ADSs in the future. Similar to the FATCA, the Common Reporting Standard ("CRS") is the instrument developed by the Convention on Mutual Assistance in Tax Matters of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ("OECD") and the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement, applicable to the countries signatory to the norm. The financial institutions and entities subject to it should ensure the identification, investigation and reporting of information to the competent bodies. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the potential impact of FATCA and CRS. For more information about FATCA and CRS, see "Item 4.B. Business Overview – 4.B.70 Regulation and Supervision".

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6

Changed

3.D.40.07 If we issue new shares or our shareholders sell shares in the future, the market price of your preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs may be reduced.

Sales of a substantial number of shares, or the belief that this may occur, could decrease the market price of our shares, preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs, by diluting their value. If we issue new shares or our existing shareholders sell the shares they hold, the market price of our shares and therefore the market price of our preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs, may decrease significantly.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7

Added

3.D.40.03 The relative volatility and low liquidity of the Brazilian securities markets may substantially limit your ability to sell shares underlying the preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs at the price and time you desire.

Investing in securities that trade in emerging markets, such as Brazil, often involves greater risk than investing in securities of issuers in more developed countries, and these investments are generally considered more speculative in nature. The Brazilian securities market is substantially smaller and less liquid than major securities markets, such as the United States, and may be more volatile. Although you are entitled to withdraw our shares, underlying the preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs from the depositary bank at any time, your ability to sell our shares underlying the preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs at a price and time acceptable to you may be substantially limited. There is also significantly greater concentration in the Brazilian securities market than in major securities markets such as the United States or other countries. The ten largest companies in terms of market capitalization, according to B3, accounted for 47.1% of the aggregate market capitalization in December 2019.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8

Added

3.D.40.02 Under Brazilian Corporate Law, holders of preferred shares have limited voting rights, accordingly, holders of preferred share ADSs will have similar limitations on their ability to vote.

ylaws, holders of our preferred shares are not entitled to vote at our shareholders' meetings, except in limited circumstances (see "Item 10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association – 10.B.10 Organization – 10.B.10.04 Voting Rights", for further information on voting rights of our shares). As such, in contrast to holders of common shares, holders of preferred shares are not entitled to vote on corporate transactions, including any proposed merger or consolidation with other companies, among other things. As discussed above under "The Deposit Agreements governing the preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs provide that holders of such ADSs will only receive voting instructions if we authorize the depositary bank to contact those holders to obtain voting instructions; and there are also practical limitations on any ability to vote we may give such holders", preferred share ADS holders will only be able to vote if we authorize and direct the depositary bank accordingly. As a result of the fact that holders of preferred shares have limited voting rights, any ability to vote that we may extend to holders of preferred share ADSs corresponding to preferred shares pursuant to the applicable Deposit Agreement would be similarly limited.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 9

Added

3.D.40.01 The Deposit Agreements governing the preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs provide that holders of such ADSs will only receive voting instructions if we authorize the depositary bank to contact those holders to obtain voting instructions; and there are also practical limitations on any ability to vote we may give such holders.

The voting rights of preferred share ADS holders and common share ADS holders are governed by the Deposit Agreements. Those Deposit Agreements provide that the depositary bank shall mail voting instructions to holders only if we authorize and direct the depositary bank to do so. If we do not provide that authorization and direction to the depositary bank, holders of preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs will not be able to vote at our meetings, unless they surrender their preferred share ADSs or common share ADSs and receive the underlying preferred shares or common shares, as applicable, in accordance with the terms of the applicable Deposit Agreement. In addition, there are practical limits on the ability of preferred share ADS and common share ADS holders to exercise any vote due to the additional procedural steps involved in communicating with such holders. For example, our shareholders will either be notified directly or through notification published in Brazilian newspapers and will be able to exercise their voting rights by either attending the meeting in person or voting by proxy. In contrast, preferred share ADS holders and common share ADS holders will not receive notice directly from us and cannot vote in person at the meeting. Instead, in accordance with the Deposit Agreements, the depositary bank will, if authorized and directed by us, send any notice of meetings of holders received by it from us to holders of preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs, together with a statement as to the manner in which voting instructions may be given by holders. To exercise any such ability to vote, preferred share ADS and common share ADS holders must then instruct the depositary bank how to vote with the shares represented by their preferred share ADSs or common share ADSs. Because of this extra step involving the depositary bank, if and when we authorize and direct the depositary bank to mail voting information to preferred share ADS holders and common share ADS holders, the process for voting will take longer for preferred share ADS and common share ADS holders than for holders of our shares. Preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs for which the depositary bank does not receive voting instructions in good time will not be able to vote at a meeting.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 10

Changed

3.D.40.10 If you exchange your preferred share ADSs or common share ADSs for their underlying shares, you risk losing Brazilian tax advantages and the ability to remit foreign currency abroad.

Brazilian law requires that parties obtain registration with the Central Bank in order to remit foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars, abroad. The Brazilian custodian for the shares must obtain the necessary registration with the Central Bank for payment of dividends or other cash distributions relating to the shares or after disposal of the shares. If you exchange your preferred share ADSs or common share ADSs for the underlying shares, however, you may only rely on the custodian's certificate for five business days from the date of exchange. Thereafter, you must obtain your own registration in accordance with the rules of the Central Bank and the CVM, in order to obtain and remit U.S. dollars abroad after the disposal of the shares or the receipt of distributions relating to the shares. If you do not obtain a certificate of registration, you may not be able to remit U.S. dollars or other currencies abroad and may be subject to less favorable tax treatment on gains with respect to the shares. For more information, see "Item 10.D. Exchange Controls." If you attempt to obtain your own registration, you may incur expenses or suffer delays in the application process, which could delay your receipt of dividends or distributions relating to the shares or the return of your capital in a timely manner. The custodian's registration and any certificate of foreign capital registration you may obtain may be affected by future legislative changes. Additional restrictions applicable to you, to the disposal of the underlying shares or to the repatriation of the proceeds from disposal may be imposed in the future.

Accounting & Financial Operations2 | 4.8%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

Added

3.D.20.02-04 We may incur losses due to impairments on goodwill from acquired businesses.

We record goodwill from acquisitions of investments whose value is based on estimates of future profitability pertaining to business plans and budgets prepared by us. Annually, we assess the basis and estimates of profitability of the Cash-Generating Units ("Unidades Geradoras de Caixa" or "UGC") in respect of which the premiums are allocated. These evaluations are made through cash flow projections based on growth rates and discount rates, with those projections then being compared to the value of the premiums in order to conclude whether there is a basis to record impairments in relation to these assets. However, given the inherent uncertainty in relation to predictions of future cash flow projections, we cannot provide assurances that our evaluations of premiums will not require impairments to be recorded in future, which may negatively affect, the result of our operations, our financial condition and the market value of our shares, preferred shares ADSs and common shares ADSs.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2

Added

3.D.20.01-01 Losses in our investments in financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and at fair value through other comprehensive income may have a significant impact on our results of operations and are not predictable.

The fair value of certain investments in financial assets may decrease significantly and may fluctuate over short periods of time. As of December 31, 2019, the investments classified as "fair value through profit or loss" and as "fair value through other comprehensive income" represented 32.1% of our assets, and realized and unrealized gains and losses originating from these investments have had and may continue to have a significant impact on the results of our operations. The amounts of these gains and losses, which we record when investments in securities are sold, or in certain limited circumstances when they are recognized at fair value, may fluctuate considerably from period to period. Despite impacting our investment policies, asset and liability management (“ALM”) and risks, the models adopted may not prevent certain more abrupt oscillations in the movements of the market, so that the profitability of the operations is feasible, in certain moments, from effects that negatively affect its contribution in our income and shareholders’ equity.

Debt & Financing4 | 9.5%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

Added

3.D.20.02-03 We may face significant challenges in possessing and realizing value from collateral with respect to loans in default.

If we are unable to recover sums owed to us under secured loans in default through extrajudicial measures such as restructurings, our last recourse with respect to such loans may be to enforce the collateral secured in our favor by the applicable borrower. Depending on the type of collateral granted, we either have to enforce such collateral through the courts or through extrajudicial measures. However, even where the enforcement mechanism is duly established by the law, Brazilian law allows borrowers to challenge the enforcement in the courts, even if such challenge is unfounded, which can delay the realization of value from the collateral. In addition, our secured claims under Brazilian law will in certain cases rank below those of preferred creditors such as employees and tax authorities. As a result, we may not be able to realize value from the collateral, or may only be able to do so to a limited extent or after a significant amount of time, thereby potentially adversely affecting our financial condition and results of operations.

Debt & Financing - Risk 2

Changed

3.D.10.01-06 Our investments in debts securities issued by the Brazilian government expose us to additional risks associated with Brazil.

We invest in debt securities issued by the Brazilian government. The trading price of these securities is affected by, among other things, market conditions in Brazil, the perception of Brazil and the related perception of the Brazilian government's ability to repay principal and/or make interest payments. Accordingly, adverse developments or trends in any of these areas could have a knock-on adverse effect on the value of our securities portfolio, thereby affecting our financial condition and results of operations, which may affect the market value of our shares, preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs.

Debt & Financing - Risk 3

Changed

3.D.10.01-04 Changes in the base interest rate by the Central Bank may materially adversely affect our margins and results of operations.

The stabilization of inflation allowed the Central Bank to reduce the basic interest rate to the lowest level in history. The SELIC, which in the first quarter of 2019 remained at 6.5% per annum ("p.a."), was reduced several times in the second quarter, having been progressively reduced and closing the year at 4.5% p.a. In February, the SELIC was reduced to 4.25%, and the Central Bank signaled the interruption of the loosening cycle. However, in March, in light of the intensification of risks due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the monetary authority made a further reduction to 3.75%, a new historical low. However, actions related to the reduction of compulsory fees and increasing liquidity in general were adopted as a stimulus in response to the shutdown of the economy. This process of reducing the SELIC to its lowest historic level was influenced by the high level of inactivity in the goods and labor markets, but it was a credible move by the Central Bank, which has also advanced in its agenda of modernizing and reducing distortions in the Brazilian financial system. Such modernization includes a reduction in compulsory fees, a reduction in informational asymmetries and increased competition in the banking market. Changes in the base interest rate may affect our results of operations as we have assets and liabilities indexed to the SELIC. At the same time, high base interest rates may increase the likelihood of customer delinquency, due to the deceleration in the economic activity. Similarly, low base interest rates may increase the leverage of borrowers, generating additional risk to financial system. The COPOM adjusts the SELIC rate in order to keep inflation within the range of targets set by the National Monetary Council ("CMN") to manage the Brazilian economy. We have no control over the SELIC rate or how often such a rate is adjusted.

Debt & Financing - Risk 4

Changed

3.D.20.02-01 We may experience increases in our level of past due loans as our loans and advances portfolio becomes more seasoned.

Historically, our loans and advances to customer portfolios registered an increase, interrupted in 2017 due to recession in the Brazilian economy experienced during the year, and resuming growth in 2018. Any corresponding rise in our level of non-performing loans and advances may lag behind the rate of loan growth, as loans typically do not have due payments for a short period of time after their origination. Levels of past due loans are normally higher among our individual clients than our corporate clients. Our delinquency ratios, calculated based on information prepared in accordance with accounting practices adopted in Brazil ("BR GAAP"), which is defined as the total loans overdue for over ninety days in relation to the total portfolio of loans and advances decreased to 3.3% as of December 31, 2019, compared to 3.5% as of December 31, 2018. Rapid loan growth may also reduce our ratio of non-performing loans to total loans until growth slows or the portfolio becomes more seasoned. Adverse economic conditions and a slower growth rate for our loans and advances to customers may result in increases in our impairment of loans and advances and our ratio of non-performing loans and advances to total loans and advances, which may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Corporate Activity and Growth1 | 2.4%

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1

Added

3.D.50.01 Our risk management structure may not be fully effective.

We fully incorporate the risk management process into all of our activities, developing and implementing methodologies, models and other tools for the measurement and control of risks, looking to continuously improve them in order to mitigate the risks that we identify. However, there may be limitations to this risk management framework in foreseeing and mitigating all the risks to which we are subject, or may in the future become, subject. If our risk management structure is not completely effective in adequately preventing or mitigating risks, we could suffer material unexpected losses, adversely affecting our financial condition and results of operations. For more information on our risk management structure, see "Item 4.B. – Business Overview – 4.B.20.01 Corporate Process of Risk Management".

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 10/42 (24%)Above Sector Average

Regulation4 | 9.5%

Regulation - Risk 1

Added

3.D.20.06-06 The Brazilian Supreme Court is currently deciding cases relating to the application of inflation adjustments which may increase our costs and cause losses.

The STF, which is the highest court in Brazil and is responsible for judging constitutional matters, is currently deciding whether savings account holders have the right to obtain adjustments for inflation related to their deposits due to the economic plans Bresser, part of Verão, Collor I and Collor II, implemented in the 1980s and 1990s, before the Plano Real, in 1994. The trial began in November 2013 but was interrupted without any pronouncement on the merits of the subject under discussion by its Members. According to the institutions representing the account holders, banks misapplied the monetary adjustments when those economic plans were implemented, and should be required to indemnify the account holders for the non-adjustment of those amounts. The STF gave a ruling on an individual case, in the sense that the sentences on class actions proposed by associations questioning inflationary purges only benefit consumers who: (i) were associated with the associations at the time of filing of the class action; and (ii) had authorized the filing of the class action. This reduced the number of beneficiaries in class actions because, until then, it was understood that these decisions should benefit all consumers affected by the practices (i.e., all consumers that are current account holders and that had suffered losses related to inflationary purges, irrespective of whether those losses were associated with the association, plaintiff of the class action). In addition, in connection with a related sentence, the Brazilian Supreme Court Justice ("STJ") decided, in May 2014, that the starting date for counting default interest for compensating savings account holders must be the date of summons of the related lawsuit (rather than the date of settlement of the judgment), therefore increasing the amount of possible losses for the affected banks in the event of an unfavorable decision by the STF. In December 2017, with the mediation of the Executive branch's attorney (Advocacia Geral da União), or ("AGU") and the intervention of the Central Bank, the representatives of the banks and the savings account holders entered into an agreement related to the economic plans aiming to finalize the claims and established a timeline and conditions for the savings account holders to accede to such agreement. The STF affirmed the agreement on March 1, 2018. This approval determined the suspension of legal actions in progress for the duration of the collective bargaining agreement (24 months). On March 11, 2020, the signatories to the collective bargaining agreement agreed to an amendment extending the agreement for a further 60 months. The amendment was taken to the Supreme Court for approval, having already been made by Minister Gilmar Mendes in extraordinary appeals No. 631,363 and No. 632,212, leaving the approval to the other Rapporteurs (Ministers Carmem Lucia and Ricardo Lewandowski). As this is a voluntary settlement, we are unable to predict how many savings account holders will accede to it.

Regulation - Risk 2

Added

3.D.20.06-03 The government regulates the operations of Brazilian financial institutions and insurance companies. Changes in existing laws and regulations or the imposition of new laws and regulations may negatively affect our operations and revenues.

Brazilian banks and insurance companies are subject to extensive and continuous regulatory review by the government. We have no control over government regulations, which govern all facets of our operations, including the imposition of: · minimum capital requirements; · compulsory deposit/reserve requirements; · investment limitations in fixed assets; · lending limits and other credit restrictions; · earmarked loan operations, such as housing loans and rural loans; · accounting and statistical requirements; · minimum coverage; · mandatory provisioning policies; · limits and other restrictions on rates; and · limits on the amount of interest that banks can charge and the period for which they can capitalize on interest. The regulatory structure governing banks and insurance companies based in Brazil is continuously evolving. Existing laws and regulations could be amended, the manner in which laws and regulations are enforced or interpreted could change, and new laws or regulations could be adopted. Such changes could materially adversely affect our operations and our revenues. In particular, the government has historically enacted regulations affecting financial institutions in an effort to implement its economic policies. These regulations are intended to control the availability of credit and reduce or increase consumption in Brazil. These changes may adversely affect us because our returns on compulsory deposits are lower than those we obtain on our other investments. Regulations issued by the Central Bank are not subject to a legislative process. Therefore, those regulations can be enacted and implemented in a very short period of time, thereby affecting our activities in sudden and unexpected ways.

Regulation - Risk 3

Changed

3.D.20.06-04 The Brazilian Constitution used to establish a ceiling on loan interest rates and if the government enacts new legislation with a similar effect in the future, our results of operations may be adversely affected.

Article 192 of the Brazilian Constitution, enacted in 1988, established a 12.0% p.a. ceiling on bank loan interest rates. However, since the enactment of the Brazilian Constitution, this rate had not been enforced, as the regulation regarding the ceiling was pending. The understanding that this ceiling is not yet in force has been confirmed by Súmula Vinculante No. 7, a final binding decision enacted in 2008 by the STF, in accordance with such Court's prior understanding on this matter. Since 1988, several attempts were made to regulate the limitation on loan interest, and especially bank loan interest rates, but none of them were implemented nor have been confirmed by Brazilian superior courts. On May 29, 2003, Constitutional Amendment No. 40 ("EC 40/03") was enacted and revoked all subsections and paragraphs of Article 192 of the Brazilian Constitution. This amendment allows the Brazilian Financial System, to be regulated by specific laws for each sector of the system rather than by a single law relating to the system as a whole. With the enactment of Law No. 10,406/02 (or the "Civil Code"), unless the parties to a loan have agreed to use a different rate, in principle the interest rate ceiling has been pegged to the base rate charged by the National Treasury Office (Tesouro Nacional). There is currently an uncertainty as to whether such base rate which is referred to in the Civil Code is: (i) the SELIC rate, the base interest rate established by COPOM, which was 4.5% p.a. as of December 31, 2019 and 6.5% p.a. as of December 31, 2018; or (ii) the 12.0% p.a. rate established in Article 161, paragraph 1, of Law No. 5,172/66, as amended ("Brazilian Tax Code"), which is the default interest rate due when taxes are not paid on time. Any substantial increase or decrease in the interest rate ceiling could have a material effect on the financial condition, results of operations or prospects of financial institutions based in Brazil, including us. Additionally, certain Brazilian courts have issued decisions in the past limiting interest rates on consumer financing transactions that are considered abusive or excessively onerous in comparison with market practice. Brazilian courts' future decisions as well as changes in legislation and regulations restricting interest rates charged by financial institutions could have an adverse effect on our business. On November 27, 2019, Resolution No. 4,765/2019 was amended by the CMN that regulates overdraft facilities granted by financial institutions for a demand deposit account, providing, among other matters, the limit for the interest rates on the amount of the overdraft used. For further information, see "Item 4.B. Business Overview – 4.B.70 Regulation and Supervision – 4.B.70.02 Banking Regulations – 4.B.70.02-14 - Use of the overdraft". Since this is a very recent change, it is still unclear if this will affect our operating results positively or negatively.

Regulation - Risk 4

Changed

3.D.20.03-03 Changes in regulations regarding reserve and compulsory deposit requirements may reduce operating margins.

The Central Bank has periodically changed the level of compulsory deposits that financial institutions in Brazil are required to abide by. Compulsory deposits generally yield lower returns than our other investments and deposits because: · a portion of our compulsory deposits with the Central Bank do not bear interest; and · a portion of our compulsory deposits must finance a federal housing program, the Brazilian rural sector, low income customers and small enterprises under a program referred to as a "microcredit program". Rules related to compulsory deposits have been changed from time to time by the Central Bank, as described in "Item 4.B. Business Overview – 4.B.70.02-05 – Compulsory Deposits". As of December 31, 2019, our compulsory deposits in connection with demand, savings and time deposits and additional compulsory deposits were R$90.6 billion. Reserve requirements have been used by the Central Bank to control liquidity as part of monetary policy in the past, and we have no control over their imposition. Any increase in the compulsory deposit requirements may reduce our ability to lend funds and to make other investments and, as a result, may adversely affect us.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities4 | 9.5%

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1

Changed

3.D.20.06-05 We may incur penalties in case of non-compliance with data protection laws.

In August 2018, Law No. 13,709/18 – General Data Protection Law ("LGPD", in Portuguese) was enacted, which creates a set of rules for the use, protection and transfer of personal data in Brazil, in the private and public spheres, and establishes responsibilities and penalties in the civil sphere. In addition to including existing rules on the subject, the LGPD followed the global trend of strengthening the protection of personal data, restricting its unjustified use, and guaranteeing a series of rights to holders of data, as well as imposing important obligations on so-called "treatment agents". In particular, the LGPD was inspired by recent European legislation on the subject, reproducing central points of the Directive No. 95/46/EC and of the General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR"). The impact of the law will be significant as any processing of personal data will be subject to the new rules, whether physical or digital, by any entity established in Brazil, any entity who has collected personal data in Brazil, any individual located in Brazil – even if not residents – or any entity that offers goods and services to Brazilian consumers. In short, the adaptation to the LGPD will require structural changes in virtually all internal areas of Brazilian companies. The LGPD has been in force since December 28, 2018 as regards the creation of the National Data Protection Authority (Autoridade Nacional de Proteção de Dados or “ANPD"), the public administrative body responsible for ensuring, implementing and supervising compliance with the LGPD and the National Council for the Protection of Personal Data and Privacy, created by Provisional Measure converted in 2019 into Law No. 13,583/19. The remainder of the law was expected to come fully into force from August 2020, however, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Congress approved Bill No. 1,179/20 postponing the entry into force of Law No. 13,583/19 until January 2021, with fines and sanctions applying from August 1, 2021. It is worth mentioning that this bill was approved with amendments by the Federal Senate, accordingly, it has yet to be passed by the Chamber of Deputies and, following approval, needs to be sanctioned by the President of Brazil.We operate in a preventive, detective and corrective manner in order to protect our own and our clients' information. As a result, we have evolved our security framework in light of the new digital environment, with a focus on cyber security being key and pillar of our processes to establish data protection for our clients, resiliency, and structure to identify threats, detection, and response and recovery procedures in cases of cyber-attacks. However, possible failures or attacks on our systems and processes of prevention and/or detection and/or correction may lead to non-compliance with applicable legislation, which may in turn negatively affect our reputation, our financial condition, the result of our operations and the market value of our shares, preferred shares ADSs and common shares ADSs. See item 3.D.20.05-01 "A failure in, or breach of, our operational, security or technology systems could temporarily interrupt our businesses, increasing our costs and causing losses".

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2

Changed

3.D.40.06 It may be difficult to bring civil liability causes against us or our directors and executive officers.

We are organized under the laws of Brazil, and all of our directors and executive officers reside outside the United States. In addition, a substantial portion of our assets and most or all of the assets of our directors and executive officers are located in Brazil. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States or other jurisdictions outside of Brazil on such persons or to enforce judgments against them, including any based on civil liabilities under the U.S. federal securities laws.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 3

Added

3.D.20.06-02 Financial institutions can be legally involved in lawsuits originating from actions related to anti-corruption and money laundering to terrorism financing ("PLD/FT").

In light of the on-going anti-corruption agenda in Brazil, including the prevention of money laundering and the financing of terrorism ("PLD/FT"), may result in new investigations or legal proceedings in respect of alleged PLD/FT. Financial institutions, including us, could be involved in legal actions resulting from the actions perpetrated by individuals or corporate entities related to the inappropriate use of the financial system for various purposes or unlawful acts, despite us being in compliance with our current obligations. Involvement in these actions may result in negative publicity for us, and adverse conclusions may negatively affect our financial condition, our results of operations and the market value of our shares, preferred shares ADSs and common shares ADSs. For example, in 2019, in the context of the Operation Over and Out, an offshoot of “Operation Car Wash” (“Operação Lava Jato”), two of our former managers were investigated and reported by the Federal Attorney's Office for alleged involvement in the opening and maintenance of current accounts of companies with irregular features. We conducted a thorough internal investigation and adopted the governance measures we deemed necessary, putting ourselves at the disposal of the authorities to contribute to the verification of the facts. We cannot assure you that we will not be subject to further investigations or similar accusations in the future.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 4

Added

3.D.20.06-01 We may be subject to negative consequences in the event of an adverse judgment in the judicial proceedings related to Operation Car Wash and Operation Zealots, including the related class-action lawsuits.

Due to the so-called Operation Zealots or "Operação Zelotes", which investigates the alleged improper performance of members of the Administrative Council of Tax Appeals ("CARF"), a criminal proceeding against two former members of our Diretoria Executiva was opened in 2016 and received by the 10th Federal Court of Judicial Section of the Federal District. The investigation phase of the process was already completed, and we are currently awaiting the decision of the first instance court. Our Management conducted a careful internal evaluation of records and documents related to the matter and found no evidence of any illegal conduct by its representatives. We have provided all relevant information as requested to the competent authorities and regulatory bodies, both in Brazil and abroad. As a result of the news about the Operation Zealots, a Class Action was filed against us and members of our Diretoria Executiva before the District Court of New York ("Court"), on June 3, 2016, based on Section 10 (b) and 20 (a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. On July 1, 2019, we and the Lead Plaintiff entered into an agreement ("Agreement") to terminate the Class Action, with the payment of US$14.5 million by us. The Agreement was finally approved by the Court on November 18, 2019 and the case was closed in relation to us and the former members of our Diretoria Executiva. The Agreement does not represent the recognition of guilt or admission of liability by us, and we only entered into it to avoid uncertainties, costs and onus related to the progression of the Class Action. Also as a result of Operation Zealots, the General Internal Affairs of the Ministry of Finance (Corregedoria Geral do Ministério da Fazenda) began an administrative investigation to verify the need to file an Administrative Accountability Process ("PAR"). The filing decision of the related procedure was published in Section 2 of the Diário Oficial da União (Federal Official Gazette) on February 3, 2020. The decision by the Official of the Ministry of Economy accepted in full the Final Report of the Processing Committee, the Opinion of the National Treasury Attorney General's Office and the Joint Order of the General Coordination of Management and Administration, and of the Leadership of the Advisory and Judgment Division, which confirmed, expressly recognizing, the lack of evidence that we had promised, offered or given, directly or indirectly, an unfair advantage to public agents involved in the related operation, in accordance with the provisions laid down in Article 5, section I, of Law No. 12,846/13. In 2014 our subsidiary Banco Bradesco BBI S.A. (“Bradesco BBI”) was included as a party to legal proceedings filed in the United States against Petrobras and other defendants, due to its role as underwriter in a note offering of Petrobras. The agreement proposed by Petrobras was definitively approved by the American Court and the lawsuit was dropped. The progress of the “Operation Car Wash” investigation and the unfolding events and the possibility of new accusations may significantly change the Brazilian political and economic climate.

Taxation & Government Incentives2 | 4.8%

Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1

Changed

3.D.30.01 Funding for large projects carried out by clients can generate socio-environmental impacts that could affect the results and the reputation of the Organization negatively.

We promote credit and financing operations, acting in several sectors, which may significantly affect an entire ecosystem, involving communities and the local flora and fauna. If a client, in the development of their activities, causes environmental impacts, such as the contamination of soil and water pollution above the legally acceptable limit and/or environmental disasters, it has a direct obligation to repair the damage caused financially. Consequently, depending on the magnitude of the socio-environmental impact, this client can have their economic-financial structure compromised, which could adversely affect our financial results, the result of our operations and the market value of our shares, preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs.

Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 2

Added

3.D.10.01-07 Changes in taxes and other fiscal assessments may adversely affect us.

The government regularly enacts reforms to the tax and other assessment regimes to which we and our customers are subject. Such reforms include changes in the rate of assessments and, occasionally, enactment of temporary taxes, the proceeds of which are earmarked for designated governmental purposes. The effects of these changes and any other changes that result from enactment of additional tax reforms have not been, and cannot be, quantified. There can be no assurance that these reforms will not, once implemented, have an adverse effect upon our business. Furthermore, such changes may produce uncertainty in the financial system, increasing the cost of borrowing and contributing to the increase in our non-performing portfolio of loans and advances.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 8/42 (19%)Above Sector Average

Economy & Political Environment3 | 7.1%

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1

Added

3.D.10.01-03 If Brazil experiences substantial inflation in the future, our revenues and our ability to access foreign financial markets may be reduced.

Brazil has, in the past, experienced extremely high rates of inflation. Inflation and governmental measures to combat inflation had significant negative effects on the Brazilian economy and contributed to increased economic uncertainty and increased volatility in the Brazilian securities markets, which may have an adverse effect on us. The memory of, and the potential for inflation, is still present, despite the monetary stability achieved in the mid-1990s, intensified as a result of the adoption of inflation targeting norms, with concerns that inflation levels might rise again. Current economic policy in Brazil is premised on a monetary regime which the Central Bank oversees in order to assure that the effective rate of inflation keeps in line with a predetermined and previously announced target. Brazil's rates of inflation reached 4.3% in 2019 and 3.8% in 2018, as measured by the Extended Consumer Price Index – "IPCA" (Índice Nacional de Preços ao Consumidor Amplo). Faced with high expectations and high economic inactivity, which had been gradually reducing since 2017, inflation has remained below the middle of the target (4.0% for 2020). Despite recent exchange rate pressure, the more fragile economic activity resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic has brought inflation to levels closer to the target floor (2.5%), which could eventually lead to further decreases in interest rates. Decreases in the base interest rate ("SELIC") set by the COPOM may have an adverse effect on us by reducing the interest income we receive from our interest-earning assets and lowering our revenues and margins. Increases in SELIC rate may also have an adverse effect on us by reducing the demand for our credit, and increasing our cost of funds, domestic debt expense and the risk of customer default. Future government actions, including the imposition of taxes, intervention in the foreign exchange market and actions to adjust or fix the value of the real, as well as any GDP growth different from expected levels may trigger increases in inflation. If Brazil experiences fluctuations in rates of inflation in the future, our costs and net margins may be affected and, if investor confidence lags, the price of our securities may fall. Inflationary pressures may also affect our ability to access foreign financial and capital markets and may lead to counter-inflationary policies that may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and the market value of our shares, preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs.

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 2

Changed

3.D.10.01-02 The government exercises influence over the Brazilian economy, and Brazilian political and economic conditions have a direct impact on our business.

Our financial condition and results of operations are substantially dependent on Brazil's economy, which in the past has been characterized by frequent and occasionally drastic intervention by the government and volatile economic cycles. In the past, the Brazilian government has often changed monetary, fiscal, taxation and other policies to influence the course of Brazil's economy. We have no control over, and cannot predict, what measures or policies the government may take in response to the current or future Brazilian economic situation or how government intervention and government policies will affect the Brazilian economy and our operations and revenues. Our operations, financial condition and the market price of our shares, preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs may be adversely affected by changes in certain policies related to exchange controls, tax and other matters, as well as factors such as: · exchange rate fluctuations; · base interest rate fluctuations; · domestic economic growth; · political, social or economic instability; · monetary policies; · tax policy and changes in tax regimes; · exchange controls policies; · liquidity of domestic financial, capital and credit markets; · our customers' capacity to meet their other obligations with us; · decreases in wage and income levels; · increases in unemployment rates; · macroprudential measures; · inflation; · allegations of corruption against political parties, public officials, including allegations made in relation to the "Operation Car Wash" investigation, among others; · the impact of widespread health developments, such as Covid-19, and the governmental, commercial, consumer and other responses thereto; and · other political, diplomatic, social and economic developments, natural disasters, public health concerns, epidemics and pandemics within and outside of Brazil that affect the country. Changes in, or uncertainties regarding, the implementation of the policies listed above could contribute to economic uncertainty in Brazil, increasing volatility in the Brazilian capital markets and reducing the value of Brazilian securities traded internally or abroad. Historically, the country's political landscape has influenced the performance of the Brazilian economy and the political crises have affected the confidence of investors and the general public, which has resulted in a slowdown in the economy and greater volatility in the securities of Brazilian companies issued abroad. Until the outbreak of Covid-19, the current government had been conducting an economic agenda with actions to reduce government spending, preparing the economy to compete in international markets, improving the commercial environment and promoting privatizations and infrastructure concessions. The macroeconomic priorities during the Covid-19 pandemic, however, are focused on mitigating human and economic risks, which will result in temporary changes or interruptions to this economic agenda. The uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the government's economic agenda and when this may resume after the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the direction economic policy may take in the future, influence the perception of risk in Brazil among foreign investors, which in turn may adversely affect the market value of our common shares, preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs. For example, the market value of Brazilian companies has become more volatile during the previous presidential elections.

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 3

Changed

3.D.10.02-02 The exit of the United Kingdom (the "U.K") from the European Union could adversely impact global economic or market conditions.

On June 23, 2016, the U.K.'s electorate voted in a general referendum in favor of the U.K.'s exit from the European Union (so-called "Brexit"). After a formal notification made by the United Kingdom pursuant to Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union ("EU"), the United Kingdom left the European Union on January 31, 2020, at 11 pm local time. At the meeting of the Special European Council (Article 50) of April 10, 2019, it was agreed that the Brexit would be postponed until October 31, 2019. At that moment, the EU treaties no longer applied to the United Kingdom. However, as part of the withdrawal agreement (the "Withdrawal Agreement"), the United Kingdom now finds itself in a period of implementation (the "Transition Period") during which the EU legislation still applies to the United Kingdom, which continues to be part of the single EU market, until the end of 2020 (with the possibility of extension). The terms for the United Kingdom to leave the EU, including the future relationship and access to the European Market, are not clear. The Withdrawal Agreement does not address, in general, the future relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom that should be the object of a separate agreement that has not yet been negotiated. To the extent that the United Kingdom determines what EU laws to replace or replicate, the Brexit can lead to diverging national laws and regulations. The uncertainty as to the terms of the Brexit and their possible effects, once implemented, can negatively affect the confidence of investors, and the economic conditions of the European or the global market. This, in turn, may adversely affect our business and/or the market value of our shares, preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs.

International Operations1 | 2.4%

International Operations - Risk 1

Changed

3.D.10.01-05 Developments and the perception of risk in Brazil and other countries, especially emerging market countries, may adversely affect the market price of Brazilian securities, including our shares, preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs.

The market value of securities of Brazilian companies is affected to varying degrees by economic and market conditions in other countries, including other Latin American and emerging market countries. Although economic conditions in these countries may differ significantly from economic conditions in Brazil, investors' reactions to developments in these other countries may have an adverse effect on the market value of securities of issuers based in Brazil. Crises in other emerging market countries may diminish investor interest in securities of issuers based in Brazil, including ours, which could adversely affect the market price of our shares, preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs.

Natural and Human Disruptions1 | 2.4%

Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1

Added

3.D.10.01-01 The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global and domestic economy may negatively affect our operations and financial position.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has generated great challenges and uncertainties around the world. It is the largest health crisis of our time, according to the WHO. In order to mitigate the impacts of this crisis, governments and central banks around the world have intervened in the economy of their countries and have adopted unconventional measures, like the closing of non-essential economic activity and actions of monetary stimulus, with the practice of zero interest rates in addition to fiscal expansion. However, it is not yet possible to affirm whether these measures will be sufficient to prevent a global recession in 2020. The scenario being traced for Brazil at the beginning of 2020 was positive, with projections that the country would have a substantial acceleration in GDP growth acceleration with additional advances in the reform agenda and the maintenance of interest rates at historically low levels. However, the Brazilian economy is not immune to a global crisis of such large proportions. Following confirmation of the first case of COVID-19 in Brazil in January, the number of infections have increased rapidly. The impact of the pandemic has generated certain negative impacts on the Brazilian economy, including: (i) higher risk aversion, with pressures on the exchange rate; (ii) greater difficulties in foreign trade; and (iii) an increase in the uncertainties of economic agents. These impacts have been intensifying over time. As a response to the crisis, regional governments in most parts of Brazil imposed restrictions that largely paralysed economic activity in Brazil. In order to combat some of the economic effects of the pandemic, Committee of the Central Bank (Comitê de Política Monetária – "COPOM") and the Central Bank have also implemented various measures, such as a decrease in the base interest rate from 4.25% to 3.75% (a new historic minimum – this reduction occurred in a context of well anchored inflationary expectations, core inflation at levels below the inflation target and high idle capacity in the economy, which had been gradually reducing in the previous quarters). In addition, the CMN, the Central Bank and the Federal Government have implemented a variety of measures to help the Brazilian economy face the adverse effects caused by the virus by means of: · Resolution No. 4,782/20, which aims to facilitate the renegotiation of loans to companies, allowing for adjustments in the cash flows of companies and not requiring the banks to increase the provisioning; · Resolution No. 4,783/20, which reduced the minimum capital requirements, in order to enhance the lending capacity of banks; · Resolution No. 4,784/20, which extends the effects of the 'tax assets arising from tax losses' in the calculation of the 'prudential adjustments' – as originally stipulated in Resolution No. 4,680/18; · Resolution No. 4,786/20, which aims to ensure the maintenance of adequate levels of liquidity in the National Financial System, allowing the Central Bank to grant loans through the Special Temporary Liquidity Line ("LTEL"), regulated by Circular No. 3,994/20; · Resolution No. 4,803/20, amendments to the criteria the measurement of provisions for doubtful debtors of the renegotiated operations by financial institutions and others authorized by the Central Bank, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With this Resolution, the reclassification of the renegotiated operations is permitted between March 1 and September 30, 2020 to the level they were classified into on February 29, 2020; · Circular No. 3,991/20, which dismissed the advance notification of the amendment of the opening hours and compliance with the mandatory and uninterrupted hours in the case of multiple banks, like ours; · Circular No. 3,993/20, which reduced the percentage of the compulsory on time deposits and perfects the rules of the Liquidity Coverage Ratio ("LCR"). The practical and joint effect of these measures is the improvement in the liquidity conditions of the National Financial System; and · Provisional Measure No. 930/20, which aims to eliminate the asymmetry of tax treatment between the results of the exchange rate variation on investments of banks abroad and the result of the hedge/overhedge for the foreign exchange hedging of these investment. In moments of higher volatility, like the current one, the exchange rate variations cause the overhedge to increase the consumption of capital of banks and extend the market volatility, with negative effects for its functionality. The proposed measure aims to correct this imbalance, eliminating this negative effect on the foreign exchange market and on banks. Legislative Powers have also tried to approve bills that minimize the repercussion of COVID-19, including proposing the temporary suspension of taxes (such as the relaxation of the IOF on loan and the deferral of payment of PIS/COFINS) and granting tax benefits to the sectors of the economy/workers most affected. However, projections estimate that Brazil will face an economic downturn in 2020. As the vast majority of our operations are conducted in Brazil, our results are significantly impacted by macroeconomic conditions in Brazil. We cannot control, and nor can we predict what measures or policies the government may adopt in response to the current or future economic situation in Brazil, nor how the intervention or government policies will affect the Brazilian economy and how they will affect our operations and revenue. Initially, we expect our assets and liabilities to be impacted as a result of the COVID-19, however, considering the current stage of the crisis and the approved date of the financial statements in IFRS it was not possible to estimate the impacts of the COVID-19. However, our activities are in full operational capability. Since the beginning of the pandemic, our actions have taken into account the guidelines of the Ministry of Health. We have established a crisis committee formed by the Chief Executive Officer, all Vice-Presidents and the Chief Risk Officer (CRO), which meets daily and reports periodically, to the Board of Directors, evaluations on the evolution of Covid-19 and its effects on operations. In addition, we have a Risk Committee, which plays an important role in verifying the various points and scope of these actions in the Organization. We launched the Business Continuity Plan (PCN), and since the second half of March 2020, we have intensified internal and external actions, in a consistent and timely manner, with the aim of minimizing the impacts involved, of which we highlight: · giving leave to employees of at-risk groups for an indefinite period of time; · increasing the number of employees working from home, with approximately 90% of our employees from the headquarters and offices and 50% of the branch employees working from home; · Financial instruments: whose fair value may vary significantly given the price volatility of these assets, especially those issued by private companies that have a higher credit risk; · Loans and advances and other credit exposures: we expect an increase in our level of arrears in the payment of loans, to the extent that the economic situation will deteriorate further, as well as facing significant challenges to take possession and realize the collateral resulting from guarantees related to loans in default; · Deferred tax assets: whose recoverability depends on future taxable profits, which may be affected depending on the consequences of the pandemic event if it extends over a long period of time; · Intangible assets: may have their recoverable amount impacted on the basis of the changes caused by the crisis to their main assumptions of realization, such as the rates of returns initially expected; · Funding: volatility, as well as uncertainties in credit and capital markets, generally reduces liquidity, which could result in an increase in the cost of funds for financial institutions, which may impact our ability to replace, appropriately and at reasonable costs, obligations that are maturing and/or the access to new resources to execute our growth strategy; · Technical provisions of insurance and pension plans: depending on the evolution of the crisis these may be impacted negatively given the possible increase in the level of claims, mainly in the "life" segment and a higher frequency of claims from "health" policyholders with the increased use of hospitals, furthermore, we may experience higher demand for early redemptions by pension plan participants, which would impact our revenues through a reduction in the management fees we charge; and · Civil and labor provisions: the number of labor lawsuits may increase as a result of third party suppliers that go bankrupt as we may be considered co-responsible in these lawsuits. It is also possible that we could experience a greater volume of civil processes, mainly involving reviews and contract renewals. One of the main objectives of our structure of risk management is monitor the allocation of capital and liquidity, aiming to maintain the levels of risk in accordance with the limits established and, in addition, monitor the economic scenarios actively (national and international), as well as the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and will make every effort to maintain the fullness of our operations, the services to the population, and the stability of the national financial system. We offer emergency lines of credit to companies, such as funds for the financing of payrolls, as well as the extension of the installments of loan operations to individuals for which the amounts in question, up to the date of this annual report, were immaterial. We will continue to measure the future financial and economic impacts related to the pandemic, although, they possess a certain level of uncertainty and depend on the development of pandemic, as its duration or deterioration cannot yet be predicted, which could continue adversely affecting the global and local economy for an indefinite period of time, which could negatively affects the results of financial institutions and consequently the performance of our operations.

Capital Markets3 | 7.1%

Capital Markets - Risk 1

Added

3.D.10.02-01 Currency exchange variations may have an adverse effect on the Brazilian economy and on our results and financial condition

Fluctuations in the value of the real may impact our business. After an extended period of appreciation, interrupted only in late 2008 as a result of the global crisis, the Brazilian real started to weaken in mid-2011, a trend which continued until mid-2016. After a brief period of stable exchange rates, the real was once again devalued against the dollar. Weaker currency periods make certain local manufacturers (particularly exporters) more competitive, but also make managing economic policy, particularly inflation, increasingly difficult, even with a slowdown in growth. A weaker real also adversely impacts companies based in Brazil with U.S. dollar indexed to and/or denominated debt. As of December 31, 2019, the net exposure in relation to our assets and liabilities denominated in, or indexed to, foreign currencies (primarily U.S. dollars) was 39.7% of our net asset. If the Brazilian currency devaluates or depreciates, we risk losses on our liabilities denominated in, or indexed to, foreign currencies, such as our U.S. dollar denominated long-term debt and foreign currency loans, and experience gains on our monetary assets denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, as the liabilities and assets are translated into reais. Accordingly, if our liabilities denominated in, or indexed to, foreign currencies significantly exceed our monetary assets denominated in, or indexed to, foreign currencies, including any financial instruments entered into for hedging purposes, a large devaluation or depreciation of the Brazilian currency could materially and adversely affect our financial results and the market price of our shares, preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs, even if the value of the liabilities has not changed in their originated currency. In addition, our lending transactions depend significantly on our capacity to match the cost of funds indexed to the U.S. dollar with the rates charged to our customers. A significant devaluation or depreciation of the U.S. dollar may affect our ability to attract customers on such terms or to charge rates indexed to the U.S. dollar. Conversely, when the Brazilian currency appreciates, we may incur losses on our monetary assets denominated in, or indexed to, foreign currencies, mainly, the U.S. dollar, and we may experience decreases in our liabilities denominated in, or indexed to, foreign currencies, as the liabilities and assets are converted into reais. Therefore, if our monetary assets denominated in, or indexed to, foreign currencies significantly exceed our liabilities denominated in, or indexed to, foreign currencies, including any financial instruments entered into for hedging purposes, a large appreciation of the Brazilian currency could materially and adversely affect our financial results even if the value of the monetary assets has not changed in their originated currency.

Capital Markets - Risk 2

Added

3.D.20.03-02 Our trading activities and derivatives transactions may produce material losses.

We engage in the trading of securities, buying debt and equity securities principally to sell them in the near term with the objective of generating profits on short-term differences in price. These investments could expose us to the possibility of material financial losses in the future, as securities are subject to fluctuations in value. In addition, we enter into derivatives transactions, mainly, to manage our exposure to interest rate and exchange rate risk. Such derivatives transactions are designed to protect us against increases or decreases in exchange rates or interest rates.

Capital Markets - Risk 3

Changed

3.D.20.03-01 Adverse conditions in the credit and capital markets, just like the value and/or perception of value of Brazilian government securities, may adversely affect our ability to access funding in a cost effective and/or timely manner.

Volatility as well as uncertainties in the credit and capital markets have generally decreased liquidity, with increased costs of funding for financial institutions and corporations. These conditions may impact our ability to replace, in a cost effective and/or timely manner, maturing liabilities and/or access funding to execute our growth strategy. Part of our funding originates from repurchase agreements, which are largely guaranteed by Brazilian government securities. These types of transaction are generally short-term and volatile in terms of volume, as they are directly impacted by market liquidity. As these transactions are typically guaranteed by Brazilian government securities, the value and/or perception of value of the Brazilian government securities may be significant for the availability of funds. For example, if the quality of the Brazilian government securities used as collateral is adversely affected, due to the worsening credit risk, the cost of these transactions could increase, making this source of funding inefficient for us. For further information about obligations for repurchase agreements, see "Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources – 5.B.20. Liquidity and funding". If the market shrinks, which could cause a reduction in volume, or if there is increased collateral credit risk and we are forced to take and/or pay unattractive interest rates, our financial condition and the results of our operations may be adversely affected.

Production

Total Risks: 4/42 (10%)Below Sector Average

Supply Chain3 | 7.1%

Supply Chain - Risk 1

Changed

3.D.20.04-02 We are liable for claims of our customers if our reinsurers fail to meet their obligations under the reinsurance contracts.

The purchase of reinsurance does not hold us harmless against our liability towards our clients if the reinsurer fails to meet its obligations under the reinsurance contracts. As a result, reinsurers' insolvency or failure to make timely payments under these contracts could have an adverse effect on us, given that we remain liable to our policyholders.

Supply Chain - Risk 2

Changed

3.D.20.08-01 Eventual dependence on services rendered by outsourced companies and suppliers/partners may negatively impact our business performance.

Due to the complexity of some services, we may become dependent on outsourced companies and suppliers. We may encounter difficulty replacing some outsourced companies or suppliers/partners. We are also subject to operational risks that are beyond our control but that nonetheless may impact negatively on our operations, making the delivery of products and services to our customers more difficult. Possible interruptions in the provision of our services due to the difficulty of finding replacements for some suppliers or other issues beyond our control arising from outsourced companies, may adversely affect the result of our operations and the market value of our shares, preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs.

Supply Chain - Risk 3

Added

3.D.20.02-02 We may incur losses associated with counterparty exposures.

Counterparties may default on their obligations due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failure or other reasons. This risk may arise, for example, as a result of entering into swap or other derivative contracts under which counterparties have obligations to make payments to us, executing currency or other trades that fail to settle at the required time due to non-delivery by the counterparty or systems failure by clearing agents, exchanges, clearing houses or other financial intermediaries. Such counterparty risk is more acute in complex markets where the risk of default by counterparties is higher.

Costs1 | 2.4%

Costs - Risk 1

Changed

3.D.20.04-01 Our losses in connection with insurance claims may vary from time to time. Differences between the losses from actual claims, underwriting and reserving assumptions and the related provisions may have an adverse effect on us.

The results of our operations depend significantly upon the extent to which our actual claims are consistent with the assumptions we used to assess our potential future policy and claim liabilities and to price our insurance products. We seek to limit our responsibility and price our insurance products based on the expected payout of benefits, calculated using several factors, such as assumptions for investment returns, mortality and morbidity rates, expenses, persistency, and certain macroeconomic factors, such as inflation and interest rates. These assumptions may deviate from our prior experience, due to factors beyond our control such as natural disasters (floods, explosions and fires), man-made disasters (riots, gang or terrorist attacks) or changes in mortality and morbidity rates as a result of advances in medical technology and longevity or increases in mortality rates as a result of the covid-19 pandemic, among others. Therefore, we cannot determine precisely the amounts that we will ultimately pay to settle these liabilities, when these payments will need to be made, or whether the assets supporting our policy liabilities, together with future premiums and contributions, will be sufficient for payment of these liabilities. These amounts may vary from the estimated amounts, particularly when those payments do not occur until well in the future, which is the case with certain of our life insurance products. Accordingly, the establishment of the related provisions is inherently uncertain and our actual losses usually deviate, sometimes substantially, from such estimated amounts. To the extent that actual claims are less favorable than the underlying assumptions used in establishing such liabilities, we may be required to increase our provisions, which may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 2/42 (5%)Below Sector Average

Cyber Security2 | 4.8%

Cyber Security - Risk 1

Changed

3.D.20.05-01 A failure in, or breach of, our operational, security or technology systems could temporarily interrupt our businesses, increasing our costs and causing losses.

We operate to provide security for the proper running of the business and to achieve the objectives established in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, ensuring processes have efficient controls. We constantly invest in the improvement and evolution of safety controls, resilience, continuity and management of our information technology systems and as a result have created an environment with a high capacity to process data for our operating systems and our financial and accounting systems. Due to the nature of our operations, the wide range of products and services offered and the significant volume of activities and operations performed, as well as the global context, where there is an ever-increasing integration among platforms, dependency on technology and on the internet, our information technology systems are exposed to various types of risks, due to both internal or external factors. We and other financial institutions, including governmental entities, have already experienced cyber security events in relation to our information technology systems. Due to the controls, we have in place, we have not experienced any material loss of data from these attacks to date, neither from hardware nor from a data information loss perspective. However, considering the use of new technologies, the increasing dependency on the internet and the changing and sophisticated nature of cyber security events, it is not possible to predict all the means that will be used by individuals or organizations with harmful intent. We believe that risk management is essential to ensure the long-term stability of financial institutions, whose processes involves several areas with specific assignments, ensuring an efficient structure. Item 4.B deals with other existing controls to mitigate the risks in more detail.

Cyber Security - Risk 2

Added

3.D.20.09-01 Cyber risk in an environment of third parties/service providers, may cause temporary unavailability, loss or leakage of information of the Organization or disruption in data confidentiality/integrity and/or services.

We treat cyber security at the highest strategic levels – the Board of Directors, Diretoria Executiva, Risk Committee, and the Executive Committee of PLD-FT/Sanctions and Security of Information/Cyber. We have a set of controls, represented by procedures, processes, structures, policies, standards and IT solutions that meet the principles of protection relating to confidentiality, availability and integrity of information. In addition, We believe we have adopted the best market practices and frameworks in processes, methodology in the management of cyber risk, as well as prevention and treatment of information and cybersecurity incidents. Accordingly, the following procedures are carried out: identification of threats, protection against attacks, detection, responses and recovery from attacks. We defined the cyber risk as the possibility of cyber incidents that may compromise the confidentiality, integrity and/or availability of critical business processes, assets and/or critical IT infrastructure of the Organization. The structure of cyber risk management aims to ensure governance compatible with our size, risk profile and business model, to ensure that our assets and critical IT infrastructure are capable of withstanding cyber-attacks. Such a structure is adopted corporately and the theme of Cyber Security is managed by the Department of Corporate Security and Department of IT infrastructure, with the involvement of various areas of the Organization, which have specific assignments, ensuring an efficient structure in the control and mitigation of risks, allowing them to be identified, measured, processed and communicated, contributing so that the strategic objectives are achieved. To mitigate cyber risk with respect to relevant service providers, we include the appropriate contractual clauses, aligned with the requirements of cybersecurity and in accordance with the requirements of Resolution No. 4,658/18 of the Central Bank. In addition, we have policies formalizing the responsibility for disseminating the culture of cybersecurity with training programs and periodic assessment of personnel. The costs to us of addressing cyber risk and security vulnerabilities could be significant and remedying the issues may result in interruptions, delays and may affect clients and partners.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 1/42 (2%)Below Sector Average

Competition1 | 2.4%

Competition - Risk 1

Changed

3.D.20.07-01 The increasingly competitive environment in the Brazilian banking and insurance segments may have a negative impact on our business prospects.

The markets for financial, banking and insurance services in Brazil are highly competitive. We face significant competition in all of our main areas of operation from other large banks and insurance companies, both public and private based in Brazil and abroad, in addition to new players, such as fintechs and startups that begin to operate with a differentiated and reduced level of regulation. It should be noted that major technology companies are also strong competitors, seeking to invest in online payment systems and financial transactions tools by means of various types of applications. This competitive environment combined with the accelerated process of digital innovation in the institutions could result in a lack of specialized labor with an impact on the growth capacity or extraordinary costs for new business models, which may negatively affect our financial condition, the result of our operations and the market value of our shares, preferred share ADSs and common share ADSs.

See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.

FAQ

What are “Risk Factors”?

Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.

They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.

It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.

How do companies disclose their risk factors?

Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.

Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.

Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.

According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.

How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?

Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.

You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.

Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.

A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.

What are all the risk factor categories?

TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.

1. Financial & Corporate

Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.

2. Legal & Regulatory

Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.

3. Production

Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.

4. Technology & Innovation

Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.

5. Ability to Sell

Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.

6. Macro & Political

Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.

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