Debt market strategy
The Treasury Department is responsible for managing a number of issues, including liquidity and wholesale market activities. Access to the wholesale markets allows the Society to smooth out variations in savings flows and moderates reliance upon traditional sources of funding. The Society has raised wholesale funds by issuing floating and fixed rate notes under its medium term note programme and by issuing residential mortgage backed securities through Darrowby No. 1 plc. The Society has also raised quasi-capital via the issue of subordinated debt and Permanent Interest Bearing Shares (PIBS).
Our funding strategy is consistently evolving, and like many financial institutions, we rely on other forms of funding, such as money market deposits and repo facilities. As a mutual, the Group is legally required to obtain at least 50% of its funding through retail member deposits. As at 31 December 2011 this percentage was 80% which is significantly in excess of the minimum requirement. It is the Society's aim to maintain a position which is significantly above the legal limit.
Credit ratings
The Society believes its credit status to be strong, and in line with all major financial institutions, is rated by two of the three main worldwide agencies, Moody's and Fitch. We keep both updated with our results and other significant events on a regular basis and our current grades are as follows:
| |
Short Term Rating |
Long Term Rating |
Last Review |
| Fitch |
F3 |
BBB |
04/11/2011 |
| Moodys |
Not Prime |
Ba1 |
07/10/2011 |
Treasury contacts
| |
Title |
| Anthony Chapman |
Head of Capital Markets |
| Paul Rixon |
Money Market Manager |
If you would like to contact the Treasury Department by email please click here: investor.relations@skipton.co.uk. We aim to reply to all questions within 2 working days and would welcome contact from current investors.