UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F
(Mark One)
   
  o
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
OR
  x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007
 
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
  Commission file number:  1-14554
 
BANCO SANTANDER-CHILE
(d/b/a Santander, Banco Santander, Banco Santander Santiago, and Santander Santiago)
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
SANTANDER-CHILE BANK
(d/b/a Santander, Banco Santander, Santander Santiago Bank, and Santander Santiago)
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
 
Chile
(Jurisdiction of incorporation)
 
Bandera 140
Santiago, Chile
Telephone: 011-562 320-2000
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
American Depositary Shares, each representing the right to receive 1,039 Shares of
Common Stock without par value
 
New York Stock Exchange
Shares of Common Stock, without par value*
 
New York Stock Exchange

*
Santander-Chile’s shares of common stock are not listed for trading, but only in connection with the registration of the American Depositary Shares pursuant to the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.
 
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
None
 
(Title of Class)
 
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
 
7.375% Subordinated Notes due 2012
 
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each class of common stock of Banco Santander-Chile at December 31, 2007, was:
 
188,446,126,794 Shares of Common Stock, without par value
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
 
x  Yes     o   No
 
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
o  Yes     x No
 
Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
x  Yes   o No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer x          Accelerated filer o         Non-Accelerated filer  o
 
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
 
o  U.S. GAAP
 
o  International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board
 
x  Other

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
 
o  Item 17       x  Item 18
 
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
o  Yes      x   No
 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 


 
Page
1
2
4
PART I 5
5
5
5
21
37
38
99
110
113
114
115
136
158
159
159
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
159
159
161
161
161
162
162
162
PART III 162
162
162
162
 
 
 
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
We have made statements in this Annual Report on Form 20-F that constitute forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements appear throughout this report and include statements regarding our intent, belief or current expectations regarding:
 
 
·
asset growth and alternative sources of funding
 
 
·
growth of our fee based business
 
 
·
financing plans
 
 
·
impact of competition
 
 
·
impact of regulation
 
 
·
exposure to market risks:
 
 
·
interest rate risk
 
 
·
foreign exchange risk
 
 
·
equity price risk
 
 
·
projected capital expenditures
 
 
·
liquidity
 
 
·
trends affecting:
 
 
·
our financial condition
 
 
·
our results of operation
 
The sections of this Annual Report which contain forward-looking statements include, without limitation, “Item 3: Key Information—Risk Factors,” “Item 4: Information on the Company—Strategy,” “Item 5: Operating and Financial Review and Prospects,” “Item 8: Financial Information—Legal Proceedings,” and “Item 11: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” Our forward-looking statements also may be identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “intends,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “seeks,” “aim,” “combined,” “estimates,” “probability,” “risk,” “VaR,” “target,” “goal,” “objective,” “future” or similar expressions.
 
You should understand that the following important factors, in addition to those discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report and in the documents which are incorporated by reference, could affect our future results and could cause those results or other outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in our forward looking statements:
 
 
·
changes in capital markets in general that may affect policies or attitudes towards lending to Chile or Chilean companies
 
 
·
changes in economic conditions
 
 
·
the monetary and interest rate policies of the Central Bank
 
 
·
inflation
 
 
·
deflation
 
 
·
unemployment
 
 
 
 
·
unanticipated turbulence in interest rates
 
 
·
movements in foreign exchange rates
 
 
·
movements in equity prices or other rates or prices
 
 
·
changes in Chilean and foreign laws and regulations
 
 
·
changes in taxes
 
 
·
competition, changes in competition and pricing environments
 
 
·
our inability to hedge certain risks economically
 
 
·
the adequacy of loss allowances
 
 
·
technological changes
 
 
·
changes in consumer spending and saving habits
 
 
·
increased costs
 
 
·
unanticipated increases in financing and other costs or the inability to obtain additional debt or equity financing on attractive terms
 
 
·
changes in, or failure to comply with, banking regulations
 
 
·
our ability to successfully market and sell additional services to our existing customers
 
 
·
disruptions in client service
 
 
·
natural disasters
 
 
·
implementation of new technologies
 
 
·
an inaccurate or ineffective client segmentation model
 
You should not place undue reliance on such statements, which speak only as of the date that they were made. The forward looking statements contained in this document speak only as of the date of this Annual Report, and we do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
 
CERTAIN TERMS AND CONVENTIONS
 
As used in this Annual Report, “Santander-Chile”, “the Bank”, “we,” “our” and “us” mean Banco Santander-Chile and its consolidated subsidiaries, the bank resulting from the merger of Santiago and Old Santander-Chile.
 
When we refer to “Santiago” in this Annual Report, we refer to Banco Santiago and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to its merger with Old Santander-Chile. When we refer to “Old Santander-Chile” in this Annual Report, we refer to the former Banco Santander-Chile and its consolidated subsidiaries, which ceased to exist upon its merger into Santiago, effected on August 1, 2002.
 
When we refer to “Banco Santander Spain” or “Santander Spain”, we refer to our parent company Banco Santander, S.A.
 
As used in this Annual Report, the term “billion” means one thousand million (1,000,000,000).
 
In this Annual Report, references to “$”, “US$”, “U.S. dollars” and “dollars” are to United States dollars, references to “Chilean pesos,” “pesos” or “Ch$” are to Chilean pesos and references to “UF” are to Unidades de
 
 
 
Fomento. The UF is an inflation indexed Chilean monetary unit with a value in Chilean pesos that changes daily to reflect changes in the official Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) of the Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas (the Chilean National Institute of Statistics) for the previous month. See “Item 5: Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and Note 1(d) to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
In this Annual Report, references to the Audit Committee are to the Bank’s Comité de Directores y Auditoría.
 
In this Annual Report, references to “BIS” are to the Bank for International Settlement, and references to “BIS ratio” are to the capital adequacy ratio as calculated in accordance with the Basel Capital Accord.
 
 
 
PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Currency and Accounting Principles
 
Santander-Chile is a Chilean bank and maintains its financial books and records in Chilean pesos and prepares its Audited Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Chile and the rules of the Superintendencia de Bancos e Instituciones Financieras de Chile (the Superintendency of Banks and Financial Institutions, which is referred to herein as the “Superintendency of Banks”), which together differ in certain significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). References to “Chilean GAAP” in this Annual Report are to accounting principles generally accepted in Chile, as supplemented by the applicable rules of the Superintendency of Banks. See Note 28 to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Santander-Chile as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, and for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, contained elsewhere in this Annual Report (together with the notes thereto, the “Audited Consolidated Financial Statements”) for a description of the principal differences between Chilean GAAP and U.S. GAAP, as they relate to Santander-Chile, and a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of net income and shareholders’ equity.
 
Pursuant to Chilean GAAP, amounts expressed in the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and all other amounts included elsewhere throughout this Annual Report for all periods expressed in Chilean pesos are expressed in constant Chilean pesos as of December 31, 2007. See Note 1(c) to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Loans
 
Unless otherwise specified, all references herein (except in the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements) to loans are to loans and financial leases before deduction for loan loss allowance, and, except as otherwise specified, all market share data presented herein are based on information published periodically by the Superintendency of Banks. Non performing loans include loans for which either principal or interest is overdue, and which do not accrue interest. Restructured loans for which no payments are overdue are not ordinarily classified as non performing loans. Past due loans include, with respect to any loan, only the portion of principal and interest that is overdue for 90 or more days, and do not include the installments of such loan that are not overdue or that are overdue for less than 90 days, unless legal proceedings have been commenced for the entire outstanding balance according to the terms of the loan, in which case the entire loan is considered past due within 90 days after initiation of such proceedings. This practice differs from that normally followed in the United States, where the amount classified as past due would include the entire amount of principal and interest on any and all loans which have any portion overdue. See “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Classification of Loan Portfolio Based on the Borrower’s Payment Performance.”
 
According to the regulations established by the Superintendency of Banks, Santander-Chile is required to charge-off commercial loan installments no later than 24 months after being classified as past due, if unsecured, and if secured, no later than 36 months after being classified as past due. When an installment of a past due corporate loan (whether secured or unsecured) is charged-off, we must charge-off all installments which are overdue, notwithstanding our right to charge-off the entire amount of the loan. Once any amount of a loan is charged off, each subsequent installment must be charged off as it becomes overdue, notwithstanding our right to charge-off the entire amount of the loan. In the case of past due consumer loans, a similar practice applies, except that after the first installment becomes three months past due, Santander-Chile must charge-off the entire remaining part of the loan. We may charge-off any loan (whether commercial or consumer) before the first installment becomes overdue, but only in accordance with special procedures established by the Superintendency of Banks. Loans are charged off against the loan loss reserve to the extent of any required allowances for such loans; the remainder of such loans is charged off against income. See “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Analysis of Loan Loss Allowance.”
 
Outstanding loans and the related percentages of Santander-Chile’s loan portfolio consisting of corporate and consumer loans in the section entitled “Item 4: B. Business Overview” are categorized based on the nature of the borrower. Outstanding loans and related percentages of the loan portfolio of Santander-Chile consisting of corporate and consumer loans in the section entitled “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information” are categorized in accordance with the reporting requirements of the Superintendency of Banks, which are based on the type and term of loans.
 
 
 
Effect of Rounding
 
Certain figures included in this Annual Report and in the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements have been rounded for ease of presentation. Percentage figures included in this Annual Report have not in all cases been calculated on the basis of such rounded figures but on the basis of such amounts prior to rounding. For this reason, certain percentage amounts in this Annual Report may vary from those obtained by performing the same calculations using the figures in the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. Certain other amounts that appear in this Annual Report may not sum due to rounding.
 
Economic and Market Data
 
In this Annual Report, unless otherwise indicated, all macro economic data related to the Chilean economy is based on information published by the Banco Central de Chile (the “Central Bank”), and all market share and other data related to the Chilean financial system is based on information published by the Superintendency of Banks and our analysis of such information. Information regarding the consolidated risk index of the Chilean financial system as a whole is not available.
 
Exchange Rates
 
This Annual Report contains translations of certain Chilean peso amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. These translations should not be construed as representations that the Chilean peso amounts actually represent such U.S. dollar amounts, were converted from U.S. dollars at the rate indicated in preparing the audited consolidated financial statements, could be converted into U.S. dollars at the rate indicated, were converted or will be converted at all.
 
Unless otherwise indicated, all the U.S. dollar amounts at any year end or for any full year have been translated from Chilean pesos based on the interbank market rate published by Reuters at 1:30pm on the last business day of the year. The market rate informed by Reuters on December 31, 2007, was Ch$497.78 per US$1.00. Our subsidiaries use the first observed exchange rate published by the Central Bank of Chile for 2008 on Jan. 2, 2008. The observed exchange rate reported by the Central Bank on December 31, 2007, was Ch$495.82 per US$1.00 and Ch$496.89 on Jan. 2, 2008. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not report a noon buying rate for the Chilean peso. For more information on the observed exchange rate. See “Item 3: A. Selected Financial Data—Exchange Rates.”
 
PART I
 
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS
 
Not Applicable.
 
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
 
Not Applicable.
 
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
 
A. Selected Financial Data
 
The following table presents historical financial information about us as of the dates and for each of the periods indicated. The following table should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. Our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with Chilean GAAP, which differs in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. Note 28 to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements provides a description of the material differences between Chilean GAAP and U.S. GAAP and a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of net income for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, and shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2006 and 2007.
 

 
   
At and for the years ended December 31,
 
   
2003
   
2004
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ of December 31, 2007)(1)
   
(in thousands of US$)(1)(2)
 
             
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT DATA
                                   
Chilean GAAP:
                                   
Net interest revenue (3)
    352,656       539,896       599,801       657,806       825,616       1,658,596  
Provisions for loan losses
    (78,549 )     (91,809 )     (69,706 )     (132,175 )     (182,411 )     (366,449 )
Total fees and income from services, net
    130,303       137,527       151,813       174,643       192,925       387,571  
Other operating income, net (3)
    185,832       15,838       (14,606 )     20,030       (79,726 )     (160,163 )
Other income and expenses, net
    2,338       (4,614 )     (23,553 )     (3,846 )     6,423       12,904  
Operating expenses
    (291,574 )     (305,004 )     (306,170 )     (332,293 )     (342,684 )     (688,425 )
Loss from price-level restatement
    (8,973 )     (13,623 )     (19,902 )     (14,807 )     (56,325 )     (113,152 )
Income before income taxes
    292,033       278,211       317,677       369,358       363,818       730,881  
Income (taxes) benefits
    (50,889 )     (52,202 )     (54,671 )     (62,529 )     (55,171 )     (110,834 )
Net income
    241,144       226,009       263,006       306,829       308,647       620,047  
Net income per share (7)
    1.28       1.20       1.40       1.63       1.64       0.00329  
Net income per ADS (4)(7)
    1,329.55       1,246.10       1,450.09       1,691.71       1,701.73       3.42  
Dividends per share (5)
    0.98       1.28       1.20       0.90       1.06       0.00106  
Dividends per ADS (5)
    1,015.89       1,329.55       1,246.10       942.55       1,099.61       2.21  
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in millions)
    188,446.1       188,446.1       188,446.1       188,446.1       188,446.1        
                                                 
U.S. GAAP:
                                               
Net interest income (6)
    328,930       510,003       606,874       678,572       807,291       1,621,783  
Provision for loan losses
    (99,945 )     (74,052 )     (70,835 )     (132,175 )     (191,189 )     (384,083 )
Net income
    208,220       226,160       248,011       253,468       227,604       457,237  
Net income per Share (7)
    1.10       1.20       1.32       1.35       1.21       0.00243  
Net income per ADS (4)(7)
    1,148.02       1,246.93       1,367.41       1,397.50       1,254.90       2.52  
Weighted-avg. shares outstanding (in millions)
    188,446.10       188,446.10       188,446.10       188,446.10       188,446.1        
Weighted-avg. ADS outstanding (in millions)
    181.373       181.373       181.373       181.373       181.373        
                                                 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA
                                               
Chilean GAAP:
                                               
Cash and due from banks
    1,146,529       1,078,060       1,344,000       1,173,682       1,291,634       2,594,789  
Investments (8)
    2,229,537       2,261,837       1,369,429       1,090,920       1,819,266       3,654,759  
Loans, net of allowances
    8,680,393       9,602,618       10,967,834       12,479,044       13,236,214       26,590,491  
Loan loss allowances
    (195,998 )     (197,008 )     (162,234 )     (187,014 )     (232,766 )     (467,608 )
Derivatives (9)
                449,953       400,416       780,775       1,568,514  
Other assets (3)
    333,402       475,492       659,445       803,730       1,094,841       2,199,447  
Total assets  (6)
    12,723,280       13,722,924       14,790,662       15,947,792       18,222,730       36,608,000  
Deposits
    6,439,090       7,670,933       8,860,279       10,091,122       10,821,355       21,739,232  
Other interest-bearing liabilities
    3,950,509       3,597,911       3,118,682       2,817,251       3,713,460       7,460,043  
Derivatives (9)
                420,975       382,403       778,217       1,563,375  
Shareholders' equity
    1,185,353       1,172,996       1,186,962       1,337,992       1,438,042       2,888,911  
                                                 
U.S. GAAP:
                                               
Total assets
    12,310,365       13,447,843       14,737,134       15,776,131       17,883,856       35,727,229  
Long-term borrowings
    2,793,310       2,052,132       1,566,415       1,703,576       2,597,095       5,217,355  
Shareholders' equity
    2,107,428       2,097,439       2,082,730       2,169,921       2,196,797       4,413,191  
Goodwill
    866,526       866,526       866,526       866,526       866,526       1,740,781  

 

 
   
At and for the year ended
December 31,
 
   
2003
   
2004
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
                               
CONSOLIDATED RATIOS
                             
Chilean GAAP:
                             
Profitability and performance:
                             
Net interest margin (10)
    3.0 %     4.5 %     4.7 %     4.7 %     5.8 %
Return on average total assets (11)
    1.8 %     1.7 %     1.8 %     1.9 %     1.9 %
Return on average shareholders’ equity (12)
    22.1 %     20.2 %     24.1 %     24.8 %     23.4 %
Capital:
                                       
Average shareholders’ equity as a percentage of average total assets
    8.1 %     8.2 %     7.4 %     7.8 %     8.0 %
Total liabilities as a multiple of shareholders’ equity
    9.7       11.7       12.1       11.9       12.7  
Credit Quality:
                                       
Substandard loans as a percentage of total loans (13)
    3.6 %     3.7 %     2.6 %     2.9 %     3.3 %
Allowance for loan losses as percentage of total loans
    2.2 %     2.0 %     1.5 %     1.5 %     1.7 %
Past due loans as a percentage of total loans (14)
    2.2 %     1.5 %     1.1 %     0.8 %     0.9 %
Operating Ratios:
                                       
Operating expenses/operating revenue (15)
    43.6 %     44.0 %     41.5 %     39.0 %     36.5 %
Operating expenses/average total assets
    2.2 %     2.2 %     2.1 %     2.1 %     1.9 %
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (16):
                                       
Including interest on deposits
    1.81       1.77       1.65       1.61       1.43  
Excluding interest on deposits
    2.34       2.26       2.46       2.56       2.22  
                                         
U.S. GAAP(17):
                                       
Profitability and performance:
                                       
Net interest margin (18)
    2.8 %     4.3 %     4.8 %     4.8 %     5.7 %
Return on average total assets (19)
    1.6 %     1.8 %     1.7 %     1.6 %     1.4 %
Return on average shareholders’ equity (20)
    9.9 %     10.8 %     11.9 %     11.7 %     10.4 %
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (16):
                                       
Including interest on deposits
    1.83       1.87       1.71       1.60       1.38  
Excluding interest on deposits
    2.35       2.43       2.51       2.52       1.99  
                                         
OTHER DATA
                                       
Inflation Rate(21)
    1.1 %     2.4 %     3.7 %     2.6 %     7.8 %
Revaluation (devaluation) rate (Ch$/US$) at period end (21)
    (15.9 %)     (6.6 %)     (8.1 %)     3.9 %     (7.2 %)
Number of employees at period end
    7,535       7,380       7,482       8,184       9,174  
Number of branches and offices at period end (22)
    345       315       364       413       467  
 

(1)
Except per share data, percentages and ratios, share numbers, employee numbers and branch numbers.
 
(2)
Amounts stated in U.S. dollars at and for the year ended December 31, 2007, have been translated from Chilean pesos at the interbank market  exchange rate of Ch$497.78 = US$1.00 as of December 31, 2007. See “Item 3: A. Selected Financial Data—Exchange Rates” for more information on the observed exchange rate.
 
(3)
In accordance with Circular No. 3345 issued by the Superintendency of Banks, which became effective on June 30, 2006, the accounting standards for valuing financial instruments acquired for trading or investment purposes, including derivative instruments on the balance sheets, were amended. The new accounting standards require that these instruments be carried at their market or fair value, and the historical differences in valuation of such instruments recognized with respect to any dates prior to 2006 be adjusted directly against the Bank’s equity. Banks were required to adopt the new accounting standards set forth in Circular No. 3345 in preparing their financial statements at and for the six-months ended June 30, 2006, and going forward. In order to implement these new accounting standards, we have created a new line item “derivatives” under both “assets” and “liabilities” in our consolidated balance sheet, and reclassified certain other items within other assets, other liabilities, financial instruments, interest income, interest expenses and other operating income, net, in our consolidated balance sheet and income statement at and for the year ended December 31, 2006. For comparison purposes, we have also retrospectively reclassified these items at December 31, 2005, but did not retrospectively apply the new accounting standards to these items. We did not reclassify any of these items at any date or for any period prior to 2005. See “Item 5: A. Accounting Standards for Financial Investments and Derivatives.”
 
(4)
1 ADS = 1,039 shares of common stock.
 
(5)
The dividends per share of common stock and per ADS are determined based on the previous year’s net income. The dividend per ADS is calculated on the basis of 1,039 shares per ADS.
 
(6)
Net interest income and total assets on a U.S. GAAP basis have been determined by applying the relevant U.S. GAAP adjustments to net interest income and total assets presented in accordance with Article 9 of Regulation S-X. See Note 28 to our Consolidated Financial Statements at and for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004, and Note 28 of our
 
 
 
  Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F.
 
(7)
Net income per share and per ADS in accordance with U.S. GAAP has been calculated on the basis of the weighted-average number of shares or ADSs, as applicable, outstanding during the period.
 
(8)
Includes principally Chilean government securities, corporate securities, other financial investments and investment collateral under agreements to repurchase (reverse repo).
 
(9)
For figures at December 31, 2006 and 2007, derivatives are valued at market price and classified as a separate line item on the balance sheet. Our derivatives holdings at December 31, 2005, have been reclassified from “other assets” and “other liabilities” to “derivatives”, but have not been marked to market as would be required under currently applicable accounting principles. At prior dates, derivatives are classified under “other assets” or “other liabilities”, and generally recorded at net notional amount. See “Item 5: A. Accounting Standards for Financial Investments and Derivatives” and Note 1 of our Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(10)
Net interest revenue divided by average interest earning assets (as presented in “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information”).
 
(11)
Net income divided by average total assets (as presented in “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information”).
 
(12)
Net income divided by average shareholders’ equity (as presented in “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information”).
 
(13)
Substandard loans in the old rating system included all loans rated B- or worse. In the new loan risk classification system which took effect in 2004, substandard loans include all consumer and mortgage loans rated B- or worse and all commercial loans rated C2 or worse. See “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Analysis of Substandard Loans and Amounts Past Due.” Therefore, the historical figures in 2003 are not strictly comparable to figures in 2004, 2005, 2006 or 2007.
 
(14)
Past due loans are loans the principal or interest amount of which is overdue for 90 or more days, and do not include the installments of such loans that are not overdue or that are less than 90 days overdue, unless legal proceedings have been commenced for the entire outstanding balance according to the terms of the loan.
 
(15)
Operating revenue includes “Net interest revenue,” “Total fees and income from services, net” and “Other operating income, net.”
 
(16)
For the purpose of computing the ratios of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of earnings before income tax and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of gross interest expense and the proportion deemed representative of the interest factor of rental expense.
 
(17)
The following ratios have been calculated using U.S. GAAP figures except for net interest margin. See footnote 18 regarding calculation of net interest margin.
 
(18)
Net interest margin has been determined by applying the relevant U.S. GAAP adjustments to net interest income for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, presented in accordance with Article 9 of Regulation S-X divided by average interest earning assets calculated on a Chilean GAAP basis. See Note 28(y) to our Consolidated Financial Statements at and for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, and Note 28(v) of our Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
 
(19)
Net income divided by average total assets. Average total assets were calculated as an average of the beginning and ending balances for each year, and total assets on a U.S. GAAP basis have been determined by applying the relevant U.S. GAAP adjustments to total assets presented in accordance with Article 9 of Regulation S-X. See Note 28 to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(20)
Average shareholders’ equity was calculated as an average of the beginning and ending balances for each year. Shareholders’ equity on a U.S. GAAP basis has been determined by applying the relevant U.S. GAAP adjustments to shareholders’ equity presented in accordance with Article 9 of Regulation S-X. See Note 28 to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(21)
Based on information published by the Central Bank.
 
(22)         Figures prior to 2005 do not include special payment centers.
 
Exchange Rates
 
Chile has two currency markets, the Mercado Cambiario Formal, or the Formal Exchange Market and the Mercado Cambiario Informal, or the Informal Exchange Market. According to Law 18,840, the organic law of the Central Bank, and the Central Bank Act (Ley Orgánica Constitucional del Banco Central de Chile), the Central Bank determines which purchases and sales of foreign currencies must be carried out in the Formal Exchange Market. Pursuant to Central Bank regulations which are currently in effect, all payments, remittances or transfers of foreign currency abroad which are required to be effected through the Formal Exchange Market may be effected with foreign currency procured outside the Formal Exchange Market. The Formal Exchange Market is comprised of the banks and other entities so authorized by the Central Bank. The conversion from pesos to U.S. dollars of all
 
 
 
payments and distributions with respect to the ADSs described in this Annual Report must be transacted at the spot market rate in the Formal Exchange Market. Current regulations require that the Central Bank be informed of certain transactions and that they be effected through the Formal Exchange Market.
 
Purchases and sales of foreign currencies performed may be legally carried out in the Informal Exchange Market. The Informal Exchange Market reflects transactions carried out at informal exchange rates by entities not expressly authorized to operate in the Formal Exchange Market. There are no limits imposed on the extent to which the rate of exchange in the Informal Exchange Market can fluctuate above or below the observed exchange rate. On December 31, 2007, and March 31, 2008, the exchange rate in the Informal Exchange Market as published by Reuters at 1:30pm on these days was Ch$497.78 and Ch$436.15, or 0.4% and -0.67%, respectively, more expensive than the published observed exchange rate for such date of Ch$495.82 and Ch$439.09, respectively, per US$1.00.
 
The following table sets forth the annual low, high, average and period end observed exchange rate for U.S. dollars for each of the following periods, as reported by the Central Bank. We make no representation that the Chilean peso or the U.S. dollar amounts referred to herein actually represent, could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars or Chilean pesos, as the case may be, at the rates indicated, at any particular rate or at all.
 
   
Daily Observed Exchange Rate Ch$ Per US$(1)
 
 
Year
 
Low(2)
   
High(2)
   
Average(3)
   
Period End(4)
 
2003
    593.10       758.21       691.54       599.42  
2004
    559.21       649.45       609.55       559.83  
2005
    509.70       592.75       559.86       514.21  
2006
    511.44       549.63       530.26       534.43  
2007
    493.14       548.67       522.69       495.82  
                                 
 
Month 
                               
December 2007
    495.49       506.79       499.28       495.82  
January 2008
    463.58       498.05       480.90       465.30  
February 2008
    458.02       476.44       467.22       458.02  
March 2008
    431.22       454.94       442.94       439.09  
April 2008
    433.98       459.16       446.43       459.16  
May 2008
    461.49       479.66       470.10       479.66  
June 2008 (throughout June 25)
    479.54       505.11       490.32       505.11  
 

Source: Central Bank.
 
(1)
Nominal figures.
 
(2)
Exchange rates are the actual low and high, on a day-by-day basis for each period.
 
(3)
The average of monthly average rates during the year.
 
(4)
As reported by the Central Bank the first business day of the following period.

 
Dividends
 
Under the current General Banking Law, a Chilean bank may only pay a single dividend per year (i.e., interim dividends are not permitted). Santander-Chile’s annual dividend is proposed by its Board of Directors and is approved by the shareholders at the annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting held the year following that in which the dividend is generated. For example, the 2007 dividend must be proposed and approved during the first four months of 2008. Following shareholder approval, the proposed dividend is declared and paid. Historically, the dividend for a particular year has been declared and paid no later than one month following the shareholders’ meeting. Dividends are paid to shareholders of record on the fifth day preceding the date set for payment of the dividend. The applicable record dated for the payment of dividends to holders of ADSs will, to the extent practicable, be the same.
 
Under the General Banking Law a bank must distribute cash dividends in respect of any fiscal year in an amount equal to at least 30% of its net income for that year, as long as the dividend does not result in the infringement of minimal capital requirements. The balances of our distributable net income are generally retained for use in our business (including for the maintenance of any required legal reserves). Although our Board of Directors currently intends to pay regular annual dividends, the amount of dividend payments will depend upon,
 
 
 
among other factors, our then current level of earnings, capital and legal reserve requirements, as well as market conditions, and there can be no assurance as to the amount or timing of future dividends.
 
Dividends payable to holders of ADSs are net of foreign currency conversion expenses of the Bank of New York as depositary (the “Depositary”) and will be subject to the Chilean withholding tax currently at the rate of 35% (subject to credits in certain cases as described in “Item 10: E. Taxation—Material Tax Consequences of Owning Shares of Our Common Stock or ADSs).
 
Under the Foreign Investment Contract (as defined herein), the Depositary, on behalf of ADS holders, is granted access to the Formal Exchange Market to convert cash dividends from Chilean pesos to U.S. dollars and to pay such U.S. dollars to ADS holders outside Chile, net of taxes, and no separate registration by ADS holders is required. In the past, Chilean law required that holders of shares of Chilean companies who were not residents of Chile to register as foreign investors under one of the foreign investment regimes contemplated by Chilean law in order to have dividends, sale proceeds or other amounts with respect to their shares remitted outside Chile through the Formal Exchange Market. On April 19, 2001, the Central Bank deregulated the Exchange Market eliminating the need to obtain approval from the Central Bank in order to remit dividends, but at the same time this eliminated the possibility of accessing the Formal Exchange Market. These changes do not affect the current Foreign Investment Contract, which was signed prior to April 19, 2001, which grants access to the Formal Exchange Market with prior approval of the Central Bank. See “Item 10: D. Exchange Controls.”
 
The following table presents dividends declared and paid by us in nominal terms in the following years:
 
 
Year
 
Dividend
Ch$ mn (1)
   
Per share
Ch$/share (2)
   
Per ADR
Ch$/ADR (3)
   
% over
earnings (4)
 
2004
    206,975       1.10       1,141.16       100  
2005
    198,795       1.05       1,096.06       100  
2006
    155,811       0.83       859.06       65  
2007
    185,628       0.99       1,023.46       65  
2008
    200,620       1.06       1,106.12       65  

(1)
Million of nominal pesos.
 
(2)
Calculated on the basis of 188,446 million shares.
 
(3)
Calculated on the basis of 1,039 shares per ADS.
 
(4)
Calculated by dividing dividend paid in the year by net income for the previous year.
 
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
 
Not applicable.
 
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
 
Not applicable.
 
D. Risk Factors
 
You should carefully consider the following risk factors, as well as all the other information presented in this Annual Report before investing in securities issued by us. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that we do not know about or that we currently think are immaterial may also impair our business operations. Any of the following risks, if they actually occur, could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, prospects and financial condition.
 
We are subject to market risks that are presented both in this subsection and in “Item 5: Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and “Item 11: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.”
 
 
 
Risks Associated with Our Business
 
Increased competition and industry consolidation may adversely affect results of our operations.
 
The Chilean market for financial services is highly competitive. We compete with other Chilean private sector domestic and foreign banks, with Banco del Estado, a public sector bank, with department stores and the larger supermarket chains that make consumer loans and sell other financial products to a large portion of the Chilean population. The lower middle to middle income segments of the Chilean population and the small and medium sized corporate segments have become the target markets of several banks, and competition in these segments is likely to increase. As a result, net interest margins in these segments are likely to decline. Although we believe that demand for financial products and services from individuals and for small and medium sized companies will continue to grow during the remainder of the decade, we cannot assure you that net interest margins will be maintained at their current levels.
 
We also face competition from non-bank and non-finance competitors (principally department stores and the larger supermarket chains) with respect to some of our credit products, such as credit cards, consumer loans and insurance brokerage. In addition, we face competition from non-bank finance competitors, such as leasing, factoring and automobile finance companies, with respect to credit products, and from mutual funds, pension funds and insurance companies, with respect to savings products. For the time being, banks continue to be the main suppliers in Chile for leasing, factoring and mutual funds, and the insurance sales business has seen rapid growth.
 
The increase in competition within the Chilean banking industry in recent years has led to, among other things, consolidation in the industry. We expect the trends of increased competition and consolidation to continue and result in the formation of new large financial groups. Consolidation, which can result in the creation of larger and stronger competitors, may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations by decreasing the net interest margins we are able to generate. In addition, Law No. 19,769 allows insurance companies to participate and compete with banks in the residential mortgage and credit card businesses.
 
Our allowances for impairment losses may not be adequate to cover our future actual losses to our loan portfolio.
 
At December 31, 2007, our allowance for impairment losses on loans was Ch$232,766 million, and the ratio of our allowance for impairment losses to total loans was 1.73%. The amount of allowances is based on our current assessment of and expectations concerning various factors affecting the quality of our loan portfolio. These factors include, among other things, our borrowers’ financial conditions, repayment abilities and repayment intentions, the realizable value of any collateral, the prospects for support from any guarantor, Chile’s economy, government macroeconomic policies, interest rates and legal and regulatory environment. Many of these factors are beyond our control. If our assessment of and expectations concerning the above mentioned factors differ from actual developments, or if the quality of our loan portfolio deteriorates or the future actual losses exceed our estimates, our allowance for impairment losses may not be adequate to cover actual losses and we may need to make additional provisions for impairment losses, which may materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
 
Our exposure to individuals and small businesses could lead to higher levels of past due loans, allowances for loan losses and charge-offs.
 
A substantial number of our customers consist of individuals (approximately 42.7% of the value of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2007) and, to a lesser extent, small and medium sized companies (those with annual sales of less than US$2.2 million) which comprised approximately 15.8% of the value of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2007. As part of our business strategy, we seek to increase lending and other services to small companies and individuals. Small companies and individuals are, however, more likely to be adversely affected by downturns in the Chilean economy than large corporations and high income individuals. In addition, at December 31, 2007, our residential mortgage loans, both, financed by mortgage bonds and otherwise totaled Ch$3,328,786 million, representing 24.7% of our total loans (27.1% of total loans excluding contingent loans. See “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Loan Portfolio” and “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Loans by Economic Activity” for a description and presentation of residential mortgages in the balance sheet). If the economic conditions and real estate market in Chile experience a significant downturn, our asset quality, results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected. Economic activities in Chile may slow down in
 
 
2008 given the volatility of international markets and the possible slow down of the world economic growth as a result of the credit crisis that is affecting the U.S. economy. At the same time, higher energy costs and a restrictive interest rate environment due to higher inflation could also negatively affect the economy. As a result of these factors, in the future we may experience higher levels of past due loans, which could result in higher provisions for loan losses. There can be no assurance that the levels of past due loans and subsequent write offs will not be materially higher in the future.
 
If we are unable to maintain the quality of our loan portfolio, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
 
At December 31, 2007, our past due loans were Ch$116,654 million, and the ratio of our past due loans to total loans was 0.87%. For additional information on our asset quality, see “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Analysis of Substandard Loans and Amounts Past Due.” We seek to continue to improve our credit risk management policies and procedures. However, we cannot assure you that our credit risk management policies, procedures and systems are free from any deficiency. Failure of credit risk management policies may result in an increase in level of non performing loans and adversely affect the quality of our loan portfolio. In addition, the quality of our loan portfolio may also deteriorate due to various other reasons, including factors beyond our control. If such deterioration were to occur, it would materially and adversely affect our financial conditions and results of operations.
 
The value of the collateral securing our loans may not be sufficient, and we may be unable to realize the full value of the collateral securing our loan portfolio.
 
The value of the collateral securing our loan portfolio may significantly fluctuate or decline due to factors beyond our control, including macroeconomic factors affecting Chile’s economy. However, we may not have current information on the value of collateral, which may result in an inaccurate assessment for impairment losses of our loans secured by such collateral. If this were to occur, we may need to make additional provisions to cover actual impairment losses of our loans, which may materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
 
Additionally, there are certain provisions under Chilean law that may affect our ability to foreclose or liquidate residential mortgages granted to us by our customers if the affected real estate has been declared as “family property” by a court. Also, foreclosure will be extremely limited if any party using the real estate has filed with a court a petition requesting that such real estate be declared as family property.
 
The growth of our loan portfolio may expose us to increased loan losses.
 
From December 31, 2002, to December 31, 2007, our aggregate loan portfolio (on an unconsolidated combined basis) grew by 45.6% in real terms to Ch$13,468,981 million (US$27.2 billion), while our consumer loan portfolio grew by 143.7% in nominal terms to Ch$2,003,125 million (US$4,040 million), excluding lines of credit and calculated in accordance with the loan classification system of the Superintendency of Banks. Because the method of classification of loans used by the Superintendency of Banks for its public information differs in minor respects from that used by us for internal accounting purposes, the foregoing figures may differ from the figures included in our financial statements. The further expansion of our loan portfolio (particularly in the consumer, small and mid sized companies and real estate segments) can be expected to expose us to a higher level of loan losses and require us to establish higher levels of provisions for loan losses.
 
Our loan portfolio may not continue to grow at the same rate.
 
There can be no assurance that in the future our loan portfolio will continue to grow at the same or similar rates as the historical growth rate. A reversal of the rate of growth of the Chilean economy, a slowdown in the growth of customer demand, an increased in market competition or changes in governmental regulations, could adversely affect the rate of growth of our loan portfolio and our risk index and, accordingly, increase our required allowances for loan losses.
 
 
 
The effectiveness of our credit risk management is affected by the quality and scope of information available in Chile.
 
In assessing customers’ creditworthiness, we rely largely on the credit information available from our own internal databases, the Superintendency of Banks, Dicom (a nationwide credit bureau) and other sources. Due to limitations on the availability of information and the developing information infrastructure in Chile, our assessment of the credit risks associated with a particular customer may not be based on complete, accurate or reliable information. In addition, although we have been improving our credit scoring systems to better assess borrowers’ credit risk profiles, we cannot assure you that our credit scoring systems collect complete or accurate information reflecting the actual behavior of customers or that their credit risk can be assessed correctly. Without complete, accurate and reliable information, we have to rely on other publicly available resources and our internal resources, which may not be effective. As a result, our ability to effectively manage our credit risk may be materially and adversely affected.
 
Fluctuations in the rate of inflation may affect our results of operations.
 
Inflation in Chile gained momentum in 2007. In 2007, inflation reached 7.8% compared to 2.6% in 2006. High levels of inflation in Chile could adversely affect the Chilean economy and have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Our assets and liabilities are denominated in Chilean pesos, UF and foreign currencies. The UF is revalued in monthly cycles. On each day in the period beginning the tenth day of the current month through the ninth day of the succeeding month, the nominal peso value of the UF is indexed up (or down in the event of deflation) in order to reflect a proportional amount of the change in the Chilean Consumer Price Index during the prior calendar month. For more information regarding the UF see “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Average Balance Sheets, Income Earned from Interest-Earning Assets And Interest Paid on Interest Bearing Liabilities.” Although we currently benefit inflation in Chile, due to the current structure of our assets and liabilities (i.e., a significant portion of our loans are indexed to the inflation rate, but there are no corresponding features in deposits, or other funding sources that would increase the size of our funding base), there can be no assurance that our business, financial condition and result of operations in the future will not be adversely affected by changing levels of inflation, including from extended periods of inflation that adversely affect economic growth or periods of deflation.
 
Our results of operations are affected by interest rate volatility.
 
Our results of operations depend to a great extent on our net interest revenue. In 2007, net interest revenue represented 87.9% of our operating revenue. Changes in market interest rates could affect the interest rates earned on our interest earning assets differently from the interest rates paid on our interest bearing liabilities leading to a reduction in our net interest revenue or result in a decrease in customer’s demand for our loan or deposit products. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors beyond our control, including the reserve policies of the Central Bank, deregulation of the financial sector in Chile, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors. Any changes in interest rates could adversely affect our business, our future financial performance and the price of our securities. The following table shows the yields on the Chilean government’s 90-day notes as reported by the Central Bank of Chile at year end for the last five years.
 
 
Year
 
 
Period-end
90 day note (%)
2003
 
2.58
2004
 
2.32
2005
 
4.75
2006
 
5.10
2007
 
6.15

Source: Central Bank.
 

 
Since our principal sources of funds are short-term deposits, a sudden shortage of funds could cause an increase in costs of funding and an adverse effect on our revenues. The restrictions on the exposure of Chilean pension funds may affect our access to funding.
 
Customer deposits are our primary source of funding. At December 31, 2007, 79.5% of our customer deposits had remaining maturities of one year or less, or were payable on demand. A significant portion of our assets have longer maturities, resulting in a mismatch between the maturities of liabilities and the maturities of assets. If a substantial number of our depositors withdraw their demand deposits or do not roll over their time deposits upon maturity, our liquidity position, results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected. We cannot assure you that in the event of a sudden or unexpected shortage of funds in the banking system, any money markets in which we operate will be able to maintain levels of funding without incurring high funding costs or the liquidation of certain assets. If this were to happen, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.
 
Chilean regulations impose restrictions on the share of assets that a Chilean pension fund management company (Administrador de Fondos de Pension, an “AFP”) may allocate to a single issuer, which is currently 7% per fund managed by an AFP (including any securities issued by the issuer and any bank deposits with the issuer). If the exposure of an AFP to a single issuer exceeds the 7% limit, the AFP is required to reduce its exposure below the limit within three years. At December 31, 2007, the aggregate exposure of AFPs to us was approximately US$7.7 billion or 6.5% of their total assets, and the largest exposure of a single AFP to us was 7.2% of its total assets. If the exposure of any AFP to us exceeds the regulatory limit, we would need to seek alternative sources of funding, which could be more expensive and, as a consequence, may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
Pension funds must also comply with other investment limits. Recently approved legislation in Chile (Reformas al Mercado de Capitales II (also known as MK2) relaxed the limits on making investments abroad in order to permit pension funds to further diversify their investment portfolios. In 2007, the limit on making investments abroad was increased from 30% to 45%. In 2009 this limit will increase to 60% and in 2011 it will reach 80%. As a result, pension funds may change the composition of their portfolios, including reducing their deposits with local banks. At December 31, 2007, 32.7% of the Bank’s time deposits were from AFPs. Although the legislation referred to above is intended to promote a gradual relaxation of the investment limits, and we may be able to substitute the reduced institutional funds with retail deposits, there can be no assurance that this occurrence will not have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
We may be unable to meet requirements relating to capital adequacy.
 
We are required by the General Banking Law to maintain regulatory capital of at least 8% of our risk-weighted assets, net of required loan loss allowance and deductions, and paid in capital and reserves (“basic capital”) of at least 3% of our total assets, net of required loan loss allowances. As a result of the merger between Old Santander-Chile and Santiago, we were required to maintain a minimum regulatory capital to risk weighted assets ratio of 12%, which was reduced to 11% as of January 1, 2005. At December 31, 2007, the ratio of our basic capital to total assets, net of loan loss allowance, was 6.0%, and the ratio of our regulatory capital to risk weighted assets, net of loan loss allowance and deductions, was 12.2%. Certain developments could affect our ability to continue to satisfy the current capital adequacy requirements applicable to us, including:
 
 
·
the increase of risk-weighted assets as a result of the expansion of our business;
 
 
·
the failure to increase our capital correspondingly;
 
 
·
losses resulting from a deterioration in our asset quality;
 
 
·
declines in the value of our investment instrument portfolio;
 
 
·
changes in accounting rules;
 
 
·
and changes in the guidelines regarding the calculation of the capital adequacy ratios of banks in Chile. In 2010, the Chilean banks will most likely adopt the guidelines set forth under Basel II with adjustments incorporated by the Superintendency of Banks. This should result in a different level of minimum capital
 
 
 
    required to be maintained by the Bank. No assurance can be given that this will not have a material impact on the Bank’s capitalization ration.
 
We may also be required to raise additional capital in the future in order to maintain our capital adequacy ratios above the minimum required levels. Our ability to raise additional capital may be limited by numerous factors, including: our future financial condition, results of operations and cash flows; any necessary government regulatory approvals; our credit ratings; general market conditions for capital raising activities by commercial banks and other financial institutions; and domestic and international economic, political and other conditions.
 
If we require additional capital in the future, we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain such capital on favorable terms, in a timely manner or at all. Furthermore, the Superintendency of Banks may increase the minimum capital adequacy requirements applicable to us. Accordingly, although we currently meet the applicable capital adequacy requirements, we may face difficulties in meeting these requirements in the future. If we fail to meet the capital adequacy requirements, we may be required to take corrective actions. These measures could materially and adversely affect our business reputation, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if we are unable to raise sufficient capital in a timely manner, the growth of our loan portfolio and other risk weighted assets may be restricted, and we may face significant challenges in implementing our business strategy. As a result, our prospects, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
 
Our business is highly dependant on proper functioning and improvement of information technology systems.
 
Our business is highly dependant on the ability of our information technology systems to accurately process a large number of transactions across numerous and diverse markets and products in a timely manner. The proper functioning of our financial control, risk management, accounting, customer service and other data processing systems is critical to our business and our ability to compete effectively. We have backup data for our key data processing systems that could be used in the event of a catastrophe or a failure of our primary systems, and have established alternative communication networks where available. However, we do not operate all of our redundant systems on a real time basis and cannot assure you that our business activities would not be materially disrupted if there were a partial or complete failure of any of these primary information technology systems or communication networks. Such failures could be caused by, among other things, software bugs, computer virus attacks or conversion errors due to system upgrading. In addition, any security breach caused by unauthorized access to information or systems, or intentional malfunctions or loss or corruption of data, software, hardware or other computer equipment, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
Our ability to remain competitive and achieve further growth will depend in part on our ability to upgrade our information technology systems and increase our capacity on a timely and cost effective basis. Any substantial failure to improve or upgrade information technology systems effectively or on timely basis could materially and adversely affect our competitiveness, results of operations and financial condition.
 
Operational problems or errors can have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Santander-Chile, like all large financial institutions, is exposed to many types of operational risks, including the risk of fraud by employees and outsiders, failure to obtain proper internal authorizations, failure to properly document transactions, equipment failures and errors by employees. Fraud or other misconduct by employees or third parties may be difficult to detect and prevent and could subject us to financial losses and sanctions imposed by governmental authorities as well as seriously harm our reputation. Although Santander-Chile maintains a system of operational controls, there can be no assurance that operational problems or errors will not occur and that their occurrence will not have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Banking regulations may restrict our operations and thereby adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
 
We are subject to regulation by the Superintendency of Banks. In addition, we are subject to regulation by the Central Bank with regard to certain matters, including reserve requirements and interest rates and foreign exchange mismatches and market risks . During the Chilean financial crisis of 1982 and 1983, the Central Bank and the Superintendency of Banks strictly controlled the funding, lending and general business matters of the banking industry in Chile.
 
 
 
Pursuant to the Ley General de Bancos, Decreto con Fuerza de Ley No. 3 de 1997, or the General Banking Law, all Chilean banks may, subject to the approval of the Superintendency of Banks, engage in certain businesses other than commercial banking depending on the risk associated with such business and the financial strength of the bank. Such additional businesses include securities brokerage, mutual fund management, securitization, insurance brokerage, leasing, factoring, financial advisory, custody and transportation of securities, loan collection and financial services. The General Banking Law also applies to the Chilean banking system a modified version of the capital adequacy guidelines issued by the Basel Committee on Banking Regulation and Supervisory Practices and limits the discretion of the Superintendency of Banks to deny new banking licenses. There can be no assurance that regulators will not in the future impose more restrictive limitations on the activities of banks, including us, than those currently in effect. Any such change could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
 
Historically, Chilean banks have not paid interest on amounts deposited in checking accounts. However, since June 1, 2002, the Central Bank allows banks to pay interest on checking accounts. Currently, there are no applicable restrictions on the interest that may be paid on checking accounts. We have begun to pay interest on some checking accounts under certain conditions. If competition or other factors lead us to pay higher interest rates on checking accounts, to relax the conditions under which we pay interest or to increase the number of checking accounts on which we pay interest, any such change could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
 
We must maintain higher regulatory capital to risk-weighted assets than other banks in Chile. The merger of Old Santander-Chile and Santiago required a special regulatory preapproval of the Superintendency of Banks, which was granted on May 16, 2002. The resolution granting this preapproval imposed a mandatory minimum regulatory capital to risk weighted assets ratio of 12% for the merged bank compared to the 8% minimum for other banks in Chile. Effective January 1, 2005, the Superintendency of Banks lowered our minimum regulatory capital to risk weighted assets ratio to 11%. Although we have not failed in the past to comply with our capital maintenance obligations, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so in the future.
 
Beginning January 1, 2009, Chilean banks will adopt accounting standards more congruent with International Accounting Standards and we will be restating 2008 figures under these new accounting principles. Although the exact impact of this change is still under discussion, there can be no assurance that this will not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operation.
 
We are subject to regulatory inspections and examinations.
 
We are also subject to various inspections, examinations, inquiries, audits and other regulatory requirements by Chilean regulatory authorities. We cannot assure you that we will be able to meet all the applicable regulatory requirements and guidelines, or that we will not be subject to sanctions, fines and other penalties in the future as a result of non compliance. If sanctions, fines and other penalties are imposed on us for failure to comply with applicable requirements, guidelines or regulations, our business, financial condition, results of operations and our reputation and ability to engage in business may be materially and adversely affected.
 
Risks Relating to Chile
 
Our growth and profitability depend on the level of economic activity in Chile.
 
A substantial amount of our loans are to borrowers doing business in Chile. Accordingly, the recoverability of these loans in particular, our ability to increase the amount of loans outstanding and our results of operations and financial condition in general, are dependent to a significant extent on the level of economic activity in Chile. Our results of operations and financial condition could be affected by changes in economic or other policies of the Chilean government, which has exercised and continues to exercise a substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector, or other political or economic developments in Chile. We cannot assure you that the Chilean economy will continue to grow in the future or that those future developments in or affecting Chile’s exports will not materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
 
 
Economic and political problems encountered by other countries may adversely affect the Chilean economy, our results of operations and the market value of our securities.
 
The prices of securities issued by Chilean companies, including banks, are to varying degrees influenced by economic and market considerations in other countries. We cannot assure you that future developments in or affecting the Chilean economy, including consequences of economic difficulties in other markets, will not materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
We are directly exposed to risks related to the weakness and volatility of the economic and political situation in other parts of the world, mainly, the United States, Europe, China, Brazil and Argentina. A significant economic deterioration in one of these countries or regions could result in lower economic growth in Chile, lower loan growth, an increase our loan allowances, and therefore, this could affect our financial results, our results of operations and the price of our securities. The recent cuts in gas exports from Argentina to Chile could also adversely affect economic growth in Chile as the prices of alternate sources of energy have risen strongly in recent periods and this may increase inflation rates in Chile. Chile is also involved in an international litigation with Peru regarding maritime borders.
 
At December 31, 2007, approximately 3.1% of our loans were held abroad and 0.37% of our loans were comprised of loans to companies in Latin American countries. We cannot assure you that crisis and political uncertainty in other Latin American countries will not have an adverse effect on Chile, the price of our securities or our business.
 
Currency fluctuations could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and the value of our securities.
 
Any future changes in the value of the Chilean peso against the U.S. dollar could affect the dollar value of our securities. The peso has been subject to large devaluations and appreciations in the past and could be subject to significant fluctuations in the future. Our results of operations may be affected by fluctuations in the exchange rates between the peso and the dollar despite our policy and Chilean regulations relating to the general avoidance of material exchange rate exposure. In order to avoid material exchange rate exposure, we enter into forward exchange transactions. The following table shows the value of the Chilean peso relative to the U.S. dollar as reported by the Central Bank at year end for the last four years.
 
 
Year
 
 
Exchange rate (Ch$)
Year-end
 
 
Devaluation (Revaluation) (%)
2003
 
599.42
 
(15.9%)
2004
 
559.83
 
  (6.6%)
2005
 
514.21
 
  (8.1%)
2006
 
534.43
 
   3.9%
2007
 
495.82
 
   (7.2%)
2008 (as per June 11)
 
485.61
 
   (2.1%)
 

  Source: Central Bank.
 
We may decide to change our policy regarding exchange rate exposure. Regulations that limit such exposures may also be amended or eliminated. Greater exchange rate risk will increase our exposure to the devaluation of the peso, and any such devaluation may impair our capacity to service foreign currency obligations and may, therefore, materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Notwithstanding the existence of general policies and regulations that limit material exchange rate exposures, the economic policies of the Chilean government and any future fluctuations of the peso against the dollar could affect our financial condition and results of operations.
 
Furthermore, Chilean trading in the shares underlying our ADSs will be conducted in pesos. Cash distributions with respect to our shares of common stock are received in Chilean pesos by the Depositary which then will convert such amounts to U.S. dollars at the then prevailing exchange rate for the purpose of making payments in respect of our ADSs. If the value of the Chilean peso falls relative to the U.S. dollar, the dollar value of our ADSs and any distributions to be received from the Depositary will be reduced. In addition, the Depositary will incur customary current conversion costs (to be borne by the holders of our ADSs) in connection with the conversion and subsequent distribution of dividends or other payments.
 
 
 
Chile’s banking regulatory and capital markets environment is continually evolving and may change.
 
Changes in banking regulations may materially and adversely affect the bank’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Chilean laws, regulations, policies and interpretations of laws relating to the banking sector and financial institutions are continually evolving and changing. In 2007 regulations governing the Chilean capital markets were approved (Reformas al Mercado de Capitales II; also known as MK2). These modifications, among other things, modified certain provisions set forth in the General Banking Law. Under new legislation, the limit in terms of regulatory capital that banks are allowed to grant unsecured loans to one individual or entity was increased to 10% of regulatory capital and 30% of the regulatory capital of the bank if the amount that exceeds said 10% corresponds to loans secured by collateral with an aggregate value equal to or higher than such excess. Previously, these limits were set at 5% and 25%, respectively. Although any such increase may increase our lending activity, it may also increase the risks associated with the growth of our loan portfolio and increase competition as the number of banks that can compete in the corporate segment increases as they are less constrained by this requirement. See “Item 3: Risk Factors—Risks Associated with Our Business—The growth of our loan portfolio may expose us to increased loan losses.”
 
In addition, changes in the investment limits abroad on behalf of Chilean pension funds and the modification to minimum capital requirements to be introduced in line with Basel II requirements may materially and adversely affect the bank’s business, financial condition and results of operations. See “Item 3: Risk Factors—Risks Associated with Our Business—Since our principal sources of funds are short-term deposits, a sudden shortage of funds could cause an increase in costs of funding and an adverse effect on our revenues. The restrictions on the exposure of Chilean pension funds may affect our access to funding” and “—We may be unable to meet requirements relating to capital adequacy.”
 
A worsening of labor relations in the Chile could impact our business.
 
Labor relations in industries such as the copper and salmon industry have worsened leading to prolonged work stoppage, which has affected their respective output. As of December 31, 2007, on a consolidated basis we had 9,174 employees of which 41.1% were unionized. In March 2007, a new collective bargaining agreement became effective that will expire on March 1, 2011, but this may be negotiated ahead of schedule if management and union agree to. We generally apply the terms of our collective bargaining agreement to unionized and non-unionized employees. We have traditionally enjoyed good relations with our employees and their unions, but we cannot assure you that in the future a strengthening of cross-industry labor movements will not materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
Any downgrading of Chile debt credit rating for domestic and international debt by international credit rating agencies may adversely affect our business, our future financial performance, stockholder’s equity and the price of our shares and ADSs.
 
Our ratings are equivalent to the Chilean sovereign ratings. In 2007, Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s improved their rating for the Republic of Chile and also for us. Any adverse revisions to Chile’s credit ratings for domestic and international debt by international rating agencies may adversely affect our ratings, and our business, future financial performance, stockholder’s equity and the price of our equity shares and ADSs.
 
Chile has different corporate disclosure and accounting standards than those you may be familiar with in the United States.
 
We prepare our financial statements in accordance with Chilean GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions with respect to certain matters that are inherently uncertain. The consolidated financial statements include various estimates and assumptions, including but not limited to the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, estimates of the fair value of certain financial instruments, the selection of useful lives of certain assets and the valuation and recoverability of goodwill and deferred taxes. We evaluate these estimates and judgments on an ongoing (mark-to-market) basis. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results in future periods could differ from those produced by such estimates and assumptions, and if these differences were significant enough, our reported results of operations would be affected materially.
 
Accounting, financial reporting and securities disclosure requirements in Chile differ from those in the United States. Accordingly, the information about us available to you will not be the same as the information available to
 
 
 
shareholders of a U.S. financial institution. There are also material differences between Chilean and U.S. accounting and financial reporting standards. As a result, Chilean financial statements and reported earnings generally differ from those reported based on U.S. accounting and reporting standards.
 
As a regulated financial institution, we are required to submit to the Superintendency of Banks unaudited unconsolidated balance sheets and income statements, excluding any note disclosure, prepared in accordance with Chilean GAAP and the rules of the Superintendency of Banks on a monthly basis. Such disclosure differs in a number of significant respects from information generally available in the United States with respect to U.S. financial institutions.
 
The securities laws of Chile, which govern open or publicly listed companies such as us, have as a principal objective promoting disclosure of all material corporate information to the public. Chilean disclosure requirements, however, differ from those in the United States in some material respects. In addition, although Chilean law imposes restrictions on insider trading and price manipulation, applicable Chilean laws are different from those in the United States and in certain respects the Chilean securities markets are not as highly regulated and supervised as the U.S. securities markets.
 
Our status as a controlled company and a foreign private issuer exempts us from certain of the corporate governance standards of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), limiting the protections afforded to investors.
 
We are a “controlled company” and a “foreign private issuer” within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance standards. Under the NYSE rules, a controlled company is exempt from certain NYSE corporate governance requirements. In addition, a foreign private issuer may elect to comply with the practice of its home country and not to comply with certain NYSE corporate governance requirements, including the requirements that (1) a majority of the Board of Directors consist of independent directors, (2) a nominating and corporate governance committee be established that is composed entirely of independent directors and has a written charter addressing the committee's purpose and responsibilities, (3) a compensation committee be established that is composed entirely of independent directors and has a written charter addressing the committee's purpose and responsibilities and (4) an annual performance evaluation of the nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees be undertaken. We currently use these exemptions and intend to continue using these exemptions. Accordingly, you will not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all NYSE corporate governance requirements.
 
Chile imposes controls on foreign investment and repatriation of investments that may affect your investment in, and earnings from, our ADSs.
 
Equity investments in Chile by persons who are not Chilean residents have generally been subject to various exchange control regulations which restrict the repatriation of the investments and earnings therefrom. In April 2001, the Central Bank eliminated the regulations that affected foreign investors except that investors are still required to provide the Central Bank with information related to equity investments and conduct such operations within Chile’s Formal Exchange Market. The ADSs are subject to a contract, dated May 17, 1994, among the Depositary, us and the Central Bank (the “Foreign Investment Contract”) that remains in full force and effect. The ADSs continue to be governed by the provisions of the Foreign Investment Contract subject to the regulations in existence prior to April 2001. The Foreign Investment Contract grants the Depositary and the holders of the ADSs access to the Formal Exchange Market, which permits the Depositary to remit dividends it receives from us to the holders of the ADSs. The Foreign Investment Contract also permits ADS holders to repatriate the proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock withdrawn from the ADR facility, or that have been received free of payment as a consequence of spin offs, mergers, capital increases, wind ups, share dividends or preemptive rights transfers, enabling them to acquire the foreign currency necessary to repatriate earnings from such investments. Pursuant to Chilean law, the Foreign Investment Contract cannot be amended unilaterally by the Central Bank, and there are judicial precedents (although not binding with respect to future judicial decisions) indicating that contracts of this type may not be abrogated by future legislative changes or resolutions of the Advisory Council of the Central Bank. Holders of shares of our common stock, except for shares of our common stock withdrawn from the ADS facility or received in the manner described above, are not entitled to the benefits of the Foreign Investment Contract, may not have access to the Formal Exchange Market, and may have restrictions on their ability to repatriate investments in shares of our common stock and earnings therefrom.
 
 
 
Holders of ADSs are entitled to receive dividends on the underlying shares to the same extent as the holders of shares. Dividends received by holders of ADSs will be paid net of foreign currency exchange fees and expenses of the Depositary and will be subject to Chilean withholding tax, currently imposed at a rate of 35.0% (subject to credits in certain cases). If for any reason, including changes in Chilean law, the Depositary were unable to convert Chilean pesos to U.S. dollars, investors would receive dividends and other distributions, if any, in Chilean pesos.
 
We cannot assure you that additional Chilean restrictions applicable to holders of our ADSs, the disposition of the shares underlying them or the repatriation of the proceeds from such disposition or the payment of dividends will not be imposed in the future, nor can we advise you as to the duration or impact of such restrictions if imposed.
 
ADS holders may not be able to effect service of process on, or enforce judgments or bring original actions against, us, our directors or our executive officers, which may limit the ability of holders of ADSs to seek relief against us.
 
We are a Chilean corporation. None of our directors are residents of the United States and most of our executive officers reside outside the United States. In addition, a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of our directors and executive officers are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for ADS holders to effect service of process outside Chile upon us or our directors and executive officers or to bring an action against us or such persons in the United States or Chile to enforce liabilities based on U.S. federal securities laws. It may also be difficult for ADS holders to enforce in the United States or in Chilean courts money judgments obtained in United States courts against us or our directors and executive officers based on civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws. If a U.S. court grants a final money judgment in an action based on the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States, enforceability of this money judgment in Chile will be subject to the obtaining of the relevant "exequatur" (i.e., recognition and enforcement of the foreign judgment) according to Chilean civil procedure law currently in force, and consequently, subject to the satisfaction of certain factors. The most important of these factors are the existence of reciprocity, the absence of a conflicting judgment by a Chilean court relating to the same parties and arising from the same facts and circumstances and the Chilean courts’ determination that the U.S. courts had jurisdiction, that process was appropriately served on the defendant and that enforcement would not violate Chilean public policy. Failure to satisfy any of such requirements may result in non-enforcement of your rights.
 
We cannot assure you of the accuracy or comparability of facts, forecasts and statistics contained in this report with respect to Chile, its economy and global banking industries.
 
Facts, forecasts and statistics in this document relating to Chile, Chile’s economy and Chilean global banking industries, including market share information, are derived from various official and other publicly available sources generally believed to be reliable. However, we cannot guarantee the quality and reliability of such official and other sources of materials. In addition, these facts, forecasts and statistics have not been independently verified by us and, therefore, we make no representation as to the accuracy of such facts, forecasts and statistics, which may not be consistent with other information compiled within or outside of Chile and may not be complete or up to date. We have taken reasonable care in reproducing or extracting the information from such sources. However, because of possible flawed or ineffective methodologies underlying the published information or discrepancies between the published information and market practice and other problems, these facts, forecasts or statistics may be inaccurate and may not be comparable from period to period or to facts, forecasts or statistics produced for other economies, and you should not unduly rely upon them.
 
Risks Relating to our ADSs
 
There may be a lack of liquidity and market for our shares and ADSs.
 
The ADSs are listed and traded on the NYSE. The common stock is listed and traded on the Santiago Stock Exchange, the Chile Electronic Stock Exchange and the Valparaiso Stock Exchange, which we refer to collectively as the Chilean Stock Exchanges, although the trading market for the common stock is small by international standards. At December 31, 2007, we had 188,446,126,794 shares of common stock outstanding. The Chilean securities markets are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than major securities markets in the United States. According to Article 14 of the Ley de Mercado de Valores, Ley No. 18,045, or the Chilean Securities Market Law, the Superintendencia de Valores y Seguros, or the Superintendency of Securities and Insurance, may suspend the offer, quotation or trading of shares of any company listed on one or more Chilean Stock Exchanges for up to 30
 
 
 
days if, in its opinion, such suspension is necessary to protect investors or is justified for reasons of public interest. Such suspension may be extended for up to 120 days. If, at the expiration of the extension, the circumstances giving rise to the original suspension have not changed, the Superintendency of Securities and Insurance will then cancel the relevant listing in the registry of securities. In addition, the Santiago Stock Exchange may inquire as to any movement in the price of any securities in excess of 10% and suspend trading in such securities for a day if it deems necessary.
 
Although the common stock is traded on the Chilean Stock Exchanges, there can be no assurance that a liquid trading market for the common stock will continue. Approximately 23.09% of our outstanding common stock is held by the public (i.e., shareholders other than Banco Santander Spain and its affiliates), including our shares that are represented by ADSs trading on the NYSE. A limited trading market in general and our concentrated ownership in particular may impair the ability of an ADS holder to sell in the Chilean market shares of common stock obtained upon withdrawal of such shares from the ADR facility in the amount and at the price and time such holder desires, and could increase the volatility of the price of the ADSs.
 
You may be unable to exercise preemptive rights.
 
The Ley Sobre Sociedades Anónimas, Ley No. 18,046 and the Reglamento de Sociedades Anónimas, which we refer to collectively as the Chilean Companies Law, and applicable regulations require that whenever we issue new common stock for cash, we grant preemptive rights to all of our shareholders (including holders of ADSs), giving them the right to purchase a sufficient number of shares to maintain their existing ownership percentage. Such an offering would not be possible unless a registration statement under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”), as amended, were effective with respect to such rights and common stock or an exemption from the registration requirements thereunder were available.
 
Since we are not obligated to elect to make a registration statement available with respect to such rights and the common stock, you may not be able to exercise your preemptive rights. If a registration statement is not filed or an applicable exemption is not available, the Depositary will sell such holders’ preemptive rights and distribute the proceeds thereof if a premium can be recognized over the cost of any such sale.
 
You may have fewer and less well defined shareholders’ rights than with shares of a company in the United States.
 
Our corporate affairs are governed by our estatutos, or by-laws, and the laws of Chile. Under such laws, our shareholders may have fewer or less well defined rights than they might have as shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a U.S. jurisdiction. For example, under legislation applicable to Chilean banks, our shareholders would not be entitled to appraisal rights in the event of a merger or other business combination undertaken by us.
 
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
 
A. History and Development of the Company
 
Overview
 
We are the largest bank in Chile in terms of total assets, total deposits, loans and shareholders’ equity. At December 31, 2007, we had total assets of Ch$18,222,730 million (US$36,608 million), loans net of allowances outstanding of Ch$13,236,214 million (US$26,590 million), deposits of Ch$10,821,355 million (US$21,739 million) and shareholders’ equity of Ch$1,438,042 million (US$2,889 million). As of December 31, 2007, we employed 9,174 people (on a consolidated basis) and had the largest private branch network in Chile with 467 branches (includes payment centers Santander SuperCaja and auxiliary tellers). Our headquarters are located in Santiago and we operate in every major region of Chile.
 
We provide a broad range of commercial and retail banking services to our customers, including Chilean peso and foreign currency denominated loans to finance a variety of commercial transactions, trade financing, foreign currency forward contracts, credit lines and a variety of retail banking services, including mortgage financing. We seek to offer our customers a wide range of products while providing high levels of service. In addition to our traditional banking operations, we offer a variety of financial services including financial leasing, financial advisory services, mutual fund management, securities brokerage, insurance brokerage and investment management.
 
 
 
The legal predecessor of Santander-Chile was Banco Santiago (“Santiago”). Santiago was incorporated by public deed dated September 7, 1977 granted at the Notary Office of Alfredo Astaburuaga Gálvez. Santiago received its permission to incorporate and function as a bank by Resolution No. 118 of the Superintendency of Banks on October 27, 1977. Santiago’s by-laws were approved by Resolution No. 103 of the Superintendency of Banks on September 22, 1977. In January 1997, Santiago merged with Banco O’Higgins with Santiago being the surviving entity. In 1999, Santiago became a controlled subsidiary of Banco Santander Spain. As of June 30, 2002, Santiago was the second largest private sector bank in Chile in terms of total assets, deposits, loans and shareholders’ equity.
 
Old Santander-Chile was established as a subsidiary of Banco Santander Spain in 1978. In 1982, Old Santander-Chile acquired a significant portion of the assets and liabilities of Banco Español-Chile, a domestic bank that had become insolvent. In July 1996, Old Santander-Chile was merged into Banco Osorno y la Unión becoming “Banco Santander-Chile”, the third largest private bank in terms of outstanding loans at that date.
 
On August 1, 2002, Santiago and Old Santander Chile merged, whereby the latter ceased to exist and Santander-Chile (formerly known as Santiago) being the surviving entity.
 
Our principal executive offices are located at Bandera 140, Santiago, Chile. Our telephone number is +562-320-2000 and our website is www.santandersantiago.cl. None of the information contained on our website is incorporated by reference into, or forms part of, this Annual Report. Our agent for service of process in the United States is Puglisi & Associates.
 
Relationship with Banco Santander Spain
 
We believe that our relationship with our controlling shareholder, Banco Santander Spain, offers us a significant competitive advantage over our peer Chilean banks. Banco Santander Spain is one of the largest financial groups in Latin America, in terms of total assets measured on a region-wide basis. It is the largest financial group in Spain and is a major player elsewhere in Europe, including the United Kingdom through its Abbey subsidiary and Portugal, where it is the third-largest banking group. Through Santander Consumer it also operates a leading consumer finance franchise in the United States as well as in Germany, Italy, Spain, and several other European countries.
 
Our relationship with Banco Santander Spain provides us with access to the group’s client base, while its multinational focus allows us to offer international solutions to our clients’ financial needs. We also have the benefit of selectively borrowing from Banco Santander Spain’s product offerings in other countries as well as benefiting from their know-how in systems management. We believe that our relationship with Banco Santander Spain will also enhance our ability to manage credit and market risks by adopting policies and know-how developed by Banco Santander Spain. Our internal auditing function has been strengthened and is more independent from management as a result of the addition of an internal auditing department that concurrently reports directly to our Audit Committee and the audit committee of Banco Santander Spain. We believe that this structure leads to improved monitoring and control of our exposure to operational risks.
 
Banco Santander Spain’s support includes the assignment of managerial personnel to key supervisory areas of Santander-Chile, like Risks, Auditing, Accounting and Financial Control. Santander-Chile does not pay any management fees to Banco Santander Spain in connection with these support services.
 
B. Organizational Structure
 
Banco Santander Spain controls Santander-Chile through its holdings in Teatinos Siglo XXI Inversiones Ltda. and Santander-Chile Holding, which are controlled subsidiaries. This gives Banco Santander Spain control over 76.91% of the shares of the Bank and actual participation when excluding minority shareholders that participate in Santander Chile Holding is 76.74%.
 
Shareholder
 
Number of Shares
   
Percentage
 
Teatinos Siglo XXI Inversiones Ltda.
    78,108,391,607       41.45 %
Santander Chile Holding
    66,822,519,695       35.46 %
 
 

 
Management Team
 
The chart below sets forth the names and areas of responsibility of our senior commercial managers.
 

The chart below sets forth the names and areas of responsibilities of our operating managers.
 
C. Business Overview
 
We have 467 total branches, 256 of which operated under the Santander brand name, 109 under the Santander Banefe brand name, 42 that operate under the brand name SuperCaja, 18 that operate under the BancaPrime brand name and 42 auxiliary and payment centers. We provide a full range of financial services to corporate and individual customers. We divide our clients into the following segments: (i) Retail, (ii) Institutional, (iii) Middle-market, and (iv) Global Banking and Market.
 
The Retail segment is comprised of the following sub-segments:
 
 Lower-middle to middle-income (Santander Banefe), consisting of individuals with monthly income between Ch$120,000 (US$241) and Ch$400,000 (US$ 805), which are served through our Santander Banefe branch network. This segment accounts for 4.7% of our loans at December 31, 2007. This segment offers customers a range of products, including consumer loans, credit cards, auto loans, residential mortgage loans, debit card accounts, savings products, mutual funds and insurance brokerage.
 
Middle- and upper-income, consisting of individuals with a monthly income greater than Ch$400,000 (US$805). Clients in this segment account for 38.0% of our loans at December 31, 2007, and are offered a range of products, including consumer loans, credit cards, auto loans, commercial loans, foreign trade financing, residential mortgage loans, checking accounts, savings products, mutual funds and insurance brokerage.
 
 
 Small businesses, consisting of small companies with annual sales less than Ch$1,200 million (US$2.4 million). At December 31, 2007, small companies represented approximately 15.8% of our total loans outstanding. Customers in this segment are offered a range of products, including commercial loans, leasing, factoring, foreign trade, credit cards, mortgage loans, checking accounts, savings products, mutual funds and insurance brokerage.
 
The Institutional segment is comprised of:
 
Institutional organizations, such as universities, government agencies, municipalities and regional governments. At December 31, 2007, these clients represented 1.7% of our total loans outstanding and offer customers a range of products, including commercial loans, leasing, factoring, foreign trade, credit cards, mortgage loans, checking accounts, cash management, savings products, mutual funds and insurance brokerage.
 
The Middle-market segment is comprised of mid-sized companies, companies in the real estate sector and large companies as follows:
 
Mid-sized companies, consisting of companies with annual sales over Ch$1,200 million (US$2.4 million) and up to Ch$3,500 million (US$7.0 million). Customers in this segment are offered a wide range of products, including commercial loans, leasing, factoring, foreign trade, credit cards, mortgage loans, checking accounts, cash management, treasury services, financial advisory, savings products, mutual funds and insurance brokerage. At December 31, 2007, these clients represented 8.3% of our total loans outstanding.
 
Real estate, including all companies in the real estate sector. At December 31, 2007, these clients represented 4.8% of our total loans outstanding. To clients in the real estate sector we offer apart from traditional banking services, specialized services for financing primarily residential projects in order to increase the sale of residential mortgage loans.
 
Large companies, consisting of companies with annual sales over Ch$3,500 million (US$7.0 million). Customers in this segment are offered a wide range of products, including commercial loans, leasing, factoring, foreign trade, credit cards, mortgage loans, checking accounts, cash management, treasury services, financial advisory, savings products, mutual funds and insurance brokerage. At December 31, 2007, these clients represented 8.5% of our total loans outstanding.
 
The Global Banking and Markets segment is comprised of:
 
Wholesale banking, consisting of companies that are foreign multinationals or part of a large Chilean economic group with sales over Ch$3,500 million (US$7.0 million). At December 31, 2007, these clients represented 16.6% of our total loans outstanding. Customers in this segment are offered a wide range of products, including commercial loans, leasing, factoring, foreign trade, mortgage loans, checking accounts, cash management, treasury services, financial advisory, savings products, mutual funds and insurance brokerage.
 
The Treasury Division provides sophisticated financial products mainly to companies in the wholesale banking and the middle market segments. This includes products such as short-term financing and funding, securities brokerage, interest rate and foreign currency derivatives, securitization services and other tailor made financial products. The Treasury division also manages the Bank’s trading positions as well as the non-trading investment portfolio.
 
The table below sets forth our lines of business and certain statistical information relating to each of them for the year ended December 31, 2007. Please see Note 28(y) to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for details of revenue by business segment in the last three years.
 

 
 
At and for the year ended December 31, 2007
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007)
 
Segment
 
Loans
   
Net interest revenue
   
Fees
   
Net loan loss allowances (1)
   
Financial transactions, net (2)
   
Net segment contribution (3)
 
Individuals
    5,744,801       452,136       123,877       (148,771 )    
-
      427,242  
Santander Banefe
    633,299       152,625       27,631       (71,692 )    
-
      108,564  
Middle-upper income
    5,111,502       299,511       96,246       (77,079 )    
-
      318,678  
SMEs
    2,133,312       160,909       37,596       (31,510 )    
-
      166,995  
Institutional
    228,716       12,048       2,041       (29 )    
-
      14,060  
Total Retail
    8,106,829       625,093       163,514       (180,310 )    
-
      608,297  
Middle-market
    2,914,782       89,095       14,856       (612 )    
-
      103,339  
Mid-sized companies
    1,116,642       37,438       7,962       (1,325 )    
-
      44,075  
Real estate
    649,250       15,145       1,491       (300 )    
-
      16,336  
Large companies
    1,148,890       36,512       5,403       1,013      
-
      42,928  
Global Banking and Markets
    2,269,392       87,189       13,635       215       12,639       113,678  
Wholesale
    2,242,510       44,268       8,297       400               52,965  
Treasury
    26,882       42,921       5,338       (185 )     12,639       60,713  
Others (4)
    177,977       24,239       920       (1,704 )     (46,952 )     (23,497 )
Total
    13,468,980       825,616       192,925       (182,411 )     (34,313 )     801,817  
Other operating income
                                            (45,413 )
Other income and expenses
                                            6,423  
Operating expenses
                                            (342,684 )
Price level restatement
                                            (56,325 )
Net income before taxes
                                            363,818  
 
 
(1)   Includes gross provisions for loan losses, net of releases on recoveries.
 
 
(2)   Includes the net gains from trading, net mark-to-market gains and net foreign exchange transactions.
 
 
(3)   Equal to the sum of net interest revenue, net fee income and net financial transactions, minus net provision for loan losses.
 
 
(4)   Includes contribution of other Bank subsidiaries and other non-segmented items such as interbank loans. Financial transactions, net included in Others is the results from inflation and interest rate hedging.
 
 

Operations through Subsidiaries
 
Today, the General Banking Law permits us to provide directly the leasing and financial advisory services we could formerly offer only through our subsidiaries, to offer investment advisory services outside of Chile and to undertake activities we could not formerly offer directly or through subsidiaries, such as factoring, securitization, foreign investment funds, custody and transport of securities and insurance brokerage services. For the year ended December 31, 2007, our subsidiaries collectively accounted for approximately 11.8% of our consolidated net income. The assets and operating income of these subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007, represented 5.7% and 8.7% of our total assets and operating income, respectively.
 
   
Percentage Owned
 
   
At December 31, 2006
   
At December 31, 2007
 
   
Direct
   
Indirect
   
Total
   
Direct
   
Indirect
   
Total
 
   
%
   
%
   
%
   
%
   
%
   
%
 
Subsidiary
                                   
Santander Leasing S.A (1)
    99.50             99.50       99.50             99.50  
Santiago Corredores de Bolsa Ltda. (2)
    99.19       0.81       100.00                    
Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa (2)
                      50.59       0.41       51.00  
Santander Asset Management S.A. Administradora General de Fondos (3)
    99.96       0.02       99.98       99.96       0.02       99.98  
Santander S.A. Agente de Valores
    99.03             99.03       99.03             99.03  
Santander S.A. Sociedad Securitizadora (4)
    99.64             99.64       99.64             99.64  
Santander Corredora de Seguros Ltda. (5)
    99.99             99.99       99.99             99.99  
Santander Servicios de Recaudación y Pagos Ltda.
    99.90       0.10       100.00       99.90       0.10       100.00  
 
 
(1)
Formerly, Santiago Leasing S.A.
 
(2)
In 2007, the Board of Directors approved the merger between Santiago Corredores de Bolsa Ltda, a subsidiary of the Bank, and Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa, an indirect subsidiary of Banco Santander Spain. As a result of the proposed merger, the Bank owns 51.0% of the merged entity.
 
(3)
Formerly, Santander Santiago S.A. Administradora General de Fondos
 
(4)
Formerly, Santander Santiago S.A. Sociedad Securitizadora
 
(5)
Formerly,  Santander Santiago Corredora de Seguros Ltda.
 
In 2008, the Board of Directors has approved the merger of Santander Corredora de Seguros Ltda. with Santander Leasing S.A. and the merged entity will be called Santander Corredora de Seguros S.A. We expect the merger to be concluded in July 2008.
 
Competition
 
Overview
 
The Chilean financial services market consists of a variety of largely distinct sectors. The most important sector, commercial banking, includes a number of privately-owned banks and one public-sector bank, Banco del Estado (which operates within the same legal and regulatory framework as the private sector banks). The private-sector banks include local banks and a number of foreign-owned banks which are operating in Chile. The Chilean banking system is comprised of 24 private-sector banks and one public-sector bank. Five private-sector banks along with the state-owned bank together accounted for 79.9% of all outstanding loans by Chilean financial institutions at December 31, 2007.
 
The Chilean banking system has experienced increased competition in recent years largely due to consolidation in the industry and new legislation. Effective November 29, 2007, Scotiabank Sud Americano merged with Banco del Desarrollo, while at January 1, 2008, Banco de Chile merged with Citibank Chile. We also face competition from non-bank and non-finance competitors (principally department stores) with respect to some of our credit products, such as credit cards, consumer loans and insurance brokerage. In addition, we face competition from non-bank finance competitors, such as leasing, factoring and automobile finance companies, with respect to credit products, and mutual funds, pension funds and insurance companies, with respect to savings products. Currently, banks continue to be the main suppliers of leasing, factoring and mutual funds, and the insurance sales business has grown rapidly.
 
As shown in the following table, we are the market leader in practically every banking service in Chile:
 
 
 
   
Market Share
at December 31,
2006
   
Market Share
at December 31,
2007
   
Rank as of
at December 31,
2007
 
Commercial loans
    18.7 %     17.5 %     2  
Consumer loans
    26.7       26.2       1  
Mortgage loans (residential and general purpose)
    24.2       23.4       1  
Residential mortgage loans
    25.9       24.8       2  
Foreign trade loans (loans for export, import and contingent)
    21.5       22.0       1  
Total loans
    22.3       21.1       1  
Deposits (1)
    22.0       21.3       1  
Mutual funds (assets managed)
    22.1       21.5       2  
Credit card accounts
    35.8       36.0       1  
Checking Accounts (1)
    27.1       27.9       1  
Branches (2)
    20.3       20.2       1  
ATM locations (3)
    28.6       30.8       1  
 

Source: Superintendency of Banks
 
 
(1) Net of clearance.
 
 
(2) According to latest data available as of November 2007.
 
 
(3) According to latest data available as of December 2007. Excluding special-service payment centers.
 
 
(4) According to latest data available as of September 2007.
 
Our market share in Chile’s commercial loan market decreased from December 31, 2006, to December 31, 2007, and we ranked the second in this market at December 31, 2007. This is primarily due to our reduction of relatively low yielding large corporate portfolio.
 
The following tables set out certain statistics comparing our market position to that of our peer group, defined as the five largest banks in Chile in terms of shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2007.
 
Loans
 
As of December 31, 2007, our loan portfolio was the largest among Chilean banks. Our loan portfolio on a stand-alone basis represented 21.1% of the market for loans in the Chilean financial system at such date. The following table sets forth our and our peer group’s market shares in terms of loans at the dates indicated.
 
   
At December 31, 2007
   
At December 31, 2006
 
Loans
 
Ch$ million
   
US$ million
   
Market
Share
   
Market
Share
 
Santander-Chile
    13,442,328       27,111       21.1 %     22.3 %
Banco de Chile
    11,761,218       23,721       18.5       18.0  
Banco del Estado
    8,187,822       16,514       12.8       13.3  
Banco de Crédito e Inversiones
    7,877,412       15,888       12.4       12.4  
BBVA, Chile
    5,310,119       10,710       8.3       8.1  
Corpbanca
    4,345,435       8,764       6.8       6.3  
Others
    12,810,762       25,838       20.1       19.6  
Chilean financial system
    63,735,096       128,545       100.0 %     100.0 %
 

Source: Superintendency of Banks
 
Deposits
 
On a stand alone basis, we had a 21.3% market share in deposits, ranking the first place among banks in Chile at December 31, 2007. Deposit market share is based on total time and demand deposits at the respective dates. The following table sets forth our and our peer group’s market shares in terms of deposits at the dates indicated.
 
 
 
   
At December 31, 2007
   
At December 31, 2006
 
Deposits
 
Ch$ million
   
US$ million
   
Market
Share
   
Market
Share
 
Santander-Chile
    10,799,111       21,780       21.3 %     22.1 %
Banco de Chile
    8,669,331       17,485       17.1       17.7  
Banco del Estado
    7,713,725       15,558       15.2       15.4  
Banco de Crédito e Inversiones
    6,279,831       12,666       12.4       12.6  
BBVA, Chile
    4,113,902       8,297       8.1       8.0  
Corpbanca
    2,755,194       5,557       5.4       4.6  
Others
    10,375,646       20,926       20.5       19.5  
Chilean financial system
    50,706,740       102,268       100.0 %     100.0 %
 

Source: Superintendency of Banks
 
Shareholders’ equity
 
With Ch$1,438,042 million (US$2,889 million) in shareholders’ equity, at December 31, 2007, we were the largest commercial bank in Chile in terms of shareholders’ equity. The following table sets forth our and our peer group’s shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2006 and 2007.
 
   
At December 31, 2007
   
At December 31, 2007
 
Equity(1)
 
Ch$ million
   
US$ million
   
Market
Share
   
Market
Share
 
Santander-Chile
    1,438,042       2,889       20.7 %     21.8 %
Banco de Chile
    1,051,393       2,121       15.2       14.6  
Banco del Estado
    582,492       1,175       8.4       8.9  
Banco de Crédito e Inversiones
    703,934       1,420       10.1       10.3  
BBVA, Chile
    366,748       740       5.3       5.2  
Corpbanca
    484,674       978       7.0       7.6  
Others
    2,312,462       4,664       33.3       31.5  
Chilean financial system
    6,939,745       13,997       100.0 %     100.0 %
 

Source: Superintendency of Banks.
 
(1)
Percentage of total shareholders’ equity of all Chilean banks.
 
Efficiency
 
For the year ended December 31, 2007, we were the most efficient bank in our peer group. The following table sets forth our and our peer group’s efficiency ratio (defined as operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue, which is aggregate of net interest revenue, fees and income from services (net) and other operating income (net) for the year indicated.
 
Efficiency ratio
 
As of December 31, 2007
   
As of December 31, 2006
 
   
%
   
%
 
Santander-Chile
    37.9 %     40.6 %
Banco de Chile
    45.8       51.1  
Banco del Estado
    57.0       59.0  
Banco de Crédito e Inversiones
    51.1       53.7  
BBVA, Chile
    62.7       66.6  
Corpbanca
    42.4       50.1  
Chilean financial system
    48.7 %     52.1 %
 

Source: Superintendency of Banks, on a stand alone basis
 

Return on average equity
 
As of December 31, 2007, we were the second most profitable bank in our peer group (as measured by return on average equity) and the most capitalized bank as measured by the BIS ratio. The following table sets forth our and our peer group’s return on average equity for the year ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, and BIS ratio at the dates indicated:
 
   
Return on average equity
at December 31,
   
BIS Ratio
at December 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
%
   
%
   
%
   
%
 
Santander-Chile
    23.4 %     24.8 %     12.2 %     12.6 %
Banco de Chile
    27.7       25.5       10.7       10.7  
Banco del Estado
    9.2       9.9       10.8       11.1  
Banco de Crédito e Inversiones
    21.7       22.6       10.4       10.3  
BBVA, Chile
    9.8       10.0       10.3       10.3  
Corpbanca
    11.6       9.5       11.3       13.6  
Chilean Financial System
    16.0 %     16.7 %     12.2 %     12.5 %
 

Source: Superintendency of Banks, except Santander-Chile. Calculated by dividing annual net income by monthly average equity. For Santander-Chile, the average equity is calculated on a daily basis by the Bank (see “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Average Balance Sheets, Income Earned from Interest-Earning Assets And Interest Paid on Interest Bearing Liabilities”).

Asset Quality
 
At December 31, 2007, on a stand alone basis, we had the second lowest loan loss allowance to total loans ratio in our peer group. The following table sets forth our and our peer group’s loan loss allowance to total loans ratio as defined by the Superintendency of Banks at the dates indicated.
 
   
Loan Loss allowances/total loans
at December 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
%
   
%
 
Santander-Chile
    1.71 %     1.46 %
Banco de Chile
    1.34       1.48  
Banco del Estado
    1.97       1.67  
Banco de Crédito e Inversiones
    1.32       1.27  
BBVA, Chile
    0.99       1.14  
Corpbanca
    1.27       1.40  
Chilean financial system
    1.58 %     1.48 %
 

Source: Superintendency of Banks
 
D. Regulation and Supervision
 
General
 
In Chile, only banks may maintain checking accounts for their customers, conduct foreign trade operations, and together with non-banking financial institutions, accept time deposits. The principal authorities that regulate financial institutions in Chile are the Superintendency of Banks and the Central Bank. Chilean banks are primarily subject to the General Banking Law and secondarily, to the extent not inconsistent with this statute, the provisions of the Chilean Companies Law governing public corporations, except for certain provisions which are expressly excluded.
 
 
 
The modern Chilean banking system dates from 1925 and has been characterized by periods of substantial regulation and state intervention, as well as periods of deregulation. The most recent period of deregulation commenced in 1975 and culminated in the adoption of a series of amendments to General Banking Law. That law, amended most recently in 2001, granted additional powers to banks, including general underwriting powers for new issues of certain debt and equity securities and the power to create subsidiaries to engage in activities related to banking, such as brokerage, investment advisory and mutual fund services, administration of investment funds, factoring, securitization products and financial leasing services.
 
The Central Bank
 
The Central Bank is an autonomous legal entity created by the Chilean Constitution. It is subject to the Chilean Constitution and its own ley orgánica constitucional, or organic constitutional law. To the extent not inconsistent with the Chilean Constitution or the Central Bank’s organic constitutional law, the Central Bank is also subject to private sector laws (but in no event is it subject to the laws applicable to the public sector). It is directed and administered by a Board of Directors composed of five members designated by the President of Chile, subject to the approval of the Senate.
 
The legal purpose of the Central Bank is to maintain the stability of the Chilean peso and the orderly functioning of Chile’s internal and external payment system. The Central Bank’s powers include setting reserve requirements, regulating the amount of money and credit in circulation, establishing regulations and guidelines regarding finance companies, foreign exchange (including the Formal Exchange Market) and banks’ deposit-taking activities.
 
The Superintendency of Banks
 
Banks are supervised and controlled by the Superintendency of Banks, an independent Chilean governmental agency. The Superintendency of Banks authorizes the creation of new banks and has broad powers to interpret and enforce legal and regulatory requirements applicable to banks and financial companies. Furthermore, in case of noncompliance with such legal and regulatory requirements, the Superintendency of Banks has the ability to impose sanctions. In extreme cases, it can appoint, with the prior approval of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank, a provisional administrator to manage a bank. It must also approve any amendment to a bank’s by-laws or any increase in its capital.
 
The Superintendency of Banks examines all banks from time to time, generally at least once a year. Banks are also required to submit their financial statements monthly to the Superintendency of Banks, and a bank’s financial statements are published at least four times a year in a newspaper with countrywide coverage. In addition, banks are required to provide extensive information regarding their operations at various periodic intervals to the Superintendency of Banks. A bank’s annual financial statements and the opinion of its independent auditors must also be submitted to the Superintendency of Banks.
 
Any person wishing to acquire, directly or indirectly, 10.0% or more of the share capital of a bank must obtain the prior approval of the Superintendency of Banks. Absent such approval, the acquiror of shares so acquired will not have the right to vote. The Superintendency of Banks may only refuse to grant its approval, based on specific grounds set forth in the General Banking Law.
 
According to Article 35bis of the General Banking Law, the prior authorization of the Superintendency of Banks is required for:
 
 
·
the merger of two or more banks;
 
 
·
the acquisition of all or a substantial portion of a banks’ assets and liabilities by another bank;
 
 
·
the control by the same person, or controlling group, of two or more banks; or
 
 
·
a substantial increase in the existing control of a bank by a controlling shareholder of that bank.
 
Such prior authorization is required solely when the acquiring bank or the resulting group of banks would own a significant market share in loans, defined by the Superintendency of Banks to be more than 15.0% of all loans in the Chilean banking system. The intended purchase, merger or expansion may be denied by the Superintendency of
 
 
 
Banks; or, if the acquiring bank or resulting group would own a market share in loans determined to be more than 20.0% of all loans in the Chilean banking system, the purchase, merger, or expansion may be conditioned on one or more of the following:
 
 
·
that the bank or banks maintain regulatory capital higher than 8.0% and up to 14.0% of their risk-weighted assets;
 
 
·
that the technical reserve established in article 65 of the General Banking Law be applicable when deposits exceed one and a half times the resulting bank’s paid-in capital and reserves; or
 
 
·
that the margin for interbank loans be reduced to 20.0% of the resulting bank’s regulatory capital.
 
If the acquiring bank or resulting group would own a market share in loans determined by the Superintendency of Banks to be more than 15% but less than 20%, the authorization will be conditioned on the bank or banks maintaining a regulatory capital not lower than 10% of their risks-weighted assets for the period specified by the Superintendency of Banks, which may not be less than one year. The calculation of the risk-weighted assets is based on a five-category risk classification system applied to a bank’s assets that is based on the Basel Committee recommendations.
 
Pursuant to the regulations of the Superintendency of Banks, the following ownership disclosures are required:
 
 
·
a bank is required to inform the Superintendency of Banks of the identity of any person owning, directly or indirectly, 5.0% or more of such banks’ shares;
 
 
·
holders of ADSs must disclose to the Depositary the identity of beneficial owners of ADSs registered under such holders’ names;
 
 
·
the Depositary is required to notify the bank as to the identity of beneficial owners of ADSs which such Depositary has registered and the bank, in turn, is required to notify the Superintendency of Banks as to the identity of the beneficial owners of the ADSs representing 5.0% or more of such banks’ shares; and
 
 
·
bank shareholders who individually hold 10.0% or more of a bank’s capital stock and who are controlling shareholders must periodically inform the Superintendency of Banks of their financial condition.
 
Limitations on Types of Activities
 
Chilean banks can only conduct those activities allowed by the General Banking Law: making loans, accepting deposits and, subject to limitations, making investments and performing financial services. Investments are restricted to real estate for the bank’s own use, gold, foreign exchange and debt securities. Through subsidiaries, banks may also engage in other specific financial service activities such as securities brokerage services, equity investments, securities, mutual fund management, investment fund management, financial advisory and leasing activities. Subject to specific limitations and the prior approval of the Superintendency of Banks and the Central Bank, Chilean banks may own majority or minority interests in foreign banks.
 
Since June 1, 2002, Chilean banks are allowed to offer a new checking account product that pays interest. The Superintendency of Banks also stated that these accounts may be subject to minimum balance limits and different interest rates depending on average balances held in the account and that banks may also charge fees for the use of this new product. For banks with a solvency score of less than A the Central Bank has also imposed additional caps to the interest rate that can be paid.
 
On June 5, 2007, pursuant to Law 20.190, new regulations became effective authorizing the banks to operate with a more full range of derivatives such as, futures, options, swaps, forwards and other derivative instruments or contracts subject to specific limitations established by the Central Bank of Chile. Previously, Banks were able to operate with derivatives, but subject to more restrictive guidelines.
 
 
 
Deposit Insurance
 
The Chilean government guarantees up to 90.0% of the principal amount of certain time and demand deposits and savings accounts held by natural persons with a maximum value of UF120 per person (Ch$2,354,719 or US$4,749 at December 31, 2007) per calendar year in the entire financial system.
 
Reserve Requirements
 
Deposits are subject to a reserve requirement of 9.0% for peso and foreign currency-denominated demand deposits and 3.6% for UF, peso and foreign currency-denominated time deposits (with terms of less than one year). For purposes of calculating the reserve obligation, banks are authorized to deduct daily from their foreign currency denominated liabilities, the balance in foreign currency of certain loans and financial investments held outside of Chile, the most relevant of which include:
 
 
·
cash clearance account, which should be deducted from demand deposit for calculating reserve requirement;
 
 
·
certain payment orders issued by pension providers;
 
 
·
the amount set aside for “technical reserve” (as described below), which can be deducted from reserve requirement.
 
The Central Bank has statutory authority to require banks to maintain reserves of up to an average of 40.0% for demand deposits and up to 20.0% for time deposits (irrespective, in each case, of the currency in which they are denominated) to implement monetary policy. In addition, to the extent that the aggregate amount of the following types of liabilities exceeds 2.5 times the amount of a bank’s regulatory capital, a bank must maintain a 100% “technical reserve” against them:  demand deposits, deposits in checking accounts, or obligations payable on sight incurred in the ordinary course of business, and in general all deposits unconditionally payable immediately.
 
Minimum Capital
 
Under the General Banking Law, a bank is required to have a minimum of UF800,000 (approximately Ch$15,698 million and US$31.6 million as of December 31, 2007) of paid-in capital and reserves, regulatory capital of at least 8% of its risk weighted assets, net of required allowances, and paid in capital and reserves of at least 3% of its total assets, net of required allowances.
 
Regulatory capital is defined as the aggregate of:
 
 
·
a bank’s paid-in capital and reserves, excluding capital attributable to subsidiaries and foreign branches or capital básico;
 
 
·
its subordinated bonds, valued at their placement price (but decreasing by 20.0% for each year during the period commencing six years prior to maturity), for an amount up to 50.0% of its basic capital; and
 
 
·
its voluntary allowances for loan losses for an amount of up to 1.25% of risk weighted-assets.
 
Capital Adequacy Requirements
 
According to the General Banking Law, each bank should have regulatory capital of at least 8.0% of its risk-weighted assets, net of required allowances. The calculation of risk weighted assets is based on a five-category risk classification system for bank assets that is based on the Basel Committee recommendations. As of 2009, the third pillar of Basel II should become effective in Chile, which includes the implementation of capital limits with market risk and operational risk-weighted assets. These changes must be approved by Congress as it involves a modification to the General Banking Law.
 
Banks should also have capital básico, or basic capital, of at least 3.0% of their total assets, net of allowances. Basic capital is defined as a bank’s paid-in capital and reserves and is similar to Tier 1 capital except that it does not include net income for the period.
 
 
 
Starting in 2008, banks will be able to include net income for the period as basic capital, net of a 30% deduction for minimum dividends accrued.
 
Within the scope of Basel II in Chile, further changes in regulation may occur. See “Risk FactorsRisks Relating to ChileChile’s banking regulatory and capital markets environment is continually evolving and may change.”
 
Lending Limits
 
Under the General Banking Law, Chilean banks are subject to certain lending limits, including the following material limits:
 
 
·
A bank may not extend to any entity or individual (or any one group of related entities), except for another financial institution, directly or indirectly, unsecured credit in an amount that exceeds 10.0% of the bank’s regulatory capital, or in an amount that exceeds 30.0% of its regulatory capital if the excess over 10.0% is secured by certain assets with a value equal to or higher than such excess. This limits were raised from 5.0% and 25.0%, respectively, in 2007 by the Reformas al Mercado de Capitales II (also known as MK2). In the case of financing infrastructure projects built by government concession the 10.0% ceiling for unsecured credits is raised to 15.0% if secured by a pledge over the concession, or if granted by two or more banks or finance companies which have executed a credit agreement with the builder or holder of the concession;
 
 
·
a bank may not extend loans to another financial institution subject to the General Banking Law in an aggregate amount exceeding 30.0% of its regulatory capital;
 
 
·
a bank may not directly or indirectly grant a loan whose purpose is to allow an individual or entity to acquire shares of the lender bank;
 
 
·
a bank may not lend, directly or indirectly, to a director or any other person who has the power to act on behalf of the bank; and
 
 
·
a bank may not grant loans to related parties (including holders of more than 1.0% of its shares) on more favorable terms than those generally offered to non-related parties. Loans granted to related parties are subject to the limitations described in the first bullet point above. In addition, the aggregate amount of loans to related parties may not exceed a bank’s regulatory capital.
 
In addition, the General Banking Law limits the aggregate amount of loans that a bank may grant to its employees to 1.5% of its regulatory capital, and provides that no individual employee may receive loans in excess of 10.0% of this 1.5% limit. Notwithstanding these limitations, a bank may grant to each of its employees a single residential mortgage loan for personal use once during such employee’s term of employment.
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
Chilean banks are required to provide to the Superintendency of Banks detailed information regarding their loan portfolio on a monthly basis. The Superintendency of Banks examines and evaluates each financial institution’s credit management process, including its compliance with the loan classification guidelines. Banks are classified into four categories: 1, 2, 3 and 4. Each bank’s category depends on the models and methods used by the bank to classify its loan portfolio, as determined by the Superintendency of Banks. Category 1 banks are those banks whose methods and models are satisfactory to the Superintendency of Banks. Category 1 banks will be entitled to continue using the same methods and models they currently have in place. A bank classified as a category 2 bank will have to maintain the minimum levels of reserves established by the Superintendency of Banks while its Board of Directors will be made aware of the problems detected by the Superintendency of Banks and required to take steps to correct them. Banks classified as categories 3 and 4 will have to maintain the minimum levels of reserves established by the Superintendency of Banks until they are authorized by the Superintendency of Banks to do otherwise. We are classified in category 1.
 
Under our loan classification categories loans are divided into: (i) consumer loans (including loans granted to individuals for the purpose of financing the purchase of consumer goods or payment of services); (ii) residential mortgage loans (including loans granted to individuals for the purchase, construction or improvements of residential
 
 
 
 
real estate, in which the value of the property covers at least 100% of the amount of the loan); and (iii) commercial loans (includes all loans other than consumer loans and residential mortgage loans). A detailed description of the models established for determining loan loss allowances s discussed in “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Classification of Loan Portfolio” and in Note 1 of our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Capital Markets
 
Under the General Banking Law, banks in Chile may purchase, sell, place, underwrite and act as paying agents with respect to certain debt securities. Likewise, banks in Chile may place and underwrite certain equity securities. Bank subsidiaries may also engage in debt placement and dealing, equity issuance advice and securities brokerage, as well as in financial leasing, mutual fund and investment fund administration, investment advisory services and merger and acquisition services. These subsidiaries are regulated by the Superintendency of Banks and, in some cases, also by the Superintendency of Securities and Insurance, the regulator of the Chilean securities market, open-stock corporations and insurance companies.
 
Legal Provisions Regarding Banking Institutions with Economic Difficulties
 
The General Banking Law provides that if specified adverse circumstances exist at any bank, its Board of Directors must correct the situation within 30 days from the date of receipt of the relevant financial statements. If the Board of Directors is unable to do so, it must call a special shareholders’ meeting to increase the capital of the bank by the amount necessary to return the bank to financial stability. If the shareholders reject the capital increase, or if it is not effected within the term and in the manner agreed to at the meeting, or if the Superintendency of Banks does not approve the Board of Directors’ proposal, the bank will be barred from increasing its loan portfolio beyond that stated in the financial statements presented to the Board of Directors and from making any further investments in any instrument other than in instruments issued by the Central Bank. In such a case, or in the event that a bank is unable to make timely payment in respect of its obligations, or if a bank is under provisional administration of the Superintendency of Banks, the General Banking Law provides that the bank may receive a two-year term loan from another bank. The terms and conditions of such a loan must be approved by the directors of both banks, as well as by the Superintendency of Banks, but need not be submitted to the borrowing bank’s shareholders for their approval. In any event, a creditor bank cannot grant interbank loans to an insolvent bank in an amount exceeding 25.0% of the creditor bank’s regulatory capital. The Board of Directors of a bank that is unable to make timely payment of its obligations must present a reorganization plan to its creditors in order to capitalize the credits, extend their respective terms, condone debts or take other measures for the payment of the debts. If the Board of Directors of a bank submits a reorganization plan to its creditors and such arrangement is approved, all subordinated debt issued by the bank, whether or not matured, will be converted by operation of law into common stock in the amount required for the ratio of regulatory capital to risk-weighted assets not to be lower than 12.0% . If a bank fails to pay an obligation, it must notify the Superintendency of Banks, which shall determine if the bank is solvent.
 
Dissolution and Liquidation of Banks
 
The Superintendency of Banks may establish that a bank should be liquidated for the benefit of its depositors or other creditors when such bank does not have the necessary solvency to continue its operations. In such case, the Superintendency of Banks must revoke a bank’s authorization to exist and order its mandatory liquidation, subject to agreement by the Central Bank. The Superintendency of Banks must also revoke a bank’s authorization if the reorganization plan of such bank has been rejected twice. The resolution by the Superintendency of Banks must state the reason for ordering the liquidation and must name a liquidator, unless the Chilean Superintendency of Banks assumes this responsibility. When a liquidation is declared, all checking accounts and other demand deposits received in the ordinary course of business, are required to be paid by using existing funds of the bank, its deposits with the Central Bank or its investments in instruments that represent its reserves. If these funds are insufficient to pay these obligations, the liquidator may seize the rest of the bank’s assets, as needed. If necessary and in specified circumstances, the Central Bank will lend the bank the funds necessary to pay these obligations. Any such loans are preferential to any claims of other creditors of the liquidated bank.
 
Obligations Denominated in Foreign Currencies
 
Foreign currency denominated obligations of Chilean banks are subject to various limits and obligations. The regulations of the Central Bank do not permit the difference, whether positive or negative, between a bank’s assets and liabilities denominated in any foreign currency (including assets and liabilities denominated in U.S. dollars but
 
 
 
payable in pesos, as well as those denominated in pesos and indexed to the U.S. dollar exchange rate) to exceed 20% of the bank’s paid-in capital and reserves; except in the case where the balance of such assets exceeds the balance of such liabilities and the excess difference does not exceed the bank’s allowances and reserves denominated in such foreign currency (excluding profits to be remitted abroad). Santander-Chile must also comply with various regulatory and internal limits regarding exposure to movements in foreign exchange rates (See “Item 11: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks”).
 
Investments in Foreign Securities
 
Under current Chilean banking regulations, banks in Chile may grant loans to foreign individuals and entities and invest in certain securities of foreign issuers. Chilean banks may only invest in equity securities of foreign banks and certain other foreign companies which may be affiliates of the bank or which would be complementary to the bank’s business if such companies were incorporated in Chile. Banks in Chile may also invest in debt securities traded in formal secondary markets. Such debt securities must be (1) securities issued or guaranteed by foreign sovereign states or their central banks or other foreign or international financial entities, and (2) bonds issued by foreign companies. A Bank may invest up to 5% of its regulatory capital in securities of foreign issuers. Such securities must have a minimum rating as follows.
 
Table 1
 
Rating Agency
Short Term
Long Term
Moody’s
P2
Baa3
Standard and Poor’s
A3
BBB-
Fitch IBCA
F2
BBB-
Duff & Phelps
D2
BBB-
Thomson Bank Watch
TBW2
BBB

In the event that the sum of the investments in foreign securities which have a: (i) rating below that indicated in Table 1 above, and equal or exceeds the ratings mentioned in the Table 2 below; and (ii) loans granted to other entities resident abroad exceed 20% (and 30% for banks with a BIS ratio equal or exceeding 10%), of the regulatory capital of such bank, the excess is subject to a mandatory reserve of 100%.
 
Table 2
 
Rating Agency
Short Term
Long Term
Moody’s
P2
Ba3
Standard and Poor’s
A3
BB-
Fitch IBCA
F2
BB-
Duff & Phelps
D2
BB-
Thomson Bank Watch
TBW2
B

In addition, banks may invest in foreign securities for an additional amount equal to a 70% of their regulatory capital which ratings are equal or exceeds those mentioned in the following Table 3. This limit constitutes an additional margin and it is not subject to the 100% mandatory reserve.
 
Additionally, a Chilean Bank may invest in foreign securities whose rating is equal or exceeds those mentioned in the following Table 3 in: (i) term deposits with foreign banks; and (ii) securities issued or guaranteed by sovereign states or their central banks or those securities issued or guaranteed by foreign entities within the Chilean State; such investment will be subject to the limits by issuer up to 30% and 50%, respectively, of the regulatory capital of the Chilean bank that makes the investment.
 
Table 3
 
Rating Agency
Short Term
Long Term
Moody’s
P1
Aa3
Standard and Poor’s
A1+
AA-
Fitch IBCA
F1+
AA-
Duff & Phelps
D1+
AA-
Thomson Bank Watch
TBW1
BB
 
 

 
Chilean banks may invest in securities without ratings issued or guaranteed by sovereign states or their central banks and structured notes issued by investment banks with a rating equal or above that in the immediately preceding Table 3, which return is linked with a corporate or sovereign note with a rating equal or above that in Table 2.
 
Subject to specific conditions, a bank may grant loans in U.S. dollars to subsidiaries or branches of Chilean companies located abroad, to companies listed on foreign stock exchanges authorized by the Central Bank and, in general, to individuals and entities domiciled abroad, as long as the Central Bank is kept informed of such activities.
 
New Regulations Regarding Market Risk
 
In 2005, the Superintendency of Banks introduced new market risk limits and measures for Chilean banks. On an unconsolidated basis the Bank must separate its balance sheet into two separate categories: trading portfolio (Libro de Negociación) and non-trading, or permanent, portfolio (Libro de Banca). The trading portfolio as defined by the Superintendency of Banks includes all instruments that are valued for accounting purposes at market prices, free of any restrictions or immediate sale and frequently bought and sold by the Bank or maintained with the intention of selling them in the short-term in order to profit from short-term price variations. The non-trading portfolio is defined as all instruments in the balance sheet not considered in the trading portfolio (See Item 11: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk—Market Risk).
 
U.S. Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorist Financing, and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Regulations
 
The Bank, as a foreign private issuer whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act, is subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA Act”).  The FCPA Act generally prohibits such issuers and their directors, officers, employees and agents from using any means or instrumentality of U.S. interstate commerce in furtherance of any offer or payment of money to any foreign official or political party for the purpose of influencing a decision of such person in order to obtain or retain business. It also requires that the issuer maintain books and records and a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that accountability of assets is maintained and accurate financial statements can be prepared. Penalties, fines and imprisonment can be imposed for violations of the FCPA Act.
 
Furthermore, the Bank is subject to a variety of U.S. anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing laws and regulations, such as the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, as amended, and the USA PATRIOT ACT of 2001, as amended, and a violation of such laws and regulations may result in substantial penalties, fines and imprisonment.
 
E. Property, Plants and Equipment
 
We are domiciled in Chile and own our principal executive offices located at Bandera 140, Santiago, Chile. We also own nine other buildings in the vicinity of our headquarters and we rent seven other buildings. At December 31, 2007, we owned the locations at which 43% of our branches were located. The remaining branches operate at rented locations. We believe that our existing physical facilities are adequate for our needs.
 

 
 
Main properties as of December 31, 2007
 
Number
 
Central Offices
     
Own
    10  
Rented
    7  
Total
    17  
         
Branches (1)
       
Own
    177  
Rented
    243  
Total
    411  
         
Other property (2)
       
Own
    71  
Rented
    4  
Total
    75  
 

(1)
Some branches are located inside central office buildings and other properties. Including these branches the total number of branches is 415. Special payment centers are included in Other property.
 
(2)
Consists mainly of parking lots, mini-branches and property owned by our subsidiaries.
 
The following table sets forth a summary of the main computer hardware and other systems-equipment that we own.
 
Category
Brand
Application
Mainframe
IBM
Back-end, Core-System Altair, Payment means and foreign trade.
Midrange
IBM
Interconnections between Mainframe and mid-range
Midrange
Stratus
SUN/Unix
SUN/UNIX
Tellers
Interconnections applications Credit & debit cards
Treasury, MIS, Work Flow, Accounting
Midrange
IBM
WEB
Desktop
IBM
Platform applications
Call Center
Avaya
Genesys
Nice
Periphonics
Telephone system
Integration Voice/data
Voice recorder
IVR

The main software systems that we use are:
 
 
Category
 
 
Product
 
 
Origin
Core-System
 
ALTAMIRA
 
Accenture
Data base
 
DB2
 
IBM
Data base
 
Oracle
 
Oracle
Data base
 
SQL Server
 
Microsoft
WEB Service
 
Internet Information Server
 
Microsoft
Message Service
 
MQSeries
 
IBM
Transformation
 
MQIntegrator
 
IBM

ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
As of the date of the filing of this Annual Report on 20-F, we do not have any unresolved comments from the Securities and Exchange Commission staff regarding our periodical reports under the Exchange Act.
 
 
 
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
 
A. Accounting Standards for Financial Investments and Derivatives
 
In accordance with Circular No. 3345 issued by the Superintendency of Banks, which became effective on June 30, 2006, the accounting standards for valuing financial instruments acquired for trading or investment purposes, including derivative instruments on the balance sheets, were amended. The new accounting standards require that these instruments be carried at their market or fair value, and the historical differences in valuation of such instruments recognized with respect to any dates prior to 2006 be adjusted directly against the Bank’s equity.
 
The following table summarizes the primary changes to the accounting standards as a result of our implementation of Circular No. 3345.
 
 
Before changes to
accounting principles
After changes to accounting
principles
Derivatives
·  foreign exchange forward contracts
·  valued at closing spot exchange rate, initial discount/premium amortized over the life of contract
recognized at fair value;
trading contracts:
 
·  recorded at market/fair value on the balance sheet
 
·  revaluation gains or losses recorded as gains or losses from trading activities
 
hedge contracts:
 
·  fair value hedges:  hedged assets and liabilities are also recognized at fair value; revaluation gains or losses on both derivatives and hedged items are recognized as “gains/losses from trading activities” on the income statement
 
·  cash flow hedges:  effective portion of revaluation gains or losses on hedged risk recognized in shareholders’ equity (such amount is recognized in income statement when the offsetting changes hedged affect income statement); ineffective portion of revaluation gains or losses recognized in income statement
·  forward contracts between U.S. dollars and Ch$/UF
·  valued at closing spot exchange rate, initial discount/premium amortized over the life of contract
·  interest rate swaps
·  difference between interest income/expense recorded in net income in the period when agreement is settled in cash;
 
·  fair value and revaluation gains or losses are not recognized
 
·  net nominal amounts are recorded under “other assets” or “other liabilities”
 
 
 
 
 
Before changes to
accounting principles
 
After changes to accounting
principles
Other financial investments
·   non-permanent investments (Trading instruments)
·  recognized at fair value on balance sheet; revaluation gains or losses and realized gains or losses are recognized in income statements under “gains/losses from trading activities”; interest income and indexation adjustments are reported as “interest revenue”
·  No changes
·  permanent investments (Available-for-Sale investment instruments)
·  recognized at fair value on balance sheet; revaluation gains or losses are reported under shareholders’ equity, and recognized in income statement under “gains/losses from trading activities” when sold or impaired
·  line item “available-for-sale” portfolio changed from “permanent”
 
 
·  Held-to-maturity investment instruments
·  N/A
·  New category; recorded at cost plus accrued interest and adjustments, less allowance for impairment

The net effect of the accounting changes on our net income for the year ended December 31, 2006, was a gain of Ch$13,516 million. For comparison purposes, we have also retrospectively reclassified these items for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005, but did not retrospectively apply the new accounting standards to these items. As a result, our results of operations and financial condition at and for the year ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, are not entirely comparable to those at any prior periods reported by us.
 
In connection with our implementation of the new accounting standards, for the year ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, interest revenue and interest expense no longer include the translation gain or loss of financial assets and liabilities indexed to foreign currencies. Such gain or loss is now classified as results of foreign exchange transactions. Amounts reported for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005, have been reclassified on a comparable basis. Gains or losses on investments in mutual funds have also been reclassified from net interest income to other operating income as a part of these new accounting standards. For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005, this line item has also been reclassified.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, gains and losses on forward transactions have been classified as net gains (losses) on trading activities. In prior periods, such transactions were not marked to market and the difference between the interest paid and received on a specified notional amount was recorded under “foreign exchange transactions, net”. Such amounts for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005, have been reclassified to net gains (losses) on trading activities in order to be more comparable to the results for the year ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, but have not been retroactively adjusted to reflect the fair value of these instruments.
 
B. Critical Accounting Policies
 
We prepare our financial statements in accordance with Chilean GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions with respect to certain matters that are inherently uncertain. We also reconcile our financial statements to U.S. GAAP (see Note 28 to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements) and are required to make estimates and assumptions in this reconciliation process. Certain critical accounting policies, in particular those relating to goodwill and intangible assets, are only applicable for U.S. GAAP purposes. Our consolidated financial statements include various estimates and assumptions, including but not limited to the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, estimates of the fair value of certain financial instruments, the selection of useful lives of
 
 
 
certain assets and the valuation and recoverability of goodwill. We evaluate these estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. Management bases its estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results in future periods could differ from those estimates and assumptions, and if these differences were significant enough, our reported results of operations would be affected materially.
 
We believe that the following are the more critical judgment areas or involve a higher degree of complexity in the application of the accounting policies that currently affect our financial condition and results of operations.
 
Derivative activities
 
At December 31, 2006 and 2007, derivatives are valued at market price on the balance sheet and the net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives is classified as a separate line item on the income statement. In prior periods, the notional amounts were carried off the balance sheet. Our derivative holdings at December 31, 2005, have been reclassified from “other assets” and “other liabilities” to “derivatives”, but have not been marked to market as would be required under currently applicable accounting principles.
 
Pursuant to the new accounting standards, banks must mark to market derivatives. A derivative financial instrument held for trading purposes must be marked to market and the unrealized gain or loss recognized in the income statement. New accounting standards have also been adopted for derivatives held for hedging purposes with effect for the six months ended June 30, 2006, and thereafter, changes in book value of hedged items are included in the mark-to-market and trading line items, except to the extent set forth below.
 
The Superintendency of Banks recognizes three kinds of hedge accounting: (i) cash flow hedges, (ii) fair value hedges and (iii) hedging of foreign investments.
 
 
·
When a cash flow hedge exists, the fair value movements on the part of the hedging instrument that is effective are recognized in equity. Any ineffective portion of the fair value movement on the hedging instrument is recognized in the income statement.
 
 
·
When a fair value hedge exists, the fair value movements on the hedging instrument and the corresponding fair value movements on the hedged item are recognized in the income statement. Hedged items in the balance sheet are presented at their market value in 2006.
 
 
·
When a hedge of foreign investment exposure exists (i.e. investment in a foreign branch), the fair value movements on the part of the hedging instrument that is effective are recognized in equity. Any ineffective portion of the fair value movement on the hedging instrument is recognized in the income statement.
 
We enter into forward contracts for our own account and for the accounts of our customers. The values of the forward contracts are marked to market on a monthly basis and the revaluation gain or loss is recognized in the line item mark-to-market and trading activities. Previously, they were classified as foreign exchange transactions, except gains or losses on UF/Ch$ forwards, which were classified as net interest income.
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
Chilean banks are required to maintain loan loss allowances in amounts determined in accordance with the regulations issued by the Superintendency of Banks. Under these regulations, we must classify our portfolio into various categories of payment capability. The minimum amount of required loan loss allowances is determined based on fixed percentages of estimated loan losses assigned to each category. As of January 1, 2006, we have improved our credit scoring systems for consumer and mortgage loans. The new credit scoring system considers both the length of time by which the loan is overdue and the borrower’s risk profile, which includes the borrower’s overall indebtedness and credit behavior under the obligations to third parties. (See “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Loan Portfolio—Classification of Loan Portfolio.”
 
In 2006, we improved our internal provisioning models by not only focusing on non-performance, but introducing statistical models that take into account a borrower’s credit history and indebtedness levels. Group ratings that determine loan loss allowances based only on non-performance are being phased out and replaced by statistical scoring systems. Commencing in December 2006, we no longer analyze large commercial loans on a group basis. All large commercial loans have since been rated on an individual basis. For large commercial loans,
 
 
 
leasing and factoring, we assign a risk category level to each borrower and his respective loans. We consider the following risk factors in classifying a borrower’s risk category: (i) the borrower’s industry or sector, (ii) owners or managers, (iii) financial condition, (iv) payment ability and (v) payment behavior. Further improvements were made in 2007, mainly the back testing period used in determining a client’s risk profile was expanded from 12 to 21 months. For a detailed description of the models we use to determine loan loss allowances for commercial loans. See “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Loan Portfolio—Classification of Loan Portfolio—Allowances for large commercial loans.” Group assessment for loan loss allowances is permitted for a large number of borrowers whose individual loan amounts are relatively insignificant. Currently, we use group analysis to determine loan loss allowances for certain types of loans, such as loans to small- and mid-sized companies and commercial loans to individuals. (See “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Loan Portfolio—Classification of Loan Portfolio—Allowances for group evaluations on small- and mid-sized commercial loans.”)
 
Goodwill and Intangible Assets with Indefinite Useful Lives
 
Under U.S. GAAP, we have significant intangible assets consisting of goodwill and trademarks. We record all assets and liabilities acquired in purchase acquisitions, including goodwill and other acquired intangibles, at their fair value. These include amounts pushed down from Santander Chile Holding, S.A. and Teatinos Siglo XXI, S.A., each a direct or indirect subsidiary of Banco Santander Spain, and, together, our majority shareholders. In 2006, we decided to change our branding strategy to increasing the use of the brand “Santander” and phasing out the brand “Santiago” in a 5 year period. In 2007 we completed the phasing out of the “Santiago” brand ahead of schedule in accordance with policy set by our parent company in 2007 regarding the Santander brand worldwide. As a result, we have decided to fully amortize the brand “Santiago” in 2007.
 
Goodwill and indefinite lived assets are no longer amortized over their estimated useful lives using straight line and accelerated methods, and are subject to at least an annual impairment review. The initial goodwill and intangibles recorded and subsequent impairment analysis requires management to make subjective judgments concerning estimates of how the acquired asset will perform in the future using a discounted cash flow analysis. Additionally, estimated cash flows may extend beyond ten years and, by their nature, are difficult to determine. Events and factors that may significantly affect the estimates include, among others, competitive forces, customer behavior and attrition, changes in revenue growth trends, cost structures and technology and changes in interest rates and specific industry or market sector conditions. For a further discussion of accounting practices for goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives under U.S. GAAP. See Note 28 to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Differences between Chilean and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
 
Accounting principles generally accepted in Chile vary in certain important respects from the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Such differences involve certain methods for measuring the amounts shown in the consolidated financial statements, as well as additional disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and the accounting treatment of the merger.
 
Note 28 to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements presents a description of the significant differences between Chilean GAAP and U.S. GAAP. Note 28(ac) sets forth recent accounting pronouncements under U.S. GAAP.
 
C. Operating Results
 
Chilean Economy
 
All of our operations and substantially all of our customers are located in Chile. Accordingly, our financial condition and results of operations are substantially dependent upon economic conditions prevailing in Chile. In 2007, Chile’s GDP growth accelerated to 5.1% compared to 4.0% in 2006. The strength of the global economy in 2007 continued to benefit Chile’s economy despite the rise in international oil prices. The export sector’s GDP increased by 9.2% in 2007. Exports totaled US$43.9 billion and increased 23.5%. This positive external scenario has also led to strong growth of internal consumption and investment demand that grew 7.8% in 2007 and 6.0% in 2006. The average unemployment rate decreased to 7.5% in 2007 compared to 8.0% in 2006 and 9.3% in 2005. GDP growth in 2007 was hampered by the rising costs of energy due to higher oil prices, the restraints to energy supply provoked by a strong drought and the virtual elimination of gas exports from Argentina which has led to a strong
 
 
 
rise in electricity production costs, especially in the second half of 2007. The chart below graphs GDP growth by sector.
 
GDP growth in 2007 by Sector
 
 
Source: Banco Central de Chile
 
CPI Inflation in 2007 spiked upward reaching 7.8% compared to 2.6% in 2006 and 3.7% in 2005. The strong rise in international oil prices and the impact on utility prices and staple goods caused by the prolonged drought, explain this rise in inflation. As a result, the Central Bank accelerated the pace of interest rate increases in the past year. The overnight interbank rate set by the Central Bank as of June 2008 was set at 6.75%, 150 basis points higher than the rate at year-end 2006. This rise in interest rates also led to a 2.1% appreciation of the Chilean peso against the U.S. dollar. Long-term real interest rates on the other hand descended in 2007. The yield on the Chilean Central Bank’s 10-year note in real terms was 2.98% compared to 3.02% as of December 31, 2006. This trend also reversed in 2008 as inflation increased yields on long-term notes have risen significantly. The real yield on Chilean 10 year notes increased from 2.98% at December 31, 2007 to 3.40% as of June 11, 2008.
 
Despite these developments in 2007 at the macroeconomic level, economic activities in Chile may slow down in 2008 given the volatility of international markets and the possible slow down of the world economic growth given the possible recession that may affect the U.S. economy. GDP growth in 2008 in Chile is expected to slowdown to approximately 4% as a result of higher energy costs, a slow down in the global economy as a result of the credit crisis and the higher interest rate environment due to higher inflation.
 
Impact of Inflation
 
Inflation impacts our results of operations. High levels of inflation in Chile could adversely affect the Chilean economy and have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Negative inflation rates also negatively impact our results. In 2007, the inflation rate in Chile was 7.8% compared to 2.6% in 2006 and 3.7% in 2005. There can be no assurance that Chilean inflation will not change significantly from the current level. Although we currently benefit from moderate levels of inflation in Chile, due to the current structure of our assets and liabilities (i.e., a significant portion of our loans are indexed to the inflation rate, but there are no corresponding features in deposits or other funding sources that would increase the size of our funding base), there can be no assurance that our business, financial condition and result of operations in the future will not be adversely affected by changing levels of inflation. In summary:
 
 
·
UF-denominated assets and liabilities. Our assets and liabilities are denominated in Chilean pesos, UF and foreign currencies. The UF is revalued in monthly cycles. On each day in the period beginning the tenth day of the current month through the ninth day of the succeeding month, the nominal peso value of the UF is indexed up (or down in the event of deflation) in order to reflect a proportional amount of the change in
 
 
 
    the Chilean Consumer Price Index during the prior calendar month. One UF equaled to Ch$17,974.81 at December 31, 2005, Ch$18,336.38 at December 31, 2006, and Ch$19,622.66 at December 31, 2007. The effect of any changes in the nominal peso value of our UF-denominated assets and liabilities is reflected in our results of operations as an increase (or decrease, in the event of deflation) in interest revenue and expense, respectively. Our net interest revenue will be positively affected by an inflationary environment to the extent that our average UF-denominated assets exceed our average UF-denominated liabilities. Our net interest revenue will be negatively affected by inflation in any period in which our average UF-denominated liabilities exceed our average UF-denominated assets. Our average UF-denominated assets exceeded our average UF-denominated liabilities by Ch$2,871,535 million in 2007 compared to Ch$2,758,228 million in 2006. See “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Average Balance Sheets, Income Earned from Interest-Earning Assets And Interest Paid on Interest Bearing Liabilities.” In general, the Bank has more UF-denominated financial assets than UF-denominated financial liabilities. In the year ended December 31, 2007, the interest gained on interest earning assets denominated in UF increased 71.5% compared to 2006 as a result of the higher inflation rates in 2007 and 2006 and the larger amount of assets over liabilities denominated in UFs. The interest paid on these liabilities increased by 130.4% during this period.
 
 
·
Price level restatement. Chilean GAAP requires that financial statements be restated to reflect the full effects of loss in the purchasing power of the Chilean peso on the financial position and results of operations of reporting entities. The Bank must adjust its capital, fixed assets and other non financial assets for variations in price levels. Since the Bank’s capital is generally larger than the sum of fixed and other non financial assets, in an inflationary economy, the Bank would record a loss from price level restatement. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the loss from price level restatement totaled Ch$56,325 million compared to Ch$14,807 million in 2006. The inflation rate used for calculating price level restatement was 7.44% in 2007 and 2.12% in 2006.
 
 
·
Inflation hedge. A key component of our asset and liability policy is the management of interest rate risk. The Bank’s assets generally have a longer maturity than our liabilities. As the Bank’s mortgage portfolio grows, the maturity gap tends to rise as these loans, which are denominated in UF, have a longer maturity than the average maturity of our funding base. As most of long term financial instruments and mortgage loans are denominated in UF and most deposits in nominal pesos, the increase in mortgage lending increments the Bank’s exposure to inflation and to interest rate risk. The size of this gap is limited by internal and regulatory guidelines in order to avoid excessive potential losses due to strong shifts in interest rates (see “Item 11: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”). In order to keep this duration gap below regulatory limits the Bank issues long term bonds denominated in UF or interest rate swaps. The financial cost of the bonds is recorded as interest expense, but the financial cost of these swaps is included in the net results from trading and marks to market. In 2007, the financial cost of the swaps taken in order to hedge for inflation and interest rate risk totaled Ch$42,465 million compared to Ch$12,899 million in 2006. This higher cost was a direct result of the higher inflation rate in these two periods.
 
   
At December 31,
 
Inflation sensitive income
 
2006
   
2007
   
% Change
 
   
(In million of constant Chilean pesos at
December 31, 2007)
 
Interest gained on UF assets
    468,001       802,579       71.5 %
Interest paid on UF liabilities
    (191,746 )     (441,703 )     130.4 %
Inflation/ interest rate risk  hedge
    (12,899 )     (42,465 )     229.2 %
Price level restatement
    (14,807 )     (56,325 )     280.4 %
Net Gain
    248,549       262,086       5.4 %
 
 
·
Peso denominated assets and liabilities. Interest rates prevailing in Chile during any period primarily reflect the inflation rate during the period and the expectations of future inflation. The sensitivity of our peso denominated interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities to changes to such prevailing rates varies. (See “Item 5: C. Operating Results—Interest Rates”). We maintain a substantial amount of non interest bearing peso denominated demand deposits. Because such deposits are not sensitive to inflation, any decline in the rate of inflation would adversely affect our net interest margin on inflation indexed assets
 
 
 
    funded with such deposits, and any increase in the rate of inflation would increase the net interest margin on such assets. (See “Item 11: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”). The ratio of the average of such demand deposits to average interest-earning assets was 16.4%, 13.9% and 15.3% for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.
 
Interest Rates
 
Interest rates earned and paid on our assets and liabilities reflect, to a certain degree, inflation, expectations regarding inflation, changes in short term interest rates set by the Central Bank and movements in long term real rates. The Central Bank manages short term interest rates based on its objectives of balancing low inflation and economic growth. Because our liabilities generally reprice sooner than our assets, changes in the rate of inflation or short term rates in the economy are reflected in the rates of interest paid by us on our liabilities before such changes are reflected in the rates of interest earned by us on our assets. Therefore, when short term interest rates fall, our net interest margin is positively impacted, but when short term rates increase, our interest margin is negatively affected. At the same time, our net interest margin tends to be adversely affected in the short term by a decrease in inflation rates since generally our UF-denominated assets exceed our UF-denominated liabilities. (See “Item 5: C. Operating Results—Impact of Inflation—Peso-denominated Assets and Liabilities”). An increase in long term rates has a positive effect on our net interest margin, because our interest earning assets generally have longer tenors than our interest bearing liabilities. In addition, because our peso denominated liabilities have relatively short repricing periods, they are generally more responsive to changes in inflation or short term rates than our UF-denominated liabilities. As a result, during periods when current inflation or expected inflation exceeds the previous period’s inflation, customers often switch funds from UF-denominated deposits to peso denominated deposits, which generally bear higher interest rates, thereby adversely affecting our net interest margin.
 
Foreign Exchange Fluctuations
 
The Chilean government’s economic policies and any future changes in the value of the Chilean peso against the U.S. dollar could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. The Chilean peso has been subject to significant devaluation in the past and may be subject to significant fluctuations in the future. In 2005, the Chilean peso appreciated by 8.1% against the dollar. In 2006, the Chilean peso depreciated by 3.9% against the U.S. dollar and in 2007 the peso appreciated 7.2% against the U.S. dollar. (See “Item 3: A. Selected Financial Data—Exchange Rates”). A significant portion of our assets and liabilities are denominated in foreign currencies, principally the U.S. dollar, and we historically have maintained and may continue to maintain material gaps between the balances of such assets and liabilities. Because such assets and liabilities, as well as interest earned or paid on such assets and liabilities, and gains and losses realized upon the sale of such assets, are translated to Chilean pesos in preparing our financial statements, our reported income is affected by changes in the value of the Chilean peso relative to foreign currencies (principally the U.S. dollar).
 
Foreign currencies denominated obligations of Chilean banks are subject to various limits and obligations. The regulations of the Central Bank do not permit the difference, whether positive or negative, between a bank’s assets and liabilities denominated in any foreign currency (including assets and liabilities denominated in U.S. dollars but payable in Chilean pesos, as well as those denominated in Chilean pesos and indexed to the U.S. dollar exchange rate) to exceed 20% of the Bank’s paid in capital and reserves; except in the case where the balance of such assets exceeds the balance of such liabilities and the excess difference does not exceed the Bank’s allowances and reserves denominated in such foreign currency (excluding profits to be remitted abroad). The Bank also uses a sensitivity analysis to limit the potential loss in net interest income resulting from fluctuations of interest rates on U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities and a VaR model to limit foreign currency trading risk (see “Item 11: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”).
 
Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007
 
The following discussion is based upon and should be read in conjunction with the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. The Audited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with Chilean GAAP (including the rules of the Superintendency of Banks relating thereto), which differ in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. Note 26 to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements describes the principal differences between Chilean GAAP and U.S. GAAP and includes a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of our net income for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, and of our shareholders’ equity at December 31,
 
 
 
2006 and 2007. The Audited Consolidated Financial Statements have been restated in constant Chilean pesos of December 31, 2007. See Note 1(c) to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Introduction
 
The following table sets forth the principal components of our net income for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
 
   
For the year ended December 31,
   
% Change
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
   
2007
      2005/2006       2006/2007  
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of
December 31, 2007)
   
(in ths.
of US$)(1)
                 
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT DATA
                                       
Chilean GAAP:
                                       
Interest income and expense
                                       
Interest revenue
    1,093,557       1,255,814       1,665,527       3,345,910       14.8 %     32.6 %
Interest expense
    (493,756 )     (598,008 )     (839,911 )     (1,687,314 )     21.1 %     40.5 %
Net interest revenue
    599,801       657,806       825,616       1,658,596       9.7 %     25.5 %
Provision for loan losses
    (69,706 )     (132,175 )     (182,411 )     (366,449 )     89.6 %     38.0 %
Fees and income from services
                                               
Fees and other services income
    186,286       213,081       237,927       477,976       14.4 %     11.7 %
Other services expense
    (34,473 )     (38,438 )     (45,002 )     (90,405 )     11.5 %     17.1 %
Total fees and income from services, net
    151,813       174,643       192,925       387,571       15.0 %     10.5 %
Other operating income, net
                                               
Net gain (loss) from trading and brokerage
    (67,224 )     107,775       (126,738 )     (254,606 )     %     %
Foreign exchange transactions, net
    77,766       (52,332 )     92,425       185,674       %     %
Others, net
    (25,148 )     (35,413 )     (45,413 )     (91,231 )     40.8 %     28.2 %
Total other operating income, net
    (14,606 )     20,030       (79,726 )     (160,163 )     %     %
Other income and expenses
                                               
Non-operating income, net
    (24,152 )     (4,528 )     9,799       19,686       (81.3 %)     %
Income attributable to investments in other companies
    745       844       (1,321 )     (2,654 )     13.3 %     %
Losses attributable to minority interest
    (146 )     (162 )     (2,055 )     (4,128 )     11.0 %     1,168.5 %
Total other income and expenses
    (23,553 )     (3,846 )     6,423       12,904       (83.7 %)     %
Operating expenses
                                               
Personnel salaries and expenses
    (152,749 )     (171,605 )     (176,095 )     (353,761 )     12.3 %     2.6 %
Administrative and other expenses
    (110,359 )     (119,202 )     (121,546 )     (244,177 )     8.0 %     2.0 %
Depreciation and amortization
    (43,062 )     (41,486 )     (45,043 )     (90,488 )     (3.7 %)     8.6 %
Total operating expenses
    (306,170 )     (332,293 )     (342,684 )     (688,426 )     8.5 %     3.1 %
Loss from price-level
restatement
    (19,902 )     (14,807 )     (56,325 )     (113,152 )     (25.6 %)     280.4 %
Income before income taxes
    317,677       369,358       363,818       730,881       16.3 %     (1.5 %)
Income taxes
    (54,671 )     (62,529 )     (55,171 )     (110,834 )     14.4 %     (11.8 %)
Net income
    263,006       306,829       308,647       620,047       16.7 %     0.6 %
 

(1)
Amounts stated in U.S. dollars at and for the year ended December 31, 2007, have been translated from Chilean pesos at the exchange rate of Ch$497.78 = US$1.00 as of December 31, 2007. See “Item 3: A. Selected Financial Data—Exchange Rates” for more information on exchange rate.
 
2007 and 2006. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2007, increased by 0.6% to Ch$308,647 million compared to Ch$306,829 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. Our net interest income increased by 25.5% to Ch$825,616 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to 2006, and fee income grew by 10.5% to Ch$192,925 million in 2007 compared to 2006. Net interest revenue growth was led by an increase in net interest revenue from our retail banking and middle-market segments, the improved funding mix and the higher
 
 
 
 inflation rate in 2007 compared to 2006. The average balance of our interest-earning assets increased by 1.0% in 2007 compared to 2006. Our net interest margin increased 110 basis points to 5.8% compared to 4.7% in 2006.
 
These results were partially offset by a 38.0% increase in provision for loan losses which was mainly due to loan growth in higher yielding, but riskier retail segments. At the same time the Bank continued to improve its provisioning model for consumer loans. Specifically, in 2007 the Bank lengthened the time period used for statistically determining the risk level of consumer loans from 12 to 21 months of history. As a result, in 2007 the Bank recognized a one-time provision expense of Ch$14,444 million. Increased gross  provisions for loan losses were partially offset by a 53.8% rise in loan loss recoveries which was mainly driven by the gains recorded from two large sales of charged-off loans performed in 2007. These sales totaled an extraordinary gain of Ch$23,517 million in 2007.
 
Furthermore, total other operating income in 2007 totaled a loss of Ch$79,726 million compared to a gain of Ch$20,030 million in 2006. This loss was mainly due to a 30.1% rise in other operating losses resulting from higher sales force and client expenses. At the same time, the results from trading and mark-to-market totaled a loss of Ch$34,313 million compared to a gain of Ch$55,443 million in 2006. This was mainly due to a loss of Ch$42,465 million from inflation hedging which partially offsets the higher gain from net interest revenue due to the positive impact of higher inflation rates.
 
Operating expenses increased 3.1% in 2007 and the efficiency ratio improved to 36.5% in 2007 from 39.0% in 2006. In 2006, operating expenses include a one-time expense of Ch$9,263 million as a result of our payment of an end of negotiation bonus in conjunction with the signing of the new collective bargaining agreement in the fourth quarter of 2006. Excluding this item, operating expenses increased 6.1% driven by the increase in the Bank’s headcount, client base and distribution network.
 
Non-operating income totaled a gain of Ch$6,423 million compared to a loss of Ch$3,846 million. This better result was mainly due to lower level of provisions for other contingencies and a decrease in charge-offs of repossessed assets.
 
Income tax expenses declined 11.8% in 2007 compared to 2006 as a result of increased tax deferrals.
 
Finally, the loss from price level restatement increased 280.4% to Ch$56,325 million due to the higher inflation rate in 2007 compared to 2006.
 
2006 and 2005. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2006, increased by 16.7% compared to the year ended December 31, 2005, primarily reflecting the growth of the Chilean economy, which continued to fuel loan growth and banking activities, especially in the higher yielding retail banking segments, which in turn has led to the growth of our net interest revenue and fee income. Our net interest revenue increased by 9.7% and fee income grew by 15.0% in 2006 compared to 2005. Net interest revenue growth was led by an increase in net interest revenue from our retail banking and middle-market segments. Net interest revenue from the retail banking segment increased by 24.2% in 2006 compared to 2005. The average balance of our interest-earning assets increased by 10.6% in 2006 compared to 2005. As a result, our net interest margin remained stable at 4.7% in 2006 compared to 2005. Total net fee income increased by 15.0% for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to 2005. Fees from the retail banking segment increased by 38.8% in 2006 compared to 2005, mainly due to increases in fees from checking accounts, lines of credit and insurance brokerage and credit card fees.
 
The increases in net interest revenue and fee income were partially offset by an 89.6% increase in provisions for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to 2005, primarily due to an 80.3% increase in net provision expense in the retail banking segment.
 
Operating expenses in 2006 increased by 8.5% compared to 2005, which was primarily due to a 12.3% rise in personnel salaries and expenses as a result of our payment of an end of negotiation bonus in conjunction with the signing of the new collective bargaining agreement in the fourth quarter of 2006. Administrative expenses increased by 8.0% for the same periods, reflecting an increase in expenses as a result of the expansion of our distribution network. Our efficiency ratio, despite higher costs, continued to improve, reaching a record low of 39.0% for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to 41.5% in 2005.
 
We recorded a net gain of Ch$20,030 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, under total other operating income, net, compared to a loss of Ch$14,606 million for 2005. Results in 2006 included a gain from trading
 
 
 
activities of Ch$13,516 million as a result of our adoption of the new accounting standards for valuing financial instruments. See “Item 5: A. Accounting Standards for Financial Investments and Derivatives.”
 
The net loss recorded in other income and expenses, net, decreased by 83.7% in 2006 compared to 2005, primarily due to a lower level of provisions for other contingencies.
 
Net interest revenue
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
   
% Change
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
      2005/2006       2006/2007  
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007,
except percentages)
 
Total individuals
    299,148       357,178       452,136       19.4 %     26.6 %
SMEs
    100,625       139,515       160,909       38.6 %     15.3 %
Institutional lending
    7,134       10,218       12,048       43.2 %     17.9 %
Total retail
    406,907       506,911       625,093       24.6 %     23.3 %
Total middle-market
    57,300       79,312       89,095       38.4 %     12.3 %
Global banking & markets
    112,082       67,632       87,189       (39.7 %)     28.9 %
Other
    23,512       3,951       24,239       (83.2 %)     513.4 %
Net interest revenue
    599,801       657,806       825,616       9.7 %     25.5 %
                                         
Average interest-earning assets
    12,711,098       14,052,350       14,192,078       10.6 %     1.0 %
Average non-interest-bearing demand deposits
    2,090,323       1,958,651       2,171,605       (6.3 %)     10.9 %
Net interest margin (1)
    4.7 %     4.7 %     5.8 %                
Average shareholders’ equity and average non-interest-bearing demand deposits to total average interest-earning assets
    25.0 %     22.7 %     24.6 %                
 

(1)
Net interest margin is net interest revenue divided by average interest-earning assets.
 

2006 and 2007. In 2007, net interest revenue increased 25.5% compared to 2006, totaling Ch$825,616 million. During this period, the Bank focused on increasing spreads in various business segments in order to improve profitability. At the same time, an improved funding mix and higher inflation also boosted net interest revenue. As a result, the Bank’s net interest margin increased 110 basis points to 5.8%. The average nominal rate earned on loans (excluding past due and contingent loans) was 13.2% in 2007 compared to 10.3% earned on interest-earning assets in 2006. The average real rate earned on loans was 4.9% in 2007 compared to 2.1% in 2006. The gross nominal spread (nominal rate earned on interest earning assets minus nominal rate paid on interest bearing liabilities) increased 70 basis points in 2007 to 3.9%. The gross real spread (real rate earned on interest earning assets minus the real rate paid on interest bearing liabilities) 170 basis points in 2007, reaching 4.4%.
 
(%)
 
Year Ended
December 31, 2006
   
Year Ended
December 31, 2007
 
   
Avg. Real Rate
   
Avg. Nominal Rate
   
Avg. Real Rate
   
Avg. Nominal Rate
 
Average loans (1)
    2.1 %     10.3 %     4.9 %     13.3 %
Average interest earning assets
    7.3 %     8.9 %     3.0 %     11.7 %
Average liabilities
    4.6 %     5.7 %     (1.4 %)     7.8 %
Spread (2)
    2.7 %     3.2 %     4.4 %     3.9 %
 
(1) Excludes contingent and past due loans
(2) Avg. interest earning assets and Avg. liabilities
 
The increase in net interest revenue was primarily attributable to an increase in net interest revenue from various business segments in line with the Bank’s strategy of increasing spreads across the board in anticipation of higher future funding costs as rates rise in a higher inflationary environment. During the year the Bank also raised spreads in order to maintain adequate profitability taking into account the higher credit risk involved, especially in the retail segments.
 
 
 
Net interest revenue from the retail banking segment increased by 23.3% to Ch$625,093 million in 2007, with increases of 26.6% in the individuals segment and 15.3% in the SMEs segment. Loans to higher yielding retail banking segments increased by 4.9% in 2007 compared to 2006.
 
Net interest revenue from the middle-market segment increased by 12.3%, primarily due to the Bank’s focus on improving profitability by rising spreads, albeit with lower loan growth in the year. Loans in the middle-market segment increased 1.3% in the year.
 
In Global Banking & Markets net interest revenue increased 28.9%, primarily due to the higher short-term interest rate and inflation rate environment which increased the yield of the Bank’s fixed income portfolio. The Bank’s average financial investment portfolio decreased 17.3%, but interest earned on this portfolio increased 14.1%.
 
The higher inflation rate in 2007 compared to 2006 also had a positive effect on the growth rate of net interest revenue and margins. In 2007, the inflation rate in Chile was 7.8% compared to 2.6% in 2006. Our net interest revenue will be positively affected by an inflationary environment to the extent that our average UF-denominated assets exceed our average UF-denominated liabilities. Our net interest revenue will be negatively affected by inflation in any period in which our average UF-denominated liabilities exceed our average UF-denominated assets. Our average UF-denominated assets exceeded our average UF-denominated liabilities by Ch$2,871,535 million in 2007 compared to Ch$2,758,228 million in 2006. See “Item 5: C. Operating Results—Impact of Inflation” for a quantitative disclosure of the impact of inflation on our results.
 
An improved funding mix also helped to sustain margins despite a higher short-term interest rate environment. The ratio of the average balance of free funds (non interest bearing demand deposits and shareholders’ equity) to the average balance of interest earning assets also increased from 13.9% in 2006 to 15.3% in 2007. Therefore, as short-term rates increased and inflation also rose, the return on average free funds expanded.
 
 
Year
 
Central Bank reference rate (%)
   
Period-end
90 day note (%)
 
2005
    4.50       4.75  
2006
    5.00       5.10  
2007
    6.00       6.15  
Source: Banco Central de Chile
 
The principal factors negatively affecting the net interest margin was the increase in short term interest rates. As interest-bearing liabilities generally have shorter terms than interest earning assets, a rise in short term rates has a negative effect on our funding costs. The higher inflation rate accelerated the pace of short-term interest rate increases in the year. The overnight interbank rate set by the Central Bank increased 100 basis points in 2007. The average 90 day Central Bank rate, a benchmark rate for deposits, increased in nominal terms from 4.83% in 2006 to 5.18% in 2007.
 
2005 and 2006. Net interest revenue for the year ended December 31, 2006, increased by 9.7% compared to 2005, mainly reflecting a 10.6% increase in average interest-earning assets.
 
The increase in net interest revenue was primarily attributable to an increase in net interest revenue from our retail banking and middle-market segments. Net interest revenue from the retail banking segment increased by 24.2% with increases of 19.4% in the individuals segment and 38.6% in the SMEs segment. Loans to higher yielding retail banking segments increased by 20.7% in 2006 compared to 2005. Net interest revenue from the middle-market segment increased by 38.4%, primarily due to a 14% increase in the average balance of the loans and increased net interest spread in this segment. In the global banking and markets segments, net interest revenue decreased 39.7%, primarily due to lower interest income from the Treasury primarily reflecting the Bank’s strategy of shifting the asset mix to higher yielding assets. Total financial investments decreased by 20.3% from December 31, 2005, to December 31, 2006. The average balance of financial investments decreased by 31.0% from 2005 to 2006.
 
This change in asset mix was the principal factor positively affecting the net interest margin. The increase in average interest-earning assets was primarily attributable to a 15.0% increase in average balance of loans. This growth in lending was driven by the stable economic environment and an increase in our market share in retail lending. Our total loan market share decreased by 30 basis points from 22.6% as of December 31, 2005, to 22.3% as
 
 
 
of December 31, 2006. Market share in lending to individuals increased from 25.2% as of December 31, 2005, to 26.2% as of December 31, 2006, led by a 101 basis point increase in residential mortgage lending and a 111 basis point increase in consumer lending market share.
 
At the same time, higher interest rates on short-term debt also helped to increase margins in 2006, notwithstanding the decline in long-term rates.
 
The principal factors negatively affecting the net interest margin were the decrease in inflation rates, the increase in short term interest rates and a decrease in the ratio of the average balances of non interest bearing demand deposits and shareholders’ equity to interest earning assets.
 
Inflation in 2006, measured by the annual variation of the UF, was 2.01% in 2006 compared to 3.8% in 2005. As a result, the nominal rate earned on UF-denominated interest-earning assets declined from 8.6% in 2005 to 7.0% in 2006. See “Item 5: C. Operating Results—Impact of Inflation” for a quantitative disclosure of the impact of inflation on our net interest income.
 
As interest-bearing liabilities generally have shorter terms than interest earning assets, a rise in short term rates has a negative effect on our funding costs. The Central Bank’s overnight reference rate reached 5.25% as of December 31, 2006, compared to 4.5% as of December 31, 2005. The average 90 day Central Bank rate, a benchmark rate for deposits, increased in nominal terms from 3.53% in 2005 to 4.83% in 2006. The average nominal rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased from 5.3% in 2005 to 5.7% in 2006. The average nominal rate paid on time deposits, which represented 64.8% of our average interest-bearing liabilities in 2006, increased from 4.7% in 2005 to 5.6% in 2006.
 
As short term interest rates increased, so did the attractiveness of time deposits, thereby increasing the costs of our funding mix. Average balance of time deposits increased by 23.2% in 2006 compared to 2005. Average balance of time deposits represented 64.8% of our average interest-bearing liabilities in 2006, compared to 60.2% in 2005. In addition, we lengthened the maturities of time deposits with institutional investors in order to partially offset the negative effects caused by the rising short-term interest rate environment.
 
The ratio of the average balance of free funds (non interest bearing demand deposits and shareholders’ equity) to the average balance of interest earning assets also decreased from 25.0% in 2005 to 22.7% in 2006, primarily as a result of the increase in short-term rates. This was partially offset by the increase in the spread earned on the free funds as a result of the rising interest rate environment.
 
Provision for loan losses
 
Under our loan classification categories loans are divided into: (i) consumer loans (including loans granted to individuals for the purpose of financing the purchase of consumer goods or payment of services); (ii) residential mortgage loans (including loans granted to individuals for the purchase, construction or improvements of residential real estate, in which the value of the property covers at least 100% of the amount of the loan); and (iii) commercial loans (includes all loans other than consumer loans and residential mortgage loans).
 
In 2006, we improved our internal provisioning models by not only focusing on non-performance, but introducing statistical models that take into account a borrower’s credit history and indebtedness levels. Group ratings that determine loan loss allowances based only on non-performance are being phased out and replaced by statistical scoring systems. Commencing in December 2006, we no longer analyze large commercial loans on a group basis. All large commercial loans have since been rated on an individual basis. For large commercial loans, leasing and factoring, we assign a risk category level to each borrower and his respective loans. We consider the following risk factors in classifying a borrower’s risk category: the borrower’s industry or sector, owners or managers, financial condition, payment ability and payment behavior.
 
Group assessment for loan loss allowances is permitted for a large number of borrowers whose individual loan amounts are relatively insignificant. Currently, we use group analysis to determine loan loss allowances for certain types of loans, such as loans to small- and mid-sized companies and commercial loans to individuals.
 
Commencing in 2006, we improved and modified the methodology for analyzing consumer and mortgage loans. All consumer and mortgage loans are assigned a provisioning level on an individual borrower basis using a more automated and sophisticated statistical model which considers a borrower’s credit history, including any
 
 
 
defaults on obligations to other creditors, as well as the overdue periods with respect to loans granted by us. Once the borrower’s rating is determined, the allowance for consumer or mortgage loans is calculated based on the risk category and the respective provisioning ratio which is directly related to the aging of the loan. Further enhancements were implemented in 2007. The Bank now differentiates between old and new clients when determining a client’s risk profile for consumer loans. All loans are assigned a provision at the moment a loan is granted depending on the risk profile of the client. Secondly, the time period used for statistically considering a consumer loan mature, in order to determine the risk level of consumer loans, was extended from 12 to 21 months of history. All loans are assigned a provision at the moment a loan is granted.
 
For a detailed description of the models we use to determine loan loss allowances, see “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Loans by Economic Activity—Classification of Loan Portfolio.”
 
For statistical information with respect to our substandard loans and reserves for probable loan losses, see “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Analysis of Substandard Loans and Amounts Past Due” and “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Analysis of Loan Loss Allowances,” as well as Note 7 to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. The amount of provision charged to income in any period consists of net provisions established for possible loan losses, net of recoveries on loans previously charged off.
 
The following table sets forth, for the years indicated, certain information relating to our provision expenses.
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
   
% Change
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
      2005/2006       2006/2007  
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007,
except percentages)
 
Provision expenses
    29,733       (28,594 )     (59,047 )     %     106.5 %
Charge-offs
    (150,021 )     (154,150 )     (201,124 )     2.8 %     30.5 %
Recoveries for loans previously charged off
    50,582       50,569       77,760       (0.0 %)     53.8 %
Provision expenses, net
    (69,706 )     (132,175 )     (182,411 )     89.6 %     38.0 %
Year-end loans
    11,130,068       12,666,058       13,468,980       13.8 %     6.3 %
Substandard loans (1)
    291,743       371,184       438,585       27.2 %     18.2 %
Past-due loans
    116,894       99,445       116,654       (14.9 %)     17.3 %
Loan loss allowance
    162,234       187,014       232,766       15.3 %     24.5 %
Substandard loans / Year-end loans
    2.6 %     2.9 %     3.3 %                
Past due loans / Year-end loans
    1.1 %     0.8 %     0.9 %                
Expected loan loss ratio (2)
    1.5 %     1.5 %     1.7 %                
Coverage ratio (3)
    138.8 %     188.1 %     199.5 %                
 

(1)
Substandard loans are all mortgage and consumer loans rated B- or worse and all commercial loans rated C2 or worse. In the new loan rating system, substandard loans include all consumer and mortgage loans rated B- or worse and all commercial loans rated C2 or worse.
 
(2)
Loan loss allowance divided by year end loans.
 
(3)
Loan loss allowance divided by past due loans.
 

2007 and 2006. Net provision expenses for loan losses totaled Ch$182,411 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, an increase of 38.0% compared to 2006, primarily due to an increase in provision expense and charge-offs. Provision expense rose 106.5% to Ch$59,047 million in 2007 compared to 2006. This growth in provision expenses was due to:
 
(i) the Bank recognized an extraordinary provision expense of Ch$14,444 million directly related to the further improvements made to the provisioning model for consumer loans. Specifically, the time period used for statistically considering a consumer loan mature, in order to determine the risk level of consumer loans, was extended from 12 to 21 months of history. For a detailed description of the models we use to determine loan loss allowances, see “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Loan by Economic Activity—Classification of Loan Portfolio;” and
 
(ii) the increase in the Bank’s expected loan loss ratio from 1.5% in 2006 to 1.7% in 2007 in line with the increase in retail lending which is higher yielding, but requires higher provision expense. The expected loan loss ratio is calculated according to the guidelines set by the Superintendency of Banks and our Board. This ratio is the
 
 
 
main determinant of loan loss allowances. Loan loss allowances must be equal to the loan loss ratio multiplied by total loans; and
 
(iii) loan growth. The Bank’s provisioning model based on risk profiles requires every loan to have a provision attached according to risk profile or rating. Therefore as the loan book grows provision expenses increases.
 
Charge-offs increased by 30.5% in 2007 compared to 2006, primarily as a result of the growth of our consumer loan portfolio, for which credit risk is higher and loans are requested to be written off within much shorter periods than the rest of the loan portfolio. Charge-offs of the consumer loan portfolio increased by 50.2% to Ch$165,029 million. The segment of the Bank which has experienced the largest deterioration in asset quality has been the middle income individual segment. This segment has been hit by the rise in inflation, as this affects a larger portion of their income levels (food, schools, health, mortgage, etc.) This was partially offset by the 14.7% decrease in charge-offs in the mortgage loan portfolio and the 19.1% decline in charge-offs in the commercial loan portfolio.
 
 
The following table shows charge-offs by Santander-Chile by type of loan:
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
   
% Change
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
      2005/2006       2006/2007  
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007,
except percentages)
Consumer loans
    73,214       109,853       165,029       50.0 %     50.2 %
Mortgage loans
    7,858       6,220       5,308       (20.8 %)     (14.7 %)
Commercial loans
    68,949       38,077       30,787       (44.8 %)     (19.1 %)
Total charge-offs
    150,021       154,150       201,124       2.8 %     30.5 %

 
Recoveries on loans previously charged off increased 53.8% in 2007 compared to 2006. This rise was mainly due to two large sales of loans previously charged off in the year. These sales resulted in a gain of Ch$25,792 million.
 
Overall asset quality indicators remained healthy in 2007. The ratio of past due loans as a percentage of total loans reached 0.9% compared to 0.8% at year-end 2006. Total substandard loans as a percentage of total loans increased from 2.9% at year-end 2006 to 3.3% at year-end 2007, mainly due to the change in loan mix towards higher yielding retail loans, which generally present relatively higher risk than other retail loans. The coverage ratio of past due loans increased from 188.1% at year-end 2006 to 199.5% at year-end 2007.
 
The following table sets forth, for the years indicated, the components of our net provision expenses.
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
   
% Change
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
      2005/2006       2006/2007  
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007,
except percentages)
 
Total individuals
    (56,143 )     (109,323 )     (148,771 )     94.7 %     36.1 %
SMEs
    (16,908 )     (22,390 )     (31,510 )     32.4 %     40.7 %
Institutional lending
    (17 )     516       (29 )     -- %     -- %
Total retail
    (73,068 )     (131,197 )     (180,310 )     79.6 %     37.4 %
Total middle-market
    1,196       (774 )     (612 )     -- %     (20.9 %)
Global banking & markets
    2,106       755       215       (64.2 %)     (71.5 %)
Other (1)
    60       (959 )     (1,704 )     -- %     77.7 %
Provision expense, net
    (69,706 )     (132,175 )     (182,411 )     89.6 %     38.0 %

(1) Consists primarily of additional allowances on loans which are not assigned to any of the above types or segments, if any, and provisions for repossessed assets.
 
Provision expense increased by 37.4% in the retail banking segment, mainly as a result of the growth of our retail loan portfolio, for which credit risk is higher and provisions are required to be made within much shorter periods than the rest of the loan portfolio. The segment of the Bank which has experienced the largest deterioration in asset quality has been the middle income individual segment. This segment has been hit by the rise in inflation, as
 
 
 
this affects a larger portion of their income levels (food, schools, health, mortgage, etc.) Net provision expense in the rest of the segments remained relatively stable, reflecting the generally healthy credit quality indicators in those segments.
 
We expect provisions for loan losses to increase in future periods in line with the overall growth of our loan portfolio and our increased lending to small companies and individuals which poses a higher risk of default than lending to traditional corporate and commercial customers. See “Item 3: D. Risk Factors—Risks Associated with our Business—Our exposure to individuals and small businesses could lead to higher levels of past due loans, allowances for loan losses and charge-offs” and “—The growth of our loan portfolio may expose us to increased loan losses.”
 
2006 and 2005. Net provision expenses for loan losses increased 89.6% compared to 2005, primarily due to increase in provision expense and charge-offs. Provision expense increased by 79.6% in the retail banking segment, mainly as a result of the growth of our retail loan portfolio, for which credit risk is higher and provisions are required to be made within much shorter periods than the rest of the loan portfolio. Charge-off of the consumer loan portfolio increased by 50.0% in 2006 compared to 2005. Provision expense in the SME segment increased in line with loan growth in this segment. Net provision expense in the rest of the segments remained relatively stable, reflecting the generally healthy credit quality indicators in those segments.
 
The Bank’s risk index or expected loan loss ratio, which is calculated according to the guidelines, set by the Superintendency of Banks and our Board, increased from 1.46% in 2005 to 1.48% in 2006. This index is the main determinant of loan loss allowances. Loan loss allowances must be equal to the risk index multiplied by total loans. As the loan portfolio increased by 13.8% in 2006 and the risk index rose 2 basis points, required loan loss allowances rose 15.3%. See “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Loan by Economic Activity—Classification of Loan Portfolio.”
 
Charge-offs increased by 2.8% in 2006 compared to 2005, primarily as a result of the growth of our consumer loan portfolio, for which credit risk is higher and loans become loss within much shorter periods than the rest of the loan portfolio. Charge-offs of the consumer loan portfolio increased by 50.0%. This was partially offset by the 44.8% decrease in charge-offs in the commercial loan portfolio. In 2005, the Bank charged off various commercial loans that had been previously restructured and that bear no interest. See “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Analysis of Loan Loss Allowances” and “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Classification of Loan Portfolio Based on the Borrower’s Payment Performance.” These loans were already classified as D2 and were 90% provisioned for. Therefore, this increase in charge-offs was offset by the subsequent release of provisions recorded in 2005.
 
In addition, recoveries on loans previously charged off remained effectively stable in 2006 compared to 2005. Our recovery department is currently being reorganized and expanded in order to keep up with the growth in our retail lending business.
 
Overall asset quality indicators remained healthy in 2006. Past due loans at December 31, 2006, decreased by 14.9% compared to December 31, 2005. Past due loans as a percentage of total loans decreased from 1.05% at December 31, 2005, to 0.79% at December 31, 2006. Substandard loans increased by 27.2%, primarily due to an increase in substandard consumer loans, which rose mainly as a result of loan growth in this product. Total substandard loans as a percentage of total loans increased from 2.62% at year-end 2005 to 2.93% at year-end 2006, mainly due to the change in loan mix towards higher yielding retail loans, which generally present relatively higher risk than other retail loans.
 
Fee income
 
The following table sets forth certain components of our income from services (net of fees paid to third parties directly connected to providing those services, principally fees relating to credit card processing and ATM network administration) in the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
 
 
 
   
Year ended December 31,
   
% Change
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
      2005/2006       2006/2007  
   
(in million of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007,
except percentages)
 
Checking accounts & lines of credit
    45,586       57,729       57,674       26.6 %     (0.1 %)
Mutual fund services
    20,709       21,530       29,654       4.0 %     37.7 %
Collection and administration of insurance policies
    22,130       24,962       29,096       12.8 %     16.6 %
Credit cards
    15,167       20,037       22,965       32.1 %     14.6 %
Automatic teller cards
    14,890       15,333       16,222       3.0 %     5.8 %
Insurance brokerage
    9,032       12,245       12,006       35.6 %     (2.0 %)
Stock brokerage
    1,777       1,497       7,261       (15.8 %)     385.0 %
Sales and purchase of foreign currencies
    7,111       6,400       5,640       (10.0 %)     (11.9 %)
Office banking
    1,483       2,796       2,823       88.5 %     1.0 %
Letters of credit, guarantees, pledges and other contingent loans
    3,026       2,710       2,645       (10.4 %)     (2.4 %)
Payment agency services
    3,095       2,870       2,549       (7.3 %)     (11.2 %)
Underwriting
    2,560       1,445       1,480       (43.6 %)     2.4 %
Bank drafts and fund transfers
    277       670       306       141.9 %     (54.3 %)
Savings accounts
    262       272       237       3.8 %     (12.9 %)
Custody and trust services
    699       392       (121 )     (43.9 %)     (130.9 %)
Other
    4,009       3,755       2,488       (6.3 %)     (33.7 %)
Total
    151,813       174,643       192,925       15.0 %     10.5 %

2006 and 2007. Total net fee income increased by 10.5% to Ch$192,925 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to 2006. The positive economic environment and the growth of the Bank’s client base led to an overall increase in the usage and penetration of bank products in 2007. The Bank’s total retail banking client base increased by 14.1% in 2007, totaling 2.8 million clients. The number of retail clients with a checking account increased by 13.8% in 2007, reaching 565 thousand. Retail clients (excluding Santander Banefe) who are cross sold, which are defined as clients with a checking account who also uses at least four other banking products, increased by 16.2% at December 31, 2007, compared to December 31, 2006. In Santander Banefe, the number of cross sold clients (clients who also use at least two other products) rose by 18.0% at December 31, 2007, compared to December 31, 2006.
 
Fees from checking accounts and lines of credit decreased 0.1% in 2007 compared to 2006. In the beginning of 2007, Chile introduced a regulatory change that prohibited banks from charging certain fees to checking account holders for bad check clearance. In the future we do not rule out further regulatory changes that may have a significant impact on fees from our checking accounts and lines of credit. However, our market share in checking accounts continued to rise reaching 27.9% as of November 2007 compared to 27.1% as of November 2006. In 2007, the Bank opened 34.8% of all new checking accounts in Chile.
 
Fees from our mutual fund asset management subsidiary increased by 37.7%. Total assets under management increased by 25.8% to Ch$2,632,654 million (US$5.3 billion) at December 31, 2007, compared to December 31, 2006.
 
Fees from collection and administration of insurance policies increased by 16.6% for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to 2006, primarily due to the growth of our retail loan book that has led to an increase in collection of insurance premiums on these loans on behalf of insurance companies. This growth was partially offset by the 2.0% decrease in insurance brokerage fees mainly due increased competition in this business segment.
 
Credit card fees increased by 14.6% in 2007 compared to 2006. We were the market leader in bank credit card accounts, with a 36.0% market share at year-end 2007 compared to 35.8% market share as of December 31, 2006. The number of our credit card customer accounts increased by 16.2% to 1,102,630 at December 31, 2007, compared to December 31, 2006. The transaction volumes of credit cards issued by us, measured in UFs, increased by 12.5% in 2007 compared to 2006. The rise in credit card fees is partially offset by the other credit card expenses reflected in “Other operating losses, net.”
 
The 5.8% rise in ATM fees was mainly driven by the increase in the number of ATMs installed by the Bank. As of December 31, 2007, the Bank had 2,004 ATMs compared to 1,588 ATMs as of December 31, 2006. The rise in ATMs was offset by increased competition in order to obtain favorable ATM locations.
 
 
 
Stock brokerage fees experienced a 385% increase in 2007 compared to the corresponding period in 2006, primarily due to the completion of the merger between Santiago Corredores de Bolsa Ltda, a subsidiary of the Bank, and Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa, a non-consolidated affiliate of the Bank, in the first half of 2007. Given the Bank now owns 50.6% of the merged entity and Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa had a higher market share in the stock brokerage business than the Bank’s subsidiary, fees from stock brokerage increased significantly in this period.

The decrease in fees from payment agency services, letters of credit, guarantees, pledges and other contingent loan fees, fees from the sale and purchase of foreign currencies, underwriting fees and other fees was mainly due to increased competitive pressure in the Corporate and Middle-market segments. This was offset by a higher return on cash management services provided to these customers, which was reflected in our net interest income. At the same time many of these services are being performed on-line through our office banking system, which increased 1.0% in 2007 compared to 2006. Fees from the sale and purchase of foreign currencies were also negatively affected by the appreciation of the Chilean peso against the dollar.

The following table set forth, for the years indicated, a breakdown of our fee income by segment.
 
   
Year ended December 31,
   
% Change
   
% Change
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
      2005/2006       2006/2007  
   
in million of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007,
except percentages
 
Total individuals
    81,715       111,174       123,877       36.1 %     11.4 %
SMEs
    20,560       30,805       37,596       49.8 %     22.0 %
Institutional lending
    1,792       1,290       2,041       (28.0 %)     58.2 %
Total retail
    104,067       143,269       163,514       37.7 %     14.1 %
Total middle-market
    9,251       15,022       14,856       62.4 %     (1.1 %)
Global Banking & Markets
    8,204       9,496       13,635       15.7 %     43.6 %
Other
    30,291       6,856       920       (77.4 %)     (86.6 %)
Total
    151,813       174,643       192,925       15.0 %     10.5 %
 
By segment, changes in our fee income also reflect the increase in retail banking products. Retail banking fees increased 14.1% in 2007 compared to 2006, mainly due to the rise in fees from mutual funds, credit cards and the collection and administration of insurance policies.
 
Fees in the middle market decreased 1.1% in 2007 compared to 2006, reflecting the decline in fees from payment agency services, letters of credit, guarantees, pledges and other contingent loan fees, fees from the sale and purchase of foreign currencies and underwriting fees. This was offset by a higher return on cash management services provided to these customers and office banking fees.
 
Fees from the middle market and global banking increased 43.6% mainly due to improvements in segmentation, which also explains the 86.6% decreases in other non-segmented fees.
 
2005 and 2006. Total net fee income increased by 15.0% for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to 2005. The positive economic environment and the bank’s successful marketing efforts led to an overall increase in the usage and penetration of bank products in 2006. The Bank’s total retail banking client base increased by 11.8% in 2006, totaling 2.4 million clients. The number of retail clients with a checking account increased by 23.0% in 2006, reaching 496 thousand. Middle- and upper-income individual clients, who are cross sold, which are defined as clients with a checking account who also uses at least four other banking products, increased by 30.8% at December 31, 2006, compared to December 31, 2005. In Santander Banefe, the number of cross sold clients (clients who also use at least two other products) rose by 18.1% at December 31, 2006, compared to December 31, 2005.
 
Fees from checking accounts and lines of credit increased by 26.6%, primarily as a result of the growth of our checking accounts and credit lines. These products are offered together and, therefore, are being analyzed as a single product. Our market share in checking accounts at November 2006, the last figure available, was 27.1% compared to 25.5% at November 2005. In this same period, our checking account base increased by 17.1%, compared to the 10.3% increase in the market as a whole.
 
 
 
Fees from collection and administration of insurance policies increased by 12.8% for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to 2005, primarily due to the growth of our mortgage loan book and lower than estimated claim rates, which results in higher administration fees paid by insurers to us.
 
Fees from our mutual fund asset management subsidiary increased by 4.0%. Total assets under management increased by 35.9% at December 31, 2006, compared to December 31, 2005.
 
Credit card fees increased by 32.1% in 2006 compared to 2005. We were the market leader in bank credit card accounts, with a 35.8% market share as of December 31, 2006. The transaction volumes of credit cards issued by us, measured in UFs, increased by 12.9% in 2006 compared to 2005. The number of our credit card customer accounts increased by 16.0% to 948,918 at December 31, 2006, compared to December 31, 2005. The rise in credit card fees is partially offset by the other credit card expenses reflected in “Other operating losses, net.”
 
The 3.0% rise in ATM fees was mainly driven by the increase in the number of ATMs installed by the Bank. As of December 31, 2006, the Bank had 1,588 ATMs compared to 1,422 as of December 31, 2005. The rise in ATMs was offset by increased competition in order to obtain ATM locations with large retailers.
 
Insurance brokerage fees increased by 35.6% for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to 2005. This was mainly as a result of an industry-wide expansion of insurance brokerage business as banks have successfully introduced simple and low cost insurance products to the market.
 
The decrease in fees from payment agency services, letters of credit, guarantees, pledges and other contingent loan fees, fees from the sale and purchase of foreign currencies, underwriting fees and other fees was mainly due to increased competitive pressure in the Corporate and Middle-market segments. This was offset by an increase in the sales of derivatives and other treasury services, which were included in “Other operating income” and a higher return on cash management services provided to these customers, which was reflected in our net interest income.
 
Office banking fees increased by 88.6% in 2006 compared to 2005 as the Bank has also sought to increase the coverage and pricing of its on-line corporate banking services in order to offset the decrease in collection fees.
 
By segment, changes in our fee income also reflects the increase in retail banking products. Retail banking fees increased by 37.7% in 2006 compared to 2005, mainly due to the rise in fees from checking accounts, lines of credit, insurance brokerage and credit cards.
 
Fees from the middle market increased by 62.4% in 2006 compared to 2005, led by the increase in office banking services and the reclassification of the fees from the mutual fund asset management from “other” fee income to fees from the middle market in 2006.
 
Fees from global banking and markets increased 15.7%, reflecting the increase in treasury services and office banking.
 
Other operating income (expenses), net
 
The following table sets forth information regarding our other operating income (expenses), net in the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
 
   
Year ended December 31,
   
% Change
   
% Change
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
      2005/2006       2006/2007  
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007, except percentages)
 
Net gains from trading and mark-to-market
    (67,224 )     107,775       (126,738 )     -- %     -- %
Foreign exchange transactions, net
    77,766       (52,332 )     92,425       -- %     -- %
Sub-total, market related income
    10,542       55,443       (34,313 )     425.9 %     -- %
Other operating losses, net
    (25,148 )     (35,413 )     (45,413 )     40.8 %     28.2 %
Total other operating income
    (14,606 )     20,030       (79,726 )     -- %     -- %

2006 and 2007. Total other operating income, net, amounted to a loss of Ch$79,726 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to a gain of Ch$20,030 million in 2006. Total other operating income, net, consists primarily of (i) the results of our Treasury Department’s trading and hedging activities and financial transactions with customers as well the results of our Financial Management division, and (ii) other operating income and
 
 
 
expenses primarily relating to repossessed assets that have not been charged-off, sales force expenses and other expenses relating to the Bank’s marketing and promotional efforts.
 
Net gains from trading activities and mark-to-market adjustments and foreign exchange transactions totaled a loss of Ch$34,313 million compared to a gain of Ch$55,443 million in 2006. This line item in 2007 included: (i) a loss of Ch$131,020 million from mark-to-market adjustments of our derivatives portfolio and, (ii) a gain of Ch$4,282 million from mark-to-market adjustments and realized gains made in the securities portfolio. The net result from foreign exchange transactions totaled a gain of Ch$92,425 million in 2007. These results mainly included the translation gain or loss of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies (excluding derivatives), which was largely offset by the hedged positions with derivatives. Our exposure to the foreign currency market is limited by guidelines of the Central Bank and our Market Risk Department (see “Item 11: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”).
 
In order to more easily comprehend the market related income, we present the following table that separates the results between Treasury and Financial Management.
 
   
At December 31,
 
Market related income
 
2006
   
2007
   
% Change
 
   
(In million of constant Chilean pesos at
December 31, 2007)
 
Treasury
    64,585       12,639       (80.4 %)
Financial Management
    (9,142 )     (46,952 )     413.6 %
Total market related income
    55,443       (34,313 )     -- %

The 80.4% decrease in market related income from our Treasury Division was mainly due to: (i) a one-time gain of Ch$13,516 million recognized in 2006 as a result of the adoption of new accounting standards reflecting recognizing financial instruments at fair value, which resulted in a gain from trading activities and (ii) lower gains from our market making and proprietary trading results. The Bank’s trading positions were negatively affected by the movements of real interest rates, especially in the fourth quarter of 2007. This was partially offset by the results of Santander Global Connect, which includes foreign exchange and derivatives products sold to clients.
 
The area of Financial Management (Gestión Financiera) carries out the function of managing the structural interest rate risk, the structural position in inflation indexed assets and liabilities, shareholders’ equity and liquidity. The aim of Financial Management is to inject stability and recurrence into the net interest income of commercial activities and to assure the Bank complies with internal and regulatory limits regarding liquidity, regulatory capital, reserve requirements and market risk. The 413.6% increase in the loss recognized by Financial Management was mainly due to derivatives that hedge for inflation and interest rate risk. In 2007, the financial cost of the swaps taken in order to hedge for inflation and interest rate risk totaled Ch$42,465 million compared to Ch$12,899 million in 2006. This higher cost was a direct result of the higher inflation rate in these two periods (see “Item 5: C. Operating Results—Impact of Inflation”). As the Bank’s mortgage portfolio grows, the maturity gap tends to rise as these loans, which are denominated in UF, have a longer maturity than the average maturity of our funding base. As most of long term financial instruments and mortgage loans are denominated in UF and most deposits in nominal pesos, the increase in mortgage lending increments the Bank’s exposure to inflation and to interest rate risk. The size of this gap is limited by internal and regulatory guidelines in order to avoid excessive potential losses due to strong shifts in interest rates (see “Item 11: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”). In order to keep this duration gap below regulatory limits the bank issues long term bonds denominated in UF or interest rate swaps. The financial cost of the bonds is recorded as interest expense, but the financial cost of these swaps is included in the net results from trading and mark-to-market.
 
In 2007, other operating losses, net, increased by 28.2% to Ch$45,413 million compared to 2006. Total sales force expenses increased 30.0% mainly as a result of our sales efforts in retail banking. Expenses relating to our credit card business increased by 70.0% to Ch$9,172 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to 2006, primarily as a result of higher expenses related to promotions to augment credit card usage. These increased costs were offset by increased fees from our credit cards.
 
Customer service expenses, which consist primarily of expenses paid to third parties for transporting funds for corporate customers as part of cash management agreements, and the costs of our call center, increased by 24.0% to Ch$14,505 million in 2007 compared to 2006. This was offset by positive performance of our cash management
 
 
business. We generate fees for collection and corporate e-banking services and generate interest income on the floating balances of these clients. The growth of these expenses also reflects the shift towards more efficient sales channels such as our call center compared to the outsourced sales force.
 
The results from the sales and expenses in maintaining repossessed assets increased 215.9% to Ch$2,859 million.
 
2005 and 2006. Total other operating income, net, amounted to a gain of Ch$20,030 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to a loss in 2007. Total other operating income, net, consists primarily of (i) the results of our Treasury Department’s trading and hedging activities and financial transactions with customers, and (ii) other operating income and expenses primarily relating to repossessed assets that have not been charged-off, sales force expenses and other expenses relating to the Bank’s marketing and promotional efforts.
 
Net gains from trading activities and mark-to-market adjustments and foreign exchange transactions, net for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, are not strictly comparable since 2006 figures include the mark-to-market adjustments of derivatives. In accordance with Circular No. 3345 issued by the Superintendency of Banks, effective January 1, 2006, the accounting standards for valuing financial instruments acquired for trading or investment purposes, including derivative instruments, were amended. In summary, we must record our derivatives portfolio at fair value, and hedge accounting was introduced. (See “Item 5: A. Accounting Standards for Financial Investments and Derivatives” and “—B. Critical Accounting Policies”). Results in 2006 included a gain of Ch$13,516 million following the adoption of new accounting standards reflecting recognizing financial instruments at fair value, which resulted in a gain from trading activities. If we had applied the new accounting standards for the year ended December 31, 2005, the net effect on our results would have been a gain of Ch$7,527 million (this figure has been calculated based on the adjustment under US GAAP for hedge accounting. See Note 26(m)-Derivatives).
 
In 2006, other operating losses, net, increased by 40.8% compared to 2005. This was primarily due to our increased business activities, which resulted in increases in credit card related expenses and other customer related expenses. Expenses relating to our credit card business increased by 117.7% for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to 2005, primarily as a result of relatively higher premium rates on fraud insurance covering some of our new cards and an increase in the membership fees paid to Transbank, the company collectively owned by major banks in Chile which runs credit card payment networks in Chile. These increased costs were offset by increased fees from our credit cards.
 
Customer service expenses, which consist primarily of expenses paid to third parties for transporting funds for corporate customers as part of cash management agreements, and the costs of our call center, increased by 105.0% in 2006 compared to 2005. This was offset by positive performance of our cash management business. We generate fees for collection and corporate e banking services and generate interest income on the floating balances of these clients. The growth of these expenses also reflects the shift towards more efficient sales channels such as our call center compared to the outsourced sales force.
 
The results from the sales and expenses in maintaining repossessed assets decreased by 78.2% in 2006 compared to 2005.
 
Other income and expenses, net
 
The following table sets forth information regarding our operating expenses in the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
 
   
Year ended December 31,
   
% Change
   
% Change
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
      2005/2006       2006/2007  
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007, except percentages)
 
Non-operating income (loss), net
    (24,152 )     (4,528 )     9,799       (81.3 %)     -- %
Income attributable to investments in other companies
    745       844       (1,321 )     13.3 %     -- %
Losses attributable to minority interest
    (146 )     (162 )     (2,055 )     11.0 %     1,168.5 %
Total
    (23,553 )     (3,846 )     6,423       (83.7 %)     -- %
 
 

 
2006 and 2007. Other income and expenses, net, totaled Ch$6,423 million in 2007 compared to a loss of Ch$3,846 million in 2006. This variation was mainly due to: (i) a 35.7% increase in recovery of previous year expenses, which totaled Ch$9,113 million, (ii) a gain of Ch$2,080 million recognized from the sale of a share the Bank held in the Santiago Stock Exchange and the sale of 17,000 shares of Mastercard, (iii) a 45.4% decrease in charge-offs of repossessed assets, (iv) a 92.8% decrease in provisions for other contingencies. These contingencies are mainly related to non credit risks, including non specific contingencies, tax contingencies and other non credit contingencies or impairments. In 2007, these provisions totaled Ch$504 million.
 
This was partially offset by the Ch$1,321 million loss recognized by the Bank in income attributable to investment in other companies. This loss was mainly due to a Ch$2,505 million loss recognized by the company Administrador Financiero Transantiago S.A. The Bank owns 20% of this company that is in charge of busfare clearing and financial management services for Santiago’s new transportation network. This network was completely overhauled in 2007, resulting in inefficient service that affected this company’s results. The larger losses attributable to minority interest was mainly due to the merger between Santiago Corredores de Bolsa Ltda, a subsidiary previously owned 100% by the Bank, and Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa, an indirect subsidiary of Banco Santander Spain in 2007. As a result of the proposed merger, the Bank owns 51.0% of the merged entity. (See Note 17 to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
2005 and 2006. The net loss recorded in other income and expenses, net, decreased by 83.7% in 2006 compared to 2005, primarily due to a lower level of provisions for other contingencies. These contingencies are mainly related to non credit risks, including non specific contingencies, tax contingencies and other non credit contingencies or impairments. In 2006, these provisions decreased 67.8% compared to 2005. The lower non-operating loss was also due to a lower level of charge-offs of repossessed assets that  decreased 36.2% compared to 2005. This was partially offset by a 52.6% decrease in gains from the sales of repossessed assets previously charged off. (See Note 17 to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
Operating expenses
 
The following table sets forth information regarding our operating expenses in the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
 
   
Year ended December 31,
   
% Change
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
      2005/2006       2006/2007  
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007, except percentages)
 
Personnel salaries and expenses
    (152,749 )     (171,605 )     (176,095 )     12.3 %     2.6 %
Administrative expenses
    (110,359 )     (119,202 )     (121,546 )     8.0 %     2.0 %
Depreciation and amortization
    (43,062 )     (41,486 )     (45,043 )     (3.7 %)     8.6 %
Total
    (306,170 )     (332,293 )     (342,684 )     8.5 %     3.1 %
Efficiency ratio(1)
    41.5 %     39.0 %     36.5 %                

(1)
The efficiency ratio is the ratio of total operating expenses to total operating revenue. Total operating revenue consists of net interest revenue, income from services, net, and other operating income, net.
 
2006 and 2007. Operating expenses in 2007 increased by 3.1% compared to 2006. The 2.6% rise in personnel salaries and expenses was mainly due to the 16.6% rise in average headcount in 2007 compared to 2006. This was offset by the end of negotiation bonus paid in conjunction with the signing of the new collective bargaining agreement in the fourth quarter of 2006. This new collective bargaining agreement became effective on March 1, 2007, and will expire on March 1, 2011. As a part of this process, an end of negotiation bonus was paid, which resulted in a one-time cost of Ch$9,263 million in 2006. Excluding this item personnel expenses increased 8.5% and total operating expenses increased 6.1%.
 
Administrative expenses increased 2.0% in 2007 compared to 2006 mainly as a result of large expenses related to our expansion of the distribution network. This also explain the rise in depreciations and amortizations. Our efficiency ratio, despite higher costs, continued to improve, reaching a record low of 36.5% for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to 39.0% in 2006. We expect personnel, administrative expenses and depreciation to grow at a higher pace in future periods as a result of our strategy to expand our retail banking business and higher
 
 
 
 
inflation as wages are indexed to CPI. The pace of expansion of our branch and ATM network in the medium-term may vary with fluctuations in the outlook of the Chilean economy.
 
2005 and 2006. Operating expenses in 2006 increased by 8.5% compared to 2005. The 12.3% rise in personnel salaries and expenses was mainly due to the above mentioned end of negotiation bonus paid in conjunction with the signing of the new collective bargaining agreement in the fourth quarter of 2006. Personnel costs also grew as a result of the 5.4% rise in average headcount in 2006 compared to 2005 and an increase in bonuses paid to business teams for reaching business targets. Our efficiency ratio, despite higher costs, continued to improve, reaching a record low of 39.0% for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to 41.5% in 2005. Administrative expenses increased by 8.0% for the same periods, reflecting an increase in expenses as a result of the expansion of our distribution network. Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased by 3.7% in 2006 compared to 2005. In the fourth quarter of 2005, the Bank accelerated the depreciation of obsolete IT projects, which resulted in the decline in depreciation expense in 2006. Our efficiency ratio, representing operating expenses divided by operating income, improved from 41.5% in 2005 to a record low of 39.0% in 2006.
 
Loss from price level restatement
 
2006 and 2007. The loss from price level restatement totaled Ch$56,325 million in 2007, an increase of 280.4% compared to 2006. We must adjust our capital, fixed assets and other assets for the variations in price levels. Because our capital is larger than the sum of our fixed and other assets, price level restatement usually results in a loss and fluctuates with the inflation rate. The inflation rate used for calculating price level restatement increased in 2007 compared to 2006 (7.44% in 2007 and 2.12% in 2006), resulting in a higher loss from price level restatement. The higher loss from price level restatement is also partially offset by the positive impact of inflation on net interest income. (See “Item 5: C. Operating Results—Impact of Inflation”).
 
2005 and 2006. The loss from price level restatement decreased 25.6% compared to 2005. We must adjust our capital, fixed assets and other assets for the variations in price levels. Because our capital is larger than the sum of our fixed and other assets, price level restatement usually results in a loss and fluctuates with the inflation rate. The inflation rate used for calculating price level restatement decreased in 2006 compared to 2005 (2.12% in 2006 and 3.62% in 2005), resulting in a lower loss from price level restatement. This was partially offset by an increase in the gap between equity and other assets as we decreased our dividend payment in 2006. The lower loss from price level restatement is also partially offset by the negative impact on net interest income due to lower inflation rates.
 
Income tax
 
Our income tax expense decreased by 11.8% to Ch$55,171 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to 2006, primarily due to higher gain from deferred taxes in the year. In 2007 the Bank recognized Ch$11,487 million in deferred tax gains compared to a tax expense of Ch$3,030 million from deferred taxes in 2006. The effective tax rate for 2007 was 15.2% and 16.9% in 2006. The statutory corporate tax rate was 17% (see Note 20 of our Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
2005 and 2006. Our income tax expense increased by 14.4% for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to 2005, primarily due to a 16.3% growth of income before taxes. The effective tax rate for 2006 was 16.9%, compared to 17.2% for 2005. The statutory corporate tax rate was 17%.
 
 
 
 
D. New Accounting Format in 2008
 
Circular No. 3410 issued by the Superintendency of Banks, which became effective on January 1, 2008, dictated new accounting formats for financial statements. The new accounting formats are congruent with International Accounting Standards, but do not imply a change in accounting standards. Banks are required to adopt the new accounting formats in 2008. The main changes are presented in the table below. These changes do not involve a change to accounting principles and will not impact net income compared to figures that have been presented in the twelve month period ended December 31, 2006 and 2007. Beginning January 1, 2009, Chilean banks will adopt accounting standards more congruent with International Accounting Standards.
 
Main changes
Income statement
Previous format
Items that were re-classified
New format
Where items have been reclassified
Net interest income
1 Interest income contingent operations
2 Interest income trading portfolio
5 Interest income derivatives for hedging
Provision expense
3 Provisions for repossessed assets
4 Sale of charge-off loans
 
Fee income
 
1 Interest income contingent operations
Market related income
5 Interest income derivatives for hedging
2 Interest income trading portfolio
4 Sale of charge-off loans
 
Other op. expenses
6 Sales force expenses
3 Provisions for repossessed assets
 
Operating expenses
 
6 Sales force expenses in administrative expenses
Main changes
Balance sheet
Previous format
Items that change
New format
What change will be
Assets







Liabilities
1 Contingent loans
 
2 Past due loans
 
 
3 Loan loss allowances

 
4 Shareholders’ Equity
1 Contingent loans are held off balance sheet
 
2 Included in each loan product. Not disclosed separately. We disclose it for information purposes
 
3 Loans are presented net of loan loss allowances. We disclose it separately for information purposes
 
4 Shareholders’ Equity will include a provision for future dividends of 30% of net income. Liabilities will also include a new item “Provision for dividends”. Shareholders’ equity also includes minority interests

 
 
E. Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Sources of Liquidity
 
Santander-Chile’s liquidity depends upon its (i) capital, (ii) reserves and (iii) financial investments, including investments in government securities. To cover any liquidity shortfalls and to augment its liquidity position, Santander-Chile has established lines of credit with foreign and domestic banks and also has access to Central Bank borrowings.
 
The following table sets forth our contractual obligations and commercial commitments by time remaining to maturity. The Bank as of the date of the filing of this 20-F has no significant purchase obligations. At December 31, 2007, the scheduled maturities of our contractual obligations and of other commercial commitments, including accrued interest, were as follows:
 
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Due within 1
year
   
Due after 1
year but
within 3 years
   
Due after 3
years but
within 6 years
   
Due after 6
years
   
Total 2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 2007)
 
Deposit and other obligations (1)
    6,270,194       1,528,645       77,128       11,913       7,887,880  
Mortgage finance bonds
    57,428       92,792       115,631       168,424       434,275  
Subordinated bonds
    -       -       133,679       364,537       498,216  
Bonds
    -       337,120       319,292       568,595       1,225,007  
Chilean Central Bank borrowings:
    -       -       -       -       -  
Credit lines for renegotiations of Loans
    3,972       -       -       -       3,972  
Other Central Bank borrowings
    142,370       -       -       -       142,370  
Borrowings from domestic financial institutions
    -       -       -       -       -  
Investments sold under agreements to Repurchase
    166,281       -       -       -       166,281  
Foreign borrowings
    608,875       357,018       129,578       -       1,095,471  
Derivatives
    90,982       158,554       148,674       380,007       778,217  
Other obligations
    137,439       4,943       4,022       1,464       147,868  
Total cash obligations
    7,477,541       2,479,072       928,004       1,494,940       12,379,557  
 

(1)  Excludes demand deposit accounts and saving accounts.
 

Operational Leases
 
Certain bank premises and equipment are leased under various operating leases. Future minimum rental commitments as of December 31, 2007, under non-cancelable leases are as follows:
 
   
As of December 31, 2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as
of December 31, 2007)
 
Due within 1 year
    10,093  
Due after 1 year but within 2 years
    7,073  
Due after 2 years but within 3 years
    5,238  
Due after 3 years but within 4 years
    3,477  
Due after 4 years but within 5 years
    1,559  
Due after 5 years
    402  
Total
    27,842  

Other Commercial Commitments
 
At December 31, 2007, the scheduled maturities of other commercial commitments, including accrued interest, were as follows:
 
 
 
 
Other Commercial Commitments
 
Due within 1
year
   
Due after 1
year but
within 3 years
   
Due after 3
years but
within 6 years
   
Due after 6
years
   
Total 2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 2007)
 
Letters of credit
    193,996       19,388       23,277       -       236,661  
Guarantees
    586,546       28,398       12,698       -       627,642  
Other commercial commitments
    325,135       915               -       326,050  
Total other commercial commitments
    1,105,677       48,701       35,975       -       1,190,353  

Capital and Reserves
 
We currently have regulatory capital in excess of the minimum requirement under the current Chilean regulations. According to the General Banking Law, a bank should have regulatory capital of at least 8% of its risk weighted assets, net of required loan loss allowances, and paid in capital and reserves (i.e., the basic capital, as defined above) of at least 3% of its total assets, net of required loan loss allowances. For these purposes, the regulatory capital of a bank is the sum of (1) the bank’s basic capital, (2) subordinated bonds issued by the bank valued at their placement price for an amount up to 50% of its basic capital; provided that the value of the bonds shall decrease by 20% for each year that elapses during the period commencing six years prior to their maturity, and (3) its voluntary allowances for loan losses, for an amount of up to 1.25% of its risk weighted assets. The merger of Old Santander-Chile and Santiago required a special regulatory preapproval of the Superintendency of Banks, which was granted on May 16, 2002. The resolution granting this preapproval imposed a regulatory capital to risk weighted assets ratio of 12% for the merged bank. This indicator was reduced to 11% by the Superintendency of Banks effective January 1, 2005. For purposes of weighing the risk of a bank’s assets, the General Banking Law considers five different categories of assets, based on the nature of the issuer, the availability of funds, the nature of the assets and the existence of collateral securing such assets.
 
The following table sets forth our regulatory capital at the dates indicated. See Note 13 to our financial statements for a description of the minimum capital requirements.
 
  
 
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31,
2007, except percentages)
 
Base net capital
    1,031,163       1,129,395  
3% of total assets net of provisions
    (495,637 )     (560,816 )
Excess over minimum required equity
    535,526       568,579  
Base net capital as a percentage of the total assets, net of provisions
    6.2 %     6.0 %
Regulatory capital
    1,524,308       1,602,432  
11% of risk-weighted assets
    (1,326,302 )     (1,439,641 )
Excess over minimum required equity
    198,006       162,791  
Regulatory capital as a percentage of risk-weighted assets
    12.6 %     12.2 %

In 2009, the Superintendence of Banks and the Chilean Congress should approve new capital requirements for Chilean banks in line with Basel II accord, which among other amendments require banks to set aside capital for market and operational risks. This could have a significant impact on minimum capital requirements.

Financial Investments
 
The following table sets forth our investment in Chilean government and corporate securities and certain other financial investments at the dates indicated. Financial investments that have a secondary market are carried at market value. All other financial investments are carried at acquisition cost, plus accrued interest and indexation readjustments, as applicable.
 

 
a) Trading
 
   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of
December 31, 2007)
 
Central Bank and Government Securities
           
Central Bank securities
    409,626       804,086  
Chilean Treasury Bonds
    43,536       117,240  
Other securities
    383       -  
Subtotal
    453,545       921,326  
Others Financial Securities
               
Time deposits in Chilean financial institutions
    3,819       10,039  
Mortgage finance bonds
    24,914       32,713  
Chilean financial institutions bonds
    47       7,742  
Chilean corporate bonds
    24,240       11,541  
Other Chilean securities
    7,805       15,343  
Other foreign securities
    172,667       6,927  
Subtotal
    233,492       84,305  
Total
    687,037       1,005,631  

 
b) Available for sale
 
   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of
December 31, 2007)
 
Central Bank and Government Securities
           
Central Bank securities
    83,522       336,866  
Chilean Treasury Bonds
    670       109,194  
Other securities
    19,909       -  
Subtotal
    104,101       446,060  
Others Financial Securities
               
Mortgage finance bonds
    239,239       273,010  
Central Bank and Government Foreign Securities
    -       60,565  
Other Foreign securities
    27,444       -  
Subtotal
    266,683       333,575  
Total
    370,784       779,635  

 
c) Held-to-maturity
 
No financial investments were classified as held-to-maturity as of December 31, 2006 and 2007.
 
The following table sets forth an analysis of our investments at December 31, 2007, by remaining maturity and  the weighted average nominal rates of such investments.
 

 
 
 Within one year
Weighted average Nominal Rate
After one year but within five years
Weighted average Nominal Rate
After five years but within ten years
Weighted average Nominal Rate
After ten years
Weighted average Nominal Rate
Total
Weighted average Nominal Rate
 
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007)
Held for Trading
                   
Central Bank and Government Securities
                   
Central Bank securities
257,807
4.1
352,048
3.5
136,835
3.2
57,396
3.0
804,086
3.6
Chilean Treasury Bonds
867
4.7
8,826
4.5
70,411
3.5
37,136
3.2
117,240
3.5
Others securities
                   
Subtotal                           
258,674
 
360,874
 
207,246
 
94,532
 
921,326
 
Others Financial Securities
                   
Time deposits in Chilean financial institutions
7,350
4.7
2,689
6.8
       
10,039
5.2
Mortgage finance bonds
91
3.9
617
4.3
2,299
4.0
29,706
3.9
32,713
3.9
Chilean financial institutions bonds
       
4,501
5.3
3,241
4.2
7,742
4.8
Chilean corporate bonds
   
7,625
7.0
3,916
3.9
   
11,541
6.0
Other Chilean securities
15,343
             
15,343
 
Others foreign securities
       
6,927
5.0
   
6,927
5.0
Subtotal                           
22,784
 
10,931
 
17,643
 
32,947
 
84,305
 
Total                           
281,458
 
371,805
 
224,889
 
127,479
 
1,005,631
 
Available-for-sale Investments
                   
Central Bank and Government Securities
                   
Central Bank securities
78,284
2.0
151,972
6.1
103,553
4.4
3,057
2.9
336,866
4.6
Chilean Treasury Bonds
18,282
4.7
28,870
4.1
43,779
5.6
18,263
3.2
109,194
3.8
Others securities
                   
Subtotal                           
96,566
 
180,842
 
147,332
 
21,320
 
446,060
 
Others Financial Securities
                   
Mortgage finance bonds
60
4.2
2,294
3.8
11,465
3.9
259,191
4.1
273,010
4.1
Others foreign securities
49,927
5.1
   
10,638
5.0
   
60,565
5.1
Subtotal                           
49,987
 
2,294
 
22,103
 
259,191
 
333,575
 
Total                      
146,553
 
183,136
 
169,435
 
280,511
 
779,635
 

Credit Risk Ratings
 
The Bank also has credit ratings from three international agencies.
 
Moody’s
 
 
Rating
Long-term bank deposits
 
A2
Senior bonds
 
Aa3
Subordinated debt
 
Aa3
Bank Deposits in Local Currency
 
Aa2
Bank financial strength
 
B-
Short-term deposits
 
P-1
Outlook
 
Stable

 
 

 
 
Standard & Poor’s
 
 
Rating
Long-term Foreign Issuer Credit
 
A+
Long-term Local Issuer Credit
 
A+
Short-term Foreign Issuer Credit
 
A-1
Short-term Local Issuer Credit
 
A-1
Outlook
 
Stable

 
Fitch
 
 
Rating
Foreign Currency Long-term Debt
 
A+
Local Currency Long-term Debt
 
A+
Foreign Currency Short-term Debt
 
F1
Local Currency Short-term Debt
 
F1
Individual rating
 
B
Outlook
 
Stable

Working Capital
 
As a bank, we satisfy our working capital needs through general funding, the majority of which derives from deposits and other borrowings from the public. (See “Item 5: E. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Deposits and Other Borrowings”). In our opinion, our working capital is sufficient for our present needs.
 
Liquidity Management
 
Liquidity management seeks to ensure that, even under adverse conditions, we have access to the funds necessary to cover client needs, maturing liabilities and capital requirements. Liquidity risk arises in the general funding for our financing, trading and investment activities. It includes the risk of unexpected increases in the cost of funding the portfolio of assets at appropriate maturities and rates, the risk of being unable to liquidate a position in a timely manner at a reasonable price and the risk that we will be required to repay liabilities earlier than anticipated.
 
Our general policy is to maintain liquidity adequate to ensure our ability to honor withdrawals of deposits, make repayments of other liabilities at maturity, extend loans and meet our own working capital needs. Our minimum amount of liquidity is determined by the statutory reserve requirements of the Central Bank. Deposits are subject to a statutory reserve requirement of 9% for demand deposits and 3.6% for Chilean peso, UF-denominated and foreign currency denominated time deposits with a term of less than a year. (See “Item 4: D. Regulation and Supervision”). The Central Bank has statutory authority to increase these percentages to up to 40% for demand deposits and up to 20% for time deposits. In addition, a 100% special reserve (reserva técnica) applies to demand deposits, deposits in checking accounts, other demand deposits received or obligations payable on sight and incurred in the ordinary course of business, other than deposits unconditionally payable immediately or within a term of less than 30 days and other time deposits payable within 10 days. This special reserve requirement applies to the amount by which the total of such deposits exceeds 2.5 times the amount of a bank’s regulatory capital. Interbank loans are deemed to have a maturity of more than 30 days, even if payable within the following 10 days.
 
The Central Bank also requires us to comply with the following liquidity limits:
 
·  
Our total liabilities with maturities of less than 30 days cannot exceed our total assets with maturities of less than 30 days by an amount greater than our capital. This limit must be calculated in local currency and foreign currencies together as one gap.
 
·  
Our total liabilities with maturities of less than 90 days cannot exceed our total assets with maturities of less than 90 days by more than twice of our capital. This limit must be calculated in local currency and foreign currencies together as one gap.
 
We have set other liquidity limits and ratios that minimize liquidity risk. See “Item 11: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk.”
 
 
 
Cash Flow
 
The tables below set forth our main sources of cash. The subsidiaries are not an important source of cash flow for us and therefore have no impact on our ability to meet our cash obligations. No legal or economic restrictions exist on the ability of subsidiaries to transfer funds to us in the form of loans or cash dividends as long as these subsidiaries abide by the regulations of the Ley de Sociedad Anónimas regarding loans to related parties and minimum dividend payments.
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of
December 31, 2007)
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    358,433       467,772       547,980  

Cash provided by operating activities increased by Ch$80,208 million in 2007 compared to 2006 despite net income only rising by Ch$1,818 million as increases in business activity was partially offset by an increase in two relevant non-cash expenses: (i) provision for loan losses and (ii) price level restatement.
 
The Ch$109,339 million rise in cash provided by operating activities in 2006 compared to 2005 was mainly due to an increase in business activity and a decrease in the net change in interest accruals in the same period.
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of
December 31, 2007)
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (733,299 )     (1,284,454 )     (1,588,064 )

Net cash used in investing activities in 2007 totaled Ch$1,588,064 million compared to Ch$1,284,454 million due to a higher growth of interest earning assets in 2007 compared to 2006.
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of
December 31, 2007)
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    637,121       653,626       1,156,430  

In 2007, the net case from financing activities increased Ch$502,804 million compared to 2006 due to larger proceeds from bonds issued in the year.
 
 
 
 
Deposits and Other Borrowings
 
The following table sets forth our average daily balance of liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, in each case together with the related average nominal interest rates paid thereon.
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
Average
Balance
   
% of Total
Average
Liabilities
   
Average
Nominal
Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
% of Total
Average
Liabilities
   
Average
Nominal
Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
% of Total
Average
Liabilities
   
Average
Nominal
Rate
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007, except percentages)
 
Savings accounts
    126,896       0.9 %     4.3 %     113,724       0.7 %     1.3 %     97,873       0.6 %     6.2 %
Time deposits
    5,578,890       37.7 %     4.7 %     6,878,120       43.5 %     5.6 %     7,221,846       43.6 %     7.5 %
Central Bank borrowings
    138,754       0.9 %     3.7 %     90,359       0.6 %     5.1 %     115,129       0.7 %     5.6 %
Repurchase agreements
    567,134       3.8 %     5.0 %     586,667       3.7 %     4.9 %     596,131       3.6 %     6.5 %
Mortgage finance bonds
    881,875       6.0 %     9.4 %     621,444       3.9 %     7.5 %     473,126       2.9 %     12.4 %
Other interest bearing liabilities
    1,966,217       13.2 %     5.6 %     2,318,502       14.7 %     6.2 %     2,256,925       13.6 %     8.4 %
Subtotal interest bearing liabilities
    9,259,766       62.5 %     5.3 %     10,608,816       67.1 %     5.7 %     10,761,030       65.0 %     7.8 %
Non-interest bearing liabilities
                                                                       
Non-interest bearing deposits
    2,090,323       14.1 %             1,958,651       12.4 %             2,171,605       13.1 %        
Contingent liabilities
    960,937       6.5 %             1,020,384       6.5 %             1,050,692       6.3 %        
Other non-interest bearing liabilities
    1,407,631       9.5 %             989,257       6.2 %             1,248,080       7.6 %        
Shareholders’ equity
    1,090,930       7.4 %             1,235,728       7.8 %             1,317,199       8.0 %        
Subtotal non-interest bearing liabilities
    5,549,821       37.5 %             5,204,020       32.9 %             5,787,576       35.0 %        
Total liabilities
    14,809,587       100.0 %             15,812,836       100.0 %             16,548,606       100.0 %        

Our most important source of funding is our time deposits. Average time deposits represented 43.6% of our average total liabilities and shareholders’ equity in 2007. Our current funding strategy is to continue to utilize all sources of funding in accordance with their costs, their availability and our general asset and liability management strategy. Special emphasis is being placed on lengthening the maturities of time deposits with institutional clients and increasing in general our deposits from retail customers. We also intend to continue to broaden our customer deposit base and to emphasize core deposit funding. We have also followed the strategy in 2007 of increasing senior and subordinated bonds to increase the duration of liabilities and fund the growth of the mortgage portfolio. We believe that broadening our deposit base by increasing the number of account holders has created a more stable funding source.
 
Composition of Deposits and Other Commitments
 
The following table sets forth the composition of our deposits and similar commitments at December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007)
 
Checking accounts
    1,597,407       1,787,172       1,984,910  
Other demand liabilities
    733,272       820,027       880,903  
Savings accounts
    120,056       108,351       97,155  
Time deposits
    6,360,653       7,315,038       7,790,725  
Other commitments (1)
    48,892       60,534       67,662  
Total
    8,860,280       10,091,122       10,821,355  
 

(1) Includes primarily leasing accounts payable relating to purchases of equipment.
 

 
 
Maturity of Deposits
 
The following table sets forth information regarding the currency and maturity of our deposits at December 31, 2007, expressed in percentages of our total deposits in each currency category. UF-denominated deposits are similar to peso-denominated deposits in all respects, except that the principal is readjusted periodically based on variations in the Chilean consumer price index.
 
   
Ch$
   
UF
   
Foreign
Currencies
   
Total
 
Demand deposits
    2.0       -       -       0.9  
Savings accounts
    -       2.8       -       1.2  
Time deposits:
                               
Maturing within 3 months
    62.1       19.8       84.7       47.6  
Maturing after 3 but within 6 months
    11.8       16.5       14.8       14.2  
Maturing after 6 but within 12 months
    13.4       25.1       0.4       16.3  
Maturing after 12 months
    10.7       35.8       0.1       19.8  
Total time deposits
    98.0       97.2       100.0       97.9  
Total deposits
    100.0       100.0       100.0       100.0  

The following table sets forth information regarding the maturity of our outstanding time deposits in excess of US$100,000 at December 31, 2007.
 
   
Ch$
   
UF
   
Foreign
Currencies
   
Total
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007)
 
Time deposits:
                       
Maturing within 3 months
    1,728,761       627,472       940,327       3,296,560  
Maturing after 3 but within 6 months
    372,583       556,665       175,689       1,104,937  
Maturing after 6 but within 12 months
    448,138       792,832       4,252       1,245,222  
Maturing after 12 months
    333,326       1,094,374       212       1,427,912  
Total time deposits
    2,882,808       3,071,343       1,120,480       7,074,631  

Short-term Borrowings
 
The principal categories of our short-term borrowings are amounts borrowed under foreign trade lines of credit, domestic interbank loans, Central Bank borrowings and repurchase agreements. The table below presents the amounts outstanding at each year-end indicated and the weighted-average nominal interest rate for each such year by type of short-term borrowing.
 
   
As of December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
Balance
   
Weighted-
Average
Nominal
Interest
Rate
   
Balance
   
Weighted-
Average
Nominal
Interest
Rate
   
Balance
   
Weighted-
Average
Nominal
Interest
Rate
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007, except for rate data)
 
Balances under repurchase agreements
    54,616       1.8 %     21,412       4.9 %     166,281       6.5 %
Central Bank borrowings
    190,038       2.1 %     144,418       5.1 %     142,370       5.6 %
Domestic interbank borrowings
    2,774       1.6 %     -       -       -       -  
Borrowings under foreign trade credit lines
    1,134,485       4.0 %     771,397       7.7 %     608,875       13.4 %
Total short-term borrowings
    1,381,913       2.4 %     937,227       6.6 %     917,526       10.9 %
 
 
 

 
The following table shows the average balance and the average nominal rate for each short-term borrowing category for the years indicated.
 
  
 
For the year Ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
Average
Balance
   
Average
Nominal
Interest Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Average
Nominal
Interest Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Average
Nominal
Interest Rate
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007, except for rate data)
 
Balances under repurchase agreements
    567,134       5.0 %     586,667       4.9 %     596,131       6.5 %
Central Bank borrowings
    138,754       3.7 %     90,359       5.1 %     115,129       5.6 %
Domestic interbank borrowings
    45,726       3.6 %     52,961       5.1 %     --       --  
Borrowings under foreign trade credit lines
    342,528       9.6 %     1,230,766       5.4 %     1,095,196       13.4 %
Total short-term borrowings
    1,094,142       5.0 %     1,960,753       6.9 %     1,806,456       10.6 %

The following table presents the maximum month-end balances of our principal sources of short-term borrowings during the years indicated.
 
   
Maximum 
2005
Month-End
Balance
   
Maximum 
2006
Month-End
Balance
   
Maximum 
2007
Month-End
Balance
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007)
 
Balances under repurchase agreements
    636,914       469,654       201,600  
Central Bank borrowings
    406,858       327,222       427,568  
Domestic interbank borrowings
    47,170       4,058       4,822  
Borrowings under foreign trade credit lines
    540,581       1,887,354       1,423,567  
Total short-term borrowings
    1,631,523       2,688,288       2,057,557  

Total Borrowings
 
Our long-term and short-term borrowings are summarized below. Borrowings are generally classified as short-term when they have original maturities of less than one year or are due on demand. All other borrowings are classified as long-term, including the amounts due within one year on such borrowings. The following table sets forth, at the dates indicated, the components of our borrowings.
 

 
   
December 31, 2007
 
   
Long-term
   
Short-term
   
Total
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007)
 
Central Bank borrowings
    -       142,370       142,370  
Credit lines for renegotiations of loans
    -       3,972       3,972  
Balances under repurchase agreements 
    -       166,281       166,281  
Mortgage finance bonds
    376,847       57,428       434,275  
Other borrowings: bonds
    1,225,007       -       1,225,007  
Subordinated bonds
    498,216       -       498,216  
Foreign borrowings 
    486,596       608,875       1,095,471  
Other obligations 
    10,429       137,439       147,868  
Total borrowings 
    2,597,095       1,116,365       3,713,460  


  
 
December 31, 2006
 
   
Long-term
   
Short-term
   
Total
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2006)
 
Central Bank borrowings
    -       144,418       144,418  
Credit lines for renegotiations of loans (a)
    -       5,458       5,458  
Balances under repurchase agreements 
    -       21,412       21,412  
Mortgage finance bonds (b)
    499,288       70,365       569,653  
Other borrowings: bonds (c)
    606,513       1,225       607,738  
Subordinated bonds (d)
    483,611       43,292       526,903  
Foreign borrowings (e) 
    101,303       771,397       872,700  
Other obligations (f) 
    12,863       56,106       68,969  
Total borrowings 
    1,703,578       1,113,673       2,817,251  

(a)  Credit lines for renegotiations of loans
 
Central Bank borrowings include credit lines for the renegotiations of loans and other Central Bank borrowings. These credit lines were provided by the Central Bank for the renegotiations of loans due to the need to refinance debts as a result of the economic recession and crisis of the banking system in the early 1980’s. The lines for the renegotiations, which are considered long-term, are related with mortgage loans linked to the UF index and bore a real annual interest rate of 3.0% and 3.0% as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively. The following table sets forth, at the dates indicated, our credit lines for renegotiations of loans.
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of
December 31, 2007)
 
Total credit lines for renegotiations of loans
    5,458       3,972  

The maturities of the outstanding amounts due under these credit lines, which are considered long-term, are as follows:
 
  
 
At December 31, 2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of
December 31, 2007)
 
Due within 1 year
    3,972  
Total
    3,972  
 
 
 

 
(b)  Mortgage finance bonds
 
These bonds are used to finance the granting of mortgage loans. The outstanding principal amounts of the bonds are amortized on a quarterly basis. The range of maturities of these bonds is between five and twenty years. The bonds are linked to the UF index and bear a real weighted-average annual interest rate of 4.6%. The following table sets forth the remaining maturities of our mortgage finance bonds at December 31, 2007.
 
   
At December 31, 2007
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of
December 31, 2007)
Due within 1 year
   
57,428
 
Due after 1 year but within 2 years
    47,461  
Due after 2 years but within 3 years
    45,331  
Due after 3 years but within 4 years
    41,456  
Due after 4 years but within 5 years
    36,951  
Due after 5 years
    205,648  
Total mortgage finance bonds
    434,275  

(c)  Bonds
 
The following table sets forth, at the dates indicated, our issued bonds.
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of
December 31, 2007)
 
Santiago bonds, Series A,B,C,D and F
    9,862       -  
Santander bonds denominated in UF
    368,277       1,025,758  
Santander bonds denominated in US$
    229,599       199,249  
Total bonds
    607,738       1,225,007  

Santiago bonds include series A, B, C and F issued by the former Santiago S.A. and series B and D issued by the former Banco O’Higgins prior to its merger with the Bank in 1997. These bonds are intended to finance loans that have a maturity of greater than one year, are linked to the UF index and bear a weighted-average annual interest rate of 7.0% with interest and principal payments due semi-annually.
 
On December 17, 2004, Santiago Leasing S.A., ceded through public deed a total of UF 3,041,102 (Ch$59,675 million at December 31, 2007) in bonds to Banco Santander-Chile. These bonds are linked to the UF index and bear an annual interest rate of 5.6%. At December 31, 2006 and 2007, the balance was included in Santander bonds linked to the UF.
 
Santander bonds include bonds issued by the former Banco Santander-Chile and bonds issued by the Bank since August 2002.
 
On October 5, 2005, the Bank issued bonds denominated in UF in an aggregate principal amount of UF8,000,000, which bear an average annual interest rate of 3.0%.
 
On May 25, 2006, the Bank issued bonds denominated in UF in an aggregate principal amount of UF6,000,000, which bear an average annual interest rate of 4.6%.
 
On August 17, 2006, the Bank issued senior bonds denominated in UF in an aggregate principal amount of UF895,000, which bear an average annual interest rate of 3.7%.
 
On December 9, 2004, the Bank issued senior bonds denominated in U.S. dollars in an aggregate principal amount of US$400 million. These bonds carry a nominal interest rate of LIBOR plus 0.35% per annum (5.35% and 5.50% at December 2006 and 2007). The interest is payable quarterly and the principal is to be paid after a term of 5 years.
 

 
 
During 2007, the Bank issued senior bonds in the local market for a total of UF 34 million (Ch$667,170 million as of December 31, 2007). Below is a detail of the bonds issued.
 

Senior bonds 2007

Series
Amount
 
Maturity
Interest rate (%)
O
UF  5,000,000
 
4 years
3.30% per year , simple
P
UF  3,000,000
 
7 years
3.50% per year, simple
Q
UF  2,000,000
 
9 years
3.70% per year, simple
R
UF  2,000,000
 
20 years
3.90% per year, compounded
S
UF  2,000,000
 
30 years
4.10% per year, compounded
T
UF  5,000,000
 
4 years
3.30% per year, simple
U
UF  5,000,000
 
6 years
3.70% per year, simple
V
UF  5,000,000
 
10 years
3.90% per year, simple
W
UF  5,000,000
 
10 years
4.10% per year, simple
 
UF 34,000,000
     

 
The maturities of these bonds are as follows:
 
   
As of December 31, 2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of
December 31, 2007)
 
Due within 1 year
    -  
Due after 1 year but within 2 years
    199,249  
Due after 2 years but within 3 years
    137,872  
Due after 3 years but within 4 years
    209,543  
Due after 4 years but within 5 years
    9,390  
Due after 5 years
    668,953  
Total bonds
    1,225,007  

(d)  Subordinated bonds
 
The following table sets forth, at the dates indicated, the balances of our subordinated bonds.
 
   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of
December 31, 2007)
 
Santiago bonds denominated in US$ (1)
    45,880       -  
Santander bonds denominated in US$ (2) (3)
    292,433       263,676  
Santiago Bonds linked to the UF (4)
    52,664       47,401  
Santander Bonds linked to the UF (5) (6) (7)
    135,926       187,139  
Total subordinated bonds
    526,903       498,216  
 

(1)
On July 17, 1997, the former Banco Santiago issued subordinated bonds denominated in U.S. dollars in an aggregate principal amount of US$300 million. The bonds carry a nominal interest rate of 7.0% per annum, with semi-annual interest payments and one repayment of principal after a term of 10 years. These were paid in full in 2007.
 
(2)
On January 16, 2003, the Bank completed the voluntary exchange for its new subordinated bonds, which will mature in 2012. A total of US$221,961,000 in principal of the Santiago bonds was offered and redeemed by the Bank. The bonds carry a nominal interest rate of 7.375% per annum, with semi-annual interest payments and one repayment of principal after a term of 10 years.
 
(3)
On December 9, 2004, the Bank issued subordinated bonds denominated in U.S. dollars in an aggregate principal amount of US$300 million. These bonds carry a nominal interest rate of 5.375% per annum, with semi-annual interest payments and one repayment of principal after a term of 10 years.
 
 
 
 
(4)
The Series C and E Bonds outstanding as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, are intended for the financing of loans with a maturity of greater than one year. They are linked to the UF index and carry an annual interest rate of 7.5% and 6.0% respectively, with interest and principal payments due semi-annually.
 
(5)
Includes Series C, D and E Bonds, which are linked to the UF index and carry an annual interest rate of 7.0%, with interest and principal payments due semi-annually.
 
(6)
During 2006, the Bank issued subordinated bonds denominated in UF in an aggregate principal amount of UF5,000,000, which bear an average annual rate of 4.4%.
 
(7)
During 2007, the Bank issued subordinated bonds in the local market for a total of UF 4 million (Ch$78,491 million as of December 31, 2007). Below is a detail of the bonds issued.
 
Subordinated bonds

Series
Amount
Maturity
Interest rate (%)
Z
UF 2,000,000
25 años
No interest
 
X
UF 2,000,000
25 años
4.00% per year, simple
 
 
UF 4,000,000
     

The maturities of these bonds, which are considered long-term, are as follows.
 
   
As of December 31, 2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of
December 31, 2007)
 
Due within 1 Year
    -  
Due after 1 year but within 2 years
    -  
Due after 2 years but within 3 years
    -  
Due after 3 years but within 4 years
    17,349  
Due after 4 years but within 5 years
    116,330  
Due after 5 years
    364,537  
Total subordinated bonds
    498,216  

(e)  Foreign borrowings
 
These are short-term and long-term borrowings from foreign banks. The maturities of these borrowings are as follows.
 
   
As of December 31, 2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of
December 31, 2007)
 
Due within 1 Year
    608,875  
Due after 1 year but within 2 years
    241,588  
Due after 2 years but within 3 years
    115,430  
Due after 3 years but within 4 years
    129,578  
Due after 4 years but within 5 years
    -  
Due after 5 years
    -  
Total foreign borrowings
    1,095,471  

The foreign borrowings are denominated principally in U.S. dollars, and are principally used to fund the Bank’s foreign trade loans, and bear an annual average interest rate of 5.3% and 1.3% at December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively.
 
(f)  Other obligations
 
Other obligations are summarized as follows.
 
 
 
   
As of December 31, 2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of
December 31, 2007)
 
         
Due within 1 Year
    38,808  
Due after 1 year but within 2 years
    2,785  
Due after 2 years but within 3 years
    2,158  
Due after 3 years but within 4 years
    1,915  
Due after 4 years but within 5 years
    1,294  
Due after 5 years
    2,277  
Total long term obligations
    49,237  
Amounts due to credit card operators
    23,497  
Acceptance of letters of credit
    75,134  
Total short-term obligations
    98,631  
Total other obligations
    147,868  

 
Other Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Commitments
 
We are party to transactions with off balance sheet risk in the normal course of our business. These transactions expose us to credit risk in addition to amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
 
These transactions include commitments to extend credit not otherwise accounted for as contingent loans, such as overdraft protection and credit card lines of credit. Such commitments are agreements to lend to a customer at a future date, subject to the customer compliance with the contractual terms. The aggregate amount of these commitments was Ch$2,480,684 million at December 31, 2007, which will be financed with our deposit base. Since a substantial portion of these commitments is expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total amount of commitments does not necessarily represent our actual future cash requirements. We use the same credit policies in making commitments to extend credit as we do for granting loans. In the opinion of our management, our outstanding commitments do not represent an unusual credit risk.
 
From time to time, the Bank enters into agreements to securitize certain assets by selling those assets to unconsolidated and unaffiliated entities, which then sell debt securities secured by those assets. These sales are non recourse to the Bank. However, in the past, the Bank has occasionally purchased a subordinated bond issued by the unconsolidated entity. At December 31, 2007, we did not hold any of these subordinated bonds in our investment portfolio.
 
Asset and Liability Management
 
Please refer to “Item 11: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk—Asset and Liability Management” regarding our policies with respect to asset and liability management.
 
Capital Expenditures
 
The following table reflects capital expenditures in each of the three years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007:
 
   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007)
 
Land and Buildings
    6,105       10,892       12,872  
Machinery and Equipment
    11,398       8,352       8,512  
Furniture and Fixtures
    4,097       4,410       4,987  
Vehicles
    929       898       390  
Other
    1,035       2,437       3,362  
Total
    23,564       26,989       30,123  

The increase in capital expenditures in 2007 compared to 2006 was mainly due to the investment in branches and ATMs. In 2008, we expect a similar level of investment in expanding our distribution network.
 
 
 
 
F. Selected Statistical Information
 
The following information is included for analytical purposes and should be read in conjunction with our financial statements as well as the discussion in “Item 5: Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.” Pursuant to Chilean GAAP, the financial data in the following tables for all periods through December 31, 2006, have been restated in constant Chilean pesos as of December 31, 2007. The UF is linked to, and is adjusted daily to, reflect changes in the previous month’s Chilean consumer price index. See Note 1(c) to our financial statements.
 
Average Balance Sheets, Income Earned from Interest-Earning Assets and Interest Paid on Interest-Bearing Liabilities
 
The average balances for interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, including interest and readjustments received and paid, have been calculated on the basis of daily balances for us on an unconsolidated basis. Such average balances are presented in Chilean pesos, UFs and in foreign currencies (principally U.S. dollars). Figures from our subsidiaries have been calculated on the basis of monthly balances. The average balances of our subsidiaries, except Santander S.A. Agente de Valores , have not been categorized by currency. As such it is not possible to calculate average balances by currency for such subsidiaries on the basis of daily, weekly or monthly balances.
 
The nominal interest rate has been calculated by dividing the amount of interest and principal readjustment due to changes in the UF index (gain or loss) during the period by the related average balance, both amounts expressed in constant pesos. The nominal rates calculated for each period have been converted into real rates using the following formulas:
 
 
Where:
 
Rp   =   real average rate for peso-denominated assets and liabilities (in Ch$ and UF) for the period;
 
Rd   =   real average rate for foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities for the period;
 
Np  =    nominal average rate for peso-denominated assets and liabilities for the period;
 
Nd  =    nominal average rate for foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities for the period;
 
D    =    devaluation rate of the Chilean peso to the U.S. dollar for the period; and
 
I      =   inflation rate in Chile for the period (based on the variation of the Chilean Consumer Price Index).
 
The real interest rate can be negative for a portfolio of peso-denominated loans when the inflation rate for the period is higher than the average nominal rate of the loan portfolio for the same period. A similar effect could occur for a portfolio of foreign currency denominated loans when the inflation rate for the period is higher than the sum of the devaluation rate for the period and the corresponding average nominal rate of the portfolio.
 
The formula for the average real rate for foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities (Rd) reflects a gain or loss in purchasing power caused by the difference between the devaluation rate of the Chilean peso and the inflation rate in Chile during the period.
 
The following example illustrates the calculation of the real interest rate for a dollar-denominated asset bearing a nominal annual interest rate of 10.0% (Nd = 0.10), assuming a 5.0% annual devaluation rate (D = 0.05) and a 12.0% annual inflation rate (I = 0.12):
 
 
 
 
In the example, since the inflation rate was higher than the devaluation rate, the real rate is lower than the nominal rate in dollars. If, for example, the annual devaluation rate were 15.0%, using the same numbers, the real rate in Chilean pesos would be 12.9%, which is higher than the nominal rate in U.S. dollars. Using the same numbers, if the annual inflation rate were greater than 15.5%, the real rate would be negative.
 
Contingent loans (consisting of guarantees and open and unused letters of credit) have been treated as interest-earning assets. Although the nature of the income derived from such assets is similar to a fee, Chilean banking regulations require that such income be accounted for as interest revenue. As a result of this treatment, the comparatively low rates of interest earned on these assets have a distorting effect on the average interest rate earned on total interest-earning assets.
 
The real rate for contingent loans has been stated as the nominal rate, since we do not have an effective funding obligation for these loans. The foreign exchange gains or losses on foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities have not been included in interest revenue or expense. Similarly, interest on financial investments does not include trading gains or losses on these investments. Interest is not recognized during periods in which loans are past due. However, interest received on past due loans includes interest on such loans from the original maturity date.
 
Non-performing loans that are overdue for 90 days or less have been included in each of the various categories of loans, and therefore affect the various averages. Non-performing loans consist of loans as to which either principal or interest is overdue (i.e., non accrual loans) and restructured loans earning no interest. Non-performing loans that are overdue for 90 days or more are shown as a separate category of loans (“Past due loans”). Interest and/or indexation readjustments received on all non-performing U.S. dollar-denominated loans during the periods are included as interest revenue. However, all peso-denominated loans that are classified as non-performing do not accrue interest or indexation adjustments as interest revenue.
 
Included in interbank deposits are checking accounts maintained in the Central Bank and foreign banks. Such assets have a distorting effect on the average interest rate earned on total interest-earning assets because currently balances maintained in Chilean peso amounts do not earn interest, and the only balances held in a foreign currency that earn interest are those maintained in U.S. dollars, but those only earn interest on the amounts that are legally required to be held for liquidity purposes. Additionally, this account includes interest earned by overnight investments. Consequently, the average interest earned on such assets is comparatively low. We maintain these deposits in these accounts to comply with statutory requirements and to facilitate international business, rather than to earn income.
 
The monetary gain or loss on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities is not included as a component of interest revenue or interest expense because inflation effects are taken into account in the calculation of real interest rates.
 
The average balances for 2005 have been reclassified for comparative purposes in line with the changes made to the financial statements for those years under the new accounting standards adopted in 2006 regarding Financial Investments and Derivatives.
 
 
 
 
The following tables show, by currency of denomination, average balances and, where applicable, interest amounts and real rates for our assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Earned
   
Average
Real Rate
   
Average
Nominal Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Earned
   
Average
Real Rate
   
Average
Nominal Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Earned
   
Average
Real Rate
   
Average
Nominal Rate
 
ASSETS
                                                                       
Interest-earning assets
                                                                       
Interbank deposits
                                                                       
Ch$
    41,521       1,800       0.7 %     4.3 %     24,313       1,338       3.3 %     5.5 %     -       -       -       -  
UF
    11,129       802       3.5 %     7.2 %     7,063       470       4.4 %     6.7 %     -       -       -       -  
Foreign currencies
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Subtotal
    52,650       2,602       1.3 %     4.9 %     31,376       1,808       3.6 %     5.8 %     -       -       -       -  
Financial investments
                                                                                               
Ch$
    550,403       32,314       2.2 %     5.9 %     717,843       47,625       4.4 %     6.6 %     648,790       55,849       1.1 %     8.6 %
UF
    662,601       58,255       5.0 %     8.8 %     600,713       49,398       6.0 %     8.2 %     644,669       84,436       5.3 %     13.1 %
Foreign currencies
    1,358,066       45,276       (8.3 %)     3.3 %     1,104,673       64,510       7.7 %     5.8 %     710,387       44,080       (8.3 %)     6.2 %
Subtotal
    2,571,070       135,845       (2.6 %)     5.3 %     2,423,229       161,533       6.3 %     6.7 %     2,003,846       184,365       (0.9 %)     9.2 %
Commercial Loans
                                                                                               
Ch$
    3,326,667       463,999       10.0 %     13.9 %     3,982,715       616,584       13.1 %     15.5 %     4,238,656       698,148       8.4 %     16.5 %
UF
    4,168,931       361,501       4.9 %     8.7 %     5,169,911       362,434       4.8 %     7.0 %     5,525,904       656,830       4.1 %     11.9 %
Foreign currencies
    688,105       27,470       (7.8 %)     4.0 %     734,250       43,724       7.8 %     6.0 %     838,385       49,181       (8.6 %)     5.9 %
Subtotal
    8,183,703       852,970       5.9 %     10.4 %     9,886,876       1,022,742       8.4 %     10.3 %     10,602,945       1,404,159       4.8 %     13.2 %
Mortgage loans
                                                                                               
Ch$
    568       37       2.7 %     6.4 %     496       40       5.8 %     8.0 %     2,785       233       0.9 %     8.4 %
UF
    813,557       88,247       7.0 %     10.8 %     590,000       52,629       6.7 %     8.9 %     426,195       58,176       5.8 %     13.7 %
Foreign currencies
    -       -               -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Subtotal
    814,125       88,284       7.0 %     10.8 %     590,496       52,669       6.7 %     8.9 %     428,980       58,409       5.7 %     13.6 %
Contingent loans
                                                                                               
Ch$
    163,467       2,079       (2.3 %)     1.3 %     218,149       2,976       (0.7 %)     1.4 %     252,616       3,088       (5.8 %)     1.2 %
UF
    241,950       2,352       (2.6 %)     1.0 %     286,722       3,070       (1.0 %)     1.1 %     275,980       3,137       (5.9 %)     1.1 %
Foreign currencies
    553,038       1,054       (11.1 %)     0.2 %     513,165       957       2.0 %     0.2 %     519,060       893       (13.5 %)     0.2 %
Subtotal
    958,455       5,485       (7.4 %)     0.6 %     1,018,036       7,003       0.5 %     0.7 %     1,047,656       7,118       (9.6 %)     0.7 %
Past due loans
                                                                                               
Ch$
    54,744       8,371       11.3 %     15.3 %     50,673       10,059       17.4 %     19.8 %     59,170       11,476       11.1 %     19.4 %
UF
    74,895       -       (3.5 %)     -       49,976       -       (2.1 %)     -       47,511       -       (6.9 %)     -  
Foreign currencies
    1,456       -       (11.3 %)     -       1,688       -       1.8 %     -       1,970       -       (13.6 %)     -  
Subtotal
    131,095       8,371       2.6 %     6.4 %     102,337       10,059       7.6 %     9.8 %     108,651       11,476       2.8 %     10.6 %
Total interest-earning assets
                                                                                               
Ch$
    4,137,370       508,600       8.4 %     12.3 %     4,994,189       678,622       11.2 %     13.6 %     5,202,017       768,794       6.8 %     14.8 %
UF
    5,973,063       511,157       4.8 %     8.6 %     6,704,385       468,001       4.8 %     7.0 %     6,920,259       802,579       3.9 %     11.6 %
Foreign currencies
    2,600,665       73,800       (8.8 %)     2.8 %     2,353,776       109,191       6.5 %     4.6 %     2,069,802       94,154       (9.7 %)     4.5 %
Subtotal
    12,711,098       1,093,557       3.2 %     8.6 %     14,052,350       1,255,814       7.3 %     8.9 %     14,192,078       1,665,527       3.0 %     11.7 %

 

 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Earned
   
Average
Real Rate
   
Average
Nominal
Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Earned
   
Average
Real Rate
   
Average
Nominal
Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Earned
   
Average
Real Rate
   
Average
Nominal
Rate
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007, except for rate data)
 
NON-INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS
                                                                       
Cash
                                                                       
Ch$
    640,148       -       -       -       369,839       -       -       -       394,673       -       -       -  
UF
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Foreign currencies
    15,664       -       -       -       15,260       -       -       -       17,595       -       -       -  
Subtotal
    655,812       -       -       -       385,099       -       -       -       412,268       -       -       -  
Reserves for loan losses
                                            -       -       -               -       -       -  
Ch$
    (184,069 )     -       -       -       (166,397 )     -       -       -       (205,786 )     -       -       -  
UF
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Foreign currencies
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Subtotal
    (184,069 )     -       -       -       (166,397 )     -       -       -       (205,786 )     -       -       -  
Fixed Assets
                                            -       -       -               -       -       -  
Ch$
    215,563       -       -       -       244,451       -       -       -       237,476       -       -       -  
UF
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Foreign currencies
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Subtotal
    215,563       -       -       -       244,451       -       -       -       237,476       -       -       -  
Other assets
                                            -       -       -               -       -       -  
Ch$
    246,925       -       -       -       732,896       -       -       -       556,310       -       -       -  
UF
    23,756       -       -       -       30,769       -       -       -       341,174       -       -       -  
Foreign currencies
    1,140,502       -       -       -       533,668       -       -       -       1,015,086       -       -       -  
Subtotal
    1,411,183       -       -       -       1,297,333       -       -       -       1,912,570       -       -       -  
Total non-interest earning assets
                                            -       -       -               -       -       -  
Ch$
    918,567       -       -       -       1,180,789       -       -       -       982,673       -       -       -  
UF
    23,756       -       -       -       30,769       -       -       -       341,174       -       -       -  
Foreign currencies
    1,156,166       -       -       -       548,928       -       -       -       1,032,681       -       -       -  
Total
    2,098,489       -       -       -       1,760,486       -       -       -       2,356,528       -       -       -  
TOTAL ASSETS
                                                                                               
Ch$
    5,055,937       508,600       -       -       6,174,978       678,622       -       -       6,184,690       768,794       -       -  
UF
    5,996,819       511,157       -       -       6,735,154       468,001       -       -       7,261,433       802,579       -       -  
Foreign currencies
    3,756,831       73,800       -       -       2,902,704       109,191       -       -       3,102,483       94,154       -       -  
Total
    14,809,587       1,093,557       -       -       15,812,836       1,255,814       -       -       16,548,606       1,665,527       -       -  

 

   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Paid
   
Average
Real Rate
   
Average
Nominal
Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Paid
   
Average
Real Rate
   
Average
Nominal
Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Paid
   
Average
Real Rate
   
Average
Nominal
Rate
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                                                       
Interest-bearing liabilities
                                                                       
Savings accounts
                                                                       
Ch$
    462       3       (2.9 %)     0.6 %     639       10       (0.5 %)     1.6 %     665       11       (5.4 %)     1.7 %
UF
    126,434       5,400       0.6 %     4.3 %     113,085       1,457       (0.8 %)     1.3 %     97,208       6,055       (1.1 %)     6.2 %
Foreign currencies
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Subtotal
    126,896       5,403       0.6 %     4.3 %     113,724       1,467       (0.8 %)     1.3 %     97,873       6,066       (1.2 %)     6.2 %
Time deposits
                                                                                               
Ch$
    2,345,452       103,079       0.7 %     4.4 %     3,617,765       222,506       3.9 %     6.2 %     3,622,601       220,828       (1.3 %)     6.1 %
UF
    2,293,491       136,168       2.2 %     5.9 %     2,254,295       105,458       2.5 %     4.7 %     2,473,893       267,483       3.1 %     10.8 %
Foreign currencies
    939,947       23,174       (9.1 %)     2.5 %     1,006,060       47,448       6.6 %     4.7 %     1,125,352       51,810       (9.7 %)     4.6 %
Subtotal
    5,578,890       262,421       (0.3 %)     4.7 %     6,878,120       375,412       3.9 %     5.6 %     7,221,846       540,121       (1.1 %)     7.5 %
Central Bank borrowings
                                                                                               
Ch$
    124,276       4,027       (0.4 %)     3.2 %     35,325       1,866       3.1 %     5.3 %     110,852       5,987       (1.9 %)     5.4 %
UF
    14,478       1,069       3.6 %     7.4 %     55,034       2,735       2.8 %     5.0 %     4,277       418       2.2 %     9.8 %
Foreign currencies
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Subtotal
    138,754       5,096       0.1 %     3.7 %     90,359       4,601       2.9 %     5.1 %     115,129       6,405       (1.7 %)     5.6 %
Repurchase agreements
                                                                                               
Ch$
    259,948       7,858       (0.6 %)     3.0 %     412,044       19,781       2.6 %     4.8 %     426,328       29,872       (0.4 %)     7.0 %
UF
    208,398       11,451       1.8 %     5.5 %     12,209       611       2.8 %     5.0 %     32,954       1,625       (2.3 %)     4.9 %
Foreign currencies
    98,788       9,342       (2.9 %)     9.5 %     162,414       8,246       6.9 %     5.1 %     136,849       7,315       (9.0 %)     5.3 %
Subtotal
    567,134       28,651       (0.1 %)     5.0 %     586,667       28,638       3.8 %     4.9 %     596,131       38,812       (2.5 %)     6.5 %
Mortgage finance bonds
                                                                                               
Ch$
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
UF
    881,875       82,612       5.5 %     9.4 %     621,444       46,341       5.2 %     7.5 %     473,126       58,591       4.6 %     12.4 %
Foreign currencies
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Subtotal
    881,875       82,612       5.5 %     9.4 %     621,444       46,341       5.2 %     7.5 %     473,126       58,591       4.6 %     12.4 %
Other interest-bearing liabilities
                                                                                               
Ch$
    42,130       1,609       0.2 %     3.8 %     52,310       2,774       3.1 %     5.3 %     35,715       2,532       (0.3 %)     7.1 %
UF
    222,189       34,792       11.6 %     15.7 %     458,198       35,144       5.4 %     7.7 %     804,503       107,531       5.5 %     13.4 %
Foreign currencies
    1,701,898       73,172       (7.5 %)     4.3 %     1,807,994       103,631       7.6 %     5.7 %     1,416,707       79,853       (8.8 %)     5.6 %
Subtotal
    1,966,217       109,573       (5.1 %)     5.6 %     2,318,502       141,549       7.1 %     6.2 %     2,256,925       189,916       (3.5 %)     8.4 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities
                                                                                               
Ch$
    2,772,268       116,576       0.6 %     4.2 %     4,118,083       246,937       3.8 %     6.0 %     4,196,161       259,230       (1.2 %)     6.2 %
UF
    3,746,865       271,492       3.5 %     7.2 %     3,514,265       191,746       3.3 %     5.5 %     3,885,961       441,703       3.7 %     11.4 %
Foreign currencies
    2,740,633       105,688       (7.8 %)     3.9 %     2,976,468       159,325       7.2 %     5.4 %     2,678,908       138,978       (9.2 %)     5.2 %
Total
    9,259,766       493,756       (0.7 %)     5.3 %     10,608,816       598,008       4.6 %     5.7 %     10,761,030       839,911       (1.4 %)     7.8 %

 

 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Paid
   
Average
Real Rate
   
Average
Nominal
Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Paid
   
Average
Real Rate
   
Average
Nominal
Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Paid
   
Average
Real Rate
   
Average
Nominal
Rate
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as f December 31, 2007, except for rate data)
 
NON-INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES
                                                                       
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
                                                                       
Ch$
    2,090,323       -       -       -       1,958,610       -       -       -       2,171,559       -       -       -  
UF
    -       -       -       -       37       -       -       -       25       -       -       -  
Foreign currencies
    -       -       -       -       4       -       -       -       21       -       -       -  
Subtotal
    2,090,323       -       -       -       1,958,651       -       -       -       2,171,605       -       -       -  
Contingent obligations
                                                                                               
Ch$
    163,466       -       -       -       218,149       -       -       -       252,616       -       -       -  
UF
    241,950       -       -       -       286,722       -       -       -       275,980       -       -       -  
Foreign currencies
    555,521       -       -       -       515,513       -       -       -       522,096       -       -       -  
Subtotal
    960,937       -       -       -       1,020,384       -       -       -       1,050,692       -       -       -  
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities
                                                                                               
Ch$
    738,720       -       -       -       650,520       -       -       -       918,851       -       -       -  
UF
    454,110       -       -       -       175,902       -       -       -       227,932       -       -       -  
Foreign currencies
    214,801       -       -       -       162,835       -       -       -       101,297       -       -       -  
Subtotal
    1,407,631       -       -       -       989,257       -       -       -       1,248,080       -       -       -  
Shareholders’ equity
                                                                                               
Ch$
    1,090,930       -       -       -       1,235,728       -       -       -       1,317,199       -       -       -  
UF
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Foreign currencies
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Subtotal
    1,090,930       -       -       -       1,235,728       -       -       -       1,317,199       -       -       -  
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities and shareholders’ equity
                                                                                               
Ch$
    4,083,439       -       -       -       4,063,007       -       -       -       4,660,225       -       -       -  
UF
    696,060       -       -       -       462,661       -       -       -       503,937       -       -       -  
Foreign currencies
    770,322       -       -       -       678,352       -       -       -       623,414       -       -       -  
Total
    5,549,821       -       -       -       5,204,020       -       -       -       5,787,576       -       -       -  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                                                                               
Ch$
    6,855,707       116,576                       8,181,090       246,937                       8,856,386       259,230                  
UF
    4,442,925       271,492                       3,976,926       191,746                       4,389,898       441,703                  
Foreign currencies
    3,510,955       105,688                       3,654,820       159,325                       3,302,322       138,978                  
Total
    14,809,587       493,756                       15,812,836       598,008                       16,548,606       839,911                  
 
 
 
 
Changes in Net Interest Revenue and Interest Expense: Volume and Rate Analysis
 
The following table allocates, by currency of denomination, changes in our interest revenue and interest expense between changes in the average volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and changes in their respective nominal interest rates for 2007 compared to 2006 and 2006 compared to 2005. Volume and rate variances have been calculated based on movements in average balances over the period and changes in nominal interest rates on average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities.
 
   
Increase (Decrease) from 2005 to 2006
Due to Changes in
   
 Net Change
   
Increase (Decrease) from 2006 to 2007
Due to Changes in
   
 Net Change
 
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Rate and Volume
   
from 2005 to 2006
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Rate and Volume
   
 from 2006 to 2007
 
Interest-earning assets
                                               
Interbank deposits
                                               
Ch$
    (746 )     484       (200 )     (462 )     (1,338 )     (1,338 )     1,338       (1,338 )
UF
    (293 )     (62 )     23       (332 )     (470 )     (470 )     470       (470 )
Foreign currencies
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Subtotal
    (1,039 )     422       (177 )     (794 )     (1,808 )     (1,808 )     1,808       (1,808 )
Financial investments
                                                               
Ch$
    9,830       4,203       1,278       15,311       (4,581 )     14,168       (1,363 )     8,224  
UF
    (5,441 )     (3,768 )     352       (8,857 )     3,614       29,281       2,143       35,038  
Foreign currencies
    (8,448 )     34,032       (6,350 )     19,234       (23,025 )     4,036       (1,441 )     (20,430 )
Subtotal
    (4,059 )     34,467       (4,720 )     25,688       (23,992 )     47,485       (661 )     22,832  
Commercial Loans
                                                               
Ch$
    91,505       51,019       10,061       152,585       39,624       39,408       2,532       81,564  
UF
    86,799       (69,241 )     (16,625 )     933       24,957       252,081       17,358       294,396  
Foreign currencies
    1,842       13,506       906       16,254       6,201       (652 )     (92 )     5,457  
Subtotal
    180,146       (4,716 )     (5,658 )     169,772       70,782       290,837       19,798       381,417  
Mortgage loans
                                                               
Ch$
    (5 )     9       (1 )     3       183       2       8       193  
UF
    (24,249 )     (15,676 )     4,307       (35,618 )     (14,612 )     27,906       (7,747 )     5,547  
Foreign currencies
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Subtotal
    (24,254 )     (15,667 )     4,306       (35,615 )     (14,429 )     27,908       (7,739 )     5,740  
Contingent loans
                                                               
Ch$
    695       151       51       897       470       (309 )     (49 )     112  
UF
    435       239       44       718       (115 )     189       (7 )     67  
Foreign currencies
    (76 )     (23 )     2       (97 )     11       (74 )     (1 )     (64 )
Subtotal
    1,054       367       97       1,518       366       (194 )     (57 )     115  
Past due loans
                                                               
Ch$
    (622 )     2,496       (186 )     1,688       1,687       (231 )     (39 )     1,417  
UF
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Foreign currencies
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total
    (622 )     2,496       (186 )     1,688       1,687       (231 )     (39 )     1,417  
Total interest-earning assets
                                                               
Ch$
    100,657       58,362       11,003       170,022       36,045       51,700       2,427       90,172  
UF
    57,250       (88,508 )     (11,898 )     (43,156 )     13,375       308,985       12,216       334,576  
Foreign currencies
    (6,682 )     47,515       (5,442 )     35,391       (16,813 )     3,311       (1,534 )     (15,037 )
Total
    151,225       17,369       (6,337 )     162,257       32,607       363,996       13,109       409,711  
 
 
 
   
Increase (Decrease) from 2005 to 2006
Due to Changes in
   
 Net Change
   
Increase (Decrease) from 2006 to 2007
Due to Changes in
   
 Net Change
 
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Rate and Volume
   
from 2005 to 2006
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Rate and Volume
   
from 2006 to 2007
 
Interest-bearing liabilities
                                               
Savings accounts
                                               
Ch$
    1       4       2       7       0       1       0       2  
UF
    (570 )     (3,771 )     398       (3,943 )     (205 )     5,587       (784 )     4,598  
Foreign currencies
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Subtotal
    (569 )     (3,767 )     400       (3,936 )     (205 )     5,588       (784 )     4,600  
Time deposits
                                                               
Ch$
    55,916       41,175       22,336       119,427       297       (1,972 )     (3 )     (1,678 )
UF
    (2,327 )     (28,877 )     494       (30,711 )     10,273       138,281       13,470       162,025  
Foreign currencies
    1,630       21,156       1,488       24,274       5,626       (1,129 )     (134 )     4,363  
Subtotal
    55,219       33,454       24,318       112,990       16,196       135,180       13,333       164,710  
Central Bank borrowings
                                                               
Ch$
    (2,882 )     2,539       (1,817 )     (2,161 )     3,990       42       89       4,121  
UF
    2,995       (349 )     (979 )     1,666       (2,523 )     2,649       (2,443 )     (2,317 )
Foreign currencies
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Subtotal
    113       2,190       (2,796 )     (495 )     1,467       2,691       (2,354 )     1,804  
Repurchase agreements
                                                               
Ch$
    4,598       4,621       2,704       11,923       686       9,090       315       10,091  
UF
    (10,780 )     (1,016 )     957       (10,840 )     1,039       (9 )     (15 )     1,014  
Foreign currencies
    6,017       (4,326 )     (2,786 )     (1,096 )     (1,298 )     436       (69 )     (931 )
Subtotal
    (165 )     (721 )     875       (13 )     427       9,517       231       10,174  
Mortgage finance bonds
                                                               
Ch$
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
UF
    (24,397 )     (16,850 )     4,976       (36,271 )     (11,060 )     30,617       (7,307 )     12,250  
Foreign currencies
    -       -       -               -       -       -       -  
Subtotal
    (24,397 )     (16,850 )     4,976       (36,271 )     (11,060 )     30,617       (7,307 )     12,250  
Other interest-bearing liabilities
                                                               
Ch$
    389       625       151       1,165       (880 )     933       (296 )     (243 )
UF
    36,956       (17,750 )     (18,855 )     351       26,561       26,099       19,726       72,386  
Foreign currencies
    4,561       24,379       1,520       30,460       (22,428 )     (1,723 )     373       (23,778 )
Subtotal
    41,906       7,254       (17,184 )     31,976       3,253       25,309       19,803       48,365  
Total interest-bearing liabilities
                                                               
Ch$
    58,022       48,964       23,376       130,361       4,093       8,094       105       12,292  
UF
    1,877       (68,613 )     (13,009 )     (79,748 )     24,085       203,224       22,647       249,956  
Foreign currencies
    12,208       41,209       222       53,638       (18,100 )     (2,416 )     170       (20,346 )
Total
    72,107       21,560       10,589       104,251       10,078       208,902       22,922       241,902  
 
 
 
Interest-Earning Assets: Net Interest Margin
 
The following table analyzes, by currency of denomination, the levels of average interest-earning assets and net interest earned by Santander-Chile, and illustrates the comparative margins obtained, for each of the years indicated in the table.
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
( in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007, except percentages)
 
Total average interest-earning assets
                 
Ch$
    4,137,370       4,994,189       5,202,017  
UF
    5,973,063       6,704,385       6,920,259  
Foreign currencies
    2,600,665       2,353,776       2,069,802  
Total
    12,711,098       14,052,350       14,192,078  
Net interest earned (1)
                       
Ch$
    392,024       431,685       509,564  
UF
    239,665       276,255       360,876  
Foreign currencies
    (31,888 )     (50,134 )     (44,824 )
Total
    599,801       657,806       825,616  
Net interest margin (2)
                       
Ch$
    9.5 %     8.6 %     9.8 %
UF
    4.0 %     4.1 %     5.2 %
Foreign currencies
    (1.2 %)     (2.1 %)     (2.2 %)
Total
    4.7 %     4.7 %     5.8 %
Net interest margin, excluding contingent loans (2) (3)
                       
Ch$
    9.9 %     9.0 %     10.3 %
UF
    4.2 %     4.3 %     5.4 %
Foreign currencies
    (1.6 %)     (2.7 %)     (2.9 %)
Total
    5.1 %     5.0 %     6.3 %
 

(1)
Net interest earned is defined as interest revenue earned less interest expense incurred.
 
(2)
Net interest margin is defined as net interest earned divided by average interest-earning assets.
 
(3)
Pursuant to Chilean GAAP, Santander-Chile also includes contingent loans as interest-earning assets. See “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Loan Portfolio—Contingent Loans.”
 
Return on Equity and Assets; Dividend Payout
 
The following table presents certain information and selected financial ratios for Santander-Chile for the years indicated.
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007,
except for percentages)
 
Net income
    263,006       306,829       308,647  
Average total assets
    14,809,587       15,812,836       16,548,606  
Average shareholders’ equity
    1,090,930       1,235,728       1,317,199  
Net income as a percentage of:
                       
Average total assets
    1.8 %     1.9 %     1.9 %
Average shareholders’ equity
    24.1 %     24.8 %     23.4 %
Average shareholders’ equity as a percentage of:
                       
Average total assets
    7.4 %     7.8 %     8.0 %
Declared cash dividend
    170,952       199,439       n/a  
Dividend payout ratio, based on net income
    65 %     65 %     n/a  

 
 
Loan Portfolio
 
The following table analyzes our loans by product type. Except where otherwise specified, all loan amounts stated below are before deduction for loan loss allowances. Total loans reflect our loan portfolio, including principal amounts of past due loans.
 
   
As of December 31,
 
   
2003
   
2004
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007)
 
Commercial loans:
                             
General commercial loans
    2,927,125       3,583,411       4,010,294       4,349,409       4,657,869  
Foreign trade loans
    504,016       562,225       561,487       796,964       812,696  
Interbank loans
    166,638       148,914       213,568       162,762       45,961  
Leasing contracts
    503,252       570,973       728,374       821,280       879,731  
Other outstanding loans
    965,370       1,520,230       2,255,967       2,880,962       3,346,318  
Subtotal commercial loans
    5,066,401       6,385,753       7,769,690       9,011,377       9,742,575  
Mortgage loans backed by mortgage bonds
                                       
Residential
    1,046,370       658,651       454,308       353,669       267,403  
Commercial
    694,065       388,462       242,097       168,327       117,944  
Subtotal mortgage loans
    1,740,435       1,047,113       696,405       521,996       385,347  
Consumer loans
    905,497       1,227,748       1,527,284       1,934,465       2,033,125  
Past due loans
    198,175       149,011       116,893       99,445       116,654  
Subtotal
    7,910,508       8,809,625       10,110,272       11,567,283       12,277,701  
Contingent loans (1)
    965,885       990,002       1,019,796       1,098,775       1,191,279  
Total loans (2)
    8,876,393       9,799,627       11,130,068       12,666,058       13,468,980  
 

(1)
For purposes of loan classification, contingent loans are considered as commercial loans.
 
(2)
All of the above categories except mortgage loans, past due loans and contingent loans are combined into “Loans” as reported in the tables set forth under “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Average Balance Sheets, Income Earned from Interest-Earning Assets And Interest Paid on Interest Bearing Liabilities.”
 
The loan categories are as follows:
 
Commercial loans are long-term and short-term loans granted in Chilean pesos, on an adjustable or fixed rate basis, primarily to finance working capital or investments. Starting January 1, 2004, checking overdraft lines for companies are classified as commercial loans.
 
Foreign trade loans are fixed rate, short-term loans made in foreign currencies (principally US$) to finance imports and exports.
 
Interbank loans are fixed rate, short-term loans to financial institutions that operate in Chile.
 
Leasing contracts are agreements for the financial leasing of capital equipment and other property.
 
Other outstanding loans mainly include mortgage loans (fixed and variable rate) that are inflation-indexed long-term loans with monthly payments of principal and interest secured by a real property mortgage. These are financed by our general borrowings. Other outstanding loans also include factoring operations. Previous to 2004, this line item also included checking account overdrafts, which as of January 1, 2004, were classified as commercial or consumer loans depending on their origin.
 
Mortgage loans backed by mortgage bonds are inflation-indexed, fixed rate, long-term loans with monthly payments of principal and interest secured by a real property mortgage that are financed with mortgage finance bonds. At the time of approval, these types of mortgage loans cannot be more than 75% of the lower of the purchase price or the appraised value of the mortgaged property or such loan will be classified as a commercial loan. Mortgage bonds are general obligations of the Bank, which is liable for all principal and accrued interest on such bonds. In addition, if the issuer of a mortgage finance bond becomes insolvent, the General Banking Law’s liquidation procedures provide that these types of mortgage loans with their corresponding mortgage bonds shall be auctioned as a unit and the acquirer must continue paying the mortgage finance bonds under the same conditions as the original issuer.
 
 
 
Consumer loans are loans to individuals, granted in Chilean pesos, generally on a fixed rate basis, to finance the purchase of consumer goods or to pay for services. They also include credit card balances subject to interest charges. Starting January 1, 2004, checking overdraft lines for individuals are classified as commercial loans.
 
Past due loans include, with respect to any loan, the amount of principal or interest that is overdue for 90 days or more, and does not include the installments of such loan that are not overdue or that are overdue for less than 90 days, unless legal proceedings have been commenced for the entire outstanding balance according to the terms of the loan.
 
Contingent loans consist of guarantees granted by us in Ch$, UF and foreign currencies (principally US$), as well as open and unused letters of credit. (Unlike U.S. GAAP, Chilean GAAP requires such loans to be included on a bank’s balance sheet.)
 
Any collateral provided generally consists of a mortgage on real estate, a pledge of marketable securities, a letter of credit or cash. The existence and amount of collateral generally vary from loan to loan.
 
Maturity and Interest Rate Sensitivity of Loans
 
The following table sets forth an analysis by type and time remaining to maturity of our loans at December 31, 2007.
 
   
Due 1 year or less
   
Due after 1 year but up to 5 years
   
Due after 5 years
   
Total balance at December 31, 2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007)
 
Commercial loans
    2,146,710       1,536,883       974,276       4,657,869  
Consumer loans
    1,191,066       816,253       25,806       2,033,125  
Mortgage loans
    48,036       156,504       180,807       385,347  
Leasing contacts
    235,717       444,719       199,295       879,731  
Foreign trade loans
    673,000       89,800       49,896       812,696  
Interbank loans
    45,961       -       -       45,961  
Other outstanding loans
    435,082       597,263       2,313,973       3,346,318  
Past due loans
    116,654       -       -       116,654  
Subtotal
    4,892,226       3,641,422       3,744,053       12,277,701  
Contingent loans
    942,382       236,443       12,454       1,191,279  
Total loans
    5,834,608       3,877,865       3,756,507       13,468,980  
 
The following tables present the interest rate sensitivity of outstanding loans due after one year at December 31, 2006, (not including contingent loans). (See also “Item 5: C. Operating Results—Interest Rates.”)
 
   
At
December 31, 2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007)
 
Variable Rate
     
Ch$
    18,687  
UF
    1,283,968  
Foreign currencies
    383  
Subtotal
    1,303,038  
Fixed Rate
       
Ch$
    2,023,781  
UF
    3,919,620  
Foreign currencies
    139,036  
Subtotal
    6,082,437  
Total
    7,385,475  

 
 
Loans by Economic Activity
 
The following table sets forth, at the dates indicated, an analysis of our loan portfolio based on the borrower’s principal economic activity. Loans to individuals for business purposes are allocated to their economic activity. The table does not reflect outstanding contingent loans.
 
   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
Loan Portfolio
   
% of Total
   
Loan Portfolio
   
% of Total
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007, except for percentages)
 
Agriculture, Livestock, Agribusiness, Fishing
                       
Agriculture and livestock
    326,793       2.8       370,891       3.0  
Fruit
    110,749       0.9       112,594       0.9  
Forestry and wood extraction
    113,676       1.0       66,830       0.5  
Fishing
    102,224       0.9       109,733       0.9  
Subtotal
    653,442       5.6       660,048       5.3  
Mining and Petroleum
                               
Mining and quarries
    46,379       0.4       51,488       0.4  
Natural gas and crude oil extraction
    35,618       0.3       107,029       0.9  
Subtotal
    81,997       0.7       158,517       1.3  
Manufacturing
                               
Tobacco, food and beverages
    151,565       1.3       170,135       1.4  
Textiles, clothing and leather goods
    57,839       0.5       52,686       0.4  
Wood and wood products
    71,543       0.7       71,459       0.6  
Paper, printing and publishing
    69,414       0.6       120,723       1.0  
Oil refining, carbon and rubber
    119,586       1.0       104,184       0.8  
Production of basic metal, non minerals, machine and equipment
    139,893       1.2       154,848       1.3  
Other manufacturing industries
    37,488       0.3       43,726       0.4  
Subtotal
    647,328       5.6       717,761       5.9  
Electricity, Gas and Water
                               
Electricity, gas and water
    99,232       0.9       88,984       0.7  
Subtotal
    99,232       0.9       88,984       0.7  
Construction
                               
Residential buildings
    399,274       3.4       398,218       3.2  
Other constructions
    389,036       3.4       380,438       3.1  
Subtotal
    788,310       6.8       778,656       6.3  
Commerce
                               
Wholesale
    406,531       3.5       426,665       3.5  
Retail, restaurants and hotels
    553,041       4.8       659,244       5.4  
Subtotal
    959,572       8.3       1,085,909       8.9  
Transport, Storage and Communications
                               
Transport and storage
    296,778       2.6       303,739       2.5  
Communications
    139,445       1.2       176,331       1.4  
Subtotal
    436,223       3.8       480,070       3.9  
Financial Services, Insurance and Real Estate
                               
Financial insurance and companies
    658,189       5.7       566,862       4.6  
Real estate and other services provided to companies
    353,414       3.0       348,126       2.8  
Subtotal
    1,011,603       8.7       914,988       7.4  
Community, Social and Personal Services
                               
Community, social and personal services
    1,927,487       16.7       2,007,192       16.4  
Subtotal
    1,927,487       16.7       2,007,192       16.4  
Consumer Credit
    1,954,622       16.9       2,056,790       16.8  
Residential Mortgage Loans
    3,007,467       26.0       3,328,786       27.1  
Total
    11,567,283       100.0       12,277,701       100.0  
 
 
 
At December 31, 2007, foreign country loans totaled Ch$417,596 million, representing 2.3% of our total assets. No single foreign country represents more than 1% of our assets.
 
Credit Review Process
 
The Risk Division, our credit analysis and risk management group, is largely independent of our Commercial Division. Risk evaluation teams interact regularly with our clients. For larger transactions, risk teams in our headquarters work directly with clients when evaluating credit risks and preparing credit applications. Various credit approval committees, all of which include Risk Division and Commercial Division personnel, must verify that the appropriate qualitative and quantitative parameters are met by each applicant. Each committee’s powers are defined by our Board of Directors.
 
In addition, Banco Santander Spain is involved in the credit approval process of our largest loans and borrowers. If a single borrower or an economic group owes us an aggregate amount in excess of US$40 million, any additional loan to such borrower or member of such group must be reviewed by Banco Santander Spain. Once a year, the Executive Committee of Banco Santander Spain reviews those loans booked by us in excess of US$40 million.
 
Credit Approval: Corporate
 
In preparing a credit proposal for a corporate client, Santander-Chile’s personnel verify such parameters as debt servicing capacity (including, usually, projected cash flows), the company’s financial history and projections for the economic sector in which it operates. The Risk Division is closely involved in this process, and prepares the credit application for the client. All proposals contain an analysis of the client’s strengths and weaknesses, a rating and a recommendation. Credit limits are determined not on the basis of outstanding balances of individual clients, but on the direct and indirect credit risk of entire financial groups. For example, a corporation will be evaluated together with its subsidiaries and affiliates.
 
Credit Approval: Retail Banking
 
Retail loans are evaluated and approved by the Risk for Individuals, Micro businesses and Small Businesses Division. The majority of loans to individuals are approved by the Standardized Risk Area. The credit evaluation  process is based on an evaluation system known as Garra for Banco Santander and Syseva for Santander Banefe, both process are decentralized, automated and are based on a scoring system which incorporates our Credit Risk Policies.
 
The credit evaluation process is based on the gathering of information to determine a client’s financial stability, payment capacity and commercial nature. The following parameters are used to evaluate an applicant’s credit risk: (i) income, (ii) length of current employment, (iii) indebtedness, (iv) credit reports and (v) background information, which is accessed by means of internal and external databases. Operations which cannot be approved by Garra or Syseva are sent to the Approval Center, a centralized area that carries out yearly analyses and renewals of credit lines and credit cards and evaluates higher risk credits.
 
The following table lists our committees from which credit approval is required depending on total risk exposure:
 
Approved By
Maximum approval in
Thousands of US$
Executive Credit Committee
>20,000
Loan Credit Committee
20,000
Business Segment Committee
8,000-10,000
Large Companies
10,000
Real estate sector
10,000
Medium sized companies
8,000
Regional Committee
5,000
Branch committee
300
Companies
300
Mortgage
120
Persons
30

 
 
The following table lists Santander Banefe’s personnel from whom credit approval is required, depending upon total risk exposure. These attributions are granted based on specific training processes given by the Risk Division and according to the experience and professional background of the employee.
 
 
 
Range in US$
(Excludes mortgage loans)
Risk Division Manager
> 12,500
Assistant Risk Division Managers
6,250-12,500
Zone Manager
3,125-6,250
Branch Assistant Manager
1,550-3,125
Credit Analyst
1,170-1,550
Commercial Executive
0-1,170
 
The Executive Credit Committee is comprised of the Chairman of the Board, three additional Board members, the Corporate Legal Counsel, the CEO, the Manager of Global Banking, the Corporate Director of Risk and two senior members of the Credit Risk department that present the loans being reviewed. This committee reviews the loan positions reviewed by the Senior Credit Committee above US$10 million and approves those loan positions greater than US$20 million. In addition, any loan position above US$40 million must also be reviewed by Banco Santander Spain’s credit committee.
 
The Loan Credit Committee is comprised of the CEO, the Manager of the Wholesale segment, the Manager of the Medium sized companies segment, General Counsel, the Corporate Director of Credit Risk and the Manager of Credit Admissions. The Loan Credit Committee reviews and will either approve or deny transactions in the range of US$8 million to US$20 million that have been previously approved by one of the Business Segment Committees: (i) Large Companies, (ii) Medium sized Companies and (iii) Real Estate. The Regional Committees have a maximum approval of up to US$5 million. The regional committees oversee the branch networks outside of Santiago. At the branch level, the maximum approval is US$300,000 for companies, US$30,000 for individuals and US$120,000 for mortgages. For the lower level committees, credit granting authority varies according to the seniority and experience of the committee members, and the values indicated represent upper limits. All committees include at least two bank officers from the commercial and credit areas.
 
We also have a department designated to monitor the quality of the loan portfolio on a continuous basis. The purpose of this special supervision is to maintain constant scrutiny of the portions of the portfolio that represent the greatest risk and to anticipate any deterioration. Based on this ongoing review of the loan portfolio, we believe we are able to detect problem loans and make a decision on client’s status. This includes measures such as reducing or extinguishing a loan, or requiring better collateral from the client. The control systems require that these loans be reviewed at least three times per year for those clients in the lowest category of credit watch.
 
Classification of Loan Portfolio
 
Chilean banks are required to provide to the Superintendency of Banks detailed information regarding their loan portfolio on a monthly basis. The Superintendency of Banks examines and evaluates each financial institution’s credit management process, including its compliance with the loan classification guidelines. Banks are classified into four categories: 1, 2, 3 and 4. Each bank’s category depends on the models and methods used by the bank to classify its loan portfolio, as determined by the Superintendency of Banks. Category 1 banks are those banks whose methods and models are satisfactory to the Superintendency of Banks. Category 1 banks will be entitled to continue using the same methods and models they currently have in place. A bank classified as a category 2 bank will have to
 
 
 
maintain the minimum levels of reserves established by the Superintendency of Banks while its Board of Directors will be made aware of the problems detected by the Superintendency of Banks and required to take steps to correct them. Banks classified as categories 3 and 4 will have to maintain the minimum levels of reserves established by the Superintendency of Banks until they are authorized by the Superintendency of Banks to do otherwise. We are classified in category 1.
 
Under the classifications effective January 1, 2004, loans are divided into: (i) consumer loans (including loans granted to individuals for the purpose of financing the acquisition of consumer goods or payment of services); (ii) residential mortgage loans (including loans granted to individuals for the acquisition, construction or repair of residential real estate, in which the value of the property covers at least 100% of the amount of the loan); and (iii) commercial loans (includes all loans other than consumer loans and residential mortgage loans).
 
In accordance with the regulations, which became effective as of January 1, 2004, the models and methods used to classify our loan portfolio must follow the following guiding principles, which have been established by the Superintendency of Banks and approved by our Board of Directors. In 2006, these models were improved and various changes introduced. Since then, not only have our internal provisioning models focused on non-performance, we have also introduced statistical models that take into account a borrower’s credit history and indebtedness levels. Group ratings that determine loan loss allowances based only on non-performance are being phased out and replaced by statistical scoring systems.
 
Allowances for large commercial loans
 
For large commercial loans, leasing and factoring, the Bank assigns a risk category level to each borrower and his respective loans. The Bank considers the following risk factors within the analysis: industry or sector of the borrower, owners or managers of the borrower, their financial situation, their payment capacity and payment behavior. The Bank assigns one of the following risk categories to each loan and borrower:
 
 
i.
Classifications A1, A2 and A3, correspond to borrowers with no apparent credit risk.
 
 
ii.
Classifications B, correspond to borrowers with some credit risk but no apparent deterioration of payment capacity.
 
 
iii.
Classifications C1, C2, C3, C4, D1 and D2 correspond to borrowers whose loans have deteriorated.
 
For loans classified as A1, A2, A3 and B, the Bank assigns a specific level of risk to each borrower and, therefore, amount of loan loss allowance is determined on a case by case basis. All commercial loans for Companies, including leasing and factoring, have since been rated using a model for evaluating and calculating provisions on an individual basis. Since a debtor’s behavior varies over time, in order to determine the provisions, it is necessary to make a distinction between normal debtors and deteriorated debtors.
 
Debtor Classes
 
Two debtor classes have been determined based on debtors’ credit behavior in order to calculate loan loss allowance:
 
 
·
Normal Debtors: Debtors that are current on their payment obligations and show no sign of deterioration in their credit quality.
 
 
·
Deteriorated Debtors: Debtors that present some degree of non-payment in the Bank; which include debtors whose loan balances with us of 5% or more have been non-performing for more than three months, whose loans with us have been charged off or administered by our Recovery Unit, or classified as Precontenciosos (PRECO or Deteriorated)
 
Definition of Expected Loan Loss = Loan Loss Allowance
 
The expected loss is obtained by multiplying all risk factors defined in the following equation:
 
EL           =           PNP x EXP x SEV
 
 
 
EL           =           Expected Loss
PNP=Probability of Non-Performing
EXP                      =           Exposure
SEV                      =           Severity

EL = Expected Loss. The expected loss is how much could be lost in the event a debtor does not perform the obligations under the loan.
 
PNP = Probability of Non-performing. This variable, expressed as a percentage, indicates the probability that a debtor will default next year. This percentage is associated with the internal rating we give to each debtor, which is determined by analyzing such parameters as debt servicing capacity (including, usually, projected cash flows), the company’s financial history, the solvency and capacity of shareholders and management, and projections for the economic sector in which it operates. The internal rating can be different from ratings obtained from external third parties.
 
EXP  = Exposure. This corresponds to the value of commercial loans without discounting the value of guarantees or collateral.
 
SEV  = Severity. This is the effective loss rate for debtors in the same segment, which is determined statistically based on the historical effective losses for the Bank for each segment.
 
Determination of loan loss allowance  according to Borrower Class
 
Normal Debtors
 
 
·
The loan loss allowance for each debtor is calculated based on the Expected Loss equation (EL = PNP * EXP * SEV).
 
 
·
A risk category is assigned to each debtor based on the PNP summarized in the following table:
 
PNP result
 
Classification
 
Loan Loss Allowance (Pre-Dec. 2006)
   
Loan loss allowance as of and after Dec. 2006
External Classification> AA-
 
A1
 
0%
 
Determined by a model
on an
individual basis
PNP ≤  1%
 
A2
 
0%
 
1% < PNP ≤  4%
 
A3
 
0.5%
 
PNP > 4%
 
B
 
1.0%
 
 
Note: The classification is no longer tied to a particular level of allowance. For example, now an A1 could have a 0.1% allowance or a 0.2% allowance. The allowance is determined by the PNP which is directly associated to the internal rating each client receives. All loans have an assigned allowance regardless of classification level.

Deteriorated Debtors
 
For loans classified in Categories C1, C2, C3, C4, D1 and D2, the Bank must have the following levels of allowance:
 
 
Classification
 
 
Estimated range of loss
 
 
Allowance(1)
C1
 
Up to 3%
 
2%
C2
 
More than 3% up to 19%
 
10%
C3
 
More than 19% up to 29%
 
25%
C4
 
More than 29% up to 49%
 
40%
D1
 
More than 49% up to 79%
 
65%
D2
 
More than 79%
 
90%

(1)
Represents percentages of the required allowance to the aggregate amount of principal and accrued but unpaid interest of the loan.
 
 
 
Allowances for consumer loans
 
The classification of consumer is directly related to the aging of the installment. The following table sets forth our methodology for analyzing consumer loans prior to 2006.
 
   
 
Consumer loans overdue status
 
 
Allowances as a percentage of aggregate exposure (1)
Category
 
 
From
 
 
To
 
   
(Days)
   
A
 
 
 
—%
B
 
1
 
30
 
1
B-
 
31
 
60
 
20
C
 
61
 
120
 
60
D
 
121
 
>121
 
90

(1)
In effect until December 31, 2005. Represents the percentages of the required allowance to the aggregate amount of the principal and accrued but unpaid interest of loans. Starting January 1, 2006, the risk category is determined by days of non-payment. However, the classification does not determine loan loss allowance levels.
 
Commencing in 2006, the Bank improved and modified the methodology for analyzing consumer loans. All consumer and are now assigned an allowance level on an individual borrower basis utilizing a more automated and sophisticated statistical model and considering borrower’s credit history, including any defaults on obligations to other creditors, as well as the overdue periods on the loans borrowed from the Bank. Further enhancements were implemented in 2007. The Bank now differentiates between old and new clients when determining a client’s risk profile for consumer loans and those that have gone through some type of renegotiation in the past in the financial system. All loans are assigned a provision at the moment a loan is granted depending on the risk profile of the client. Secondly, the time period used for statistically considering a consumer loan mature in order to determine the risk level of consumer loans was extended from 12 to 21 months of history. The latter change signified a one-time provision expense of Ch$14,444 million in 2007. The following table sets forth the allowances for consumer loan that depends on the client’s profile.
 
       
Not-Renegotiated
   
Renegotiated
 
Loan type
 
Allowance %
 
New Clients
   
Old Clients
   
New Clients
   
Old Clients
 
Consumer
 
Profile 1
    51.3 %     39.1 %     24.3 %     30.2 %
   
Profile 2
    28.6 %     15.2 %     17.5 %     25.8 %
   
Profile 3
    16.2 %     9.0 %     8.2 %     14.9 %
   
Profile 4
    13.0 %     4.8 %    
      8.0 %
   
Profile 5
    7.7 %     2.7 %    
      1.2 %
   
Profile 6
    5.9 %     1.2 %    
     
 
   
Profile 7
    2.3 %     0.4 %    
     
 
                                     
Allowances for mortgage loans
 
The classification of mortgage loans is directly related to the aging of the installment. The following table sets forth our methodology for analyzing consumer and mortgage loans prior to 2006.
 
   
 
Residential mortgage loans overdue status
 
 
Allowances as a percentage of aggregate exposure (1)
Category
 
 
From
 
 
To
 
   
(Days)
   
A
 
 
 
—%
B
 
1
 
180
 
1
B-
 
181
 
>181
 
20
C
 
 
 
60
D
 
 
 
90

(1)
In effect until December 31, 2005. Represents the percentages of the required allowance to the aggregate amount of the principal and accrued but unpaid interest of loans. Starting January 1, 2006, the risk category is determined by days of non-payment. However, the classification does not determine loan loss allowance levels.
 
 
 
Commencing in 2006, the Bank improved and modified the methodology for analyzing mortgage loans. All mortgage loans are now assigned an allowance level on an individual borrower basis utilizing a more automated and sophisticated statistical model and considering borrower’s credit history, including any defaults on obligations to other creditors, as well as the overdue periods on the loans borrowed from the Bank. Once the rating of the client is determined, the allowance for mortgage loans is calculated using a risk category and related allowance to loan ratio which is directly related to the overdue periods. The following table sets forth the allowance to loan ratios on loans based on overdue time.
 
 
Loan type
 
Allowance % (1)
 
Overdue days
 
        1-30       31-60       61-120       121-180       181-360       361- 720    
>720
 
Mortgage
Profile 1
    0.3 %     0.5 %     1.2 %     2.4 %     6.8 %     14.1 %     28.3 %
 
Profile 2
    1.5 %     1.6 %     2.5 %     4.4 %     6.8 %     14.1 %     28.3 %
                                                           
 

(1)
Represents the percentage of required allowance amount to the aggregate amount of the principal and accrued but unpaid interest on the loan. These percentages may vary as the model is improved.
 

Allowances for group evaluations on small and mid-sized commercial loans
 
 
·
Allowances for group evaluations are permitted for a large number of borrowers whose individual loan amounts are relatively insignificant. These models are intended to be used primarily to analyze commercial loans to individuals and small companies.
 
 
·
Levels of required reserves are to be determined by the Bank, according to the estimated loss that may result from the loans, by classifying the loan portfolio using one or both of the following models:
 
 
i.
A model based on the characteristics of the borrowers and their outstanding loans. Borrowers and their loans with similar characteristics will be placed into groups and each group will be assigned a risk level.
 
 
ii.
A model based on the behavior of a group of loans. Loans with analogous past payment histories and similar characteristics will be placed into groups and each group will be assigned a risk level. Currently, the Bank is utilizing group analysis for determining the loan loss for certain types of loans such as lending to small and mid-sized companies and commercial loans to individuals.
 
Additional reserves
 
Banks are permitted to establish allowances above the limits described above only to cover specific risks that have been authorized by their Board of Directors. Voluntary reserves that cover no specific risk are no longer permitted.
 
Analysis of Santander-Chile’s Loan Classification
 
The following tables provide statistical data regarding the classification of our loans at the end of each of the last five years.
 
     
At December 31, 2003
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007, except percentages)
 
Category
   
Commercial Loans
   
Consumer Loans
   
Residential Mortgage Loans
   
Total Loans
   
Percentage of Evaluated Loans
 
A
      3,412,521       725,498       1,444,630       5,582,649       69.7 %
B
      1,856,490       111,025       136,772       2,104,287       26.3 %
B-
      117,324       36,112       44,845       198,281       2.5 %
C
      32,587       28,879       2,740       64,206       0.8 %
D
      37,021       18,045       2       55,068       0.7 %
Total of evaluated loans
      5,455,943       919,559       1,628,989       8,004,491       100.0 %
Total loans
      6,327,844       919,559       1,628,989       8,876,392          
Percentage evaluated
      86.2 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     90.2 %        

 

 
     
At December 31, 2004
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007, except percentages)
 
Category 
   
Commercial Loans
   
Consumer Loans
   
Residential Mortgage Loans
   
Total Loans
   
Percentage of Evaluated Loans
 
A
      -       1,037,678       1,910,034       2,947,712       30.1 %
A1
      475,568       -       -       475,568       4.9 %
A2       4,076,689       -       -       4,076,689       41.6 %
A3       727,391       -       -       727,391       7.4 %
B       714,488       106,619       98,431       919,538       9.4 %
B-       -       37,628       42,244       79,872       0.8 %
C       -       34,981       2,364       37,345       0.4 %
C1       288,992       -       -       288,992       2.9 %
C2       62,943       -       -       62,943       0.6 %
C3       35,713       -       -       35,713       0.4 %
C4       27,072       -       -       27,072       0.3 %
D       -       22,400       1       22,401       0.2 %
D1       28,712       -       -       28,712       0.3 %
D2       69,677       -       -       69,677       0.7 %
Total of evaluated loans       6,507,245       1,239,306       2,053,074       9,799,625       100.0 %
Total loans       6,507,245       1,239,306       2,053,074       9,799,625          
Percentage evaluated       100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %        

 
     
At December 31, 2005
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007, except percentages)
 
 
Category
   
Commercial Loans
   
Consumer Loans
   
Residential Mortgage Loans
   
Total Loans
   
Percentage of Evaluated Loans
 
A       -       1,264,085       2,362,015       3,626,100       32.6 %
A1       470,257       -       -       470,257       4.3 %
A2       4,514,435       -       -       4,514,435       40.6 %
A3       1,016,594       -       -       1,016,594       9.1 %
B       713,840       160,708       132,783       1,007,331       9.1 %
B-       -       50,099       29,444       79,543       0.7 %
C       -       39,295       2,027       41,322       0.4 %
C1       203,608       -       -       203,608       1.8 %
C2       43,711       -       -       43,711       0.4 %
C3       22,191       -       -       22,191       0.2 %
C4       15,057       -       -       15,057       0.1 %
D       -       27,306       -       27,306       0.2 %
D1       25,999       -       -       25,999       0.2 %
D2       36,614       -       -       36,614       0.3 %
Total of evaluated loans 
      7,062,306       1,541,493       2,526,269       11,130,068       100.0 %
Total loans       7,062,306       1,541,493       2,526,269       11,130,068          
Percentage evaluated       100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %        
 

 
 
     
As of December 31, 2006
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007, except for percentages)
 
 
Category
   
Commercial Loans
   
Consumer Loans
   
Residential Mortgage Loans
   
Total Loans
   
Percentage of Evaluated Loans
 
A       -       1,598,134       2,830,330       4,428,464       35.0 %
A1       -       -       -       -       -  
A2       5,501,457       -       -       5,501,457       43.4 %
A3       1,751,055       -       -       1,751,055       13.8 %
B       163,584       182,015       131,285       476,884       3.8 %
B-       -       67,156       21,249       88,405       0.7 %
C       -       68,193       34,217       102,410       0.8 %
C1       137,014       -       -       137,014       1.1 %
C2       23,738       -       -       23,738       0.2 %
C3       20,521       -       -       20,521       0.2 %
C4       24,283       -       -       24,283       0.2 %
D       -       39,048       15,468       54,516       0.4 %
D1       28,396       -       -       28,396       0.2 %
D2       28,915       -       -       28,915       0.2 %
Total of evaluated loans       7,678,963       1,954,546       3,032,549       12,666,058       100.0 %
Total loans       7,678,963       1,954,546       3,032,549       12,666,058          
Percentage evaluated       100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %        

 
     
As of December 31, 2007
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007, except for percentages)
 
 
Category
   
Commercial Loans
   
Consumer Loans
   
Residential Mortgage Loans
   
Total Loans
   
Percentage of Evaluated Loans
 
A       -       1,716,521       3,055,967       4,772,488       35.5 %
A1       -       -       -       -       -  
A2       6,279,856       -       -       6,279,856       46.7 %
A3       1,334,366       -       -       1,334,366       9.9 %
B       169,762       154,051       180,220       504,033       3.7 %
B-       -       66,839       31,211       98,050       0.7 %
C       -       71,416       55,906       127,322       0.9 %
C1       139,652       -       -       139,652       1.0 %
C2       23,548       -       -       23,548       0.2 %
C3       19,293       -       -       19,293       0.1 %
C4       30,164       -       -       30,164       0.2 %
D       -       43,172       21,112       64,284       0.5 %
D1       40,520       -       -       40,520       0.3 %
D2       35,404       -       -       35,404       0.3 %
Total of evaluated loans       8,072,565       2,051,999       3,344,416       13,468,980       100.0 %
Total loans       8,072,565       2,051,999       3,344,416       13,468,980          
Percentage evaluated       100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %        
 
Classification of Loan Portfolio Based on the Borrower’s Payment Performance
 
Accrued interest and UF indexation adjustments from overdue loans are recognized only when, and to the extent, received. Non performing loans include loans as to which either principal or interest is overdue, and which do not accrue interest. Restructured loans as to which payments are not overdue are not ordinarily classified as non performing loans. Past due loans include, with respect to any loan, only the portion of principal or interest that is overdue for 90 or more days, and do not include the installments of such loan that are not overdue or that are overdue for less than 90 days, unless legal proceedings have been commenced for the entire outstanding balance according to the terms of the loan, in which case the entire loan is considered past due within 90 days of the beginning of such proceedings. This practice differs from that normally followed in the United States, where the amount classified as past due would include the entire amount of principal and interest on any and all loans which have any portion overdue.
 
According to the regulations established by the Superintendency of Banks, we are required to write off commercial loan installments not later than 24 months after being classified as past due, if unsecured, and if secured, not later than 36 months after being classified as past due. When an installment of a past due commercial loan (either secured or unsecured) is written off, we must write off all installments which are overdue, notwithstanding our right to write off the entire amount of the loan. Once any amount of a loan is written off, each subsequent installment must be written off as it becomes overdue, notwithstanding our right to write off the entire amount of the loan. In the case of past due consumer loans, a similar practice applies, except that after the first installment becomes past due for six-months, we must write off the entire remaining part of the loan. We may write off any loan (commercial or consumer) before the first installment becomes overdue only in accordance with special procedures
 
 
established by the Superintendency of Banks. In certain circumstances we must write off an overdue loan (commercial or consumer) sooner than the terms set forth above. Loans are written off against the loan loss reserve to the extent of any required allowances for such loans; the remainder of such loans is written off against income.
 
In general, legal collection proceedings are commenced with respect to consumer loans once they are overdue for 90 days and, with respect to mortgage loans, once they are past due for 120 days. Legal collection proceedings are always commenced within one year of such loans becoming past due, unless the bank determines that the size of the past due amount does not warrant such proceedings. In addition, the majority of our commercial loans are short–term, with single payments at maturity. Past due loans are required to be covered by individual loan loss reserves equivalent to 100.0% of any unsecured portion thereof. See “Item 4: Information of the Company—Selected Statistical Information—Loan Loss Allowances—Individual Loan Loss Allowances.”
 
The following table sets forth as of December 31 of each of the last five years the amounts that are current as to payments of principal and interest and the amounts overdue:
 
Total Loans
 
The following table sets forth a loan aging schedule at the end of each of the last five years. Amounts shown as overdue and past due include only installments that are overdue or past due and not the aggregate principal amount of such loans.
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2003
   
2004
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007)
 
Current
    8,611,305       9,600,671       10,949,992       12,502,890       13,270,561  
Overdue for 1-29 days
    43,426       33,389       41,206       42,063       52,811  
Overdue for 30-89 days
    23,486       16,554       21,976       21,660       28,954  
Overdue for 90 days or more (“past due”)
    198,175       149,011       116,894       99,445       116,654  
Total loans
    8,876,392       9,799,625       11,130,068       12,666,058       13,468,980  
Overdue loans expressed as a percentage of total loans
    3.0 %     2.0 %     1.6 %     1.3 %     1.5 %
Past due loans as a percentage of total loans
    2.2 %     1.5 %     1.1 %     0.8 %     0.9 %
 
We suspend the accrual of interest and readjustments on all overdue loans. The amount of interest that would have been recorded on overdue loans if they had been accruing interest was Ch$6,459 million, Ch$5,465 million and Ch$3,069 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively. Accrued interest and UF indexation adjustments from overdue loans are recognized only when, and to the extent, received.
 
Loans included in the previous table which have been restructured and that bear no interest are as follows.
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2003
   
2004
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007)
 
Ch$
    16,393       20,852       1,672       1,708       1,165  
Foreign currency
    5,280       10,733       1,745       29,515       75,502  
UF
    3,370       4,907       8,184       2,762       16,356  
Total
    25,043       36,492       11,601       33,985       93,023  
 
The amount of interest that would have been recorded on these loans for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, if these loans had been earning a market interest rate was Ch$441 million, Ch$2,229 million and Ch$6,593 million, respectively.
 
Loan Loss Allowances
 
The following table sets forth our balance of loan loss allowances, the minimum allowances to be established by us in accordance with the regulations of the Superintendency of Banks and our total loan loss allowances expressed
 
 
 
as a percentage of total loans. Amounts at December 31, 2003, were determined under the regulations then in effect, and amounts at December 31, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, were determined under the new rules.
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2003
   
2004
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007, except percentages)
 
Reserves based on the requirements of the Superintendency of Banks
    166,876       197,008       162,234       187,014       232,776  
Reserves based on 0.75%
    66,573       -       -       -       -  
Individual, global and additional loan loss allowances
    195,583       197,008       162,234       187,014       232,766  
Minimum reserves required
    195,583       197,008       162,234       187,014       232,766  
Voluntary reserves
    416       -       -       -       -  
Total loan loss allowances
    195,999       197,008       162,234       187,014       232,766  
Total loan allowances as a percentage of total loans
    2.2 %     2.0 %     1.5 %     1.5 %     1.7 %
 
Analysis of Substandard Loans and Amounts Past Due
 
The following table analyzes our substandard loans (i.e., all of the loans included in categories B-, C and D) and past due loans and the allowances for loan losses existing at the dates indicated. Substandard loans in the old rating system included all loans rated B- or worse. In the new loan rating system, substandard loans include all consumer loans and mortgage loans rated B- or worse and all commercial loans rated C2 or worse. Therefore, the figure for substandard loans in 2003 are not comparable to the figures in the following years.
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2003
   
2004
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007, except percentages)
 
Total loans
    8,876,392       9,799,625       11,130,068       12,666,058       13,468,980  
Substandard loans (1)
    317,554       363,735       291,743       371,184       438,585  
Substandard loans as a percentage of total loans
    3.58 %     3.71 %     2.62 %     2.93 %     3.26 %
                                         
Amounts past due (2)
    198,175       149,011       116,894       99,445       116,654  
To the extent secured (3)
    67,775       48,621       47,987       46,945       60,184  
To the extent unsecured
    130,400       100,390       68,907       52,500       56,470  
                                         
Amounts past due as a percentage of total loans
    2.23 %     1.52 %     1.05 %     0.79 %     0.87 %
To the extent secured (3)
    0.76 %     0.50 %     0.43 %     0.37 %     0.45 %
To the extent unsecured
    1.47 %     1.02 %     0.62 %     0.41 %     0.42 %
                                         
Loans loss allowances as a percentage of:
                                       
Total loans
    2.21 %     2.01 %     1.46 %     1.48 %     1.73 %
Total loans excluding contingent loans
    2.48 %     2.24 %     1.60 %     1.62 %     1.90 %
Total amounts past due
    98.90 %     132.21 %     138.79 %     188.06 %     199.54 %
Total amounts past due-unsecured
    150.31 %     196.24 %     235.44 %     356.214 %     412.19 %
 

(1)
Substandard loans in the old rating system included all loans rated B- or worse. In the new loan rating system, substandard loans include all consumer and mortgage loans rated B- or worse and all commercial loans rated C2 or worse. Therefore, figures as of December 31, 2003, are not entirely comparable to the numbers in the following periods.
 
(2)
Represents only the past due amounts. In accordance with Chilean regulations, past due loans that are those overdue for 90 days or more as to any payments of principal or interest.
 
(3)
Security generally consists of mortgages on real estate, pledges of marketable securities, letters of credit or cash.
 
 
Analysis of Loan Loss Allowances
 
The following table analyzes our loan loss allowances and changes in the allowances attributable to write-offs, provisions, allowances released, allowances on loans acquired and the effect of price-level restatement on loan loss allowances. Chilean GAAP requires that the loan loss allowance be debited the full amount of all charge-offs (irrespective of whether the charged-off loan was fully provisioned) and simultaneously credited the same amount through the taking of a new provision. The net effect of these two entries, which are included in the table below under “charge-offs” and “allowances established,” respectively, is to leave the loan loss allowance unchanged following the charge-off of a loan. Subsequently, at the end of each calendar month, loan loss allowances are released to the extent not needed. Such releases, which are included in the table below under “allowances released,” therefore include any amounts relating to provisions originally made in respect of loans that have been charged off.
 
   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2003
   
2004
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007, except percentages)
 
Loan loss allowances at beginning of the year
    197,193       195,999       197,008       162,234       187,014  
Release of allowances upon charge-offs (1)
    (116,776 )     (135,798 )     (150,021 )     (154,150 )     (201,124 )
Allowances established (2)
    145,887       164,819       176,950       221,420       306,669  
Allowances released (3)
    (28,445 )     (22,863 )     (54,820 )     (39,123 )     (46,843 )
Price-level restatement (4)
    (1,860 )     (5,149 )     (6,883 )     (3,367 )     (12,950 )
Loan loss allowances at end of year
    195,999       197,008       162,234       187,014       232,766  
Ratio of charge-offs to total loans
    1.3 %     1.4 %     1.3 %     1.2 %     1.5 %
Loan loss allowances at end of period as a percentage of total loans
    2.2 %     2.0 %     1.5 %     1.5 %     1.7 %
 

(1)
Reflects release of loan loss allowance equal to the entire amount of loans charged off, including any portion of such loans with respect to which no allowance had been established prior to the charge-off.
 
(2)
Includes, in addition to provisions made in respect of increased risk of loss during the period, provisions made to replace allowances released upon charge-off of loans. See Note (1) to this table.
 
(3)
Represents the amount of loan loss allowances released during the year as a consequence of reduction in the level of risk existing in the loan portfolio, including as a result of improvement in the credit risk classification of borrowers and the charge-off of loans.
 
(4)
Reflects the effect of inflation on the allowances for loan losses at the beginning of each period, adjusted to constant pesos of December 31, 2007.
 
The following table shows charge-offs by Santander-Chile by type of loan.
 
   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2003
   
2004
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007)
 
Consumer loans
    66,534       93,154       73,214       109,853       165,029  
Residential Mortgage loans
    5,231       4,458       7,858       6,220       5,308  
Commercial loans
    45,011       38,186       68,949       38,077       30,787  
Total
    116,776       135,798       150,021       154,150       201,124  
 
The following table shows recoveries by Santander-Chile by type of loan.
 
   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2003
   
2004
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007)
 
Commercial loans
    17,504       23,805       17,014       16,471       28,999  
Consumer loans
    20,384       28,279       31,013       31,158       44,438  
Residential mortgage loans
    1,615       2,465       2,555       2,940       4,323  
Loans reacquired from the Central Bank
    18       -       -       -       -  
Total
    39,521       54,549       50,582       50,569       77,760  

 
Based on information available regarding our borrowers, we believe that our loan loss allowances are sufficient to cover known potential losses and losses inherent in a loan portfolio of the size and nature of our loan portfolio.
 
Allocation of the Loan Loss Allowances
 
The following tables set forth, at December 31 of each of the last five years, the proportions of our required minimum loan loss allowances that were attributable to our commercial, consumer and residential mortgage loans, and the amount of voluntary allowances (which are not allocated to any particular category) at each such date.
 
   
At December 31, 2003
   
At December 31, 2004
 
   
Allowance amount (1)
   
Allowance amount as a percentage of loans in category
   
Allowance amount as a percentage of total loans
   
Allowance amount as a percentage of total allocated allowances (2)
   
Allowance amount (1)
   
Allowance amount as a percentage of loans in category
   
Allowance amount as a percentage of total loans
   
Allowance amount as a percentage of total allocated allowances (2)
 
Commercial loans
    124,938       1.97 %     1.41 %     66.42 %     117,288       1.80 %     1.20 %     62.73 %
Consumer loans
    51,164       5.56 %     0.57 %     27.21 %     58,835       4.75 %     0.60 %     31.47 %
Residential mortgage loans
    11,989       0.74 %     0.14 %     6.37 %     10,853       0.53 %     0.11 %     5.80 %
Total allocated allowances
    188,091       2.12 %     2.12 %     100.00 %     186,976       1.91 %     1.91 %     100.00 %
Leasing
    7,492       0.08 %     0.08 %             10,032       0.10 %     0.10 %        
Voluntary allowances
    416       0.01 %     0.01 %             -       -       -          
Total allowances
    195,999       2.21 %     2.21 %             197,008       2.01 %     2.01 %        
 
   
At December 31, 2005
   
At December 31, 2006
 
   
Allowance amount (1)
   
Allowance amount as a percentage of loans in category
   
Allowance amount as a percentage of total loans
   
Allowance amount as a percentage of total allocated allowances (2)
   
Allowance amount (1)
   
Allowance amount as a percentage of loans in category
   
Allowance amount as a percentage of total loans
   
Allowance amount as a percentage of total allocated allowances (2)
 
Commercial loans
    76,426       1.08 %     0.69 %     49.73 %     67,194       0.88 %     0.53 %     37.32 %
Consumer loans
    68,826       4.46 %     0.62 %     44.78 %     105,563       5.40 %     0.83 %     58.63 %
Residential mortgage loans
    8,431       0.33 %     0.07 %     5.49 %     7,294       0.24 %     0.06 %     4.05 %
Total allocated allowances
    153,683       1.38 %     1.38 %     100.00 %     180,051       1.42 %     1.42 %     100.00 %
Leasing
    8,551       0.08 %     0.08 %             6,963       0.06 %     0.06 %        
Voluntary allowances
    -       -       -               -       -       -          
Total allowances
    162,234       1.46 %     1.46 %             187,014       1.48 %     1.48 %        
 
   
At December 31, 2007
 
   
Allowance amount(1)
   
Allowance amount as a percentage of loans in category
   
Allowance amount as a percentage of total loans
   
Allowance amount as a percentage of total allocated allowances (2)
 
Commercial loans
    79,782       0.99 %     0.59 %     35.50 %
Consumer loans
    135,602       6.61 %     1.01 %     60.34 %
Residential mortgage loans
    9,349       0.28 %     0.07 %     4.16 %
Total allocated allowances
    224,733       1.67 %     1.67 %     100.00 %
Leasing
    8,033       0.06 %     0.06 %        
Voluntary allowances
    -       -       -          
Total allowances
    232,766       1.73 %     1.73 %        

 

(1)
In millions of constant Chilean pesos as of December 31, 2007.
 
(2)
Based on our loan classification, as required by the Superintendency of Banks for the purpose of determining the loan loss allowance.
 
 
A. Directors and Senior Management
 
Directors
 
We are managed by our Board of Directors, which, in accordance with our by-laws, consists of 11 directors and two alternates who are elected at annual ordinary shareholders’ meetings. The current members of the Board of Directors were elected by the shareholders in the ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on April 22, 2008. Members of the Board of Directors are elected for three-year terms. The term of each of the current board members expires in April of 2011. Cumulative voting is permitted for the election of directors. The Board of Directors may appoint replacements to fill any vacancies that occur during periods between elections. If any member of the Board of Directors resigns before his or her term has ended, and no other alternate director is available to take the position at the next annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting a new replacing member will be elected. Our executive officers are appointed by the Board of Directors and hold office at its discretion. Scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors are held monthly. Extraordinary meetings can be held when called in one of three ways: by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, by three directors with the consent of the Chairman of the Board of Directors or by the majority of directors. None of the members of our Board of Directors has a service contract which entitles any Director to any benefits upon termination of employment with Santander-Chile.
 
Our current directors are as follows:
 
Directors
Position
Committees
Term Expires
Mauricio Larraín Garcés
Chairman and Director
Asset and Liability Committee
Executive Credit Committee
Marketing and Communications Committee
April 2011
Marcial Portela Alvarez
First Vice Chairman and Director
April 2011
Carlos Olivos Marchant
Second Vice Chairman and Director
Audit Committee
Executive Credit Committee
April 2011
Víctor Arbulú Crousillat
Director
Audit Committee
April 2011
Marco Colodro Hadjes
Director
Asset and Liability Committee
Executive Credit Committee
April 2011
Lucía Santa Cruz Sutil
Director
April 2011
Juan Manuel Hoyos Martínez de Irujo
Director
April 2011
Roberto Méndez Torres
Director
Executive Credit Committee
Marketing and Communications Committee
April 2011
Benigno Rodríguez Rodríguez*
Director
Audit Committee
April 2011
Roberto Zahler Mayanz
Director
Asset and Liability Committee
April 2011
Claudia Bobadilla Ferrer
Director
April 2011
Raimundo Monge Zegers
Alternate Director
April 2011
Jesús Zabalza Lotina
Alternate Director
April 2011
 
* - - resigned on June 24, 2008.
 
 
Mauricio Larraín Garcés is our Chairman. He is a member of the Asset and Liability Committee, the Executive Credit Committee and the Marketing and Communication Committee. He is also President of Santander Chile Holding S.A. and Universia Chile S.A. He is a director of the Asociación de Bancos e Instituciones Financieras de Chile and the Santiago Stock Exchange. He is also a member of the Council of Paz Ciudadana and was a former President of ICARE. Mr. Larraín began working at Santander-Chile in 1989. Previous to that he was Intendente (Director) of the Superintendency of Banks, Manager of External Debt at the Banco Central de Chile and a Senior Finance Specialist at the World Bank in Washington. He holds degrees in Law from Universidad Católica de Chile and from Harvard University.
 
Marcial Portela Alvarez became a Director on May 6, 1999 and Vice Chairman of the Board on May 18, 1999. He currently oversees all of Banco Santander Spain’s investments in Latin America and was the Director of Comercialización (Medios) at Banco Santander from November 1998 until the formation of Banco Santander Spain. In the past, he was the Vice Chairman of Telefonica España and the Managing Director of Banco Argentaria and also worked at several other banks, including Banco Exterior, Caja Postal, Banco Hipotecario and BBV. Mr. Portela holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Lovaina and a Political Science degree from the Universidad de Madrid.
 
Carlos Olivos Marchant is Second Vice-Chairman of the Board since 2007 and has been a Board member since the merger was consummated in 2002. He is Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Executive Credit Committee. He was Chairman of the Board of Santiago since 1987 until the date of the merger, and he was Vice Chairman of that board since March 31, 1998. He is a partner in the law firm Guerrero, Olivos, Novoa y Errazuriz. From 1981 to 1983, Mr. Olivos served as General Counsel of the Central Bank of Chile, and from 1984 to 1986 he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Banco Osorno. Mr. Olivos holds a law degree from the Universidad de Chile and a Masters of Jurisprudence from New York University School of Law.
 
Benigno Rodríguez Rodríguez became a Director on March 19, 1996 and was Second Vice-Chairman of the Board of Banco Santander-Chile until 2007. He is a member of the Audit Committee and holds the position of Financial Expert. He is currently a member of the Instituto de Censores Jurados de Cuentas y Registros de Auditores del Colegio de Economistas de España. He served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Santiago from April 17, 2002 through the date the merger was consummated. Before that he served as Santiago’s Director of Management Information Systems. He is a director of Santander Chile Holding S.A., Aurum S.A. and Altec Chile. He was a former Adjunct Director of Santander Central Hispano. Mr. Rodriguez holds a degree in Economics from the Universidad Complutense of Madrid. Mr. Rodriguez resigned from the Bank’s Board on June 24, 2008, effective as of the same day.
 
Víctor Arbulú Crousillat became a Director on May 6, 1999. He is a member of the Audit Committee and has been designated as a Financial Expert. He is also director of Aurum S.A. He was a Managing Director of JPMorgan, member of its European management committee and Chief Executive Officer for Spain and Portugal from 1988 until 1998. He has worked for JPMorgan for over 25 years in various positions in Europe, North America and Latin America. Mr. Arbulu also worked for the Inter-American Development Bank. Mr. Arbulu holds a degree in Engineering and a Masters of Business Administration.
 
Marco Colodro Hadjes became a Director on April 19, 2005. Mr. Colodro is a member of the Executive Credit Committee. Mr. Colodro was President of the Board of Telefónica Chile and a Director of Codelco. He is a former chairman of TVN (national television network) and former vice chairman of Banco del Estado (state bank). He was also owner of Agencia de Valores Alfa S.A. Prior to that he was Foreign Trade Director at the Central Bank of Chile. Mr. Colodro holds a degree in Economics from Universidad de Chile, and has post-graduate studies from the University of Paris.
 
Lucía Santa Cruz Sutil became a Director on August 19, 2003. Ms. Santa Cruz holds a degree in History and a Masters Degree in Philosophy from Oxford University. She is the Dean of the College of Liberal arts of the Universidad Adolfo Ibañez. Ms. Santa Cruz is also a director of Universia Chile S.A. She is also on the Board of Compañía de Seguros Generales y de Vida La Chilena Consolidada and Fundación Minera Escondida. She is also on the Advisory Board of Nestle Chile and the Fundación Educacional Santa Teresa de Avila. She is also a member of the Self-Regulation Committee for Insurance Companies in Chile.
 
 
 
Juan Manuel Hoyos Martínez de Irujo was the Managing Director of McKinsey & Company in Spain between 1997 and 2004. He was also President of the Client Committee of this company’s Board. Currently, he is in charge of partner development worldwide and is still part of the Board of the firm. His consulting career has been focused in the areas of strategy and organization of corporations, especially in the telecommunications, banking and metallurgy sectors. He has worked with companies in Spain, USA, Latin America, United Kingdom, Portugal and Africa. He is an Economist from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and he has an MBA in Finance and Accounting from Columbia University. He began his career in 1978 at McKinsey & Company, where he was named partner in 1984 and Director in 1991.
 
Roberto Méndez Torres is a former member of the Board of Old Santander-Chile, to which he was appointed in 1996. He is a member of the Executive Credit Committee and the Marketing and Communication Committee. He is also vice-Chairman of Universia S.A. He is a professor of Economics at Universidad Católica de Chile. He is a Director of AFP Capital. He has been Advisor to Grupo Santander-Chile since 1989. Mr. Méndez is President and Director of Adimark Chile Gfk. He graduated with a degree in Business from Universidad Católica de Chile, and holds an MBA and a Ph.D. from the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University.
 
Roberto Zahler Mayanz became a Director on August 31, 1999. He is a member of the Asset and Liability Committee. Currently, he is President of Zahler & Co, a consulting firm. He is also director of Air Liquide-Chile and member of the CLAAF or the Latin American Committee for Financial Affairs. He was formerly President of the Board of Siemens Chile. He was also a visiting professor at the IMF’s Research Department. Between 1991 and 1996 he was President of the Central Bank of Chile and Vice-President from 1989-1991. He also serves as a consultant for the World Bank, the IDB, the IMF and the International Bank of Settlements. Mr. Zahler has also provided technical assistance to various Central Banks and Finance Ministries in most countries of Latin America, Indonesia and Kosovo. Mr. Zahler holds a degree in Business Administration from the Universidad de Chile and a Masters in Economics from the University of Chicago.
 
Claudia Bobadilla Ferrer was elected to the Board in April 2006. She is CEO of Fundación País Digital, a member of the Executive Committee of Innovation and Technology of ICARE, council member of Endeavor Chile and Executive Director of the Chile-Japón Siglo XXI Committee. She was also founder and President of Comunidad Mujer, an organization dedicated to increasing women’s participation in the workforce. She is also Director of Innova Chile CORFO and a member of the council of Fundación Chilena del Pacífico. She was previously Director of Legal Affairs at Terra Networks Chile S.A. She is a lawyer from the Universidad Diego Portales.
 
Raimundo Monge Zegers became an Alternate Director on April 29, 2003. He is Corporate Director of Strategic and Financial Planning for Grupo Santander-Chile and is CEO of Santander-Chile Holding S.A. and Santander Inversiones Ltda. He is also President of Santander S.A. Sociedad Securitizadora and Santander Factoring S.A. He is a director of Aurum S.A., Santander Multimedios S.A., Santander Asset Management Chile S.A. and Santander Corrdores de Seguros S.A. Mr. Monge has a degree in business from the Universidad Católica de Chile and a MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles.
 
Jesús Zabalza Lotina became a Director on April 19, 2005. He has worked for 22 years in the Spanish financial systems, and served as CEO in Banco Viscaya, Banco Hipotecario, Caja Postal and La Caixa. He as also served as director in several affiliate companies on La Caixa and Telefónica in Spain. He is Managing Director of America’s División of Santander Group for retail banking, and vice president of the Spanish Association of Finance Executives (AEEF). He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Santander Colombia and Director of Banco Santander Bancorp in Puerto Rico. Mr. Zabalza holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Bilbao.
 
On June 24, 2008, Benigno Rodriguez resigned from the Board of Banco Santander Chile and simultaneously from the Bank’s Audit Committee. The Board has nominated Mr. Vittorio Corbo as new member of the Board of Directors to replace Mr. Rodriguez. This nomination is expected to be ratified in the board meeting to be held on July 22, 2008. Vittorio Corbo was an advisor to the Bank between 1991 and 1995 and a member of the Board of Santander Chile between 1995 and 2003. In 2003, Mr. Corbo was named President of Chile’s Central Bank. Following the end of this tenure, Mr. Corbo has been named to various boards and is currently a Senior Investigator at the Centro de Estudio Públicos (CEP), a local think tank. He holds a business degree from Universidad de Chile and a Ph.D. in Economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
 
 
 
Senior Management
 
Our senior managers are as follows:
 
Senior Manager
 
Position
 
Date Appointed
Oscar von Chrismar
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
August 1, 2003
Guillermo Sabater
 
Corporate Financial Controller
 
July 1, 2006
José Manuel Manzano
 
Corporate Director of Risk
 
July 1, 2007
Ignacio Centenera
 
Corporate Director of Internal Audit
 
January 1, 2007
Francisco Murillo
 
Corporate Director Human Resources
 
February 21, 2008
Claudio Melandrí
 
Retail Banking
 
February 21, 2008
Joaquín Quirante
 
Global Banking and Markets
 
March 11, 2008
José Luis Silva
 
Santander Banefe Consumer Division
 
August 23, 2007
Andrés Heusser
 
Middle-market Banking
 
October 1, 2004
Roberto Jara
 
Chief Accounting Officer
 
July 18, 2002
Juan Fernández
 
Administration and Operations
 
July 18, 2002
Gonzalo Romero
 
General Counsel
 
July 18, 2002
 
Oscar von Chrismar C. became the CEO of Santander-Chile in August 2003 after being Manager of Global Banking following the merger. Prior to that he was the former CEO of Old Santander-Chile since September 1997, after being General Manager of Banco Santander-Peru since September 1995. Mr. von Chrismar is also Director of Santander Corredora de seguros S.A. Prior to that, Mr. von Chrismar was the manager of the Finance Division of Santander-Chile, a position he had held since joining Santander-Chile in 1990. Mr. von Chrismar holds an Engineering degree from the Universidad de Santiago de Chile.
 
Guillermo Sabater is the Corporate Financial Controller of Santander-Chile, and is in charge of the Accounting and Financial Control Departments. He has held this position since July 2006. Previously, Mr. Sabater was responsible for Risk and Management Control at Santander Consumer (the European Consumer Finance Division of Santander Group) at the Madrid headquarters and Internal Audit Manager of the Group. Mr. Sabater has an Economics and Business Administration degree from C.U.N.E.F. (Universidad Complutense of Madrid).
 
José Manuel Manzano was appointed became Corporate Director of Risk in July 2007. Prior to that he was Corporate Director of Human Resources for Santander-Chile since October 31, 2002. Previously, he served as Manager of Human Resources for Old Santander-Chile since 1999. He was also General Manager of Santander Fund Management and Managing Director of Bancassurance. He is also a Director of Santander Chile Holding and Santander S.A. Sociedad Securitizadora. Mr. Manzano holds an MBA and a degree in Business from Universidad Católica de Chile.
 
Ignacio Centenera is the Corporate Director of Internal Auditing, a position he has held since January 2007. Prior to that Mr. Centenera was Manager in the Global Accounting Risk Department and Manager of Internal Auditing at Banesto. Mr. Centenera has a Law Degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, an MBA from the University of Houston and a Master de Desarrollo Directivo from the Instituto de Empresas in Madrid.
 
Francisco Murillo was appointed Corporate Director of Human Resources for Santander-Chile on February 21, 2008. Mr. Murillo has worked in Grupo Santander Chile since 1993. Previously he served as Corporate Director of Santander Asset Management and President of Bansander AFP. He was also the former CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Bansander AFP. Mr. Murillo is President of Santander Asset Management S.A. Administradora de General de Fondos, President of Santander Seguros de Vida S.A., President of Santander Seguros Generales S.A., Director of Santander Chile Holding, Director of Aurum S.A., Director of Santander Asset Management Chile S.A., CEO of Teatinos Siglo XXI Inversiones Ltda and CEO of Aurum S.A. Mr. Murillo has a Business Degree from the Universidad Adolfo Ibañez.
 
Claudio Melandrí is our Retail Banking Manager since February 21, 2008. He started his career at Santander-Chile in 1990 becoming a regional branch manager and manager of Santander-Chile’s branch network. He was also a Vice-President at Banco Santander Venezuela from 2005 to 2007. In 2007, he was appointed Corporate Director of Human Resources of Banco Santander-Chile. He is also on the Board of Santander Seguros de Vida S.A. and Santander Seguros Generales S.A. Mr. Melandrí has a Business Degree from the Universidad Técnologica Metropolitana.
 
 
 
Joaquin Quirante was appointed the Manager of Global Banking and Markets, that includes wholesale banking and treasury services, on March 11, 2008. Mr. Quirante began working for Santander in 2004 and was the Global Manager of Debt Capital Markets. Previous to working at Santander, Mr. Quirante worked 9 years at Bank of America where he also lead the Debt Capital Markets Group for Southern Europe. He also was a vice-president of Risk for the Bank of America in the UK and worked in the International Division of Argentaria. Mr. Quirante is an economist from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and has a MBA from IESE.
 
José Luis Silva became Manager of the Santander Banefe Division of Santander-Chile in August 2007. Prior to that he was a Commercial Director in the Americas Division of Grupo Santander, CEO of Banco Santa Cruz in Bolivia, Commercial Manager of Banco Santander in Perú, Manager of Consumer Finance at Credisur in Perú and Manager of International Banking at Banco O´Higgins in Chile. Mr. Silva is also a member of the Board of Santander Seguros de Vida S.A. and Santander Seguros Generales S.A. Mr. Silva is a civil engineer from the Universidad Católica de Chile.
 
Andrés Heusser is our Middle Banking Manager. He has held the same position in the Old Santander-Chile since 1990, when he joined the Santander Group. Mr. Heusser is also President of Santander Corredora de Seguros S.A. and is on the Board of  Santander Factoring S.A. Mr. Heusser holds a degree in business from the Universidad de Santiago and an MBA from the Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez.
 
Roberto Jara is our Chief Accounting Officer. He is the former Chief Accounting Officer at Old Santander-Chile, a position he held from March 1998 until August 2002, when the merger with Santiago was consummated. He joined Old Santander-Chile in 1978 and held several positions there, such as Sub-Manager of Budget and Costs and Chief of IT Projects. Mr. Jara is a CPA and holds a degree in Tax Management from Universidad Adolfo Ibañez.
 
Juan Fernández is our manager of Administration and Operations. He is the former Manager of Administration and Cost Control of Old Santander-Chile, a position he held from April 1999 until August 2002, when the merger with Santiago was consummated. Mr. Fernández is also Director of Santander Chile Holding S.A., Aquanima Chile S.A., Santander Factoring S.A., Altec S.A., Bansa Santander S.A. and Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa. Previously Mr. Fernández served as Manager for Accounting and Administration of Old Santander-Chile since January 1993. Prior to that, Mr. Fernández held positions at Banchile Agencia de Valores y Subsidiarias, and at JPMorgan in Santiago and Madrid.
 
Gonzalo Romero is our General Counsel, a position he has held since July 18, 2002. He is also a director of Santander S.A. Sociedad Securitizadora. Mr. Romero, a lawyer, joined Old Santander-Chile in February 1997 as General Counsel. He was the General Manager of Banco Concepción from 1991 to 1996 and the General Counsel of Banco Concepción from 1986 to 1990. He has a degree in Law from the Universidad de Chile.
 
B.           Compensation
 
For the year ended December 31, 2007, the aggregate amount of compensation paid by us to all of our directors was Ch$578 million, including attendance fees and monthly stipends. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the aggregate amount of compensation paid by us to all of our executive officers and our management members was Ch$25,818 million (US$52.2 million). At our annual shareholder meeting held on April 22, 2008, shareholders approved a monthly stipend per director of UF 209 (US$8,285). This amount will be increased by UF 25 per month (US$991) if a Board member is named to one or more committees of the Board. In addition, we pay certain directors professional service fees for the consulting services they rendered to us in their fields of expertise. For the year ended December 31, 2007, payments to our directors for consulting fees totaled Ch$533 million (US$1.1 million).
 
Santander Spain has set up remuneration systems tied to the performance of the stock market price of the shares of Santander Spain based on the achievement of two targets: appreciation of its share price and growth in earnings per share, in both cases based on a sample of comparable banks. These targets were achieved.
 
In this regards, certain high level executive of Santander Chile do participate in this global incentive-retention program implemented by Santander Spain. This consisted of giving to qualifying executives a fixed number of options on shares of Santander Spain, if the following parameters were met: (i) share price evolution in top 10 compared to 30 other global banks, (ii) earnings per share growth in top 10 compared to 30 other global banks, (iii) that Banco Santander Chile achieved its commercial and financial budget targets in the last two years and (iv) that the executive achieved his personal targets in the last two years, and remained employed with the Bank until the end of the incentive program. At December 31, 2007, these targets were achieved, and hence the vesting requirements
 
 
 
had been met and even though the exercise period (from January 15, 2008 to January 15, 2009) was still open, the Bank recorded the entire cost of the program against net income as at December 31, 2007. This program represented a total cost of Ch$1,598 million (US$3.2 million) for the Bank, that correspond to the fair value of the equity instruments granted, which was charged to income in the specific period in which the beneficiaries provided their services to Santander Chile. At December 31, 2007, 104 executives of the Bank were included and 3,659,900 options on Santander Spain shares at a price of €9.09 correspond to them. There are no significant differences between Chilean GAAP and US GAAP in this regard, except for the additional disclosure required by the latter. See Note 28(ac) to our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements. This program had no dilutive effect for Santander Chile minority shareholders.
 
The fair value of each option granted is calculated at the grant date. In order to value incentive-retention plan shares two valuation reports were performed by two multinational investment banks. These experts used the Black-Scholes equity option pricing model considering the following parameters: the expected life of the options, interest rates, volatility, exercise price, market price and dividends of Santander Spain shares and the shares of comparable banks. The fair value of the options granted was calculated as the average value resulting from the two valuations.
 
   
Euros
   
Date of
Date of
 
Number of
Exercise
Employee
Number
Commencement
Expiry of
 
Options/ Shares
Price
Group
of Persons
of Exercise Period
Exercise Period
             
Plans outstanding at 1 January 2005
-
­-
       
             
Options granted (Plan I06)
3,938,700
9.09 (**)
Managers
112
Jan 15, 2008
Jan 15, 2009
Options exercised
-
-
       
Options cancelled or not exercised
 
-
       
Plans outstanding at December 31, 2005
3,938,700
9.09
       
             
Options exercised
-
-
       
Options cancelled, net (Plan I06)
(115,600)
9.09
Managers
(4)
Jan 15, 2008
Jan 15, 2009
Plans outstanding at December 31, 2006
3,823,100
9.09
       
             
Shares granted (Plan I09)
 281,187
-
Managers
181
Jun 23, 2007
Jul 31, 2009
Shares granted (Plan I10)
 417,413
-
Managers
181
Jun 23, 2007
Jul 31, 2010
Options cancelled, net (Plan I06)
(163,200)
9.09
Managers
(4)
Jan 15, 2008
Jan 15, 2009
Plans outstanding at December 31, 2007
4,358,500
-
       
             
Of which:
           
  Plan I06
3,659,900
9.09
       
  Plan I09
281,187
-
       
  Plan I10
417,413
-
       
             
 
(**)           The exercise price of the options under Plan I06 is €9.09 per share, which is the weighted average of the daily average market price of the Bank’s shares on the continuous market in the first 15 trading days of January 2005. This was the criterion established in the resolution approving Plan I06 adopted at the Annual General Meeting of Santander Spain held on June 18, 2005.
 
Long-term incentive policy
 
During 2007, the Parent Company’s Board of Directors approved a long-term incentive policy for the period 2008-2010 aimed at Santander Spain’s executive directors and certain executive personnel in Spain and other
 
 
Santander Group companies. Certain high level executive of Santander Chile participate in this global Performance Share Plan implemented by Parent Company. This program had no dilutive effect for Santander Chile minority shareholders.
 
Performance Share Plan
 
This multi-annual incentive plan is payable in shares of Santander Spain. The beneficiaries of the plan are the executive directors and other members of senior management, together with any other Group executives determined by the Board of Directors of Santander Spain or, when delegated by its Executive Committee.
 
This plan will involve successive three-year cycles of share deliveries to the beneficiaries, so that each year one cycle will begin and, from 2009 onwards, another cycle will also end. The aim is to establish an adequate sequence between the end of the incentive program linked to the previous Plan and the successive cycles of this plan. Thus, the first two cycles will commence in July 2007, the first cycle having duration of two years (PI09) and the second cycle having a standard three-year term (PI10).
 
For each cycle, a maximum number of shares of Santander Spain are established for each beneficiary who remains in the Bank’s employ for the duration of the plan. The targets, which, if met, will determine the number of shares to be delivered, are defined by comparing Santander Spain’s performance with that of a benchmark group of financial institutions and are linked to two parameters, namely Total Shareholder Return (TSR) and growth in Earnings per Share (EPS). These parameters each have a 50% weighting in determining the percentage of shares to be delivered. In addition, the executives of Santander Chile must also meet their local commercial and earnings goals in order to receive this benefit and the Bank must also reach other commercial and earnings targets set by the Parent Company.
 
The ultimate number of shares to be delivered will be determined in each of the cycles by the degree of achievement of the targets on the third anniversary of commencement of each cycle (with the exception of the first cycle, for which the second anniversary will be considered), and the shares will be delivered within a maximum period of seven months from the end of the cycle. This number will range from the maximum percentage of shares, if Santander Spain, for each of the measures considered (TSR and EPS growth), ranks within the third quartile of the Benchmark Group, including the 75th percentile, to 30% of the maximum number of shares if it is placed at the median (50th percentile). If Santander Santander ranks below the median, all assignments of shares will be rendered null and void.
 
At December 31, 2007, the maximum number of shares to be delivered was 698,600 to 181 executives of Santander Chile (for a total of 281,187 for the first cycle (PI09) and 417,413 for the second cycle (PI10)). The fair value of the equity instruments granted under these plans was Ch$619 million (US$1.2 million), and this amount is charged to “Personnel expenses” in the specific period in which the beneficiaries provide their services to the Bank.
 
The fair value was calculated as follows:
 
It was assumed that the beneficiaries will remain employed by Santander Group companies during the term of each plan.
 
 
·
The fair value of the 50% relating to the Bank’s relative TSR position was determined on the basis of the report of an independent expert whose assessment was based, inter alia, on the following variables:
 
 
·
Expected volatility: determined on the basis of the historical volatility over a two-year period for PI09 and a three-year period for PI10. In the case of the Bank, the average volatility used was 16.25% for PI09 and 15.67% for PI10.
 
 
·
Annual dividend yield: based on the data for the last two/three years before July 1, 2007. In the case of the Bank, this yield stood at 3.23% for PI09 and 3.24% for PI10.
 
 
·
Risk-free interest rate: return on Treasury Bonds (zero coupon) offered on July 1, 2007, for a period of two years for PI09 (4.473%) and three years for PI10 (4.497%).
 
 
 
 
·
Monte Carlo valuation model: performance of 10,000 simulations to determine the TSR of each of the companies in the Benchmark Group, taking into account the aforementioned variables. The results (each of which represents the delivery of a number of shares) are classified in decreasing order by calculating the weighted average and discounting the amount at the risk-free interest rate. Application of the simulation model results in percentage values of 42.7% for PI09 and 42.3% for PI10 (second cycle), which are applied to 50% of the value of the shares granted, in order to determine the cost per books of the TSR-based portion of the incentive. Since this valuation refers to a market condition, it cannot be adjusted after the grant date.
 
 
·
In view of the high correlation between TSR and EPS, it was considered feasible to extrapolate that, in a high percentage of cases, the TSR value is also valid for EPS. Therefore, it was determined that the fair value of the portion of the plans linked to the Bank’s relative EPS position, i.e. of the remaining 50% of the shares granted, was the same as that of the 50% corresponding to the TSR. Since this valuation refers to a non-market condition, the number of shares expected to vest shall be reviewed and adjusted on a yearly basis.
 
In 2007, the management of Banco Santander Spain accorded to grant each active employee working for Banco Santander Spain or an entity controlled by Banco Santander Spain as of June 2007 a one-time gift of 100 shares in Banco Santander Spain to celebrate its 150th anniversary. This program had no costs for Santander-Chile.
 
We also pay bonuses to our administrative, supervisory and management personnel based on pre-defined goals (mainly commercial but also including items such as customer satisfaction) and our overall performance in the year. These bonuses are provisioned for monthly, according to the degree of accomplishment of our budget. We also give bonuses throughout the year to commercial teams for performance in other commercial contests. None of the members of our Board of Directors has a service contract which would entitle any Director to any benefits upon termination of employment with Santander-Chile. Santander-Chile currently does not have any profit-sharing arrangements with its employees. There is no system for the granting of options or securities of Santander-Chile to employees.
 
C.           Board Practices
 
Summary Comparison of Corporate Governance Standards and NYSE Listed Company Standards
 
As a “Foreign Private Issuer” under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) that is listed on the NYSE, we are required to provide a brief general summary of the significant ways in which our corporate governance standards, which are dictated by Chilean corporate law, differ from those followed by U.S. companies under NYSE listing standards.
 
Please note that because more than 50% of our voting power is held by another company, Banco Santander Spain, S.A., we would be permitted to elect certain exemptions under NYSE corporate governance standards. Specifically, as a U.S. company, we could elect to be exempted from the requirements (i) that we have a majority of independent directors (as defined by the NYSE), (ii) that we have a nominating/corporate governance committee meeting certain conditions, and (iii) that we have a compensation committee meeting certain requirements. Because as a U.S. company we would not be required to follow these standards, we do not discuss the differences, if any, between these provisions and our own corporate governance procedures in the table below.
 
The table below summarizes the significant differences between our corporate governance standards and those required by the NYSE for listed U.S. companies.
 
NYSE Listed Company Requirement
 
Santander-Chile Corporate Governance Standard
Non-management directors must meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management.
 
Under Chilean law, a company’s executive officers may not serve as such company’s directors. As a result, our board consists entirely of “non-management” directors, making separate meetings unnecessary.
     
Shareholders must be given the opportunity to vote on all equity-compensation plans and material revisions thereto.
 
Shareholders’ vote is not required for any equity-compensation plans other than those for the directors. Our compensation policies currently do not provide for
 
 
 
NYSE Listed Company Requirement   Santander-Chile Corporate Governance Standard
    equity compensation, therefore do not trigger shareholders’ vote.
     
Listed companies must adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines.
 
We follow the corporate governance guidelines established under Chilean laws, a summary of which is included in this 20-F.
     
Listed companies must adopt and disclose a code of business conduct and ethics for directors and employees, and promptly disclose any waivers of the code for directors or executive officers.
 
We have a code of business ethics and conduct which must be signed by all employees and are included as exhibits to this 20-F.
 
Summary of Corporate Governance Standards
 
Santander-Chile has adopted diverse measures to promote good corporate governance. Among the measures adopted are:
 
 
·
Board of Directors mainly composed of professionals not related to Banco Santander Spain, our parent company.
 
 
·
Active participation of Directors in main committees of the Bank.
 
 
·
All personnel must subscribe to a code of ethics and good conduct. Those who interact directly with the capital markets must also subscribe to an additional code of conduct.
 
 
·
Segregation of functions in order to assure adequate management of risks. Commercial areas separated from back office areas. Risk management independent of commercial areas. Main credit decisions taken in committees.
 
 
·
Internal Auditing Area clearly independent from the Administration.
 
 
·
The Bank also has an Internal Compliance Division that oversees the fulfillment of the Bank’s codes of conduct.
 
Santander-Chile has a commitment to transparency. This includes:
 
 
·
Equal treatment for all shareholders. One share = one vote.
 
 
·
Monthly publication of the Bank’s results by the Superintendency of Banks.
 
 
·
Quarterly report of a detailed analysis of Bank results published by us at least 30 days after the close of each interim quarter and 40 days after close of the full year.
 
 
·
Quarterly conference call open to the public.
 
 
·
All information relevant to the public available immediately on the web page www.santander.cl.
 
 
·
Ample and periodic coverage of the Bank by international and local stock analysts.
 
 
·
The Bank has five credit risk ratings by five independent rating agencies, domestic and international.
 
Audit Committee
 
Board member
 
Position in Committee
Carlos Olivos
 
Chairman
Benigno Rodríquez. R.*
 
Vice Chairman and Financial Expert
Víctor Arbulú. C.
 
Member and Financial Expert
 
 
 
* On June 24, 2008, Mr. Rodriguez resigned from the Board and Audit Committee of Banco Santander Chile. His seat on the Audit Committee will be vacant until a replacement is nominated and approved during the Bank’s next board meeting, which is expected to be held in July 2008.
 
The Audit Committee (Comité de Directores y Auditoría) is comprised of three members of the Board of Directors. The General Secretary is the Committee Secretary. The Chief Executive Officer, General Auditor and other persons from the Bank can be invited to the meetings if necessary and presents on specific matters. This Committee’s primary responsibility is to support the Board of Directors in the continuous improvement of our system of internal controls, which includes reviewing the work of both the external auditors and the Internal Audit Department. The committee is also responsible for analyzing observations made by regulatory entities of the Chilean financial system about us and for recommending measures to be taken by our management in response. This committee also performs functions of a remuneration committee as established in Chilean Law, and reviews annually the salary and bonus programs for the executive officers of the Bank. The external auditors are recommended by this committee to our Board of Directors and appointed by our shareholders at the annual shareholders’ meeting.
 
Additionally this committee is responsible for:
 
 
·
Presenting to the Board of Directors a list of candidates for the selection of an external auditor.
 
 
·
Presenting to the board or directors a list of candidates for the selection of rating agencies.
 
 
·
Overseeing and analyzing the results of the external audit and the internal reviews.
 
 
·
Coordinating the activities of internal auditing with the external auditors’ review.
 
 
·
Analyzing the interim and year-end financial statements and reporting the results to the Board of Directors.
 
 
·
Analyzing the external auditors’ reports and their content, procedures and scope.
 
 
·
Analyzing the rating agencies’ reports and their content, procedures and scope.
 
 
·
Obtaining information regard the effectiveness and reliability of the internal control systems and procedures.
 
 
·
Analyzing the information systems performance, its sufficiency, reliability and use in connection with decision-making processes.
 
 
·
Obtaining information regarding compliance with the company’s policies regarding the due observance of laws, regulations and internal rules to which the company is subject.
 
 
·
Obtaining information and resolve conflict interest matters and investigating suspicious and fraudulent activities.
 
 
·
Analyzing the reports of the inspection visits, instructions and presentations of the Superintendency of Banks.
 
 
·
Obtaining information, analyzing and verifying the company’s compliance with the annual audit program prepared by the internal audit department.
 
 
·
Informing the Board of Directors of accounting changes and their effect.
 
 
·
Examining on an annual basis the compensation plans of high level executives and managers.
 

 
Asset and Liability Committee
 
Board member
 
Position in Committee
Mauricio Larraín
 
Chairman
Roberto Zahler
 
Member
Marco Colodro
 
Member
 
The Comité de Activos y Pasivos or the Asset and Liability Committee (the “ALCO”), following guidelines set by the Board of Directors, Santander Central Hispano’s Global Risk Department, is responsible for establishing Santander-Chile’s policies, procedures and limits with respect to market risks and monitoring the overall performance in light of the risks assumed. The ALCO constantly monitors whether these policies are fulfilled. Santander-Chile’s Market Risk and Control Department and the Financial Management Division carry out the day-to-day risk management of the trading and non-trading activities of Santander-Chile.
 
The composition of the Asset and Liabilities Management Committee includes the Chairman of the Board, two members of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the Manager of the Financial Management Division, the Manager of Market Risk, the Manager of Proprietary Trading, the Financial Controller and other senior members of management. Senior members of Santander-Chile’s Finance Division meet monthly on a formal basis with the Asset and Liabilities Management Committee and outside consultants.
 
Executive Credit Committee
 
Board member
 
Position in Committee
Mauricio Larraín
 
Chairman
Carlos Olivos
 
Member
Roberto Méndez
 
Member
Marco Colodro
 
Member
 
The Executive Credit Committee is comprised of the Chairman of the Board, three additional Board members, the Corporate Legal Counsel, the CEO, the Manager of Global Banking, the Corporate Director of Risk, the Manager of Corporate Banking, the Manager of Middle Market and two senior members of the Credit Risk department that present the loans being reviewed for approval. This committee confirms the loan positions reviewed by the Senior Loan Committee, with approval rights up to the maximum exposure permitted by the General Banking Law.
 
Marketing and Communications Committee
 
Board member
 
Position in Committee
Mauricio Larraín
 
Chairman
Roberto Méndez
 
Member
 
The Marketing and Communications Committee is comprised of the Chairman of the Board and an additional Board member, the CEO, the Manager of Retail Banking, the Manager of Santander Banefe, the Manager of Human Resources, the Manager of Corporate Communications, the Manager of Marketing and other senior managers of the Bank. This committee reviews and confirms all matters related to products, corporate image and communications.
 
D.           Employees
 
As of December 31, 2007, on a consolidated basis we had 9,174 employees, 8,739 of whom were bank employees and 435 of whom were employees of our subsidiaries. With respect to the average number of employees for the Bank only, during the year ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, we had an average of 7,837 and 8,912 employees, respectively. We have traditionally enjoyed good relations with our employees and their unions. Of the total headcount, 3,775 or 41.1% were unionized. In March 2007, a new collective bargaining agreement became effective and will expire on March 1, 2011, but this may be negotiated ahead of schedule if management and union agree to. The primary terms of the new collective bargaining agreement include improved employee benefits relating to scholarships, sick days and insurance coverage for employees and a 5% increase in salaries as of May
 
 
 
2007 for employees with gross monthly incomes below Ch$800,000 (US$1,500). Furthermore, we agreed to award an end-of-negotiation bonus based on the level of salaries, and non-executive employees will receive an additional special bonus based on each employee’s years of service at the Bank. The payment of these bonuses represented a total cost of US$20 million, which was paid when negotiations terminated at year-end 2006. We generally apply the terms of our collective bargaining agreement to unionized and non-unionized employees. The following chart summarizes the number of employees employed by the bank.
 
Employees
 
2007
 
Executives                                
    653  
Professionals                                
    4,161  
Administrative
    4,360  
Total                                
    9,174  
 
E. Share Ownership
 
As of December 31, 2007, the following directors and executives held shares in Santander-Chile:
 
Director
 
Number of Shares
Mauricio Larraín G
 
568
Juan Fernández F
 
35,536

No director or executive officer owns more than 1% of the shares of Santander-Chile.
 
Santander-Chile currently does not have any arrangements for involving employees in its capital and there is no systematic arrangement for grant of options or shares or securities of Banco Santander-Chile to them. However, our parent company gave each employee 100 shares in Banco Santander Spain in 2007.
 
 
A.           Major Shareholders
 
As of December 31, 2007, Santander-Chile’s largest shareholders were the following:
 
 
Shareholder
 
Number of Shares
   
Percentage
 
Teatinos Siglo XXI Inversiones Ltda.*
    78,108,391,607       41.45 %
Santander Chile Holding
    66,822,519,695       35.46 %
 

* Formerly know as Teatinos Siglo XXI S.A.
 
Banco Santander Spain controls Santander-Chile through its holdings in Teatinos Siglo XXI Inversiones Ltda. and Santander-Chile Holding, which are controlled subsidiaries of Banco Santander Spain. As of December 31, 2007, Banco Santander Spain directly or indirectly owned or controlled 99.5% of Santander-Chile Holding directly or indirectly owned or controlled 100% of Teatinos Siglo XXI S.A. This gives Banco Santander Spain control over 76.91% of the shares of the Bank, and actual participation, when excluding minority shareholders, of 76.73% at December 31, 2007.
 
Banco Santander Spain is in a position to cause the election of a majority of the members of Santander-Chile’s Board of Directors, to determine its dividend and other policies and to determine substantially all matters to be decided by a vote of shareholders. Banco Santander Spain holds ordinary shares to which no special voting rights are attached. Each share represents one vote and there are no shareholders with different voting rights.
 
The number of outstanding shares of Santander-Chile (of which there is only one class, being ordinary shares) at December 31, 2007, was 188,446,126,794 shares, without par value. Santander-Chile’s shares are listed for trading on the Chilean Stock Exchanges and on the NYSE in connection with the registration of ADRs. The market capitalization of Santander-Chile at the same date was Ch$4,651,046 million (US$9,308 million), representing 188,446,126,794 shares of common stock. At December 31, 2007, Santander-Chile had 13,505 holders registered in Chile, including the Bank of New York, as Depositary (the “Depositary”) of Santander-Chile’s American
 
 
 
Depositary Share Program. As of December 31, 2007, there were a total of 7 ADR holders on record. Since some of these ADRs are held by nominees, the number of record holders may not be representative of the number of beneficial holders.
 
Other than the information disclosed in this section, there are no arrangements in the knowledge of Santander-Chile, which can result in a change of control of Santander-Chile.
 
B.           Related Party Transactions
 
The Chilean Companies Law requires that our transactions with related parties be on a market basis, that is, on similar terms to those customarily prevailing in the market. We are required to compare the terms of any such transaction to those prevailing in the market at the date the transaction is to be entered into. Directors of companies that violate this provision are liable for losses resulting from such violations.
 
In addition, under the Chilean Companies Law, a company may not enter into a transaction in which one or more of its directors has a direct or indirect interest unless (i) such transaction has received the prior approval of the company’s Board of Directors and (ii) the terms of such transaction are consistent with the terms of transactions of a similar type prevailing in the market. If  it is not possible to make this determination, the board may appoint two independent evaluators. The evaluators’ final conclusions must be made available to shareholders and directors for a period of 20 business days, during which shareholders representing 5% or more of the issued voting shares may request the board to call a shareholders’ meeting to resolve the matter, with the agreement of two thirds of the issued voting shares required for approval. For purposes of this regulation, the law considers the amount of a proposed transaction to be material if (1) it exceeds 1% of the company’s net worth (provided that it also exceeds 2,000UF) or (2) it exceeds 20,000 UF.
 
All resolutions approving such transactions must be reported to the company’s shareholders at the next annual shareholders’ meeting. Violations of this provision may result in administrative, criminal or civil liability to the corporation, the shareholders and/or third parties who suffer losses as a result of such violation.
 
Loans granted to related parties
 
Related party loans, all of which are current, are as follows:
 
 
 
   
As of December 31, 2007
 
   
Loans
   
Collateral
Pledged
 
   
Ch$mn
   
Ch$mn
 
             
Operating companies
    88,510       50,404  
Investment companies
    185,812       29,419  
Individuals
    30,175       28,629  
Total
    304,497       108,452  

(1)
Includes companies whose purpose is to hold shares in other companies.
(2)
Includes debt obligations that are individually equal to or greater than UF 3,000, equivalent to Ch$59 million (US$118,995) as of December 31, 2007. Includes loans to certain executive officers. All of the loans to the executive officers were made in our ordinary course of business, were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons, and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.

Under the Chilean General Banking Law, Chilean banks are subject to certain lending limits, including the following:
 
 
·
a bank may not extend to any person or legal entity (or group of related entities), directly or indirectly, unsecured loans in an amount that exceeds 5.0% of the bank’s regulatory capital, or secured loans in an amount that exceeds 25.0% of its regulatory capital. In the case of foreign export trade finance, this 5.0% ceiling is raised to: 10.0% for unsecured financing, 30.0% for secured financing. This ceiling is raised to 15.0% for loans granted to finance public works under the concessions system contemplated in the Decree
 
 
 
    with Force of Law 164 of 1991, of the Ministry of Public Works, provided that either the loan is secured on the concession, or the loan is granted as part of a loan syndication;
 
 
·
a bank may not grant loans bearing more favorable terms than those generally offered by banks in the same community to any entity (or group of related entities) that is directly or indirectly related to its owners or management;
 
 
·
a bank may not extend loans to another bank in an aggregate amount exceeding 30.0% of its regulatory capital;
 
 
·
a bank may not directly or indirectly grant a loan the purpose of which is to allow the borrower to acquire shares in the lending bank;
 
 
·
a bank may not lend, directly or indirectly, to a Director or any other person who has the power to act on behalf of the bank, or to certain related parties;
 
 
·
a bank may not grant loans to individuals or legal entities involved in the ownership or management of the bank, whether directly or indirectly (including holders of 1.0% or more of its shares), on more favorable terms than those generally offered to non related parties. Loans may not be extended to senior executives and to companies in which such individuals have a participation of 5.0% or more of the equity or net earnings in such companies. The aggregate amount of loans to related parties may not exceed a bank’s regulatory capital; and
 
 
·
the maximum aggregate amount of loans that a bank may grant to its employees is 1.5% of its regulatory capital, and no individual employee may receive loans in excess of 10.0% of such 1.5% limit. These limitations do not apply to a single home mortgage loan for personal use per term of employment of each employee.
 
We are not aware of any loans to any related parties exceeding the above lending limits.
 
Other transactions with related parties
 
During the years ended December 31, 2007, the Bank had the following significant income (expenses) from services provided to (by) related parties:
 
   
Year ended December 31, 2007
 
Company
 
Income/(Expenses)
 
   
Ch$ million
 
Redbanc S.A. (payment for administering ATM network)
    (3,967 )
Transbank S.A. (payments for administering credit card network)
    (6,871 )
Santander G.R.C. Ltda. (collection services)
    (3,218 )
Santander Chile Holding S.A. (rent)
    33  
Santander Factoring S.A. (rent)
    52  
Bansa Santander S.A. (rent and sale of repossessed assets)
    (2,506 )
AFP Bansander S.A (rent)
    137  
Altec S.A. (technology services)
    (6,103 )
Santander Investment Chile S.A. (rent)
    95  
Altavida Cia. De Seguro De Vida S.A. (rent and payment of life insurance policies relating to certain loans)
    (1,675 )
Santander Cia. de Seguros Generales S.A. (rent and payment of life insurance policies relating to certain loans)
    (821 )
Plaza El Trebol S A (rent)
    (68 )
Other (1)
    130  
Total
    (24,782 )

(1)
Consists primarily of payment of stipend to Board members.
 
 
 
On January 15, 2007, Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa, an affiliate of Banco Santander Chile controlled by Santander Spain, approved the merger between Santiago Corredores de Bolsa Limitada, a subsidiary of Banco Santander Chile, into Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa, effective January 1, 2007. Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa, as of January 15, 2007, became a subsidiary of Banco Santander Chile and the legal successor of Santiago Corredores de Bolsa Limitada.
 
The merger of Santiago Corredores de Bolsa Limitada and Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa was accounted as a business combination of entities under common control, thus, the lower value determined in the transaction was recorded as a charge to the Bank’s shareholders’ equity in an amount of Ch$1,903 million.
 
C.           Interests of Experts and Counsel
 
Not applicable.
 
 
A.           Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
 
Financial Information
 
See Item 18.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
On August 26, 1992, a lawsuit was filed by the Chilean Internal Revenue Service against the Bank. On December 13, 2007, the Bank paid Ch$423 million to the Chilean Revenue Service, concluding this contingency.
 
Our General Counsel was indicted by the national treasury in a lawsuit regarding the repayment by Inverlink Corredores de Bolsa of a Ch$980 million (equivalent to US$1.8 million) loan made to it by Banco Santander-Chile. Repayment was made by tendering to Banco Santander-Chile a cashier’s check issued by another bank in favor of Banco Santander-Chile. The Bank was not legally required to verify the legitimacy of the funds used to obtain the cashier’s check and, authenticity of the cashier’s check and, accordingly, cashed it in satisfaction of its loan to Inverlink. Subsequently, the Bank learned that the cashier’s check had been obtained from the issuing bank by Inverlink Corredores de Bolsa with funds fraudulently obtained from CORFO. The Bank actively cooperated with the investigation and agreed to pay Ch$980 million to CORFO. In Janaury 2007, the courts approved the motion to end this trial against our General Counsel. The national treasury appealed this ruling. In November 2007, the courts approved and ratified definitively the motion to end this trial against our General Counsel.
 
In addition, we are subject to certain claims and are party to certain legal and arbitration proceedings incidental to the normal course of our business including claims for alleged operational errors. We do not believe that the liabilities related to such claims and proceedings are likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations. Nevertheless, based on management’s individual analysis of each proceeding, we have made provisions in the amount reported as “Provisions for lawsuit and other” in Note 10(b) of our Consolidated Financial Statements. Other than the proceedings described above, there are no material proceedings in which any of our directors, any members of our senior management or any of our affiliates is either a party adverse to us or to our subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to us or our subsidiaries.
 
Dividends and dividend policy
 
See “Item 3: A. Selected Financial Data—Dividends.”
 
B.           Significant Changes
 
None.
 
 
 
 
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
 
A.           Historical Trading Information
 
The table below shows, for the periods indicated, the annual, quarterly and monthly high and low closing prices (in nominal Chilean pesos) of the shares of our common stock on the Santiago Stock Exchange and the annual, quarterly and monthly high and low closing prices (in U.S. dollars) as reported by the NYSE.
 
   
Santiago Stock Exchanges
   
NYSE
 
   
Common Stock
   
ADS(2)
 
   
High
   
Low
   
High
   
Low
 
   
(Ch$ per share(1))
   
(US$ per ADS)
 
Annual Price History
                       
2003
    15.30       12.65       24.65       17.05  
2004
    18.20       13.30       33.90       23.55  
2005
    22.75       17.11       45.86       30.40  
2006
    26.20       19.60       51.46       37.40  
2007
    27.10       21.25       55.30       41.76  
Quarterly Price History
                               
2006
                               
1st Quarter
    25.09       21.60       49.85       43.10  
2nd Quarter
    23.20       19.60       46.80       37.40  
3rd Quarter
    24.00       19.75       46.50       37.66  
4th Quarter
    26.20       22.90       51.46       44.69  
2007
                               
1st Quarter
    26.75       24.35       51.14       46.75  
2nd Quarter
    27.10       24.49       53.13       48.39  
3rd Quarter
    25.40       21.25       50.74       41.76  
4th Quarter
    26.21       21.75       55.30       43.99  
2008
                               
1st Quarter
    24.86       20.00       53.37       45.58  
Monthly Price History
                               
December 2007
    24.49       22.80       51.20       46.75  
January 2008
    24.86       20.00       51.70       45.58  
February 2008
    24.00       21.25       53.37       47.11  
March 2008
    22.67       20.82       52.39       48.96  
April 2008
    23.55       22.49       54.34       50.40  
May 2008
    24.46       22.80       54.60       51.02  
June 2008 (as per June 24, 2008)
    23.91       21.20       51.47       43.53  
 
B.           Plan of Distribution
 
Not applicable
 
C.           Nature of Trading Market
 
Nature of Trading Market
 
Shares of our common stock are traded on the Chilean Stock Exchanges. Each ADS represents 1,039 shares of common stock. ADRs have been issued pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2002, among Santander-Chile, the Depositary and all holders from time to time of ADRs. As of December 31, 2006, 25,957,667 ADSs were outstanding (equivalent to 26,970,016,013 shares of common stock or 14.3% of the total number of issued shares of common stock).
 
D.           Selling Shareholders
 
Not Applicable.
 
 
 
 
E.           Dilution
 
Not Applicable.
 
F.           Expenses of the Issue
 
Not Applicable.
 
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
A.           Share Capital
 
Not applicable.
 
B.           Memorandum and Articles of Association
 
The legal predecessor of Santander-Chile was Banco Santiago (Santiago). Santiago was incorporated by public deed dated September 7, 1977 granted at the Notary Office of Alfredo Astaburuaga Gálvez. Santiago received its permission to incorporate and function as a bank by Resolution No. 118 of the Superintendency of Banks on October 27, 1977. The Bank’s by-laws were approved by Resolution No. 103 of the Superintendency of Banks on September 22, 1977. In January 1997, Santiago merged with Banco O’Higgins’ with Santiago as the surviving entity. In 1999, Santiago became a controlled subsidiary of Banco Santander Spain.
 
On May 24, 2007, we have changed our by-laws insofar as our official name shall be Banco Santander-Chile (formerly: Banco Santander Chile) and that the Bank may also use the following names: Banco Santander Santiago, Santander Santiago, Banco Santander, or Santander (formerly only: Banco Santander Santiago and Santander Santiago.)
 
Shareholder rights in a Chilean bank that is also an open stock (public) corporation are governed by (1) the corporation’s estatutos, which effectively serve the purpose of both the articles or certificate of incorporation and the by-laws of a company incorporated in the United States, (2) the General Banking Law and (3) to the extent not inconsistent with the General Banking Law, by the provisions of Chilean Companies Law applicable to open stock corporations, except for certain provisions that are expressly excluded. Article 137 of the Chilean Companies Law provides that all provisions of the Chilean Companies Law take precedence over any contrary provision in a corporation’s estatutos. Both the Chilean Companies Law and our estatutos provide that legal actions by shareholders against us (or our officers or directors) to enforce their rights as shareholders or by one shareholder against another in their capacity as such are to be brought in Chile in arbitration proceedings, notwithstanding the plaintiff’s right to submit the action to the ordinary courts of Chile.
 
The Chilean securities markets are principally regulated by the Superintendency of Securities and Insurance under the Chilean Securities Market Law and the Chilean Companies Law. In the case of banks, compliance with these laws is supervised by the Superintendency of Banks. These two laws provide for disclosure requirements, restrictions on insider trading and price manipulation and protection of minority investors. The Chilean Securities Market Law sets forth requirements relating to public offerings, stock exchanges and brokers, and outlines disclosure requirements for companies that issue publicly offered securities. The Chilean Companies Law sets forth the rules and requirements for establishing open stock corporations while eliminating government supervision of closed (closely-held) corporations. Open stock (public) corporations are those with 500 or more shareholders, or companies in which 100 or more shareholders own at least 10.0% of the subscribed capital (excluding those whose individual holdings exceed 10.0%), and all other companies that are registered in the Securities Registry of the Superintendency of Securities and Insurance.
 
Board of Directors
 
The Board of Directors has 11 regular members and 2 alternate members, elected by shareholder vote at General Shareholders’ Meetings. The directors may be either shareholders or non-shareholders of the Company.
 
A director remains in office for three years and may be reelected indefinitely. If for any reason, the General Shareholders’ Meeting where the newly appointments of directors are to be made is not held, the duties of those
 
 
 
 
serving as such shall be extended until their replacements are designated, in which case, the Board of Director shall convene a Meeting at the earliest possible time in order to effect the appointments.
 
The directors are entitled to compensation for the performance of their duties. The amount of their compensation is determined annually by the General Shareholders’ Meeting. In addition, payments in the form of wages, fees, travel accounts, expense accounts, dues as representatives of the Board of Directors and other cash payments, payments in kind or royalties of any sort whatsoever, may be paid to certain directors for the performance of specific duties or tasks in addition to their functions as directors imposed upon them specifically by the General Shareholders’ Meeting. Any special compensation is authorized or approved at the General Shareholders’ Meeting, and for that purpose, a detailed and separate entry shall be made in the Annual Report, which shall expressly indicate the complete name of each of the directors receiving special compensation.
 
Without prejudice to any other incapacity or incompatibility established by law, the following may not be directors: (a) those persons who have been sentenced or are being tried, either as principals or accessories, for crimes punishable with a penalty of temporary or permanent suspension from or incapacity to hold public office; (b) those persons who have been declared bankrupt and have not been rehabilitated; (c) members of the House of Representatives and the Senate; (d) directors or employees of any other financial institution; employees appointed by the President of the Republic and employees or officers of (i) the State, (ii) any public service, public institution, semi-public institution, autonomous entity or state-controlled company (any such entity a “Public Entity”) or (iii) any enterprise, corporation or public or private entity in which the State or a Public Entity has a majority interest, has made capital contributions, or is represented or participating, provided that persons holding positions in teaching activities in any of the above entities may be directors; and (f) the Bank’s employees, which shall not prevent a director from holding on a temporary basis and for a term not to exceed ninety days the position of General Manager. Chief Executive Officers may not be elected as directors.
 
For purposes of the appointment of directors, each shareholder shall have the right to one vote per share for purposes of appointing a single person, or to distribute his votes in between candidates as he may deem convenient, and the persons obtaining the largest number of votes in the same and single process shall be awarded positions, until all positions have been filled. The election of the regular and alternate board members shall be carried out separately. For purposes of the casting of the vote, the Chairman and the Secretary, together with any other persons that may have been previously designated by the Meeting to sign the minutes thereof, shall issue a certificate giving evidence of the oral votes of shareholders attending, following the order of the list of attendance being taken.
 
Each shareholder shall be entitled, however, to cast his vote by means of a ballot signed by him, stating whether he signs for his own account or as a representative. This entitlement notwithstanding, in order to expedite the voting process, the Chairman of the Bank or the Superintendency, as the case may be, is entitled to order that the vote be taken alternatively or by oral vote or by means of ballots. At the time of polling, the Chairman may instruct that the votes be read aloud, in order for those in attendance to count for themselves the number of votes issued and verify the outcome of the voting process.
 
The Secretary tabulates the votes and the Chairman announces those who have obtained the largest majorities until all the director positions have been filled. The Secretary places the documents evidencing the outcome of the count, duly signed by the persons charged with the duty of verifying the number of votes issued, together with the ballots delivered by the shareholders who did not vote orally, in an envelope which shall be closed and sealed with the corporate seal and shall remain deposited with the Bank for a least two years.
 
Every appointment of directors, or any changes in the appointment of directors, shall be transcribed into a public deed before a notary public, published in a newspaper of Santiago and notified to the Superintendency of Banks and Financial Institutions, by means of the filing of a copy of the respective public deed. Likewise, the appointments of General Manager, Manager and Deputy Managers shall be communicated and transcribed into a public deed.
 
If a director ceases to be able to perform his or her duties, whether by reason of conflict of interest, limitation, legal incapacity or bankruptcy, impossibility, resignation or any other legal cause, the vacancy shall be filled as follows: (a) the positions of regular directors shall be filled by an alternate director; and (b) the positions of alternate directors vacated upon the application of (a) above, and the positions of regular directors if a regular director’s position can not be filled pursuant to clause (a) because both alternate members have already become regular members, shall be filled by the Board of Directors on its first meeting after the vacancy occurs. Board members
 
 
 
 
appointed pursuant to clause (b) will remain in the position until the next General Shareholders’ Meeting, where the appointment may be ratified, in which case, the replacement director will remain in his or her position until the expiration of the term of the director he or she replaced.
 
The alternate directors may temporarily replace regular directors in case of their absence or temporary inability to attend a board meeting, or in a definitive manner in case of vacancy. The alternate board members are always entitled to attend and speak at board meetings. They will be entitled to vote at such meetings only when a regular member is absent and such alternate member acts as the absent member’s replacement.
 
During the first meeting following the General Shareholders’ Meeting, the Board of Directors shall elect in separate votes from among its members, a Chairman, a First Vice Chairman and a Second Vice Chairman. In the event of a tie, the appointment shall be decided by lottery.
 
The Board of Directors meet in ordinary sessions at least once a month, held on pre-set dates and times determined by the Board. Extraordinary meetings are held whenever called by the Chairman, whether at his own will or upon the request of three or more directors, so long as the Chairman determines in advance that the meeting is justified, except if the request is made by the absolute majority of the directors in office, in which case the meeting shall be held without such prior determination. The extraordinary meetings may only address those matters specifically included in the agenda for the extraordinary meeting, except that, if the meeting is attended by all the directors in office, they may agree otherwise by a unanimous vote. Extraordinary meetings shall be called by means of a written instrument signed by the Chairman or the Secretary or his alternate and delivered to each of the directors at least three days prior to the date set for the meeting.
 
The quorum for the Board of Directors’ Meeting is six of its members. Resolutions shall be adopted by the affirmative vote of the absolute majority of the attending directors. In the event of a tie, the person acting as the Chairman of the meeting shall cast a deciding vote.
 
Directors having a vested interest in a negotiation, act, contract or transaction that is not related to the bank business, either as principal or as representative of another person, shall communicate such fact to the other directors. If the respective resolutions are approved by the Board, it shall be in accordance to the prevailing fair market conditions and director’s interest must be disclosed at the next General Shareholders’ Meeting.
 
The discussions and resolutions of the Board of Directors shall be recorded in a special book of minutes maintained by the Secretary. The relevant minutes shall be signed by the directors attending the meeting and by the Secretary, or his alternate. If a director determines that the minutes for a meeting are inaccurate or incomplete, he is entitled to record an objection before actually signing the minutes. The resolutions adopted may be carried out prior to the approval of the minutes at a subsequent meeting. In the event of death, refusal or incapacity for any reason of any of the directors attending to sign the minutes, such circumstance shall be recorded at the end of the minutes stating the reason for the impediment.
 
The directors are personally liable for all of the acts they effect in the performance of their duties. Any director who wishes to disclaim responsibility for any act or resolution of the Board of Directors must to record his opposition in the minutes, and the Chairman must report the opposition at the following General Shareholders’ Meeting.
 
The Board will represent the Bank in and out of court and, for the performance of the Bank’s business, a circumstance that will not be necessary to prove before third parties, it will be empowered with all the authorities and powers of administration that the law or the by-laws do not set as exclusive to the General Shareholders’ Meeting, without being necessary to grant any special power of attorney, even for those acts that the law requires to do so. This provision is notwithstanding the judicial representation of the Bank that is part of the General Manager’s authorities. The Board may delegate part of its authority to the General Manager, to the Managers, Deputy Managers or Attorneys of the Bank, a Director, a Commission of Directors, and for specifically determined purposes, in other persons.
 
Meetings and Voting Rights
 
An ordinary annual meeting of shareholders is held within the first four months of each year. The ordinary annual meeting of shareholders is the corporate body that approves the annual financial statements, approves all dividends in accordance with the dividend policy determined by our Board of Directors, elects the Board of
 
 
 
 
Directors and approves any other matter that does not require an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting. The last ordinary annual meeting of our shareholders was held on April 22, 2008. Extraordinary meetings may be called by our Board of Directors when deemed appropriate, and ordinary or extraordinary meetings must be called by our Board of Directors when requested by shareholders representing at least 10.0% of the issued voting shares or by the Superintendency of Banks. Notice to convene the ordinary annual meeting or an extraordinary meeting is given by means of three notices which must be published in a newspaper of our corporate domicile (currently Santiago) or in the Official Gazette in a prescribed manner, and the first notice must be published not less than 15 days nor more than 20 days in advance of the scheduled meeting. Notice must also be mailed 15 days in advance to each shareholder and given to the Superintendency of Banks and the Chilean Stock Exchanges. Currently, we publish our official notices in the El Mercurio newspaper of Santiago.
 
The quorum for a shareholders’ meeting is established by the presence, in person or by proxy, of shareholders representing at least an absolute majority of the issued shares. If a quorum is not present at the first meeting, the meeting can be reconvened (in accordance with the procedures described in the previous paragraph) and, upon the meeting being reconvened, shareholders present at the reconvened meeting are deemed to constitute a quorum regardless of the percentage of the shares represented. The shareholders’ meetings pass resolutions by the affirmative vote of an absolute majority of those voting shares present or represented at the meeting. The vote required at any shareholders’ meeting to approve any of the following actions, however, is a two-thirds majority of the issued shares:
 
·  
a change in corporate form, spin-off or merger;
 
·  
an amendment of the term of existence, if any, and the early dissolution of the bank;
 
·  
a change in corporate domicile;
 
·  
a decrease of corporate capital previously approved by the Superintendency of Banks, provided it is not reduced below the legal minimum capital;
 
·  
a decrease in the number of directors previously approved by the Superintendency of Banks;
 
·  
the approval of contributions and appraisal of properties other than cash, in those cases where it is permitted by the General Banking Act;
 
·  
the amendment of authority of the general shareholders’ meeting or the restriction of the authority of the Board of Directors;
 
·  
the transfer of 50.0% or more of the corporate assets, regardless of whether it includes liabilities, or the implementation or amendment of any business plan that contemplates the transfer of 50.0% or more of the corporate assets;
 
·  
a change in the manner of distribution of profits established in the by-laws;
 
·  
any non-cash distribution in respect of the shares;
 
·  
the repurchase of shares of stock in the Bank; or
 
·  
the approval of material related-party transactions when requested by shareholders representing at least 5.0% of the issued and outstanding shares with right to vote if they determine that the terms and conditions of those transactions are not favorable to the interests of the bank or if two independent assessments of those transactions requested by the Board materially differ from each other.
 
Shareholders may accumulate their votes for the election of directors and cast all of their votes in favor of one person.
 
In general, Chilean law does not require a Chilean open stock corporation to provide the level and type of information that U.S. securities laws require a reporting company to provide to its shareholders in connection with a solicitation of proxies. However, shareholders are entitled to examine the books of the bank within the 15-day period before the ordinary annual meeting. Under Chilean law, a notice of a shareholders’ meeting listing matters to be
 
 
 
 
addressed at the meeting must be mailed not fewer than 15 days prior to the date of such meeting, and, in cases of an ordinary annual meeting, shareholders holding a prescribed minimum investment must be sent an Annual Report of the bank’s activities which includes audited financial statements. Shareholders who do not fall into this category but who request it must also be sent a copy of the bank’s Annual Report. In addition to these requirements, we regularly provide, and management currently intends to continue to provide, together with the notice of shareholders’ meeting, a proposal for the final annual dividend.
 
The Chilean Corporations Law provides that whenever shareholders representing 10.0% or more of the issued voting shares so request, a Chilean company’s Annual Report must include, in addition to the materials provided by the Board of Directors to shareholders, such shareholders’ comments and proposals in relation to the company’s affairs. Similarly, the Chilean Corporations Law provides that whenever the Board of Directors of an open stock corporation convenes an ordinary shareholders’ meeting and solicits proxies for that meeting, or distributes information supporting its decisions, or other similar material, it is obligated to include as an annex to its Annual Report any pertinent comments and proposals that may have been made by shareholders owning 10.0% or more of the company’s voting shares who have requested that such comments and proposals be so included.
 
Only shareholders registered as such with us on the fifth business day prior to the date of a meeting are entitled to attend and vote their shares. A shareholder may appoint another individual (who need not be a shareholder) as his proxy to attend and vote on his behalf. Every shareholder entitled to attend and vote at a shareholders’ meeting has one vote for every share subscribed. Each share represents one vote and there are no special classes of shares with different rights. Our by-laws do not include any condition that is more significant than required by law to change the right of shareholders.
 
Capitalization
 
Under Chilean law, the shareholders of a company, acting at an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, have the power to authorize an increase in such company’s capital. When an investor subscribes for issued shares, the shares are registered in such investor’s name, even if not paid for, and the investor is treated as a shareholder for all purposes except with regard to receipt of dividends and the return of capital, provided that the shareholders may, by amending the by-laws, also grant the right to receive dividends or distributions of capital. The investor becomes eligible to receive dividends and returns of capital once it has paid for the shares (if it has paid for only a portion of such shares, it is entitled to reserve a corresponding pro-rata portion of the dividends declared and/or returns of capital with respect to such shares unless the company’s by-laws provide otherwise). If an investor does not pay for shares for which it has subscribed on or prior to the date agreed upon for payment, the company is entitled under Chilean law to auction the shares on the stock exchange and collect the difference, if any, between the subscription price and the auction proceeds. However, until such shares are sold at auction, the subscriber continues to exercise all the rights of a shareholder (except the right to receive dividends and return of capital).
 
Article 22 of the Chilean Corporations Law states that the purchaser of shares of a company implicitly accepts its by-laws and any agreements adopted at shareholders’ meetings.
 
Approval of Financial Statements
 
Our Board of Directors is required to submit our audited financial statements to the shareholders annually for their approval. The approval or rejection of such financial statements is entirely within our shareholders’ discretion. If our shareholders reject our financial statements, our Board of Directors must submit new financial statements not later than 60 days from the date of such rejection. If our shareholders reject our new financial statements, our entire Board of Directors is deemed removed from office and a new Board of Directors is elected at the same meeting. Directors who individually approved such rejected financial statements are disqualified for re-election for the ensuing period.
 
Registrations and Transfers
 
We act as our own registrar and transfer agent, as is customary among Chilean companies. In the case of jointly owned shares, an attorney-in-fact must be appointed to represent the joint owners in dealings with us.
 
 
 
 
Dividend, Liquidation and Appraisal Rights
 
Under the Chilean Corporations Law, Chilean companies are generally required to distribute at least 30.0% of their earnings as dividends.
 
In the event of any loss of capital, no dividends can be distributed so long as such loss is not recovered. Also, no dividends of a bank above the legal minimum can be distributed if doing so would result in the bank exceeding its ratio of risk-weighted assets to regulatory capital or total assets.
 
Dividends that are declared but not paid by the date set for payment at the time of declaration are adjusted from the date set for payment to the date such dividends are actually paid, and they accrue interest.
 
We may declare a dividend in cash or in shares. When a share dividend is declared above the legal minimum (which minimum must be paid in cash), our shareholders must be given the option to elect to receive cash. Our ADS holders may, in the absence of an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or an available exemption from the registration requirement thereunder, effectively be required to receive a dividend in cash. See “Item 10: B. Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation—Preemptive Rights and Increases of Share Capital.”
 
In the event of our liquidation, the holders of fully paid shares would participate equally and pro rata, in proportion to the number of paid-in shares held by them, in the assets available after payment of all creditors.
 
In accordance with the General Banking Law, our shareholders do not have appraisal rights.
 
Ownership Restrictions
 
Under Article 12 of the Chilean Securities Market Law and the regulations of the Superintendency of Banks, shareholders of open stock corporations are required to report the following to the Superintendency of Securities and Insurance and the Chilean Stock Exchanges:
 
·  
any direct or indirect acquisition or sale of shares that results in the holder’s acquiring or disposing, directly or indirectly, 10.0% or more of an open stock corporation’s share capital; and
 
·  
any direct or indirect acquisition or sale of shares or options to buy or sell shares, in any amount, if made by a holder of 10.0% or more of an open stock corporation’s capital or if made by a director, liquidator, main officer, general manager or manager of such corporation.
 
In addition, majority shareholders must include in their report whether their purpose is to acquire control of the company or if they are making a financial investment. A beneficial owner of ADSs representing 10.0% or more of our share capital will be subject to these reporting requirements under Chilean law.
 
Under Article 54 of the Chilean Securities Market Law and the regulations of the Superintendency of Securities and Insurance, persons or entities intending to acquire control, directly or indirectly, of an open stock corporation, regardless of the acquisition vehicle or procedure, and including acquisitions made through direct subscriptions or private transactions, are also required to inform the public of such acquisition at least 10 business days before the date on which the transaction is to be completed, but in any case, as soon as negotiations regarding the change of control begin (i.e., when information and documents concerning the target are delivered to the potential acquiror) through a filing with the Superintendency of Securities and Insurance, the stock exchanges and the companies controlled by and that control the target and through a notice published in two Chilean newspapers, which notice must disclose, among other information, the person or entity purchasing or selling and the price and conditions of any negotiations.
 
Prior to such publication, a written communication to such effect must be sent to the target corporation, to the controlling corporation, to the corporations controlled by the target corporation, to the Superintendency of Securities and Insurance, and to the Chilean stock exchanges on which the securities are listed.
 
In addition to the foregoing, Article 54A of the Chilean Securities Market Law requires that within two business days of the completion of the transactions pursuant to which a person has acquired control of a publicly traded company, a notice shall be published in the same newspapers in which the notice referred to above was published and notices shall be sent to the same persons mentioned in the preceding paragraphs.
 
 
 
 
The provisions of the aforementioned articles do not apply whenever the acquisition is being made through a tender or exchange offer.
 
Title XXV of the Chilean Securities Market Law on tender offers and the regulations of the Superintendency of Securities and Insurance provide that the following transactions must be carried out through a tender offer:
 
·  
an offer which allows a person to take control of a publicly traded company, unless (i) the shares are being sold by a controlling shareholder of such company at a price in cash which is not substantially higher than the market price and the shares of such company are actively traded on a stock exchange and (ii) those shares are acquired (a) through a capital increase, (b) as a consequence of a merger, (c) by inheritance or (d) through a forced sale; and
 
·  
an offer for a controlling percentage of the shares of a listed company if such person intends to take control of the parent company (whether listed or not) of such listed company, to the extent that the listed company represents 75.0% or more of the consolidated net worth of the parent company.
 
In addition, Article 69bis of the Companies Law requires that whenever a controlling shareholder acquires two thirds of the voting shares of a listed company, such controlling shareholder must offer to purchase the remaining shares from the minority shareholders in a tender offer.
 
Article 200 of the Chilean Securities Market Law prohibits any shareholder that has taken control of a publicly traded company to acquire, for a period of 12 months from the date of the transaction in which it gained control of the publicly traded company, a number of shares equal to or greater than 3.0% of the outstanding issued shares of the target without making a tender offer at a price per share not lower than the price paid at the time of taking control. Should the acquisition from the other shareholders of the company be made on a stock exchange and on a pro rata basis, the controlling shareholder may purchase a higher percentage of shares, if so permitted by the regulations of the stock exchange.
 
Title XV of the Chilean Securities Market Law sets forth the basis to determine what constitutes a controlling power, a direct holding and a related party. The Chilean Securities Market Law defines control as the power of a person or group of persons acting (either directly or through other entities or persons) pursuant to a joint action agreement, to direct the majority of the votes at the shareholders’ meetings of the corporation, to elect the majority of members of its Board of Directors, or to influence the management of the corporation significantly. Significant influence is deemed to exist in respect of the person or group of persons with an agreement to act jointly that holds, directly or indirectly, at least 25.0% of the voting share capital, unless:
 
·  
another person or group of persons acting pursuant to joint action agreement, directly or indirectly, controls a stake equal to or greater than the percentage controlled by such person or group of persons;
 
·  
the person or group does not control, directly or indirectly, more than 40.0% of the voting share capital and the percentage controlled is lower than the sum of the shares held by other shareholders holding more than 5.0% of the share capital (either directly or pursuant to a joint action agreement); or
 
·  
in cases where the Superintendency of Securities and Insurance has ruled otherwise, based on the distribution or atomization of the overall shareholding.
 
According to the Chilean Securities Market Law, a joint action agreement is an agreement among two or more parties which, directly or indirectly, own shares in a corporation at the same time and whereby they agree to participate with the same interest in the management of the corporation or in taking control of the same. The law presumes that such an agreement exist between:
 
·  
a principal and its agents;
 
·  
spouses and relatives within certain degrees of kinship;
 
·  
entities within the same business group; and
 
·  
an entity and its controller or any of the members of the controller.
 
 
 
Likewise, the Superintendency of Securities and Insurance may determine that a joint action agreement exists between two or more entities considering, among other things, the number of companies in which they participate and the frequency with which they vote identically in the election of directors, appointment of managers and other resolutions passed at extraordinary shareholders’ meetings.
 
According to Article 96 of the Chilean Securities Market Law, a business group is a group of entities with such ties in their ownership, management or credit liabilities that it may be assumed that the economic and financial action of such members is directed by, or subordinated to, the joint interests of the group, or that there are common credit risks in the credits granted to, or in the acquisition of securities issued by, them. According to the Chilean Securities Market Law, the following entities are part of the same business group:
 
·  
a company and its controller;
 
·  
all the companies with a common controller together with that controller;
 
·  
all the entities that the Superintendency of Securities and Insurance declares to be part of the business group due to one or more of the following reasons:
 
·  
a substantial part of the assets of the company is involved in the business group, whether as investments in securities, equity rights, loans or guaranties;
 
·  
the company has a significant level of indebtedness and the business group has a material participation as a lender or guarantor;
 
·  
any member of a group of controlling entities of a company mentioned in the first two bullets above and there are grounds to include it in the business group; or
 
·  
the company is controlled by a member of a group of controlling entities and there are grounds to include it in the business group.
 
Article 36 of the General Banking Law states that as a matter of public policy, no person or company may acquire, directly or indirectly, more than 10.0% of the shares of a bank without the prior authorization of the Superintendency of Banks, which may not be unreasonably withheld. The prohibition would also apply to beneficial owners of ADSs. In the absence of such authorization, any person or group of persons acting in concert would not be permitted to exercise voting rights with respect to the shares or ADSs acquired. In determining whether or not to issue such an authorization, the Superintendency of Banks considers a number of factors enumerated in the General Banking Law, including the financial stability of the purchasing party.
 
According to Article 35bis of the General Banking Law, the prior authorization of the Superintendency of Banks is required for:
 
·  
the merger of two or more banks;
 
·  
the acquisition of all or a substantial portion of a banks’ assets and liabilities by another bank;
 
·  
the control by the same person, or controlling group, of two or more banks; or
 
·  
a substantial increase in the existing control of a bank by a controlling shareholder of that bank.
 
This prior authorization is only required when the acquiring bank or the resulting group of banks would own a significant market share in loans, defined by the Superintendency of Banks to be more than 15.0% of all loans in the Chilean banking system. The intended purchase, merger or expansion may be denied by the Superintendency of Banks; or, if the acquiring bank or resulting group would own a market share in loans determined to be more than 20.0% of all loans in the Chilean banking system, the purchase, merger, or expansion may be conditioned on one or more of the following:
 
·  
the bank or banks maintaining regulatory capital higher than 8.0% and up to 14.0% of risk-weighted assets;
 
 
 
 
·  
the technical reserve established in Article 65 of the General Banking Law being applicable when deposits exceed one and a half times the resulting bank’s paid-in capital and reserves; or
 
·  
the margin for interbank loans be reduced to 20.0% of the resulting bank’s regulatory capital.
 
If the acquiring bank or resulting group would own a market share in loans determined by the Superintendency of Banks to be more than 15% but less than 20%, the authorization will be conditioned on the bank or banks maintaining a regulatory capital not lower than 10% of their risks weighted assets for the period specified by the Superintendency of Banks, which may not be less than one year. The calculation of the risk weighted assets is based on a five category risk classification system applied to a bank’s assets that is based on the Basel Committee recommendations.
 
According to the General Banking Law, a bank may not grant loans to related parties on terms more favorable than those generally offered to non-related parties. Article 84 No. 2 of the General Banking Law and the regulations issued by the Superintendency of Banks creates the presumption that natural persons who are holders of shares and who beneficially own more than 1.0% of the shares are related to the bank and imposes certain restrictions on the amounts and terms of loans made by banks to related parties. This presumption would also apply to beneficial owners of ADSs representing more than 1.0% of the shares. Finally, according to the regulations of the Superintendency of Banks, Chilean banks that issue ADSs are required to inform the Superintendency of Banks if any person, directly or indirectly, acquires ADSs representing 5.0% or more of the total amount of shares of capital stock issued by such bank.
 
Article 16bis of the General Banking Law provides that the individuals or legal entities that, individually or with other people, directly control a bank and who individually own more than 10.0% of its shares must send to the Superintendency of Banks reliable information on their financial situation in the form and in the opportunity set forth in Resolution No. 3,156 of the Superintendency of Banks.
 
Preemptive Rights and Increases of Share Capital
 
The Chilean Corporations Law provides that whenever a Chilean company issues new shares for cash, it must offer its existing shareholders the right to purchase a number of shares sufficient to maintain their existing ownership percentages in the company. Pursuant to this requirement, preemptive rights in connection with any future issue of shares will be offered by us to the Depositary as the registered owner of the shares underlying the ADSs. However, the Depositary will not be able to make such preemptive rights available to holders of ADSs unless a registration statement under the Securities Act is effective with respect to the underlying shares or an exemption from the registration requirements thereunder is available.
 
We intend to evaluate, at the time of any preemptive rights offering, the practicality under Chilean law and Central Bank regulations in effect at the time of making such rights available to our ADS holders, as well as the costs and potential liabilities associated with registration of such rights and the related shares of common stock under the Securities Act, and the indirect benefits to us of thereby enabling the exercise by all or certain holders of ADSs of their preemptive rights and any other factors we consider appropriate at the time, and then to make a decision as to whether to file such registration statement. We cannot assure you that any registration statement would be filed. If we do not file a registration statement and no exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act is available, the Depositary will sell such holders’ preemptive rights and distribute the proceeds thereof if a premium can be recognized over the cost of such sale. In the event that the Depositary is not able, or determines that it is not feasible, to sell such rights at a premium over the cost of any such sale, all or certain holders of ADSs may receive no value for such rights. Non-U.S. holders of ADSs may be able to exercise their preemptive rights regardless of whether a registration statement is filed. The inability of all or certain holders of ADSs to exercise preemptive rights in respect of shares of common stock underlying such ADSs could result in such holders not maintaining their percentage ownership of the common stock following such preemptive rights offering unless such holder made additional market purchases of ADSs or shares of common stock.
 
Under Chilean law, preemptive rights are exercisable or freely transferable by shareholders during a period that cannot be less than 30 days following the grant of such rights. During such period, and for an additional 30-day period thereafter, a Chilean corporation is not permitted to offer any unsubscribed shares for sale to third parties on terms which are more favorable than those offered to its shareholders. At the end of such additional 30-day period, a Chilean open stock corporation is authorized to sell unsubscribed shares to third parties on any terms, provided they
 
 
 
 
are sold on a Chilean stock exchange. Unsubscribed shares that are not sold on a Chilean stock exchange can be sold to third parties only on terms no more favorable for the purchaser than those offered to shareholders.
 
Description of American Depositary Shares
 
This section summarizes all of the material provisions of the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2002, among Banco Santander-Chile (formerly known as Banco Santiago), the Depositary, and the holders of ADRs from time to time pursuant to which the American Depositary Receipts (which we refer to as ADRs) were issued. We refer to this agreement as the “deposit agreement.” We do not, however, describe every aspect of the deposit agreement. You should read the deposit agreement for a more detailed description of the terms of the ADRs. Additional copies of the deposit agreement are available for inspection at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary, which is presently located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286.
 
American Depositary Receipts
 
The Depositary will issue ADRs evidencing American Depositary Shares (which we refer to as ADSs) pursuant to the deposit agreement. Each ADS will represent 1,039 shares of our common stock deposited with us, as custodian. An ADR may represent any number of ADSs. Only persons in whose names ADRs are registered on the books of the Depositary will be treated by the Depositary and us as holders of ADRs.
 
Pursuant to the terms of the deposit agreement, holders, owners and beneficial owners of ADRs will be subject to any applicable disclosure requirements regarding acquisition and ownership of shares of common stock or ADSs representing shares of our common stock as are applicable pursuant to the terms of our estatutos or Chilean laws, as each may be amended from time to time. See “Item 10: B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Ownership Restrictions” for a description of the disclosure requirements applicable to shares of common stock and the consequences of noncompliance. The Depositary has agreed, subject to the terms and conditions of the deposit agreement, to comply with our instructions as to such requirements.
 
Deposit and Withdrawal of Common Stock
 
Upon written order of the depositor, the Depositary will execute and deliver to the persons specified in the written order, an ADR or ADRs registered in the name of such person or persons for the number of ADSs issuable in respect of such deposit, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement and upon the:
 
·  
deposit with the custodian of the required number of shares of common stock accompanied by any appropriate instrument of transfer or endorsement in the form satisfactory to the custodian;
 
·  
delivery of such certifications and payments as may be required by the custodian or the Depositary;
 
·  
payment of the required fees, charges and taxes; and
 
·  
if required by the Depositary and as applicable, the delivery to the Depositary of an agreement or instrument providing full transfer to the custodian or its nominee of any dividend or right to subscribe shares or to receive other property or the proxy or proxies entitling the custodian to vote on the shares.
 
The execution and delivery of the ADRs will take place at any of the Depositary’s designated transfer offices.
 
The Depositary will not accept for deposit any shares of common stock unless it receives evidence of necessary regulatory approvals, if any.
 
The Depositary may issue ADRs against rights to receive shares from us, any of our agents or a central clearing agency approved in writing by us. The Depositary may issue ADRs against other rights to receive shares only if:
 
·  
such other rights are fully collateralized (marked to market daily) with cash or U.S. government securities until such shares of common stock are deposited;
 
·  
each applicant for such ADRs represents in writing that it owns such shares, has assigned all beneficial right, title and interest in such shares to the Depositary and will hold such shares for the account of the Depositary until delivery of the shares following the Depositary’s request;
 
 
 
 
·  
such transaction may be terminated by the Depositary on no more than five business days’ notice; and
 
·  
all ADRs issued against rights to receive shares represent no more than 20.0% of the shares actually deposited. The Depositary may retain any compensation received by it in connection with these transactions, including without limitation, earnings on such collateral.
 
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the deposit agreement or the ADR to the contrary, holders of ADRs are entitled to withdraw the deposited shares at any time, subject only to:
 
·  
temporary delays caused by closing the transfer books of the Depositary or us;
 
·  
temporary delays caused by the deposit of shares of common stock in connection with voting at a shareholders’ meeting or the payment of dividends;
 
·  
the payment of fees, taxes and similar charges; and
 
·  
compliance with any U.S. or foreign laws or governmental regulations relating to the ADRs or to the withdrawal of the deposited shares.
 
ADR holders are entitled to receive from the custodian’s office in Chile, after they surrender ADRs at the Depositary’s office and pay any fees, governmental charges and taxes provided in the deposit agreement:
 
·  
the deposited shares;
 
·  
any other property that the surrendered ADRs evidence the right to receive; and
 
·  
a certificate from the custodian stating that the applicable deposited shares are being transferred to the person or persons specified by the surrendering holder and that the Depositary waives in favor of such person the right of access to the formal exchange market relating to such withdrawn shares.
 
At its discretion, the Depositary may deliver the property that the ADR holders surrendering ADRs have the right to receive (other than the certificates representing the shares) at its office. At the request, risk and expense of the ADR holder surrendering ADRs, deposited shares and other proper documents of title may be forwarded from our office in Chile to the Depositary’s office for delivery to the surrendering holders. In the event the Depositary determines that there is a reasonable possibility that a tax would be imposed upon the withdrawal of shares in exchange for surrendered ADRs, it may require that the withdrawing investor provide satisfactory security to it in an amount sufficient to cover the estimated amount of the tax.
 
Dividends, Other Distributions and Rights
 
The Depositary is required to convert promptly into dollars and transfer to the United States all cash dividends and other cash distributions denominated in Chilean pesos (or any other currency other than dollars) that it receives in respect of the deposited shares, to the extent that it can do so on a reasonable basis and subject to Chilean law and the Foreign Investment Contract. The Depositary is also required to distribute the amount received in dollars to the holders of ADRs upon an averaged or other practicable basis without regard to any distinctions among holders on account of exchange restrictions or the date of delivery of any ADR or ADRs or otherwise. The amount distributed by the Depositary will be reduced by any amounts to be withheld by us, the Depositary or by us acting as custodian, including amounts on account of any applicable taxes and certain other expenses. For further information regarding applicable taxes, see “Item 10: E. Taxation.”
 
If the Depositary determines that in its judgment any currency other than dollars received by it cannot be converted on a reasonable basis and transferred, or if the Foreign Investment Contract shall cease to be in effect or the rights of the Depositary thereunder shall be restricted or suspended, the Depositary, may after consultation with us, distribute such foreign currency received by it or hold such foreign currency (without liability for interest) for the respective accounts of the ADR holders entitled to receive the same.
 
If we declare a dividend in or free distribution of additional shares, the Depositary may (with our approval) and shall (if we so request), distribute to the ADR holders (in proportion to the number of ADSs evidenced by their respective ADRs) additional ADRs evidencing an aggregate number of ADSs that represents the number of shares
 
 
 
 
of common stock received in such dividend or free distribution. Instead of delivering ADRs of fractional ADSs, the Depositary will sell the amount of shares represented by the aggregate of such fractions and will distribute the net proceeds to holders of ADRs in accordance with the deposit agreement. If additional ADRs (other than ADRs for fractional ADSs) are not so distributed, each ADS shall thereafter also represent the additional shares distributed.
 
If we offer (or cause to be offered) to the holders of shares any rights to subscribe for additional shares of common stock or any rights of any other nature, the Depositary shall, after consultation with us, have discretion:
 
·  
as to the procedure followed to make such rights available to ADR holders;
 
·  
in disposing of such rights for the benefit of such owners and making the net proceeds available in dollars to holders; or
 
·  
if the Depositary may not make such rights available or dispose of such rights and make the proceeds available, allowing the rights to lapse unexercised (without incurring liability to any person as a consequence thereof);
 
provided that the Depositary will, at our request, either:
 
·  
if it determines that it is lawful and feasible to do so, make such rights available to ADR holders by means of warrants or employ such other method as it may deem feasible in order to facilitate the exercise, sale or transfer of rights by such holder; or
 
·  
sell such rights or warrants or other instruments at public or private sale, at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem proper, and allocate the net proceeds of such sales for the account of the owners of ADRs otherwise entitled upon an averaged or other practicable basis without regard to any distinctions among holders on account of exchange restrictions or the date of delivery of an ADR or ADRs or otherwise.
 
Conversion of such net proceeds from pesos to dollars is subject to the terms and conditions of the Foreign Investment Contract, including presentation to the Central Bank of a request for access to the Formal Exchange Market.
 
In this regard, we may, in our sole discretion, decide not to register the securities to which such rights relate under the Securities Act where such registration may be required in connection with the offer or sale of such securities. In this case, ADR holders would not be permitted to purchase such securities or otherwise exercise such rights and the Depositary would, to the extent possible, dispose of such rights for the account of such holders as provided above. Such a disposal or rights may reduce the equity interest that ADR holders have in us.
 
If the Depositary determines that any distribution of property other than cash (including shares of common stock or rights to subscribe therefor) is subject to any tax or governmental charge that it is obligated to withhold, the Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of such property in such amounts and in such manner as it deems necessary and practicable to pay such taxes or governmental charges. The Depositary will distribute the net proceeds of any such sale or the balance of any such property after deduction of such taxes or governmental charges to the ADR holders.
 
Upon any split, consolidation, cancellation or any other reclassification of shares of common stock, or upon any recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale of assets affecting us, or to which we are a party, any securities that shall be received by the Depositary or the custodian in respect of shares shall be treated as newly deposited shares under the deposit agreement, and ADSs shall from then on represent the right to receive the securities so received, except when (1) additional ADRs (as in the case of a stock dividend), or (2) the Depositary calls for the surrender of outstanding ADRs to be exchanged for new ADRs.
 
Record Dates
 
Whenever any distribution is being made upon deposited shares of common stock, or whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of any meeting of holders of shares or whenever the Depositary shall find it necessary or convenient in connection with the giving of any notice, solicitation or any consent or any other matter, the Depositary will fix, by notice to ADR holders and to us, a record date (which, to the extent practicable, shall be the
 
 
 
 
same as the corresponding record date set by us or otherwise shall be the earliest practicable day thereafter) for the determination of the ADR holders who are entitled to receive such dividend, distribution or rights, or net proceeds of the sale thereof, to exercise the rights of ADR holders with respect to such changed number of shares, or to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights, if any, at any such meeting, subject to the provisions of the deposit agreement.
 
Voting of the Underlying Deposited Securities
 
When the Depositary receives any notice of a meeting of holders of common stock, it will mail to all ADR holders a notice containing:
 
·  
the information included in such notice received by it;
 
·  
a statement that each holder as of a specified record date will be entitled, subject to Chilean law and the provisions of or governing the deposited shares, to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights, if any, pertaining to the deposited shares represented by ADSs evidenced by such holder’s ADRs; and
 
·  
a statement as to the manner in which each such holder of ADRs may instruct the Depositary to exercise any right to vote held by such holder.
 
See “Item 10: B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Meetings and Voting Rights.” The holders of ADRs at the close of business on the date specified by the Depositary are entitled, subject to any applicable provisions of Chilean law, our by-laws or the shares, to instruct the Depositary how to exercise the voting rights, if any, pertaining to the shares represented by their ADSs. The Depositary will endeavor, insofar as practicable and permitted under Chilean law and the shares, to vote the shares so represented in accordance with any such written instructions of holders of ADRs. The Depositary may not itself exercise any voting discretion over any shares. If the Depositary does not receive instructions from a holder of ADRs, the Depositary shall deem such holder to have instructed it to give discretionary proxy to a person designated by us to vote the underlying shares.
 
Reports and Notices
 
The Depositary will mail ADR holders any reports and communications received from us that are made generally available to holders of shares of common stock. The Depositary will also send to ADR holders copies or summaries of such reports when furnished by us.
 
On or before the first date notice is given by us, by publication or otherwise, of any meeting or adjournment of a meeting of shareholders or of the taking of any action by shareholders other than at a meeting, or the making of any distribution on or offering of rights in respect of the deposited shares, we will send the Depositary a copy of the notice in the form given or to be given to holders of shares. The Depositary will arrange for the mailing to all ADR holders of a notice containing the information (or a summary of the information) contained in any notice of a meeting of holders of shares it receives.
 
Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement
 
The form of the ADRs and the deposit agreement may at any time be amended by an agreement between us and the Depositary. Any amendment that imposes or increases any fees or charges (other than the fees of the Depositary for the execution and delivery or the cancellation of ADRs and taxes and other governmental charges), or that otherwise prejudices any substantial existing right of ADR holders, will not take effect as to outstanding ADRs until the expiration of 30 days after notice of such amendment has been given to the holders of outstanding ADRs. Every holder of an ADR at the time such amendment becomes effective will be deemed, by continuing to hold such ADR, to consent and agree to such amendment and to be bound by the deposit agreement as amended. Except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law, in no event may any amendment impair the right of any ADR holder to surrender his ADR and receive therefor the shares and other property represented by it.
 
Whenever so directed by us, the Depositary will terminate the deposit agreement by mailing notice of such termination to the holders of all ADRs at least 30 days prior to the date fixed in such notice for termination. The Depositary may likewise terminate the deposit agreement at any time 90 days after it has delivered to us a notice of
 
 
 
 
its election to resign, provided that a successor Depositary shall not have been appointed and accepted its appointment as provided in the deposit agreement.
 
If any ADRs remain outstanding after the date of termination, the Depositary will:
 
·  
discontinue the registration of transfer of ADRs;
 
·  
suspend the distribution of dividends to the holders thereof; and
 
·  
not give any further notices or perform any further acts under the deposit agreement, except
 
·  
the collection of dividends and other distributions pertaining to the shares of common stock and any other property represented by such ADRs;
 
·  
the sale of rights as provided in the deposit agreement; and
 
·  
the delivery of shares, together with any dividends or other distributions received with respect thereto and the net proceeds of the sale of any rights or other property, in exchange for surrendered ADRs.
 
As soon as practicable after the one year anniversary of any date of termination, the Depositary shall sell the shares and any other property represented by any ADRs that have not been surrendered and hold the net proceeds in a segregated account, together with any other cash then held, without liability for interest, in trust for the pro rata benefit of ADR holders that have not surrendered their ADRs. After making such sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from all obligations to us, except for certain indemnification and accounting obligations. Upon termination of the deposit agreement, we will also be discharged from all obligations thereunder, except for certain obligations to the Depositary.
 
Charges of Depositary
 
The Depositary will charge anyone to whom ADRs are delivered and anyone who surrenders ADRs $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) so issued or surrendered.
 
We will pay certain other charges of the Depositary under the deposit agreement, except for:
 
·  
taxes and other governmental charges (which are payable by ADR holders and persons depositing shares);
 
·  
any applicable share transfer or registration fees on deposit or withdrawal of shares (which are also payable by such holders and persons);
 
·  
any applicable fees in connection with the execution, delivery, transfer or surrender of, or distributions on, ADRs (which are also payable by such holders and persons);
 
·  
such cable, telex, facsimile transmission and delivery charges and such expenses as are expressly provided to be at the expense of such holders and persons; and
 
·  
expenses that are paid or incurred by the Depositary in connection with the conversion into dollars, pursuant to the deposit agreement, or any other currency received by the Depositary in respect of the shares held on deposit (which are reimbursable to the Depositary out of such dollars).
 
Liability of Holders for Taxes or Other Charges
 
Any tax or other governmental charge or expense (including, without limitation, any Chilean tax on a gain realized or deemed to be realized, upon the withdrawal or sale of shares of common stock or other property held by the custodian or depository in respect of such shares) payable by the custodian, the Depositary or its nominee as the registered holder of any deposited shares represented by ADSs evidenced by any ADR shall be payable by the holder of such ADR to the Depositary. The Depositary may refuse to effect registration of transfer and withdrawal of shares underlying such ADR until such payment is made, and may withhold any dividends or other distributions or may sell for the account of the holder thereof any part or all of the deposited shares underlying such ADR and
 
 
 
 
may apply such dividends or distributions or the proceeds of any such sale in payment of any such tax or other governmental charge or expense, the holder of such ADR remaining liable for any deficiency.
 
Transfer of American Depositary Receipts
 
The ADRs are transferable on the books of the Depositary, provided that the Depositary may close the transfer books, at any time and from time to time, when deemed expedient by it in connection with the performance of its duties or at our request. The Depositary or the custodian may require payment from the person presenting an ADR or the depositor of the shares of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any tax or other governmental charge, and any stock transfer or registration fee with respect thereto and payment of any applicable fees payable by the holders of ADRs as a condition to the execution and delivery, registration of transfer, split-up, combination or surrender of any ADR or transfer and withdrawal of shares of common stock.
 
The Depositary may refuse to deliver ADRs, register the transfer of any ADR or make any distribution of, or related to, shares until it has received such proof of citizenship, residence, exchange control approval, payment of all applicable Chilean taxes or other governmental charges, legal or beneficial ownership or other information as it may deem necessary or proper or as we may require by written request to the Depositary. The execution and delivery or transfer of ADRs generally may be suspended during any period when our transfer books or the transfer books of the Depositary are closed or if deemed necessary or advisable by us or the Depositary. ADR holders may inspect the transfer books of the Depositary at any reasonable time, provided that such inspection shall not be for the purpose of communicating with other holders of the ADRs in the interest of a business or object other than our business or a matter related to the deposit agreement or the ADRs.
 
General
 
Neither we nor the Depositary will be liable to the holders of ADRs if prevented or delayed in performing their obligations under the deposit agreement by any present or future law, regulation, decree, order or other action of the United States, Chile or any other country, or of any other governmental authority (including any action that may constitute a breach by the Central Bank of its obligation under the Foreign Investment Contract), or by reason of any provision, present or future, of the Foreign Investment Contract, or by reason of any act of God, war or circumstances beyond their control or in the case of the Depositary, any provision of our by-laws or of the securities deposited. Our obligations and those of the Depositary are expressly limited to performing their respective duties specified therein without negligence or bad faith.
 
So long as any ADRs or ADSs are listed on one or more stock exchanges, the Depositary will act as registrar or, with our approval, appoint a registrar or one or more co-registrars, for registration of such ADRs in accordance with any requirements of such exchanges. Such registrars or co-registrars shall, upon our request, and may, with our approval, be removed and a substitute or substitutes appointed by the Depositary. The Depositary will periodically furnish the Chilean Superintendency of Banks with the list of the registered holders of ADRs and a list of all beneficial owners who do not object to the disclosure of this information.
 
ADS holders are subject to certain provisions of the rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act, and to the regulations of the Chilean Superintendency of Banks relating to the disclosure of interests in the shares of common stock. Any ADS holder who has or comes to have a directly or indirectly, an interest of 5.0% (or such other percentage as may be prescribed by law or regulation) or more of our outstanding shares must:
 
·  
under the Exchange Act, within 10 days after acquiring such interest and thereafter upon certain changes in such interests, notify us as required by such rules and regulations; and
 
·  
under regulations of the Chilean Superintendency of Banks, within 15 days after acquiring such interest, send to us a notarized declaration as to the number of shares and ADSs beneficially owned by it and commit to report to us any subsequent acquisitions of shares or ADSs.
 
In addition, ADR holders are subject to the reporting requirements contained in Articles 12 and 54 and Titles XV and XXV of the Chilean Securities Market Law and Article 16bis of the General Banking Law and the ownership limitations of Articles 35bis and 36 of the General Banking Law (which provisions may apply when a holder beneficially owns or intends to purchase 10.0% or more of our shares or has the intention of taking control of us).
 
 
 
 
ADS holders who beneficially own more than 1.0% of the shares of common stock are also subject to the presumption created by Article 84 No. 2 of the General Banking Law that such owners are related parties to the Bank, and are thus subject to certain restrictions on the amounts and terms of loans made by banks to related parties.
 
Valuation of Underlying Shares for Chilean Law Purposes
 
For all purposes of valuation under Chilean law, the acquisition value of the shares of common stock delivered to any holder upon surrender of ADRs shall be the highest reported sale price of the shares on the Santiago Stock Exchange on the day during which the transfer of the shares is recorded under the name of such holder. In the event that no such sale price is reported by the Santiago Stock Exchange during that day, the value shall be deemed to be the highest trade price on the day during which the last trade took place. However, if 30 or more days have elapsed since the last trade, such value shall be adjusted in accordance with the variation of the Chilean consumer price index during the period since such last trade date.
 
C.           Material Contracts
 
On December 3, 2007, we entered into a long-term contract with Produban for the operation of certain of our systems, providing us with information data processing, technology services and hardware infrastructure to run our core transactional systems. This contract also includes an improvement in transactional capacities,  services and back-up requirement compared to previous services. We agreed to pay Produban approximately €55 million (US$85 million) in the next 5 years. This contract replaced the one we had established with IBM that cost the Bank US$23 million in 2007. Produban is based in Madrid, Spain.
 
In August 2005, the Bank entered into a contract with the Sociedad Operadora de la Cámara de Compensación de Pagos de alto Valor S.A. (ComBanc) in order to participate in the “Servicio Cámara de Compensación de Pagos de Alto Valor”, which is an electronic clearing system for transactions for large movements between demand deposit accounts. The Bank must pay fixed and variable fees for participating in this system. The fixed fee was UF243 (Ch$4.8 million or US$9,617). The variable fee depends on the Bank’s market share in demand deposits and was UF1,339 (Ch$26.3 million or US$52,993) at December 31, 2007.
 
On January 23, 2007, the Bank agreed to pledge its shares in Administrador Financiero de Transantiago (AFT) in favor of the service providers of Santiago’s new public transportation system, TransSantiago. AFT is the company in charge of administering the finances of the new transportation system, TransSantiago, and all shareholders in AFT had to pledge their shares to the service providers. This pledge was approved by shareholders at a special Shareholders’ Meeting held on April 24, 2007. The book value of the Bank’s investment in AFT was Ch$820.6 million (US$1.7 million) at December 31, 2007.
 
D.           Exchange Controls
 
The Central Bank is responsible for, among other things, monetary policies and exchange controls in Chile. Appropriate registration of a foreign investment in Chile grants the investor access to the Formal Exchange Market. See “Item 3: A. Selected Financial Data—Exchange Rates.” Foreign investments can be registered with the Foreign Investment Committee under Decree Law No. 600 or can be registered with the Central Bank under the Central Bank Act. The Central Bank Act is an organic constitutional law requiring a “special majority” vote of the Chilean Congress to be amended. Since April 18, 2001, all exchange controls in Chile have been eliminated.
 
Previously, Chilean law mandated that holders of shares of Chilean companies that were not residents of Chile register as foreign investors under one of the foreign investment regimes contemplated by Chilean law in order to receive dividends, sale proceeds or other amounts with respect to their shares remitted outside Chile through the Formal Exchange Market. Under the Foreign Investment Contract (as defined herein), the Depositary, on behalf of ADS holders, is granted access to the Formal Exchange Market to convert cash dividends from Chilean pesos to U.S. dollars and to pay such U.S. dollars to ADS holders outside Chile, net of taxes, and no separate registration by ADR holders is required. As of April 19, 2001, the Central Bank deregulated the Exchange Market, eliminating the need to obtain approval from the Central Bank in order to remit dividends, but at the same time eliminating the possibility of guaranteeing access to the Formal Exchange Market. It is important to point out that this does not affect the current Foreign Investment Contract, which was signed prior to April 19, 2001, and still permits access to the Formal Exchange Market based on the prior approval of the Central Bank. Therefore the holders of ADRs of Santander-Chile are still subject to the Foreign Investment Contract, including its clauses referring to the prior exchange rules including the now extinct Chapter XXVI of the Compedium.
 
 
 
 
E.           Taxation
 
The following discussion summarizes certain material Chilean tax and United States federal income tax consequences to beneficial owners arising from the ownership and disposition of the ADSs. The summary does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all potential Chilean tax and United States federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to a decision to purchase, own or dispose of the ADSs and is not intended as tax advice to any particular investor. This summary does not describe any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, locality or other taxing jurisdiction other than Chile and the United States. There is currently no income tax treaty between the United States and Chile.
 
Material Tax Consequences of Owning Shares of Our Common Stock or ADSs
 
Chilean Taxation
 
The following is a summary of certain Chilean tax consequences of the ownership of shares of Santander-Chile’s common stock or of ADSs evidenced by ADRs by Foreign Holders (as defined herein). The summary does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to a decision to purchase, own or dispose of shares or ADSs and does not purport to deal with the tax consequences applicable to all categories of investors, some of whom may be subject to special rules. Holders of shares or ADSs are advised to consult their own tax advisors concerning the Chilean and other tax consequences of the ownership of shares or of ADSs evidenced by ADRs.
 
The description of Chilean tax laws set forth below is based on Chilean laws in force as of the date of this Annual Report and is subject to any changes in such laws occurring after the date of this Annual Report. These changes can be made on a retroactive basis.
 
For purposes of this summary, the term “Foreign Holder” means either (1) in the case of an individual, a person who is not resident or domiciled in Chile (for purposes of Chilean taxation, (a) an individual holder is resident in Chile if he or she has resided in Chile for more than six months in one calendar year, or a total of more than six months in two consecutive fiscal years and (b) an individual is domiciled in Chile if he or she resides in Chile with the actual or presumptive intent of staying in Chile); or (2) in the case of a legal entity, a legal entity that is not domiciled in Chile, unless the shares of Santander-Chile’s common stock or ADSs are assigned to a branch or a permanent establishment of such entity in Chile.
 
Taxation of Dividends
 
Cash dividends paid by Santander-Chile with respect to shares of its common stock held by a Foreign Holder, including shares represented by ADSs, will be subject to a 35% Chilean withholding tax, which is withheld and paid over by Santander-Chile (the “Withholding Tax”). If Santander-Chile has paid corporate income tax (the “First Category Tax”) on the income from which the dividend is paid, a credit for the First Category Tax effectively reduces the rate of Withholding Tax. When a credit is available, the Withholding Tax is computed by applying the 35% rate to the pre-tax amount needed to fund the dividend and then subtracting from the tentative withholding tax so determined the amount of First Category Tax actually paid on the pre-tax income. For purposes of determining the rate at which First Category Tax was paid, dividends are treated as paid from Santander-Chile’s oldest retained earnings.
 
The effective rate of Withholding Tax to be imposed on dividends paid by Santander-Chile will vary depending upon the amount of First Category Tax paid by Santander-Chile on the earnings underlying the dividends. The effective rate for the First Category Tax attributed to earnings generated during the fiscal year 2004 and onwards is 17.0%. Full applicability of the First Category Tax credit at the 17.0% rate results in an effective Withholding Tax rate of 2l.7 %. Consequently, the Withholding Tax rate with respect to dividends fluctuates between 21.7% and 35.0%, depending on whether or not we are subject to the First Category Tax.
 
The example below illustrates the effective Chilean Withholding Tax burden on a cash dividend received by a Foreign Holder, assuming a Withholding Tax rate of 35%, an effective First Category Tax rate of 17% and a distribution of all of the net proceeds available after payment of the First Category Tax.
 

 
 
Taxable income
US$ 100
First Category Tax (17% of US$100)
(17)
Net proceeds available
83
Dividend payment
83
Withholding Tax (35% of the sum of the dividend (US$83) and the available First Category Tax credit (US$17)
(35)
First Category Tax credit
17
Payable Withholding Tax
(18)
Net dividend received
65 (83-18)
Effective dividend withholding tax rate
21.7% (18/83)

 
Dividend distributions made in kind would be subject to the same Chilean tax rules as cash dividends. Stock dividends are not subject to Chilean taxation. The distributions of preemptive rights relating to shares of common stock will not be subject to Chilean taxation.
 
Taxation of Capital Gains
 
Gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition by a Foreign Holder of ADSs (or ADRs evidencing ADSs) will not be subject to Chilean taxation, provided that such disposition occurs outside Chile or that it is performed under the rules of Title XXIV of the Chilean Securities Market Law, as amended by Law No. 19,601, dated January 18, 1999. The deposit and withdrawal of shares of common stock in exchange for ADRs will not be subject to any Chilean taxes.
 
Gain recognized on a sale or exchange of shares of common stock (as distinguished from sales or exchanges of ADSs representing such shares of common stock) by a Foreign Holder will be subject to both an income tax on capital gains, which is assessed at the same rate as the First Category Tax (currently imposed at a rate of 17%)  and the Chilean withholding tax (the former being creditable against the latter) if (1) the Foreign Holder has held such shares of common stock for less than one year since exchanging ADSs for the shares of common stock, (2) the Foreign Holder acquired and disposed of the shares of common stock in the ordinary course of its business or as a regular trader of stock or (3) the sale is made to a company in which the Foreign Holder holds an interest. In certain other cases, gain on the disposition of shares of common stock will be subject only to the tax on capital gains (currently imposed at a rate of 17%). The sale of shares of common stock by a Foreign Holder to an individual or entity resident or domiciled in Chile is subject to a provisional withholding. Such a provisional withholding will be equal to (i) 5% of the amount, without any deduction, paid to, credited to, account for, put at the disposal of, or corresponding to, the Foreign Holder if the transaction is subject to the First Category Tax as sole tax, unless the gain subject to taxation can be determined, case in which the withholding is equal to 17% on the gain, or (ii) 20% of the amount, without any deduction, paid to, credited to, account for, put at the disposal of, or corresponding to, the Foreign Holder if the transaction is subject to the First Category Tax and the Chilean withholding tax, with a credit of the First Category Tax already paid. For income tax purposes, the capital gain shall be the difference between the sales price and the acquisition cost of the stock. The tax basis of shares of common stock received in exchange for ADSs will be the acquisition value of such shares. The valuation procedure set forth in the deposit agreement, which values shares of common stock that are being exchanged at the highest price at which they trade on the Santiago Stock Exchange on the date of the exchange, generally will determine the acquisition value for this purpose. Consequently, the conversion of ADSs into shares of common stock and sale of such shares of common stock for the value established under the deposit agreement will not generate a capital gain subject to taxation in Chile.
 
In the case where the sale of the shares is made on a day that is different than the date on which the exchange is recorded, capital gains subject to taxation in Chile may be generated. On October 1, 1999, the Chilean Internal Revenue Service issued Ruling No. 3708 whereby it allowed Chilean issuers of ADSs to amend the deposit agreements to which they are parties in order to include a clause that states that, in the case that the exchanged shares are sold by the ADSs’ holder in a Chilean Stock Exchange, either on the same day in which the exchange is recorded in the shareholders’ registry of the issuer or within the two prior business days to such date, the acquisition price of such exchanged shares shall be the price registered in the invoice issued by the stock broker that participated in the sale transaction. Consequently, because we have included this clause in the form of ADRs attached to the
 
 
 
 
deposit agreement, the capital gain that may be generated if the shares received in exchange for ADSs were sold within two days prior to the date on which the exchange is recorded will not be subject to taxation.
 
The distribution and exercise of preemptive rights relating to the shares of common stock will not be subject to Chilean taxation. Cash amounts received in exchange for the shares or assignment of preemptive rights relating to the shares will be subject to both the First Category Tax and the Chilean withholding tax (the former being creditable against the latter to the extent described above).
 
In certain cases and provided certain requirements are met, capital gains realized on the sale of actively traded stock of Chilean public companies may be exempt from Chilean income taxes. Our stock is currently considered an actively traded stock in the Santiago Stock Exchange, and Foreign Holders of the stock may qualify for an income tax exemption. Foreign Holders are urged to consult with their own tax advisors to determine whether an exemption applies to them.
 
Other Chilean Taxes
 
No Chilean inheritance, gift or succession taxes apply to the transfer or disposition of the ADSs by a Foreign Holder, but such taxes generally will apply to the transfer at death or by gift of shares of Santander-Chile’s common stock by a Foreign Holder. No Chilean stamp, issue, registration or similar taxes or duties apply to Foreign Holders of shares or ADSs.
 
Withholding Tax Certificates
 
Upon request, Santander-Chile will provide to foreign holders appropriate documentation evidencing the payment of Chilean withholding taxes. For further information, the investor should contact:  Robert Moreno, rmorenoh@santander.cl.
 
Dividends payable to holders of ADSs are net of foreign currency conversion expenses of the Depositary and will be subject to the Chilean withholding tax currently at the rate of 35% (subject to credits in certain cases as described above). Owners of the ADSs will not be charged any dividend remittance fees by the Depositary with respect to cash or stock dividends.
 
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
 
The following is a discussion of material U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of shares or ADSs to U.S. holder described below, but it does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular person’s decision to acquire such securities. The discussion applies only if you hold shares or ADSs as capital assets for tax purposes and it does not address special classes of holders, such as:
 
·  
certain financial institutions;
 
·  
insurance companies;
 
·  
dealers and traders in securities or foreign currencies;
 
·  
persons holding shares or ADSs as part of a hedge, “straddle,” conversion transaction, or integrated transaction;
 
·  
persons whose functional currency for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar;
 
·  
partnerships or other entities classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
 
·  
persons liable for the alternative minimum tax;
 
·  
tax-exempt organizations;
 
·  
persons holding shares or ADSs that own or are deemed to own ten percent or more of our voting stock; or
 
 
 
 
·  
persons who acquired our ADSs or shares pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock option plan or otherwise as compensation.
 
This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), administrative pronouncements, judicial decision and final, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations, all as of the date hereof. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. It is also based in part on representations by the Depositary and assumes that each obligation under the Deposit Agreement and any related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms. Please consult your own tax advisers concerning the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of shares or ADSs in your particular circumstances.
 
If an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds shares of ADSs, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. Partnership holding shares of ADSs and partners in such partnerships should consult their tax advisers as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of the shares or ADSs.
 
As used herein, a “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of shares or ADSs that is for U.S. federal tax purposes:
 
·  
a citizen or resident of the United States;
 
·  
a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof; or
 
·  
an estate or trust the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source.
 
In general, if you own ADSs, you will be treated as the owner of the underlying shares represented by those ADSs for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, no gain or loss will be recognized if you exchange ADSs for the underlying shares represented by those ADSs.
 
The U.S. Treasury has expressed concerns that parties to whom ADRs are released prior to delivery of shares to the Depositary (“pre-release”) or intermediaries in the chain of ownership between U.S. holders of ADRs may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits for holders of ADRs. Such actions would also be inconsistent with the claiming of the reduced rate of tax, described below, applicable to dividends received by certain non-corporate holders. Accordingly, the analysis of the creditability of Chilean taxes and the availability of the reduced rate for dividends received by certain non-corporate holders, each described below, could be affected by future actions that may be taken by such parties or intermediaries.
 
Taxation of Distributions
 
Distributions paid on ADSs or shares, other than certain pro rata distributions of common shares or rights, will be treated as dividends to the extent paid out of current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). Since we do not maintain calculations of our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles, it is expected that distributions generally will be reported to U.S. holders as dividends. Subject to applicable limitations and the discussion above regarding concerns expressed by the U.S. Treasury, under current law, certain dividends paid by “qualified foreign corporations” to certain non-corporate U.S. Holders in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, will be taxable at a maximum rate of 15%. A foreign corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends paid on stock which is readily tradable on a securities market in the United States, such as the NYSE where our ADSs are traded. You should consult your own tax advisers to determine whether the favorable rates may apply to dividends you receive and whether you are subject to any special rules that limit your ability to be taxed at this favorable rate. The amount of the dividend will include any amounts withheld by us or our paying agent in respect of Chilean taxes at the effective rate as described above under “ — Chilean Taxation.” The amount of the dividend will be treated as foreign-source dividend income to you and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to U.S. corporations under the Code.
 
Dividends paid in Chilean pesos will be included in your income in a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date of your (or in the case of ADSs, the Depositary’s) receipt of the dividend, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into
 
 
 
 
U.S. dollars. If the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, you generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. You may have foreign currency gain or loss if you do not convert the amount of such dividend into U.S. dollars on the date of its receipt.
 
Subject to applicable limitations that may vary depending upon your circumstances and the discussion above regarding concerns expressed by the U.S. Treasury, Chilean taxes withheld from cash dividends on shares or ADSs at the withholding tax rate, reduced in respect of any First Category Tax, as described above under “ —Chilean Taxation,” generally will be creditable against your U.S. federal income tax liability. Instead of claiming a credit, you may, at your election, deduct such Chilean taxes in computing your taxable income, subject to generally applicable limitations under U.S. law. You should consult your own tax advisers to determine whether you are subject to any special rules that limit your ability to make effective use of foreign tax credits.
 
Sale or Other Disposition of Shares or ADSs
 
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, gain or loss you realize on the sale or other disposition of shares or ADSs generally will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if you held the shares or ADSs for more than one year. The amount of your gain or loss will be equal to the difference between your tax basis in the shares or ADSs disposed of and the amount realized on the disposition in each case as determined in U.S. dollars. Such gain or loss will generally be U.S. source gain or loss for foreign tax credit purposes. Consequently, you may not be able to utilize a credit for Chilean withholding taxes imposed on gain from shares or ADSs. You should consult your own tax advisers regarding the availability of foreign tax credits upon the sale or other disposition of your shares or ADSs.
 
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
 
Based on proposed Treasury regulations (“Proposed Regulations”), which are proposed for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1994, we believe that we were not a “Passive Foreign Investment Company” (“PFIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the year ended December 31, 2007. However, since the Proposed Regulations may not be finalized in their current form and since PFIC status depends upon the composition of a company’s income and assets and the market value of its assets (including, among others, less than 25 percent owned equity investments) from time to time, there can be no assurance that we will not be considered a PFIC for any taxable year. If we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which you held an ADS or a share, certain adverse tax consequences could apply to you.
 
If we were a PFIC for any taxable year during which you held shares or ADSs, gain recognized by you on a sale or other disposition (including certain pledges) of a share or an ADS would generally be allocated ratably over your holding period for the share or ADS. The amounts allocated to the taxable year of the sale or other disposition and to any year before we became a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income. The amount allocated to each other taxable year would be subject to tax at the highest rate in effect for individuals or corporations, as appropriate for that taxable year, and an interest charge would be imposed on the amount allocated to that taxable year. Further, any distribution in respect of shares or ADSs that exceeds 125 percent of the average of the annual distributions on shares or ADSs received by you during the preceding three years or your holding period, whichever if shorter, would be subject to taxation as described above. Certain elections may be available (including a mark-to-market election) to you that may help mitigate the adverse tax consequences. In addition, if we were to be treated as a PFIC in a taxable year in which we pay a dividend or the prior taxable year, the 15% dividend rate discussed above with respect to dividends paid to non-corporate shareholders would not apply.
 
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
 
Payment of dividends and sales proceeds that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries generally are subject to information reporting and to backup withholding unless (i) you are a corporation or other exempt recipient or (ii), in the case of backup withholding, you provide a correct taxpayer identification number and certify that you are not subject to backup withholding.
 
The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to you will be allowed as a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle you to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
 
 
 
 
F.           Dividends and Paying Agents
 
Not applicable.
 
G.           Statement by Experts
 
Not applicable.
 
H.           Documents on Display
 
The documents concerning Santander-Chile which are referred to in this Annual Report may be inspected at our offices at Bandera 140 Santiago, Chile. We are, and Santiago and Old Santander-Chile were, subject to the information reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, except that, as a foreign issuer, we are not subject to the proxy rules or the short-swing profit and disclosure rules of the Exchange Act. In accordance with these statutory requirements, we file or furnish reports and other information with the SEC. Reports and other information filed or furnished by us with the SEC may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the SEC’s Regional Office at Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2511. Copies of such material may be obtained by mail from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Section by calling the SEC at 1-800-732-0330. The SEC maintains a World Wide Web site on the Internet at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports and information statements and other information regarding us. The reports and information statements and other information about us can be downloaded from the SEC’s website and can also be inspected and copied at the offices of the NYSE, Inc., 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
 
I.           Subsidiary Information
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Introduction
 
This section describes the market risks that we are exposed to, the tools and methodology used to control these risks, the portfolios over which these market risk methods were applied and quantitative disclosure that demonstrate the level of exposure to market risk that we are assuming. This section also discloses the derivative instruments that we use to hedge exposures and offer to our clients.
 
The principal types of risk inherent in Santander-Chile’s business are market, liquidity, operational and credit risks. The effectiveness with which we are able to manage the balance between risk and reward is a significant factor in our ability to generate long term, stable earnings growth. Toward that end, our senior management places great emphasis on risk management.
 
Market Risk
 
Market risk is the risk of losses due to unexpected changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, inflation rates and other rates or prices. We are exposed to market risk mainly as a result of the following activities:
 
·  
trading in financial instruments, which exposes us to interest rate and foreign exchange rate risk;
 
·  
engaging in banking activities, which subjects us to interest rate risk, since a change in interest rates affected gross interest income, gross interest expense and customer behavior;
 
·  
engaging in banking activities, which exposes us to inflation rate risk, since a change in expected inflation affects gross interest income, gross interest expense and customer behavior;
 
·  
trading in the local equity market, which subjects us to potential losses caused by fluctuations of the stock market; and
 
 
 
 
·  
investing in assets whose returns or accounts are denominated in currencies other than the Chilean peso, which subjects us to foreign exchange risk between the Chilean peso and such other currencies.
 
Market Risk Exposure Categories
 
Inflation
 
Inflation impacts our results of operations. High levels of inflation in Chile could adversely affect the Chilean economy and have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Negative inflation rates also negatively impact our results. In 2007, the inflation rate in Chile was 7.8% compared to 2.6% in 2006 compared 3.7% in 2005. There can be no assurance that Chilean inflation will not change significantly from the current level. Although we currently benefit from moderate levels of inflation in Chile, due to the current structure of our assets and liabilities (i.e., a significant portion of our loans are indexed to the inflation rate, but there are no corresponding features in deposits or other funding sources that would increase the size of our funding base), there can be no assurance that our business, financial condition and result of operations in the future will not be adversely affected by changing levels of inflation.
 
UF-denominated assets and liabilities. Our assets and liabilities are denominated in Chilean pesos, UF and foreign currencies. The UF is revalued in monthly cycles. On each day in the period beginning the tenth day of the current month through the ninth day of the succeeding month, the nominal peso value of the UF is indexed up (or down in the event of deflation) in order to reflect a proportional amount of the change in the Chilean Consumer Price Index during the prior calendar month. One UF equaled to Ch$17,974.81 at December 31, 2005, Ch$ 18,336.38 at December 31, 2006, and Ch$19,622.66 at December 31, 2007. The effect of any changes in the nominal peso value of our UF-denominated assets and liabilities is reflected in our results of operations as an increase (or decrease, in the event of deflation) in interest revenue and expense, respectively. Our net interest revenue will be positively affected by an inflationary environment to the extent that our average UF-denominated assets exceed our average UF-denominated liabilities. Our net interest revenue will be negatively affected by inflation in any period in which our average UF-denominated liabilities exceed our average UF-denominated assets. Our average UF-denominated assets exceeded our average UF-denominated liabilities by Ch$2,871,535 million in 2007 compared to Ch$2,758,228 million in 2006. See “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Average Balance Sheets, Income Earned from Interest-Earning Assets And Interest Paid on Interest Bearing Liabilities.” The Bank generally has more UF-denominated financial assets than UF-denominated financial liabilities. In the year ended December 31, 2007, the interest gained on interest earning assets denominated in UF increased 71.5% compared to 2006 as a result of the higher inflation rate in 2007 compared to 2006 and the larger amount of assets than liabilities denominated in UFs. The interest paid on these liabilities increased by 130.4% during this period.
 
Inflation hedge. A key component of our asset and liability policy is the management of interest rate risk. The Bank’s assets generally have a longer maturity than our liabilities. As the Bank’s mortgage portfolio grows, the maturity gap tends to rise as these loans, which are denominated in UF, have a longer maturity than the average maturity of our funding base. As most long term financial instruments and mortgage loans are denominated in UF and most deposits in nominal pesos, the increase in mortgage lending increments the Bank’s exposure to inflation and to interest rate risk. The size of this gap is limited by internal and regulatory guidelines in order to avoid excessive potential losses due to strong shifts in interest rates. In order to keep this duration gap below regulatory limits the bank issues long term bonds denominated in UF or interest rate swaps. The financial cost of the bonds is recorded as interest expense, but the financial cost of these swaps is included in the net results from trading and marks to market. In 2007, the financial cost of the swaps taken in order to hedge for inflation and interest rate risk totaled Ch$42,465 million compared to Ch$12,899 million in 2006. This higher cost was a direct result of the higher inflation rate in these two periods.
 
   
At December 31,
 
Inflation sensitive income
 
2006
   
2007
   
% Change
 
   
(In million of constant Chilean pesos at
December 31, 2007)
 
Interest gained on UF assets
    468,001       802,579       71.5 %
Interest paid on UF liabilities
    (191,746 )     (441,703 )     130.4 %
Inflation/ interest rate risk  hedge
    (12,899 )     (42,465 )     229.2 %
Price level restatement
    (14,807 )     (56,325 )     280.4 %
Net Gain
    248,549       262,086       5.4 %

 
 
 
Peso denominated assets and liabilities. Interest rates prevailing in Chile during any period primarily reflect the inflation rate during the period and the expectations of future inflation. The sensitivity of our peso denominated interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities to changes to such prevailing rates varies. See “Item 5: C Operating Results—Interest Rates.” We maintain a substantial amount of non interest bearing peso denominated demand deposits. Because such deposits are not sensitive to inflation, any decline in the rate of inflation would adversely affect our net interest margin on inflation indexed assets funded with such deposits, and any increase in the rate of inflation would increase the net interest margin on such assets. The ratio of the average of such demand deposits to average interest-earning assets was 16.4%, 13.9% and 15.3% for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.
 
Interest Rates
 
Interest rates earned and paid on Santander-Chile’s assets and liabilities reflect to a certain degree inflation and expectations regarding inflation as well as shifts in short term rates related to the Central Bank’s monetary policies. The Central Bank manages short term interest rates based on its objectives of balancing low inflation and economic growth. In 2007, the Central Bank accelerated the pace of interest rate increases in the year. The overnight interbank rate set by the Central Bank as of April 2008 was set at 6.25%, 100 basis points higher than the rate at year-end 2006. Long-term real interest rates on the other hand descended in 2007. The yield on the Chilean Central Bank’s 10-year note in real terms was 2.98% compared to 3.02% as of December 31, 2006.
 
Foreign Exchange Fluctuations
 
The Chilean government’s economic policies and any future changes in the value of the Chilean peso against the U.S. dollar could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. The Chilean peso has been subject to significant devaluation in the past and may be subject to significant fluctuations in the future. In 2005, the Chilean peso appreciated by 8.1% against the dollar. In 2006, the Chilean peso depreciated by 3.9% against the U.S. dollar and in 2007 the peso appreciated 7.2% against the U.S. dollar. See “Item 3: A. Selected Financial Data—Exchange Rates.”
 
Asset and Liability Management
 
Our policy with respect to asset and liability management is to capitalize on our competitive advantages in treasury operations, maximizing our net interest revenue and return on assets and equity with a view to interest rate, liquidity and foreign exchange risks, while remaining within the limits provided by Chilean banking regulations. Subject to these constraints, we constantly have mismatched positions with respect to interest rates and foreign currencies. Our asset and liability management policies are developed by the Asset and Liability Committee (the “ALCO”) following guidelines and limits established by our Board of Directors, Banco Santander Spain’s Global Risk Department and our Market Risk and Control Department. The ALCO is composed of the Chairman of the Board, three members of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the Manager of Proprietary Trading, the Manager of the Financial Management Division, the Manager of Market Risk and the Financial Controller. Senior members of Santander-Chile’s Finance Division meet daily and, on a formal basis, weekly with the Asset and Liabilities Management Committee and outside consultants. In addition, our Market Risk Division reports weekly on all of our positions to the ALCO. Our limits and positions are reported on a daily basis to Banco Santander Spain’s Global Risk Department. The ALCO reports as often as deemed necessary to our Board of Directors. The risk limits set by the ALCO are implemented by our Finance Division and are controlled by the Market Risk and Control Department, which establishes guidelines and policies for risk management on a day to day basis. The composition of our assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2007, by currency and term is as follows:
 
   
December 31, 2007
 
               
Foreign
             
   
Ch$
   
UF
   
Currency
   
Total
   
Percentage
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007, except for percentages)
 
Assets
                             
Cash and due from banks
    452,718       --       838,916       1,291,634       7.1 %
Other asset (1)
                                       
Less than one year
    3,614,760       1,430,249       1,426,722       6,471,731       35.5 %
From one to three years
    1,339,742       1,437,812       125,542       2,903,096       15.9 %
More than three years
    957,666       5,523,059       213,468       6,694,193       36.7 %
Banks premise and equipment and other
    823,207       4,025       267,609       1,094,841       6.0 %

 
 
 
 
   
December 31, 2007
 
               
Foreign
             
   
Ch$
   
UF
   
Currency
   
Total
   
Percentage
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007, except for percentages)
 
allowances for loan losses
    -232,766                       -232,766       -1.3 %
Total
    6,955,327       8,395,145       2,872,257       18,222,729       100.0 %
Percentage of total assets
    38.1 %     46.1 %     15.8 %     100.0 %        
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
                                       
Non interest bearing deposits
    2,346,296       197,124       177,639       2,721,059       14.9 %
Other liabilities:
                                       
Less than one years
    3,721,578       2,650,802       2,692,664       9,065,044       49.7 %
From one to three years
    417,332       1,423,820       705,856       2,547,008       14.0 %
More than three years
    136,490       1,556,154       758,930       2,451,574       13.5 %
Shareholder’s equity
    1,129,395       --       --       1,129,395       6.2 %
2007 net income
    308,647       --       --       308,647       1.7 %
Total
    8,059,738       5,827,900       4,335,089       18,222,727       100 %
Percentage of total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
    44.2 %     32.0 %     23.8 %     100.0 %        


(1)
Other assets include our rights under foreign exchange contracts, and other liabilities include our obligations under foreign exchange contracts. Mortgage finance bonds issued by us are included as other liabilities, and mortgage finance bonds held in our financial investment portfolio (issued by third parties) are included as other assets.
 
We have generally maintained more peso denominated liabilities than peso denominated assets and more UF-denominated assets than UF-denominated liabilities. In the context of a rising CPI, this has in the past had a positive impact on our net income by generating net income from adjustments of the UF that exceeds losses arising from price level restatements. This effect is expected to decrease significantly if rates of inflation decrease.
 
Interest Rate Sensitivity
 
A key component of our asset and liability policy is the management of interest rate sensitivity. Interest rate sensitivity is the relationship between market interest rates and net interest revenue due to the maturity or repricing characteristics of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. For any given period, the pricing structure is matched when an equal amount of such assets and liabilities mature or reprice in that period. Any mismatch of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities is known as a gap position. A positive gap denotes asset sensitivity and means that an increase in interest rates would have a positive effect on net interest revenue while a decrease in interest rates would have a negative effect on net interest revenue.
 
Our interest rate sensitivity strategy takes into account not only the rates of return and the underlying degree of risk, but also liquidity requirements, including minimum regulatory cash reserves, mandatory liquidity ratios, withdrawal and maturity of deposits, capital costs and additional demand for funds. We monitor our maturity mismatches and manage them within established limits.
 
The following table sets forth the repricing of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities at December 31, 2007, and may not reflect interest rate gap positions at other times. In addition, variations in interest rate sensitivity may exist within the repricing periods presented due to the differing repricing dates within the period. Variations may also arise among the different currencies in which interest rate positions are held.
 
As the following table reflects, we have a negative gap for most periods of one year or less as our main source of funding are short term time deposits. The majority of assets and liabilities with a maturity of 90 days or less are denominated in nominal pesos. Ninety days or more is also the most common repricing period for UF-denominated time deposits. In the case of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities denominated in UF, our exposure to changes in interest rates is reduced by the fact that a significant portion of the interest rate earned or paid on such assets or liabilities is indexed to reflect the daily effect of inflation, and as a result our gap position is limited to variations in the real interest rate among such assets and liabilities. Moreover, mortgage loans which have 8- to 20-year terms were generally financed through bonds issued for the same terms and in the same currency or interest rate swaps.
 
 
 
 
   
As of December 31,
 
   
Up to 30 days
   
31-60 days
   
61-90 days
   
91-180 days
   
181-365 days
   
1-3 years
   
Over 3 years
   
Total
 
   
(in millons of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007, except for percentages)
 
Interest-earning assets:
                                               
Interbank deposits
    700,517       -       -       -       -       -       -       700,517  
Financial investments
    1,099,484       106       14,096       20,399       51,458       136,785       496,936       1,819,264  
Loans
    2,431,977       443,046       328,809       822,807       874,850       2,210,557       4,663,653       11,775,699  
Mortage loans
    6,461       4,952       4,954       15,032       16,637       112,785       224,526       385,347  
Contingent loans
    255,184       118,241       98,528       196,636       273,793       190,258       58,639       1,191,279  
Past due loans
    116,654                                                       116,654  
Total Interest-earning assets
    4,610,277       566,345       446,387       1,054,874       1,216,738       2,650,385       5,443,754       15,988,760  
Interest-bearning liabilities:
                                                               
Deposits
    1,858,988       1,113,839       757,084       1,185,953       1,354,331       1,528,645       89,041       7,887,881  
Central Bank Borrowings
    142,909       -       -       -       3,433       -       -       146,342  
Investment under agreements to repurchase
    166,281       -       -       -       -       -       -       166,281  
Mortage finance bonds
    16,209       2,034       1,792       12,501       24,891       92,792       284,055       434,274  
Other obligations
    114,713       24,329       2,348       118,298       474,734       718,317       1,513,823       2,966,562  
Total interest-bearing libiabilities
    2,299,100       1,140,202       761,224       1,316,752       1,857,389       2,339,754       1,886,919       11,601,340  
Asset/liability gap
    2,311,177       (573,857 )     (314,837 )     (261,878 )     (640,651 )     310,631       3,556,835       4,387,420  
Cumulative gap
    2,311,177       1,737,320       1,422,483       1,160,605       519,954       830,585       4,387,420          

 
Exchange Rate Sensitivity
 
The regulations of the Central Bank do not permit the difference, whether positive or negative, between a bank’s assets and liabilities denominated in any foreign currency (including assets and liabilities denominated in U.S. dollars but payable in pesos, as well as those denominated in pesos and indexed to the U.S. dollar exchange rate) to exceed 20% of the bank’s paid in capital and reserves; except in case where the balance of such assets exceeds the balance of such liabilities and the excess difference does not exceed the bank’s allowances and reserves denominated in such foreign currency (excluding profits to be remitted abroad). Santander-Chile has also set an absolute limit on the size of its net foreign currency trading position. At December 31, 2007, this was equal to US$200 million. The Bank also uses a sensitivity analysis to limit the potential loss in fluctuations of U.S. interest rates on interest income and a VaR model to limit foreign currency risk.
 
In recent years, our results of operations have benefited from fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Chilean peso and the U.S. dollar in part due to our policy and Central Bank regulations relating to the control of material exchange rate mismatches. However, the rate of devaluation or appreciation of the peso against the U.S. dollar could also be expected to have the following principal effects:
 
(i)     If we maintain a net asset position in U.S. dollars and a devaluation of the peso against the U.S. dollar occurs, we would record a related gain, and if an appreciation of the peso occurs, we would record a related loss;
 
(ii)    If we maintain a net liability position in U.S. dollars and a devaluation of the peso against the dollar occurs, we would record a related loss, and if an appreciation of the peso occurs, we would record a related gain;
 
(iii)   If the inflation rate for a period exceeded the devaluation of the peso against the U.S. dollar during the same period, this would mean that in real terms the peso appreciated against the U.S. dollar. Therefore, we would record a related gain if we had a net asset position in UFs that exceeded a net liability position in U.S. dollars, and we would record a related loss if we had a net liability position in U.S. dollars that exceeded a net asset position in UFs; and
 
(iv)   If the inflation rate for a period were lower than the rate of devaluation of the peso against the U.S. dollar during the same period, this would mean that in real terms the peso depreciated against the U.S. dollar. Therefore, we would record a related gain if it maintained a net asset position in U.S. dollars and a net liability position in UFs and would record a related loss if it had a net liability position in U.S. dollars and a net asset position in UFs.
 
We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts and interest rate swap contracts as part of our asset and liability management. We enter into two fundamental types of foreign forward exchange contracts: (i) transactions covering two foreign currencies and (ii) transactions covering only Chilean pesos and UFs against U.S. dollars. We
 
 
 
 
use the first type for hedging purposes, such as when we take a liability position in foreign currency other than the U.S. dollar, and use the second type, which is carried out only in the Chilean local market, to take foreign currency positions, subject to the regulatory requirement that the forward foreign currency exposure must be included in the maximum net foreign currency position permitted by applicable regulations. See “Item 4: D. Regulation and Supervision” and “Item 5: F. Selected Statistical Information—Average Balance Sheets, Income Earned from Interest-Earning Assets And Interest Paid on Interest Bearing Liabilities.”
 
The Central Bank requires that foreign exchange forward contracts be made only in U.S. dollars and other major foreign currencies. As noted above, substantially all of our forward contracts are made in U.S. dollars against the Chilean peso or the UF. We may enter into foreign currency forward contracts with companies organized and located outside of Chile, including foreign subsidiaries of Chilean companies. We believe that as the market for forward contracts deepens, our client base in Chile as well as our relationship with Banco Santander Spain will give us an advantage in positioning ourselves within this new market.
 
Statistical Tools for Measuring and Managing Risk: Regulatory Method
 
On an unconsolidated basis, the Bank must separate its balance sheet in two separate categories: trading portfolio (Libro de Negociación) and unconsolidated non-trading, or permanent, portfolio (Libro de Banca). The trading portfolio as defined by the Superintendency of Banks includes all instruments valued at market prices, free of any restrictions for their immediate sale and that are frequently bought and sold by the bank or are maintained with the intention of selling them in the short term in order to profit from short term price variations. The non-trading portfolio is defined as all instruments in the balance sheet not considered in the trading portfolio.
 
We must also report the following absolute risk levels:
 
Trading portfolio:
 
·  
Exposure to interest rate risk: Interest rate risk of the trading portfolio is basically a sensitivity analysis, which is the calculated potential losses assuming an increase in nominal rate yield curves, real rates and foreign currency rates by 75 to 350 basis point.
 
·  
Exposure to foreign currency risk: The foreign currency risk is calculated using sensitivity factors linked to the credit risk rating of the issuing country.
 
·  
Market risk exposure of options: Options risk is calculated using sensitivity factors called delta, gamma and vega that basically measure the sensitivity of the value of the options to changes in the price of the underlying security and its volatility.
 
Non trading portfolio:
 
·  
Exposure to short term interest rate risk: Sensitivity analysis that is calculated for assets and liabilities with maturities of less than 1 year, assuming a 200 basis point parallel shift of the nominal yield curve, 400 for real rates and 200 for foreign interest rates.
 
·  
Exposure to inflation risk: Sensitivity analysis that is calculated for assets and liabilities with maturities of less than 1 year, assuming a 200 basis point parallel shift of the nominal yield curve, 400 for real rates and 200 for foreign interest rates.
 
·  
Exposure to long term interest rate risk: Sensitivity analysis that is calculated for assets and liabilities with maturities from 1 to over 20 years, assuming a 200 basis point parallel shift of the nominal yield curve, 400 for real rates and 200 for foreign interest rates.
 
The Superintendency of Banks has defined various limits for these risks.
 
1)   EMR limit. A bank’s regulatory capital must be greater or equal to the sum of the exposure to market risk multiplied by the minimum capital adequacy ratio defined in the General Banking Law. In other words:
 
RC – ((k * RWA) + EMR) > 0
 
 
 
 
Where:
 
RC:
Regulatory capital as defined by the General Banking Law.
k:
Minimum capital adequacy ratio. The Bank is required to use a 10% minimum capital adequacy ratio for the purpose of calculating the EMR limit.
RWA:
Consolidated risk-weighted assets as defined by the General Banking Law.
EMR:
Exposure to market risk. Santander-Chile’s EMR is equal to the total market risk of its unconsolidated trading portfolio. This includes interest rate risk, foreign currency risk and risks derived from options.
 
2)   Limit on exposure to short-term interest rate and inflation risk of the Bank’s non-trading portfolio. Santander-Chile’s exposure to short-term interest rate and inflation risk of the non-trading portfolio cannot exceed 20% of its unconsolidated net interest income plus fees sensitive to interest rate volatility.
 
3)   Limit on exposure to long term interest rate risk of a bank’s non-trading portfolio. Santander-Chile’s exposure to long term interest rate risk of the unconsolidated non-trading portfolio cannot exceed 35% of its regulatory capital.
 
The following is a description of the models adopted by local regulators for measuring market risks.
 
Interest rate risk of trading portfolio: Regulatory method
 
The interest rate risk of the trading portfolio as defined by the Central Bank of Chile is equal to the sum of:
 
1)   The sensitivity analysis (sensitivity factor) of the trading portfolio
2)   Vertical adjustment factor
3)   Horizontal adjustment factor
 
The sensitivity factor of the trading portfolio is calculated using the following formula:
 
 
M
14
 
                                                    Sensitivity  =   
S
S
(amt * Amt - amt * Lmt )
 
m
t=1
 

Where:
 
Amt  
=  Trading Assets (pesos, inflation linked and foreign currency)
Lmt
=  Liabilities funding trading positions (pesos, inflation linked and foreign currency)
amt
Sensitivity factor to rise in interest rates
t
=  Time period
M
=  Currency (pesos, inflation linked and foreign currency)
S
=  Summation
   
=  Absolute value
 
The vertical adjustment factor is calculated in the following manner
 
 
M
14
 
                                                    Vertical adjustment  =   
S
S
b * Compensated net position
 
M
T=1
 

 
M
14
 
Compensated net position  =   
S
S
Min(amt * Amt ; amt * Lmt )
 
M
T=1
 
 
 
 
 
Where:
 
Amt  
=   Trading Assets (pesos, inflation linked and foreign currency)
Lmt
=   Liabilities funding trading positions (pesos, inflation linked and foreign currency)
amt
=   Sensitivity factor to rise in interest rates
t
=   Time period
M
=   Currency (pesos, inflation linked and foreign currency)
b
=   Vertical adjustment factor = 10%
 
A horizontal adjustment must be made following the vertical adjustment. To determine the horizontal adjustment one must multiply the horizontal adjustment factor by the compensated net position for Zones 1, Zone 2, Zone 3, Zones 1 and 2, Zones 2 and 3 and Zones 1 through 3
 

Horizontal adjustment =
Adjusted net position (λ)
Compensated net position Zone 1,2 or 3
Min(Σ Adjusted net asset position; Σ absolute value of Adjusted net liability position in Zone 1, 2 or 3 )
Compensated net position Zones 1 and 2
Min(Σ Adjusted net asset position in Zones 1 and 2 , Σ absolute value of adjusted net liability position in Zones 1 and 2)
Compensated net position Zones  2 and 3
Min(Σ Adjusted net asset position in Zone 3 and Zone 2 (deducting adjusted net asset position that have been compensated for with net liability positions in Zone 1) , Σ absolute value of adjusted net liability position in Zone 3 and Zone 2 (deducting adjusted net liability positions that have been compensated for with net liability positions in Zone 1))
Compensated net position Zones 1 – 3
Min(Σ Adjusted net asset position in Zone 3 and Zone 1 (deducting adjusted net asset position that have been compensated for with net liability positions in Zone 2) , Σ absolute value of adjusted net liability position in Zone 3 and Zone 1 (deducting adjusted net liability positions that have been compensated for with net liability positions in Zone 2))
 
 
 
 
The following table illustrates the value of the different factors used for calculating the interest rate risk of the trading portfolio.
 
Table 1 Sensitivity Factors - Trading Portfolio
Zone
T
Period
Change in
Interest rate (bp)
Sensitivity factor( amt )
Vertical adjustment
factor
Horizontal  adjustment
factor
     
peso
UF
FX
Peso
UF
FX
(β)
(λ)
Zone 1
  1
Up to 30 days
125
350
125
0.0005
0.0014
0.0005
10%
40%
40%
 
100%
  2
31 days to 3 mth 
125
300
125
0.0019
0.0047
0.0020
  3
3 – 6 mths 
125
250
125
0.0042
0.0088
0.0044
  4
6 – 9 mths 
125
200
125
0.0069
0.0116
0.0072
  5
9 mths – 1 year
125
175
125
0.0095
0.0140
0.0100
Zone 2
  6
1-2 years    
100
125
100
0.0124
0.0166
0.0133
30%
40%
  7
2-3 years  
100
100
100
0.0191
0.0211
0.0211
  8
3-4 years  
100
100
100
0.0248
0.0281
0.0281
Zone 3
  9
4-5 years  
  75
  75
  75
0.0221
0.0258
0.0258
30%
 
10
5-7 years   
  75
  75
  75
0.0263
0.0320
0.0320
11
7-10 years
  75
  75
  75
0.0307
0.0401
0.0401
12
10-15 years 
  75
  75
  75
0.0332
0.0486
0.0486
13
15-20 years
  75
  75
  75
0.0317
0.0534
0.0534
14
> 20 years 
  75
  75
  75
0.0278
0.0539
0.0539

 
Below is an example of how the interest risk of the trading portfolio is calculated. This calculation must be done for each type of currency (peso, inflation indexed and foreign currency).
 

 
 
 
Interest rate and inflation risk of trading portfolio: Regulatory method
 
The short term interest rate risk and inflation risk of the non-trading portfolio as defined by the Central Bank is equal to:
 
 
M
5
             
                                              Sensitivity  =   
S
S
 (Amt - Lmt ) * mt
 
+
 
NPur * t
+
Df
 
M
t=1
             
 
The long term interest rate risk of the non-trading portfolio is calculated according to the following formula:
 
 
M
14
 
                                              Sensitivity =
S
S
(Amt - Lmt ) * rt
 
m
t=1
 
 
Where:
 
Amt  
=     Non trading Assets (pesos, inflation linked and foreign currency)
Lmt
=     Non Trading Liabilities (pesos, inflation linked and foreign currency)
mt
=     Sensitivity factor associated with interest rate movement scenario
NPur
=     Net position in inflation linked instruments, including those subject to price level restatement
t
=     Factor that measures the sensitivity of/to movements in the inflation index. This factor is equal to 2%
Df
=     Effect on fees from shifts in interest rate. Each bank must determine which fees are sensitive to shifts in interest rates and assumes a 200 basis point movement.
rt
=     Sensitivity factor to increase in interest rates
t
=     Time period
M
=     Currency (pesos, inflation linked and foreign currency)
S
=     Summation
   
=     Absolute value
 
The following table illustrates the value of the different factors used for calculating the interest and inflation rate risks of the non-trading portfolio.
 
Table 2 Sensitivity Factors Trading Portfolio
t
Period
Change in
interest rate (bp)
Sensitivity factor long-term
(rt)
Sensitivity factor short-term
   
peso
UF
FX
peso
UF
FX
(mt)
1
Up to 30 days
200
400
200
0.0008
0.0016
0.0008
0.0192
2
31 days to 3 mth
200
400
200
0.0030
0.0063
0.0031
0.0167
3
3 – 6 mths
200
400
200
0.0067
0.0140
0.0070
0.0125
4
6 – 9 mths
200
400
200
0.0110
0.0231
0.0116
0.0075
5
9 mths – 1 year
200
400
200
0.0152
0.0320
0.0160
0.0025
6
1-2 years
200
400
200
0.0248
0.0399
0.0266
 
7
2-3 years
200
400
200
0.0382
0.0422
0.0422
 
8
3-4 years
200
400
200
0.0496
0.0563
0.563
 
9
4-5 years
200
400
200
0.0591
0.0690
0.0690
 
10
5-7 years
200
400
200
0.0702
0.0856
0.0856
 
11
7-10 years
200
400
200
0.0823
0.1076
0.1076
 
12
10-15 years
200
400
200
0.0894
0.1309
0.1309
 
13
15-20 years
200
400
200
0.0860
0.1450
0.1450
 
14
> 20 years
200
400
200
0.0762
0.1480
0.1480
 
 
Foreign currency risk: local method
 
The foreign currency risk as defined by the Central Bank is equal to:
 
 
 

 
Where:
 
NAP
=   Net asset position
NLP
=   Net liability position
NPgold
=   Net position in gold
si
=   Sensitivity factor
Max
=   Maximum value
S
=   Summation
   
=   Absolute value

 
The following table illustrates the value of the different factors used for calculating foreign currency risk.
 
Table 3 Sensitivity Factors Foreign Currency Risk
 
Currency Group
 
 
Description
 
 
Sensitivity factor (si  )
I
 
All currencies of countries with a AAA sovereign rating
 
  8%
J
 
All other currencies
 
35%

 
Options risk: Regulatory method
 
The exposure to market risk of options is calculated using sensitivity factors delta, gamma and vega.
 
Delta
 
Delta of a derivative security is the rate of change of its price relative to the price of the underlying asset. It is the first derivative of the curve that relates the price of the derivative to the price of the underlying security. When delta is large, the price of the derivative is sensitive to small changes in the price of the underlying security.
 
Gamma
 
Gamma of a derivative security is the rate of change of delta relative to the price of the underlying asset; i.e., the second derivative of the option price relative to the security price. When gamma is small, the change in delta is small. The Gamma impact is calculated using the following formula.
 
Gamma impact = Gamma * (Variation of underlying security)^2 / 2
 
When the underlying security for an interest rate options is a debt instrument then the variation of the value of the underlying security will be calculated using the sensitivity factors established in Tables 1 and 2 above. When the underlying security is an interest rate then the change in interest rates assumed will be those used in Table 1 and 2 above. Finally, for foreign exchange options, the variation of the underlying security will be calculated using the factors used in Table 3 above.
 
Vega
 
Vega is one of the factor sensitivities used to measure sensitivity to the implied volatilities of the underlying security. Vega is the rate of change in the price of a derivative security relative to the volatility of the underlying security. When vega is large the security is sensitive to small changes in volatility. In general, a long option position will benefit from rising implied volatilities and suffer from declining implied volatilities. Short option positions display opposite behavior. As defined by the Central Bank, the Vega Risk
 
 
 
 
is the sum in absolute value of the vega impacts for each option a bank holds. These impacts will be calculated assuming a change of 25% in the volatility rate.
 
Assumptions and Limitations of Scenario Simulations/Sensitivity Analysis (Regulatory method)
 
Our scenario simulation methodology should be interpreted in light of the limitations of our models, which include:
 
·  
The scenario simulation assumes that the volumes remain on balance sheet and that they are always renewed at maturity, omitting the fact that credit risk considerations and pre payments may affect the maturity of certain positions.
 
·  
This model assumes set shifts in interest rates and sensitivity factors for different time periods and does not take into consideration any other scenario for each time period or other sensitivity factors.
 
·  
The model does not take into consideration the sensitivity of volumes to these shifts in interest rates.
 
·  
The model does not take into consideration our subsidiaries which are subject to market risks.
 
Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk: Regulatory Method
 
The following table illustrates at December 31, 2006 and 2007, our market risk exposure according to the Chilean regulatory method. This report is sent to the Superintendency of Banks and is published on our website on a quarterly basis. The Bank maximum exposure to long term interest rate fluctuations is set at 35% of regulatory capital and is approved by the Board.
 
 
Regulatory Market Risk
 
At December 31, 2006
   
At December 31, 2007
 
   
(in millions of nominal Ch$)
 
Market risk of Trading portfolio (EMR)
           
Interest rate risk of trading portfolio
    22,489       64,484  
Foreign currency risk of trading portfolio
    24,841       2,576  
Risk from interest rate options
    31,111       39,111  
Risk from foreign currency options
    1       2  
Total market risk of trading portfolio
    78,442       106,173  
10% x Risk-weighted assets
    1,126,349       1,312,391  
Subtotal
    1,204,791       1,418,564  
Limit = Regulatory Capital
    1,418,303       1,602,432  
Available margin
    213,512       183,868  
                 
Non trading portfolio market risk
               
Short-term interest rate risk
    27,344       39,545  
Inflation risk
    37,050       18,202  
Long term interest rate risk
    305,834       368,422  
Total market risk of non-trading portfolio
    370,228       426,169  
                 
Regulatory limit of exposure to short-term interest rate and inflation risk
               
Short-term exposure to interest rate risk
    27,344       39,545  
Exposure to inflation risk
    37,050       18,202  
Limit: 20% of (net interest income + net fee income sensitive to interest rates)
    119,339       157,844  
Available margin
    54,945       100,097  
                 
Regulatory limit of exposure to long term interest rate risk
               
Long-term exposure to interest rate risk
    305,834       368,422  
35% of regulatory capital
    496,406       560,851  
Available margin
    190,572       192,429  

 
 
 
Internal Regulations Regarding Market Risk
 
Our relationship with Banco Santander Spain has allowed us to take advantage of Banco Santander Spain’s banking policies, procedures and standards, especially with respect to credit approval and risk management. Banco Santander Spain has successfully used these policies and expertise in the Spanish and other banking markets, and our management believes that such policies and expertise have a beneficial effect upon our operations. Below is a qualitative and quantitative description of our market risks according to our internal guidelines. These guidelines were established prior to the adoption of the applicable regulations required by local authorities and are still being used.
 
The main difference between the regulatory and internal methods is that the internal measures divide the Bank’s balance sheet into three categories and impose limits based on these categories. Our internal methods also takes into account Santander S.A. Agente de Valores. As a result, the sensitivity analysis performed incorporates a broader range of instruments and portfolios. The internal method also incorporates a value at risk methodology for measuring the market risk of our consolidated trading positions.
 
Value at Risk: Consolidated Trading Portfolio (Cartera de Negociación)
 
The VaR model is mainly used to measure the market risk of our trading portfolio. The Finance Division manages trading activities following the guidelines set by the ALCO and Banco Santander Spain’s Global Risk Department. The Market Risk and Control Department’s activities consist of (i) applying VaR techniques (as discussed above) to measure interest rate risk; (ii) marking to market our trading portfolios and measuring daily profit and loss from trading activities; (iii) comparing actual trading VaR and other limits against the established limits; (iv) establishing control procedures for losses in excess of such limits; and (v) providing information about trading activities to the ALCO, other members of senior management, the Finance Division and Banco Santander Spain’s Global Risk Department.
 
The Bank has a consolidated trading position comprised of fixed income trading, foreign currency trading and a minor equity trading position. The market risk of this trading portfolio is measured by using a VaR technique. The composition of this portfolio mainly consisted of Central Bank bonds, mortgage bonds and low risk Chilean corporate bonds issued locally. There is also an equity portfolio that represents less than 5% of the total trading portfolio. Under Chilean GAAP, a bank must separate its unconsolidated financial investment portfolio between “trading” and “available for sale” investment portfolios. Under Chilean GAAP, the unrealized holding gains (losses) related to investments classified as available for sale have been included in equity. The size of the available for sale portfolio is limited to an amount equal to such bank’s capital. Any amount above this must be considered as “trading”; the unrealized gains (losses) related to investments classified as “trading” are included in operating results. The ALCO has taken a conservative approach and has set even more restrictive limits on the Finance Division’s actual trading portfolio. This portfolio is denominated “Cartera de Negociación”. The market risk of the portfolio defined as “trading” for accounting purposes is measured by using the regulatory method.
 
VaR Model
 
All VaR measurements are intended to determine the distribution function for the change in value of a given portfolio, and once this distribution is known, to calculate a percentile linked to the confidence level required which will be equal to the VaR under those parameters. Therefore, if the distribution function of the change in value of a portfolio is known and given by f(x), where x is the random variable of the change in value of the portfolio, then the VaR for a determined level of confidence of k% is given by the number such that:
 
 
or:
 
 
 
 
 
As calculated by Santander-Chile, VaR is an estimate of the expected maximum loss in the market value of a given portfolio over a one day horizon at a one tailed 99.00% confidence interval. It is the maximum one day loss that Santander-Chile would expect to suffer on a given portfolio 99.00% of the time, subject to certain assumptions and limitations discussed below. Conversely, it is the figure that Santander-Chile would expect to exceed only 1.0% of the time. VaR provides a single estimate of market risk that is comparable from one market risk to the other. Volatility is calculated utilizing 520 historical observations. A one day holding period is utilized.
 
Santander-Chile uses VaR estimates to alert senior management whenever the statistically expected losses in its trading portfolio exceed prudent levels. Limits on VaR are used to control exposure on the fixed income trading portfolio, the net foreign currency trading position and the equity trading portfolio. Santander-Chile’s trading portfolio is mainly comprised of government bonds, mortgage finance bonds, mortgage finance bonds, the foreign currency trading position and a minor position in equities through Santander S.A. Agente de Valores. A daily VaR is calculated for the trading portfolio.
 
Assumptions and Limitations of VaR Model
 
Our VaR model assumes that changes in the market risk factors have a normal distribution and that the parameters of this joint distribution (in particular, the standard deviation of risk factor changes and the correlation between them) have been estimated accurately. The model assumes that the correlation and changes in market rates/prices included in our historical databases are independent and identically distributed random variables, and provide a good estimate of correlation and rate/price changes in the future.
 
Our VaR methodology should be interpreted in light of the limitations of our models, which include:
 
·  
Changes in market rates and prices may not be independent and identically distributed random variables or have a normal distribution. In particular, the normal distribution assumption may underestimate the probability of extreme market moves;
 
·  
The historical data we use in our VaR model may not provide the best estimate of the joint distribution of risk factor changes in the future, and any modifications in the data may be inadequate. In particular, the use of historical data may fail to capture the risk of possible extreme adverse market movements independent of the time range utilized. For example, the use of extended periods of historical data might erroneously lead to an important decrease in volatility especially after the Asian crisis. We typically use 520 historical observations of market data depending on circumstances, but also monitor other ranges of market data in order to be more conservative. However, reliable historical risk factor data may not be readily available for certain instruments in our portfolio;
 
·  
A one day time horizon may not fully capture the market risk positions that cannot be liquidated or hedged within one day. It would not be possible to liquidate or hedge all positions in one day;
 
·  
At present, we compute VaR at the close of business and trading positions may change substantially during the course of the trading day;
 
·  
The use of 99% confidence level does not take account of, nor makes any statement about, any losses that might occur beyond this level of confidence; and
 
·  
Value at risk does not capture all of the complex effects of the risk factors on the value of positions and portfolios and could, therefore, underestimate potential losses.
 
There are also a number of approximations in the VaR calculation. For example, benchmark indexes are used instead of certain risk factors, and in the case of some activities, not all the relevant risk factors are taken into account which can be due to difficulties obtaining daily data.
 
 
 
 
Quantitative Disclosures: Market Risk Consolidated Trading Portfolio (VaR)
 
 
We did not exceed our daily VaR in 2006 and 2007 in the fixed income, equity or foreign currency trading portfolios. For Santander-Chile’s various trading portfolios, the average, high and low amounts of the daily VaR in the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, were the following:
 
   
For the year ended December 31,
 
 
Consolidated Trading Portfolio
 
2006
   
2007
 
High
    12.3       7.1  
Low
    3.9       2.8  
Average
    6.2       4.2  

 
   
For the year ended December 31,
 
 
Fixed income Trading Portfolio
 
2006
   
2007
 
High
    8.6       6.5  
Low
    3.9       3.0  
Average
    6.3       4.0  

   
For the year ended December 31,
 
 
Equity Trading Portfolio
 
2006
   
2007
 
High
    0.67       1.8  
Low
    0.0       0.1  
Average
    0.27       0.7  

   
For the year ended December 31,
 
 
Foreign currency Trading Portfolio
 
2006
   
2007
 
High
    3.3       4.0  
Low
    0.02       0.1  
Average
    0.93       1.1  
 
 

 
Quantitative Disclosure: Derivatives
 
Derivatives
 
The Bank enters into transactions involving derivative instruments, particularly foreign exchange contracts, as part of its asset and liability management, and in acting as a dealer in order to satisfy its clients’ needs. The notional amounts of these contracts are carried off-balance sheet.
 
Foreign exchange forward contracts involve an agreement to exchange the currency of one country for the currency of another country at an agreed-upon price and settlement date. These contracts are generally standardized contracts, normally for periods between 1 and 180 days and are not traded in a secondary market; however, in the normal course of business and with the agreement of the original counterparty, they may be terminated or assigned to another counterparty.
 
When the Bank enters into a forward exchange contract, it analyses and approves the credit risk (the risk that the counterparty might default on its obligations). Subsequently, on an ongoing basis, it monitors the possible losses involved in each contract. To manage the level of credit risk, the Bank generally deals with counterparties of good credit standing, enters into master netting agreements whenever possible and when appropriate, and obtains collateral.
 
The Chilean Central Bank requires that foreign exchange forward contracts be made only in U.S. dollars and other major foreign currencies. In the case of the Bank, most forward contracts are made in U.S. dollars against the Chilean peso or the UF. Occasionally, forward contracts are also made in other currencies, but only when the Bank acts as an intermediary.
 
During the year ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the Bank entered into interest rate and cross currency swap agreements to manage exposure to fluctuation in currencies and interest rates. The differential between the interest paid or received on a specified notional amount is recognized under the caption “Amounts payable from forward contracts, net”. The fair value of the swap agreement and changes in the fair value as a result of changes in market interest rates are recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
 
The Bank’s foreign currency futures and forward operations and other derivative products outstanding at December 31, 2006 and 2007, are summarized below:
 
The Chilean Central Bank requires that foreign exchange forward contracts be made only in US dollars and other major foreign currencies. In the case of the Bank, most forward contracts are made in US dollars against the Chilean peso or the UF. Occasionally, forward contracts are also made in other currencies, but only when the Bank acts as an intermediary.
 
During the period ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the Bank entered into interest rate and cross currency swap agreements to manage exposure to fluctuation in currencies and interest rates. The differential between the interest paid or received on a specified notional amount is recognized under the caption “Amounts payable from forward contracts, net”. The fair value of the swap agreement and changes in the fair value as a result of changes in market interest rates are recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
 
The Bank’s foreign currency futures and forward operations and other derivative products outstanding at December 31, 2006 and 2007, are summarized below.
 
       
As of December 31, 2007
       
Notional amounts
Fair Value
   
Cash Flow hedge (CF) or fair value hedge (FV)
 
Within 3
months
 
After 3 months
but within
one year
 
After one
year
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
       
MCh$
 
MCh$
 
MCh$
 
MCh$
 
MCh$
Derivate instruments in designated hedge accounting relationships
                       
                         
Currency Forwards
 
( )
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Interest rate Swaps
 
(FV)
 
-
 
-
 
121,209
 
3,891
 
502
Currency Swaps
 
( )
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Cross currency Swaps
 
(FV)
 
-
 
-
 
278,757
 
-
 
9,246
Cross currency Swaps
 
(CF)
 
-
 
-
 
480,358
 
-
 
55,171
Call currency options
 
( )
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Call interest rate options
 
( )
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Put currency options
 
( )
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Put interest rate options
 
( )
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Interest rate future
 
( )
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Others derivatives
 
( )
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Subtotal
     
-
 
-
 
880,324
 
3,891
 
64,919
                         
Derivate instruments for trading
                       
                         
Currency forwards
     
5,776,546
 
3,938,733
 
785,841
 
111,681
 
159,969
Interest rate swaps
     
1,935,239
 
3,254,410
 
8,759,290
 
86,515
 
159,146
Currency swaps
     
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Cross currency swaps
     
133,688
 
460,902
 
6,557,457
 
576,515
 
392,337
Call currency options
     
64,751
 
29,708
 
644
 
262
 
292
Call interest rate options
     
-
 
-
 
74,667
 
1
 
-
Put currency options
     
159,781
 
36,532
 
-
 
1,501
 
1,172
Put interest rate options
     
-
 
-
 
75,667
 
-
 
9
Interest rate future
     
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Others derivatives
     
196,371
 
2,943
 
-
 
409
 
373
Subtotal
     
8,266,376
 
7,723,228
 
16,253,566
 
776,884
 
713,298
                         
Total
     
8,266,376
 
7,723,228
 
17,133,890
 
780,775
 
778,217
 
The notional amounts refer to the US dollar bought or sold or to the US dollar equivalent of foreign currency bought or sold for future settlement. The contract terms correspond to the duration of the contracts as from the date of the transaction to the date of the settlement.
 
 
 
 
       
As of December 31, 2006
       
Notional amounts
Fair Value
   
Cash Flow hedge (CF) or fair value hedge (FV)
 
Within 3
months
 
After 3 months
but within
one year
 
After one
year
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
       
MCh$
 
MCh$
 
MCh$
 
MCh$
 
MCh$
Derivate instruments in designated hedge accounting relationships
                       
                         
Currency Forwards
 
( )
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Interest rate Swaps
 
(FV)
 
-
 
-
 
225,944
 
1,260
 
2,529
Currency Swaps
 
( )
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Cross currency Swaps
 
(FV)
 
906,761
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
40,689
Call currency options
 
( )
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Call interest rate options
 
( )
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Put currency options
 
( )
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Put interest rate options
 
( )
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Interest rate future
 
( )
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Others derivatives
 
( )
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Subtotal
     
906,761
 
-
 
225,944
 
1,260
 
43,218
                         
Derivate instruments for trading
                       
                         
Currency forwards
     
6,465,222
 
3,691,295
 
407,074
 
88,753
 
106,818
Interes rate swaps
     
492,069
 
1,266,642
 
4,215,224
 
37,559
 
73,237
Currency swaps
     
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Cross currency swaps
     
2,948,225
 
1,448,955
 
139,353
 
265,900
 
152,628
Call currency options
     
51,149
 
399,776
 
-
 
4,710
 
4,697
Call interes rate options
     
-
 
107
 
-
 
-
 
-
Put currency options
     
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Put interes rate options
     
31,916
 
372,485
 
-
 
1,556
 
1,109
Interes rate future
     
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Others derivatives
     
336,347
 
114,838
 
109,096
 
678
 
696
Subtotal
     
10,324,928
 
7,294,098
 
4,870,747
 
399,156
 
339,185
                         
Total
     
11,231,689
 
7,294,098
 
5,096,691
 
400,416
 
382,403

The notional amounts refer to the US dollar bought or sold or to the US dollar equivalent of foreign currency bought or sold for future settlement. The contract terms correspond to the duration of the contracts as from the date of the transaction to the date of the settlement.


 
Sensitivity Analysis: Consolidated Non Trading Portfolios
 
The Bank’s non-trading portfolio or Financial Management (Gestión Financiera) portfolio includes the majority of the Bank’s assets and liabilities that are not trading, including the loan portfolio. Investment and funding decisions are heavily influenced by commercial strategies.
 
We use a sensitivity analysis to measure the market risk of the local and foreign currency-denominated non-trading portfolio. We perform a scenario simulation by calculating the potential loss over the entire balance from an increase (or decrease) of 100 basis points in the entire yield curve in terms of local rates. All local currency positions indexed to inflation are adjusted for a sensitivity factor of 0.57, which represents a shift of yield curve by 57 basis points in real rates and 100 basis point in nominal rates. The same scenario is performed for the net foreign currency position and U.S. dollar interest rates. We set limits as to the maximum loss these types of movements in interest rates can lead to over our capital and net financial income budgeted for the year. These limits are calculated according to the formulas discussed below.
 
Scenario Simulation (Net Financial Income)
 
To determine the percentage of our budgeted net financial income for the year that is at risk of loss upon a sudden 100 basis point movement in the entire yield curve, we utilize the following equation:
 
 
n:         Number of intervals in which sensitivity is measured.
 
ti:         Average maturity (or duration) for each interval being measured.
 
Δr:       Change in interest rate. A 100 basis point increase (decrease) in the yield curve is used.
 
GAP:   Difference between assets and liabilities that are sensitive to interest rates for each period.
 
Scenario Simulation (Capital and Reserves)
 
To determine the percentage of our capital and reserves that is at risk of loss upon a sudden 100 basis point movement in the entire yield curve, we utilize the following equation:
 
 
N:        Number of intervals in which sensitivity is measured.
 
Dmj:     Modified duration for interval i.
 
Δr:       Change in interest rate. A 100 basis point increase (decrease) in the yield curve is used.
 
GAP:   Difference between assets and liabilities that are sensitive to interest rates for each period.
 
Consolidated limits:
 
To determine the consolidated limit, the foreign currency limit is added to the local currency limit for both the net financial income loss limit and the loss limit over capital and reserves using the following formula:
 
Consolidated limit = Square root of a2 + b2 + 2ab
 
 
 
 
a:  limit in local currency.
 
b:  limit in foreign currency.
 
Since correlation is assumed to be 0. 2ab = 0.
 
Assumptions and Limitations of Scenario Simulations/Sensitivity Analysis
 
The most important assumption is the usage of a 100 basis point shift in the yield curve (57 basis points for real rates). We use a 100 basis point shift since a sudden shift of this magnitude is considered realistic, but not an everyday occurrence given historical movements in the yield curve, and significant in terms of the possible effects a shift of this size could have on our performance. The Global Risk Department at Banco Santander Spain has also set comparable limits by country in order to be able to compare, monitor and consolidate market risk by country in a realistic and orderly manner.
 
Our scenario simulation methodology should be interpreted in light of the limitations of our models, which include:
 
·  
The scenario simulation assumes that the volumes remain on balance sheet and that they are always renewed at maturity, omitting the fact that credit risk considerations and pre payments may affect the maturity of certain positions.
 
·  
This model assumes an equal shift throughout the entire yield curve and does not take into consideration different movements for different maturities.
 
·  
The model does not take into consideration the sensitivity of volumes to these shifts in interest rates.
 
·  
The limits to the loss of the budgeted financial income are calculated over an expected financial income for the year which may not be obtained, signifying that the actual percentage of financial income at risk could be higher than expected.
 
Quantitative Disclosure: Market Risk Non Trading Portfolio (Sensitivity Analysis/Scenario Simulations)
 
The Finance Division manages the risk management of the consolidated non-trading portfolios under guidelines approved by the ALCO and Banco Santander Spain’s Global Risk Department. In carrying out its market risk management functions, the Finance Division manages interest rate risk that arises from any mismatches with respect to rates, maturities, repricing periods, notional amounts or other mismatches between our interest earning assets and our interest bearing liabilities.
 
The Market Risk and Control Department: (i) applies scenario simulations (as discussed below) to measure the interest rate risk of the local currency activities and the potential loss as forecast by these simulations; and (ii) provides the ALCO, the Finance Division and Banco Santander Spain’s Global Risk Department with risk/return reports.
 
Non-trading local currency portfolio
 
The potential loss in the market value of our local currency-denominated non-trading balance sheet resulting from a 100 basis point shift in the yield curve was set at approximately Ch$94,000 million of equity at year-end 2007. This limit at the beginning of 2007 was set at Ch$60,000 million and was increased to Ch$70,000 million, Ch$86,000 million and finally Ch$94,000 million, as the Bank’s loan portfolio, especially residential mortgage loan portfolio continued to increase at a fast pace. These loans are generally financed with long-term bonds, but there is a time lapse between when bonds are issued and the growth rate of the residential mortgage portfolio. In order to accommodate for this temporary gap, this limit is increased. The Bank has remained within this limit for this portfolio, with only a minor breach of Ch$3,375 million in June 2007 and Ch$1,099 million in August 2007. At the same time, the variation in net interest income caused by a 100 basis point shift of the local yield curve may not exceed Ch$20,000 million and Santander-Chile was within the limits established in 2007. These limits are internally set by the ALCO. The ALCO has authority to
 
 
 
 
lower this limit. However, approval from the Santander Central Hispano Global Risk Department is required to lift this limit. The following table, sets forth the loss limit and the high, low and average potential loss in 2006 and 2007 resulting from a 100 basis point shift in the relevant interest rate.
 
   
Local Currency-denominated Financial Management Portfolio
 
   
Financial Income
   
Capital and Reserves
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007)
 
Loss limit at December 31, 2007
    20,000       94,000  
High
    13,835       91,733  
Low
    386       50,630  
Average in 2007
    8,243       75,450  

 
   
Local Currency-denominated Financial Management Portfolio
 
   
Financial Income
   
Capital and Reserves
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2006)
 
Loss limit at December 31, 2006
    20,000       60,000  
High
    18,281       60,152  
Low
    2,564       43,561  
Average in 2006
    9,397       53,844  

 
Non-trading foreign currency portfolio
 
For our net non-trading foreign currency position, any loss caused by a 100 basis point shift in U.S. dollar interest rates may not exceed US$45x million of equity and US$30 million of budgeted net interest income. These limits are internally imposed limits set by the ALCO. The ALCO has the authority to lower this limit. However, approval from Banco Santander Spain Global Risk Department is required to lift this limit. The following table sets forth the loss limit and the high, low and average potential loss in 2006 and 2007, resulting from a 100 basis point shift in the interest rates on U.S. dollar-denominated assets and liabilities
 
   
Foreign Currency-denominated Financial Management Portfolio
 
   
Financial Income
   
Capital and Reserves
 
   
(in millions of constant US$)
 
Loss limit at December 31, 2007
    30.0       45.0  
High
    16.0       7.9  
Low
    1.0       0.7  
Average in 2007
    6.7       4.2  

 
   
Foreign Currency-denominated Financial Management Portfolio
 
   
Financial Income
   
Capital and Reserves
 
   
(in millions of constant US$)
 
Loss limit at December 31, 2006
    30.0       45.0  
High
    28.0       10.6  
Low
    2.5       1.0  
Average in 2006
    12.0       6.0  

 
Combined non-trading local and foreign currency
 
We track a consolidated indicator to track the total interest risk of the local and foreign currency-denominated non-trading portfolios. The consolidated loss limit for equity at risk was set at Ch$94,000 million at year-end 2007. This limit at the beginning of 2007 was set at Ch$60,000 million and was increased to Ch$70,000 million, Ch$86,000 million and finally Ch$94,000 million, as the Bank’s loan portfolio, especially residential mortgage loan portfolio continued to increase at a fast pace. These loans are generally
 
 
 
 
financed with long-term bonds, but there is a time lapse between when bonds are issued and the growth rate of the residential mortgage portfolio. In order to accommodate for this temporary gap, this limit is increased. The Bank has remained within this limit for this portfolio, with only a minor breach of Ch$3,375 million in June 2007 and Ch$1,056 million in August 2007. At the same time, the variation in net interest income caused by a 100 basis point shift of the local yield curve may not exceed Ch$30,000 million. The following table, which contemplates a 100 basis point shift in the relevant interest rate, indicates that Santander-Chile was within the limits established in 2007. These limits are an internally imposed limit set by the ALCO and Banco Santander Spain’s Global Risk Department. The ALCO has authority to lower these limits. However, approval from Banco Santander Spain Global Risk Department is required to lift these limits.
 
   
Combined Financial Management Portfolio
 
   
Financial Income
   
Capital and Reserves
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007)
 
Loss limit at December 31, 2007
    15,249       84,767  
High
    15,249       91,733  
Low
    5,377       50,630  
Average in 2007
    9,553       75,452  

 
   
Combined Financial Management Portfolio
 
   
Financial Income
   
Capital and Reserves
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2006)
 
Loss limit at December 31, 2006
    30,000       60,000  
High
    23,719       60,188  
Low
    4,458       43,758  
Average in 2006
    11,604       53,961  

 
Volume Limits
 
We have also developed volume limits, which place a cap on the actual size of the different portfolios being monitored.
 
Fixed Income: Volume Equivalent. This system is considered to be an additional limit to the size of our consolidated fixed income trading portfolio. This measure seeks to conform the different instruments in our fixed income trading portfolio and convert the portfolio into a single instrument with a duration of one year. Santander-Chile limits the size of this volume equivalent portfolio. The equivalent volume is calculated by the Market Risk and Control Department and limits are set by the ALCO with respect to the size of the volume equivalent portfolio.
 
Net Foreign Currency Trading Position: Maximum Net Position. We also set an absolute limit on the size of Santander-Chile’s consolidated net foreign currency trading position. At December 31, 2007, this was equal to US$200 million. The limit on the size of the net foreign currency position is determined by the ALCO and is calculated and monitored by the Market Risk and Control Department.
 
Liquidity Management
 
The Central Bank also requires us to comply with the following liquidity limits:
 
·  
The sum of the liabilities with a maturity of less than 30 days may not exceed the sum of the assets with a maturity of less than 30 days by more than an amount greater than our capital. This limit must be calculated in local currency and foreign currencies together as one gap. At December 31, 2007, the percentage of (x) our liabilities with a maturity of less than 30 days in excess of our assets with a maturity of less than 30 days to (ii) our capital and reserves was 40.9%.
 
 
 
 
·  
The sum of the liabilities with a maturity of less than 90 days may not exceed the sum of the assets with a maturity of less than 90 days by more than 2 times our capital. This limit must be calculated in local currency and foreign currencies together as one gap. At December 31, 2007, the percentage of (x) our liabilities with a maturity of less than 90 days in excess of our assets with a maturity of less than 90 days to (y) 2 times our capital and reserves was 44.0%.
 
We have also set internal liquidity limits. The Market Risk Control Department measures two other liquidity indicators:
 
1. Net accumulated liquidity gap:
 
·  
Net accumulated liquidity gap, which represents the amount of the assets with a maturity of up to 30 days in excess of the liabilities with a maturity of up to 30 days, is required to be no less than Ch$0, i.e.,
 
The following table sets forth our net accumulated liquidity gap at December 31, 2007, and our average net accumulated liquidity gap for the year of 2007.
 
 
Net accumulated liquidity gap
 
in Ch$
 
At December 31, 2007
    1,808  
Average in 2007
    428  

2. Liquidity coefficient (LC):
 
Liquidity coefficient, calculated by dividing (x) liquid assets (at liquidation value) by (y) the sum of total liabilities, capital and contingent liabilities, is required to be no less than 2%, i.e., Liquid assets (at liquidation value) / (Total liabilities   capital + contingent) >= 2%
 
The following table sets forth our liquidity coefficients at December 31, 2007, and for the year of 2007.
 
 
LC
 
Local currency
   
Foreign currency
 
At December 31, 2007
    18.7 %     40.0 %
Average in 2007
    20.5 %     38.7 %

Other Subsidiaries
 
For VaR measurements and scenario simulations, our consolidated trading and consolidated non-trading portfolios do not consolidate the asset liability structure of the following subsidiaries:
 
·  
Santander Leasing S.A.
 
·  
Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa
 
·  
Santander Asset Management S.A. Administradora General de Fondos
 
·  
Santander S.A. Sociedad Securitizadora
 
·  
Santander Corredora de Seguros Ltda.
 
·  
Santander Servicios de Recaudación y Pagos Ltda.
 
The balance sheets of these subsidiaries are mainly comprised of non sensitive assets and liabilities, fixed assets and capital and in total only represent 2.3% of our total consolidated assets.
 
 
Not applicable.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Not applicable.
 
 
Not applicable.
 
 
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
As of December 31, 2007, the Bank, under the supervision and with the participation of Bank’s management, including the President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). There are, as described below, inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any control system, including disclosure controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.
 
Based on such evaluation, the Bank’s President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Bank’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information relating to the Bank, including its consolidated subsidiaries, required to be disclosed in the reports it files under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to the management, including principal financial officers as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
The Bank’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15 (f) under the Exchange Act. The Bank’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Chile, including the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP, and includes those policies and procedures that:
 
·  
Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Bank;
 
·  
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of the Bank’s management and directors; and
 
·  
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed may not prevent or detect misstatements, due to the possibility that a control can be circumvented or overridden or that misstatements due to error or fraud may occur that are not detected. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
 
 
 
Under the supervision and with the participation of the Bank’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in the Enterprise-Wide Risk Management – Integrated Framework.
 
Based on this assessment, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2007, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.
 
Our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, has been audited by Deloitte Auditores y Consultores Limitada, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which follows below.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There has been no change in the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the period covered by this Annual Report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
   Banco Santander Chile

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Banco Santander Chile and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Banco Santander Chile” or the “Bank”) as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Bank’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States of America). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exist, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A bank’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the bank’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the bank’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A Bank’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the bank; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the bank are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the bank; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the bank’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the
 
 
 
 
internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Bank maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States of America), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007 and our report dated June 23, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and included three explanatory paragraphs stating that (1) during 2006 the Bank modified its basis for recording and valuation of financial investments acquired for trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity investments and derivative instruments. The nature and effect of such modification is explained in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements of the Bank, (2) the accounting principles generally accepted in Chile vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), and that the information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Note 28 to the consolidated financial statements of the Bank and (3) that a convenience translation of Chilean peso amounts to U.S. dollars was presented.



/s/Deloitte
Santiago, Chile
June 23, 2008

 
 
 
Our Board of Directors has determined that two of the members of our Audit Committee, Benigno Rodríguez Rodríguez (who resigned from the Board and the Audit Committee on June 24, 2008) and Víctor Arbulú Crousillat, meet the requirements of an “audit committee financial expert” in accordance with SEC rules and regulations, in that they have an understanding of Chilean GAAP and financial statements, the ability to assess the general application of Chilean GAAP in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves, experience analyzing and evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by our consolidated financial statements, an understanding of internal controls over financial reporting, and an understanding of audit committee functions. All three members of our Audit Committee have experience overseeing and assessing the performance of Santander-Chile and its consolidated subsidiaries and our external auditors with respect to the preparation, auditing and evaluation of our consolidated financial statements.
 
All three members of our Audit Committee are considered to be independent according to applicable NYSE criteria. Benigno Rodríguez R. (who resigned from the Board and the Audit Committee on June 24, 2008) and Víctor Arbulú C. are relying on the exemption provided by Rule 10A-3(b)(1)(iv)(B), which allows an otherwise independent director to serve on both the audit committee of the issuer and the Board of Directors of an affiliate. The Board is expected to nominate and approve a new member of the Audit Committee on it’s next monthly meeting in July 2008.
 
 
The Bank has adopted a code of ethics that is applicable to all of the Bank’s employees and a copy is included as an exhibit hereto. We will provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of our code of ethics. Please email rmorenoh@santander.cl to request a copy.
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts paid to the auditors for statutory audit and other services were as follows:
 
   
2006
MCh$
   
2007
MCh$
 
Audit Services
           
- Statutory audit
    727       789  
- Audit-related regulatory reporting
    693       99  
Tax Fees
               
- Compliance
    --       --  
- Advisory Services
    --       1  
All Other Services
    --       15  
Total
    1,420       904  

 
Statutory audit: Consists of fees billed for professional services rendered in connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements that are provided by Deloitte Auditores y Consultores Limitada in 2006 and 2007 in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, and attest services.
 
Audit-related regulatory reporting: Consists of fees billed for assurance and related services that were specifically related to the performance of the audit and review of our filings under the Securities Act.
 
Auditors are pre-approved by the Audit Committee. The selection of external auditors is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting. All proposed payments have been presented to our Audit Committee, which has determined that they are reasonable and consistent with internal policies.
 
 
Not applicable.
 
 
In 2007 neither Santander-Chile nor any of its affiliates purchased any of Santander-Chile’s equity securities.
 
 
 
We have responded to Item 18 in lieu of this item.
 
 
Reference is made to Item 19 for a list of all financial statements filed as part of this Annual Report.
 
 
a) Index to Financial Statements
 
Review report of independent registered public accounting firm
F-2
 
 
Audited consolidated financial statements:
 
 
 
Consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2006 and 2007
F-3
Consolidated statements of income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007
F-5
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statements of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007
F-6
Consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007
F-7
Notes to consolidated financial statements
F-8
 
b) Index to Exhibits
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
1A.1
 
Restated Articles of Incorporation of Santander-Chile (Spanish Version) (incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form F-4 (Registration No. 333-100975) filed with the Commission on December 12, 2002).
     
1A.2
 
Restated Articles of Incorporation of Santander-Chile (English Version) (incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form F-4(Registration No. 333-100975) filed with the Commission on December 12, 2002).
     
1B.1
 
Amended and Restated By-Laws (estatutos) of Santander-Chile (Spanish Version) (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 (File No. 1-4554) filed with the Commission on June 30, 2005).
     
1B.2
 
Amended and Restated By-Laws (estatutos) of Santander-Chile (English Version) (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 (File No. 1-4554) filed with the Commission on June 30, 2005).
     
2A.1
 
Form of Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated August 1, 2002, among Banco Santander-Chile (formerly known as Banco Santiago), the Bank of New York (as depositary) and Holders of American Depositary Receipts (incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form F-6 (Registration No. 333-97303) filed with the Commission on July 26, 2002).
     
2A.2
 
Form of Foreign Investment Contract among Banco Santiago, JPMorgan Chase Bank and the Central Bank of Chile relating to the foreign exchange treatment of an investment in ADSs (accompanied by an English translation) (Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-7676) filed with the Commission on October 23, 1997).
     
2A.3
 
Copy of the Central Bank Chapter XXVI Regulations Related to the Acquisition of Shares in Chilean Corporations and the Issuance of Instrument on Foreign Stock Exchanges or under Other Terms and Conditions of Issue (accompanied by an English translation) (incorporated by reference to Old Santander-Chile’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 (File No. 1-13448) filed with the Commission on June 30, 1997).
     
2B.1
 
Agreement for the Issuance of Bonds dated November 26, 1996 between Old Santander-Chile and Banco Security (accompanied by an English translation) (incorporated by reference to Old Santander-Chile’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 (File No. 1-13448) filed with the Commission on June 30, 1997).
     
2B.2
 
Indenture dated December 9, 2004 between Santander-Chile and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee, providing for issuance of securities in series
 
 
 
 
   
(incorporated by reference to Banco Santiago’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 1-4554) filed with the Commission on April 12, 2006).
     
2B.3
 
Indenture dated March 16, 2001, as amended on May 30, 2003, October 22, 2004, May 3, 2005, and September 20, 2005 between Santander-Chile and Banco de Chile, as trustee, relating to issuance of UF14 million senior notes (copy to be furnished upon request).
     
4A.1
 
Automatic Teller Machines Participation Agreement dated October 1, 1988 between Banco Espanol-Chile (predecessor to Old Santander-Chile) and REDBANC (accompanied by an English translation) (incorporated by reference to Old Santander-Chile’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 (File No. 1-13448) filed with the Commission on June 30, 1997).
     
4A.2
 
Outsourcing agreement between Banco Santiago and IBM de Chile S.A.C. dated June 30, 2000 (including English summary) (incorporated by reference to Banco Santiago’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 (File No. 1-4554) filed with the Commission on June 28, 2001).
     
4A.3
 
Systems and Technology Service and Consulting Agreement between Santander-Chile and Altec dated December 30, 2003 (English translation) (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 (File No. 1-14554) filed with the Commission on June 29, 2004).
     
4A.4
 
Purchase-Sale Contract between Santander-Chile and Empresas Almacenes París dated December 6, 2004 (English translation) (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 (File No. 1-14554) filed with the Commission on June 12, 2006).
     
4A.5
 
Service Participant operating contract dated August 9, 2005 between Banco Santander-Chile and Socieded Operadora de la Cámera de Compensación de Pagos de Alto Valor (English translation) (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 1-14554) filed with the Commission on June 19, 2007).
     
4A.6
 
Commercial Pledge Agreement dated February 5, 2007 by Santander-Chile of shares in Administrador Financiero de Transantiago (English Translation) (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 1-14554) filed with the Commission on June 19, 2007).
     
4A.7
 
Contract for the Outsourcing of Computer Services between Santander-Chile and Produban, Servicios Informaticos Generales, S.L, dated December 3, 2007 (English translation) (filed herewith).
     
7.1
 
Statement explaining Calculation of Ratios (incorporated by reference to Old Santander-Chile’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 (File No. 1-13448) filed with the Commission on June 28, 2001).
     
8.1
 
List of Subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 (File No. 1-4554) filed with the Commission on June 30, 2005).
     
11.1
 
Code of Conduct for Executive Personnel of Banco Santander-Chile and Subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 (File No. 1-4554) filed with the Commission on June 30, 2005).
 
 
 
 
 
11.2
 
Code of Conduct for all Grupo Santander Personnel (incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 (File No. 1-4554) filed with the Commission on June 30, 2005).
     
12.1
 
Section 302 Certification by the Chief Executive Officer.
     
12.2
 
Section 302 Certification by the Chief Financial Officer.
     
13.1
 
Section 906 Certification.
     
23.1
 
Consent of Deloitte & Touche Sociedad de Auditores y Consultores, Ltda.

 
We will furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, copies of any unfiled instruments that define the rights of holders of long-term debt of Banco Santander-Chile.
 

 
 
SIGNATURES
 
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.
 

BANCO SANTANDER-CHILE
 
 
By:
/s/ Gonzalo Romero A.
 
Name:
Gonzalo Romero A.
 
Title:
General Counsel
 
Date: June 25, 2008.
 
 
 
 
 
BANCO SANTANDER CHILE

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTENTS

 

Ch$
-
Chilean pesos
MCh$
-
Millions of Chilean pesos
US$
-
United States dollars
ThUS$
-
Thousands of United States dollars
UF
-
A UF is a daily-indexed, peso-denominated monetary unit.  The UF rate is set daily in advance based on the previous month’s inflation rate.





 
Deloitte
Auditores y Consultores Limitada
RUT: 80.276.200-3
Av. Providencia 1760
Pisos 6, 7, 8, 9 y 13
Providencia, Santiago
Chile
Fono: (56-2) 729 7000
Fax: (56-2) 374 9177
e-mail: deloittechile@deloitte.com
www.deloitte.cl
 
 
 


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
   Banco Santander Chile

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Banco Santander Chile and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Banco Santander Chile” or the “Bank”) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows and changes in shareholders’ equity for each of three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, all expressed in millions of constant Chilean pesos.  These consolidated financial statements (including the related notes) are the responsibility of the Bank’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States of America).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Banco Santander Chile and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Chile and the rules of the Superintendencia de Bancos e Instituciones Financieras.

As explained further in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, during 2006 the Bank modified its basis for recording and valuation of financial investments acquired for trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity investments and derivative instruments.

Accounting principles generally accepted in Chile vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP).  Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Note 28 to the consolidated financial statements.

Our audit also comprehended the translation of Chilean peso amounts into U.S. dollar amounts and we are not aware of any modifications that should be made for such translation to be in conformity with the basis stated in Note 1.r.  Such U.S. dollar amounts are presented solely for the convenience of readers in the United States of America.
 
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States of America), the Banks’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated June 23, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting.
 

/s/Deloitte
Santiago, Chile
June 23, 2008
 
Una firma miembro de
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
 
 
 



BANCO SANTANDER CHILE


Adjusted for general price-level changes and expressed
in millions of constant Chilean pesos (MCh$) as of
December 31, 2007 and thousands of U.S. dollars (ThUS$)

   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
ThUS$
 
               
(Note 1r)
 
ASSETS
                 
                   
CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS (Note 3)
                 
Non-interest bearing
    1,018,253       591,117       1,187,507  
Interbank deposits-interest bearing
    155,429       700,517       1,407,282  
                         
Total cash and due from banks
    1,173,682       1,291,634       2,594,789  
                         
INVESTMENTS (Note 4)
                       
Trading
    687,037       1,005,631       2,020,232  
Available for sale
    370,784       779,635       1,566,224  
Investment under agreements to resell
    33,099       34,000       68,303  
                         
Total investments
    1,090,920       1,819,266       3,654,759  
                         
LOANS, NET (Note 5)
                       
Commercial loans
    4,349,409       4,657,869       9,357,284  
Consumer loans
    1,934,465       2,033,125       4,084,385  
Mortgage loans
    521,996       385,347       774,131  
Foreign trade loans
    796,964       812,696       1,632,641  
Interbank loans
    162,762       45,961       92,332  
Leasing contracts (Note 6)
    821,280       879,731       1,767,309  
Other outstanding loans
    2,880,962       3,346,318       6,722,484  
Past due loans
    99,445       116,654       234,349  
Contingent loans
    1,098,775       1,191,279       2,393,184  
Reserve for loan losses (Note 7)
    (187,014 )     (232,766 )     (467,608 )
                         
Total loans, net
    12,479,044       13,236,214       26,590,491  
                         
DERIVATIVES (Note 12)
    400,416       780,775       1,568,514  
                         
OTHER ASSETS
                       
Bank premises and equipment, net (Note 8)
    248,573       247,567       497,342  
Assets received in lieu of payment
    16,949       12,868       25,851  
Assets to be leased
    32,547       58,420       117,361  
Investments in other companies (Note 9)
    7,149       6,736       13,532  
Other (Note 10)
    498,512       769,250       1,545,361  
                         
Total other assets
    803,730       1,094,841       2,199,447  
                         
TOTAL ASSETS
    15,947,792       18,222,730       36,608,000  

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


 
BANCO SANTANDER CHILE

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Adjusted for general price-level changes and expressed
in millions of constant Chilean pesos (MCh$) as of
December 31, 2007 and thousands of U.S. dollars (ThUS$)

   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
ThUS$
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
             
(Note 1r)
 
                   
DEPOSITS
                 
Non-interest bearing
                 
Current accounts
    1,787,172       1,984,910       3,987,525  
Bankers' drafts and other deposits
    880,560       948,565       1,905,591  
                         
Total non-interest bearing
    2,667,732       2,933,475       5,893,116  
                         
Interest bearing
                       
Savings accounts and other deposits
    7,423,390       7,887,880       15,846,117  
                         
Total deposits
    10,091,122       10,821,355       21,739,233  
                         
OTHER INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES (Note 11)
                       
Chilean Central Bank borrowings
                       
Credit lines for renegotiations of loans
    5,458       3,972       7,979  
Other Central Bank borrowings
    144,418       142,370       286,010  
Total Chilean Central Bank borrowings
    149,876       146,342       293,989  
                         
Investments under agreements to repurchase
    21,412       166,281       334,045  
Mortgage finance bonds
    569,653       434,275       872,424  
Other borrowings
                       
Bonds
    607,738       1,225,007       2,460,941  
Subordinated bonds
    526,903       498,216       1,000,876  
Foreign borrowings
    872,700       1,095,471       2,200,713  
Other obligations
    68,969       147,868       297,055  
                         
Total other borrowings
    2,076,310       2,966,562       5,959,585  
                         
Total other interest bearing liabilities
    2,817,251       3,713,460       7,460,043  
                         
DERIVATIVES (Note 12)
    382,403       778,217       1,563,375  
                         
OTHER LIABILITIES
                       
Contingent liabilities (Note 10)
    1,100,237       1,190,353       2,391,323  
Other (Note 10)
    217,152       261,256       524,842  
                         
Total other liabilities
    1,317,389       1,451,609       2,916,165  
                         
CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS (Note 21)
                       
                         
MINORITY INTEREST
    1,635       20,047       40,273  
                         
Total liabilities
    14,609,800       16,784,688       33,719,089  
                         
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Note 14)
                       
Capital and reserves
    1,031,163       1,129,395       2,268,864  
Income for the year
    306,829       308,647       620,047  
                         
Total shareholders' equity
    1,337,992       1,438,042       2,888,911  
                         
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    15,947,792       18,222,730       36,608,000  

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
BANCO SANTANDER CHILE


Expressed in millions of constant Chilean pesos (MCh$) as of
December 31, 2007 and thousands of U.S. dollars (ThUS$)
 
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
ThUS$
 
                     
(Note 1r)
 
                         
INTEREST REVENUE AND EXPENSE
                       
Interest revenue
    1,093,557       1,255,814       1,665,527       3,345,910  
Interest expense
    (493,756 )     (598,008 )     (839,911 )     (1,687,314 )
Net interest revenue
    599,801       657,806       825,616       1,658,596  
                                 
PROVISIONS FOR LOAN LOSSES (Note 7)
    (69,706 )     (132,175 )     (182,411 )     (366,449 )
                                 
Fees and other services income (Note 17)
    186,286       213,081       237,927       477,976  
Other services expenses (Note 17)
    (34,473 )     (38,438 )     (45,002 )     (90,405 )
Total fees income and expenses from services, net
    151,813       174,643       192,925       387,571  
                                 
OTHER OPERATING INCOME
                               
Gains from trading activities
    73,069       152,424       50,285       101,019  
Losses from trading activities
    (140,293 )     (44,649 )     (177,023 )     (355,625 )
Foreign exchange transactions, net
    77,766       (52,332 )     92,425       185,674  
Other operating income
    5,962       6,037       8,508       17,092  
Other operating expenses
    (31,110 )     (41,450 )     (53,921 )     (108,323 )
Total other operating income (loss), net
    (14,606 )     20,030       (79,726 )     (160,163 )
                                 
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES
                               
Non-operating income (Note 18)
    22,897       17,826       20,393       40,968  
Non-operating expenses (Note 18)
    (47,049 )     (22,354 )     (10,594 )     (21,282 )
Income (loss) attributable to investments in other companies (Note 9)
    745       844       (1,321 )     (2,654 )
Minority interest
    (146 )     (162 )     (2,055 )     (4,128 )
Total other income and (expenses), net
    (23,553 )     (3,846 )     6,423       12,904  
                                 
OPERATING EXPENSES
                               
Personnel salaries and expenses
    (152,749 )     (171,605 )     (176,095 )     (353,761 )
Administrative and other expenses
    (110,359 )     (119,202 )     (121,546 )     (244,177 )
Depreciation and amortization
    (43,062 )     (41,486 )     (45,043 )     (90,488 )
Total operating expenses
    (306,170 )     (332,293 )     (342,684 )     (688,426 )
                                 
NET LOSS FROM PRICE-LEVEL RESTATEMENT (Note 24)
    (19,902 )     (14,807 )     (56,325 )     (113,152 )
                                 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    317,677       369,358       363,818       730,881  
Income taxes (Note 21)
    (54,671 )     (62,529 )     (55,171 )     (110,834 )
                                 
NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR
    263,006       306,829       308,647       620,047  

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
BANCO SANTANDER CHILE


Expressed in millions of constant Chilean pesos (MCh$) as of
December 31, 2007 and thousands of U.S. dollars (ThUS$)

   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
ThUS$
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                   
(Note 1r)
 
Net income for the year
    263,006       306,829       308,647       620,047  
Charge (credit) to income not representing cash flows:
                               
Provision for loan losses
    120,288       182,743       260,171       522,663  
Depreciation and amortization
    43,062       41,486       45,043       90,488  
Net decrease in financial investments (trading account)
    4,681       (3,320 )     2,363       4,747  
(Gain) loss on sales of bank premises and equipment
    (222 )     (605 )     (414 )     (832 )
(Gain) loss on sales of goods received in lieu of payment
    (4,965 )     (2,109 )     (2,178 )     (4,375 )
Net changes in other assets and liabilities
    (26,328 )     (119,358 )     (167,727 )     (336,950 )
Share of profit in equity method investments
    (745 )     (844 )     1,321       2,654  
Minority interest
    146       162       2,055       4,128  
Write-offs of assets received in lieu of payment
    23,030       14,629       7,991       16,053  
Net change in interest accruals
    (90,714 )     (19,602 )     (13,939 )     (28,002 )
Price-level restatement
    19,902       14,807       56,325       113,152  
Other
    7,292       52,954       48,322       97,076  
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    358,433       467,772       547,980       1,100,849  
                                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                               
Net increase in loans
    (1,185,440 )     (1,629,516 )     (1,020,025 )     (2,049,148 )
Net change in proceeds from sale of goods received in lieu of payment
    52,227       29,052       24,355       48,927  
Purchases of bank premises and equipment
    (23,564 )     (26,989 )     (30,123 )     (60,515 )
Investments in other companies
    (1,467 )     -       4,427       8,893  
Net (increase) decrease in securities purchased under agreements to resell
    (107,427 )     74,826       2,047       4,112  
Net change in other financial investments
    527,571       264,597       (581,034 )     (1,167,251 )
Proceeds from sales of bank premises and equipment
    3,959       2,920       11,602       23,307  
Dividends received from equity investments
    842       656       687       1,380  
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    (733,299 )     (1,284,454 )     (1,588,064 )     (3,190,295 )
                                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                               
Net increase in current accounts
    126,638       186,941       188,200       378,079  
Net increase in savings accounts and time deposits
    1,501,150       898,943       457,848       919,780  
Net increase in bankers drafts and other deposits
    (398,176 )     127,250       4,752       9,546  
Net increase in investments sold under agreements to repurchase
    (190,718 )     (34,617 )     (32,079 )     (64,444 )
Increase in mortgage finance bonds
    19,612       233       444       892  
Repayments of mortgage finance bonds
    (527,325 )     (219,599 )     (171,924 )     (345,381 )
Proceeds from bond issues
    122,135       216,706       606,507       1,218,424  
Repayments of bond issues
    (263,100 )     (71,880 )     (67,644 )     (135,891 )
Short-term funds borrowed
    242,626       435,739       302,298       607,292  
Short-term borrowings repaid
    659,091       (332,270 )     215,058       432,034  
Proceeds from issuance of long-term borrowings
    (45,267 )     (9,767 )     (3,006 )     (6,039 )
Central Bank borrowings
    (383,186 )     (376,650 )     (145,903 )     (293,107 )
Dividends paid
    (226,359 )     (167,403 )     (198,121 )     (398,009 )
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    637,121       653,626       1,156,430       2,323,176  
                                 
EFFECT OF PRICE-LEVEL RESTATEMENT ON CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS
    3,685       (7,262 )     1,606       3,226  
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS
    265,940       (170,318 )     117,952       236,956  
CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    1,078,060       1,344,000       1,173,682       2,357,833  
CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS, END OF THE YEAR
    1,344,000       1,173,682       1,291,634       2,594,789  

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                       
Non cash movements (assets received in lieu of payment)
    31,564       21,073       10,223       20,536  
                                 
Cash paid during the year for:
                               
Interest
    514,669       635,401       672,021       1,350,036  
Taxes
    1,737       2,136       2,209       4,438  
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
BANCO SANTANDER CHILE


Expressed in millions of constant Chilean pesos (MCh$) as of December 31, 2007
(except for number of shares)

   
Number
   
Paid-in
               
Net Income
       
   
Of
   
Share
   
Legal
   
Other
   
for the
       
   
Shares
   
Capital
   
Reserve
   
Reserve
   
Year
   
Total
 
   
Millions
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
                                     
Balances at January 1, 2005, (historical)
    188,446       719,974       107,811       5,174       198,795       1,031,754  
Retained earnings
    -       -       198,795       -       (198,795 )     -  
Dividend paid
    -       -       (198,795 )     -       -       (198,795 )
Price-level restatement
    -       26,063       3,585       -       -       29,648  
Unrealized losses in financial investment classified as permanent
    -       -       -       (20,485 )     -       (20,485 )
Net Income for the year
    -       -       -       -       239,710       239,710  
Balances as of December 31, 2005
    188,446       746,037       111,396       (15,311 )     239,710       1,081,832  
Balances at December 31, 2005 restated in constant Chilean pesos of December 31, 2007
    188,446       801,543       122,221       (16,449 )     263,004       1,170,319  
                                                 
                                                 
Balances as of January 1, 2006, (historical)
    188,446       746,037       111,396       (15,311 )     239,710       1,081,832  
Retained earnings
    -       -       239,710       -       (239,710 )     -  
Dividends paid
    -       -       (155,811 )     -       -       (155,811 )
Price-level restatement
    -       15,816       4,513       -       -       20,329  
Change in accounting principles (See note 2)
    -       -       -       (936 )     -       (936 )
Unrealized losses in financial investment classified as available for sale
    -       -       -       14,343       -       14,343  
Net Income for the year
    -       -       -       -       285,582       285,582  
Balances as of  December 31, 2006
    188,446       761,853       199,808       (1,904 )     285,582       1,245,339  
Balances at December 31, 2006, restated in constant Chilean pesos of December 31, 2007
    188,446       818,535       214,674       (2,046 )     306,829       1,337,992  
                                                 
                                                 
Balances as of January 1, 2007, (historical)
    188,446       761,853       199,808       (1,904 )     285,582       1,245,339  
Retained earnings
            -       285,582       -       (285,582 )     -  
Dividends paid
    -       -       (185,628 )     -       -       (185,628 )
Price-level restatement
    -       56,682       23,412       -       -       80,094  
Change in accounting principles (See note 2)
    -       -       (936 )     936       -       -  
Unrealized losses in financial investment classified as available for sale and derivatives (*)
    -       -       -       (8,507 )     -       (8,507 )
Merger Corredora de Bolsa (**)
    -       -       (1,903 )     -       -       (1,903 )
Net Income for the year
    -       -       -       -       308,647       308,647  
Balances as of December 31, 2007
    188,446       818,535       320,335       (9,475 )     308,647       1,438,042  

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

(*) This amount is originated by the fair market value adjustment from available for sale securities for an amount of MCh$(3,637) and for the effective portion adjustment from the fair market value of derivative instruments used as cash flow hedge instruments, for an amount of MCh$(4,870). Both amounts are presented net of taxes.

(**) See Note 1 “Summary of significant accounting policies”, letter a. (1).

 

Expressed in millions of constant Chilean pesos (MCh$)
of December 31, 2007 (except as indicated)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a. Basis of presentation - Banco Santander Chile (formerly Banco Santiago) is a corporation (sociedad anónima bancaria) organized under the laws of the Republic of Chile that provides a broad range of general banking services to customers, from individuals to major corporations. Banco Santander Chile and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to herein as the “Bank” “Banco Santander Chile”) offer general commercial and consumer banking services and provide other services, including factoring, collection, leasing, securities and insurance brokerage, mutual and investment funds management and investment banking.

Through resolution No.79 dated July 26, 2002 the Chilean Superintendencia de Bancos e Instituciones Financieras (the “Superintendency of Banks”) approved the merger agreed upon by the Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meetings of the former Banco Santander Chile and Banco Santiago, both held on July 18, 2002.

On August 1, 2002, the legal merger agreed upon by Banco Santiago with former Banco Santander Chile took place, through the contribution of the assets of the latter to Banco Santiago, which assumed the total liabilities.  The merger was accounted for under Chilean GAAP in a manner commonly referred to as a “pooling of interests” on a prospective basis from January 1, 2002.  As such, the financial statements of the former Banco Santander Chile were retroactively combined with those of Banco Santiago at book values at January 1, 2002.

By virtue of the merger, Banco Santiago later changed its name to Banco Santander Chile.  The shareholders of the former Banco Santander Chile became shareholders of the merged bank, receiving 3.55366329 shares of the merged Bank in exchange for each share of the former Banco Santander Chile.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Chile and regulations of the Superintendency of Banks, collectively referred to as “Chilean GAAP.” For the convenience of the reader, the consolidated financial statements have been translated into English.

The consolidated financial statements include Banco Santander Chile and its majority owned subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.  The majority interests of Banco Santander Chile as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 were as follows:
 
 

NOTE 1.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continuation).

   
Percentage Owned
 
   
December 2005
   
December 2006
   
December 2007
 
   
Direct
   
Indirect
   
Total
   
Direct
   
Indirect
   
Total
   
Direct
   
Indirect
   
Total
 
   
%
   
%
   
%
   
%
   
%
   
%
   
%
   
%
   
%
 
Subsidiary
                                                     
Santander Leasing S.A. (2) (4)
    99.50       -       99.50       99.50       -       99.50       99.50       -       99.50  
Santiago Corredores de Bolsa Limitada (1)
    99.19       0.81       100.00       99.19       0.81       100.00       -       -       -  
Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa (1)
    -       -       -       -       -       -       50.59       0.41       51.00  
Santander Asset Management S.A. Administradora
General de Fondos (2)
    99.96       0.02       99.98       99.96       0.02       99.98       99.96       0.02       99.98  
Santander S.A. Agente de Valores
    99.03       -       99.03       99.03       -       99.03       99.03       -       99.03  
Santander S.A. Sociedad Securitizadora (2)
    99.64       -       99.64       99.64       -       99.64       99.64       -       99.64  
Santander Corredora de Seguros Limitada (2) (4)
    99.99       -       99.99       99.99       -       99.99       99.99       -       99.99  
Santander Servicios de Recaudación y Pagos Limitada (3)
    -       -       -       99.90       0.10       100.00       99.90       0.10       100.00  

(1)
In conformity with the established in Articles 9 and 10 of Law No. 18,045 and Chapter 18-10 of the Recopilación Actualizada de Normas de la Superintendencia de Bancos e Instituciones Financieras, in the Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting held on January 15, 2007 by Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa, a related company to Banco Santander Chile, approved the merger between Santiago Corredores de Bolsa Limitada, a subsidiary of Banco Santander Chile, into Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa, effective January 1, 2007. Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa, as of January 15, 2007, became a subsidiary of Banco Santander Chile and the legal successor of Santiago Corredores de Bolsa Limitada.

The merger of Santiago Corredores de Bolsa Limitada and Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa was accounted as a business combination of entities under common control, thus, the lower value determined in the transaction was recorder as a charge to the Bank Shareholders’ Equity in an amount of MCh$1,903.

(2)
During 2007 the following subsidiaries changed their commercial registry:
 
-
Santander Leasing S.A. (Formerly Santiago Leasing S.A.).
 
-
Santander Asset Management S.A. Administradora General de Fondos (Formerly Santander Santiago S.A. Administradora General de Fondos).
 
-
Santander S.A. Sociedad Securitizadora (Formerly Santander Santiago S.A. Sociedad Securitizadora).
 
-
Santander Corredora de Seguros Limitada (Formerly Santander Santiago Corredores de Seguros Limitada).

(3)
On September 27, 2006, the Bank formed a new subsidiary “Santander Servicios de Recaudación y Pagos Limitada”, in which they become a 99.9% owner, dedicated to collection and payment services. The new subsidiary is organized under the laws of Republic of Chile and started its operations in October 2006.

(4)
On December 4, 2007, the Superintendency of Bank, authorized the statutes modification, social rights sell and merged of the subsidiaries Santander Leasing S.A. (Formerly Santiago Leasing S.A.) and Santander Corredora de Seguros Limitada (Formerly Santander Santiago Corredora de Seguros Limitada). At the date of the issuance of this financial statement the merged hasn’t take place.
 
 

 
NOTE 1.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continuation).

b. Use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates. In certain cases generally accepted accounting principles require that assets or liabilities be recorded or disclosed at their fair values.  The fair value is the amount at which an asset could be bought or sold, or in the case of a liability could be incurred or settled in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale.  Where available, quoted market prices in active markets have been used as the basis for the measurement.  Where quoted market prices in active markets are not available, the Bank has estimated such values based on the best information available, including using modeling and other valuation techniques.

We have established allowances to cover probable loan losses in accordance with regulations issued by the Chilean Superintendency of Banks.  These regulations require us to estimate allowances based on an individual and group classification system as explained in Note 1 (m).

As described above, the allowance for loan losses requires us to make estimates and, consequently, we regularly evaluate our allowance for loan losses by taking into consideration factors such as changes in the nature and volume of our loan portfolio, trends in forecasted portfolio credit quality and economic conditions that may affect our borrowers’ ability to pay.  Increases in our allowance for loan losses are reflected as provisions for loan losses in our income statement.  Loans are charged off when management determines that the loan or a portion thereof is uncollectible. Charge-offs are recorded as a reduction of the allowance for loan losses.

c. Price-level restatement - The consolidated financial statements are prepared on the basis of general price-level accounting in order to reflect the effect of changes in the purchasing power of the Chilean peso during each period.  At the end of each reporting period, the consolidated financial statements are restated in terms of the general purchasing power of the Chilean peso (“constant pesos”) using changes in the Chilean Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) as follows:

-
Non-monetary assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity accounts are restated in terms of period-end purchasing power.

-
Consistent with general banking practices in Chile, no specific purchasing power adjustments of income statement amounts are made.

-
Monetary items are not restated as such items are, by their nature, stated in terms of current purchasing power in the financial statements.

-
The price-level restatement credit or charge in the income statement represents the monetary gain or loss in purchasing power from holding monetary assets and liabilities exposed to the effects of inflation.

-
All the amounts contained in the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been restated in Chilean pesos of general purchasing power of December 31, 2007 (“constant pesos”) applied under the “prior month rule”, as described below, to reflect changes in the CPI from the financial statement dates to December 31, 2007.  This updating does not change the prior periods’ statements or information in any way except to update the amounts to constant pesos of similar purchasing power.
 
 
 
NOTE 1.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continuation).

The general price-level restatements are calculated using the official CPI of the Chilean National Institute of Statistics and are based on the “prior month rule”, in which the inflation adjustments at any balance sheet date are based on the consumer price index at the close of the preceding month. The CPI is considered by the business community, the accounting profession and the Chilean government to be the index which most closely complies with the technical requirement to reflect the variation in the general level of prices in the country and, consequently, is widely used for financial reporting purposes in Chile.

The values of the CPI used for price-level restatement purposes are as follows:

       
Change
Period
 
Index *
 
in index
2005
 
121.53
 
3.6%
2006
 
124.11
 
2.1%
2007
 
133.34
 
7.4%

*
Index as of November 30 of each period compared with the index as of November 30 of the prior year, under the prior month rule described above.

The price-level adjusted consolidated financial statements do not purport to represent appraised values, replacement cost, or any other current value of assets at which transactions would take place currently and are only intended to restate all non-monetary financial statement components in terms of local currency of a single purchasing power and to include in the net result for each year the gain or loss in purchasing power arising from the holding of monetary assets and liabilities exposed to the effects of inflation.

d. Index-linked assets and liabilities - Certain of the Bank’s interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities are expressed in index-linked units of account.  The principal index-linked unit used in Chile is the Unidad de Fomento (UF), a unit of account which changes daily from the tenth day of the current month to the ninth day of the next month, to reflect the changes in the Chilean CPI over the previous month.  The carrying amounts of such assets and liabilities change with the changes in the UF and serve to offset the price-level restatement gains or losses from holding such assets and liabilities.  As the Bank’s UF assets exceed its UF liabilities, any increase in the index results in a net gain on indexation.  Values for the UF as of December 31 of each period are as follows in historical Chilean pesos:

Period
 
Ch$
2005
 
17,974.81
2006
 
18,336.38
2007
 
19,622.66

e. Interest revenue and expense recognition - Interest revenue and expense are recognized on an accrual basis using the effective interest method. The carrying amounts of loans, investments and liabilities are stated at their cost, adjusted for accrued interest and the indexation adjustment applicable to such balances that are index-linked.  The effect of index linkage charges on interest-earning assets end interest earning liabilities is reflected in the income statement as an increase or decrease in interest revenue or expense.
 
 

NOTE 1.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continuation).

The Bank suspends the accrual of interest and indexation adjustments of principal on loan installment payments due beginning on the first day that such loan installment payments are overdue.  The Bank continues to accrue interest and indexation on the principal payments not yet overdue for those loans that have installments overdue unless the Bank believes those amounts are uncollectible.  Interest accrued prior to the loan becoming overdue remains on the Bank’s books and is considered to be a part of the loan balance when determining the allowance for loan losses. Payments received on overdue loans are first applied to reduce the recorded balance of accrued interest receivable, if any, and thereafter are recognized as income to the extent of interest earned but not recorded; any excess payments are then applied to principal.  Accrued interest and indexation adjustments are included in the Bank’s recorded investment in the loan for the purpose of determining the require allowance for loan losses.

f. Foreign currency - The Bank makes loans and accepts deposits in amounts denominated in foreign currencies, principally the U.S. dollar. Such assets and liabilities are translated by the Bank and its subsidiaries until March 2007 at the observed rate reported by the Central Bank of Chile at the balance sheet date.  Effective March 2007, assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, only held by the Bank are translated to Chilean pesos based on the interbank market rate published by Reuters at 1:30 pm on the last business day of every month.

The amount of the net gains and losses on foreign exchange includes the recognition of the effects that variations in the exchange rate have on assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and the gains or losses on foreign exchange spot and forward transaction undertaken by the Bank.

g. Derivative activities - Prior January 1, 2006, under Chilean GAAP, the Bank accounts for forward contracts between foreign currencies and U.S. dollars at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses on these instruments recognized in net income.  Forward contracts between the U.S. dollar and the Chilean peso or the UF are valued at the closing spot exchange rate of each balance sheet date, with the initial discount or premium being amortized over the life of the contract in accordance with Chilean hedge accounting criteria.

Under Chilean GAAP the Bank records differences between interest income and interest expense on interest rate swap transactions, in net income in the period when cash settlements under the agreements are made.  The fair value of the swap agreement and changes in the fair value as a result of changes in market interest rates are not recognized at each period-close in the Chilean GAAP consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 1.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continuation).

Effective January 1, 2006, under the requirements of Circular No. 3,345 of the Superintendency of Banks, the accounting treatment of certain derivative instruments and hedges of financial assets changed.  Traditional financial instruments which meet the definition of a “derivative” such as forwards in foreign currency and UFs, interest rate futures, currency and interest rate swaps, currency and interest rate options, and others are recognized initially in the balance sheet at cost (including transaction fees) and, at subsequent period ends, at their fair value.  The fair value is obtained from market quotes, discounted cash flow models and option valuation models, as applicable.

Certain terms may be incorporated into non-derivative financial instruments whose risk and economic characteristics are not clearly and closely related to those of the host contract which may require their bifurcation from the host contract and treatment as a separate derivative subject to that dictated by Circular No. 3,345.

When a derivative contract is signed, it must be designated by the Bank as a speculative contract or a hedge. Any changes in the fair value of speculative financial derivative contracts are recorded in Income under “Gains from trading activities” or “Losses from trading activities”, as applicable.  If the derivative is classified as a hedge, it can be: (1) a fair value hedge, or (2) a cash flow hedge.  To qualify as a hedge for accounting purposes, the instruments must comply with all the following conditions: (a) hedging must be formally documented at inception; (b) hedging is expected to be highly effective; (c) the effectiveness of the hedge can be measured reasonably; and (d) hedging is highly effective with regard to the risk hedged, continuously throughout its lifetime, to qualify as highly effective, the hedge relationship should meet, both at the inception and in any moment, the following requirements:

a)
Prospectively: It should be expected that the changes in the fair value or in the cash flows of the hedged financial instruments will almost be offset by the changes in the fair value or in the cash flows of the hedging instruments.

b)
Retrospectively: The offsetting effects should be within 80% and 125% of the changes in the hedged item.

c)
All the values should be reliably calculated.

d)
Effectiveness should be tested at least each time that the financial statements are prepared.

Certain derivative transactions that do not classify to be accounted for as hedges are treated and reported as speculative, even though they may provide an effective economic hedge for managing risk positions.

When a derivative hedges exposure to changes in the fair value of an existing asset or liability, the latter is recorded at its fair value.  Earnings or losses from measuring the fair value of both the item hedged and the hedging derivative are recognized in income.  If the item hedged in a fair value hedge is a firm commitment, the changes in the fair value of the commitment with regard to the risk hedged are recorded as assets or liabilities with the offsetting effect recorded in income.  When an asset or liability is acquired as a result of the commitment, the initial recognition of the acquired asset or liability is adjusted to fair value.
 
 

NOTE 1.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continuation).

When a derivative hedges exposure to changes in the cash flows of existing assets or liabilities, or expected transactions, the effective portion of the changes in fair value with regard to the risk hedged is recorded in shareholders’ equity.  Any ineffective portion is recognized directly in the period’s income.  The amounts recorded directly in shareholders’ equity are recorded in income in the same periods in which the offsetting changes in assets or liabilities hedged affect the income statement.

When fair value hedge accounting is used for portfolio hedge of interest rate risk and the hedge item is designated as an amount of currency, the earnings or losses from measuring the fair value of both the portfolio hedged and the hedge are recognized in income.

h. Financial investments - Before January 1, 2006, the Bank’s financial investments were classified as trading or permanent in accordance with the regulations of the Superintendency of Banks with unrealized gains and losses on trading investments included in Other operating income (expenses), and unrealized gains and losses on permanent investments included in a separate component of Shareholders’ equity.  Investment securities maintained by the Bank’s subsidiaries were carried on a stand-alone basis on the subsidiary’s financial statements only at the lower of price-level restated cost or market value.

The Bank’s previously identified “trading” investments, although not classified as such in prior years, for accounting purposes, were treated the same as those classified as “trading” since January 1, 2006.  Additionally, over all periods presented, classification for accounting purposes has been conformed.

Effective January 1, 2006, the accounting for financial instruments acquired for trading or investments purposes (available-for-sale or held-to-maturity) are classified as follows:

i.
Trading Instruments - Instruments for trading are securities acquired for which the Bank has the intent to generate earnings from short-term price fluctuations or through brokerage margins, or that are included in a portfolio created for such purposes.

Instruments for trading are valued at their fair value according to market prices on the closing date of the balance sheet.  Mark to market adjustments, as well as realized gains/losses from trading are included in the Income Statement under “Earnings (losses) from trading activities”. Interest income and indexation adjustments are reported as “Interest revenue”.

ii.
Investment Instruments - Investment instruments are classified into two categories: Held to maturity investments and Instruments available for sale. Held to maturity investments only include those instruments for which the Bank has the intent and ability to hold to maturity. Investment instruments not classified as held to maturity or trading are considered to be available for sale.  Investment instruments are recognized initially at cost, which includes transaction costs.
 
 

 
NOTE 1.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continuation).

Investment instruments are recorded initially at cost.  Instruments available for sale are valued at each subsequent period-end at their fair value according to market prices or valuations obtained by using models.  Mark to market adjustments are reported in a separate component of Shareholders’ equity.  When these investments are sold or become impaired, the amount of the adjustments to fair value accumulated in Shareholders’ equity is reclassified to the income statement and reported under “Gain from trading activities” or “Losses from trading activities”, as applicable.

Held to maturity investments are recorded at their cost value plus accrued interest and adjustments, less provisions for impairment recorded when the book value is higher than its estimated return.

Interest and indexation adjustments of held to maturity investments and available for sale investments are included under “Interest revenue and expenses”.  Investment instruments designated as hedges are accounted for under the appropriate derivative accounting literature.

All purchases and sales of investment instruments, to be delivered within the deadline stipulated by market regulations and conventions, are recognized on the commitment date, which is the date on which the commitment is made to purchase or sell the asset.  Other purchases or sales are treated as forwards until they are liquidated.

The Bank enters into security repurchase agreements as a form of borrowing.  In this regard, the Bank’s investments that are sold subject to a repurchase obligation and that serve as collateral for the borrowing are reclassified as “investment collateral under agreements to repurchase” and carried at market value.  The liability for the repurchase of the investment is classified as “investments under agreements to repurchase” and is carried at cost plus accrued interest.

The Bank also enters into resale agreements as a form of investment.  Under these agreements the Bank purchases securities, which are included as assets under the caption “investments under agreements to resell” and are carried at cost plus accrued interest.

All other financial investments are carried at acquisition cost plus accrued interest and UF-indexation adjustments, as applicable.

i. Leasing contracts - The Bank leases certain property that meets the criteria for direct financing leases.  At the time of entering into a direct financing lease transaction, the Bank records the gross financing receivable, unearned income and estimated residual value of leased equipment.  There are no significant residual values assumed by the Bank.  Unearned income represents the excess of the gross financing receivable plus the estimated residual value over the cost of the property acquired. Unearned income is recognized in such a manner as to produce a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment in the direct financing lease.  The net investment in financing leases is included in the account “Lease Contracts” in the loan section of the consolidated balance sheet.

j. Factored receivables - Factoring receivable loans are valued at the amount disbursed to the borrower.  The price difference between the amounts disbursed and the actual face value of the receivables is earned and recorded as interest income over the financing period.  The borrowers are responsible for the payments of the loans if the receivables are not collected.

NOTE 1.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continuation).

k. Premises and equipment - Premises and equipment are stated at acquisition cost net of accumulated depreciation and have been restated for price-level changes.  Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the underlying assets.

The costs of maintenance and repairs are charged to expense.  The costs of significant refurbishment and improvements are capitalized and are then amortized over the period of the benefit or the remaining life of the premises and equipment, whichever is less, on a straight-line basis.

l. Investments in other companies - Shares or rights in companies that are integral to the operations of the Bank, where the Bank holds less than majority interest, are accounted for under the equity method.  Other minority investments are carried at cost restated for price-level changes.

m. Allowance for loan losses - The Bank has set up allowances for probable loan losses in accordance with the instructions issued by the Superintendency of Banks and the models for rating and evaluating credit risk approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors.

According to the methodology developed by the Bank, the loans are divided into three categories: consumer, mortgage and commercial loans. The risk models used internally to calculate the provisions are describe as follows:

Allowances for individual evaluations on commercial loans

The Bank assigns a risk category level to each borrower and his respective loans.

The Bank considers the following risk factors within the analysis: industry or sector of the borrower, owners or managers of the borrower, their financial situation, their payment capacity and payment behavior.

The Bank assigns one of the following risk categories to each loan and borrower:

i.
Classifications A1, A2 and A3, correspond to borrowers with no apparent credit risk.
ii.
Classifications B, correspond to borrowers with some credit risk but no apparent deterioration of payment capacity.
iii.
Classifications C1, C2, C3, C4, D1 and D2 correspond to borrowers whose loans have deteriorated.

Before December 1, 2006, loans classified as A1, A2, A3 and B, the board of directors of the Bank is authorized to determine the levels of required reserves.  For loans classified in Categories C1, C2, C3, C4, D1 and D2, the bank must have the following levels of reserves:
 
 

NOTE 1.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continuation).

Classification
 
Estimated range of loss
Reserve
C1
 
Up to 3%
2%
C2
 
More than 3% up to 19%
10%
C3
 
More than 19% up to 29%
25%
C4
 
More than 29% up to 49%
40%
D1
 
More than 49% up to 79%
65%
D2
 
More than 79%
90%

Commencing in 2006 the Bank improve the methodology, for loans classified as A1, A2, A3 and B, the Bank assigned a specific level of risk to each borrower. This entails that borrowers with the same categories have different level of risk.

Allowances for group evaluations

·
Suitable for the evaluation of a large number of borrowers whose individual loan amounts are relatively small. These models are intended to be used primarily to analyze loans to individuals and small companies.

·
Levels of required reserves are to be determined by the Bank, according to the estimated loss that may result from the loans, by classifying the loan portfolio using one or both of the following models:

i.
A model based on the characteristics of the borrowers and their outstanding loans. Borrowers and their loans with similar characteristics will be placed into groups and each group will be assigned a risk level.

ii.
A model based on the behavior of a group of loans. Loans with analogous past payment histories and similar characteristics will be placed into groups and each group will be assigned a risk level.

Provisioning for consumer and mortgage loan

The provisioning for consumer and mortgage loan is directly related to the aging of the installment.

Commencing in 2006, the Bank improved and modified the methodology for analyzing consumer and mortgage loans.  All consumer and mortgage loans will be assigned a rating on an individual basis utilizing a more automated and sophisticated statistical model and considering also borrower’s credit behavior.  Once the rating of the client is determined the provisioning of consumer and mortgage loans is calculated using a risk category and related % which is directly related to the aging.  These changes were perfected in the 2007 by increasing the period of “back-testing” from 12 to 21 months and upon differentiating between old and new clients in the risk profiles assigned to the borrowers.
 
 

NOTE 1.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continuation).

Additional reserves

Under the regulations, banks are permitted to establish reserves above the limits described above only to cover specific risks that have been authorized by their board of directors.

Charge-offs

In accordance with the regulations of the Superintendency of Banks, the Bank charges off loans or portions thereof when collection efforts have been exhausted.  Under the rules and regulations established by the Superintendency of Banks, charge-offs must be made within the following maximum prescribed limits:

·
24 months after a loan is past due (3 months for consumer loans) for loans without collateral;
·
36 months after a loan is past due for loans with collateral.

The Bank will also charge off commercial loans prior to the meeting of this criteria when the Bank no longer considers such loans or portions thereof to be collectible.

Loan loss recoveries

Recoveries on charged off loans as well as recoveries on loans which were reacquired from the Chilean Central Bank (the “Central Bank”), are recorded directly to income and presented as a reduction of the provision for loans losses.

n. Fees and expenses related to loans and services - Fees and expenses related to loans, as well as fees for services rendered, are deferred and recognized in income over the term of the loans to which they relate equivalent to the period during which the services are performed.

The fees correspond to remunerations charged to the mutual funds and investment funds administered are registered on base yielded. These fees are established in the Internal Regulations off each one the funds administered.

o. Income taxes - Income taxes payable are recognized in an amount that approximates the amount due on the respective income tax return pursuant to Chilean tax legislation.

Deferred taxes are recorded in accordance with Technical Bulletin No. 60 and the complementary technical bulletins thereto issued by the Chilean Association of Accountants.

p. Assets received in lieu of payment - Assets received in lieu of payment are carried at the lower of price-level restated cost and the market value of such assets, considered as a whole.  Assets that have not been sold within one year are written-off, as instructed by the Superintendency of Banks.

q. Statement of cash flows - For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks. (For the year ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007), the consolidated statements of cash flows have been prepared in accordance with Technical Bulletin No. 65 of the Chilean Association of Accountants.
 
 

NOTE 1.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continuation).

r. Convenience translation to U.S. dollars - The Bank maintains its accounting records and prepares its consolidated financial statements in Chilean pesos.  The U.S. dollar amounts disclosed in the accompanying financial statements are presented solely for the convenience of the reader at the December 31, 2007, market exchange rate of Ch$497.78 per US$1.00.  This translation should not be construed as representing that the Chilean peso amounts actually represent or have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars at such a rate or at any other rate.
 
NOTE 2.
ACCOUNTING CHANGES

On December 20, 2005, the Superintendency of Banks issued Circular No. 3,345 and related amendments through Circular No. 3,349 dated February 7, 2006, Circular No. 3,355 dated May 25, 2006, and Circular No. 3,358 dated May 31, 2006, governing the application of new accounting principles and the valuation and classification of financial instruments acquired, derivative instruments, accounting hedges and write-offs of financial assets on the balance sheet.  The aforementioned changes in accounting principles and valuation at January 1, 2006, adjusting the valuation differences calculated at December 31, 2005, directly against shareholders’ equity in the amount of MCh$(936).  For comparative purposes, the Financial Statements at December 31, 2005, have been regrouped and reclassified, but not adjusted, based on the transition provisions established in Circular No. 3,345 and its subsequent amendments issued by the Superintendency of Banks.
 
NOTE 3.
CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

In accordance with the rules of the Superintendency of Banks, the Bank must maintain certain non interest-bearing balances in its account with the Central Bank.  The required balances are based upon specified financial criteria, including the level of the Bank’s assets, the amount of its foreign borrowings and its average liabilities.  Restricted amounts totaled MCh$312,605 and MCh$326,713 as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively.
 
NOTE 4.
INVESTMENTS

Financial investments are classified at the time of the purchase, based on management’s intentions, as either trading instruments or investment instruments the latter of which are categorized as Available for sale and Held to maturity.  As of December 31, 2006 and 2007, the Bank had not classified any security as Held to maturity.
 
 

NOTE 4.
INVESTMENTS (continuation).

A summary of financial investments is as follows:

a) Trading Investments
     
   
As of December 31,
 
Central Bank and Government Securities
 
2006
 
2007
 
 
MCh$
 
MCh$
 
Central Bank Securities
    409,626       804,086  
Chilean Treasury Bonds
    43,536       117,240  
Other Securities
    383       -  
Subtotal
    453,545       921,326  
                 
Others Financial Securities
               
Time deposits in Chilean Financial Institutions
    3,819       10,039  
Mortgage Finance Bonds
    24,914       32,713  
Chilean financial Institutions Bonds
    47       7,742  
Chilean Corporate Bonds
    24,240       11,541  
Chilean Other Securities
    7,805       15,343  
Other Foreign Securities
    172,667       6,927  
Subtotal
    233,492       84,305  
Total
    687,037       1,005,631  

Central Bank and Government Securities includes repurchase agreements sold to clients and financial institutions for an amount of MCh$21,553 and MCh$74,959 as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 respectively.

Other Financial Instruments include repurchase agreements sold to clients and financial institutions in the amount to MCh$2,766 (none in 2006).

b) Available for sale Investments
 
   
As of December 31,
 
Central Bank and Government Securities
 
2006
   
2007
 
 
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Central Bank Securities
    83,522       336,866  
Chilean Treasury Bonds
    670       109,194  
Other Securities
    19,909       -  
Subtotal
    104,101       446,060  
                 
Others Financial Securities
               
Mortgage Finance Bonds
    239,239       273,010  
Central Bank and Government Foreign Securities
    -       60,565  
Other Foreign Securities
    27,444       -  
Subtotal
    266,683       333,575  
Total
    370,784       779,635  

Central Bank and Government Securities includes repurchase agreements sold to clients and financial institutions for an amount of MCh$2,221 and MCh$58,859 as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 respectively.  Other Financial Investments does not include any repurchase agreements sold to clients and financial institutions.
 
 

NOTE 4.
INVESTMENTS (continuation).

c) Held to maturity Investments

As of December 31, 2006 and 2007, no financial investments were classified as Held to maturity.


NOTE 5.
LOANS

The loans on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets consist of the subcategories as described below.

Commercial loans are long-term and short-term loans made to companies and businesses.  These loans are granted in Chilean pesos on an adjustable or fixed rate basis to finance working capital or investments.

Consumer loans are loans to individuals granted in Chilean pesos, generally on a fixed rate basis, to finance the purchase of consumer goods or to pay for services.  Credit card balances subject to interest charges are also included in this category.

Mortgage loans are inflation-indexed, fixed rate, long-term loans with monthly payments of principal and interest collateralized by a real property mortgage.  These loans are specifically funded through the issuance of mortgage finance bonds, which are bonds generally issued to third party investors in order that the Bank finance its loans to property owners.  At the time of issuance, the amount of a mortgage loan cannot exceed 75% of the value of the property.

Foreign trade loans are fixed rate, short-term loans granted in foreign currencies (principally U.S. dollars) to finance imports and exports.

Interbank loans are fixed rate, short-term loans to financial institutions that operate in Chile.

Lease contracts are agreements to finance the acquisition of capital equipment and other property.

Other outstanding loans principally include current account overdrafts, bills of exchange and mortgage loans that are financed by the Bank’s general borrowings.

Past due loans include, with respect to any loan, the amount of principal or interest that is 90 days or more overdue, and do not include the installments of such loan that are not overdue or that are less than 90 days overdue, unless legal proceedings have been commenced for the entire outstanding balance according to the terms of the loan.

Contingent loans mainly consist of open and unused letters of credit together with guarantees granted by the Bank in Ch$, UF and foreign currencies (principally U.S. dollars).
 
 


NOTE 5.
LOANS (continuation).

The following table summarizes the most significant loan concentrations, expressed as a percentage of total loans, excluding contingent loans and before the reserve for loan losses.

   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
             
Community, social and personal services
    16.7 %     16.4 %
Residential mortgage loans
    26.0 %     27.1 %
Consumer credit
    16.9 %     16.8 %
Financial services
    8.7 %     7.4 %
Commerce
    8.3 %     8.9 %
Manufacturing
    5.6 %     5.9 %
Construction
    6.8 %     6.3 %
Agriculture, livestock, agribusiness, fishing
    5.6 %     5.3 %
Electricity, gas and water
    0.9 %     0.7 %
Transport, storage and communications
    3.8 %     3.9 %
Mining and petroleum
    0.7 %     1.3 %
                 
Total
    100.0 %     100.0 %

A substantial amount of the Bank’s loans are to borrowers doing business in Chile.


NOTE 6.
LEASE CONTRACTS

The amounts shown as leasing contracts are amounts receivable under lease agreements and have the following maturities as of December 31, 2006 and 2007.  Unearned income presented in the table corresponds to the interest to be earned in each year-end.

   
As of December 31, 2006
   
As of December 31, 2007
 
   
Total
   
Unearned
   
Net lease
   
Total
   
Unearned
   
Net lease
 
   
receivable
   
income
   
receivable
   
receivable
   
income
   
receivable
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Years
                                   
Due within one year
    286,311       (31,742 )     254,569       304,627       (33,750 )     270,877  
Due after 1 year but within 2 years
    203,577       (27,317 )     176,260       218,087       (29,025 )     189,062  
Due after 2 years but within 3 years
    142,720       (23,467 )     119,253       154,052       (25,065 )     128,987  
Due after 3 years but within 4 years
    95,729       (18,319 )     77,410       98,799       (18,460 )     80,339  
Due after 4 years but within 5 years
    59,603       (11,458 )     48,145       63,016       (12,279 )     50,737  
Due after 5 years
    194,398       (48,755 )     145,643       213,383       (53,654 )     159,729  
                                                 
Total
    982,338       (161,058 )     821,280       1,051,964       (172,233 )     879,731  

Leased assets consist principally of real estate, industrial machinery, vehicles and computer equipment.


NOTE 7.
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The changes in the allowance for loan losses are as follows:

   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
                   
Balance as of January 1,
    197,008       162,234       187,014  
Price-level restatement (1)
    (6,883 )     (3,367 )     (12,950 )
Charge offs
    (150,021 )     (154,150 )     (201,124 )
Allowances established
    176,950       221,420       306,669  
Allowances released
    (54,820 )     (39,123 )     (46,843 )
                         
Balance as of December 31,
    162,234       187,014       232,766  

(1)
Reflects the effect of inflation on the allowance for loan losses at the beginning of each period, adjusted to constant pesos of December 31, 2007.

The allowance for loan losses included in the results of operations for the periods indicated is as follows:

   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
                   
Provision established
    176,951       221,420       306,669  
Provision established (released)
                       
for assets received in lieu of payment
    (778 )     1,362       860  
Direct charge-offs
    (1,065 )     (915 )     (515 )
Provision released
    (54,820 )     (39,123 )     (46,843 )
Recovery of loans previously charge off
    (50,582 )     (50,569 )     (77,760 )
                         
Net charge to income
    69,706       132,175       182,411  


NOTE 8.
BANK PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET

The major categories of Bank premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation are as follows:

   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
             
Land and buildings
    213,785       211,647  
Furniture and fixtures
    10,781       12,090  
Machinery and equipment
    16,600       16,975  
Vehicles
    1,339       999  
Others
    6,068       5,856  
                 
Total bank premises and equipment, net
    248,573       247,567  

Related depreciation expense was MCh$20,726 and MCh$20,309 as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively.


NOTE 9.
INVESTMENTS IN OTHER COMPANIES

Investments in other companies consist of the following:

     
As of December 31,
 
   
Ownership interest
   
Participation net income
   
Book Value
 
   
2006
   
2007
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
%
   
%
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
                                           
Redbanc S.A.
    33.42       33.42       201       216       200       1,331       1,317  
Transbank S.A.
    32.71       32.71       283       284       285       1,845       1,849  
Tarjetas Inteligentes S.A. (1)
    -       -       (46 )     -       -       -       -  
Centro de Compensación Automática
    33.33       33.33       38       43       38       258       275  
Sociedad Interbancaria de Depósito de Valores S.A.
    29.28       29.28       62       73       70       336       359  
Cámara de Compensación Alto Valor S.A.
    11.52       11.52       (25 )     62       48       372       419  
Administrador Financiero Transantiago S.A. (2) (4)
    20.00       20.00       (135 )     (102 )     (2,505 )     1,286       821  
Nexus S.A.
    12.90       12.90       100       128       117       655       604  
Bolsa de Comercio de Santiago (Stock Exchange) (5)
    4.17       4.17       250       (138 )     292       662       664  
Bolsa Electrónica de Chile
    2.50       2.50       31       (3 )     -       81       170  
Bolsa de Comercio de Valparaíso (3)
    1.67       1.67       (2 )     -       -       11       10  
Cámara de Compensación
    0.15       0.15       (1 )     -       -       4       4  
                                                         
Total investments in other companies accounted for under the equity method
                    756       563       (1,455 )     6,841       6,492  
Other investments carried at cost
                    (11 )     281       134       308       244  
Total investments in other companies
      745       844       (1,321 )     7,149       6,736  

(1)
On December 19, 2005, in compliance with the agreement adopted by the Shareholders Extraordinary meeting, the company “Empresas Tarjetas Inteligentes S.A.”, was liquidated.
(2)
On July 7, 2005, the Bank acquired 20% of “Administrador Financiero Transantiago S.A.” in the amount of MCh$1,353 (historical).
(3)
On August 19, 2005, the company “Bolsa de Comercio de Valparaíso” make a capital increase which was not subscribed to by the Bank.
 
 

 
NOTE 9.
INVESTMENTS IN OTHER COMPANIES (continuation).

(4)
On December 21, 2007, an Extraordinary General Stockholders Meeting of “Administrador Financiero Transantiago S.A.” was celebrated and the stockholders agreed to capitalize the credits into the merchant accounts held by the shareholders of “Administrador Financiero Transantiago S.A.”. The total available balance in the accounts was MCh$10,200. Since Banco Santander Chile owns 20% of the mentioned entity the investment equity increased by MCh$2,040.
(5)
On August 2007, one share of “Bolsa de Comercio de Santiago” was sold. The sales price was MCh$1,116 and the realized gain was MCh$759.

NOTE 10.
OTHER ASSETS AND OTHER LIABILITIES

a)  Other assets
   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
             
Amounts receivable under spot foreign exchange transactions
    98,095       95,337  
Real time gross settlement (RTGS) receivable
    33,711       58,674  
Credit card charges in process
    29,350       30,723  
Deferred income taxes (Note 21)
    48,835       59,047  
Prepaid and deferred expenses
    67,376       71,879  
Transactions in process
    14,407       12,189  
Recoverable taxes
    15,918       17,406  
Stamp taxes recoverable
    5,180       7,701  
Receivable on sales of assets received in lieu of payment
    1,916       1,557  
Guarantees issued
    84,962       189,451  
Pending consignment
    313       295  
Account receivable
    41,891       118,414  
Mutual Funds
    32,839       84,373  
Others
    23,719       22,204  
                 
Total Other Assets
    498,512       769,250  

b) Other liabilities
 
   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Amounts payable under spot foreign exchange transactions
    106,454       99,048  
Deferred income taxes (Note 21)
    9,065       10,544  
Transactions in process
    5,541       10,020  
Provision for staff benefits
    15,165       12,579  
Income taxes
    16,241       26,061  
Provisions for lawsuits and others
    31,771       34,256  
Value added tax payable
    5,526       6,028  
Deferred fees
    8,162       5,888  
Real time gross settlement (RTGS) payable
    15,561       43,663  
Others
    3,666       13,169  
                 
Total Other Liabilities
    217,152       261,256  
 
 

NOTE 10.
OTHER ASSETS AND OTHER LIABILITIES (continuation).

c) Contingent liabilities

Contingent liabilities consist of open and unused letters of credit, together with guarantees by the Bank in Chilean pesos, UF's and foreign currencies (principally U.S. dollars).  The liability represents the Bank’s obligations under such agreements.  The Bank’s rights under these agreements are recognized as assets under the caption “Contingent loans” (Note 5).  Since many of these commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon, the total contingent liabilities do not necessary represent future cash obligations.


NOTE 11.
OTHER INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES

The Bank’s long-term and short-term borrowings are summarized below.  Borrowings are generally classified as short-term when they have original maturities of less than one year or are due on demand.  All other borrowings are classified as long-term, including the amounts due within one year on such borrowings.
 
Total Borrowings
   
As of December 31, 2007
 
   
Long-term
   
Short-term
   
Total
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
                   
Central bank borrowings (a)
    -       142,370       142,370  
Credit lines for renegotiations of loans (a)
    -       3,972       3,972  
Investment under agreements to repurchase
    -       166,281       166,281  
Mortgage finance bonds (b)
    376,847       57,428       434,275  
Other borrowings Bonds (c)
    1,225,007       -       1,225,007  
Subordinated bonds (d)
    498,216       -       498,216  
Foreign borrowings (e)
    486,596       608,875       1,095,471  
Other obligations (f)
    10,429       137,439       147,868  
                         
Total borrowings
    2,597,095       1,116,365       3,713,460  

   
As of December 31, 2006
 
 
 
Long-term
   
Short-term
   
Total
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
                   
Central bank borrowings (a)
    -       144,418       144,418  
Credit loans for renegotiations of loans (a)
    -       5,458       5,458  
Investment under agreements to repurchase
    -       21,412       21,412  
Mortgage finance bonds (b)
    499,288       70,365       569,653  
Other borrowings Bonds (c)
    606,513       1,225       607,738  
Subordinated bonds (d)
    483,611       43,292       526,903  
Foreign borrowings (e)
    101,303       771,397       872,700  
Other obligations (f)
    12,863       56,106       68,969  
                         
Total borrowings
    1,703,578       1,113,673       2,817,251  
 
 

 
NOTE 11.
OTHER INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES (continuation).

a)  Central Bank borrowings
 
Central Bank borrowings include credit lines for the renegotiations of loans and other Central Bank borrowings.  These credit lines were provided by the Central Bank for the renegotiations of loans due to the need to refinance debts as a result of the economic recession and crisis of the banking system in the early 1980's.  The credit lines for the renegotiations are related with mortgage loans linked to the UF index and bear an annual interest rate of 3.0% and 3.0% at December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively.  The maturities of the outstanding amounts due to the Central Bank are as follows:
 
   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
             
Total credit lines for renegotiation of loans
    5,458       3,972  
 
The maturities of MCh$3,972 due under these long-term credit lines, are due within one year.
 
b)  Mortgage finance bonds
 
These bonds are used to finance mortgage loans.  The outstanding principal amounts of the bonds are amortized on a quarterly basis.  The range of maturities of these bonds is between five and twenty years.  The bonds are linked to the UF index and bear a weighted-average annual interest rate of 3.4%.

 
   
As of December 31,
 
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
 
       
Due within 1 year
    57,428  
Due after 1 year but within 2 years
    47,461  
Due after 2 years but within 3 years
    45,331  
Due after 3 years but within 4 years
    41,456  
Due after 4 years but within 5 years
    36,951  
Due after 5 years
    205,648  
         
Total mortgage finance bonds
    434,275  

c)  Bonds
 
   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
             
Santiago Bonds, Series A, B, C, D and F
    9,862       -  
Santander Bonds linked to the UF
    368,277       1,025,758  
Santander Bonds denominated in US$
    229,599       199,249  
      607,738       1,225,007  
 Total bonds
               
 
 

 
NOTE 11.      OTHER INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES (continuation).

Santiago bonds include series A, B, C and F issued by the former Banco Santiago S.A. and series B and D issued by the former Banco O’Higgins, prior to its merger with the Bank in 1997.  These bonds are intended to finance loans that have a maturity of greater than one year, are denominated in UF index and bear a weighted-average annual interest rate of 7.0% with interest and principal payments due semi-annually.

On December 17, 2004, Santiago Leasing S.A. ceded through public deed a total of UF 3,041,102 (MCh$37,591 at December 31, 2004) in bonds to Banco Santander Chile.  These bonds are denominated in UF index and bear an annual interest rate of 5.6%.  At December 31, 2006 and 2007, the balance was included in Santander bonds linked to the UF.

On October 5, 2005, the Bank issued bonds, denominated in UF for a total of UF 8,000,000 which bear an average annual interest rate of 3.0%.

On May 25, 2006, the Bank issued bonds, denominated in UF for a total of UF 6,000,000 which bear an average annual interest rate of 4.6%.

On August 17, 2006, the Bank issued bonds, denominated in UF for a total of UF 895,000 which bear an average annual interest rate of 3.7%.

On December 9, 2004, the Bank issued senior bonds, denominated in U.S. dollars, for a total of US$400 million.  These bonds carry a nominal interest rate of LIBOR plus 0.35% per annum (5.35% and 5.50% at December, 2006 and 2007).  The interest is payable quarterly and the principal is to be paid after a term of 5 years.

During 2007, the Bank issued senior bonds in the local market for a total of UF 34,000,000 (MCh$667,170 as December 31, 2007).  The detail of the bonds issued is as follows:

a)
On January 31, 2007, the Bank issued Series O Bonds denominated in UF for an amount of UF 5,000,000. These bonds carry a nominal interest rate of 3.3% per annum, semi-annual interest payments starting on August 1, 2007 and one repayment of principal on February 1, 2011.

b)
On January 31, 2007, the Bank issued Series P Bonds denominated in UF for an amount of UF 3,000,000. These bonds carry a nominal interest rate of 3.5% per annum, semi-annual interest payments starting on August 1, 2007 and one repayment of principal on February 1, 2014.

c)
On January 31, 2007, the Bank issued Series Q Bonds denominated in UF for an amount of UF 2,000,000. These bonds carry a nominal interest rate of 3.7% per annum, semi-annual interest payments starting on August 1, 2007 and one repayment of principal on February 1, 2016.

d)
On January 31, 2007, the Bank issued Series R Bonds denominated in UF for an amount of UF 2,000,000. These bonds carry a nominal interest rate of 3.9% per annum, semi-annual interest payments starting on August 1, 2007 and one repayment of principal on February 1, 2027.

e)
On January 31, 2007, the Bank issued Series S Bonds denominated in UF for an amount of UF 2,000,000. These bonds carry a nominal interest rate of 4.1% per annum, semi-annual interest payments starting on August 1, 2007 and one repayment of principal on February 1, 2037.
 
 
 
 
NOTE 11.      OTHER INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES (continuation).

f)
On June 7, 2007, the Bank issued Series T Bonds denominated in UF for an amount of UF5,000,000. These bonds carry a nominal interest rate of 3.3% per annum, semi-annual interest payments starting on August 1, 2007 and one repayment of principal on February 1, 2011.

g)
On August 16, 2007, the Bank issued Series U Bonds denominated in UF for an amount of UF 5,000,000. These bonds carry a nominal interest rate of 3.7% per annum, semi-annual interest payments starting on February 1, 2008 and one repayment of principal on August 1, 2013.

h)
On September 12, 2007, the Bank issued Series V Bonds denominated in UF for an amount of UF 5,000,000. These bonds carry a nominal interest rate of 3.9% per annum, semi-annual interest payments starting on February 1, 2008 and one repayment of principal on August 1, 2017.

i)
On October 30, 2007, the Bank issued Series W Bonds denominated in UF for an amount of UF 5,000,000. These bonds carry a nominal interest rate of 4.1% per annum, semi-annual interest payments starting on April 1, 2008 and one repayment of principal on February 1, 2017.

On December 4, 2007, the Bank registered at the Superintendency of Banks, under registry number 03/2007, a line of Bank Bonds in the amount of UF 12,000,000, with a maturity date of 30 years.  At the same date, the Bank made the first issuance, Nº 30-1/2007, of UF 4,000,000, Series Y, against this line. The issuance of this bond hasn’t taken place at December 31, 2007.

The maturities of these bonds are as follows:
   
As of December 31,
 
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
 
Due within 1 year
    -  
Due after 1 year but within 2 years
    199,249  
Due after 2 years but within 3 years
    137,872  
Due after 3 years but within 4 years
    209,543  
Due after 4 years but within 5 years
    9,390  
Due after 5 years
    668,953  
         
Total bonds
    1,225,007  

d)  Subordinated bonds
   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Santiago bonds denominated in US$ (1)
    45,880       -  
Santander bonds denominated in US$ (2) (3)
    292,433       263,676  
Santiago Bonds linked to the UF (4)
    52,664       47,401  
Santander Bonds linked to the UF (5) (6) (7)
    135,926       187,139  
                 
Total subordinated bonds
    526,903       498,216  
 
 

 
NOTE 11.      OTHER INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES (continuation).

(1)
On July 17, 1997, the former Banco Santiago issued subordinated bonds denominated in U.S. dollars in an aggregate principal amount of US$300 million.  The bonds carry a nominal interest rate of 7.0% per annum, semi-annual interest payments and one repayment of principal after a term of 10 years. These subordinated bonds have been fully repaid as of December 31, 2007.

(2)
On January 16, 2003, the Bank completed the voluntary exchange for its new subordinated bonds, which will mature in 2012.  A total of US$221,961,000 in principal of the Santiago bonds was offered and redeemed by the Bank.  The bonds carry a nominal interest rate of 7.375% per annum, with semi-annual interest payments and one repayment of principal after a term of 10 years.

(3)
On December 9, 2004, the Bank issued subordinated bonds denominated in U.S. dollars in an aggregate principal amount of US$300 million.  These bonds carry a nominal interest rate of 5.375% per annum, semi-annual interest payments and one repayment of principal after a term of 10 years.

(4)
The Series C and E Bonds outstanding as of December 31, 2006 and 2007 are intended for the financing of loans with a maturity of greater than one year.  They are linked to the UF index and carry an annual interest rate of 7.5% and 6.0% respectively, with interest and principal payments due semi-annually.

(5)
Includes Series C, D and E Bonds, which are linked to the UF index and carry an annual interest rate of 7.0%, with interest and principal payments due semi-annually.

(6)
During 2006, the Bank issued subordinated bonds denominated in UF in an aggregate principal amount of UF 5,000,000, which bear an average annual rate of 4.4%.

(7)
During 2007, the Bank issued subordinated bonds in the local market for a total of UF 4,000,000 (MCh$78,491 as of December 31, 2007).  The detail of the bonds issued is as follows:

a)
On November 26, 2007, the Bank issued subordinated bonds, Series X, denominated in UF for an amount of UF 2,000,000. These bonds carry a nominal interest rate of 4.00% per annum, semi-annual interest payments starting on May 2, 2008 and one repayment of principal on November 2, 2032. Bearing of interest started on November 2, 2007.

b)
On December 27, 2007, the Bank issued subordinated bonds, Series Z, denominated in UF for an amount of UF 2,000,000 with maturity date of principal on December 1, 2032. These bonds do not contemplate interest payments.





NOTE 11.
OTHER INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES (continuation).

The maturities of these bonds, which are considered long-term, are as follows:
 
   
As of
December 31,
 
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
 
Due within 1 year
    -  
Due after 1 year but within 2 years
    -  
Due after 2 years but within 3 years
    -  
Due after 3 years but within 4 years
    17,349  
Due after 4 years but within 5 years
    116,330  
Due after 5 years
    364,537  
         
Total subordinated bonds
    498,216  


e)  
Foreign borrowings

These are short-term and long-term borrowings from foreign banks.  The maturities of these borrowings are as follows:

   
As of
December 31,
 
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
 
Due within 1 year
    608,875  
Due after 1 year but within 2 years
    241,588  
Due after 2 years but within 3 years
    115,430  
Due after 3 years but within 4 years
    129,578  
Due after 4 years but within 5 years
    -  
Due after 5 years
    -  
         
Total foreign borrowings
    1,095,471  

The foreign borrowings are denominated principally in U.S. dollars, and are principally used to fund the Bank’s foreign trade loans and bear an annual average interest rate of 5.3% and 1.3% at December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively.
 

 
NOTE 11.
OTHER INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES (continuation).

f)      Other obligations

Other obligations are summarized as follows:

   
As of
December 31,
 
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
 
Due within 1 year
    38,808  
Due after 1 year but within 2 years
    2,785  
Due after 2 years but within 3 years
    2,158  
Due after 3 years but within 4 years
    1,915  
Due after 4 years but within 5 years
    1,294  
Due after 5 years
    2,277  
         
Total long term obligations
    49,237  

Short-term obligations:

Amounts due to credit card operators
    23,497  
Acceptance of letters of credit
    75,134  
Total short – term obligations
    98,631  
         
Total other obligations
    147,868  
 
 
NOTE 12.
DISCLOSURES REGARDING DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Bank enters into transactions involving derivative instruments, particularly foreign exchange contracts, as part of its asset and liability management, and in acting as a dealer in order to satisfy its clients’ needs.  The notional amounts of these contracts are carried off-balance sheet.

Foreign exchange forward contracts involve an agreement to exchange the currency of one country for the currency of another country at an agreed-upon price and settlement date.  These contracts are generally standardized contracts, normally for periods between 1 and 180 days and are not traded in a secondary market; however, in the normal course of business and with the agreement of the original counterparty, they may be terminated or assigned to another counterparty.

When the Bank enters into a forward exchange contract, it analyses and approves the credit risk (the risk that the counterparty might default on its obligations).  Subsequently, on an ongoing basis, it monitors the possible losses involved in each contract.  To manage the level of credit risk, the Bank deals with counterparties of good credit standing, enters into master netting agreements whenever possible and when appropriate, obtains collateral.

The Chilean Central Bank requires that foreign exchange forward contracts be made only in U.S. dollars and other major foreign currencies.  In the case of the Bank, most forward contracts are made in U.S. dollars against the Chilean peso or the UF.  Occasionally, forward contracts are also made in other currencies, but only when the Bank acts as an intermediary.

During the period ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the Bank entered into interest rate and cross currency swap agreements to manage exposure to fluctuation in currencies and interest rates.  The differential between the interest paid or received on a specified notional amount is recognized under the caption “Amounts payable from forward contracts, net”.  The fair value of the swap agreement and changes in the fair value as a result of changes in market interest rates are recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

The Bank’s foreign currency futures and forward operations and other derivative products outstanding at December 31, 2006 and 2007, are summarized below:
 
NOTE 12.
DISCLOSURES REGARDING DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continuation).

 
         
 As of December 31, 2007
 
         
  Notional amounts
   
  Fair Value
 
   
Cash Flow hedge (CF) or fair value hedge (FV)
   
Within 3
months
   
After 3 months
but within
one year
   
After one
year
   
Assets
   
Liabilities
 
         
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Derivative instruments in designated hedge accounting relationships
                                   
Currency forwards
 
( )
      -       -       -       -       -  
Interest rate swaps
 
(FV)
      -       -       121,209       3,891       502  
Currency swaps
 
( )
      -       -       -       -       -  
Cross currency swaps
 
(FV)
      -       -       278,757       -       9,246  
Cross currency swaps
 
(CF)
      -       -       480,358       -       55,171  
Call currency options
 
( )
      -       -       -       -       -  
Call interest rate options
 
( )
      -       -       -       -       -  
Put currency options
 
( )
      -       -       -       -       -  
Put interest rate options
 
( )
      -       -       -       -       -  
Interest rate future
 
( )
      -       -       -       -       -  
Others derivatives
 
( )
      -       -       -       -       -  
Subtotal
            -       -       880,324       3,891       64,919  
                                                 
Derivative instruments for trading
                                               
Currency forwards
            5,776,546       3,938,733       785,841       111,681       159,969  
Interest rate swaps
            1,935,239       3,254,410       8,759,290       86,515       159,146  
Currency swaps
            -       -       -       -       -  
Cross currency swaps
            133,688       460,902       6,557,457       576,515       392,337  
Call currency options
            64,751       29,708       644       262       292  
Call interest rate options
            -       -       74,667       1       -  
Put currency options
            159,781       36,532       -       1,501       1,172  
Put interest rate options
            -       -       75,667       -       9  
Interest rate future
            -       -       -       -       -  
Others derivatives
            196,371       2,943       -       409       373  
Subtotal
            8,266,376       7,723,228       16,253,566       776,884       713,298  
                                                 
Total
            8,266,376       7,723,228       17,133,890       780,775       778,217  

The notional amounts refer to the U.S. dollar bought or sold or to the U.S. dollar equivalent of foreign currency bought or sold for future settlement.  The contract terms correspond to the duration of the contracts as from the date of the transaction to the date of the settlement.
 

 
NOTE 12.
DISCLOSURES REGARDING DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continuation).
 
 
         
 As of December 31, 2006
 
         
Notional amounts
   
Fair Value
 
   
Cash Flow hedge (CF) or fair value hedge (FV)
   
Within 3
months
   
After 3 months
but within
one year
   
After one
year
   
Assets
   
Liabilities
 
         
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Derivative instruments in designated hedge accounting relationships
                                   
Currency forwards
 
 ( )
      -       -       -       -       -  
Interest rate swaps
 
(FV)
      -       -       225,944       1,260       2,529  
Currency swaps
 
 ( )
      -       -       -       -       -  
Cross currency swaps
 
(FV)
      906,761       -       -       -       40,689  
Call currency options
 
 ( )
      -       -       -       -       -  
Call interest rate options
 
 ( )
      -       -       -       -       -  
Put currency options
 
 ( )
      -       -       -       -       -  
Put interest rate options
 
 ( )
      -       -       -       -       -  
Interest rate future
 
 ( )
      -       -       -       -       -  
Others derivatives
 
 ( )
      -       -       -       -       -  
Subtotal
            906,761       -       225,944       1,260       43,218  
                                                 
Derivative instruments for trading
                                               
Currency forwards
            6,465,222       3,691,295       407,074       88,753       106,818  
Interest rate swaps
            492,069       1,266,642       4,215,224       37,559       73,237  
Currency swaps
            -       -       -       -       -  
Cross currency swaps
            2,948,225       1,448,955       139,353       265,900       152,628  
Call currency options
            51,149       399,776       -       4,710       4,697  
Call interest rate options
            -       107       -       -       -  
Put currency options
            -       -       -       -       -  
Put interest rate options
            31,916       372,485       -       1,556       1,109  
Interest rate future
            -       -       -       -       -  
Others derivatives
            336,347       114,838       109,096       678       696  
Subtotal
            10,324,928       7,294,098       4,870,747       399,156       339,185  
                                                 
Total
            11,231,689       7,294,098       5,096,691       400,416       382,403  

The notional amounts refer to the U.S. dollar bought or sold or to the U.S. dollar equivalent of foreign currency bought or sold for future settlement.  The contract terms correspond to the duration of the contracts as from the date of the transaction to the date of the settlement.

 
NOTE 13.
MINIMUM CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
 
The Superintendency of Banks requires Chilean Banks to maintain a minimum capital of UF800,000, equivalent to MCh$15,698 as of December 31, 2007.  In addition, Banks are required to maintain a minimum basic capital of at least 3% of total assets after deductions for mandatory provisions, while effective net equity may not be lower than 8% of its risk weighted assets. However, as a result of the merger in 2002, the Superintendency of Banks determined that the actual equity of the merged bank could not be lower than 11% of its risk-weighted assets.  Effective net equity is defined as basic equity, plus voluntary loan loss allowances, up to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets, and the qualifying proportion of subordinated bonds with scheduled maturities in excess of six years, for which early repayment is not permitted.  Chilean Banks are permitted to include in effective net equity principal subordinated bond amounts up to a maximum of fifty percent of the basic capital.
 
 
 
NOTE 13.
MINIMUM CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS (continuation).

The Bank’s actual qualifying “net capital base” and “effective equity” to support the Bank’s risk-weighted assets as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, are shown in the following table:

   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
             
Net capital base
    1,031,163       1,129,395  
3% of total assets net of provisions
    (495,637 )     (560,816 )
Excess over minimum required equity
    535,526       568,579  
Net capital base as a percentage of the total assets, net of provisions
    6.2 %     6.0 %
                 
Effective equity
    1,524,308       1,602,432  
11% of the risk-weighted assets
    (1,326,302 )     (1,439,641 )
Excess over minimum required equity
    198,006       162,791  
Effective equity as a percentage of the risk-weighted assets
    12.6 %     12.2 %


NOTE 14.
 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

a)      Share capital

As of December 31, 2006 and 2007 the Bank's paid-in capital consisted of 188,446,126,794 authorized issued and outstanding shares with no fixed nominal value.

b)      Dividends

The distributions of dividends related to net income for the periods 2005 and 2006 as approved by the Annual Shareholders' Meeting of Banco Santander Chile, are as follows:

Shareholders
 
Dividend
   
Dividend
   
Dividend
   
Percentage
 
Meeting
 
(historical)
   
Paid (1)
   
per share
   
Paid (2)
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
Ch$
       
Apr-06
    155,811       170,952       0.91       65 %
Apr-07
    185,628       198,121       1.05       65 %

(1)  
Dividend paid has been restated in constant Chilean pesos of December 31, 2007.
(2)  
% of net income paid as dividend, agreed by the Ordinary Shareholders’ Meeting.


NOTE 15.  
 
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

The following table illustrates the participation of the noncontrolling interest in the consolidated Shareholders’ equity and the consolidated income statement:

   
As of December 31, 2007
 
         
Noncontrolling Interest
 
   
Noncontrolling
   
Equity
   
Net Income
 
   
Ownership
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
                   
Santander Leasing S.A.
    0.50 %     154       2  
Santander Asset Management S.A. Adm. Gral. Fondos
    0.02 %     18       5  
Santander S.A. Agente de Valores
    0.97 %     1,374       65  
Santander S.A. Sociedad Securitizadora
    0.36 %     4       0  
Santander Corredora de Seguros Limitada
    0.01 %     3       1  
Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa
    49.00 %     18,494       1,982  
Total
            20,047       2,055  

   
As of December 31, 2006
 
         
Noncontrolling Interest
 
   
Noncontrolling
   
Equity
   
Net Income
 
   
Ownership
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
                   
Santander Leasing S.A.
    0.50 %     152       6  
Santander Asset Management S.A. Adm. Gral. Fondos
    0.02 %     16       3  
Santander S.A. Agente de Valores
    0.97 %     1,461       152  
Santander S.A. Sociedad Securitizadora
    0.36 %     4       0  
Santander Corredora de Seguros Limitada
    0.01 %     2       1  
Total
            1,635       162  

   
As of December 31, 2005
 
         
Noncontrolling Interest
 
   
Noncontrolling
   
Equity
   
Net Income
 
   
Ownership
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
                   
Santander Leasing S.A.
    0.50 %     149       7  
Santander Asset Management S.A. Adm. Gral. Fondos
    0.02 %     15       5  
Santander S.A. Agente de Valores
    0.97 %     1,436       133  
Santander S.A. Sociedad Securitizadora
    0.36 %     4       0  
Santander Corredora de Seguros Limitada
    0.01 %     2       1  
Total
            1,606       146  


NOTE 16.
 
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

In accordance with the Chilean General Banking Law and the rules of the Superintendency of Banks, related parties are defined as individuals and companies who are directors, officers or shareholders who own more than one percent of the Bank’s shares.  Companies in which a director, officer or shareholder of the Bank holds more than a 5% interest and companies that have common directors with the Bank are also considered to be related parties.  In the following table, trading or manufacturing companies are defined as operating companies, and companies whose purpose is to hold shares in other companies are defined as holding companies.

a)      Loans granted to related parties

Related party loans, all of which are current, are as follows:

   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
Loans
   
Collateral
Pledged
   
Loans
   
Collateral
Pledged
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
                         
Operating companies
    161,235       121,392       88,510       50,404  
Investment companies
    218,384       4,242       185,812       29,419  
Individuals
    26,269       24,005       30,175       28,629  
Total
    405,888       149,639       304,497       108,452  

(1)  
Includes companies whose purpose is to hold shares in other companies.
(2)  
Includes debt obligations that are individually equal to or greater than UF 3,000, equivalent to MCh$59 as of December 31, 2007.

The activities in the balances of loans to related parties are as follows:

   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
             
Balance as of January 1,
    499,486       405,888  
New loans
    428,124       127,273  
Repayments
    (528,871 )     (198,604 )
Price- level restatements
    7,149       (30,060 )
Balance as of December 31,
    405,888       304,497  
 

 
NOTE 16.
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES (continuation).
 
b)      Other transactions with related parties

During the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the Bank had the following significant income (expenses) from services provided to (by) related parties:

   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
Income/Expense
   
Income/Expense
   
Income/Expense
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
                   
Redbanc S.A.
    (3,884 )     (4,358 )     (3,967 )
Transbank S.A.
    (6,429 )     (8,776 )     (6,871 )
Sixtra Chile S.A.
    (37 )     -       -  
Santander G.R.C. Limitada
    (1,231 )     (1,679 )     (3,218 )
Santander Chile Holding S.A.
    53       34       33  
Santander Factoring S.A.
    55       56       52  
Bansa Santander S.A.
    1,229       (2,606 )     (2,506 )
A.F.P. Bansander S.A.
    167       192       137  
Altec S.A.
    (7,138 )     (6,046 )     (6,103 )
Santander Investment Chile S.A.
    97       98       95  
Altavida Cia. de Seguros de Vida S.A.
    74       (1,080 )     (1,675 )
Santander Cia. de Seguros Generales S.A.
    -       -       (821 )
Plaza El Trébol S.A.
    (216 )     (210 )     (68 )
Others
    (327 )     (515 )     130  
                         
Total
    (17,587 )     (24,890 )     (24,782 )

Article 89 of the Chilean Companies Law requires that the Bank’s transactions with related parties be on a market basis or on terms similar to those customarily prevailing in the market.


NOTE 17.
 
FEES AND INCOME FROM SERVICES
 
Fees and income from services and the related expenses are summarized as follows:

 
   
 Year ended December 31,
 
   
 Income
   
 Expenses
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
Fees and income from services:
 
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
                                     
Payment agency services
    3,095       2,870       2,549       -       -       -  
Checking accounts
    41,836       49,137       47,140       (5,431 )     (4,446 )     (3,788 )
Credit cards
    30,296       39,600       44,187       (15,129 )     (19,563 )     (21,222 )
Automatic teller cards
    24,137       26,100       28,375       (9,247 )     (10,767 )     (12,153 )
Letters of credit, guarantees, pledges and other contingent loans
    3,026       2,710       2,645       -       -       -  
Lines of credit
    9,483       13,346       14,683       (302 )     (308 )     (361 )
Underwriting
    2,560       1,445       1,480       -       -       -  
Bank drafts and fund transfers
    277       670       306       -       -       -  
Sales and purchases of foreign currencies
    7,581       6,895       6,254       (470 )     (495 )     (614 )
Insurance brokerage
    11,590       12,713       12,725       (2,558 )     (468 )     (719 )
Custody and trust services
    756       767       971       (57 )     (375 )     (1,092 )
Mutual fund services
    20,709       21,560       29,906       -       (30 )     (252 )
Saving accounts
    262       272       237       -       -       -  
Agreements of administration and collection
    22,130       24,962       29,096       -       -       -  
Stock brokerage
    1,846       1,569       8,365       (69 )     (72 )     (1,104 )
Others
    6,702       8,465       9,008       (1,210 )     (1,914 )     (3,697 )
                                                 
Total income (expense)
    186,286       213,081       237,927       (34,473 )     (38,438 )     (45,002 )

 
NOTE 18. 
 
NON-OPERATING INCOME AND EXPENSES

Non-operating income and expenses are set forth below:

   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Non-operating income:
                 
Gain on sale of Bank premises and equipment
    345       610       485  
Gain on sales of assets received in lieu of payment previously Charged –off
    18,233       8,649       6,974  
Rental income
    1,327       1,285       1,395  
Recovery of expenses
    125       29       8  
Recovery of previous-year expenses
    2,833       6,715       9,113  
Gain on sale of shares
    -       -       2,080  
Other
    34       538       338  
Total non-operating income
    22,897       17,826       20,393  
 
 
 
 
NOTE 18.
NON-OPERATING INCOME AND EXPENSES (continuation).

   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Non-operating expenses:
                 
Charge-offs of assets received in lieu of payment
    23,030       14,629       7,991  
Loss on sales of bank premises and equipment
    61       5       898  
Other
    23,958       7,720       1,705  
Total non-operating expenses
    47,049       22,354       10,594  


NOTE 19.
DIRECTORS' EXPENSES AND REMUNERATION

The following items were charged to expense for services provided by the members of the Board:

 
Year ended December 31,
 
2005
 
2006
 
2007
 
MCh$
 
MCh$
 
MCh$
           
Remuneration established by the General Shareholders’
         
meeting, including attendance fees
447
 
525
 
578
 
NOTE 20.
FOREIGN CURRENCY POSITION

The consolidated balance sheets include assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies which have been translated into Chilean pesos at the applicable exchange rates as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, and assets and liabilities which are denominated in Chilean pesos subject to exchange rate fluctuations, as detailed below.

   
As of December 31, 2006
   
As of December 31, 2007
 
   
Denominated in
   
Denominated in
 
   
Foreign
   
Chilean
         
Foreign
   
Chilean
       
   
currency
   
pesos
   
Total
   
currency
   
pesos
   
Total
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Assets
                                   
Cash and due from banks
    810,884       -       810,884       849,968       -       849,968  
Financial investments
    265,455       100,177       365,632       98,835       63,629       162,464  
Loans (including contingent loans)
    1,330,257       145       1,330,402       1,530,531       42       1,530,573  
Other assets
    177,419       9       177,428       267,613       -       267,613  
Total assets
    2,584,015       100,331       2,684,346       2,746,947       63,671       2,810,618  
                                                 
Liabilities
                                               
Deposits
    1,290,858       151       1,291,009       1,630,115       140       1,630,255  
Contingent liabilities
    527,998       -       527,998       646,038       -       646,038  
Due to domestic bank
    29,223       818       30,041       75,412       538       75,950  
Due to foreign bank
    872,700       -       872,700       1,093,674       -       1,093,674  
Other liabilities
    521,026       2       521,028       533,518       -       533,518  
Total liabilities
    3,241,805       971       3,242,776       3,978,757       678       3,979,435  
Net assets (liabilities) in foreign currency
    (657,790 )     99,360       (558,430 )     (1,231,810 )     62,993       (1,168,817 )


NOTE 21.
INCOME TAXES

a)
Deferred taxes

The Bank records the effects of deferred taxes on its consolidated financial statements in accordance with Technical Bulletin No. 60 and the complementary technical bulletins thereto issued by the Chilean Association of Accountants.

As described in that accounting standard, beginning January 1, 1999, the Bank recognized the consolidated tax effects generated by the temporary differences between financial and tax values of assets and liabilities.  At the same date, the net deferred tax asset/liability determined was completely offset against a net “complementary” account. Such complementary deferred tax balances are being amortized over the estimated reversal periods corresponding to the underlying temporary differences as of January 1, 1999.  In accordance with Technical Bulletin No. 60, deferred tax asset and liability amounts are presented net of the related unamortized complementary account balances in the consolidated balance sheet.  The complementary accounts were completely amortized during 2005.  Deferred income tax balances were as follows:

   
Deferred taxes as of
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Assets
           
Interest and indexation for tax purposes
    6,666       6,921  
Assets received in lieu of payment
    1,515       741  
Foreign exchange
    825       807  
Allowance for loan losses
    22,810       28,159  
Other provisions
    12,035       8,828  
Forward contracts
    (534 )     (1,017 )
Leasing assets
    5,454       14,386  
Others
    64       222  
Total
    48,835       59,047  
                 
Liabilities
               
Valuation of investments
    (2,287 )     (3,004 )
Deferred expenses
    (2,090 )     (2,441 )
Others
    (4,688 )     (5,099 )
Total
    (9,065 )     (10,544 )
Net difference
    39,770       48,503  

b)
Income tax expense
   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Amortization of deferred tax complementary account
    (29 )     -       -  
Deferred tax benefit (expense) for the year
    (5,189 )     (3,030 )     11,487  
Net benefit (charge) to deferred taxes
    (5,218 )     (3,030 )     11,487  
Income tax provision – current
    (49,127 )     (59,391 )     (66,472 )
Other taxes
    (326 )     (108 )     (186 )
Income tax expense
    (54,671 )     (62,529 )     (55,171 )


NOTE 22.
CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS
 
a)
Contingencies:

As of December 31, 2006 and 2007, the subsidiary Santiago Leasing S.A. leased property with deferred customs duties.  The subsidiary may eventually have to pay such duties, amounting to MUS$10 and MUS$10, respectively, on behalf of the leaseholder, if not paid by the latter. Leased assets subject to deferred custom duties amounts to MCh$59.5 as of December 31, 2007, (MCh$59.7 in 2006).

On August 26, 1992, a suit was filed by the Chilean internal Revenue Service against the Bank.  The Appeals Court partially resolved in favor of Banco Santander Chile and substantially reduced the amount of the tax difference.  On December 13, 2007, the Bank paid MCh$423.4 due to this lawsuit.

In addition, we are subject to certain claims and are party to certain legal and arbitration proceedings incidental to the normal course of our business including claims for alleged operational errors.  We do not believe that the liabilities related to such claims and proceedings are likely to have, in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations, however, based on management individual analysis of each proceeding, we have provisioned the amount in “Provisions for lawsuit and other” in Note 10 (b).

There are no material proceedings in which any of our directors, any members of our senior management, or any of our affiliates is either a party adverse to us or our subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to us or our subsidiaries.
 
b)
Guarantees from operations:

In order to ensure the correct and full compliance of all its obligations as Securities Agent, in conformity with article No 30, and subsequent articles of Law 18,045 on the Securities Market, the subsidiary Santander S.A. Agente de Valores established a guaranty for UF 4,000 for the insurance policy N° 207111983, underwritten by Compañía de Seguros de Crédito Continental S.A. whose maturity is December 19, 2008.

In order to comply with Article 30 of Law No. 18,045, Santander Investment S.A Corredores de Bolsa maintains in custody with the Bolsa de Comercio de Santiago a guarantee of their performance worth MCh$1,832.

In conformity with the General Character Regulation N° 125, the subsidiary Santander Asset Management S.A. Administradora General de Fondos, designated the Bank as the representative of the benefits of guarantees set up per each of its funds administered for UF 1,349,999.  In addition to these bank guarantees, other guarantees were entered into for approximately MCh$104,386.4 for the Mutual Fund´s guaranteed profitability.
 

NOTE 22.
CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS (continuation).

Integral Insurance:

Banco Santander maintains, for all its subsidiaries, an insurance policy with Compañía de Seguros Generales La Interamericana that covers matters such as: employee fraud, document loss, falsification or modification of documents and counterfeit documents.

In accordance with Circular No. 1,160 of the Superintendencia de Valores y Seguros, Santander Corredora de Seguros Limitada maintains an insurance policy in order to fulfill all obligations in connection with its obligations as a broker of insurance policies. This insurance policy was taken with Compañía de Seguros Chilena Consolidada S.A. in amount equal to UF 60,000 and that covers the period between April 15, 2007 and April 14, 2008.


NOTE 23.
FIDUCIARY ACTIVITIES

The following items are recorded in memorandum accounts by the Bank and represent fiduciary safekeeping and custody services:

   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
             
Securities held in safe custody
    12,029,535       11,863,494  
Amount to be collected on behalf of local third parties
    124,289       105,746  
Amount to be collected on behalf of foreign third parties
    216,892       206,165  
Total
    12,370,716       12,175,405  


NOTE 24.
PRICE-LEVEL RESTATEMENT

The price-level restatement loss is determined by restating the following non-monetary assets, liabilities and equity:
 
   
 Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Restatement of non monetary accounts based on Consumer Price Index:
                 
Bank premises and equipment, net
    9,832       5,120       17,276  
Investments in other companies
    380       183       448  
Other non-monetary assets and liabilities
    2,416       1,731       6,045  
Shareholders' equity
    (32,530 )     (21,841 )     (80,094 )
Loss from price-level restatement, net
    (19,902 )     (14,807 )     (56,325 )


NOTE 25.
SALES AND PURCHASE OF LOANS

From time to time, the bank sells and purchases loans based on specific requirements from customers.  During the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the Bank sold loans in the amount of MCh$100,448, MCh$202,292 and MCh$61,445, respectively; however, the Bank does not enter into loans for future sale.  During the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the Bank purchased loans totaling MCh$24,436, MCh$28,329 and MCh$18,770 respectively. Any gains or losses on such transactions are recognized in results of operations at the time of the transactions.

The aggregate gains (losses) on sales of loans were MCh$678, MCh$1,846 and MCh$339 for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

During 2007, the Bank sold in two times part of its charged-off loans as follows:

a)
First Sale, March 2007

Cession of Rights on March 9, 2007, by a global sale price of approximately MCh$36,370 of which MCh$9,092 were deposited in a special account in case of possible adjustments of price in the future, according to the procedure established in the respective contract of credit cession (escrow deposit).

During March of 2007, the Bank also returned to the buyer approximately MCh$3,760 that corresponds to the amount of the loans collected between the deadline of the loans to be ceded (September 30, 2006) and the date in which this cession took place (March 9, 2007).  Thus then, the net amount recognized by this operation was MCh$23,518.

Finally, on December 14, 2007, by means of public deed, the Bank modified and settled the contract of cession of rights and escrow deposit.  According to this modification, the Bank will receive during the year 2008 MCh$2,226 by concept of the above mentioned adjustment of prices.

b)
Second Sale, August 2007

Cession of Rights on August 30, 2007, for the amount of MCh$2,275, the total amount was recorded as income from Recoveries of Loans.

 
NOTE 26.
VARIABLE COMPENSATION

Banco Santander Chile and its affiliates, in the matter of remunerations, have designed variable compensation plans for their employees based on the attainment of goals and objectives whose fulfillment is evaluated and compensated on a quarterly and/or annual basis. In addition, there are also long term variable remuneration plans oriented to the retention and motivation of executives, and whose payment depends on the degree of attainment of common and individuals goals for periods greater than a year.


NOTE 27.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) lent to Administrador Financiero Transantiago S.A (“AFT”) one or more credits totaling up to UF 760,000 to finance one or more guarantee deposits that’s needs to be issue to the Transportation Authority (Subsecretaría de Transportes).
 
On January 10, 2008, the shareholders of AFT, where Banco Santander Chile owns 20% of its shares, assumed the responsibility to pay BBVA the above mentioned credits in the event that AFT become unable to comply with the commitment. The debt will be assumed by each shareholder in accordance with their percentage of participation.

On January 17, 2008, the Bank issued bonds serie Y denominated in UF for an amount of 4,000,000 as described in note 11. These bonds carry an annual nominal interest rate of 3.5% with a term of  6 years.

Between December 31, 2007 and the date of these financial statements (June 23, 2008), no other significant subsequent events exist that could materially affect these financial statements.

 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

The following is a description of the significant differences between accounting principles generally accepted in Chile and accounting principles of the Superintendency of Banks (collectively, “Chilean GAAP”), and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”).

References below to “SFAS” are to United States Statements of Financial Accounting Standards. Pursuant to Chilean GAAP, the Bank’s consolidated financial statements recognize certain effects of inflation.

NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

The cumulative inflation rate in Chile as measured by the CPI for the three years period ended December, 2007 was approximately 13.69%.  Chilean GAAP requires that financial statements of banks be restated to reflect the total effect of the loss in the purchasing power of the Chilean peso on the financial position and results of operations of reporting entity.  The method, described in Note 1 (c), is based on a model which enables calculation of net inflation gains or losses caused by monetary assets and liabilities exposed to changes in the purchasing power of local currency, by restating all non-monetary accounts in the financial statements.  The model prescribes that the historical cost of such accounts be restated for general price-level changes between the date of origin of each item and the end of the period.  As permitted under Item 18 of Form 20-F of SEC Regulation S-X no adjustments have been made to reflect the elimination of price-level adjustments.

(a)
Business Combination
     
 
(1)
Under Chile GAAP, business combinations accounted for under the purchase accounting method do not require the pushdown of the associated goodwill to the acquired entity. Furthermore, prior to January 1, 2004, assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their carrying value upon acquisition with the excess of the purchase price over the carrying value recorded as goodwill.  Additionally, “pooling of interests” treatment may be more widely applied than under U.S. GAAP.
     
   
Under U.S. GAAP, when following the purchase accounting method, pushdown accounting to the acquired entity is required for the goodwil1 generated in the business combination. Also, under U.S. GAAP, purchase accounting requires that the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed be recorded with the excess of the purchase price over such fair values recorded as goodwill.
     
   
The following business combinations of the Bank were accounted for as follows thereby generating the differences noted in the Chile GAAP to U.S. GAAP reconci1iations of net income and shareholders' equity:
     
   
On April 17, 1999, Banco Centra1 Hispanoamericano S.A. (“BCH”) merged into Banco Santander S.A. to create Banco Santander Central Hispano (“BSCH”).  For Chile GAAP purposes, the merger was accounted for as a “pooling of interests”.  For U.S. GAAP purposes, purchase accounting was applied.  Prior to Apri1 17, 1999, BCH indirectly held a 21.75% investment in Banco Santiago through a 50% participation in Teatinos Siglo XXI (“Teatinos”).  At the time, the other 50% of Teatinos was owned by Quiñenco S.A. (“Quiñenco”).  A minority interest of approximately 35.5% was held by the Central Bank of Chile.
     
   
On May 3, 1999, BSCH purchased the 50% of Teatinos that it did not already own from Quiñenco.  Purchase accounting was applied under both Chile GAAP and U.S. GAAP.
     
   
On May 17, 1999, the Central Bank and BSCH announced they had entered into an agreement regarding the disposition of their respective shares of Santiago.  Under this agreement, the Central Bank has an irrevocable put option to sell to BSCH its Santiago shares during two years, period beginning May 15, 2000.
 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).
 
   
The total goodwill generated under U.S. GAAP was pushed down to the acquired entities' (predecessor entities to the Bank) books.  Certain fair value amounts were recorded for assets acquired and 1iabi1ities assumed under U.S. GAAP which were recorded at carrying value on the Chile GAAP books.
     
 
(2)
Under Chilean GAAP, mergers of common control entities are recorded under the "pooling of interests" method. Should the minority interest be bought out, purchase accounting is not applied to that percentage. Additionally, historical financial statements for periods prior to the merger are not restated under the “as if” pooling of interests methodology.
     
   
Under U.S. GAAP, mergers of common control entities are also recorded under the "pooling of interests" method.  However, under U.S. GAAP, in certain circumstances, the step acquisition of a minority interest would be required to be accounted for under purchase accounting (which step acquisition goodwill would also require "pushdown" as mentioned in (1)).  Additionally, U.S. GAAP requires the restatement of prior period financial statements under the “as if” pooling of interests methodology.
     
   
The following transactions were structured such that they generated the above differences resulting in adjustments in the Bank's Chile GAAP to U.S. GAAP reconciliations of net income and shareholders' equity:
     
   
On Apri1 22, 2002, the Central Bank, under the agreement describe above sold its remaining 35.44% participation in Banco Santiago to Teatinos, the primary shareholder of the former Banco Santander Chile and a wholly owned subsidiary of BSCH.
     
   
On August 1, 2002, Banco Santiago and the former Banco Santander Chile merged.  To effect the merger, the minority interest of 11% of Banco Santander Chile was bought out through the issuance of former Banco Santiago shares (as Banco Santiago was considered the acquirer).  As a resu1t of the merger between the former Banco Santiago and the former Banco Santander Chi1e, the former Banco Santiago issued 89,511,910,227 shares in exchange for all the outstanding common shares of the former Banco Santander Chi1e using an exchange ratio of 3.55366329 for each former Banco Santander Chile share.
     
   
The Bank did not record deferred taxes under either Chile GAAP or U.S. GAAP on any goodwill or intangible asset acquired as the result of the acquisition as these items do not generate temporary differences as defined in either Chile GAAP nor U.S. GAAP accounting pronouncements.
 

NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

(b)
Amortization of Goodwill and Intangible Asset

The Bank adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, (“SFAS 142”) as of January 1, 2002. SFAS 142 applies to all goodwill and identified intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Under the new standard, beginning January 1, 2002, all goodwill, including that acquired before initial application of the standard, and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but must be tested for impairment at least annually.

The Bank has performed the impairment test of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives as required by the standard, which did not result in any impairment. Additionally, the Bank has evaluated the remaining useful life of these intangible assets that are not being amortized in order to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life.

In 2006, the Bank’s Management decided to change our branding strategy to increasing the use of the brand “Santander” and phasing out the brand “Santiago”.  In 2007 we completed the phasing out of the “Santiago” brand ahead of schedule in accordance with policy set by our parent company in 2007 regarding the Santander brand worldwide.  As a result, we have decided to fully amortize the brand “Santiago” in 2007. The effect of this amortization, in accordance with US GAAP, is included in the reconciliation of Net income and Shareholders’ equity in paragraph (t) below for an amount of MCh$ 55,625.

(c)
Income taxes

Under Chilean GAAP, prior to 1999, the Bank did not record the effects of deferred income taxes. Effective January 1, 1999, and in accordance with the new accounting standard under Chilean GAAP (Technical Bulletin No. 60), the Bank was required to record the effects of deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the liability method, with deferred tax assets and liabilities established for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Bank’s assets and liabilities at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized. As a transitional provision to reduce the impact of adoption of this standard, the Bank was permitted to record a contra ("complementary") asset or liability as of the date of implementation of the new accounting standard, i.e. January 1, 1999, related to the effects of deferred income taxes from prior years.  These complementary assets and liabilities are to be amortized over the average estimated period of reversal of the temporary differences which generate the future income tax asset or liability.

At the end of 2005, these complementary accounts were fully amortized.

Under SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS 109”), income taxes are recognized using the balance sheet method (since 1999) in a manner similar to Chilean GAAP, however U.S. GAAP did not adopt transitional provisions equivalent to the “complementary accounts” mentioned in the previous paragraph, but instead, flowed any adoption effects directly through the income statements in “Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle”.

The effects of elimination of the complementary assets and liabilities and their respective amortization as well as effects of recording deferred income taxes on U.S. GAAP adjustments are included in the reconciliation of consolidated net income and shareholders’ equity in paragraph (t) below. Additional disclosures required under SFAS 109 are further described in paragraph (w) below.

NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

The difference between Chilean GAAP and U.S. GAAP relating the application of FASB Interpretation N° 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” is disclosed in paragraph (w) below.

(d)
Mandatory dividends

As required by Chilean General Banking Law, unless otherwise decided by a two-thirds vote of the issued and subscribed shares, the Bank must distribute a cash dividend in an amount equal to at least 30% of its net income for each year as determined in accordance with Chilean GAAP, and record that dividend against retained earnings or current year income in shareholders’ equity when it has been approved by the Annual Shareholders’ meeting subsequent to year-end unless a higher legally binding commitment to distribute dividends exists, or unless and except to the extent the Bank has unabsorbed prior year losses.  Under the provisions issued by the AICPA International Practice Task Force, such mandatory dividends, as of the year end reporting date, represent and are reported as “temporary equity”.  However, when, as allowed by regulation, actions of shareholders are taken prior to the date of financial statement issuance, evidencing that such minimum dividend will not be fully distributed, the reclassification of such dividend may be limited to such lesser amount authorized by shareholder ratification. The effect of recording mandatory dividends in accordance with U.S. GAAP is included in the reconciliation of net income and shareholders’ equity in paragraph (t) below.

(e)
Interest income recognition on non-accrual loans

Under Chilean GAAP the Bank suspends the accrual of interest on loans when is determined to be a loss or when it becomes past due.  Previously accrued but uncollected interest on overdue loans is not reversed at the time the loan ceases to accrue interest.  Under U.S. GAAP, recognition of interest on loans is generally discontinued when, in the opinion of management, there is an indication that the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due. As a general practice, this occurs when loans are 90 days or more overdue.  Any accrued but uncollected interest is reversed against interest income at that time.

In addition, under Chilean GAAP, any payment received on overdue loans is treated as income to the extent of interest earned but not recorded, after reducing any recorded accrued interest receivable.  Any remaining amount is then applied to reduce the outstanding principal balance. Under U.S. GAAP, any payment received on loans when the collectibility of the principal is in doubt is treated as a reduction of the outstanding principal balance of the loan until such doubt is removed.  The effect of the difference in interest recognition on non accrual loans is considered not material to the Bank’s financial position and results of its operations.  As a result, this difference not represents an adjustment to the reconciliation note.

NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

(f)
Stock compensation plan

On June 23, 2007, Banco Santander Central Hispano S.A. (“Grupo Santander” or “Parent Company”) approved 100 free shares to each active employee of Santander Group, to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Banco Santander.

Under U.S. GAAP, stock compensations are accounted under SFAS N°123 (R), Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Compensation expense is measured using the fair value method for stock options and the fair value of the stock for restricted stock at the date of the grant. The numbers of shares granted by Banco Santander Central Hispano S.A. to employees of Banco Santander Chile were 868,700.  The Bank recorded the shares granted at fair value as a compensation expense with a credit to equity as a capital contribution. Under Chilean GAAP no effect was recorded for this compensation plan.

(g)
Contingent assets and liabilities

In accordance with Chilean GAAP, the Bank recognizes rights and obligations with respect to contingent loans as contingent assets and liabilities.  Contingent liabilities consist of open, unused and standby letters of credit, together with guarantees by the Bank in Chilean peso, UF and foreign currencies (principally U.S. dollars). The liabilities represent the Bank’s obligations under such agreements. Under U.S. GAAP, such contingent amounts are not recognized on the consolidated balance sheets, however, they are disclosed. The reclassification to eliminate the contingent assets against the contingent liabilities recorded under Chile GAAP has been included in the balance sheets Article 9 in paragraph (v) below.

Within contingent assets and liabilities the Bank includes financial guarantees.  Disclosures required in accordance with FIN 45 “Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” are included in paragraph (ab) below. For neither contingencies nor guarantees is there recorded an adjustment to the U.S. GAAP reconciliation of net income or shareholders’ equity, as none met the requirements for recognition in the income statements.

(h)
Investment securities

Under U.S. GAAP, SFAS N°115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“SFAS 115”) requires that debt and equity securities be classified in accordance with the Bank’s intent and ability to hold the security, as follows:

·
Debt securities for which the Bank has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity securities and are reported at amortized cost.  As of December 31, 2006 and 2007, the Bank did not classify any security as held-to-maturity.

·
Debt and equity securities that are bought and held by the Bank, principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term, are classified as trading securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings.
 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

·
Debt and equity securities not classified as either held-to-maturity securities or trading securities are classified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

SFAS N° 115 established that in the case of foreign-currency-denominated available-for-sale debt securities, the change in fair value expresses in an entity’s functional currency is the total of the changes in market price of the security as expressed in the local currency due to factors such as changes in interest rates and credit risk and the change in the exchange rate between the local currency and the entity’s functional currency.  EITF 96-15 established that the entire change in the fair value of foreign-currency-denominated available-for-sale debt securities should be reported in stockholders’ equity.

Until 2005, under Chilean GAAP the Bank classifies its financial investments as “trading” or “permanent” (see Note 1).  Financial investments held by the Bank with a secondary market are stated at fair market value with unrealized gains and losses included in a separate component of shareholders’ equity for those classified as permanent and with unrealized gains and losses included in other operating results for those classified as trading which all realized gains and losses flow through income. All other financial investments are carried at acquisition cost plus accrued interest and UF indexation adjustments. Investment securities maintained by the Bank’s subsidiaries were carried at the lower of price-level restated cost or market value.  Additionally, during 2001 the former Banco Santander Chile received permission from the Superintendency of Banks to record at amortized cost (i.e. not adjusted to market value) a portion of its portfolio of Chilean Government securities, which are hedged by specific interest rate swap agreements.  During 2005, the aforementioned portfolio of Chilean government securities was completely amortized. Similarly, under Chilean GAAP, interest rate swap agreements were not recorded at fair value (see paragraph (m) below).

As of December 31, 2005, under Chilean GAAP, the unrealized holding gains (losses) related to investments classified as permanent have been included in equity, which does not differ from the treatment “available-for-sale” under U.S. GAAP.  Similarly “trading” securities accounting treatment did not differ from “trading” securities treatment under U.S. GAAP.

As is described in Note 2, on December 20, 2005, the Superintendency of Banks issued Circular No. 3,345 and related amendments, instructing the application of new accounting principles and valuation criteria for financial instruments acquired for trading or investment (available-for-sale or held to maturity), derivative instruments, accounting hedges and write-offs of  financial assets in the balance sheet. Starting January 1, 2006, the Bank classifies their financial investments in accordance with the Bank’s intent and ability to hold the security, as trading, available for sale or held to maturity. The new accounting principles and valuation criteria do not differ significantly from U.S. GAAP, SFAS No 115.  The accounting criteria followed by the Bank’s subsidiaries on a standalone basis have not been changed, however, under the new rules established by Circular No. 3,345, for consolidated purposes, the Bank is required to perform all the necessary adjustments at the consolidation level.

Based upon the criteria described above and for presentation purposes, the Bank reclassified its portfolio of investments in debt and equity securities to “available-for-sale” or “trading”.

 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

Prior to January 1, 2006, the adjustment to U.S. GAAP represents the foreign exchange difference on available-for-sale securities which, under EITF 96-15, is recorded in Shareholders equity. For the year ended December 31, 2006 the cumulative effect of prior year differences was reversed.

The following are required disclosures for investments classified as available-for-sale in accordance with SFAS 115 and based on Article 9 balance sheet under U.S. GAAP. Realized gains and losses are determined using the proceeds from sales less the cost (specific identification method) of the investments identified to be sold.  Additionally, any unrealized gain/loss previously recorded in equity for these investments is reversed through the income statements.  Gross gains and losses realized on the sale of available-for-sale securities for the years ended as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, are as follows:

   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Proceeds from sales of “available-for-sale” securities generating realized gains
    730,186       633,958       758,857  
Realized gains
    8,177       9,760       4,710  
Proceeds from sales of “available-for-sale” securities generating realized losses
    338,983       232,932       184,060  
Realized losses
    2,743       4,165       1,438  

(i)
Other than temporary impairment of available for sale securities

Until 2005 under Chilean GAAP the Bank was not required to evaluate if marketable securities were considered to be other than temporarily impaired.  As is described in Note 2, starting January 1, 2006, under Chilean GAAP, the evaluation of marketable securities considered to be other than temporarily impaired is required, if the decline in fair value is judged to be other than temporary. In such circumstances, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value and the amount written down is charged against income.  The impairment is not considered as having established a new cost basis for the security and therefore, under certain conditions, recovery up to the extent of the initial cost basis may be recorded. Additionally, Chile GAAP does not require the inclusion of foreign exchange differences to be included in the unrealized gains/loss on available-for-sale securities in equity.  The portion related to foreign exchange gain (loss) is recorded directly in income.

Under U.S. GAAP, SFAS 115 requires that the Bank determine whether individual securities classified as available for sale have been impaired on an other than temporary basis.  If the decline in value is judged to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the individual security is written down to a new cost basis and the amount by which it is written down is included in earnings (that is, accounted for as a realized loss).  The new cost basis does not change when subsequent recoveries in fair value occur.  Subsequent increases in the fair value of available for sale securities are included in other comprehensive income and subsequent decreases in fair value, if not other than temporary, are also included in the other comprehensive income.
 

NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

The bank reviewed its portfolio as of December 31, 2005, and concluded that there was no other than temporary impairment as of this date.  This review consisted of evaluating the economic reasons for any declines, credit rating of the issuers of the securities and management’s intention and ability to hold the securities until the unrealized loss is recovered.  At December 31, 2005, based on this analysis, the Bank believed that there were no other than temporary impairments in its investment portfolio because most of the decline in fair value of these securities were caused by the appreciation of the Chilean Peso in relation to the U.S. Dollar which the Bank considered to be temporary.  Most of the securities that have unrealized losses as of December 31, 2005 had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than one year.

As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Bank considered that the continued devaluation of the U.S. dollar relative to the Chilean Peso was an indication of other-than temporary impairment. As a result, an impairment of MCh$791 and MCh$6,004 as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 respectively, for U.S. GAAP purposes was recognized for unrealized losses related to U.S. dollar denominated debt securities classified as available for sale. The effect of other than temporary impairment of available for sale securities is included in the reconciliation of consolidated net income paragraph (t) below.

The bank reviewed the remaining portfolio as of December 31, 2007, and concluded that there was no other than temporary impairment as of this date.  This review consisted of evaluating the economic reasons for any declines, credit rating of the issuers of the securities and management’s intention and ability to hold the securities until the unrealized loss is recovered.  At December 31, 2007, based on this analysis, the Bank believed that there were no other than temporary impairments in its investment portfolio because most of the decline in fair value of these securities were caused by market condition which the Bank considered to be temporary.  Most of the securities that have unrealized losses as of December 31, 2007, had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than one year.

The carrying value and market value of securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, are as follows:
 
Available-for-Sale Investments 2007
 
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses (1) (2)
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Central Bank and Government Securities
                       
Central Bank Securities
    337,353       190       (677 )     336,866  
Chilean Treasury bonds
    109,993       264       (1,063 )     109,194  
Other Securities
    -       -       -       -  
Subtotal
    447,346       454       (1,740 )     446,060  
Other Financial Securities
                               
Mortgage Finance Bonds
    277,155       542       (4,687 )     273,010  
Other Foreign Securities
    60,682       -       (117 )     60,565  
Subtotal
    337,837       542       (4,804 )     333,575  
Total
    785,183       996       (6,544 )     779,635  

 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

Available-for-Sale Investments 2006
 
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses (1) (2)
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Central Bank and Government Securities
                       
Central Bank Securities
    83,474       132       (85 )     83,521  
Chilean Treasury bonds
    672       -       (2 )     670  
Other Securities
    19,896       114       (100 )     19,910  
Subtotal
    104,042       246       (187 )     104,101  
Other Financial Securities
                               
Mortgage finance Bonds
    239,822       1,036       (1,619 )     239,239  
Other Foreign Securities
    28,173       -       (729 )     27,444  
Subtotal
    267,995       1,036       (2,348 )     266,683  
Total
    372,037       1,282       (2,535 )     370,784  

 
Available-for-Sale Investments 2005
 
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses (1)
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Central Bank and Government Securities
                       
Central Bank Securities
    93,172       398       (1,050 )     92,520  
Chilean Treasury bonds
    1,318       4       (4 )     1,318  
Other Securities
    36,523       753       (216 )     37,060  
Subtotal
    131,013       1,155       (1,270 )     130,898  
Other Financial Securities
                               
Mortgage Finance Bonds
    475,153       359       (19,998 )     455,514  
Chilean Financial Institutions Bonds
    -       -       -       -  
Chilean Corporate Bonds
    -       -       -       -  
Other Foreign Securities
    31,882       -       (485 )     31,397  
Subtotal
    507,035       359       (20,483 )     486,911  
Total
    638,048       1,514       (21,753 )     617,809  

(1)
Investments with unrealized losses are disclosed and segregated in accordance with paragraph 21 of EITF 03-01. Such unrealized losses were caused by interest rate increases. The contractual terms of these investments do not permit the issuer to settle the securities at a price less than the amortized cost of the investment.

(2)
During 2007 and 2006, as was described in paragraph above the Bank determined that certain of its foreign-currency-denominated available-for-sale debt securities had declines in value that were considered other than temporary, recording a charge to net income of MCh$791 and MCh$6,004, respectively, to record these securities at their market values at that date. Future unrealized gains or losses will be recorded in other comprehensive income consistent with the accounting treatment for available-for-sale securities.
 
 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

The following table shows the unrealized loss position of the available-for-sale investments as of December 31, 2007 and 2006.

Other than temporary impairment of available for sale securities

As of December 31, 2007:

   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
Available for sale Investments
 
Amortized
 cost
   
Fair
 Value
   
Unrealized
 losses
   
Amortized
 cost
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
 losses
   
Amortized
cost
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
 losses
 
                                                       
Central Bank and Government Securities
                                                     
Central Bank Securities
    179,867       179,190       (677 )     -       -       -       179,867       179,190       (677 )
Chilean Treasury Bonds
    74,004       72,941       (1,063 )     -       -       -       74,004       72,941       (1,063 )
Other Securities
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Subtotal
    253,871       252,131       (1,740 )     -       -       -       253,871       252,131       (1,740 )
                                              -                          
Other Financial Securities
                                                                       
Time deposits in Chilean Financial Institutions
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Mortgage Finance Bonds
    226,701       222,014       (4,687 )     -       -       -       226,701       222,014       (4,687 )
Chilean financial Institutions Bonds
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Chilean Corporate Bonds
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Chilean Other Securities
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Central Bank and Government Foreign
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Other Foreign Securities
    10,754       10,637       (117 )     -       -       -       10,754       10,637       (117 )
Subtotal
    237,455       232,651       (4,804 )     -       -       -       237,455       232,651       (4,804 )
Total
    491,326       484,782       (6,544 )     -       -       -       491,326       484,782       (6,544 )

As of December 31, 2006:

   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
Available for sale Investments
 
Amortized
 cost
   
Fair
 Value
   
Unrealized
losses
   
Amortized
 cost
   
Fair
 Value
   
Unrealized
 losses
   
Amortized
 cost
   
Fair
 Value
   
Unrealized
 losses
 
                                                       
Central Bank and Government Securities
                                                     
Central Bank Securities
    22,032       21,947       (85 )     -       -       -       22,032       21,947       (85 )
Chilean Treasury Bonds
    671       669       (2 )     -       -       -       671       669       (2 )
Other Securities
    15,164       15,064       (100 )     -       -       -       15,164       15,064       (100 )
Subtotal
    37,867       37,680       (187 )     -       -       -       37,867       37,680       (187 )
                                                                         
Other Financial Securities
                                                                       
Time deposits in Chilean Financial Institutions
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Mortgage Finance Bonds
    140,003       138,384       (1,619 )     -       -       -       140,003       138,384       (1,619 )
Chilean financial Institutions Bonds
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Chilean Corporate Bonds
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Chilean Other Securities
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Central Bank and Government Foreign
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Other Foreign Securities
    28,173       27,444       (729 )     -       -               28,173       27,444       (729 )
Subtotal
    168,176       165,828       (2,348 )     -       -       -       168,176       165,828       (2,348 )
Total
    206,043       203,508       ( 2,535 )     -       -       -       206,043       203,508       ( 2,535 )

NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

(j)       Contractual maturities and other disclosures

The contractual maturities of securities classified by the Bank as available-for-sale are as follows:

   
As of December 31, 2007
 
Available-for-Sale Investments:
 
Within
 one year
   
After one year
 but within
five years
   
After five years
but within
ten years
   
After
ten years
   
Total
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ of December 31, 2007)
 
Central Bank and Government Securities
                             
Central Bank Securities
    78,284       151,972       103,553       3,057       336,866  
Chilean Treasury bonds
    18,282       28,870       43,779       18,263       109,194  
Other Securities
    -       -       -       -       -  
Total
    96,566       180,842       147,332       21,320       446,060  
Other Financial Securities
                                       
Mortgage Finance Bonds
    60       2,294       11,465       259,191       273,010  
Chilean Financial Institutions Bonds
    -       -       -       -       -  
Chilean Corporate Bonds
    -       -       -       -       -  
Chilean Other Securities
    -       -       -       -       -  
Central Bank and Government Foreign Securities
    -       -       -       -       -  
Other Foreign Securities
    49,927       -       10,638       -       60,565  
Subtotal
    49,987       2,294       22,103       259,191       333,575  
Total
    146,553       183,136       169,435       280,511       779,635  


   
As of December 31, 2006
 
Available-for-Sale Investments:
 
Within
one year
   
After one year
 but within
five years
   
After five years
but within
ten years
   
After
ten years
   
Total
 
   
(in millions of constant Ch$ of December 31, 2007)
 
Central Bank and Government Securities
                             
Central Bank Securities
    22,764       60,004       754       -       83,522  
Chilean Treasury bonds
    669       -       -       -       669  
Other Securities
    9,173       8,656       1,286       795       19,910  
Total
    32,606       68,660       2,040       795       104,101  
Other Financial Securities
                                       
Mortgage Finance Bonds
    186       2,181       18,114       218,758       239,239  
Chilean Financial Institutions Bonds
    -       -       -       -       -  
Chilean Corporate Bonds
    -       -       -       -       -  
Chilean Other Securities
    -       -       -       -       -  
Central Bank and Government Foreign Securities
    -       -       -       -       -  
Other Foreign Securities
    15,640       -       11,804       -       27,444  
Subtotal
    15,826       2,181       29,918       218,758       266,683  
Total
    48,432       70,841       31,958       219,553       370,784  

Under U.S. GAAP, the Bank is required to disclose the amounts of unrealized holding gains and losses included in income on securities classified as trading.  For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the Bank recognized in income net unrealized holding gains (losses) of MCh$1,734 and MCh$(176) and MCh$752 respectively, on these securities.


NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

(k)       Allowance for loan losses

The determination of loan losses under U.S. GAAP differs from that under Chilean GAAP in the following respects:

1.        Allowance for loan losses

Under Chilean GAAP, the allowance for loan losses is calculated according to specific guidelines set out by the rules of the Superintendency of Banks.

Under U.S. GAAP, allowances for loan losses should be adequate to cover inherent losses in the loan portfolio at the respective balance sheet dates. The Bank has estimated its required allowance under U.S. GAAP in the following manner:

 
·
All loans of the Bank were classified in accordance with the rules of the Superintendency of Banks.

 
·
Allowances for commercial loans classified in loan risk category A1, A2, A3, B or C1 which were not considered impaired under SFAS No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan” (“SFAS 114”) were analyzed by loan category and were adjusted where necessary to reflect the estimated inherent losses in the loan portfolio based upon the historical movements and trends in the Bank’s loan classifications (“migration analysis”).

 
·
In addition, specific additional allowances were determined for commercial loans, i.e. those loans which were not considered above, on the following basis:

 
i.
Commercial loans greater than MCh$100, which were considered impaired in accordance with the criteria established by SFAS 114 were valued at the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective contractual interest rate, or at the fair value of the collateral if the loans were collateral dependent.

 
ii.
Allowances for commercial loans which were under MCh$100 (i.e. those loans which were not considered in the above SFAS 114 analysis), were calculated using the weighted average loan provision, by loan classification, as determined in (i).  In addition, estimated incurred losses were adjusted based on results of a migration analysis referred to above.

 
iii.
Allowance for loan losses for mortgage and consumer loans were determined based on historical loan charge-offs, after considering the recoverability of the underlying collateral.

Based on the preceding calculations under provisions of SFAS No.114 the Bank reduced the total loan loss allowance by MCh$8,778 for the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
 


NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

Based on the loan losses allowance estimation process described above, the Bank determined the allowance for loan losses under U.S. GAAP, and compared this estimate with the reported allowance determined in accordance with the guidelines established by the Superintendency of Banks.  The fluctuation of the recorded additional loan loss allowance required by the Superintendency of Banks, was then deducted from the additional allowance requirements under U.S. GAAP to arrive at a cumulative U.S. GAAP adjustment for the Bank, as follows:

   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
U.S. GAAP loan loss allowance
    (178,236 )     (232,766 )
Chilean GAAP loan allowance required by the Superintendency of Banks
    187,014       232,766  
U.S. GAAP adjustment
    8,778       -  
                 
Less: Chilean GAAP additional loan loss allowance
    -       -  
Cumulative U.S. GAAP adjustment
    8,778       -  
 
 

 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

 
Based on the back testing performed by the Bank, including the consumer credit portfolio, during the present year the cumulative adjustment recognized in prior years was credited to income in 2007.
   
 
The effect of accounting for loan losses in accordance with U.S. GAAP is included in the reconciliation of the net income and shareholders' equity in paragraph (t) below.
   
2.
Recognition of Income
   
 
As of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the recorded investment in loans for which impairment has been recognized in accordance with SFAS 114 totaled MCh$276,912, MCh$333,769 and MCh$410,303, respectively, with a corresponding valuation allowance of MCh$126,448, MCh$134,218 and MCh$98,117, respectively.  For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the average recorded investment in impaired loans was MCh$312,524, MCh$291,788 and MCh$303,663, respectively.  For the three years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, during the portion of the year that the loans were impaired, the Bank recognized MCh$601, MCh$471 and MCh$490 of interest on impaired loans.  As of December 31, 2006 and 2007, the Bank had made provisions against all loans which it considered to be impaired.
   
3.
Loan loss recoveries
   
 
Under Chilean GAAP and U.S. GAAP recoveries of loans previously charged-off are presented as a reduction of the provision for loan losses.
   
 
The following presents an analysis under U.S. GAAP, for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, of the changes in the reserve for loan losses during the years presented:
 
   
As of December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Allowances for loan losses in accordance with U.S. GAAP, as of January 1
    187,099       153,456       178,237  
Price-level restatement (1)
    (6,883 )     (3,367 )     (12,950 )
Loan loss recoveries
    50,582       50,568       77,760  
Charge-offs and recoveries
    (150,021 )     (154,150 )     (201,124 )
Addition charged of operations
    72,679       131,729       190,843  
Allowances for loan losses in accordance with U.S. GAAP, as of December 31
    153,456       178,236       232,766  
 
 
(1)
Reflects the effect of inflation on the allowance of loan losses under Chilean GAAP at the beginning of each period, adjusted to constant Chilean pesos of December 31, 2007.
 
 

 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

4.
Charge-offs
   
 
As discussed in Note 1 (m) of these financial statements, under Chilean GAAP the Bank charges off loans when collection efforts have been exhausted. Under the rules and regulations established by the Superintendency of Banks, charge-offs must be made within the following maximum prescribed limits:

 
-
24 months after a loan is past due (6 months for consumer loans) for loans without collateral;
 
-
36 months after a loan is past due for loans with collateral.

 
Under U.S. GAAP, loans should be written-off in the period that they are deemed uncollectible. The Bank believes that the charge-off policies it applies in accordance with Chilean GAAP are substantially the same as those required under U.S. GAAP, and therefore the potential difference is not significant to the presentation of its financial statements.

(l) Investments in other companies

Under Chilean GAAP, certain long-term investments of less than 20% of the outstanding shares in other companies have been recorded using the equity method of accounting (see Note 9 (4)).  Under U.S. GAAP those investments generally would have been recorded at cost.  The effect of accounting for investments in other companies in accordance with U.S. GAAP is included in the reconciliation of consolidated net income and shareholders’ equity in paragraph (t) below.

(m) Derivatives

Chilean banks are permitted to use foreign exchange forward contracts (covering either foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar, the UF against the Chilean peso or the UF and the Chilean peso against the U.S. dollar), forward rate agreements and interest rate swaps. Currently, the use of derivatives in Chile is regulated by the Chilean Central Bank, which requires that all foreign exchange forward contracts be made only in U.S. dollars and other major foreign currencies.

All derivative instruments are subject to market risk, which is defined as the risk that future changes in market conditions may make an investment more or less valuable. The Bank managed their individual exposure to market risk on a global basis in accordance with risk limits set by senior management by buying or selling instruments or entering into offsetting foreign exchange and interest rate positions.

The Bank enters into derivative transactions for its own behalf and to meet customers’ risk management needs.  Generally the Bank enters into forward contracts in U.S. dollars against the Chilean peso or the UF, however, occasionally, forward contracts are also made in other currencies, but only when the Bank acts as an intermediary.  Other derivative transactions include primarily interest rate swaps (pay fixed-receive floating) and rate lock agreements.  These are used for hedging purposes in order to manage, among other risks, interest rate and fair value risk related to the Yankee bonds of Chilean companies, Chilean Government securities bought by the Bank and certain mortgage loans.
 
 

NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

In order to manage any credit risk associated with its derivative products, the Bank grants lines of credit to its counterparties, in accordance with its credit policies, for each derivative transaction. The counterparty risk exposure is a function of the type of derivative, the term to maturity of the transaction and the volatility of the risk factors that affect the derivative’s market value.

Under Chilean GAAP, the Bank accounts for forward contracts between foreign currencies and U.S. dollars at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses on these instruments recognized in other income. Until 2005, forward contracts between the U.S. dollar and the Chilean peso or the UF were valued at the closing spot exchange rate of each balance sheet date, with the initial discount or premium being amortized over the life of the contract in accordance with Chilean hedge accounting criteria outstanding at this date. Also until 2005, under Chilean GAAP the Bank records differences between interest income and interest expense on interest rate swap transactions, in net income in the period when cash settlements under the agreements were made.  The fair value of the swap agreement and changes in the fair value as a result of changes in market interest rates were not recognized at each period-close in the Chilean GAAP consolidated financial statements.

As is described in Note 2, on December 20, 2005 the Superintendency of Banks issued Circular No. 3,345 and related amendments, instructing the application of new accounting principles and valuation criteria for financial instruments acquired for negotiation or investment, derivative instruments, accounting hedges and write-offs of financial assets in the balance sheet.  The new accounting principles and valuation criteria does not differ significantly from U.S. GAAP, SFAS N° 133 and related amendments.

Effective January 1, 2006, under the requirements of Circular No. 3,345 of the Superintendency of Banks, the accounting treatment of certain derivative instruments and hedges of financial assets changed.  Traditional financial instruments which meet the definition of  a “derivative” such as forwards in foreign currency and unidades de fomento (inflation index-linked units of account), interest rate futures, currency and interest rate swaps, currency and interest rate options, and others are recognized initially in the balance sheet at cost (including transaction fees) and, at subsequent period ends, at their fair value.  The fair value is obtained from market quotes, discounted cash flow models and option valuation models, as applicable.

Beginning January 1, 2001, the Bank adopted SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", as amended by SFAS No. 138, “Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities - an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133" (collectively “SFAS 133”), which establishes comprehensive accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and hedging activities. The standard requires that all derivative instruments be recorded in the balance sheet at fair value. However, the accounting for changes in fair value of the derivative instrument depends on the purpose for which the derivative instrument was entered into and whether the derivative instrument qualifies as a hedge. The standards also require formal documentation of hedging relationships and effectiveness testing when hedge accounting is to be applied. If the derivative instrument does not qualify as a hedge, changes in fair value are reported in earnings when they occur. If the derivative instrument qualifies as a hedge, the accounting treatment varies based on the type of risk being hedged.

NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

Even thought the methodology to asses Hedge Accounting under Chilean GAAP and U.S. GAAP are the same, there are certain criteria’s that are presented under US GAAP and not under Chilean GAAP.  As of December 31, 2006 hedged accounting applied under Chilean GAAP on the mortgage loans portfolio classified in “Other Outstanding Loans” does not meet the criteria described in SFAS No. 133 paragraph 21 a), which paragraph establishes that the change in fair value attributable to the hedged risk for each individual item in a hedged portfolio must be expected to respond in a generally proportionate manner to the overall change in the fair value of the aggregate portfolio attributable to the hedged risk.  Given the lack of compliance with this paragraph of the hedge undertaken and documented as such in Chilean GAAP, an adjustment has been included in the amount of MCh$34,202 and $32,141 as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006, respectively, in our reconciliation of Shareholders’ equity and Net income in paragraph (t) below. As there are differences in Hedge Accounting between Chilean GAAP and U.S. GAAP, as of December 31, 2006, as is described in the table below, some transactions registered as Hedging derivatives under Chilean GAAP are reversed for U.S. GAAP purposes and registered as Trading derivatives.
 
During 2007, the Bank, discontinue prospectively the Hedge accounting applied under Chilean GAAP on the mortgage loans portfolio, due to the periodic assessment indicates noncompliance with the effectiveness criteria. Therefore, as of December 31, 2007, these are not difference in Hedge accounting between Chilean GAAP and US GAAP.

As of December 31, 2007:

   
Assets
   
Liabilities
   
Chilean GAAP
Balance Sheet
   
U.S. GAAP
Adjustment
   
U.S. GAAP
Balance Sheet
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
                               
Hedging Derivatives
                             
Interest Risk Contracts:
                             
Interest Rate Swap
    3,891       502       3,389       -       3,389  
Currency Swap (Fair Value)
    -       9,246       (9,246 )             (9,246 )
Currency Swap (Cash Flow)
    -       55,171       (55,171 )     -       (55,171 )
                                         
Total Hedging Derivatives
    3,891       64,919       (61,028 )     -       (61,028 )
                                         
Trading Derivatives
                                       
Interest Risk Contracts:
                                       
Interest Rate Swap
    86,515       159,146       (72,631 )     -       (72,631 )
Options and Future
    1       9       (8 )     -       (8 )
Currency Swap
    576,515       392,337       184,179       -       184,179  
Foreign Exchange Contracts:
                                       
Forward purchase/sale of foreign currency
    111,681       159,969       (48,288 )     -       (48,288 )
Currency Options
    1,763       1,464       299       -       299  
Currency Swap
    -       -       -       -       -  
Other
    409       373       36       -       36  
                                         
Total Trading Derivatives
    776,884       713,298       63,587       -       63,587  
Total Net Derivatives
    780,775       778,217       2,559       -       2,559  
 
 

 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

As of December 31, 2006:

   
Assets
   
Liabilities
   
Chilean GAAP
Balance Sheet
   
U.S. GAAP
Adjustment
   
U.S. GAAP
Balance Sheet
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
                               
Hedging Derivatives
                             
Interest Risk Contracts:
                             
Interest Rate Swap
    1,260       2,529       (1,269 )     -       (1,269 )
Currency Swap (Fair Value)
    -       40,689       (40,689 )     34,202       (6,487 )
Currency Swap (Cash Flow)
    -       -       -       -       -  
Total Hedging Derivatives
    1,260       43,218       (41,958 )     34,202       (7,756 )
                                         
Trading Derivatives
                                       
Interest Risk Contracts:
                                       
Interest Rate Swap
    37,559       73,236       (35,677 )     -       (35,677 )
Options and Future
    1,556       1,109       447       -       447  
Currency Swap
    -       -       -       (34,202 )     (34,202 )
Foreign Exchange Contracts:
                                       
Forward purchase/sale of foreign currency
    88,754       106,819       (18,065 )     -       (18,065 )
Currency Options
    4,710       4,697       13       -       13  
Currency Swap
    265,899       152,627       113,272       -       113,272  
Other
    678       697       (19 )     -       (19 )
Total Trading Derivatives
    399,156       339,185       59,971       (34,202 )     25,771  
                                         
Total Net Derivatives
    400,416       382,403       18,013       -       18,013  

Before January 1, 2006, Chilean accounting rules do not consider the existence of derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and therefore they were not reflected in the financial statements. For U.S. GAAP purposes, certain implicit or explicit terms included in host contracts that affect some or all of the cash flows or the value of other exchanges required by the contract in a manner similar to a derivative instrument, must be separated from the host contract and accounted for at fair value. The Bank separately measures embedded derivatives as freestanding derivative instruments at their estimated fair values recognizing changes in earnings when they occur. Currently the only host contracts that the Bank has, which have implicit or explicit terms that must be separately accounted for at fair value, are service type contracts related to computer service agreement and insurance agreements.

For December 31, 2005, the effects of the adjustments with respect to foreign exchange contracts, interest rate and foreign currency swaps agreements on the net income and shareholders’ equity of the Bank are included in paragraph (t) below.

For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, the effects of embedded derivatives were not significant.

(n) Recoveries of loans previously charged-off

Under Chilean GAAP recoveries on charged-off loans as well as recoveries on loans which were reacquired from the Chilean Central Bank were recorded directly to income.  Under U.S. GAAP, loans that have been previously written-off cannot be reinstated, and only actual cash recoveries from any previously charged-off loans would be recognized as income.  Consequently, the effect of these reinstated loans for Chilean GAAP purposes, net of cash recoveries, has been eliminated in the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP.
 
 
 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

(o) Capitalization of interest costs

For Chilean GAAP purposes, the Bank does not capitalize interest costs on the assets that are constructed for its own use.  Under SFAS No. 34, interest costs should be capitalized as they are considered part of the historical cost of acquiring these assets.  The effect of accounting for capitalization of interest costs in accordance with U.S. GAAP is included in the reconciliation of net income and shareholders’ equity in paragraph (t) below.

(p) Mortgage loans purchased

Banco Santander Chile acquired mortgage loans (so called ANAP portfolio) from former savings and loans institutions at a discount. In 1990, based on the then-existing regulations, the discount on a portion of the loans acquired was recognized as income. Under U.S. GAAP, such discount should be amortized over the life of the related loans. The effect of accounting for mortgage loans purchased in accordance with U.S. GAAP is included in the reconciliation of net income and shareholders’ equity in paragraph (t) below.  This concept was completely amortized during 2005.

(q) Acquisition of Financial Assets

The following business combinations took place prior to the merger of Banco Santiago and Banco Santander Chile which continue to require adjustments between Chilean GAAP and U.S. GAAP in the net income and shareholders’ equity reconciliations in (t):

(1)
Acquisition of Banco O’Higgins

For Chilean GAAP purposes, the merger between the former Banco Santiago and Banco O’Higgins that took place during 1997 was accounted for using “pooling of interests”.  The assets acquired and liabilities assumed were combined at their carrying values on the books of the successor entity and the operations were accounted for as combined from January 1, 1997.

For U.S. GAAP purposes, the former Banco Santiago accounted for the business combination as a purchase of Banco O’Higgins.  Consequently, goodwill was recorded as the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed (which, in management’s opinion, approximated book value).

The unamortized goodwill associated with this merger on the books of Banco Santiago, for U.S. GAAP purposes, as of the date of the merger with the former Banco Santiago Santander Chile is implicitly included in the goodwill of Teatinos which had been acquired by BCSH as explained in (a).

(2)
Acquisition of Banco Osorno y la Unión

During 1996, the former Banco Santander Chile merged with Banco Osorno y La Unión (“Banco Osorno”).  The treatment for both Chilean GAAP purposes and U.S. GAAP purposes was equivalent to the treatment in the Banco O’Higgins transaction in (1) with the exception that the acquisition of Banco Osorno was defined as a reverse acquisition.
 
 

NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

(r) Assets received in lieu of payment

As instructed by the Superintendency of Banks, assets received in lieu of payment are carried at cost, less a global valuation allowance if the total of the fair value of those assets is lower than the carrying amount.  If the asset is not sold within one year, then the recorded asset amounts should be written-off at once after the period established ends.

Under U.S. GAAP, assets received in lieu of payment are initially recorded at fair value less any estimated costs to sell at the date of foreclosure, on an individual asset basis.  Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations should be periodically performed to record any impairment.  The effect of recording these assets in accordance with U.S. GAAP in the Bank is included in the reconciliation of net income and shareholders' equity in paragraph (t) below.

(s) Accrued interest and indexation adjustment

Under Chilean GAAP, accrued interest and indexation adjustment are presented with the principle amounts of the investments to which they accrete.  Under U.S. GAAP accrued interest and indexation adjustment would be presented as separate line items in the balance sheet.  The amount of this reclassification is not readily determinable.

(t) Summary of net income and shareholders’ equity differences

The following is a reconciliation of net income under Chilean GAAP to the corresponding amounts under U.S. GAAP:

   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
ThUS$
 
                     
(Note 1(r))
 
Net income in accordance with Chilean GAAP
    263,006       306,829       308,647       620,046  
Push-down accounting (Note 28 (a))
                               
Amortization of trademarks and other (Note 28 (b))
    (14,248 )     (18,299 )     (63,044 )     (126,650 )
Amortization of fair value increment of net assets
    (4,136 )     (4,132 )     (4,133 )     (8,303 )
Deferred income taxes (Note 28 (c))
    30       -       -       -  
Investment securities (Note 28 (h))
    2,767       (507 )     791       1,589  
Allowance for loan losses (Note 28 (k))
    (1,128 )     -       (8,778 )     (17,634 )
Other than temporary impairment (Note 28 (i))
    -       (6,004 )     (791 )     (1,589 )
Investments in other companies (Note 28 (l))
    10       (126 )     (88 )     (177 )
Derivatives (Note 28 (m))
    7,529       (32,141 )     5,784       11,618  
Capitalization of interest costs (Note 28 (o))
    (55 )     (55 )     (55 )     (112 )
Mortgage loans purchased (Note 28 (p))
    96       -       -       -  
Assets received in lieu of payment (Note 28 (r))
    (5,175 )     1,594       (3,413 )     (6,856 )
Stock compensation plan (Note 28(f))
    -       -       (8,414 )     (16,903 )
Deferred tax effect of U.S. GAAP adjustments
    (685 )     6,309       1,098       2,206  
Net income in accordance with U.S. GAAP
    248,011       253,468       227,604       457,235  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                               
Unrealized gain (losses) on available-for-sale and cash flow hedge securities (Note 28 (x))
    (25,054 )     18,020       (8,507 )     (17,090 )
Securities available for sale
    (25,054 )     18,020       (3,637 )     (7,307 )
Hedge accounting cash flow
    -       -       (4,870 )     (9,783 )
Comprehensive income in accordance with U.S. GAAP
    222,957       271,488       219,097       440,145  
 
 
 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

The following is a reconciliation of shareholders’ equity under Chilean GAAP to the corresponding amounts under U.S. GAAP:

   
At December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
ThUS$
 
                   
Shareholders’ equity in accordance with Chilean GAAP
    1,337,992       1,438,042       2,888,911  
Push Down Accounting (Note 28(a))
                       
Goodwill
    538,534       538,534       1,081,872  
Fair value of intangibles
    65,607       2,563       5,149  
Fair value increment of net assets
    5,759       1,626       3,267  
Mandatory dividends (Note 28(d))
    (92,049 )     (92,594 )     (186,014 )
Allowance for loan losses (Note 28(k))
    8,778       -       -  
Investments in other companies (Note 28(l))
    316       228       458  
Derivatives (Note 28(m))
    (34,202 )     (28,418 )     (57,089 )
Recoveries of loans (Note 28(n))
    (1,399 )     (1,399 )     (2,810 )
Capitalization of interest costs (Note 28(o))
    4,109       4,054       8,144  
Assets received in lieu of payment (Note 28(r))
    5,569       2,156       4,331  
Deferred tax effect of U.S. GAAP adjustments
    2,915       4,013       8,062  
Acquisition of financial assets (Note 28(q))
    327,992       327,992       658,910  
Shareholders’ equity in accordance with U.S. GAAP
    2,169,921       2,196,797       4,413,191  

The following summarized the changes in the shareholders’ equity of the Bank under U.S. GAAP during the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007:

   
As of December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
   
2007
 
   
Total
   
Total
   
Total
   
Total
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
ThUS$
 
                     
(Note (1 r))
 
                         
Balance at January 1,
    2,097,439       2,082,730       2,169,921       4,359,197  
Monetary indexation of dividends paid
    (557 )     (199 )     (1,969 )     (3,954 )
Dividends paid
    (226,009 )     (170,952 )     (198,121 )     (398,008 )
Mandatory dividends, previous date (Note 28 (d))
    67,803       78,903       92,049       184,919  
Mandatory dividends, closing date (Note 28 (d))
    (78,903 )     (92,049 )     (92,594 )     (186,014 )
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments, net of tax
    (25,054 )     18,020       (3,637 )     (7,306 )
Hedge accounting cash flow
    -       -       (4,870 )     (9,783 )
Stock compensation plan (Note 28(f))
    -       -       8,414       16,903  
Net income in accordance with U.S. GAAP
    248,011       253,468       227,604       457,237  
Balance at December 31,
    2,082,730       2,169,921       2,196,797       4,413,191  
 
 

 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).
 
On January 15, 2007, in an Extraordinary General Stockholders Meeting the related subsidiary Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa, approved the merger by incorporation of the subsidiary Santiago Corredores de Bolsa Ltda. into Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa. This merger has an effective date of January 1, 2007 and after this merger Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa became a subsidiary of Banco Santander Chile and legally responsible of Santiago Corredores de Bolsa Limitada future events.

Under Chilean GAAP and US GAAP the merger of Santiago Corredores de Bolsa Limitada and Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa was accounted as a business combination under common control.

In accordance with SFAS 141 - Business Combinations, the Company should present the statement of financial position and other financial information as of the beginning of the period as though the assets and liabilities had been transferred at that date and the financial statements and financial information presented for prior years should also be restated to furnish comparative information including the effects of this business combination.  Because the merger explained in note 1 a) of the financial statements took place in January 1, 2007, the requirement to present the statement of financial position and other financial information as of the beginning of the period as though the assets and liabilities had been transferred at that date does not represent any difference with respect the accounting for this transaction under Chilean GAAP. With respect to the requirement to restate the financial statements and financial information presented for prior years under US GAAP to furnish comparative information including the effects of this business combination, the following information presents a summary of the additional revenues, net income, total assets and total liabilities from Santander Investment S.A. Corredores de Bolsa for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 if these figures had been included in the combined reconciliation of net income and shareholders’ equity from Chilean GAAP to US GAAP. Because the amounts presented below are not considered to be significant as compared to the respective US GAAP consolidated amounts previously presented, the 2005 and 2006 reconciliations have not been restated.
 
   
2005
   
2006
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Revenues
    753       125  
Net income
    2,160       2,455  
Total assets
    89,192       138,367  
Total liabilities
    58,271       123,916  
 

 

NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).
 
(u) Earnings per share

The following disclosure of net income per share information is not generally required for presentation in the financial statements under Chilean GAAP but is required under U.S. GAAP. Earnings per share are determined by dividing net income by the weighted average number of total shares outstanding.

   
Years ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
Chilean GAAP (1)
 
Ch$
   
Ch$
   
Ch$
 
Earnings per share
    1.40       1.63       1.64  
Weighted average number of total shares outstanding (in millions)
    188,446.1       188,446.1       188,446.1  
                         
U.S. GAAP (1)
                       
Net income per share
    1.32       1.35       1.21  
Weighted average number of total shares outstanding (in millions)
    188,446.1       188,446.1       188,446.1  

(1)
Basic earnings per share have been calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year.  There are no potentially dilutive effects on the calculation of earnings per share.

(v) Article 9 Income Statements and Balance Sheets

The presentation of the consolidated financial statements differs significantly from the format required by the Securities and Exchange Commission under rules 210.9 to 210.9-07 of Regulation S-X (Article 9).  The Chilean GAAP balance sheets and income statements have been restated in constant Chilean pesos of December 31, 2007, purchasing power using the adjustment factor arising from the CPI, and are presented in the format prescribed by Article 9 of Regulation S-X. Additionally all adjustments to U.S. GAAP included in paragraph (t) have been incorporated.

The principal reclassifications which were made to the primary Chilean GAAP consolidated financial statements in order to present them in the Article 9 format are as follows:

1.
Elimination of contingent assets and liabilities from the balance sheet.
2.
Reclassification of fees relating to contingent loans from interest income under Chilean GAAP to non interest income under Article 9.

The following balance sheets as of December 31, 2006 and 2007, have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, except for the inclusion of price-level restatement permitted under item 18 of Regulation S-X, and are presented in accordance with the requirements of Article 9.
 
 

NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
ASSETS
           
Cash and due from banks
    1,018,253       591,117  
Interest bearing deposits
    159,248       710,556  
Investments under agreements to resell
    33,099       34,000  
Investments:
               
Trading Investments
    716,058       1,079,965  
Available-for-sale investments
    370,784       779,635  
Sub-total
    2,297,442       3,195,273  
                 
Loans
    11,726,379       12,450,533  
Unearned income
    (161,058 )     (172,233 )
Allowance for loan losses
    (178,237 )     (232,766 )
Loans, net
    11,387,084       12,045,534  
Premises and equipment, net
    286,336       308,489  
Goodwill, net
    866,526       866,526  
Intangibles, net
    65,607       2,563  
Derivatives
    400,416       780,775  
Other assets
    472,720       684,696  
Total Assets
    15,776,131       17,883,856  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Deposits:
               
Non interest bearing
    2,667,732       2,933,475  
Interest bearing
    7,423,390       7,887,880  
Total deposits
    10,091,122       10,821,355  
Short-term borrowings
    1,092,261       950,084  
Investments sold under agreement to repurchase
    21,412       166,281  
Derivatives
    382,403       778,217  
Other liabilities
    313,801       353,980  
Long-term debt
    1,703,576       2,597,095  
Sub-total
    3,513,453       4,845,657  
Minority interest
    1,635       20,047  
Common stock
    818,535       818,535  
Other shareholders’ equity
    1,351,386       1,378,262  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
    15,776,131       17,883,856  
 
Total assets set forth in the basic Chilean GAAP balance sheets are reconciled to total assets in the Article 9 balance sheets above as follows:

   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Total assets of the Bank under Chilean GAAP
    15,947,792       18,222,730  
Elimination of off-setting assets and liabilities:
               
Contingent loans
    (1,098,775 )     (1,191,279 )
U.S. GAAP adjustments (1)
    927,114       852,405  
Total assets under Article 9 presentation
    15,776,131       17,883,856  

(1)
These net assets represent those which differ in recorded cost from Chile GAAP or are non-existent in Chile GAAP.
 
 
 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

The following income statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and are presented in accordance with requirements of Article 9, except for the inclusion of price-level restatement permitted under Item 18 of Regulation S-X:

   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Interest income
                 
Interest and fees on loans
    978,705       1,116,660       1,507,796  
Interest on investments
    125,816       127,445       184,365  
Interest on deposits with banks
    2,602       35,894       -  
Interest on investments under agreement to resell
    1,632       617       595  
Total interest income
    1,108,755       1,280,616       1,692,756  
Interest expense
                       
Interest on deposits
    (267,277 )     (365,735 )     (546,187 )
Interest on investments under agreement to repurchase
    (17,515 )     (39,235 )     (38,265 )
Interest on short-term debt
    (51,415 )     (68,291 )     (52,116 )
Interest on long-term debt
    (140,322 )     (111,240 )     (183,131 )
Interest on other borrowed funds
    (5,449 )     (2,736 )     (9,441 )
Price level restatement (1)
    (19,903 )     (14,807 )     (56,325 )
Total interest expense
    (501,881 )     (602,044 )     (885,465 )
Net interest income
    606,874       678,572       807,291  
Provision for loan losses
    (70,835 )     (132,175 )     (191,189 )
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    536,039       546,397       616,102  
Other income
                       
Fees and commissions, net
    93,931       134,937       150,791  
Gain (losses) on trading activities
    19,517       69,124       (120,955 )
Net gains (losses) on foreign exchange activities
    2,945       (52,332 )     92,425  
Other
    23,745       (16,742 )     (26,341 )
Total other income
    140,138       134,987       95,920  
Other expenses
                       
Salaries
    (152,747 )     (171,608 )     (184,509 )
Net premises and equipment expenses
    (54,207 )     (53,651 )     (57,917 )
Administration expenses
    (99,269 )     (107,092 )     (108,728 )
Other expenses
    (66,471 )     (39,183 )     (77,136 )
Minority interest
    (146 )     (162 )     (2,055 )
Total other expenses
    (372,840 )     (371,696 )     (430,345 )
Income before income taxes
    303,337       309,688       281,677  
Income taxes
    (55,326 )     (56,220 )     (54,073 )
Net income
    248,011       253,468       227,604  
Other comprehensive income
    (25,054 )     18,020       (8,507 )
Securities available for sale
    (25,054 )     18,020       (3,637 )
Hedge accounting cash flow
    -       -       (4,870 )
Comprehensive income
    222,957       271,488       219,097  

(1)
The price-level adjustment includes the effect of inflation primarily resulting from interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.  As the Bank does not record the price-level adjustment for separate categories of assets and liabilities, such adjustment is presented as a component of interest expense.
 
 

 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

Consolidated statements of cash flows

Under U.S. GAAP, changes in other assets and liabilities such as other receivables, prepaid assets and accruals for salaries and vacations should be presented as cash flows from operating activities. Under Chilean GAAP, these are presented as cash flows from investing activities.  Additionally, the non-cash movements related to assets received in lieu of payments are not reported as supplemental information under Chilean GAAP, as usually required under U.S. GAAP.

The consolidated statements of cash flows have been prepared in accordance with Chilean GAAP, and are presented in accordance with the requirements of Article 9, except for the inclusion of price-level restatement permitted under item 18 of Regulation S-X.  Presentation of the cash flow statements under U.S. GAAP would require additional breakdown of certain line items presented “net” in the Chilean GAAP cash flow.  Additionally, for Chilean GAAP purposes, certain items classified as “Other assets” are defined as cash equivalent for cash flow purposes which would also be defined as cash equivalents in the balance sheet in U.S. GAAP.  And, lastly gains/losses on trading securities are presented as investing activities in Chilean GAAP while they would be presented as operating activity in U.S. GAAP.

The following condensed consolidated statements of cash flows have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and are presented in accordance with the requirements of Article 9 as described above:

   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
                   
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (535,949 )     546,075       497,100  
Net cash used in (provided by) investing activities
    161,083       (1,362,757 )     (1,537,184 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    637,121       653,626       1,156,430  
                         
Net cash flow
    262,255       (163,056 )     116,346  
Inflation effect on cash and cash equivalents
    3,685       (7,262 )     1,606  
                         
Net decrease in cash and due from banks
    265,940       (170,318 )     117,952  
Cash and due from Banks, beginning of the year
    1,078,060       1,344,000       1,173,682  
Cash and due from Banks, end of the year
    1,344,000       1,173,682       1,291,634  
 
 

 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

(w) Income taxes

The reconciliation of the provision for income taxes charged to income under Chilean GAAP to the corresponding amounts under U.S. GAAP is as follows:

   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Charge for the period under Chilean GAAP
    54,671       62,529       55,171  
U.S. GAAP Adjustments:
                       
Deferred tax effect of applying SFAS No. 109
    (30 )     -       -  
Deferred tax effect of U.S. GAAP adjustments
    685       (6,309 )     (1,098 )
Charge for the period under U.S. GAAP
    55,326       56,220       54,073  

Deferred tax assets and liabilities for the Bank under U.S. GAAP are summarized as follows:

   
As of December 31,
 
Temporary differences
 
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Assets
           
Allowance for loan losses
    21,317       28,159  
Accrued interest
    3,017       1,899  
Derivatives and Hedge Accounting
    5,281       3,814  
Valuation of Investments
    -       -  
Other provisions
    15,684       13,850  
Foreign exchange
    825       807  
Bank premises and equipment
    4,755       13,698  
Assets received in lieu of payment
    568       374  
Others
    302       459  
Total deferred tax assets
    51,749       63,060  

   
As of December 31,
 
Temporary differences
 
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Liabilities
           
Accelerated depreciation
    3,784       4,588  
Valuation of investments
    2,287       3,004  
Prepaid expenses
    2,090       2,441  
Others
    903       511  
Total deferred tax liabilities
    9,064       10,544  
Net deferred tax assets
    42,685       51,516  

The Bank has not recorded a valuation allowance against any of its deferred tax assets as it believes that it is more likely than not that it will recover their value.
 
 

NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

The U.S. GAAP provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income tax provision determined by applying the Chilean statutory income tax rate to U.S. GAAP pretax income as a result of the following differences:

   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Chilean taxes due at the statutory rate
    51,567       52,647       47,885  
Increase (decrease) in rates resulting from:
                       
Non-taxable income
    (6,456 )     (6,734 )     (6,471 )
Non-deductible expenses
    7,794       7,196       1,942  
Amortization of intangibles
    2,421       3,111       10,717  
At effective tax rate
    55,326       56,220       54,073  

The Chilean statutory first category (corporate) income tax rate was 17% for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Adoption of FIN 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, and interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a measurement attribute criteria for the financial statement recognized in a company’s financial statements. FIN 48 establishes “a more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold that must be met before a tax benefit can be recognized in the financial statements. The interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.

The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. The implementation of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. There were no unrecognized tax benefits as of the date of adoption and of December 31, 2007.

Under Chilean tax regime, as of December 31, 2007, fiscal years 2004 through 2007 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“Servicio de Impuestos Internos”).
 
 

NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

(x)  Accumulated other comprehensive income

The Bank presents accumulated other comprehensive income and its components with the objective of reporting a measure of all changes in shareholders’ equity that result from transactions and other economic events of the period other than transactions with owners (“comprehensive income”). Comprehensive income is the total net income and other non-owner equity transactions that result in changes in net equity. The following represents accumulated other comprehensive income of the Bank, net of deferred taxes as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007:

   
As of December 31, 2007
 
   
Before-tax amount
   
Tax (expense)
or benefit
   
Net-of-tax
amount
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Beginning balance
    (1,253 )     213       (1,040 )
Price-level restatement (1)
    87       (15 )     72  
Unrealized gains/(losses) on securities available for sale:
                       
Unrealized losses arising during the period
    (13,522 )     2,299       (11,223 )
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income
    3,272       (556 )     2,716  
Net unrealized loss (2)
    (10,250 )     1,743       (8,507 )
Ending balance
    (11,416 )     1,941       (9,475 )
                         
   
As of December 31, 2006
 
   
Before-tax amount
   
Tax (expense)
or benefit
   
Net-of-tax
amount
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Beginning balance
    (23,452 )     3,987       (19,465 )
Price-level restatement (1)
    488       (83 )     405  
Unrealized gains/(losses) on securities available for sale:
                       
Unrealized gains arising during the period
    16,116       (2,740 )     13,376  
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net Income
    5,595       (951 )     4,644  
Net unrealized gains
    21,711       (3,691 )     18,020  
Ending balance
    (1,253 )     213       (1,040 )
                         
   
As of December 31, 2005
 
   
Before-tax amount
   
Tax (expense)
or benefit
   
Net-of-tax
amount
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Beginning balance
    6,969       (1,185 )     5,784  
Price-level restatement (1)
    (235 )     40       (195 )
Unrealized gains/(losses) on securities available for sale:
                       
Unrealized losses arising during the period
    (35,620 )     6,055       (29,565 )
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net Income
    5,434       (923 )     4,511  
Net unrealized losses
    (30,186 )     5,132       (25,054 )
Ending balance
    (23,452 )     3,987       (19,465 )


(1)
Reflects the effect of inflation on the accumulated other comprehensive income at the beginning of each period, adjusted to constant pesos as of December 31, 2007.
(2)
Includes net unrealized loss on securities available for sale for an amount of MCh$3,637 and net unrealized loss on hedge accounting cash flows for an amount of MCh$4,870.
 
 

 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

(y) Segment Information

The following disclosure of segment information is not required for presentation in the financial statements under Chilean GAAP, however in accordance with SFAS No. 131 “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” the Bank discloses the following segment information based on the management approach.  The Bank’s internal organization is structured on the basis of the client segments the Bank serves.  We provide a full range of financial services to corporate and individual customers.  In 2007 the Wholesale segment was modified as is now named Global Banking and Markets and encompasses the Corporate and Treasury Divisions, which were separate in the past.  This change has been replicated in 2005 and 2006.  The Institutional Division is now a part of Retail banking and this modification was also incorporated into the historical segment information.  We divide clients in this segment into the following segments:

The Retail segments is comprised of the following sub-segments:

·
Lower-middle to middle-income (Santander Banefe), consisting of individuals with monthly income between Ch$120,000 (US$241) and Ch$400,000 (US$805), which are served through our Banefe branch network.  This segment accounts for 4.7% of our loans at December 31, 2007.  This segment offers customers a range of products, including consumer loans, credit cards, auto loans, residential mortgage loans, debit card accounts, savings products, mutual funds and insurance brokerage.

·
Middle- and upper-income, consisting of individuals with a monthly income greater than Ch$400,000 (US$805).  Clients in this segment account for 38.0% of our loans at December 31, 2007, and are offered a range of products, including consumer loans, credit cards, auto loans, commercial loans, foreign trade financing, residential mortgage loans, checking accounts, savings products, mutual funds and insurance brokerage.

·
Small businesses, consisting of small companies with annual sales less than Ch$1,200 million (US$2.4 million).  At December 31, 2007, small companies represented approximately 15.8% of our total loans outstanding.  Customers in this segment are offered a range of products, including commercial loans, leasing, factoring, foreign trade, credit cards, mortgage loans, checking accounts, savings products, mutual funds and insurance brokerage.

·
Institutional organizations such as universities, government agencies, municipalities and regional governments.  At December 31, 2007, these clients represented 1.7% of our total loans outstanding and offer customers a range of products, including commercial loans, leasing, factoring, foreign trade, credit cards, mortgage loans, checking accounts, cash management, savings products, mutual funds and insurance brokerage.

The Middle-market comprised of mid-sized companies, companies in the real estate sector and large companies as follows:
 
 

NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

·
Mid-sized companies, consisting of companies with annual sales over Ch$1,200 million (US$2.4 million) and up to Ch$3,500 million (US$7.0 million).  Customers in this segment are offered a wide range of products, including commercial loans, leasing, factoring, foreign trade, credit cards, mortgage loans, checking accounts, cash management, treasury services, financial advisory, savings products, mutual funds and insurance brokerage.  At December 31, 2007, these clients represented 8.3% of our total loans outstanding.

·
Real estate. This segment also includes all companies in the real estate sector.  At December 31, 2007, these clients represented 4.8% of our total loans outstanding.  To clients in the real estate sector we offer apart from traditional banking services, specialized services for financing primarily residential projects in order to increase the sale of residential mortgage loans.

·
Large companies, consisting of companies with annual sales over Ch$3,500 million (US$7.0 million).  Customers in this segment are offered a wide range of products, including commercial loans, leasing, factoring, foreign trade, credit cards, mortgage loans, checking accounts, cash management, treasury services, financial advisory, savings products, mutual funds and insurance brokerage.  At December 31, 2007, these clients represented 8.5% of our total loans outstanding.

The Global Banking and Markets segment is comprised of:

·
Companies that are foreign multinationals or part of a large Chilean economic group with sales over Ch$3,500 million (US$7.0 million).  At December 31, 2007, these clients represented 16.6% of our total loans outstanding.  Customers in this segment are offered a wide range of products, including commercial loans, leasing, factoring, foreign trade, mortgage loans, checking accounts, cash management, treasury services, financial advisory, savings products, mutual funds and insurance brokerage.

·
The Treasury Division provides sophisticated financial products mainly to companies in the wholesale banking and the middle market segments.  This includes products such as short-term financing and funding, securities brokerage, interest rate and foreign currency derivatives, securitization services and other tailor made financial products.  The Treasury division also manages the Bank’s trading positions as well as the non-trading investment portfolio.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting principles, and are customized to meet the needs of management of the Bank.  The Bank derives a majority of its revenues from interest income and the chief operating decision maker relies primarily on net interest revenue to assess the performance of the segments and make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segments.

The table below sets forth our lines of business and certain statistical information relating to each of them as of December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
 

NOTE 28.        DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).
 
For the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2007
(millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007)
Segment
Loans
Net interest revenue
Fees
Net loan loss
allowances (1)
Financial
 transactions, net (2)
Net segment
contribution (3)
Individuals
5,744,801
452,136
123,877
(148,771)
-
427,242
Santander Banefe
633,299
152,625
27,631
(71,692)
-
108,564
Middle-upper income
5,111,502
299,511
96,246
(77,079)
-
318,678
SMEs
2,133,312
160,909
37,596
(31,510)
-
166,995
Institutional
228,716
12,048
2,041
(29)
-
14,060
Total Retail
8,106,829
625,093
163,514
(180,310)
-
608,297
Middle-market
2,914,782
89,095
14,856
(612)
-
103,339
Mid-sized companies
1,116,642
37,438
7,962
(1,325)
-
44,075
Real estate
649,250
15,145
1,491
(300)
-
16,336
Large companies
1,148,890
36,512
5,403
1,013
-
42,928
Global Banking and Markets
2,269,392
87,189
13,635
215
12,639
113,678
Wholesale
2,242,510
44,268
8,297
400
-
52,965
Treasury
26,882
42,921
5,338
(185)
12,639
60,713
Others (4)
177,977
24,239
920
(1,704)
(46,952)
(23,497)
Total
13,468,980
825,616
192,925
(182,411)
(34,313)
801,817
             
Other operating income
         
(45,413)
Other income and expenses
         
6,423
Operating expenses
         
(342,684)
Price level restatement
         
(56,325)
Net income before taxes
         
363,818
(1)
Includes gross provisions for loan losses, net of releases on recoveries.
(2)
Includes the net gains from trading, net mark-to-market gains and net foreign exchange transactions.
(3)
Equal to the sum of the net interest revenue, net fee income and net financial transactions, minus net provision for loan losses.
(4)
Includes contribution of other Bank subsidiaries and other non-segmented items such as interbank loans. Financial transactions, net included in Others is the results from inflation and interest rate hedging.


 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

For the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2006
(millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007)
 
Segment
Loans
Net interest revenue
Fees
Net loan loss allowances (1)
Financial transactions, net (2)
Net segment contribution (3)
Individuals
5,476,228
357,178
111,174
(109,323)
-
359,029
Santander Banefe
647,820
112,281
23,700
(55,754)
-
80,227
Middle-upper income
4,828,408
244,897
87,474
(53,569)
-
278,802
SMEs
2,031,407
139,515
30,805
(22,390)
-
147,930
Institutional
246,297
10,218
1,290
516
-
12,024
Total Retail
7,753,932
506,911
143,269
(131,197)
-
518,983
Middle-market
2,878,433
79,312
15,022
(774)
-
93,560
Mid-sized companies
1,070,401
37,619
7,576
(3,260)
-
41,935
Real estate
595,533
11,120
1,528
1,756
-
14,404
Large companies
1,212,499
30,573
5,918
730
-
37,221
Global Banking and Markets
1,914,637
67,632
9,496
755
64,585
142,468
Wholesales
1,914,637
32,736
8,097
755
-
41,588
Treasury
-
34,896
1,399
-
64,585
100,880
Others (4)
119,056
3,951
6,856
(959)
(9,142)
706
Total
12,666,058
657,806
174,643
(132,175)
55,443
755,717
             
Other operating income
         
(35,413)
Other income and expenses
         
(3,846)
Operating expenses
         
(332,293)
Price level restatement
         
(14,807)
Net income before taxes
         
369,358
(1)
Includes gross provisions for loan losses, net of releases on recoveries.
(2)
Includes the net gains from trading, net mark-to-market gains and net foreign exchange transactions.
(3)
Equal to the sum of the net interest revenue, net fee income and net financial transactions, minus net provision for loan losses.
(4)
Includes contribution of other Bank subsidiaries and other non-segmented items such as interbank loans. Financial transactions, net included in Others is the results from inflation and interest rate hedging.


 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

For the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2005
(millions of constant Ch$ as of December 31, 2007)
 
Segment
Loans
Net interest revenue
Fees
Net loan loss allowances (1)
Financial transactions, net (2)
Net segment contribution (3)
Individuals
4,616,365
299,148
81,715
(56,143)
-
324,720
Santander Banefe
539,179
90,318
17,448
(28,824)
-
78,942
Middle-upper income
4,077,186
208,830
64,267
(27,319)
-
245,778
SMEs
1,604,645
100,625
20,560
(16,908)
-
104,277
Institutional
211,963
7,134
1,792
(17)
-
8,909
Total Retail
6,432,973
406,907
104,067
(73,068)
-
437,906
Middle-market
2,524,959
57,300
9,251
1,196
-
67,747
Mid-sized companies
885,929
27,840
4,582
(1,766)
-
30,656
Real estate
547,954
9,182
1,172
(765)
-
9,589
Large companies
1,091,076
20,278
3,497
3,727
-
27,502
Global Banking and Markets
1,950,080
112,082
8,204
2,106
10,542
132,934
Wholesale
1,950,080
29,098
8,204
2,106
-
39,408
Treasury
-
82,984
-
-
10,542
93,526
Others (4)
222,056
23,512
30,291
60
-
53,863
Total
11,130,068
599,801
151,813
(69,706)
10,542
692,450
             
Other operating income
         
(25,148)
Other income and expenses
         
(23,553)
Operating expenses
         
(306,170)
Price level restatement
         
(19,902)
Net income before taxes
         
317,677
(1)
Includes gross provisions for loan losses, net of releases on recoveries.
(2)
Includes the net gains from trading, net mark-to-market gains and net foreign exchange transactions.
(3)
Equal to the sum of the net interest revenue, net fee income and net financial transactions, minus net provision for loan losses.
(4)
Includes contribution of other Bank subsidiaries and other non-segmented items such as interbank loans. In 2005 financial transactions do not include accounting change realized in 2006 regarding the mark-to-marked of derivatives.
 
 

 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

(z) Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair value of a financial instrument is defined as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. For those financial instruments with no quoted market prices available, fair values have been estimated using present values or other valuation techniques. These techniques are inherently subjective and are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discounts rate, estimates of future cash flows and prepayment assumptions. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments.

In addition, the estimated fair values presented below do not attempt to estimate the value of the Bank’s revenue generating businesses and anticipated future business activities, and therefore do not represent the Bank’s value as a going concern.

The following notes summarize the major methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments:

·
Cash and due from banks

The book value of cash and due from banks approximates its estimated fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

·
Spot foreign exchange transactions

The book value of spot foreign exchange transactions approximates its estimated fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

·
Financial investments, investments under agreements to repurchase and investments under agreements to resell

The estimated fair value of these financial instruments was determined using either quoted market prices or dealer quotes where available, or quoted market prices of financial instruments with similar characteristics. Investments maturing in less than one year are valued at book value because they are, due to their relatively short period to maturity, considered to have a fair value which is not materially different from their book value.

·
Loans

For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and have no significant change in credit risk, estimated fair values are based on book values.  The estimated fair-values for certain mortgage loans, credit card loans, and other consumer loans are based on quoted market prices of similar loans, adjusted for differences in loan characteristics.  Fair values of commercial loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.  Fair values for non-accruing loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses arising from the liquidation of the underlying collateral values, where applicable (or other expected sources of payments), at an estimated discount rate.

NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

·
Deposits

The fair value disclosed for non-interest bearing deposits and savings accounts is the amount payable at the reporting date and, as a result, is equal to the carrying amount.  Fair value for time deposits is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently offered to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.  The value of long-term relationships with depositors is not taken into account in estimating the fair values disclosed.

·
Chilean Central Bank borrowings, Mortgage finance bonds and Other borrowings

The fair value of these financial instruments is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the Bank’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements with similar remaining maturities.

·
Derivative instruments

The estimated fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts was determined using quoted market prices of financial instruments with similar characteristics.

The fair value of interest rate swaps represents the estimated amount the Bank would expect to receive or pay to terminate the contracts or agreements, taking into account current interest rates.

As no quoted market prices are available for the interest rate swap, cross currency swap and forward exchange rate instruments held by the Bank, such estimates have been estimated using modeling and other valuation techniques.

The estimated fair values of financial instruments are as follows:

   
As of December 31,
 
   
2006
   
2007
 
   
Carrying
amount (1)
   
Estimated
fair value
   
Carrying
amount (1)
   
Estimated
fair value
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
ASSETS
                       
Cash and due from banks
    1,018,253       1,018,253       591,117       591,117  
Interest bearing deposits
    159,248       159,248       710,556       710,556  
Investment under agreements to resell
    33,099       33,099       34,000       34,000  
Financial investments
    1,086,842       1,086,842       1,859,600       1,859,600  
Loans, net (2)
    11,387,084       11,879,812       12,050,982       13,483,890  
Derivatives instruments
    400,416       400,416       780,775       780,775  
                                 
LIABILITIES
                               
Deposits
    10,091,122       10,105,154       10,821,355       10,552,273  
Investments under agreements to repurchase
    21,412       21,412       166,281       166,281  
Short and long-term debt
    2,795,837       3,091,241       3,547,179       3,830,935  
Derivative financial instruments
    382,403       382,403       778,217       778,217  
(1)
Carrying amounts correspond to Chilean GAAP figures plus US GAAP adjustments described in paragraph (t) which are shown in Article 9 balance sheet paragraph (v).
(2)
The amounts of loans in the above table excludes contingent loans since they represent undisbursed amounts under undrawn letters of credit and other credit guarantees granted by the Bank.
 
 

 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

(aa) Obligations Arising From Lease Commitments

The bank leases certain premises, which are accounted for as operating leases. The amounts payable under the terms of the leases, which are not reflected on the consolidated balance sheets, are shown in the following table and reflect future rental expenses in constant Chilean pesos as of December 31, 2007:

   
As of December 31,
 
   
2007
 
   
MCh$
 
Due within 1 year
    10,093  
Due after 1 year but within 2 years
    7,073  
Due after 2 years but within 3 years
    5,238  
Due after 3 years but within 4 years
    3,477  
Due after 4 years but within 5 years
    1,559  
Due after 5 years
    402  
Total
    27,842  

The rental expense on premises for the Bank was MCh$10,965, MCh$12,020 and MCh$12,967 for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.
 
(ab) Contingent liabilities
 
Contingent liabilities consist of open and unused letters of credit, together with guarantees granted by the Bank in Chilean pesos, UF and foreign currencies (principally U.S. dollars). The liability represents the Bank’s obligations under such agreements. The Bank’s rights under these agreements are recognized as assets on the Bank’s Chilean GAAP balance sheets under the caption “Contingent loans” (See note 5).
 
   
As of December 31, 2007
 
   
Book value
   
Contract amount
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Standby letters of credits
    110       236,661  
Foreign office guarantees
    1,796       627,642  
Performance bond
    232       326,050  
                 
Total
    2,138       1,190,353  
 
Guarantees in the form of performance bonds, standby letters of credit and foreign office guarantees are issued in connection with agreements made by customers to counterparties. If the customer fails to comply with the agreement, the counterparty may enforce the performance bond as a remedy. Credit risk arises from the possibility that the customer may not be able to repay the Bank for performance bonds. To mitigate credit risk, the Bank generally determines the need for specific covenant, guarantee and collateral requirements on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the financial instrument and the customer’s creditworthiness.
 
 

 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).
 
The expiration of guarantees per period is as follows:
 
   
As of December 31, 2007
 
   
Due within
1 year
   
Due after 1
year but
within 3
years
   
Due after 3
years but
within 5
years
   
Due after
5 years
   
Total
 
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
   
MCh$
 
Standby letters of credits
    193,996       19,388       23,277       -       236,661  
Foreign office guarantees
    586,546       28,398       9,243       3,455       627,642  
Performance bonds
    325,135       915       -       -       326,050  
Total
    1,105,677       48,701       32,520       3,455       1,190,353  
 
(ac) Compensation
 
 
Grupo Santander has set up remuneration systems tied to the performance of the stock market price of the shares of the Parent Company based on the achievement of two targets: appreciation of the Grupo Santander’s share price and growth in earnings per share, in both cases based on a sample of comparable banks. These targets were achieved. 
 
In this regards certain high level executive of Santander Chile do participate in this global incentive-retention program implemented by Parent Company. This consisted of giving to qualifying executives a fixed number of options on shares of Santander, if the following parameters were met: (i) share price evolution in top 10 compared to 30 other global banks, (ii) earnings per share growth in top 10 compared to 30 other global banks, (iii) that Banco Santander Chile achieved its commercial and financial budget targets in the last two years and (iv) that the executive achieved his personal targets in the last two years, and remained employed with the Bank until the end of the incentive program. At  December 31, 2007, these targets were achieved, and hence the vesting requirements had been meet and even though the exercise period (from January 15, 2008 to January 15, 2009) was still open, the Bank recorded the entire cost of the program against net income as at December 31, 2007.    This program represented a total cost of Ch$1,598 million (US$3.2 million) for the Bank, that correspond to the fair value of the equity instruments granted, which was charged to income in the specific period in which the beneficiaries provided their services to Santander Chile.  This program had no dilutive effect for Santander Chile minority shareholders. At December 31, 2007, 104 executives of the Bank were included and 3,659,900 options on Grupo Santander shares at a price of €9.09 correspond to them. There are no significant differences between Chilean GAAP and US GAAP, except for the additional disclosure required by the latter.
 
            The fair value of each option granted is calculated at the grant date. In order to value incentive-retention plan two valuation reports were performed by two multinational investment banks. These experts used the Black-Scholes equity option pricing model considering the following parameters: the expected life of the options, interest rates, volatility, exercise price, market price and dividends of the Parent Company shares and the shares of comparable banks. The fair value of the options granted was calculated as the average value resulting from the two valuations.
 

NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).


   
Euros
   
Date of
Date of
 
Number of
Exercise
Employee
Number
Commencement
Expiry of
 
Shares
Price
Group
of Persons
of Exercise Period
Exercise Period
             
Plans outstanding at 1 January 2005
-
­-
       
             
Options granted (Plan I06)
3,938,700
9.09 (**)
Managers
112
15/01/2008
15/01/2009
Options exercised
-
-
       
Options cancelled or not exercised
  -
-
       
Plans outstanding at December 31, 2005
3,938,700
9.09
       
             
Options exercised
-
-
       
Options cancelled, net (Plan I06)
(115,600)
9.09
Managers
(4)
15/01/2008
15/01/2009
Plans outstanding at December 31, 2006
3,823,100
9.09
       
             
Options granted (Plan I09)
 281,187
-
Managers
181
23/06/2007
31/07/2009
Options granted (Plan I10)
 417,413
-
Managers
181
23/06/2007
31/07/2010
Options cancelled, net (Plan I06)
(163,200)
9.09
Managers
(4)
15/01/2008
15/01/2009
Plans outstanding at December 31, 2007
4,358,500
-
       
             
Of which:
           
  Plan I06
3,659,900
9.09
       
  Plan I09
281,187
-
       
  Plan I10
417,413
-
       
             
 
 (**)        The exercise price of the options under Plan I06 is €9.09 per share, which is the weighted average of the daily average market price of the Bank shares on the continuous market in the first 15 trading days of January 2005. This was the criterion established in the resolution approving Plan I06 adopted at the Annual General Meeting of our Parent Company held on June 18, 2005
 
Long-term incentive policy
 
During 2007, the Parent Company’s Board of Directors approved a long-term incentive policy for the period 2008-2010 aimed at Group Santander’s executive directors and certain executive personnel in Spain and other Santander Group companies. Certain high level executive of Santander Chile do participate in this global Performance Share Plan implemented by Parent Company. 
 
 Performance Share Plan
 
This multi-annual incentive plan is payable in shares of Grupo Santander (Banco Santander Central Hispano S.A.). The beneficiaries of the plan are the executive directors and other members of senior management, together with any other Group executives determined by the Board of Directors of the Parent Company or, when delegated by it, the Executive Committee.
 
            This plan will involve successive three-year cycles of share deliveries to the beneficiaries, so that each year one cycle will begin and, from 2009 onwards, another cycle will also end. The aim is to establish an adequate sequence between the end of the incentive program linked to the previous Plan and the successive cycles of this plan. Thus, the first two cycles will commence in July 2007, the first cycle having duration of two years (PI09) and the second cycle having a standard three-year term (PI10).
 

NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).
 
For each cycle, a maximum number of shares of Parent Company are established for each beneficiary who remains in the Bank’s employ for the duration of the plan. The targets, which, if met, will determine the number of shares to be delivered, are defined by comparing the Santander Group’s performance with that of a benchmark group of financial institutions and are linked to two parameters, namely Total Shareholder Return (TSR) and growth in Earnings per Share (EPS). These parameters each have a 50% weighting in determining the percentage of shares to be delivered. In addition, the executives of Santander Chile must also meet their local commercial and earnings goals in order to receive this benefit and the Bank must also reach other commercial and earnings targets set by the Parent Company.
 
            The ultimate number of shares to be delivered will be determined in each of the cycles by the degree of achievement of the targets on the third anniversary of commencement of each cycle (with the exception of the first cycle, for which the second anniversary will be considered), and the shares will be delivered within a maximum period of seven months from the end of the cycle. This number will range from the maximum percentage of shares, if Grupo Santander, for each of the measures considered (TSR and EPS growth), ranks within the third quartile of the Benchmark Group, including the 75th percentile, to 30% of the maximum number of shares if it is placed at the median (50th percentile). If Grupo Santander ranks below the median, all assignments of shares will be rendered null and void.
 
               At December 31, 2007, the maximum number of shares to be delivered was 698,600 to 181 executives of Santander Chile (for a total of 281,187 for the first cycle (PI09) and 417,413 for the second cycle (PI10)). The fair value of the equity instruments granted under these plans was Ch$619 million (US$1.2 million), and this amount is charged to “Personnel expenses” in the specific period in which the beneficiaries provide their services to the Bank.
 
 
The fair value was calculated as follows:
 
It was assumed that the beneficiaries will not leave the Group’s employ during the term of each plan.
 
-           The fair value of the 50% relating to the Bank’s relative TSR position was determined on the basis of the report of an independent expert whose assessment was based, inter alia, on the following variables:
 
-           Expected volatility: determined on the basis of the historical volatility over a two-year period for PI09 and a three-year period for PI10. In the case of the Bank, the average volatility used was 16.25% for PI09 and 15.67% for PI10.
 
-           Annual dividend yield: based on the data for the last two/three years before July 1, 2007. In the case of the Bank, this yield stood at 3.23% for PI09 and 3.24% for PI10.
 
-           Risk-free interest rate: return on Treasury Bonds (zero coupon) offered on July 1, 2007 for a period of two years for PI09 (4.473%) and three years for PI10 (4.497%)
 
-           Monte Carlo valuation model: performance of 10,000 simulations to determine the TSR of each of the companies in the Benchmark Group, taking into account the aforementioned variables. The results (each of which represents the delivery of a number of shares) are classified in decreasing order by calculating the weighted average and discounting the amount at the risk-free interest rate. Application of the simulation model results in percentage values of 42.7% for PI09 and 42.3% for PI10 (second cycle), which are applied
 
 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).
 
 
to 50% of the value of the shares granted, in order to determine the cost per books of the TSR-based portion of the incentive. Since this valuation refers to a market condition, it cannot be adjusted after the grant date.
 
-           In view of the high correlation between TSR and EPS, it was considered feasible to extrapolate that, in a high percentage of cases, the TSR value is also valid for EPS. Therefore, it was determined that the fair value of the portion of the plans linked to the Bank’s relative EPS position, i.e. of the remaining 50% of the shares granted, was the same as that of the 50% corresponding to the TSR. Since this valuation refers to a non-market condition, the number of shares expected to vest shall be reviewed and adjusted on a yearly basis.
 
(ad) Recent accounting pronouncements
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Liabilities” including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. These statements permit entities to choose to measure at fair value many financial instruments and certain other items.  The objective it to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions.  These Statements are expected to expand the use of fair value measurement, which is consistent with the Board’s long-term measurement objectives for accounting for financial instruments. This statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The Bank does not believe these pronouncements will have a material effect on its results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

In April 2007, the FASB issued Staff Position FSP FIN No. 39-1, which defines "right of setoff" and specifies what conditions must be met for a derivative contract to qualify for this right of setoff. It also addresses the applicability of a right of setoff to derivative instruments and clarifies the circumstances in which it is appropriate to offset amounts recognized for those instruments in the statement of financial position. In addition, this FSP permits the offsetting of fair value amounts recognized for multiple derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from the same master netting arrangement as the derivative instruments. This 95 interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, with early application permitted. The Bank understand that this pronouncement will not have an impact in the consolidated financial statement since the Bank decided to continue with it’s policy of keep separated the derivative instruments.

On November 5, 2007, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 109 (SAB 109), written loan commitments recorded at fair value through earnings which requires that the fair value of a written loan commitment that is marked to market through earnings should include the future cash flows related to the loan’s servicing rights. However, the fair value measurement of a written loan commitment still must exclude the expected net cash flows related to internally-developed intangible assets (such as customer relationship intangible assets). SAB 109 applies to two types of loan commitments: (1) written mortgage loan commitments for loans that will be held-for-sale when funded that are marked to market as derivatives under FAS 133 (derivative loan commitments); and (2) other written loan commitments that are accounted for at fair value through earnings under Statement 159’s fair-value election. SAB 109 supersedes SAB 105, which applied only to derivative loan commitments and allowed the expected future cash flows related to the associated servicing of the loan to be recognized only after the servicing asset had been contractually separated from the underlying loan by sale or securitization of the loan with servicing retained. The staff
 

NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

expects registrants to apply the views in Question 1 of SAB 109 on a prospective basis to derivative loan commitments issued or modified in fiscal quarters beginning after December 15, 2007.  The Bank is evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SAB 109 may have on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

On December 21, 2007, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 110 (SAB 110), the staff hereby amends and replaces Question 6 of Section D.2 of Topic 14, Share-Based Payment, of the Staff Accounting Bulletin Series. Question 6 of Topic 14: D.2 (as amended) expresses the views of the staff regarding the use of a “simplified” method in developing an estimate of expected term of “plain vanilla” share options in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment. This bulletin is effective on January 1, 2008.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) “Business Combinations” which is a revision of SFAS 141.  SFAS 141(R) defines the acquirer in a business combination as the entity that obtains control of one or more businesses in the business combination and establishes the acquisition date as the date that the acquirer achieves control.  The scope of SFAS 141 has also been extended to include all business combinations and not just those where control is obtained by transferring consideration.  Assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest at the acquisition date must be recognized at their fair value, with limited exceptions, and contingencies are also recognized at fair value if it is more likely than not that they meet the definition of an asset or a liability.  Contingent consideration should be measured initially and at each subsequent accounting period at fair value and all acquisition related costs should be expensed in the period in which the costs were incurred or the services received.  SFAS 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations where the acquisition date is on or after December 15, 2008.  As SFAS 141(R) will be prospectively applied, its adoption will have no effect on the business combinations already recognized in the financial statements at the balance sheet date
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160 “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” an amendment of ARB No. 51 “Consolidated Financial Statements”.  The Statement requires that minority interests are presented in equity and on the face of the income statement separately from equity and income attributable to the parent.  Changes in ownership interests without a change in control are accounted for as equity transactions and no gain or loss recognized in the income statement. When a subsidiary is deconsolidated any remaining minority interest should be initially measured at fair value and any gain or loss based on that value. SFAS 160 should be applied prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2008, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements which should be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. The Bank is evaluating the impact, if any, of the adoption of this new pronouncement.

In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS 140-3, "Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions". The objective of this FSP is to provide implementation guidance on whether the security transfer and contemporaneous repurchase financing involving the transferred financial asset must be evaluated as one linked transaction or two separate de-linked transactions. Current practice records the transfer as a sale and the repurchase agreement as a financing. The FSP requires the recognition of the transfer and the repurchase agreement as one linked transaction, unless all of the following criteria are met: (1) the initial transfer and the repurchase financing are not contractually contingent on one another; (2) the initial transferor has full recourse upon default, and the repurchase
 

 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).
 
agreement’s price is fixed and not at fair value; (3) the financial asset is readily obtainable in the marketplace and the transfer and repurchase financing are executed at market rates; and (4) the maturity of the repurchase financing is before the maturity of the financial asset.  The scope of this FSP is limited to transfers and subsequent repurchase financings that are entered into contemporaneously or in contemplation of one another.  The FSP will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008.  Early adoption is prohibited.  The Bank is evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of this new pronouncement.

In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 157-1 Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13. This FASB Staff Position (FSP) amends FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, to exclude FASB Statement No. 13, Accounting for Leases, and other accounting pronouncements that address fair value measurements for purposes of lease classification or measurement under Statement 13. However, this scope exception does not apply to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that are required to be measured at fair value under FASB Statement No. 141, Business Combinations, or No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations, regardless of whether those assets and liabilities are related to leases. The Bank understand that this pronouncement will not have an effect in it’s consolidated financial statements because this pronouncements was issue to exclude the leases from the scope of the FAS 157 Fair Value Measurements, thus, no adjustment or changes would be necessary in the actual policy for lease contracts.

In March 2008, the FASB released SFAS No. 161 “Disclosures About Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (SFAS 161), an amendment of SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (SFAS 133).  SFAS 161 applies to all entities with derivative instruments subject to SFAS 133 as well as hedged items, bifurcated derivatives and non-derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments.  The statement requires an entity to make certain qualitative disclosures about the derivative instruments it holds including, how and why they are used and the volume of activity, distinguishing between instruments used for risk management and those used for other purposes.  There is also a requirement to disclose quantitative information regarding derivative instruments, in a tabular format, in order to highlight the effect that the use of these instruments has on the income statement, the balance sheet and the entity’s cashflows.  An entity can elect not to disclose gains and losses on derivatives classified as trading, though alternative disclosures must be made.  The effect of credit-risk-contingent features is also required to be disclosed. The adoption of SFAS 161 is not expected to have a material impact on the Group’s financial position or results of operations.
 
On September 15, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which enhances existing guidance for measuring assets and liabilities using fair value. Prior to the issuance of SFAS No. 157, guidance for applying fair value was incorporated in several accounting pronouncements. SFAS No. 157 provides a single definition of fair value, together with a framework for measuring it, and requires additional disclosure about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 also emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and sets out a fair value hierarchy with the highest priority being quoted prices in active markets. Under SFAS No. 157, fair value measurements are disclosed by level within that hierarchy. SFAS No. 157 is effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008, and requires that the cumulative effect of the adoption of SFAS No. 157 be
 
 
F-89

 
 
NOTE 28.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHILEAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES (continuation).

reflected as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings in the year of adoption. The Bank is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 157 on our consolidated financial condition, operating results and cash flows.
 
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.  This Statement identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States (the GAAP hierarchy).  This Statement applies to financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with GAAP.  This Statement shall be effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) amendments to AU Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.  The Bank will adopt this Statement, upon its effective date, for the preparation of its financial statements in future fiscal years.



* * * * * *
 
 
 
F-90


Exhibit 4A.7
 
[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban


CONTRACT

for the Outsourcing of Computer Services

“BSS Data Processing Service”






by and between

PRODUBAN, Servicios Informáticos Generales, S.L.

and

BANCO SANTANDER – CHILE





Santiago de Chile and Madrid, December 3, 2007


Ref.: BSS_GENV0_ACMR00_20070715








[Ink stamp appears on bottom of every page:
“Produban Servicios Informáticos Generales S.L.]
 
 
 
 
 
Page 1 of 20
Banco Santander Chile – Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl
 

 

[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
   
In Madrid, Spain and Santiago, Chile, on December 3, 2007,

BY AND BETWEEN

PRODUBAN SERVICIOS INFORMÁTICOS GENERALES, S.L. (hereinafter PRODUBAN, the Vendor or the Lessee), Tax I.D. No. B-82077751 and with corporate address in Madrid, at Boadilla del Monte, Avda. de Cantabria, s/n, represented in these proceedings by Francisco Javier del Valle Garrido, holder of I.D. No. 694509R, in his capacity as Sole Administrator and in exercise of the authority granted by the power of attorney issued to him on April 8, 2005, before Madrid Civil Law Notary Antonio Fernández-Golfín, with notary circle number 917, for the party of the first part

and

BANCO SANTANDER - CHILE, a sociedad anónima bancaria [Chilean banking corporation], Taxpayer I.D. No. 97,036,000-K, hereinafter the Bank or the Customer, with corporate address at Calle Bandera No. 140, municipality and city of Santiago, represented in these proceedings by its Manager of Operations and Administration, Juan Fernández Fernández, National I.D. document No. 5,473,633-9, and by its Manager of Administration César Naranjo Ramirez, National I.D. document No. 9,830,559-9, in their capacity as attorneys-in-fact and in exercise of the authority granted to them by the power of attorney issued to them, by means of public instrument index number 5648-2005, dated June 14, 2005, issued in the city of Santiago, Chile, before Civil Law Notary Public Nancy de la Fuente Hernández, the party of the second part.

Both parties, in their respective capacities, mutually acknowledge the legal standing necessary to enter into this Contract, for which purpose,

THEY HAVE REPRESENTED

I.     That the Customer is interested in the Vendor providing it with the services specified in Appendix II “Catalog of Service” of this Contract (hereinafter the “Services”), and the Vendor is also interested in providing the referenced Services to the Customer.

II.    That the Customer’s interest in the Services is based on its need for data processing and the use and operation of centralized systems, with defined and approved safety standards, auditable contingency plans, high quality standards and levels of service (SLA), at low market costs that the Vendor has offered.

III.   That, as a result, both parties have agreed to enter into this contract (hereinafter the “Contract”), in order to establish and govern their relationship for the aforementioned purposes, which shall become effective subject to the following
 
Page 2 of 20
Banco Santander Chile – Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl


 
[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
CLAUSES:

FIRST: Purpose of the Contract
1.    The purpose of this Contract is the uninterrupted provision by the Vendor to the Customer of all and every one of the computer services specified in the Catalog of Service that, for all purposes, is a part of the same and is subscribed by the parties.

2.    “Services” shall be understood to mean all and every one of the actions, activities and components that is specified in the aforementioned Catalog of Service.

3.    The Vendor, in these same proceedings, represents that it has all the equipment and material and human resources (hereinafter the “Equipment") necessary for the provision of the Services.

4.    The provision of the Services by the Vendor shall be carried out per the terms and conditions specified in the Contract and the Appendices thereto.

SECOND: Customization and modifications to Services and Incorporation of New Technologies

1.
The Vendor agrees to undertake, assigning to the Customer the corresponding costs, the customization of the Services required by the Customer, in order to accommodate any possible changes in standards, official regulations or technological innovations, provided that it is so established in the technical appendices specific to the service and based on the conditions of cost, schedule and procedures established therein, as applicable.
2.
In the event that the Customer decides, during the term of this Contract, to interconnect or add new changes, improvements or technologies, in order to make them part of the Service or other data processing services, the Customer may acquire them from the Vendor or from third parties.  Nevertheless, in the latter case, the Customer must inform the Vendor in advance, so that it may take the measures necessary in order to customize the Services as required by the Customer.
3.
Furthermore, in the event that the Customer acquires the changes and improvements, either through the Vendor or third parties, the Vendor must supply all the facilities necessary for the Customer to be able to interconnect or add them.  As a result, this Contract shall not grant any right of exclusivity to the Vendor when the Customer needs to incorporate changes and improvements or technologies for all the purposes of the contracted Services.

THIRD: Warranty on the Services

The Vendor ensures and guarantees the Customer that the Services covered y this Contract shall be suitable for the corresponding purposes and that it will provide the same with the proper quality and diligence.

In the event that malfunctions, interruptions or any interference occurs in the Services, the Vendor agrees to give an adequate response to the needs of the Customer, resolving any issue within the shortest possible term.
 
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Banco Santander Chile – Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl
 

 

[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
FOURTH: Liability of the Vendor for Data Security

The Vendor represents that it is familiar with and accepts the files called “General Data Security Policy” (Operations Risk Management MN020) and “Policies and Standards for Data Protection and Classification” (Operational Risk Management MN118) and that are part of Appendix IV, which the parties are familiar with and is understood to be an integral part of this contract.  Said policies are of Banco Santander Chile.  These files may change from time to time and will be available on the Customer’s intranet.  As of the date of publication of any amendments and/or new files on the Customer's intranet, it shall be understood that the Vendor has become aware of the same.

For the provision of the Services the Vendor agrees to perform the same by taking into consideration and using the policies indicated in the foregoing paragraph.

Any information that comes form the Vendor for the provision of the Services shall be considered to be confidential per the file “Policies and Standards for Data Protection and Classification.”

FIFTH: Customer’s Liability

Without prejudice to the Services rendered by the Vendor in accordance with the provisions of this Contract, the Customer shall continue to be the sole party liable vis-à-vis its customers, the officials and competent public entities and, as applicable, any third parties, for each and every one of the obligations and liabilities imposed by current legislation, and specifically, in regards to the protection of personal data.

SIXTH:  Remuneration, Method of Payment, Consequences of Non-payment.  Other Expenses.

In consideration for the Services covered by the Contract, the Customer shall pay to the Vendor the amount in Euros (EUR) and United States Dollars that the Vendor and the Customer agree to in the Financial Terms that are attached to this Contract (Appendix V).  The method and terms for the payment of this amount shall also be set forth in the aforementioned Financial Terms (Appendix V).

Every year, the Vendor may communicate to the Customer, at least thirty (30) calendar days in advance of the starting date of the new annual period, the new amount to be invoiced.  In such a case, the Customer shall have a term of thirty (30) calendar days to notify the Vendor whether it agrees to said amount.  The failure to provide notification during the specified term shall be considered acceptance of the amount.  If the Customer does not agree to the new remuneration amount communicated by the Vendor, it may terminate the Contract, with no penalty, subject to notification delivered to the Vendor at least six (6) calendar months in advance of the date on which it wishes to terminate the contract.  During said six-month period, the Customer shall pay the monthly amount or prorated amount for the corresponding six-month period that was paid during the immediately prior payment period.
 
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Banco Santander Chile – Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl
 


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
Until the parties agree on a new remuneration amount, the remuneration amount corresponding to the previous period shall remain in force.

The aforementioned payments shall be made by the Customer to the Vendor every month in arrears.  The Vendor shall submit invoices to the Customer for payment within the first ten (10) calendar days of the month following the end of the period.  The invoice must comply with all legal requirements, in particular those related to fiscal matters.

SEVENTH: Limitations regarding Use

1.
The Services shall be provided by the Vendor for the sole benefit of the Customer, which agrees, vis-à-vis the Vendor, to make appropriate use of the means placed at its disposal for the provision of the Services by the Vendor, always through those areas, departments, units or supervisors previously designated by the Customer to make use of the same, and whose relationship model is established in the Appendix “Relationship Model for the Service” corresponding to this Contract and in any others that in the future may replace them, subject to notification made to the Vendor.

2.
Except for subsidiaries of the Customer, under no circumstances may the resources placed at its disposal for the provision of the Services by the Vendor be the subject of transfer or conveyance by the Customer to third parties, nor may they be installed on other platforms or equipment, without the prior, express authorization of the Vendor.

3.
Without prejudice to the foregoing, the Customer may use at its sole discretion the information and documentation obtained in virtue of the Services rendered by the Vendor, either on printed media or on editable electronic media.  The Customer may manipulate and make use of all information and documentation received from the Vendor, within the limitations established in Clauses Nine and Sixteen.

 
EIGHTH:  Provision of Data by the Customer

1.
The quality standard for the Services assumed by the Vendor in this Contract shall be in function of the information provided by the Customer.

2.
The Customer shall provide the Vendor with all the periodic or random information that it may reasonably request and shall provide the appropriate collaboration to allow the Vendor to carry out its contractual obligations without interruption.

3.
The Customer shall release the Vendor and hold it harmless from any liability for any damages that may occur, to the Customer as well as to third parties, as the result of inaccurate and insufficient information provided by the Customer.

 
NINTH:  Intellectual and Industrial Property

1.
During the provision of the Services, the Vendor may use or periodically refer to names or products or other names and trademarks owned by third parties, such as programs, equipment, markets
 
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Banco Santander Chile – Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl
 


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban

 
 
indexes, etc.  The Customer is aware of this and agrees to provide proper respect for them.

2.
All intellectual property rights for the Services, Computer Programs and Equipment used by the vendor for the provision of the Service shall be and shall remain the absolute property of the Vendor.  Likewise, the Customer acknowledges that any computer applications that the Vendor may research and design, as applicable, for the account of the Customer, shall be the property of the Vendor, unless expressly agreed otherwise by the parties, but in any case they must be conveyed to the Customer, at no cost, in the event of the termination of the Contract.

 
TENTH: Subcontracting

1.
When the Vendor deems it appropriate to guarantee the best performance of its obligations, it may subcontract third parties to carry out, in whole or in part, the services covered by the Contract.  In all cases, the Vendor must have prior, written approval of the customer, who must issue a decision within a term of 10 calendar days following receipt of the request.  Denial by the Customer shall be duly justified, stating the corresponding grounds.  Furthermore, the Customer shall have the authority to request that the Vendor remove or replace any subcontracted companies, duly justified by stating the grounds for the request, in virtue of the research carried out by the Customer of the list of subcontracts that the Vendor shall make available to the Customer, per the terms set forth in Item No. 4 of this clause.

2.
If work is subcontracted, the Vendor shall be liable vis-à-vis the Customer and/or any third party for the actions of the subcontracted company.  IT shall at all times warrant the correct performance, by said subcontracted company, of the provisions of all the clauses of this Contract, including any matter related to the disclosure of information or confidentiality, with the understanding that the Vendor and the Customer agree that any party to which the Vendor subcontracts work must expressly assume obligations of confidentiality vis-à-vis the Customer that are substantially in accordance with the conditions set forth by Clause Sixteen of the Contract, and that the absence of said clause or failure to comply with its terms shall be grounds for immediate termination of the subcontract in question, regardless of any other actions which may be applicable.

3.
If the tasks entrusted to the subcontracted company involved or are related to the processing of personal data referenced by this document, the Vendor agrees to inform said company of the obligations assumed in virtue of this Contract, in particular those relative to the protection of personal data.

4.
Within ten (10) calendar days following the date on which the Customer so requests in writing of the Vendor, the Vendor shall make available to the Customer and deliver to the same, the list of subcontracts that the Vendor has entered into under this Clause, that are in force at the time of the request, and as applicable the terms of such Contracts that document said subcontracting, provided that the measures or resolutions necessary are adopted so that no obligation regarding confidentiality assumed by the parties is violated.
 
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Banco Santander Chile – Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban

ELEVENTH: Responsibilities and Indemnification

1.    Based on the reserved and confidential nature of the information that the Vendor will process, the Vendor shall be liable for the most minor breach of contract.  Furthermore, with respect to other duties that are the subject of this contract, other than the duty of confidentiality, the Vendor shall be liable for the ordinary negligence.

2.    Either of the parties to this Contract shall indemnify the other vis-à-vis any claim, damage, loss, liability, prejudice or expense (Including Attorney and Prosecutor fees) which may be incurred as a result of the failure to comply with any obligations that, per the provisions of this Contract, may be attributable to the non-compliant party.

The Vendor shall fully indemnify the Customer for any damages cause due to interruptions in Service and/or non-compliance with the service levels detailed in the Appendices, and those that it may experience in virtue of any action, recourse, claim, demand or judicial proceeding initiated by the customers of the Customer in virtue of damage or prejudice caused as the result of the Services provide by the Vendor, its personnel and those of any subcontractors, including violations relative to banking confidentiality and secrecy and privileged information.

The parties shall be exempt from liability from any non-compliance that is due to chance or force majeure, considering the same to be as defined by law, and in particular, those circumstances listed below:

FOR THE CUSTOMER:
The Customer shall be exonerated from any civil, administrative or criminal liability for facts, actions or omissions that the Vendor or any of its employees, whether personnel with a subordination and employment tie or Subcontractors of the Vendor, perform or fail to perform and that incur any type of liability for the Customer and/or that may cause damage or prejudice to third parties.

Inasmuch as it is expressly agreed that the Vendor shall be liable vis-à-vis the Customer for any damage, prejudice, contingency, sanction or loss that the Customer or its personnel may experience in regards to its assets, goods, honor or dignity based on the non-compliance or the late, partial or imperfect compliance with any of the obligations assumed by the Vendor based on this contract, as well as for any equity losses that the Customer may experience as a result of claims by personnel hired under the liability of the Vendor, or any others that although they are not explicitly mentioned are understood to be an integral part of the contracted services and processes.

In the event that the Customer is the subject of a claim, sanction or fine in relation to or because of any worker of the Vendor, by any Auditing, Regulatory, Labor, Social Security or Judicial Entity, the Superintendency of Banks and Financial Institutions (SBIF) or the Superintendency of Stocks and Insurance (SVS), the Vendor must immediately pay the amount claimed and indemnify the Customer for the amount equivalent to the amount of the claim, fine or sanction, and the Customer may
 
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Banco Santander Chile – Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl



[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
deduct the appropriate amounts in this regard from the amount of any of the services rendered, based on this Contract or the Appendices to the same.

No liability shall be implied for the customer in the event that due to any contingency the Vendor is prevented fro providing the service or performing the work that it is required to do by this instrument, and the Customer reserves the right to subcontract other companies to do it, and the Vendor shall be responsible for any greater cost that the Customer must assume in this regard if the Vendor had been previously informed and had approved the selection of the new service provider.

FOR THE VENDOR

a)    The Vendor shall be exempt from any liability derived directly from a delay in providing the service, when said delay occurs due to any of the following causes:
            Flood
    Fire
    Earthquake
    Explosion
    Disturbances
    Coups
    Strikes
b)    The inability or delay in obtaining export or import permits, for the installation or receipt of goods sold, hardware and/or software, when applicable by law, regulation or other Government standard;

c)    In general, any other similar event of an extraordinary nature that could not be anticipated or that if anticipated, could not be avoided.

If one party believes that it has been affected by chance or force majeure that does not impede the complete and permanent provision of the Services, that party shall inform the other party in writing within 3 calendar days following the date on which the instance of chance or force majeure occurred, indicating the starting and anticipated ending date of said conditions, a description of the same and how it affects the performance of this Contract.  Then the parties shall endeavor to determine by mutual agreement the term of the interruption or suspension of the Services that are affected, and they shall make the necessary efforts to resume the Service, in whole or in part, within the term agreed upon, either with the same components or devices or with others that are similar.  As soon as the conditions that caused the instance of chance or force majeure have ceased their effects, the obligations that were affected shall be resumed.
 
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Banco Santander Chile – Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban

In the event that the instance of chance or force majeure prevents or delays the provision of the Services in the manner agreed upon, for more than 30 calendar days and for up to a maximum of 180 calendar days, the parties shall have the option of contracting the services from third parties based on the following:

a)    The Vendor shall first have the option of contracting the affected Services from a third party, and if it calls upon this option, it must so demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Customer, within 5 calendar days following the date on which the conditions of chance or force majeure take place. Any contract with third parties shall be executed within 30 days from the aforementioned date.  Such contract shall be for the sole account, charge and risk of the Vendor, and the Customer shall in any event maintain the payment of the price specified in this Contract.

b)    If the Vendor cannot or does not use the option referenced above, or if it does not in a timely or satisfactory manner demonstrate to the Customer that it has perfected the contract with a third party, the Customer shall have the option of directly assuming or contracting with third parties the performance of the Services affected by the instance of chance or force majeure.  In such cases, if the Customer directly assumes the performance of the affected Services, and if it contracts the services with third parties, the price or rate of this Contract must be decreased by the corresponding amount, to the level of the lesser quantity between that specified in this Contract or the price that the Customer must effectively pay to the referenced third parties, which discount may take the form of a corresponding credit notice(s).

1.    Under no circumstances, except in the case of fraud, negligence or bad faith on the part of the Vendor, shall the Vendor be liable vis-à-vis the Customer or third parties, with respect to any indirect loss or damage (including lost income, profits, business, contracts, expected savings or lost profits), related to or resulting from the use of the Services that are the subject of this Contract.

2.    The Vendor shall not be liable for failures in the transmission of data, interference, interruptions or disconnections that may occur as the result of damages, line overload, etc. as well as errors in the transmitted information, that are not attributable to the Vendor.

Without prejudice to the foregoing, the Vendor must possess a contingency plan that guarantees the proper performance of the contracted services. The Contingency Plan is the one prepared for the Data Processing Centers of the Santander Group that is made available to the Customer in the Appendix to this Contract.

3.    In any event, the liability of the Vendor with respect to the Customer that arises from or in connection with the Contract shall be limited and shall not exceed the amount agreed upon as remuneration for that year in accordance with the sixth clause,
 
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Banco Santander Chile – Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl
 


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
except in the event that there is fraud, serious negligence or bad faith on the part of the Vendor, in which case it shall not be subject to any limitation whatsoever.

TWELFTH: Labor Relations and Prohibition from Hiring Employees from the Vendor

1.
The Vendor shall, at all times, maintain ownership of the legal relationship with the personnel for which it is responsible, as are necessary for the correct and appropriate provision of the Services, without any transfer of the same to the Customer and without this creating any direct labor relationship whatsoever with them.

2.
The Customer shall not, without the express, written consent of the Vendor, offer any employment position and shall ensure that no party of which it exercises control does so, to any employee of the Vendor involved in the Services or performing any of the obligations of the Vendor, or working for it during the Contract term or during the twelve (12) month period following the end of said term, for any reason.

3.
Furthermore, without the prior, written authorization of the Customer, the Vendor may not make an offer of work to employees of the Customer working in areas that exchange information or that work for it either during the Contract term or during the twelve (12) month period following the end of said term.

4.
The parties expressly acknowledge that the performance of this Contract shall not create any employment relationship whatsoever between the Customer and the workers that the Vendor or any other subcontractor may employee.  As a result, the Customer shall not be liable in any way with respect to the performance of labor or other obligations that the Vendor or any other subcontracted company enters into with the referenced workers, whether they were contracted by the Vendor in Chile or abroad, therefore the Vendor shall be the sole party directly bound to pay, in full and in a timely manner, the following items:
 
a)    Remuneration, contributions and other benefits specified by law and by contracts owed to the workers employed to provide the Services;
 
b)    Any taxes and charges that are owed to the corresponding institutions;
 
c)    Any income taxes and any other tax owed that by law must be withheld from the compensation of the personnel employed to provide the services, and train them in fiscal areas; and
 
d)    Any alternate indemnification previously notified, if it is not given, based on years of service and any other factors that may correspond to the workers employed to provide the Services, as applicable.

5.
It shall be a condition of the start-up of the Contract that working personnel that the Vendor or any other subcontracted company employs for the performance of Services, must be duly affiliated with a social security entity that is applicable based on the place of origin, and that the tax or social security contributions are duly covered by workplace accident and occupational illness insurance, according to the corresponding legislation.
 
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Banco Santander Chile – Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
Before paying the remuneration specified in Clause Six of this contract, the Customer may require that the Vendor present the proof issued and authorized by the corresponding office of the location where the services are rendered, showing compliance with its corporate laws, and the certificates issued by the corresponding social security institutions, including for these effects, labor inspectors, administrators of pension funds, etc., regarding the absence of claims outstanding by its personnel.  The same shall be applicable in the case of the final or early termination of this contract.

The Customer shall not pay remuneration to the Vendor as long as the Vendor has not confirmed that it is current in its payments referenced above, and based on the sole fact of being jointly and severally or secondarily the subject of a claim for the payment of remuneration, compensation and social security payments.  In addition, when, by trial court ruling, it is declared that it must pay any service of the Vendor or its subcontractors in favor of its workers. The Customer shall require that said party provides a guarantee on the consequences of its joint and several or secondary liability that may be applicable, or provide resources for payment to the complete satisfaction of the Customer.

Similarly, the parties expressly acknowledge that the Customer shall not have any liability whatsoever for any type of injuries, accidents or damages that may affect the personnel of the Vendor or of its subcontractors in the course of performing the tasks that are directly or indirectly related to the performance of the Services, all of which shall be the sole liability of the Vendor, all without prejudice to the corresponding health and safety provisions.

The Customer may request in writing that the Vendor, at any time and as often as is deemed necessary, present the corresponding employment contracts for its personnel or the personnel of its subcontractors, forms demonstrating the payment of compensation and social security assessments, assistance records corresponding to workers, the releases granted for the legal formalities by employees who have left their positions, verification of payment of family benefits and of withheld income taxes, etc.

6.
Failure to comply with the contractual obligations referenced by this clause shall authorize the Customer to request early termination of the Contract, with the corresponding indemnification of damages.

THIRTEENTH:  Revisions to and/or Auditing of the Service

1.
The Customer reserves the right to periodically carry out audits, by means of independent audits, subject to scheduling with the Vendor and knowledge of the methodology and objectives in relation to the Services, in order to determine the
 
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Banco Santander Chile – Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl
 


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban

 
 
correct performance by the Vendor of all the obligations entered into in virtue of this Contract.  Furthermore the SBIF may also conduct the audits it deems expedient in order to comply with current legislation and to identify and evaluate any risks that the transaction may involve for the customer.

2.
The parties agree that the Customer or SBIF may, at any time during the term of the Contract, be authorized to carry out visits to the facilities of the Vendor in Spain, for which purpose the Vendor states its approval, with the understanding that any visit conducted by the Customer pursuant to the terms of this paragraph shall be subject to the following conditions:
 
(i)     it shall require advance, written notice sent by the Customer to the Vendor, at least 10 calendar days in advance of the date on which the visit will take place;
 
(ii)    it shall be subject to the safety standards and policies of the Vendor; and
 
(iii)   it must cover subjects related to the Services related to this Contract.

3.
Any reviews may be carried out through the units that supervise the functions covered by the Service, such as the Office of the Controller, Human Resources, Technologies or others that the Customer may specify, whether they are internal to the Customer or through external companies.  Any comments and/or recommendations shall be collected and performed by the Vendor, per the terms of the written agreement between the parties.

4.
Any reviews may be carried out using consulting, auditing, specialized outsourcing or other companies contained on a list previously agreed upon by the parties, provided that said companies are not competitors of the Vendor and its companies related to the provision of these services.

5.
The Customer reserves the right to verify that the comments and/or recommendations may be applied within the terms agreed upon by the parties.

6.
For the purpose of complying with requests from competent authorities, such as the delivery of information that may be requested by SBIF at any time, and to determine the correct performance by the Vendor of its obligations assumed under this Contract, the Customer may at any time obtain, either directly or via a request, from the Vendor, any data, information and/or the data records necessary using the technological tools provided by the Service.

Any costs incurred by the SBIF, for the supervision of data processing at another location, understanding such to be a location other than the offices of the Customer or of SBIF itself, shall be charged to the Customer.

FOURTEENTH: Term and Grounds for Rescission of the Contract

This contract shall be effective as of January 1, 2007 and shall have a term of 5 years.  After said term has passed, the contract shall be tacitly, automatically and subsequently renewed for 1-year periods, unless either of the parties communicates to the other party its desire to terminate it by registered letter,
 
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Banco Santander Chile – Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl
 


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
sent to the address of the other party indicated in this contract, at least 180 calendar days in advance of the end of the period that was in force.

Without prejudice to the foregoing, the Customer shall have the authority to immediately and automatically terminate the Contract or any one of the Appendices hereto, without requirement of judicial, arbitration or any other type of ruling, in the following cases, without the following list being exhaustive:

  a)
Non-performance by the Vendor, in whole or in part, or inability or negligence in performing the obligations assumed in this contract or in any of the appendices hereto.

  b)
Delay of more than thirty (30) days in the delivery term for the Services or projects contracted, without prejudice to the right of the Customer to collect the late fines specified in this instrument.

  c)
Dissolution or termination of the Vendor company.

  d)
Declaration of insolvency or a meeting of creditors of the Vendor, or if the Vendor enters into judicial or extrajudicial agreements with its creditors.

  e)
Lack of technical suitability on the part of the Vendor, as considered by the customer.

  f)
If the Vendor or any of its subcontractors fails to pay its workers the corresponding wages, compensation or fees, or fails to comply with any other labor, social security or tax obligation related to them, which it is obligated to respect by law or contract provision.

  g)
If the Customer is acquired, merges, is absorbed by a third party, is transformed or is divided, or if all or part of its assets are sold.

  h)
If the Vendor or any of its subcontractors fails to comply with one or more of its obligations to maintain confidentiality, as described in Clause Sixteen hereof.

  i)
If the Vendor no longer belongs to the Santander Group.

In order to terminate the Contract or one [or] more of the Appendices hereto for any of the reasons mentioned above, the Customer shall only have to submit a registered letter to the Vendor, at its address indicated in the identification of parties above, at least 180 days in advance of the date specified as the termination date, without incurring any liability for the Customer, and without the Customer being obligated to pay any amount or indemnification for any reason.

Notwithstanding all the foregoing, with respect to the term of the contract, either of the parties shall be authorized to unilaterally terminate this contract early, at any time during its term, without being required to pay any fine, indemnification or amount in any regard whatsoever.  It shall suffice for this purpose to give notice by registered letter sent to the address of the other party as indicated in this contract, at least one hundred eighty calendar days in advance of the date specified for termination of the contract.
 
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Banco Santander Chile – Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl
 


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
 
Commitments in the event of termination of the Contract or Appendices, for any reason:
 
The Vendor agrees to provide all the facilities necessary to ensure the continuity of the service or the project, the management of all information and to ensure the transfer of the service or the project to a third party.

 
In addition, the Vendor shall continue to provide services to the Customer for at least 180 days, following the date of delivery of the registered letter in which the Customer communicates its intent to terminate the contract for the aforementioned reasons.  This term may be less if the Customer so declares.  During this time period, the contract fees shall continue in force for the services provided by the Vendor.

 
If any circumstances arise that constitute chance or force majeure and that make it impossible to continue the services agreed upon or assumed in the Contract or its Appendices, once they have been started, the Customer agrees to pay the Vendor for the work performed, only up to such time as such facts occurred.

 
FIFTEENTH:  Practical Effects of Termination of the Contract

1.
Once the Contract has been terminated for any reason, the Customer shall assist and cooperate with the Vendor in order to recover the computer equipment owned by the Vendor that is physically located at locations owned, controlled or maintained by the Customer, and the Customer shall return the computer programs and copies of the same to which it may have had access in virtue of the Contract.

2.
At the request of the Customer, the Vendor shall assist and cooperate with the Customer to search for other companies that may assume the provision of the Services performed to that point by the Vendor.  In any case, the Vendor shall be required to provide the Customer with any information that it may request and that has been prepared by the Vendor, based on the Contract, within six years following the termination date of the Contract.  Regardless of the cause, reason or grounds for the early termination of this Contract, even if for non-performance of obligations by the Customer, the Vendor shall cooperate with the Customer for the orderly transfer to the Customer or the vendors designated by the Customer, of the Services described in this Contract.

3.
Subject to written agreement by the parties, the Customer may purchase form the Vendor the computer programs and equipment used for the provision of the Services for a price that shall be agreed to by both of them in function of the financial consideration specified in this Contract and the ratio of the date initially specified for the normal termination of the Contract and the actual termination date of the same.

4.
In addition to the provisions of Item 2 of this Fifteenth Clause of the Contract, the parties agree that in the event of termination of the same, the Vendor shall continue to provide the services to the Customer for a term of one hundred eighty (180) calendar days, following the termination date, regardless of the reason that resulted in said termination.
 
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Banco Santander Chile – Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl
 


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
SIXTEENTH:  Confidentiality

1.    Confidential Information.  Confidential information is defined as any information related to:

  a)
Transactions of the customers of the Customer and its subsidiaries, whether they are individuals or legal entities, involving either assets or liabilities, expressly including nay current account and credit transactions that they carry out with the Bank and its subsidiaries, its commercial and/or financial predecessors, their projects, plans or businesses and in general any background information that is not accessible to the public.
  b)
In regards to the Customer and its subsidiaries, any information on the business and its transactions and, therefore, not limited to processes, techniques, computer programs, information or management systems, businesses, market practices, marketing, products, services, documents, contracts, customer lists, financial information, plans or projects, whether strategic or otherwise.

2.    Confidentiality, Reservation and Secrecy:  (a) The Vendor acknowledges that, in relation to the services that it shall provide to the Customer, it may have access to proprietary and confidential, secret or reserved information regarding the customers of the Customer and of its subsidiaries, and of the Customer itself and its subsidiaries, in accordance with the legal standards and in particular DFL No. 707 regarding Current Bank and Checking Accounts, DFL No. 3 dated 1997 that established the amended text of the General Banking Act of Chile and Law 19,628 regarding the Protection of Private Life.  (b) The Vendor may not use this information for its own benefit and agrees to maintain the confidentiality, reservation and secrecy of such information, agreeing to use it only for the purpose of processing Customer data and it shall not disclose this information to third parties.  It must, furthermore, protect it with the same degree of care that it protects its own private and confidential information, and it may only be disclosed or used with the written consent of the Customer, subject to liability for the most minor breach of contract. (c) The obligation of confidentiality, reservation and secrecy established in this section shall not be extinguished upon the termination of this Contract, but rather it shall be on-going with respect to any information obtained or prepared during the term of this contract. (d) Without this being understood as a limitation, the Vendor agrees that all information that the Customer may provide it shall be the sole property of the Customer and its subsidiaries.  (e) The employees of the Vendor and of any subcontractor that requires familiarity with confidential information in order to correctly perform its services, shall review and sign Appendix IV to this contract or any other document or agreement with similar or identical provisions that provides sufficient coverage of the obligations specified in this clause.  In the event that the Vendor wishes to add other employees, agents or consultants with access to the confidential information, it must enter into an instrument that confirms that its employees, agents or consultants have reviewed and executed Appendix IV to this Contract or an equivalent document as described above.

The obligations described above shall not be applied or extended to (i) any information required by an authority duly authorized by law or based on a judicial proceeding, but only within the limits of said request; or (ii) that approved by its publication or disclosure in writing by the Customer.  In the event that the situation described in Item (i) above, and if it is legally applicable, the Vendor agrees to immediately inform the Customer of such a circumstance, in order that it may take measures for preservation or appeal that are applicable to prevent or minimize any negative impact by such
 
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Banco Santander Chile – Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl
 


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
disclosure and allow filing all actions and implementing the efforts that are appropriate in order to prevent the disclosure of such confidential information.

3.    Termination.  In the event that a violation of the provisions of this Sixteenth Clause occurs, this Contract shall be immediately terminated.  In the event of any termination of the Contract for any reason, the Vendor shall not continue to use any confidential information provided, and it must return the same and all its copies within a term of twenty (20) days following the termination.  In any event the obligation regarding confidentiality, reservation and secrecy assumed by the Vendor, as noted above, shall remain in force even after and in spite of the termination of the Agreement.

4.    Indemnification.  The Vendor shall release, indemnify and hold the Customer harmless for any cost, loss, claim, complaint, demand or damage of any nature (including attorney’s fees) to which the Customer, its shareholders, directors, employees, agents or representatives may be subjected, and that arises as the result of any non-performance by the Vendor or its employees, agents, subcontractors or consultants with the provisions of this Contract.

5.    Extension of the Confidentiality Agreement:  The Vendor agrees to incorporate into any contracts, agreements and in general into its relationships with its units, departments, divisions, subsidiaries, partners, contractors, subcontractors, consultants and any other entity with which it has a relationship and which may have access to Confidential information, clauses that shall protect the confidentiality, secrecy and reservation of information delivered by the Customer, consistent with the terms of this Contract.

SEVENTEENTH:  Ownership of Information

Any information resulting from the processes that the Vendor may perform pursuant to this contract shall be the property of the Customer.  Similarly, if any Customer information exists in units of the Vendor, the information must be maintained by the Vendor in a safe location, and the Vendor shall be liable in the event that a loss, theft or destruction of the same occurs.

EIGHTEENTH:  Transfer of Rights and Obligations

The transfer, by any of the parties, of any of its obligations or rights arising from this Contract in favor of other persons or entities, must be agreed upon in advance and in writing by both parties.  Nevertheless, this requirement shall not be applicable and therefore the transfer may be carried out, by the simple notification by the Customer to the Vendor, to any company of the Santander Group.  Any company in which Banco Santander Central Hispano, S.A. or Banco Santander – Chile holds at least a 50% capital stake or in which it exercises direct or indirect control shall be considered to be a company of the Santander Group.  The Vendor, however, may only transfer its rights in this Contract by maintaining its capacity as surety or joint and several co-debtor of the transferee with respect to all its obligations, charges or encumbrances assumed under this Contract.
 
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Banco Santander Chile – Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban

 
NINETEENTH: Penalties, Sanctions and Fines

PRODUBAN must comply with a minimum level of service equivalent to the amount established for the indicator of availability.  In the event that the availability is below the agreed upon level, PRODUBAN shall be subject to a penalty.

Penalty shall be understood to mean the amount of the credit that the CUSTOMER shall have vis-à-vis PRODUBAN and by means of which the latter shall compensate the CUSTOMER as a fine for failing to comply with the agreed upon service levels.  Any credits in favor of the CUSTOMER shall be referenced at the monthly value of the service affected by the unavailability and shall be calculated per the provisions of the following table:

Actual availability of the BSS
box service
Service Bonuses in percent of the
monthly invoice (total)
Between 99.90 and 100%
0% of the monthly service amount
Between 99.60% and 99.89%
2% of the service amount
Between 99.40% and 99.59%
5% of the service amount
Between 99.01% and 99.39%
10% of the service amount
Between 98.50% and 99.00%
15% of the service amount
Between 98.01% and 98.49%
20% of the service amount
Between 97.50% and 98.00%
25% of the service amount
Between 0% and 97.49%
30% of the service amount

Availability, which is calculated on a monthly basis, is defined as the time during which the box service supported on the PRODUBAN infrastructure must be available to the CUSTOMER, i.e.:

Availability (monthly) = (Ttotal – Tnodisp / Ttotal) * 100(%)

where:
 
Ttotal  =    Total time of the period in question (minutes)
 
Tnodisp = Time unavailable (total lack of communication over the PRODUBAN network) within the Ttotal period in question (minutes)
 
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Banco Santander Chile – Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban

 
The Service by PRODUBAN shall guarantee a minimum availability defined as follows:

Service Environment
Guaranteed Availability
Availability of the Box
99.90%


Without prejudice to the obligations set forth in this contract, the parties agree that the Vendor is required to pay a fine consisting of paying the Customer, based on the table set forth above, and in the corresponding percentages of the total amount of this contract, for each day of delay attributable to it with respect to the date and/or standards on which the provision of the services has been agreed, in accordance with the terms or schedule specified herein or in the corresponding Appendix, and that have no relation to the penalty established in the preceding paragraphs.  Instances of chance, force majeure or other cause waiving liability as set forth in this contract shall provide an exemption from the fine.

The parties agree that the Vendor shall be considered in default by the sole fact of having failed to comply with the term for delivery of the services or projects set forth in the contract or the corresponding appendix, for which reason the Customer shall not, in order to assess the payment of the fine, require prior notice, judicial or otherwise, which notice the Vendor hereby expressly waives.

Furthermore, if as the result of the defective provision of the Services by the Vendor, the Customer is the subject of sanctions or fines by the Superintendency of Banks and Financial Institutions, the Vendor shall be liable for the payment of said fines and for any prejudice related to the same.

Any fines that are accrued in accordance with the provisions set for the above, they must be paid by the Vendor upon simple request by the Customer, and in particular, the Customer is authorized to discount the value of the same form outstanding invoices owed to the Vendor, and from future invoices to be issued, until the total amount of the fines has been offset, and if necessary, the Vendor shall issue a Credit Notice.  The foregoing shall be without prejudice to any legal action that will allow the Customer to collect the penalties in full.

Based on the foregoing, and without prejudice to the provisions set forth above, the parties agree that any time that the Vendor delays in redoing or modifying the work that is not approved by the Customer, as specified in this contract or appendices hereto, shall be considered non-compliance with the terms of the same and shall entitle the Customer to carry out the corresponding actions and to collect the specified fines.

If the delay in compliance with the terms specified in the contract or appendices thereto is due to causes attributable to the Customer and the same reasons are not the result of a previous, justifying delay exclusively attributed to the Vendor, the parties by mutual agreement shall decide to extend the same terms.
 
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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
TWENTIETH:  Expenses and Taxes

Any taxes that arise from this Contract shall be paid by the parties as specified by Law.

All expenses arising from this Contract shall be for the account of the Customer and shall be paid subject to authorization of the Customer and based on the policies it has in effect for that purpose.

TWENTY-FIRST:  Non-exclusivity

The relationship between the Vendor and the Customer as described in this Contract shall not exclude or limit in any way the right of the Vendor to offer or provide services that are similar or identical to those set forth herein to other banks or institutions that are not Chilean, although in such a case the Vendor shall exercise diligence in complying with each and every one of the obligations set forth in the Contract and, in particular, those that relate to the confidentiality and protection of personal data.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in virtue of the type of services covered by this Contract, the Customer agrees not to contract with third parties not expressly authorized by the Vendor, for any service related directly or indirectly to those specified in the Appendix titled “Catalog of Service” and if it does so the Vendor shall be exempt from any liability for errors or defects in the provision of the [Services] that are the subject of this contract.

TWENTY-SECOND:  Method and Addresses for Communications

1.
Any communication related to the Contract must be made in writing delivered in person with acknowledgement of receipt, by mail with return receipt or by any other means that allows receipt and the date of the same to be verified.

2.
For the purposes of this Contract, the parties expressly designate as their business addresses for communication those addresses indicated below:
 

Vendor:
Francisco del Valle Garrido
Address:
Parque Empresarial La Finca, Edificio 16
 
P° del Club Deportivo, 1, 28223 – Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
Telephone No.:
(34) 91 289 15 87
Fax No.:
(34) 91 257 1821
Email:
fjdelvalle@produban.com
   
Customer:
Patricio Silva Peña
Address:
Bombero Ossa No. 1068, Piso 10
Telephone No.:
56 2 647 9510
Fax No.:
56 2
Email: psilvap@santandersantiago.cl
   
 
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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
 3.
Any change to the foregoing addresses must be reported in advance to the other party in order to take effect.

 
TWENTY-THIRD:  Applicable Law and Jurisdiction

1.
This Contract shall be construed and respected in its own terms and, for any matters not specified in the contract, Chilean law shall apply.  This Contract is comprised of this document and all current and future Appendices hereto.  The latter shall be integral and inseparable components hereof.

2.
Any disagreement arising from this Contract or related hereto shall be definitively resolved in accordance with the Arbitration Regulation of the International Chamber of Commerce by one or more arbitrators appointed pursuant to that Regulation

In witness whereof, the parties have set their hands hereto, in two original counterparts, one of which was delivered to each party and for a single purpose, in the location and on the date indicated above.


 
         
/s/ Francisco del Valle Garrido
   
/s/ Juan Fernández Fernández
 
Produban, Servicios Informáticos Generales, S.L.
   
Banco Santander – Chile
 
By power of attorney
   
By power of attorney
 
Francisco del Valle Garrido
    Juan Fernández Fernández  
 
       

         
 
   
/s/ César Naranjo Ramirez
 
 
   
Banco Santander – Chile
 
 
   
By power of attorney
 
     
César Naranjo Ramirez
 

 

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Banco Santander Chile – Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl


 
[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban


 
Appendix I
RELATIONSHIP MODEL
for the Outsourcing of Computer Services

“BSS Data Processing Service”



 

by and between

PRODUBAN, Servicios Informáticos Generales, S.L.

and

BANCO SANTANDER CHILE




 




Santiago de Chile and Madrid, December 3, 2007

Ref.: BSS_SPDV00_MRGR03_20070604

[Ink stamp appears on bottom of all pages: “Produban Servicios Informáticos Generales S.L.]
 

 
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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban



TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.
INTRODUCTION
3
2.
BASIC TABLE OF RESPONSIBILITIES
3
 
2.1
Audits
4
3.
LEVELS OF RELATIONSHIP
4
 
3.1
Management level
4
 
3.2
Tactical level
5
 
3.3
Operational level
5
4.
RELATIONSHIP ASPECTS FOR ALL LEVELS
6
 
4.1
Safety aspect
6
 
4.2
Quality aspect
6
 
4.2.1
Quality Management
6
 
4.2.2
Service Level Management
7
5.
ROLES OF PARTICIPANTS AT EACH RELATIONSHIP LEVEL
7
 
5.1
Vendor
7
 
5.1.1
Account Manager
7
 
5.1.2
Service Manager
7
 
5.1.3
Technical Area Supervisors
8
 
5.2
Customer
8
 
5.2.1
Contract Manager
8
 
5.2.2
Service Manager
8
 
5.3
Identification of Roles and Contacts
9
6.
FORMALIZATION OF LINES OF COMMUNICATION
10
 
6.1
Vendor’s Reporting Obligation
10
 
6.2
Management Level
10
 
6.3
Tactical Level.  Planning and Follow-up
11
 
6.4
Operational Level.  Service Audit
11
 
6.5
Operational Level. Management of Incidents and Changes
11
 
6.5.1
Definition of Types of Incidents
12
 
6.5.2
Reporting of Incidents to External Vendors
13
 
6.5.3
Responsibility for Following up on Incidents
13
 
6.5.4
Responsibility for Acceptance / Implementation of Changes
13
7.
APPLICATION SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS
13
8.
ACCEPTANCE OF VENDOR PROCEDURES AND PROCESSES
13
 

 
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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 

 
1.            Introduction
 
This Relationship Model establishes, in general terms, the description of the participants, responsibilities and paths of communication and information necessary for the best and most effective provision of the Services covered by the Computer Services Outsourcing Contract of which this document is an inseparable Appendix.
 
2.            Basic Table of Responsibilities
 
Framed within the Computer Services Outsourcing Contract between Banco Santander Chile (hereinafter the customer) and PRODUBAN S.L. (hereinafter the Vendor) the responsibilities that shall correspond to each of the parties in regards to the provision of services that are the subject of the collaboration between the parties, shall be as follows:
 
On the part of the Customer:
 
The relationship with the users that receive the service for the purpose of collecting the information necessary regarding requests, requirements and policies, as well as the correct transmission of the same to the Vendor.
 
Preparation of the annual budgets and the scheduling of the provision of all services.
 
Approval of the investments and expenditures necessary for the correct provision of the services.
 
The management of functional changes necessary for the correct operation of the services, as well as the final acceptance of the changes that will be made.
 
Supervision of the services, so that they may be carried out in a manner that is satisfactory for the users.
 
Approval of any technical changes that may be necessary for the correct provision of the services.
 
On the part of the Vendor:
 
The correct performance of the procedures and processes necessary for the provision of the services covered by the contract.
 
Installation and maintenance of all computer and electronic equipment involved in the provision of the services.
 
Management of any technical changes that may be necessary for the correct performance of the services, as well as the performance of the same services and the final acceptance of those that are performed.
 
Carrying out functional changes in order to comply with the instructions given by the Customer.
 
Relations with external vendors in all matters related to technical assistance and the resolution of incidents.
 
The establishment of a methodology and quality standards that will ensure the minimum guaranteed levels of availability and performance, as specified in the Contract.
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 

Creating and maintaining an updated, complete inventory of all the hardware and software installed that is involved in the provision of the services.
 
At all times respect and act in accordance with the Safety Standards and Policies approved by the Customer and consider any future guidelines that the Customer may issue in regards to safety.
 
2.1
Audits
 
“Audits” shall be understood in accordance with the provisions of the THIRTEENTH CLAUSE of the Computer Services Outsourcing Contract executed by PRODUBAN and the Bank.
 
Any Audit visits to the Bank and in which PRODUBAN must participate will be formally notified with advance notice greater than 3 weeks, by means of a document which will indicate the dates requested for the audit visits and the term for delivery.
 
PRODUBAN shall provide all the information required that it has available to the Bank official designated as the coordinator of the same, and shall carry out all technical actions necessary to comply with the requirements of the cited audit.
 
3.            General Levels of Relationship
 
Within the relationships necessary for the successful completion of the Outsourcing Contract, the Customer and the Vendor shall frame their relationship with three hierarchical levels:  A management level, a tactical level and an operational level, and the corresponding tasks to be assumed are detailed below.
 
3.1          Management Level
 
In general, any actions at this level shall be intended to determine the Strategic Plan and the Customers needs as well as the commercial effects of the same.
 
The primary tasks entrusted to this level shall be to carry out the development, preparation and monitoring of:
 
 
an Annual Technology Plan that ensures the alignment of the service provided by the Vendor with the Customer’s technology strategy;
 
 
an Annual Projects Plan by identifying the future needs of the Customer’s users, by anticipating long-term system requirements;
 
 
a Budget that includes the cost of the service provided by the Vendor, anticipating to the extent possible any deviations due to changes in the same.
 
This level of management shall be responsible for resolving all disagreements between the parties that cannot be resolved at lower levels.
 
This level shall convey in a clear manner to the lower levels all the needs of the Customer’s clients specified in the Annual Technology Plan and the Annual Projects Plan, as well as the priorities of the same.
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 

 
3.2
Tactical Level
 
In general, actions at this level shall be intended to regulate the detailed monitoring and control of the Plans and the Budget specified by the management level.  The primary tasks entrusted to this level shall be:
 
Performing follow-up on the progress of the Scheduling of Projects and activities by control of the specific projects defined for the progress of the service;
 
Performing adequate management and follow-up on deviations from the schedule and the levels of service agreed upon in the Service Level Agreements, and approving corrective actions regarding any deviations from the same.
 
Performing budget follow-up on the investments and expenses necessary to carry out the projects, as well as the financial impact of day-to-day activities intended to provide the services in an efficient manner.
 
This tactical level shall be responsible for resolving any disagreements between the parties that may arise from the day-to-day activities, that cannot be resolved at the operational level, and all disagreements that cannot be resolved shall be escalated to the management level.
 
The tactical level shall be required to clearly convey to the operational level all instructions received from the management level, as well as any instructions issued as a part of its own activity, for the correct performance of the services.
 
This level shall also be required to convey to the management level any new information that arises from the day-to-day provision of the services that affect or may affect the service provided to the customers, as well as any significant deviations from the budgets that are detected during the course of the activity.
 
3.3          Operational Level
 
In general, the work of the operational level shall entail the performance of the processes and procedures defined in the Vendor’s technical documentation related to the performance of the service covered by the computer services outsourcing contract, in accordance with the levels of service agreed upon by the parties.
 
These processes and procedures include the availability of the services for a percentage of time equal to or greater than that agreed upon in the Service Level Agreement, with a response time less than or equal to that specified in the same Contracts.  It shall also include the management of incidents that occur and any problems detected during the time periods specified in the Service Level Agreement.
 
The operational level of the Vendor shall also carry out complete monitoring of the progress of all hardware and software components that are involved in the provision of the service, its capacity, performance and the requirements for updating said components.
 
Any changes necessary in order to carry out these duties as well as procurement needs shall be conveyed to the Customer for approval.  A schedule for making said changes shall be prepared, which shall then be approved by both parties.
 
Any disagreements between the Vendor and the Customer that cannot be settled at this operational level shall be brought up to the tactical level for resolution.
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

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[Logo] Produban
 

 
Participants at this level will be required to report to the tactical level any incidents, changes or new information detected in their day-to-day work that may affect the service provided to the customers or that entails a deviation from the budget approved for the provision of the same service.
 
4.            Relationship Aspects for All Levels
 
The levels of relationship defined in Section 3 of this document must always work under the premise of two fundamental aspects for the correct performance of the agreement between the Vendor and the Customer:  Safety and Quality.
 
The characteristics that define these aspects are detailed below:
 
4.1          Safety Aspect
 
The primary premise that defines the safety aspect shall be that the services provided to the Customer by the Vendor under the Computer Services Outsourcing Contract cannot present any consequence or risk to the physical and logical safety of each and every one of the components involved in the provision of the same services, guaranteeing compliance with the safety criteria set forth by specific outside entities.
 
The Vendor shall propose specific procedures to the Customer for the receipt of Customer Safety Audits, shall determine the Safety requirements of Customer applications, shall authorize actions that are requested under special circumstances outside of the specified policies or standards, shall monitor the progress of indicators, trends and Control Tables, including the request for Audits made to the Safety service provider, and shall manage responses to Official Entities and Entities representing the Customer.
 
These actions shall be carried out jointly by the Customer and the Vendor.
 
This Safety aspect shall also include Operational Risk Management that must establish policies and criteria intended to ensure the continuity of the service, include Risk Management in the provision of services and evaluate and propose actions based on their regulatory impact.
 
Said Safety shall be provided to the Customer by the Vendor by means of Computer Safety Cross Support designed by the Vendor for all the services.
 
4.2          Quality Aspect
 
The two fundamental premises that define the quality aspect shall be the provision of all services with quality indicator values greater than or equal to those specified in the Service Level Agreement and the definition of actions intended to gradually improve the values of said indicators.
 
Both aspects of this area that will be managed in order to achieve said premises shall be quality management and service level management, as detailed in Sections 4.2.1 and 4.2.2 of this document:
 
4.2.1       Quality Management
 
Quality management shall include the preparation of the Vendor’s Quality Plan and the performance of all tasks necessary to ensure compliance with the same,
 

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[Logo] Produban
 

 
defining quality goals and indicators that allow compliance with the same to be measured, by establishing quality standards for the processes performed in relation to the service and by performing on-going monitoring of the Quality Plan.
 
4.2.2       Service Level Management
 
Management of the Level of Service offered to the Customer shall include confirmation that the levels agreed upon in the service Level Agreement are achieved, by describing and stating the scope of the service provided in the Catalog corresponding to the service, determining the Volume, Availability and response time expected in the Service Level Agreement.
 
The actions to be taken in the event of non-compliance shall be defined through the preparation and implementation of Plans of Action to improve the service and resolve incidents and problems.
 
5.            Roles of Participants at Each Level
 
In order to correctly perform the tasks assigned to the levels specified in Section 3 of this document, roles are defined for both parties in Sections 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 below.
 
Roles that relate to the tactical level shall be represented by the persons indicated in Section 5.2 – Identification of Roles and Contact Persons, below.  Roles that relate to the operational level shall be assigned in the section for identifying roles and contact persons in the Relationship Model document that is specific to each service.
 
Roles that relate to the management levels are the Customer’s supervisors of Technology and Production, as well as the Vendor’s supervisor. The definition of the corresponding functions is beyond the scope of this document.  Persons who fulfill these duties shall also be identified in Section 5.2 of this document.
 
5.1          Vendor
 
5.1.1       Account Manager
 
The Vendor’s Supervisor to the Customer shall ensure that the service covered by the Outsourcing Contract and that the Vendor provides to the Customer  is provided in accordance with the Annual Technology Plan, the Annual Projects Plan and the Budget that is established on an annual basis.
 
In general, the primary functions that fall within the scope of this role shall be to maintain on-going communication with the Customer’s Contract Manager, informing him of any facts relevant to the collaboration of the Vendor and the Customer; holding an annual meeting with the Customer’s Technology and Production Supervisors in order to establish the Annual Budget and the Projects Plan, and to be responsible for the legal and financial aspects of the Contract:  Billing and Modifications.
 
5.1.2       Service Manager
 
This shall be the Vendor’s Representative to the Customer and the person responsible for said service having the elements and scope defined in the Catalog and ensuring that it is rendered in accordance with the provisions of the Service Level Agreement.
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

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[Logo] Produban
 

 
In general, the primary functions that fall within the scope of this role shall be to hold monthly meetings with the Customer’s Contract Manager, carrying out tactical scheduling and monitoring of projects, verifying that the service being provided complies with the established objectives, proposing improvements and actions to raise Levels of Service; proposing modifications to the Service Level Agreement; advising the Management in matters related to Information Systems strategy; collaborating with the Contract Manager to establish priorities for Service Requirements, and planning changes to the service that are approved by the Management.
 
This person shall be responsible for the correct drafting of the Service Catalog, the Service Level Agreement and the Financial Viability Model for said Service.
 
5.1.3       Technical Area Supervisors
 
These are the representatives of each of the areas necessary to operate, maintain and support the infrastructure used to provide each of the services specified in the Vendor’s organization and they shall be responsible for all the processes, procedures and tasks specified for the correct operation of the services performed, in accordance with the standards established for this purpose, and the quality indicators defined in the Service Level Agreements.
 
In general, the primary functions assigned within the context of this role shall be to hold monthly meetings with the Customer's Contract Manager and with the Vendor's Service Manager, performing tactical scheduling and follow-up on projects; proposing improvements and technical actions to increase Levels of Service; providing points of view as a technical expert in said aspects of the service and collaborating to plan changes to the service as approved by the Management.
 
5.2          Customer
 
5.2.1       Contract Manager
 
This person shall be the Customer’s representative responsible for controlling the levels of service provided by the Vendor.
 
In general, the primary functions assigned within the context of this role shall be to meet monthly with the Vendor’s Account Manager and the Service Manager to monitor the Scheduling and Projects; to audit the overall status of the service; manage the development and approval of the Service Level Agreement, and to propose any changes considered relevant; monitor the continuity of services and compliance with the levels agreed upon; proposing and implementing new technologies, together with the Service Manager, in function of the company’s objectives and strategy; auditing service quality through reports that will be provided by the Vendor and being responsible for assigning priorities to service activities, in particular for the management of Changes and Problems.
 
5.2.2       Service Manager
 
This shall be the Customer representative responsible for the day-to-day management of the service provided by the Vendor.
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 

 
In general, the primary functions assigned in the context of this role shall be to review and monitor the service in the short term; meeting periodically with the Vendor’s Service Manager and with the supervisors of the Vendor’s various technical areas (Operation, Communications, Safety, etc.) in order to monitor the Service Level Agreement and the review of incidents that occur as well as the planning of the schedule of changes proposed by the Service Manager for the next period and to inform the Contract Manager of any relevant matter related to the service.
 
The following figure shows a graphical approximation of the roles:
   
Monitoring
Service
Audit
7 x 24
Service
Audit
Architecture
Development
 
Service Coordinator
 
Service Manager
SCL
Alpha Operation
MAD
Service Manager (Latam 3 D + 1 FTE)
Service Coordinator
 
Operation
25 D + 3 FTEs
Systems Technique
11 D + 6 FTEs
Communications
2 D
CSC
1 D + 1 FTE
 
 
Dedicated (D) = 42
Full-time Equivalents (FTEs) = 11
PRODUBAN
(53 FTEs)
 
Figure 1: Service Roles and Responsibilities
 
5.3          Identification of Roles and Contact Persons
 
The following persons are designed to perform the roles specified in Sections 5.1.1 and 5.1.2:
 
Customer:
 
Director of Technology and Systems:
 
 
Contract Manager:
 
 
Service Manager:   
  Gustavo Lucero
 
Vendor:
 
Vendor’s Representative:
 
 
Contract Manager:
 
 
Service Manager:
 
                                                                                                                         
The Vendor's technical area supervisors shall be appointed by the company management and their appointment therefore is beyond the scope of
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 

 
this contract.  For the purpose of the tasks assigned by this document, the participants shall be those determined by the Vendor.
 
6.            Formalization of Lines of Communication
 
The formalization of Lines of Communication to perform the tasks entrusted to the various levels shall be carried out by documenting and creating working groups that will hold periodic meetings where the matters will be dealt with, as detailed below.
 
6.1          Vendor’s Reporting Obligation
 
The Vendor shall deliver the following documents to each group, at the time intervals agreed upon:
 
Budget Review: Will detail the budget status by entries and will identify any possible deviations from the budget.
 
Project Progress: Will detail the progress, attainment of objectives and budget status of projects in progress and the overall view of the projects plan agreed upon for the fiscal year.
 
Service Level Monitoring: Containing the percentage of attainment of the service objectives established in the corresponding Service Level Agreements, the list of incidents from the prior period, communication of general maintenance actions for the period.
 
The documentation that the Vendor must prepare shall be:
 
 
The Report on the Level of Service attained, which shall specify the values attained since the last meeting for the indicators specified in the Service Level Agreement.
 
 
The Calendar of Production Changes, which shall specify all changes to components that affect the service that will take place during the period until the next meeting.
 
 
The Incident Management Report, which will provide information regarding incidents that have occurred since the last meeting and that affect the service covered by this document.
 
The definitive reporting forms shall be obtained after an interim 3-month period during which they shall be customized to the requirements of the Service.
 
6.2          Management Level
 
In general, the components of this level shall hold at least one annual meeting to identify and establish the needs of the Bank for the next year, by preparing an Annual Plan covering the same needs.
 
Said meeting shall also approve the Computer Projects Plan for the year, as well as the Annual Budget needed to cover that work.
 
The participants in said meeting shall be, for the Customer, the Assistant VP of Technology and Systems, and optionally the Contract Manager, and from the Vendor, the Service Manager and/or the Account Manager.
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 

 
6.3          Tactical Level, Scheduling and Monitoring
 
In general, the components of this level shall hold one meeting per month, which shall under normal circumstances deal with the monitoring and control of the budget for projects including the Projects Plan prepared by the Management Level.  This meeting shall also cover, under normal circumstances, all aspects related to the services: Scheduling and prioritization of actions, technical monitoring of the service levels established in the Service Level Agreement, proposed or approved changes to the services or the Service Level Agreement and the study and approval, as applicable, of requests made by users.
 
The participants at this meeting shall be, from the Customer, the Assistant VP of Technology and Systems and/or the Contract Manager, and from the Vendor, the Account Manager and/or the Service Manager.
 
Every quarter, this meeting shall also deal with the development of the Annual Production Projects Plan, in compliance with the Annual Plan, and based on the Service Level and Capacity criteria and the monitoring of all matters related to Operational Risk and the requirements of regulatory entities.  The quality of the model shall be reviewed, complying with its methodology, certification, auditing and quality indicator aspects.
 
All the technical documentation required to perform the aforementioned actions shall be provided by the Vendor.
 
6.4          Operational Level. Service Audit
 
The Certifier and/or Service Supervisor from the Customer and the Service Manager and supervisors of technical areas of the Vendor shall hold a monthly meeting, representing their corresponding principals.
 
During these meetings, the Service Level document shall be presented.  Any repeated problems with installation shall be reviewed and an Action and Prevention Plan shall be prepared to correct and avoid said problems.  The Schedule of Production Changes for the period until the next meeting shall be determined.
 
The progress of machinery and the Capacity Plan related to the service shall be reviewed, as well as the requirements for improvement based on changes to the volume of service.  This meeting shall also be competent to deal with all matters related to the Operation and Technique of Systems that have occurred during the period since the last meeting.
 
6.5          Operational Level.  Management of Incidents and Changes
 
For all services agreed upon by the Customer and the Vendor, the Management of Incidents shall be carried out through Cross Support of the Corporate Support Center, the process for managing incidents and problems is described in the technical document titled “Incident Management Guide.” All aspects related to the type of incidents, the method for managing the same and informing the user shall be established in the operational document of the Corporate Support Center, and if necessary they shall be specified in the Specific Relationship Model for the Service.
 
Every month a meeting shall be held by the Customer’s Service Manager and the Certifier, and the
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

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[Logo] Produban
 

 
Vendor’s Service Manager and/or Area Supervisors (Technical Systems, Operation, etc.) for a technical committee meeting.
 
The purpose shall be to review any incidents from the prior period (Resolution and Prevention Plan), action related to Infrastructure during the following period and communicating any installations planned during the period.  A schedule of changes shall be established that shall include any tests and certifications to be carried out by the Customer’s Certifier for said service.
 
With the same frequency, the Customer shall receive the Changes and Incident Management document prepared by the Vendor.
 
An emergency procedure shall be prepared to manage those requests for changes that, for business reasons cannot follow the normal procedure based on monthly meetings, requiring in any event the timely approval by both parties.
 
Two operational committees are likewise established:
 
 
Daily Incident Committee:  (Conference call or video conference).  A conference call will be held every day to discuss any incidents that have occurred in the construction of grids, and incidents corresponding to the previous day, as well as to communicate the batch run of the previous day, thus covering changes of low- and medium-impact that were performed on the previous day and those scheduled for that day.
 
 
Weekly Change Committee – Technological Changes Committee: (Conference call or video conference).  Changes having a medium to high impact will be covered, determining the schedule for changes for the subsequent period, and communication of the changes carried out during the previous period.
 
These operational committees may vary the frequency of their meetings based on the progress of the service and the corresponding needs, and always by agreement between the Customer and the Vendor.
 
6.5.1       Definition of Types of Incidents
 
Based on the types of incidents specified in the Sample Operating Document of the Corporate Support Center, the following types of incidents are defined:
 
 
VERY SEVERE or SEVERITY LEVEL 1 incidents: Those that halt the use of any system application by affecting the Customer's business processes.  Any incident that involves a complete shutdown of the process chain, affects a Session Change during working hours, or that directly affects compliance with the delivery of results and/or the authorization of services.
 
 
SERIOUS or SEVERITY LEVEL 2 incidents: Those that halt the use of any portion or function of a system application, adversely affecting efficiency, but without impeding the operation of the Customer's business.  This type of incident does not affect the performance of a Session Change, does not directly affect the authorization of services or the delivery of priority results, but involves stopping more than one process and affects the delivery of results.
 
 
NORMAL or SEVERITY LEVEL 3 incidents: This type of incident does not affect the business, involves affecting few users or non-critical functions.  This type of incident occurs during a terminal task, understanding this to be that which, since it is a final task, its application does not provide conditions; therefore it does not halt any
 


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[Logo] Produban
 

 
 
processes or files to another task, which generates as a result a report or file, which does not affect the Line service.
 
Response and/or resolution times for each type of incident shall be specified in the Service Level Agreement corresponding to the service covered by this document, and in general in the Incident/Problem Management Guide.
 
6.5.2       Communication of Incidents to External Vendors
 
The Vendor shall be responsible for opening incident reports and communicating the same to external vendors, and for monitoring the same until they are resolved by the vendor.  The Vendor shall keep the Customer informed of any resulting actions.
 
6.5.3       Responsibility for Following up on Incidents
 
The Vendor shall be responsible for following up on incidents and problems until they are resolved, and for proposing or taking measures for preventive actions.
 
6.5.4       Responsibility for Accepting / Implementing Changes
 
Responsibility for ACCEPTING changes shall rest fully with the Customer once said change has been certified by the Certifier and once the dates have been approved by the end users or areas requesting the change.
 
Responsibility for the timing of the IMPLEMENTATION of changes shall be jointly shared by the Customer and the Vendor's technical areas, by evaluating the business decision and the best technical timing for its implementation, respectively.
 
The Vendor shall periodically supply the Customer with the volume of changes made and the percentage assessment of the results.
 
7.            Application Software Maintenance Agreements
 
The Customer agrees to execute a Maintenance Agreement with third parties for all Software included in the Catalog of any services provided by the Vendor, except for Operating System software and all software that is included in maintenance agreements signed by the Vendor and other vendors of the same.  The Maintenance Agreement must include the right of the Vendor to enter into the outsourcing contracts necessary to resolve any aspect related to the provision of the services.
 
8.            Acceptance of Vendor Procedures and Processes
 
Initially during the provision of the service by the Vendor, the operating procedures currently employed by the Customer shall be used.  Any subsequent changes that may be made to said procedures shall be carried out gradually and by mutual agreement, ensuring the provision of the service during the specified terms.
 


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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

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[Logo] Produban
 

 
Furthermore, the Customer agrees that no service or any update to the same shall be put into production unless it complies with the standards established for this purpose by the Vendor and unless the corresponding quality controls have been performed.

         
/s/ Francisco del Valle Garrido
   
/s/ Juan Fernández Fernández
 
Produban, Servicios Informáticos Generales, S.L.
   
Banco Santander – Chile
 
By power of attorney
   
By power of attorney
 
Francisco del Valle Garrido
    Juan Fernández Fernández  
 
       

         
 
   
/s/ César Naranjo Ramirez
 
 
   
Banco Santander – Chile
 
 
   
By power of attorney
 
     
César Naranjo Ramirez
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban





Appendix II

CATALOG

for the Outsourcing of Computer Services

“BSS Data Processing Service”



 
by and between

PRODUBAN, Servicios Informáticos Generales, S.L.

and

BANCO SANTANDER CHILE

 



Santiago de Chile and Madrid, December 3, 2007

Ref.: BSS_SPDV00_CATR17_20070620
 

[Ink stamp appears on bottom of every page:
 “Produban Servicios Informáticos Generales S.L.]
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.
DESCRIPTION AND SCOPE OF SERVICE
3
 
1.1
Description of the Service
3
 
1.2
Scope
 
2.
COMPONENTS AND GENERAL ACTIVITIES COMPRISING THE SERVICE
4
 
2.1
Components
4
 
2.1.1
Architecture
5
 
2.1.2
Mainframe
5
 
2.1.3
Intermediate Systems (Unix and Wintel)
6
 
2.1.4
Communications
9
 
2.2
General Activities Comprising the Service
10
 
2.2.1
Scheduled Activities
11
 
2.2.2
On-demand Activities
12
 
2.2.3
Projects
12
3.
SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES BY SERVICE PROVIDED
13
4.
REPORTS OF ACTIVITY AND LEVELS OF SERVICE
23
5.
GENERAL BACKUP POLICY
23
 
5.1
Backups under Normal Regimen
24
 
5.2
Future Backups
24
 
5.3
Restoration Policies and Procedures
24
 
5.3.1
Normal Recovery
24
 
5.3.2
Special Recovery
24
6.
TECHNOLOGICAL CONTINGENCY PLAN
25
     
 
 
List of Figures
 
   
Figure 1:
Supported Instances and Environments
4
Figure 2:
Detailed Overall Diagram
5
Figure 3:
Mainframe Platform
6
Figure 4:
SUN Servers
7
Figure 5:
Production Environment
7
Figure 6:
Development and Approval Environments
8
Figure 7:
SAN Intermediate Services Storage
8
Figure 8:
Backup Intermediate Services
9
Figure 9:
Detail of WAN Communication
10
   
 
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 

1.           Description and Scope of Service
 
1.1         Description of the Service
 
The Data Processing Service to be provided by PRODUBAN, Servicios Informáticos Generales, S.L. (hereinafter the Vendor) to Banco Santander Chile (hereinafter the Customer) within the context of this Agreement consists of providing the Information Technology and Communications (ITC) infrastructure (Hardware and Software components) and performing the activities required for the provision of the functionalities required by the Customer.

This service covers activities within the aspects of:

 
Operation (Production Environments, QA/Approval and Development)
 
Activities corresponding to the production area that ensure the provision of IT functions required by the business areas of the Customer (Batch, transactions, data management, backups, recovery, operation, etc.);
 
Administration and Systems Techniques
 
Activities that ensure the provision of the operational IT infrastructure required by the Customer (installation, maintenance, monitoring, custom development, etc.);
 
Communications
 
Activities necessary for administration of the portion of the GSNet/LATAM interconnection network that connects Santiago, Chile with Madrid to ensure a secure connection between the BSS and the data processing facilities in Boadilla del Monte.  This does not include the “Organization Network” of the BSS.
 
Security
 
Activities required for the implementation of security policies and procedures marked from the Customer, that shall comply with the security standards of Santander Group, in order to ensure the availability of access to data and systems, the integrity and confidentiality of the same for components and tasks for which the Vendor is responsible, safeguarding the provisions that in this regard are issued by the auditing authority in Chile.

1.2         Scope
 
The service covered by this agreement shall be provided through the components specified in this catalog, and in the volumes specified in Appendix III to the Contract “Level of Service Agreement,” in the section titled “Volume of Service.”

Any variation from this scope must be decided in meetings held by the levels specified in Appendix I – Relationship Model,” and their financial impact must be approved for inclusion in the Contract Budget.
 

 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban

 
2.           Components and General Activities that Comprise the Service

2.1         Components
 
All those components of the Vendor’s IT infrastructure that are involved to a greater or lesser extent in the provision of all, several or any of the functionalities that the service provides to the Customer and that are under the supervision of the Vendor shall be considered components of the service.

The business services are based on the ITC Infrastructure of the Vendor, which shall include:
•      Mainframe platform and the corresponding storage
•      Intermediate systems platform, with the corresponding storage, which supports the following services:
° MIS
° Payment Methods Datamart
° Blanca II
° ITACA
° Control-M Scheduler
•      Communications Infrastructure for connectivity between Customer CPDs and Vendor CPDs.

The foregoing infrastructure, located in Spain, supports the Environments and Instances that are presented below, which are within the context of services of Produban:

Platform
zOS
Intermediate Services
Environment
SYSD
SYSQ
SISP
Unix and Wintel Systems
Instance
Development
Testing and Integration
Approval
QA
Production
Development
Approval
Production
Figure 1: Supported Instances and Environments

The current and primary components that support the service covered by this contract are described schematically below.
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 

2.1.1                 Architecture
 
The following figure shows the architectural view of the components under the direct administration of the Vendor and those that are in Chile to be directly administered by Altec Chile or via outsourcing contracts that the Customer may enter into.

[Key of items from Figure 2:]
Managed by Altec
 
Managed by Produban
Sucursales = Branch offices
Atencion Telefonica = Telephone Service
Banca por Internet = Online Banking
Banca Personas = Personal Banking
Banca Empresas = Business Banking
Banca Personas / Empresas = Personal / Business Banking
Banca Automatica = Automatic Teller Banking
Autoservicios = Self Service
Servimatico = [unclear – possible ATM]
Redes medios de pago = Payment Methods Networks
Especificos = Specific Features
Apllo. Departamentales = Dept. Support
Sucursales =
Branch Offices
 
Aplicaciones = Applications
Aplicaciones = Applications
Aplicaciones no Altair = Non-Altair applications
Datamart Medios de Pago = Datamart Payment Methods
 
Figure 2: Overall Detailed Diagram

The key components that support the service for each of the platforms included under this contract:  Mainframe, Intermediate Systems and Communications.

2.1.2                 Mainframe
 
Figure 3 shows, in schematic fashion, the mainframe platform, which is located in the two existing CPDs in Boadilla del Monte, also including the infrastructure dedicated to safety copies.

 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban

 
[Key of items from Figure 3:]

Acoplamiento = Connection
Tarjetas OSA = OSA Cards
Desarrollo = Development
Director = Manager
Conectividaad datos = Data Connectivity
Copia Síncrona = Synchronous Copy
… Cintas = … Tapes
Primario = Primary

 
Figure 3 – Mainframe Platform


2.1.3    Intermediate Systems (Unix and Wintel)
 
Solaris systems are installed on physical partitions (or dominoes) consolidated into 3 Sun E25K servers:
 
The production systems on 2 Sun E25K servers, each installed in a CPD at Boadilla (CPD East and CPD West).  This enables support for a contingency involving this platform.
 
The development and approval systems on 1 Sun E25K server at the CPD West at Boadilla.
 
The SAS servers on two Sun Fire V490 servers each installed at one Boadilla CPD (CPD East and CPD West).

The Wintel systems are installed on physical servers located at the CPD East in Boadilla.  The backup systems are located at the CPD West in Boadilla.

The following figures show the location diagrams of the SUN servers and the distribution by CPDs of the various Production, Development and Approval environments with the corresponding storage and backup systems.
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 

[Key of items from Figure 4:]
CPD Boadilla Oeste = CPD West, Boadilla
CPD Boadilla Este = CPD East, Boadilla
Desarrollo = Development
Producción = Production

Figure 4 – SUN Servers



[Key of items from Figure 5:]
CPD Boadilla Oeste = CPD West, Boadilla
CPD Boadilla Este = CPD East, Boadilla
[Other captions in this diagram are illegible.]


Figure 5 – Production Environment

 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 

[Key of items from Figure 6:]
CPD Boadilla Oeste = CPD West, Boadilla
Desarrollo = Development
Homologación = Approval
servicio = Primary system
almacenamiento = Storage
[Other captions in this diagram are illegible.]

Figure 6: Development and Approval Environments



[Key of items from Figure 7:]
CPD Boadilla Oeste = CPD West, Boadilla
CPD Boadilla Este = CPD East, Boadilla
4a copia = 4th copy
Rojo = Red
Azul = Blue

Figure 7: SAN Intermediate Services Storage


 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban

 
[Key of items from Figure 8:]
CPD Boadilla Oeste = CPD West, Boadilla
CPD Boadilla Este = CPD East, Boadilla
Servidores Windows = Windows Servers
VLAN Administración = Administration VLAN

Figure 8 – Intermediate Services Backup


 

2.1.4    Communications

Communication between the CPDs in Santiago, Chile and Madrid (Boadilla and Mesena) shall be accomplished, under normal working conditions, through the Level 1 Interconnection Line (Point to Point) of the GSNet LATAM network.

This connection is duplicated and is supplied by different operators to ensure the continuity of communications. There is also an automatic switch to the duplicate infrastructure in the event that the section in service goes out of service.  Communication over Level 2 interconnection lines (MPLS, 2 nodes) and Level 3 lines (VPN over the Internet) are available and will be used on a contingency basis.

The following figure shows a simplified diagram of communication between Chile and Spain.
 

 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban

 
GSNet LATAM Chile


Level 1 – Point to Point
Level 2 – MPLS (2 nodes)
Level 3 – VPN Internet

Figure 9  - Detail of WAN Communications


2.2    General Activities Comprising the Service

All those tasks performed by technicians of the Vendor intended to provide functionality to the service covered by this agreement, to perform maintenance on one, several or all components of the service, or to provide an improvement of the conditions under which the same are provided shall be considered activities that comprise the service.

Based on the frequency that said activities are carried out, the following types are distinguished:
•    Scheduled Activities: Activities that are repeated periodically and on a controlled basis, normally according to pre-established procedures;
•    On-demand Activities: Similar to the previous item, but carried out either at the request of the Customer, or during the resolution of problems, configuration, capacity management, etc.
•    Projects:  Specific actions that resolve requests for changes to infrastructure or to incorporate new components, and that have their own scheduling, objectives and follow-up.

For the service covered by this contract the activities that generally comprise the service are listed below, and the detailed activities are described in Section 4 of this document, “Specific Activities by Service Provided.”
 

 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 

2.2.1    Scheduled Activities
•      Basic Operation
°     Server start-up / shutdown
°     Running batch processes:
 
Of the system:  Sub-system start-up and shutdown, making safety copies, log management processes, etc.
 
Related to applications: Control of batch processes related to the business will be carried out, and the adjustment and validation of these batch processes will be the responsibility of the Customer, through Altec.
 
Control of the running of the Customer’s batch processes, regardless of location, will be carried out by the Vendor.  The Customer, through Altec, is responsible for the availability of all the interfaces necessary for this run (at the level of available systems and sub-systems, as well as for the necessary data or files), systems not located at the Madrid CPDs.  The Customer is, thus, also responsible for the availability of contact persons associated with said interfaces.

The Vendor is responsible for the basic operation associated with the start-up / shutdown of servers and infrastructure components located at the Madrid CPDs.

 
•   Monitoring:  The availability of equipment and services will be audited, as will the use of the system.
 
•   Storage management / Assignment of space:  Control of disk space and its assignment to various subsystems.
 
•   Backup and restoration management:  Control of the systems and data backup processes, as well as the activity to restore the same as required.
 
•   Management of incidents and problems: Escalation and monitoring according to agreed upon technical procedures (See Document “ BSS_Incident Management Guide”).
 
•   Management of changes in QA / Approval and Production:
 
    (Only infrastructure in Madrid)
 
°   Scheduling Work according to procedures for changes
 
°   Scheduled production start-up according to the procedure for changes, and at the Instances of QA / Approval
 
°   Start-up of production of emergency or unscheduled work per the procedure for changes.


 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban

 
2.2.2   On-demand Activities
 
This is the performance of activities at the request of users, in the event of incidents or due to unscheduled events.
•   Basic Operation
•   Monitoring
•   Management of events, incidents and problems.

2.2.3   Projects
 
Specific activities are those related to business processes that comprise activity plans and projects.
•   Adaptation of specific environment
 
°    Provision of capability for Machine / Analysis of Impact
 
°    Management of Storage / Assignment of disk space
 
°    Creation / Integration into Backup and Recovery processes
 
°    Creation / Adaptation of the Incident and problem management structure, including any new components.

•   Integration into the Production Structure
°   Monitoring
°   Scheduler
°   Creation of the corresponding documentation (departments, criticality)

•   Integration into the Service Structure:
°  Associated Service Indicators:
•   Magnitudes to control1
•   User requirements
•   Application availability
•   Availability of generated data
•   Response time
•   Reports to be generated
•   Criticality of processes for handling incidents.



3.   Specific Activities by Service Provided
 
The specific activities in the context of the Processing Service to be provided by the Vendor to the Customer are:
 
Batch Management (business processes).  Carried out by the Scheduling and Batch Control Center areas.  The tasks carried out by scheduling are:
 
°   Receipt of documentation on the work to be scheduled.  Altec will be responsible for providing said documentation (shown in the Change Management Guide).
 
°   Preparation of work (introduction / validation of data required for performance), whether for automated systems under Control-M or for those which are not automated by specific tools.
 
°   Organization of the performance of work by the various applications, determining:
 
•   the period for performing the work
 
•   the sequence based on criticality (prioritizing work)
 
•   whether the task is dependent on completing other tasks
 
•   verification of results
 
•   monitoring work
 
•   management of competition and exclusion with other work or processes based on the competition for resources
 
•   recovery operation.  Specific procedures will be prepared by working with the Systems Administration areas (i.e. Databases), and at times, for the resolution of recovery the Systems Tech and Altec/Development will have to work together.  This will be run by the Batch Control Center
 
•   Re-start operation.  The specific procedures will be prepared with the Systems Administration and Altec/Development
 
•   Management of resources, priorities and permits.
•   Transmission of orders to run work that is not periodical (received per procedure).
•   New schedule of work due to
°   Entry of new applications
°   Running special processes
°   Changes to the basic hardware and software of the environment
°   Maintaining system components.
 
°   Running processes and the corresponding controls, controlling return codes and validation processes
 
°   Running processes or special repeated processes requested by the Customer.
 

 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban


Support for and resolution of incidents involving batch processes are the responsibility of the Customer (with respect to applications and interfaces).  Specifically by Platform:
 
Mainframe:  Support and resolution of incidents detected in batch processes of this platform will be escalated to Altec 7 x 24 which will be responsible for said incidents
 
Intermediate Systems:  Support and resolution of incidents detected in batch processes on this platform will be escalated to Altec Production, which will be responsible for said incidents, for systems residing in Madrid and for systems located in Chile.
The registration, escalation and control of batch process incidents will be handled according to the Incident and Problem Management procedure defined in “Support for the Management of Incidents and Problems (CSC – Customer Support Center)”.
Transaction Management
 
°
Automatic start-up to authorize access to transaction applications.
 
°
Monitoring performance of systems housing transaction applications
 
°
Shutdown operation to prohibit access to transaction applications.
       
     Data Management: This subject is intended to guarantee the availability of media and procedures to store information that is critical to the Service.
       The objective of data management is to guarantee the availability of stored data and its recovery when required.  It specifically includes the following basic activities:
   
°
Analyzing the criticality of existing data in terms of its activity
   
°
Implementing global backup and recovery policies, in function of the importance of the data.  Backup processes run by the applications are the responsibility of the Customer; the Vendor is responsible for the recovery of data.
   
°
Providing mechanisms to protect against losses and disasters of any type.
   
°
Ensure that the data are store on appropriate media during the terms specified jointly with the Customer and that its recovery is feasible and rapid.
   
°
Facilitate the availability of data, so that the Customer may carry out the transfer of data and information with outside entities.
   
°
Define and run the procedures that establish policies for maintaining fiscal, accounting and any other information specified by current regulations.
       
       
       
 
Printing and finishing
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban

 
   
°
The responsibility of the Vendor is focused on the availability of the data, since the printing and finishing remains in Chile, and is the responsibility of the Customer
       
 
Optimization and Control
   
°
Systems
     
• Monitoring of transaction performance under the responsibility of the Vendor
     
• Monitoring capacity
     
• Creation and maintenance of auto operator rules
     
• Authorization for intermediate services
     
• Running optimization tasks that are derived from the foregoing points
   
°
Batch
     
• Inclusion of JCLs in the daily scheduling of production events, and for Approval and QA events
     
• Monitoring of Process Performance
     
• Performance of tasks that are derived form the aforementioned monitoring
     
• Actions to correct work for the optimization of processes.
       
Management of Room Logistics
 
°
Receipt of the new hardware
 
°
Provide the infrastructure necessary and inclusion in Inventory Management, Capacity and Availability
 
°
Base software: The installation of base software is related to the installation of the hardware and is carried out by Systems Support teams
 
°
Adjust the contingency plans to the new infrastructure
 
°
Diagnose or design impacts of the changes on applications and issue reports in this regard.
       
Systems and Subsystems Administration
 
° In general, the following activities are carried out for all subsystems:
   
• Use system and subsystem monitors to obtain performance and evaluation background information
   
• Control the response time of systems in general, based on the transactional environments
   
• Provide technical assistance to the operations area, delivering support and technical upgrades.
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
 
       
       
   
Maintain and update the system software, product programs and tools (excluding applications whether for its own development or third parties).
   
Keep the system software updated by means of PTFs (Program Temporary Fixes) and monitor the description of the problem by means of APARs (Authorized Program Analysis Reports).
   
Maintain a register of the use of general resources associated with each subsystem and its associated products.
 
°
MVS System Programming:
   
Provide all the instances of work covering the Service (Development and Integrated Testing, QA, Approval and Production).
   
Provided technical support for the software, operating system and products, delivering support and technical upgrades to the involved parties.
   
Use system monitors in order to obtain background on behavior and evaluation, controlling the consumption and distribution of CPU memory resources and seeking a high effectiveness of the same.
   
Control and report on the use and distribution of critical disk space (system and spool space).
   
Maintain LPARs and the priorities / configurations of the system.
   
Install, maintain and update access control software
   
Implement the protection requirements for operating system resources via access control software.
 
°
CICS/MQ systems programming:
   
Maintain and update the system software for the online environment.
   
Structure CICS regions to support the requirements of the Customer’s applications.
   
Prepare configurations for the system so as to maximize performance and capacity.
 
°
Programming of data base management systems:
   
Maintain and update the system software for data base administration
   
Maintenance of the DBMS (Data Base Management System).
   
Reorganize the Data Base and image copies
   
Review and physical support of the Data Base
   
Scheduling of capacities of the data bases and management of performance.
   
Monitoring and handling of system resources (e.g. DASD, CPU) in support of the data bases and scheduling of capabilities.
   
Recovery of the Data Base.
       
 
°
Data base support:
       
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban

 
Develop the following activities supplemented by the Client’s personnel: Monitoring of data bases, this activity is related to verification of status and projection of data basses in regards to the use of space.
 
°
Programming of VTAM and TCP/IP systems:
   
Maintain and update the communications software
   
Control and monitor the behavior of system communications resources, including the associated hardware and software, seeking to maintain their high availability.
 
°
Programming of intermediate platform Operating Systems:
   
Provide all the instances of work covered by the service
   
Provide technical support for the software, operating system and products, providing support and technical upgrades to those involved.
   
Use system monitors to obtain background information on behavior and evaluation, verifying consumption and distribution behavior of CPU-memory resources, seeking a high efficacy rate of the same.
   
Control and report the use and distribution of the critical disk space resource (systems space).
   
Maintain the partitions and priorities/configurations of systems.
 
°
Support for Control-M:
   
Define the Control-M systems for environments under the responsibility of the Vendor on the various platforms.
   
Make changes to the product that are necessary to customize environments / platforms.
   
Apply maintenance, according to the instructions and materials delivered by the supplier.
         
Basic Software and Hardware Maintenance
 
°
Hardware:  Does not involve the specific maintenance of components (these are the responsibility of the hardware services providers), but rather the supervision and coordination of the same and their customization, which affects the configuration and availability.
 
°
Software: Consists of the application of patches, service packs, etc., and/or version changes.  In the case of complex changes, (the Procedure for the Management of Changes will be followed), areas external to the Vendor must participate, such as Development or Users.
         
Data bases for Approval, QA and Production
 
°
Administration of table spaces, segments and objects
 
°
Supervision and optimization of performance
 
°
Maintenance and application of patches
 
°
Control of availability
 
°
Management of changes and analysis of integrity
 
°
Management of storage and assignment of space.
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
 
Operation
   
 
°
Management of Capacity and Availability
 
°
Management of alarms, consoles of various servers
 
°
Operate disk consoles
 
°
Management of peripherals, and carry out the mounting / unmounting of tapes per requests by applications or developers
 
°
Execute console commands
 
°
Monitor systems.  The fundamental objective is to receive information regarding the operation of production infrastructures, in terms of trends as well as specific device actions. In light of the Service Level Agreement, provide the information necessary for the preparation of monitoring reports.
 
°
Perform the daily processes to refresh environments.
 
°
Open and close applications.
Optimization and control
 
°
Repetitive structural installations
 
°
Action before incidents
 
°
Modification of Server parameters
 
°
Support for the creation of objects on subsystems
Processing in the event of a contingency
 
°
Recovery of equipment from the Data Center and/or data network by failures
 
°
Develop and maintain the disaster recovery plan
 
°
Coordinate disaster recovery tests
 
°
Carry out disaster recovery tests and report the results of the same
 
°
Insure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Monitoring and control
 
 
°
Preparation of service reports (for internal and external use) and delivery of files to the Customer
 
°
Execution of specific tasks of the system on a scheduled basis or upon request (according procedures).
 
°
Specific actions regarding tasks being performed (changes in order or in conditions) in order to better comply with agreed upon schedules.
Inventory Management
 
 
°
Carry out inventory and manage life cycle of installed machines
 
°
Periodically review the installed equipment and update inventory
 
°
Coordinate and support changes to the IT infrastructure involved in the service.
Support for the Management of Incidents and Problems (CSC – Customer Support Center)
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
 
         
 
°
Management and escalation of second-level incidents, and to the 7x24 group and Altec Production in Chile (according to the Incident Management Procedure).
 
°
Management of Problems in the corresponding area (according to procedures).
Management of Changes
 
°
Coordination of the Vendor’s Changes Committee with the Customer
 
°
Preparation of software for its installation in approval, QA and production
 
°
Installation of the software on all platforms for which the Vendor is responsible
 
°
Coordination of changes to approval, QA and production for platforms for which the Vendor is responsible.
 
The Vendor shall have the authority to approve changes in production, subject to the escalation procedures defined in the Change Management process.
Management of stress and volume tests
 
°
Produban Changes Management shall be responsible for the Stress and Volume Tests, which are carried out on the platforms managed by Produban
 
°
The QA departments of Altec and Produban will work together on the stress and volume tests that impact the infrastructures of Altec and Produban.
 
°
Scheduling and execution of the stress and volume tests of the software that is to be placed into production in order to guarantee the stability of the system.
   
Any change to Production must go through the previous environments without exception, which does not mean that everything is tested in QA.  In order to require this test, the change has to either be new software, or represent a significant percentage (+50%) within the Application, or affect several applications or substantially change conditions (relationships, functionalities).  Simple promotions or those with simple changes are not tested.  Those changes for which in their prior research it is believed that testing is not necessary are also not tested.
 
°
For tests that are carried out online (stress), a difference will be made between the Financial Terminal and Middleware Components (OBUS Format).  Transactions are carried out by MQ injectors in the QA environment.
   
It is the responsibility of the Customer to deliver the OBUS and TF formats to the Vendor for the performance of the tests, and to report the details of the transaction and the estimated data (peaks) that are expected to be obtained from the tests:  transactions per second, average response time and critical schedule.
 
°
Volume (batch) tests are based on the performance of grids in the QA environment.
   
The Customer must provide information relative to: estimated run time, start time, conditions, frequency, relationship of jobs and programs and an overall flow chart of the grid.  Likewise, the
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
 
   
         
   
Customer must provide all the files and interfaces necessary in order to carry out said test.
 
°
It is the responsibility of the Customer to provide all the information necessary to carry out said tests, at the level of defining the environment (data, application software, files, etc.) as well as documentation.
Management of Technological Changes
 
°
Coordination with the Customer Changes Committee
 
°
Coordination of the installation of hardware and software for systems and communications
Management of Communications
In order to attain the overall objective to provide communications service between Chile and the Vendor, the following activities shall be carried out, limited to said environment:
 
°
Control of Vendors of subcontracted communications services within the GSNet context:
   
Management of various contracts and agreements that the Customer has with integrators and operators related to Communications services.
   
Management of the service provided by integrators and operators, controlling the levels of service agreed upon with the same.
 
°
Installation
   
   
Installation of the Server cabling infrastructure in the rooms in Madrid
   
Installation of the communications infrastructure (data)
   
Configuration of equipment: Routers, Switches, hubs and channel extenders
   
Adjustment of the Technology Contingency Plan to the new infrastructure (in the CPDs in Madrid).
 
°
Operation
   
Management of Configuration, Capacity and Availability
   
Management of communications alerts
   
Monitoring of communications systems (data).  The fundamental objective is to receive information regarding the operation of production infrastructures, in terms of tends as well as specific deviations.  In light of the Service Level Agreement, provide the information necessary to prepare the follow-up reports
   
Actions for change or improvement
   
Hardware maintenance
         
 
°
Customization
   
The customization of the communications technology infrastructure shall be determined by the guidelines for technological updating adopted at the corporate level, required by the Customer or recommended by the Vendor.  The information generated by Monitoring shall be used to:
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
 
     
Define projects to upgrade infrastructure
     
Analyze new products
     
Define the criteria to prioritize package traffic on the MPLS network
Communications research
 
This group of activities includes:
 
°
The design of communications solutions.  In order to design solutions, a cost study shall also be carried out, so that, in the event that it is necessary, additional budget entries may be approved by the Customer, to allow them to be carried out
   
This refers to data solutions in the following environments:
   
WAN networks:
     
Connection between the CPDs in Chile and the CPDs in Spain
   
LAN networks:
     
Server networks in the CPD in Spain
 
°
Customization to comply with the IP addressing plan of the group
 
°
Communications management tools
   
Monitoring systems
   
Control of versions and configurations of network electronics
   
Design of network maps and alerts
 
°
Analysis, design, evaluation and scheduling of projects corresponding to:
   
The study and implementation of new technologies that offer better technologies or financial improvements that offer a decrease in the cost of communications.
         
Security
 
The activities that the Vendor shall carry out in this context for the provision of services to the Customer covered by this agreement are listed below:
 
°
Security of information and integrity of data
   
Centralization, service, resolution and/or escalation of incidents or security requests.  Requests by users and access to resources and applications that are the responsibility of the Customer are excluded.
   
Emergency access control in order to resolve incidents.
   
Implementation of antivirus systems in Windows environments that are at the Madrid CPDs and under the responsibility of the Vendor
   
Application of the security patches and configuration improvements based on the best practices and non-compliance with the guidelines defined by Corporate Security and the Customer
 
°
Security of logical access
   
The security policies that provide configuration of logical access will be framed by the Customer, and shall comply on a general level with the Corporate Security Policy of the Santander Group, and including Customer-specific aspects.  The installation and configuration activities related to the application of said policies
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
         
   
in IT components and systems within the context of this agreement shall be the responsibility of the Vendor.
         
   
Installation and configuration of a firewall and any other necessary tools
   
Configuration of router and switching components in order to restrict access at the level of network interfaces
   
Registration and periodic monitoring of access to base platforms in order to ensure and encourage the correct use of facilities
   
Communication to the Customer of the polices for access control and restriction for access keys to the various systems of the facility (mainframe and intermediate systems), in order to align the Customer with the general policies of the group
   
Support and recommendations for the configuration of navigation options within the various systems/applications, based on the permits granted to the user and/or group of users.  The responsibility for said configuration of systems/applications corresponds to the Customer.
 
°
Administration of Intermediate Systems at the Operating System (“Root”) level.
 
Any installation and security administration involving the following shall be the responsibility of the
    Customer:
 
 °
Mainframe:
   
At the system level (RACF), communications (communications on the Mainframe platform), CICS and Data Bases (DB2).
   
Development of the processes and procedures to ensure the integrity of data (at the data base level)
   
At the applications level
 
°
Distributed systems:
   
At the applications level
 
°
Management of users and working groups.
   
Identify and implement the protection requirements for application resources
   
Implement data protection requirements using access control software that allows management of usage rights for employees of the Customer as well as the Vendor:
     
Identification and authentication of users
     
Assignment of profiles and access permits
     
Elimination / debugging of users
     
Passwords (assignment, resetting, cancellation, etc.).
         
   
Implementing and maintaining security controls that allow the tasks of the previous item to be carried out on those subsystems and applications that do not use access control software for security.
 
°
Support for conducting security audits
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban

 
         
   
At security audits responsibility falls on the Customer, and the Vendor shall provide the necessary support:
         
   
Documentary support for requests for access logs, processes and any other type that is logged in the systems to be audited
   
Provide lists of users by service, profiles, privileges, permissions, etc. related to the users authorized on the Customer systems, for those systems for which the Vendor is responsible.
   
Provide contracts with other entities that support the performance of the activities included in the service covered by this contract.
   
Provide manuals, configuration diagrams, communication diagrams and any other documentation that describes the provision of the service covered by this contract.
   
Technical assistance for revisions of the security mechanisms and processes analyzed during the security audit, excluding those carried out within applications.
   
Document the activity logs required by the Customer in the regular performance of the activities corresponding to the service covered by this contract (excluding any activity log created by applications, and only for components for which the Vendor is responsible).
 
4.  Activity Reports and Levels of Service
 
The Vendor shall inform the Customer of the activity and level of service achieved based on the frequency and content of the reports specified in the Service Level Agreement document.

In the face of specific events or situations that require special monitoring and follow-up, the Customer may request greater detail for the information provided by request to the Service Manager.
 
5.   General Backup Policy

Within the general strategy of the Vendor in order to guarantee the continuity of the Customer’s service, all applications, associated data and basic software for the technology platforms that support the services to be provided to the customer are backed up according to the following general plan:
 
•   Disk housings, for the mainframe platform and intermediate systems, are replicated at the two CPDs;
 
•   The backups for both platforms are carried out at the opposite CPD of the one that houses the server.  One CPD houses the server and the other contains the backup cartridges.
 
The backup and recovery of files is applied to all technology platforms located in Madrid.
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban

 
The generation of backup copies may be carried out in two ways:
•   Normal regimen
•   Event-based backups
Which are described below.
 
5.1   Normal Regimen Backups
 
The Customer shall be responsible for providing the Vendor with the specifications necessary related to business or legal requirements to carry out data backups.

The Vendor must provide the licenses and install backup agents.  In this manner the Vendor implements and incorporates said backup into the normal Production regimen.  This service shall be required of the Vendor every time that the following events occur:
 
1.   Change in utility and/or procedure
 
2.   Each time that a new machine is incorporated into the Data Center
 
3.   Changes to applications and new applications.
 
5.2    Event-based Backups
 
The Altec Media Administration Supervisor will send the request to the Vendor’s Supervisor using the Event-based Backup Form.  This service will be required in relation to the following events:
 
1.   Cloning a server
 
2.   Special processes
 
3.   Technical tests and projects

5.3   Restoration Policies and Procedures
 
The commitment times for restoration of the various systems and the hold time for data will be determined with the Customer during the transition period.  All of this is in function of the type of application and the organizational or legal requirements that the Customer must fulfill.  The Customer must communicate these conditions to the Vendor so that it may adjust its actions based on the needs specified by the Customer.
Recovery may be considered regular or special.  The conditions that are generally applied to each type are described below:

5.3.1   Normal Recovery
Recovery from the Development and Approval environment are declared to be normal, i.e. these requests will be received only on business days, Monday through Friday during service hours.  If the request arrives outside of these times, it will be left for the next day.  The response time for this type of request shall be 24 hours.

5.3.2   Special Recovery
Recovery of Production, Data security and Auditing are declared to be special, i.e. these requests will be immediately attended to by the Altec Media Administration and Vendor Operations units, once
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban

 
the recovery form arrives.  The response time will depend on the information to be recovered and the availability of the equipment.

For mass project file recovery, the Customer’s Supervisor shall coordinate the scheduling, performance and commitments in a timely manner with the Vendor’s Service Manager.

6.   Technology Contingency Plan

There is a Technology Contingency Plan prepared by the Vendor that contains the procedures for mitigation, actions before, during and after a contingency and the strategies for recovering computing and telecommunications services.

The Vendor agrees to keep the Plan up to date at all times and aligned with the requirements that the Customer may have with respect to its own Business Continuity Plan.  Furthermore, the Vendor may amend the content subject to notification of and agreement with the Customer.

The Vendor shall coordinate and control actions to mitigate risks, contingencies and for recovery contained in the Plan, without that presupposing, under any circumstances, the delegation of any responsibilities that may correspond to the Customer.

The Customer agrees to provide the Vendor with the information necessary in order to maintain the Plan and to follow the applicable procedures.

In order to verify the updating and effectiveness of the Plan, the same shall be tested annually.  The parties shall determine the scope of the same, and preferably must include verification of the procedures that have been changed or modified since the last test.
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban

 
The procedures for mitigation, contingencies and recovery of other systems of the Vendor, as well as all those of the Customer, are explicitly beyond the scope of the Plan.


         
/s/ Francisco del Valle Garrido
   
/s/ Juan Fernández Fernández
 
Produban, Servicios Informáticos Generales, S.L.
   
Banco Santander – Chile
 
By power of attorney
   
By power of attorney
 
Francisco del Valle Garrido
    Juan Fernández Fernández  
 
       

         
 
   
/s/ César Naranjo Ramirez
 
 
   
Banco Santander – Chile
 
 
   
By power of attorney
 
     
César Naranjo Ramirez
 
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban

 



Appendix III

SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT

for the Outsourcing of the

“BSS Data Processing Service”






by and between

PRODUBAN, Servicios Informáticos Generales, S.L.

and

BANCO SANTANDER CHILE






Santiago de Chile and Madrid, December 3, 2007

Ref.: BSS_SPDV00_SLAR26_20070620


[Ink stamp appears on bottom of every page:
 “Produban Servicios Informáticos Generales S.L.]
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
       
1.
INTRODUCTION
4
2.
DESCRIPTION AND SCOPE OF SERVICE
4
 
2.1
Scope
4
 
2.2
Volume of Service
5
 
2.2.1
Infrastructure of Relevant Systems
5
 
2.2.2
Communications
6
3.
COMMITMENTS OF THE PARTIES
6
4.
MEASUREMENT AND MONITORING INDICATORS AND TOOLS
7
 
4.1
Indicators
7
 
4.2
Tools
7
5.
SERVICE SCHEDULE
7
6.
AVAILABILITY OF DATA SERVICES
8
7.
BATCH JOBS
8
 
7.1
Periodic batch jobs
9
 
7.2
Random batch jobs
9
8.
ONLINE AVAILABILITY
10
9.
ONLINE RESPONSE TIME
11
10.
DATA COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE CPDS IN CHILE AND SPAIN
12
11.
WAIVER OF LIABILITY
12
12.
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
13
 
12.1
Level of Severity of Incidents
13
 
12.1.1
Very Serious Incidents: Severity 1
13
 
12.1.2
Serious Incidents: Severity 2
13
 
12.1.3
Normal Incidents: Severity 3
14
 
12.2
Reaction and Resolution or Escalation Times
14
 
12.3
Escalation Procedure
15
 
12.3.1
Severity 1 Incidents
15
 
12.3.2
Severity Level 2 and 3 Incidents
15
 
12.3.3
Incidents related to batches
16
13.
CONTINGENCY PLAN
17
14.
SERVICE VERIFICATION AND ADJUSTMENT PERIOD
17
15.
ACTIONS IN THE EVENT OF NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT
17
16.
SERVICE LEVEL REPORTS
18
 
16.1
Monthly Frequency
18
 
16.2
Weekly Frequency
19
 
16.3
Daily Frequency
19
 
16.4
Other Reports
19
17.
PROCEDURE FOR REVIEW AND CHANGES TO THE SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT
20
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
LIST OF TABLES
     
Table 1:
Volumes of Systems Involved
6
Table 2:
Volumes Associated with Communications
6
Table 3:
Online Availability Indicators
11
Table 4:
Service Level Indicators for Data Communication
12
Table 5:
Service Level Objectives for Incident Management
14
Table 6:
Escalation of Severity Level 1 Incidents
15
Table 7:
Summary of Hierarchical Escalation Times
16
 
 
 
LIST OF FIGURES
     
Figure 1:
Components within the Scope of Service
5
Figure 2:
Supported Instances and Environments
10
Figure 3:
Escalation of Batch Incidents
16
Figure 4:
Service Level Indicators
18
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
1.        Introduction

This document is an appendix to the Computer Services Outsourcing Contract for the “BSS Data Processing Service” between Banco Santander Chile (hereinafter the Customer) and PRODUBAN, Servicios Informáticos Generales, S.L. (hereinafter the Vendor).
 
This document defines the objectives to be attained in the provision of the Data Processing Service provided by the Vendor to the Customer, within the scope described in Appendix II to the Contract, “Catalog of Services.”
 
The service level objectives established in this document use as a reference the values that the Customer currently has and measures, in the end complying with the end of the transition period, which will last for 6 months.  During the transition period, the actual service levels achieved will be monitored and the levels that will be established as service level objectives to be provided by the Vendor shall be agreed upon.
 
The signatures at the end of this document indicate that the Customer and the Vendor are in agreement as to its content, and that the objectives are attainable, forming the requirements for the service provided to the Customer by the Vendor.
 
2.   Scope and Volume of Service

2.1         Scope
 
The service that the Vendor shall provide to the Customer breaks down into a series of Elements and Activities, as defined in Item 1 of Appendix II to the Contract, titled “Service Catalog.”

The Components are comprised of the technology infrastructure operated directly by Produban.  Certain subsystems located in Chile are serviced by personnel from Altec Chile or may be the subject of local outsourcing, and are beyond the scope of the service provided by Produban.

A schematic representation of the components serviced by Produban and those that are not, and which therefore are beyond the scope of this service level agreement, is presented in Figure 1 – “Architecture of Banco Santander Santiago.”

Said diagram shows to the left of the vertical line “service boundary,”  within the shaded zone, the subsystems that may be serviced by Altec, or which may be outsourced, and those systems to the right of the line are serviced by Produban, and are the subject of this Services Level Agreement (SLA).
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
 
[Key of items from Figure 1:]
Managed by Altec
 
Managed by Produban
Sucursales = Branch offices
Atencion Telefonica = Telephone Service
Banca por Internet = Online Banking
Banca Personas = Personal Banking
Banca Empresas = Business Banking
Banca Personas / Empresas = Personal / Business Banking
Banca Automatica = Automatic Teller Banking
Autoservicios = Self Service
Servimatico = [unclear – possible ATM]
Redes medios de pago = Payment Methods Networks
Especificos = Specific Features
Apllo. Departamentales = Dept. Support
Sucursales = Branch Offices
 
Aplicaciones = Applications
Aplicaciones = Applications
Aplicaciones no Altair = Non-Altair applications
Datamart Medios de Pago = Datamart Payment Methods
 
Figure 1: Components falling within the Scope of Service

2.2         Volume of Service
 
The Customer and the Vendor agree to a maximum volume of service that will be considered to have been exceeded when one or several of the circumstances described in the following paragraphs occur.
 
2.2.1      Infrastructure of Relevant Systems
 
Parameter
Definition
Limit Value
Total number of MIPS contracted per partition (base line)
Production partition
2,506 MIPs and 25 GB of memory
QA / Approval Partition
100 MIPS and 8 GB of memory
Development
500 MIPs and 8 GB of memory
Volume of mainframe disks
Disk space for data
23.5 TB of data with another 23.5 TB for backup
No. of CPUs of SUN intermediate systems
Production, for application servers as well as database servers
20 CPUs, UltraSaprc IV+ 1,500 MHz and 144 GB RAM
Development
4 CPUs, UltraSaprc IV+
1,500 MHz and 32 GB RAM
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
 
Parameter
Definition
Limit Value
 
Approval
8 CPUs, UltraSaprc IV+
1,500 MHz and 64 GB RAM
No. of CPUs of Wintel intermediate systems
Production
8 CPUs, Xeon 3.6 GHz, 32 GB RAM
Development
3 CPUs, Xeon 3.6 GHz, 16 GB RAM
Terminal Server
2 CPUs, Xeon 3.6 GHz, 8 GB RAM
Disk space on intermediate systems
Disk space for data
13.5 TB net (18.6 gross) SAN, with another 13.5 TB net (18.6 gross) backup SAN
  Table 1: System Volumes

  The 3,106 MIPs shown in the above table are the base line (contracted capacity) for the Customer.  The total installed capacity is 3,516 MIPs.

  2.2.2    Communications
 
Parameter
Definition
Limit Value
Volume of CPD lines
Average usage volume of primary CPD access lines
Exceeds 70% for 80% of the service time (10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday to Sunday)
 
Table 2: Volumes Associated with Communications
 
  3.    Commitments of the Parties
 
The Vendor agrees to maintain the Service Level indicators at values equal to or better than those specified in this Service Level Agreement, provided that the service volume is not greater than the parameters set forth in this section.  If these maximum volumes are exceeded, the Vendor agrees to continue providing the service to the Customer, under the best possible conditions, with the limitation of available capacity.

When the indicators associated with these components indicate continued use approaching 90%, in particular the volume of MIPS consumed, the Vendor shall initiate a change request process to research a possible expansion, provided that the continued use of the components under conditions approaching the availability limits could cause a decline in operation as specified in this SLA.

Furthermore, if the limits set above are exceeded during the effective term of the Outsourcing Contract, the Customer and the Vendor agree either to approve changes to the values of indicators of this Service Level Agreement, or to approve and carry out changes to the systems that are timely for the reestablishment of the same.  Furthermore, if applicable, the budget items necessary to carry out said changes shall be approved.

These decisions shall be made at the meetings held by the parties per the provisions of the Relationship Model.
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
4.           Measurement and Monitoring Indicators and Tools

4.1         Indicators
Service Level indicators are those measurements, which when taken objectively, serve both parties in determining whether the agreed upon service level is being provided in an effective manner, from the perspective of the components of the service as well as the various specific activities based on the Service provided (Paragraph 1.3 of Appendix II to the Contract, “ Service Catalog”).

The indicators used to measure the service level of each activity are defined for each of them, expressing the compliance values.

4.2         Tools
The Vendor shall provide the tools and implements necessary to carry out the management and control of the elements included in the SLA.  Said tools will be:

System and networks management and monitoring tools.  All those systems installed in the service infrastructure that allow determination of dedicated resources, as well as any sessions or transactions performed in the applications that comprise the referenced service, and the use of resources (communications as well as systems).

Application of Incident Management.  The Application of Incident Management is the tool used by the Customer Support Center of the Vendor to manage incidents.  All incidents reported to the Customer Support Center shall be entered in the data base of this application, which will provide information regarding the number, status and resolution time of incidents.  In the event that this application changes, the use of the new one will be provided to the Customer.

Probes.  Probes are computer systems that automatically and periodically carry out a simulation, configured as desired in advance, of actions representing the functionality of an application or service which is accessed from any of the browsers available on the market.  The results of said browsing are stored and processed in a data base, for subsequent study.  The Probes provide data regarding Availability, Response Time and Performance.  The Probes may be used to carry out a simulation prior to stress tests or changes to the capacity of the service components.

5.   Service Schedule

The Customer Support Center (CSC) provides services 24 x 7, and is the point of entry for all requests and incidents related to the service.  Operating services are also provided 24 x 7.

The remaining components of the processing service are provided:
 
Monday through Friday, during work hours of the service (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local Chilean time).
 
Outside of the scheduled hours for conducting tasks that must be carried out without affecting Customers or users.
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

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During the rest of the schedule, technicians will be available on-call and their actions will be delimited by the escalation procedure described below in this document.
 
6.   Availability of Batch Services
Availability of data services is understood to be the opportunity for the correct delivery of data, using as an indicator the time when the Customer should have data associated with the services covered by this SLA available, obtained as a result of the daily chain processes, free of errors and ready for subsequent processing.

The indicators associated with availability are defined in function of data type.  Monitoring of compliance with these service levels is collected in the corresponding control table that is generated daily.  Its contents are attached as to this document as Appendix A – “Control Table.”

7.   Batch Jobs

Batch jobs will be subject to a correct completion commitment, i.e. work completed without errors due to the platform, operation or scheduling, within the specified terms. There are two categories of batch jobs:
 
Periodic batch jobs
 
Random batch jobs.

7.1         Periodic Batch Jobs
 •    These measure the Vendor’s compliance with respect to its obligations to deliver data and information corresponding to process schedules, free of errors associated with the services covered by this contract, from data obtained from chain processes.  An error is understood to be a result that is different from the control established for this application by the Customer.  Examples of process schedules:
° 
 
Daily
° 
 
Monthly processes (includes obligations of the Customer to External Institutions)
° 
 
Monthly forecasts
° 
 
Monthly profitability
° 
  
Monthly Management Audit
° 
 
Others that the Customer may decide to include in the future as the result of new applications in Production.

 
The Customer shall deliver the schedules for scheduled processes in November of each year for the following year, based on the established change management process. This document shall constitute the Annual Schedule.
 
The Customer shall deliver to the Vendor, no later than the 15th day of each month of the next following business day, the schedules for preliminary monthly processes
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban


 
duly dated for processing in the subsequent month.  As of the date on which the preliminary calendars of monthly processes are available, the Vendor shall participate, under the direction of the Customer, in coordination activities that are carried out in order to prepare the final calendar.

 
The Vendor must, five business days after receipt, confirm the feasibility for performing [the actions] during the schedules specified in the same, in accordance with the Standards of Service.

 
In the event that the Vendor cannot comply with one or more of the processes indicated in said calendars, it must demonstrate its inability to do so and propose an alternative that is demonstrated to be valid.  Based on the foregoing, the parties may agree to the corresponding modification.

 
For new applications, the standard shall be established after confirming its anticipated behavior during the QA period and at least once during production.  For applications that enter production under special circumstances without QA, the behavior will be confirmed after at least three production runs.

  7.2       Random Batch Jobs
a)
 
Random Processes included in the documentation of applications:
      
These processes may only be requested Area Managers of the Customer’s Technology Division (including in the Control Group.
 
They shall be performed in the Production Grid for the day on which the process is requested, if it is requested no later than 2:00 p.m. on the corresponding day.
 
They shall be performed in the Production Grid of the day following the date of the request if the request arrived after 2:00 p.m.
 
Any exceptions to the foregoing, regarding the opportunity to run the jobs, must have the approval of at least the Customer Service Supervisor, the person serving in his place or the person to whom he delegates this authority in writing.
 
It is established that the results of these processes must be free of errors associated with the services covered by this contract, from the data obtained as a result of the batch processes of the chains.  An error is understood to be a result that is different from the control established for this application by the Customer.
 
These requests must be made through the Change Control tool available for this purpose.

b)
 
Random Processes NOT included in the application documentation.
 
These processes may only be requested, at a minimum, by the Customer Service Supervisor, the person serving in his place or the person to whom he delegates this authority in writing, and they may be:

 
At the request of the Customer:  These are processes carried out to meet random needs and they do not necessarily form part of the respective application.
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban


 
Random Processes dependent on a Special Environment (for example, processes that require restoring data bases from previous periods):  The run is started within 2 hours following the time when the special environment becomes available.

 
These requests must be made through the Change Control tool available for this purpose.

  8.     Online Availability
Online availability shall be understood to be the period of time within the period of measurement during which the system or systems controlled with all the corresponding subsystems and components are operating error-free and fully performing the corresponding functions for the end users.  This measurement shall be carried out on a weekly basis [and] it shall be applied to two situations:

 
Total loss of service
 
Partial loss of service or degradation of response times for some of the transactions that are most representative of the applications.

  The objective for availability shall be calculated using the following formula:

(TT – TND) / TT) * 100

where:
 
TT  =Total operating time expected of the service or Service Window
 
TND =Corresponding down time.

  The following table presents the Customer Environments and Instances that are supported by the Vendor.

Platform
zOS
Intermediate Services
Environment
SYSD
SYSQ
SISP
Unix and Wintel Systems
Instance
Development
Testing and Integration
Approval
QA
Production
Development
Approval
Production
Figure 2: Supported Instances and Environments

The following table shows the daily availability objective for each Instance.  The time values are considered to be expressed in minutes:
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 

Indicator
Service Window
Daily Availability Objective
Production Instances for both Environments
00:00 – 24:00
TT = 7 days x 24 hours x 60 min.
Objective: 99.8%
Production Instances for both Environments(1)
07:30 – 16:30
TT = 5 days x 24 hours x 60 min.
Objective: 99.8%
Other Instances for both Environments
08:00 – 20:00, Monday – Friday
TT = 5 days x 12 hours x 60 min.
Objective: 98%
Other Instances for both Environments
20:00 – 8:00 Monday – Friday or non-business days
TT = 5 days x 12 hours x 60 min.
 
Table 3: Online Availability Indicators
(1)    NOTE:  For Production environments two measurements will be taken, one covering the total 24-hour range and another that is specific to the prime time usage periods.

Scheduled maintenance shutdowns shall be carried out on Sundays or non-working holidays, as agreed upon with the Customer, and therefore they shall not affect availability.

Any other type of service shutdown must be agreed upon and scheduled jointly by the Vendor and Customer in order to assess and minimize any possible impact on the service.

In any event, all scheduled shutdowns must be communicated to the Customer 15 days in advance and whenever possible redundant installed capacities shall be used in order to minimize any impact on the Service.

9.   Online Response Time

a)    The response time for transactions in the host environments is comprised of the time used by applications plus the hardware resources available plus the systems software or the systems software environment.

b)    For new applications or new transactions, the Customer will assign them an expected response time, resulting from QA volume and stress tests, measured based on transactions that are most representative of the system.

c)    New transactions or those that the Customer wishes to optimize or that have exceeded the expected response times, shall be subject to investigation by the development and architecture teams, and by the Vendor.

d)   The Customer is responsible for the optimization of applications and for incorporating or not incorporating additional hardware resources to optimize the transaction response time:
i)
 
The Vendor shall demonstrate to the Customer, via monthly performance and usage reports, the need to add additional resources to the platform.  The resource unit to be considered shall be CPU usage in MIPS for mainframe systems, CPU usage percentage of 80% for UNIX systems and 50% for WINTEL systems, which shall include all architecture components (Example: Channels, memory, CPU, communications, etc.) necessary to guarantee the committed levels of services.
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban
 
e)   The Vendor shall be responsible for the efficiency of the systems software environment.
f)    In the event that a lack of efficiency is due to the systems software environment, the Vendor shall be responsible for taking action to correct this situation.
g)   The time table for service and resolution of problems from the section titled “Incident Management” shall be applicable.

10.     Data Communication between the CPDs in Chile and Spain

  Data communication between the CPDs in Chile and Spain will be carried out in general over Level 1 lines (point to point).

  Level 2 lines (MPLS) and Level 3 lines (VPN) are available, but they will only be used when necessary.

  The service level indicators for the various lines are shown in the following table, indicating the availability and the equivalent in minutes the service is not available.

  These values do not include possible shutdowns for technical maintenance performed by the operator.

Line
Percentage Availability
Non-availability in minutes
per month
LEVEL 1 (point to point)
99.96%
17,302
LEVEL 2 (MPLS, 2 nodes)
99.46%
233,280
LEVEL 3 (VPN Internet)
98.96%
449,280
Table 4: Service Level Indicators for Data Communication

11.         Waiver of Liability

The Vendor shall be relieved of liability for attainment of the standards of service when its failure to comply is due to:

 
Interruptions requested by the Customer. These requests shall be made using the existing tool (as of execution of this contract, TSD).
 
The failure of the Customer or its other Vendors to correct any errors / problems that are its responsibility and that have been properly, formally and in a timely manner reported to the Customer by the Vendor.
 
Problems caused by the action or inaction by the personnel of the Customer or its other Vendors.
 
Scheduled interruptions that are duly reported to the Customer and approved.
 
Work performed by personnel from the Customer assigned to the Vendor for the purposes of this service, that do not comply with a procedure or instruction of the Vendor, provided that the non-performance was reported in writing by the Vendor to the Customer.  For this purpose, the Customer will formally communicate to the personnel managed by the Vendor their obligation to comply with the Vendor’s instructions and procedures.
 
 

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[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

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[Logo] Produban


 
Problems rooted in the Hardware and/or Software of systems supplied by the Customer, provided that the Vendor has formally informed the Customer in a timely manner.

 
Problems rooted in infrastructure not managed by Produban (controlled by Altec or IBM), and that may affect the normal provision of the contracted services.

 
Lack of capacity of the same hardware and/or software to withstand the work load that is required and that has been reported in a timely manner to the Customer.

 
Any delay in the delivery of data provided to the Vendor by the Customer, by third parties for which the Customer is responsible or by applications not operated by the service provided by the Vendor, which are necessary for running processes and as of the time when they have been duly reported to the Customer based on the Problem Administration Procedure.
 
 
Cancellation of applications or systems due to inconsistencies in information stored in the logical data base or due to code errors in programs that are the responsibility of the Bank.

12.         Incident Management

The total life time of an incident is the time that passes from its entry into the Incident Management Application until it is fully resolved and closed.

It shall be determined by three time values:
     
 
The reaction time by resolution teams
 
 The time invested in the resolution or escalation of the same
 
 The time required to correct the incident by the user.

These three time values will be measured separately.  The first two are attributable to the Vendor, provided that said Incidents are the responsibility of the Vendor, and the third value is attributable to the Customer.

12.1   Incident Severity Level
The general objectives for reaction and resolution times are established in function of the incident severity level.  The defined levels of severity are:

12.1.1    Very Serious Incident: Severity Level 1
Very Serious Incident. Affects the operation of the business; the user cannot work with business functions.
This incident involves a total shutdown of the process chain, affects the schedule for performing Session Changes, or directly affects compliance with the delivery of results and/or the authorization of services.

12.1.2    Serious Incident: Severity Level 2
Serious Incident. Impact on service, making operation by the user difficult but not preventing business operations.
 

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This is an incident that does not affect the performance of Session Changes, that does not directly affect the authorization of services or the delivery of priority results but that implies the stoppage of more than one process and that impacts the delivery of results.
 
12.1.3    Normal Incident: Severity Level 3
Normal Incident. This incident does not affect the business, few users or non-critical functions are affected.

This is an incident that occurs on a terminal task, understanding this to mean that since it is a final task the application does not deliver conditions, therefore it does not cause processes to halt, or files to another task [sic], which generates as a result a report or file and the latter does not affect service of the line.

12.2   Reaction and Resolution or Escalation Times
The response or reaction time is the time that passes from when the incident is communicated to the Customer Support Center until it sends it to the corresponding resolution team.

Estimated reaction and resolution or escalation times in general are presented in the following table.
Severity
Reaction Time
Resolution or Escalation Time
1
15 minutes
4 hours
2
30 minutes
1 day
3
1 hour
7 days
Table 5: Incident Management Service Level Objectives

The severity of the incident is defined when the incident report is created.  The severity must be validated by the Vendor, while the latter will be used as reference for applying the time values shown in the preceding table.

Any batch incidents that are sent 7 x 24 will be treated as Severity Level 1, and their reaction time will be 15 minutes.

The resolution or escalation time has been approximated in the event that a third party is not involved in its resolution.

In the specific case of communication-related incidents, subject to a maintenance agreement with a third party, no different reaction times and resolution times shall be included, in general the following times shall be applicable:
     
 
Reaction time: 30 minutes
 
Resolution or escalation time: 4 hours

The description of the incidents, definition of the concepts of reaction time and resolution,and the detailed process for managing the same shall be found in the document “Incident Management Guide.”

When an incident cannot be resolved by the current response level, it shall be escalated to the next resolution level based on the provisions of the following item.
 
 

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12.3Escalation Procedure
The Customer Support Center provides service 24 x 7 therefore it must be the area that forwards all incidents detected by users and shall act as the first resolution level.  Nevertheless, those incidents that are detected by the technical area teams involved in the service may be attended by them as the first resolution level.

When it is necessary to escalate incidents to higher levels, it shall be done through functional means () such as the hierarchy (support supervisor to the next level support supervisor).
     
 
Functional route: From resolution component to next level resolution component.
 
Hierarchical route: Support supervisor to next level support supervisor, with the time necessary to allow him/her to organize timely decision making.

The description of the types of escalation is described in the technical document titled “Incident Management Guide.”

12.3.1    Severity Level 1 Incidents
All Severity Level 1 incidents follow the escalation sequence described in the following table:
Severity Level
First Resolution Level
(15 min)
Escalated to Second Resolution Level (30 min.)
Escalated to Third Resolution Level
Escalated to Fourth Resolution Level
1
Customer Support Center
 
Technical Area involved
Support supervisor, second level
   
Table 6: Escalation of Severity Level 1 Incidents

When escalating an incident to the next resolution level (at 15 minutes), all the incidents will be reported to:
     
 
Management of the Vendor
 
Supervisor of the Customer Support Center
 
Service Manager
 
Account Manager.

12.3.2    Severity Levels 2 and 3 Incidents
Incidents of severity levels 2 and 3 will be escalated to the supervisor of the second support level and to the supervisor of the Customer Support Center (CSC) when 50% of the time specified by the Service Level Agreement for its resolution has passed.

Incidents of Severity Level 2 and 3 shall be escalated to the Service Manager and to supervisors of the technical areas when the time specified by the Service Level Agreement for its resolution has passed.

The functional escalation shall be carried out based on the times specified in Table 6.
 

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In order to escalate an incident to the hierarchical level, the following levels are considered:
     
 
Level 1: CSC and Technical Area involved
 
Level 2: Technical Area Supervisor (2nd support level)
  Level 3: CSC Supervisor and Service Manager
 
Level 4: Account Manager and Vendor’s Management.

The following table shows a summary of the escalation diagram:

Escalation
Severity Level 2
Severity Level 3
Level 1 to 2
30 min.
1 hr.
Level 2 to 3
2 hr.
6 hr.
Level 3 to 4
4 hr.
12 hr.
 
Table 7: Summary of hierarchical escalation times

Note:  Times are counted from detection of the incident.  They are not cumulative.

12.3.3    Incidents related to the Batch
Any incidents related to the batch shall be distinguished based on the location of the infrastructure where it is run.

12.3.3.1 Batch Incidents involving the Infrastructure located in Spain
For the infrastructure located in Spain, the sequence of escalation shall comply with the following figure:

[Key to figure:]
Responsible del Acuerdo BSS Produban = BSS Produban Contract Manager
Dirección Explotación = Operations Department
Superado SLA = Exceeded Service Level Agreement
Responsible 7 x 24 = 7 x 24 Supervisor
Responsible Altec Producción = Altec Production Supervisor
Responsible CGR/Comunicaciones = CGR / Communications Supervisor
Responsible TS pertinente = Corresponding TS Supervisor
Después de 30 minutos = After 30 minutes
Desarrollo Altec = Altec Development

Figure 3: Escalation of Batch Incidents
 
 
 

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12.3.3.2 Batch Incidents in the Infrastructure Outside of Spain
For batch processes that are run on machines that are outside of the transfer and that are not attended 24 x 7, the following procedure shall be followed:
For storage problems
 
Alpha platforms:
Based on the procedure defined by the Services Vendor selected to support this platform.
     
 
Non-alpha platforms (Intermediate Servers):
Same procedure as for batch incidents

For problems with Oracle
Follow the same process as for space problems; inform monitoring in Chile, which is responsible for contacting the party to resolve this incident.

13.     Contingency Plan
The Vendor shall have a contingency plan that ensures the provision of services in the event of a disaster.  In order to ensure the effectiveness of said Plan, at least once a year a simulated Emergency shall be run.  Said simulation may be specific to the service covered by this Contract, or it may be common to several services.

While the circumstances that caused the emergency are still in force or the elements included in the provision of the service are present, it shall be considered that the service is being provided in “contingency mode,” and the indicators defined in the foregoing sections relative to availability, response time and/or the resolution of incidents shall not be applicable.

When the circumstances that caused the emergency have abated and the items included in the provision of the service have been fully recovered, the Vendor shall restore the service in “normal mode” as soon as possible.

14.     Service Verification and Adjustment Period

There shall be a transition period of 6 months following the signature of the Service Level Agreement, during which time the operation of the service covered by the contract shall be adjusted and it will be verified that the times provided by the Customer or obtained from the initial measurement comply with reality.  During this period, the availability and response time need not comply with the indicators.

15.     Actions in the event of Non-compliance with the Service Level Agreement

The Vendor agrees to provide the specified service to the Customer so that it may carry out its work effectively.

The service level shall be considered satisfactory provided that the Measurements of Indicators are greater than or equal to the framed Objective.

If the measured levels of the indicators are below the values specified in the objectives, the actions necessary to attempt to reestablish the values at
 
 
 

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the levels established in this Agreement shall be agreed upon in the meetings specified in the Relationship Models specific to this service.

16.     Service Level Reports
In order for the Customer to have a control mechanism that will allow it to compare the service provided by Produban on a continuous and on-going manner, reports shall be prepared relative to the service level provided with various content and frequencies.  Specifically, various reports shall be issued monthly, weekly and daily.

In addition, the Customer as well as the Vendor shall maintain the same monitoring for a minimum period of 6 months.  Upon completion of the same, the Parties shall agree if necessary to continue with said degree of monitoring at the Customer’s facilities.

16.1   Monthly Frequency
A report of the “Service Level” shall be prepared monthly and distributed to the Service Supervisor, to the Service Level Agreement supervisor and the Customer’s and Vendor’s Management.

The content of said report shall be defined and adjusted by the parties during the transition period.

Service Level Indicators
[Illegible]
For Services
Comments Log
Monthly progress of primary services
Communications – Telecommunications Availability
[Illegible]
Progress of Incidents
Operation – Runs and error rates
Operation – Runs and error rates (batch)
Operation – Runs and error rates (Intermediate Services) SUN9 and SUN15
Operation – HOST Indicators – Percentage of compliance
Operation – Indicators, Intermediate Services (SUN9 and SUN15) – Percentage of compliance
 
CCB – Processes (Operation) – Consumption of machine by the Batch
Operation –Number of runs and Online error indices
Scheduling – Manual interventions
HOST Storage Management (Operation) – Robotic Activity (number of tapes)
HOST Storage Management – HSM Activity (number of operations)
HOST Storage Management – Number of files
[Illegible]
Operation – CICS transaction response time
Operation – Online Efficiency – Total transactions and MIPS consumed
Figure 4: Service Level Indicators
 
 

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16.2   Weekly Frequency
A report of “Production Indicators” shall be prepared weekly and distributed to the Customer’s Service Manager.

The contents of said report shall be defined and adjusted by the parties throughout the transition period.

16.3   Daily Frequency
Several activity reports shall be generated daily and distributed to the Customer’s Service Manager.

The reports will relate to:
 
Incidents (remedy, indicated by type and application)
 
Control table

The content of the reports shall be specified and adjusted by the parties throughout the transition period.

16.4   Other Reports
In addition, and only in the event of non-compliance with service levels, an exception report shall be prepared, containing the following information:
 
List of incidents that caused degradation of the service
 
Root causes of said incidents and proposed actions
 
Conclusions and recommendations

In the face of certain events or situations that require special monitoring and follow-up, the Customer may request more detailed information by submitting a request to the Service Manager.



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17.     Procedure for Reviewing and Changing the Service Level Agreement
Either of the parties may request a review of this document for the following reasons:
 
Changes to the business environment in which each party works
 
Changes to the infrastructure that supports the service
 
At the request of any of the signatories.

Furthermore, annual reviews of the Service Level Agreement shall be prepared on the anniversary of its effective date.

         
/s/ Francisco del Valle Garrido
   
/s/ Juan Fernández Fernández
 
Produban, Servicios Informáticos Generales, S.L.
   
Banco Santander – Chile
 
By power of attorney
   
By power of attorney
 
Francisco del Valle Garrido
    Juan Fernández Fernández  
 
       

         
 
   
/s/ César Naranjo Ramirez
 
 
   
Banco Santander – Chile
 
 
   
By power of attorney
 
     
César Naranjo Ramirez
 


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Appendix IV

SECURITY

for the Outsourcing of the

“BSS Data Processing Service”


 


by and between

PRODUBAN, Servicios Informáticos Generales, S.L.

and

BANCO SANTANDER CHILE

 

 



Santiago de Chile and Madrid, December 3, 2007

Ref.: BSS_SPDV00_SEGR06_20070420

[Ink stamp appears on every page:
“Produban Servicios Informáticos Generales S.L.]
 
 
 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.
INTRODUCTION
3
2.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
3
3.
APPLICABLE CONTEXT
3
 
3.1
Persons
3
 
3.2
Resources
4
 
3.3
Locations
4
4.
OBLIGATIONS OF PERSONNEL
4
5.
LOGICAL SECURITY
5
 
5.1
Identification and Authentication
5
 
5.2
Management of Profiles
5
 
5.3
Management of Users
5
 
5.4
Data Integrity
6
 
5.5
Encryption
6
6.
BACKUP COPIES AND RECOVERY
6
 
6.1
Backup Copies
6
 
6.2
Recovery of Data
7
7.
MANAGEMENT OF MEDIA
7
 
7.1
Media Storage
7
 
7.2
Removal and Entry of Computer Media
7
 
7.3
Re-use and destruction of media
7
 
7.3.1
Re-use
7
 
7.3.2
Destruction
8
8.
TESTS USING ACTUAL DATA
8
 
 

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1.        Introduction

This document is an appendix to the Computer Services Outsourcing Contract for the “BSS Data Processing Service” between Banco Santander Chile (hereinafter the Customer) and PRODUBAN, Servicios Informáticos Generales, S.L. (hereinafter the Vendor).
This Appendix describes the security measures that the Vendor shall adopt for the provision of the services described in Appendix II – “Catalog,” to the Computer Services Outsourcing Contract.
The security measures include those of a technical and organizational nature and procedures to be adopted y the Vendor in relation to the personal data that the Vendor shall process for the account of the Customer pursuant to this Appendix.

2.       General Considerations
 
The Vendor may amend the security procedures and measures set forth in this Appendix, subject to notification to and agreement with the Customer.  These changes must not decrease the degree of security that the Vendor must guarantee for the processing of data according to the applicable legislation on its effective date.

This Appendix must be kept up-to-date and shall be the subject of a review whenever relevant changes are made to the security measures adopted by the Vendor.

The Vendor shall coordinate and control the security measures presented in this Appendix, without such action presupposing, under any circumstances, the delegation of the responsibilities that may be incumbent upon the Customer.

3.       Context of Application
 
The security measures set forth in this Appendix shall be applicable to persons belonging to the Vendor that provide services to the Customer under this Appendix.

Any persons belonging to companies other than the Vendor that participate in the provision of said services must also comply with the security measures to which they may be subject.
 

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3.2    Resources
 
The security measures set forth in this Appendix shall be applicable to the computer programs and files of the Platform as well as to the Technology Infrastructure.

Any security measures of other systems of the vendor that do not provide services within the context of this contract, all systems at the facilities of the Customer, the Customer’s users, as well as members of the Vendor’s work group charged with providing the Platform Development and Maintenance services are beyond the scope of this Appendix.  The adoption of these measures shall be the responsibility of the Customer.

3.3    Locations
 
The security measures set forth in this document shall be applicable to facilities where the infrastructure is located.  Upon the entry into force of the contract corresponding to this Appendix, said facilities are located within the Grupo Santander Complex, in Boadilla del Monte (Madrid, Spain).

All of the foregoing shall not prejudice the use by the Vendor of other facilities to store backup copies, where the securities measures necessary to protect the data will be in effect.

Data processing outside of the locations referenced above must be expressly authorized by the Customer.

4.      Obligations of Personnel

All the employees of the Vendor that provide the services affected by this Appendix shall be required to comply with the measures set forth in this document and subject to the consequences that may derive from the failure to comply with the same.

Said personnel shall be required to:
 
1.
Access only those data and resources that are required to perform their duties, provided that they are authorized to access the same.  The user profile assigned to each person shall define the duties that that person may carry out in relation to the resources which he may access.
 
2.
Not disclose in any manner data that is considered to be confidential.  The personnel may only disclose such information when expressly authorized to do so by the Customer, when complying with a court order or order of a competent government authority, or based on requirements provided by law.
 
3.
Inform the Security Supervisor of the Vendor when any incident occurs that may affect the security of the Platform resources.
 
4.
Request express authorization from the Customer to access the Customer’s information.
 

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5.     Data Security

5.1   Identification and Authentication
 
Users, from the Customer and the Vendor, shall following the following process for identification and authentication in order to access the resources of the Platform and of the Technology Infrastructure:
 
1.
Files shall be accessed via applications or tools that allow the identification and authentication of the user or the process that requires its use.  Users shall be identified in the system by presentation of an identification key that generally is entered on the keyboard from one’s work station, and that will be required before accessing the systems.
 
2.
The identification key will have a specific access profile associated with it. Each profile shall have certain access and operation privileges associated with it, depending on the functions to be performed.
 
3.
The system will keep a reliable record of users’ identity by receiving a valid password associated with the user’s identification key.  Said password will be kept confidential by the user.  All users must have a password.
 
4.
The access control security measures shall comply with the provisions of the Vendor’s Security Standards, in particular Chapter 3, relative to Access Control, and in total agreement with the Customer.
 
Identification and authentication, together with the utilities belonging to the Platform and the Technology Infrastructure will allow sufficient tracks to be created to facilitate subsequent reviews of access by users.

Furthermore, there will be a system for detecting and monitoring unauthorized access to the system via the Technology Infrastructure’s logs.

5.2   Management of Profiles
 
The access profiles will define access privileges and functions of the various types of users for resources of the Platform and the Technology Infrastructure.

The Vendor shall define the access profiles that are necessary for the provision of the services covered by this Appendix.  For its part, the Customer shall request assignment of the access profiles of its users based on the aforementioned access policies.

The Vendor agrees to provide an updated list of profiles at the request of the Customer

5.3   Management of Users

The Vendor has authorization to add / modify / delete users that are necessary for the provision of the services covered by this document, based on the procedure summarized below:
 

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1. 
The supervisor of each of the areas involved in providing the services will request authorization from the Vendor’s Security Supervisor to add / modify / delete a user, providing the access profile for said user and the justification for the request.
2.
The Security Supervisor of the Vendor will authorize the request if it deems the reasons provided to be justified.
3.
The Vendor’s authorized Security Administration personnel shall make the request to add / modify / delete the user.

The management of the Customer’s users shall be the responsibility of the Customer.

The Vendor agrees to provide the Customer with an updated list of users with access to the applications every month.

5.4  Data Integrity
 
In order to ensure the integrity of the Customer’s data, the Vendor shall maintain logical separation between those data and any other data corresponding to third party customers to whom services are being provided.

5.5  Encryption
 
Access to application data via the backup mechanisms shall be carried out securely, using the current system or any other valid technology or method that the Parties agree to use.

Sensitive and personal data regarding third party customers in the application data bases shall have the level of encryption required by regulations for use based on the type of data in question.

6.  Backup Copies and Recovery

6.1  Backup Copies

There are procedures for backup copies of data files, programs, source and object codes, as well as the operating systems and other base software for the various environments (production, preproduction and development).  These procedures will be periodically reviewed in order to ensure that they are correct, that they operate correctly, and in this manner, to verify the integrity of the backed up data.

Backup copies shall be made in accordance with the needs of the service, being duly documented and available to the Customer when necessary, and it shall be adjusted when applicable, in order to comply with the actual service needs and the Customer’s or Vendor’s standards in force in regards to the availability of information.

Backup copies shall be made in order to permit the continuation of the Customer’s business in the event of a disaster and not in order to carry out inquiries as to the status of the information in the past, for which purpose the historical logs of the Platform shall be used.

The data shall be stored for the time period required by current legislation.

The Vendor agrees to maintain the same level of encryption for the backups as for the data bases that the Customer has at the primary site in order to protect the confidentiality of third party customer data.
 

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6.2  Data Recovery
 
There is a series of situations that require the recovery of data from previously made backup copies. Recovery in production environments, except in the case of scheduled tests or a disaster, shall require the explicit, written authorization of the Customer.

Recovery tests shall be carried out periodically on the pre-production environment in order to verify that the backup copies have been correctly made.

7.   Management of Media

7.1  Media Storage
 
The media containing the backup copies are stored in locations which persons without proper authorization to use the same cannot access, and which have environmental protection measures required by the manufacturers of said media.

The media of the backup copies shall be inventoried and allow the type of information they contain and the date on which they were made to be identified.

7.2  Removal and Entry of Electronic Media
 
There is an established system for recording the entry and removal of computer media that either directly or indirectly shows the following:
•  Type of media
•  Date and time
•  Issuing party / receiving party
•  Number of media
•  Type of information the media contain
•  Form of delivery
•  Duly authorized person responsible for receipt or delivery.

7.3   Re-use and Destruction of Media
 
When media will be destroyed or re-used, depending on the type, by the Storage Area (belonging to the Operations Department of the Vendor), the following practices will be used:

7.3.1  Re-use
 
Disks:  The data is initialized at the software level, and then the manufacturers of the disks perform a low-level hardware initialization that guarantees that no data can be read and it is impossible to recover the existing data on the disk using normal operating procedures.

Tapes:  Tapes are virtual, they remain in the robot and their re-use, once they are overwritten with more recent information, makes it impossible to recover the previous data using normal operating procedures.


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7.3.2   Destruction

Disks:  Disks are physically destroyed, including cutting into sections, so that the recovery of stored information cannot be accomplished with conventional procedures.
Tapes:  Destruction procedures are not applicable in the case of the Customer, since all the tapes are virtual and will remain in the robot.
 
8.   Tests using Actual Data
 
As a general standard, tests prior to the installation or modification of the Platform using files with personal data of third party customers are not carried out using real data, unless they are deconstructed.

Under special circumstances, and with sufficient justification, the use of real data in non-production environments will be permitted, with prior authorization from the Vendor’s Security Manager and written notification to the Customer.  In any event, it shall be ensured that the files are handled in accordance with the security measures described in this document.

9.   Incidents

Any Computer Security incident shall be recorded using the tool designed for this purpose supplied by the Vendor.  In any event, the following information shall be recorded:
a)
Type of incident
b)
Time when it occurred
c)
Person that reported the incident
d)
Person to whom the incident was reported 
e)
Effects of the incident
f)
If necessary, procedures carried out for data recovery, indicating the person that executed the process, the restored data and, as applicable, which data had to be manually recorded during the recovery process.

10.Technology Contingency Plan

There is a Technology Contingency Plan prepared by the Vendor that contains the procedures for mitigation, actions before, during and after an emergency, and the strategies for restoring computing and telecommunications services.

The Vendor agrees to keep the Plan up to date at all times and aligned with the requirements that the Customer may have with respect to its own Business Continuity Plan.  Furthermore, the Vendor may amend the content subject to notification to and approval of the Customer.

The Vendor shall coordinate and control the actions to mitigate risks, contingency and recovery actions presented in the Plan, without this presupposing, in any circumstances, the delegation of any responsibilities that may correspond to the Customer.
 

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The Customer agrees to provide the Vendor with the information necessary to maintain the Plan and to follow the applicable procedures.

In order to verify the updating and effectiveness of the Plan, it shall be tested annually.  The Parties shall establish the scope of the same, and it must preferably include verification of the procedures that have been changed or modified since the last test.

Any procedures for mitigation, contingency and recovery of other systems of the Vendor, as well as all systems of the Customer, are explicitly beyond the scope of the Plan.

         
/s/ Francisco del Valle Garrido
   
/s/ Juan Fernández Fernández
 
Produban, Servicios Informáticos Generales, S.L.
   
Banco Santander – Chile
 
By power of attorney
   
By power of attorney
 
Francisco del Valle Garrido
    Juan Fernández Fernández  
 
       

         
 
   
/s/ César Naranjo Ramirez
 
 
   
Banco Santander – Chile
 
 
   
By power of attorney
 
     
César Naranjo Ramirez
 


APPENDIX IV BSS_SPDV00_SEGRO6_20070420 (2) doc 
March 20, 2007
Page 9 of 9
CONFIDENTIAL

Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl
 
 

 
 

[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban




Appendix V
FINANCIAL TERMS
for the provision of BSS Processing Service



 




By and between


PRODUBAN, Servicios Informáticos Generales S.L.

and

BANCO SANTANDER CHILE





Madrid, December 3, 2007
Ref: BSS_SPDV00_ECOR00_20070322


[Ink stamp appears on bottom of all pages:
  “Produban, Servicios Informáticos Generales, S.L.”]
 

APPENDIX V_26_12_07
March 20, 2007
Page 1 of 3
CONFIDENTIAL

Banco Santander – Chile Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban

 
1.    Introduction

These Financial Terms provide the specifications of the provisions of the Sixth Clause of the Contract for Computer Services between the Bank and Produban (the contract), of which this document is an inseparable Appendix.

2.     Price of Services

The estimated price of the service for the period of January 1 through December 31, 2008 shall be as follows:

Data Processing Service: USD 11,900,000 (eleven million nine hundred thousand United States Dollars).

3.     Down payment for Services

For the purposes of ensuring the provision of the service during the term specified in the fourteenth clause of the contract and any subsequent renewals thereof, the Bank shall pay to Produban for the specified services, corresponding to the initial investments, development, connectivity and testing, among other items, an amount equivalent to 10.506.907 € (ten million five hundred six thousand nine hundred seven Euros). This payment shall supplement the remuneration for recurring services that Produban shall provide during the specified period.

The parties acknowledge that the Bank shall continue to contract a contingency service with IBM Chile, for the term deemed relevant in accordance with the guidelines of the Executive Management of the Bank and in compliance with the requirements established by the Authority in Chile.

In the event that, for reasons attributable to Produban, which must be agreed upon by the parties, the Bank decides not to take or use the contracted service, this contract shall be rendered null and void.  In such an event, Produban must return the down payment to the Bank.

4.     Billing and Payment Terms and Method
 
4.1   Terms

PRODUBAN shall invoice the Bank in accordance with the provisions of this Appendix.  The Bank and PRODUBAN shall review the Contract for Services and the amount of the same when any of the following cases arises:

 
The use or scope of the service is not within the initial framework described in the contact or it exceeds the initial budget by 20%.


APPENDIX V_26_12_07
March 20, 2007
Page 2 of 3
CONFIDENTIAL

Banco Santander – Chile Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander Santiago
[Logo] Produban

 
The cost for the use of the service in one of the monthly installments invoiced to the Bank by PRODUBAN exceeds the total amount of the contract divided by the total number of months of the same by 20%.
     
 
At least once per year if the foregoing cases have not occurred.
 
4.2   Method for Billing and Payment
 
The method of payment shall be by transfer to Produban’s CCC account 0049 – 5033 – 52-2416022797 in Spain,

4.3   Applicable Foreign Currency and Exchange Rate

Billing for the services covered by this contract shall be in United States dollars, and the down payment specified in Item 3 of this Contract shall be in Euros.

In witness whereof, the parties have set their hands hereto in duplicate, with one original being delivered to each party, for a single effect, in the place and on the date indicated.


 
         
/s/ Francisco del Valle Garrido
   
/s/ Juan Fernández Fernández
 
Produban, Servicios Informáticos Generales, S.L.
   
Banco Santander – Chile
 
By power of attorney
   
By power of attorney
 
Francisco del Valle Garrido
    Juan Fernández Fernández  
 
       

         
 
   
/s/ César Naranjo Ramirez
 
 
   
Banco Santander – Chile
 
 
   
By power of attorney
 
     
César Naranjo Ramirez
 
         
     
Madrid, December 3, 2007 
 


APPENDIX V_26_12_07
March 20, 2007
Page 3 of 3
CONFIDENTIAL

Banco Santander – Chile Bandera 140 – Tel.: (56 2) 320 2000 – Santiago – www.santandersantiago.cl
 
 

 

[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander
 
Renewal Appendix
BS Santiago – Produban
200701469 VI




Appendix VI
MODIFYING THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT TO OUTSOURCE COMPUTER SERVICES “BSS DATA PROCESSING SERVICE” EXECUTED BY PRODUBAN SERVICIOS INFORMÁTICOS GENERALES, S.L. AND BANCO SANTANDER CHILE,
on December 3, 2007


 







Madrid, April 11, 2008



[Ink stamp appears on bottom of all pages:
  “Produban, Servicios Informáticos Generales, S.L.”]
 

Bandera 140 – Tel.: (562) 320-2000 – Santiago – www.santander.cl
1/8


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander
 
Renewal Appendix
BS Santiago – Produban
200701469 VI


In Madrid, on April eleventh, two thousand eight,

THERE APPEARED

PRODUBAN SERVICIOS INFORMÁTICOS GENERALES, S.L. (hereinafter PRODUBAN, the Vendor or the Lessee), Tax I.D. No. B-82077751 and with corporate domicile in Madrid, at Boadilla del Mnte, Avda. de Cantabria, s/n, represented in these proceedings by Francisco Javier del Valle Garrido, holder of I.D. No. 694509R, in his capacity as Sole Administrator and in exercise of the authority granted by the power of attorney issued to him on April 8, 2005, before Madrid Civil Law Notary Antonio Fernández-Golfín, with notary circle number 917, for the party of the first part;

and

BANCO SANTANDER- CHILE, a sociedad anónima bancaria [Chilean banking corporation], Taxpayer I.D. No. 97,036,000-K, hereinafter the Bank or the Customer, with corporate domicile at Calle Bandera No. 140, municipality and city of Santiago, represented in these proceedings by its Manager of Operations and Administration, Juan Fernández Fernández, National I.D. document No. 5,473,633-9, and by its Manager of Administration César Naranjo Ramirez, National I.D. document No. 9,830,559-9, in their capacity as attorneys-in-fact and in exercise of the authority granted to them by the power of attorney issued to them, by means of public instrument index number 5648-2005, dated June 14, 2005, issued in the city of Santiago, Chile, before Civil Law Notary Public Nancy de la Fuente Hernández, for the party of the second part.

Both parties, in their respective capacities, mutually acknowledge the legal standing necessary to enter into this APPENDIX, for which purpose,

THEY HAVE REPRESENTED

I.
That on December 3, 2007, the parties executed a Contract for Computer Services (Outsourcing) (hereinafter “the contract”).

II.
That since substantial changes have occurred in the Terms and Conditions of the referenced contract, both parties have an interest in amending them, in the manner described below.

III.
That the parties wish to approve the entire content of the referenced contract and additional appendices, in all aspects not amended in this Appendix.

IV.
That based on the foregoing and for this purpose the parties have entered into this document as Appendix VI to the Contract for Computer Services specified in Item I above, and as an integral and inseparable part of the same, based on the following

 

Bandera 140 – Tel.: (562) 320-2000 – Santiago – www.santander.cl
2/8


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander
 
Renewal Appendix
BS Santiago – Produban
200701469 VI












CLAUSES


FIRST – AMENDMENT OF THE SIXTH CLAUSE

The parties hereby agree to amend the contents of the Sixth clause of the contract referenced in Representation I above, which shall henceforth read as follows:


 
(…)

 
SIXTH – Remuneration, payment method, consequences of non-payment.  Other expenses.

 In consideration of the Services that are the subject of the Contract, the Customer shall pay to the Vendor the amount in Euros (EUR) that the Vendor and the Customer agree upon in the Fourth Clause of Appendix VI of this Contract.  The method and terms for payment of this amount shall also be specified in the aforementioned clause.  The Vendor may annually inform the Customer, at least thirty (30) (consecutive) calendar days in advance of the starting date of the new annual period, of the amount to be billed, for which purpose the Vendor shall deliver to the Customer the justification for the change in the contract amount.  In such a case, the Customer shall have a term of thirty (30) calendar days to inform the Vendor whether it agrees with said amount, during which period the Vendor and the Customer have to reach an agreement regarding the contract amount. The failure to provide notification during the specified term shall be considered acceptance of the same.  If the Customer does not accept the new amount communicated by the Vendor, it may terminate the Contract, indemnifying the Vendor for all the investments made through the date of the rescission, and specified in Clause FOUR of Appendix VI of this contract, subject to notification to the Vendor provided with at least six (6) calendar months in advance of the date on which it wishes to terminate the contract.  During said six-month period the Customer shall pay the monthly amount or the prorated amount for the six-month period that was paid during the immediately prior payment period.  Until the parties have agreed on a new remuneration amount, the remuneration amount corresponding to the previous period shall be in force.

 
The referenced payments shall be made by the Customer to the Vendor monthly and in arrears.  For the payment of invoices, the Vendor shall submit the corresponding invoice to the Customer, within the first ten (10) calendar days of the month following the end of the period, which invoice must comply with all the requirements of law, and in particular those related to fiscal matters.

 
(…)


Bandera 140 – Tel.: (562) 320-2000 – Santiago – www.santander.cl
3/8


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander
 
Renewal Appendix
BS Santiago – Produban
200701469 VI

 

SECOND – AMENDMENT AND EXPANSION OF THE FOURTEENTH CLAUSE

The Parties agree to amend and expand the contents of the Fourteenth Clause of the contract referenced in Clause 1 above, which shall henceforth read as follows:

 
(…)

 
FOURTEENTH. – Term and Grounds for Rescission of the Contract

 
Commitments in the event of termination of the contract.

 
This contract shall have a term of 10 years as of January 1, 2008.  After said term has passed, the contract shall be renewed tacitly, automatically and subsequently for equal one-year periods, unless either of the parties informs the other of its desire to terminate the contract by communication by means of registered letter, sent to the domicile of its counterpart indicated in this contract, at least 180 calendar days in advance of the termination of the period in question. Without prejudice to the foregoing, the Customer shall have the authority to immediately and automatically terminate the Contract or any of its Appendices, without need of judicial, arbitration or any other type of ruling, in the following cases, without said list being exhaustive:

 
a)  Non-compliance by the Vendor, in whole or in part, or inability or negligence in the performance of the obligations agreed upon in this contract or any of its appendices.

 
b) Failure to deliver or failure to deliver in a timely manner the bonds or other guarantees required by this Contract.

 
c) A delay of more than thirty (30) days in the delivery term for contracted Services or projects, without prejudice to the Customer’s right to collect the late fines that are specified in this instrument.

 
d)  Dissolution or termination of the Vendor company.

 
e)  Declaration of creditors’ bankruptcy or insolvency of the Vendor, or if the Vendor enters into judicial or extrajudicial agreements with its creditors.

 
f) Lack of technical suitability of the Vendor, qualified by the Customer.

 
g) If the Vendor or any of its subcontractors ceases paying its workers their wages, remuneration or fees, or ceases payment of any other labor, social security or tax contribution for them, which it is legally or contractually required to pay.

 
h) If the Customer is acquired, merges, is absorbed by a third party, is transformed, divided or sells all or part of its assets.

 
i)  If the Vendor or any of its contractors fails to comply with one or more of its obligations regarding confidentiality, as described in Clause Sixteen.

 
j) If the Vendor ceases belonging to the Santander Group.


Bandera 140 – Tel.: (562) 320-2000 – Santiago – www.santander.cl
4/8


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander
 
Renewal Appendix
BS Santiago – Produban
200701469 VI



 
In order to terminate the Contact or one or more of its Appendices for any of the aforementioned reasons, the Customer shall only be required to submit a certified letter to the Vendor, at its domicile indicated in this instrument, at least 180 days in advance of the date set for termination, and to respect the commitments set forth below.

 
Notwithstanding all the foregoing provisions, with respect to the term of the contract, either of the parties shall be authorized to terminate this contract in advance and unilaterally, at any time during its term, by providing notice by registered letter to the domicile of the other party, indicated in this contract, at least one hundred eighty consecutive days in advance of the date set for the termination, and by respecting the commitments set forth below.

 
Commitments in the event of termination of the contract or its Appendices for any reason:

 
The Vendor agrees to provide all the facilities necessary to ensure the continuation of the service or the project, the handling of all information, and to ensure the transfer of the service or the project to a third party.

 
In addition, the Vendor shall continue providing services to the customer for at least 180 days following the date of delivery of the registered letter by means of which the Customer communicates its intention to terminate the contract for the reasons indicated above. This term may be less if the Customer so orders.  During this time period, the contract rates shall remain in effect for the services that are rendered to the Vendor.

 
If any incident of Act of God or force majeure occurs and makes it impossible to continue the services agreed upon or committed to in the Contract or its Appendices, once they have been started, the Customer agrees to pay the Vendor for the work performed, only until the time that such an incident occurs, as well as the portion corresponding to any investments made by the vendor through that date, and that are detailed in Clause FOUR of Appendix VI of this contract.

 
Furthermore, if the customer decides to terminate the contract unilaterally, it shall be required to financially compensate the Vendor for all investments made through that date, per the table indicated in Clause FOUR of Appendix VI to this Contract.

 
(…)

THIRD – TERMINATION OF APPENDIX V – FINANCIAL TERMS

The parties agree to void Appendix V – Financial Terms for the provision of BSS Processing Service, and to replace it with Clause FOUR of this Appendix VI.


Bandera 140 – Tel.: (562) 320-2000 – Santiago – www.santander.cl
5/8


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander
 
Renewal Appendix
BS Santiago – Produban
200701469 VI

 
FOURTH: SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS DURING THE INITIAL TERM AND RESTITUTION TO THE VENDOR IN THE EVENT OF RESCISSION

In order to comply with the provisions of Clause Six of the contract referenced in Clause 1, “Remuneration, Payment Terms, Consequences of Non-payment.  Other Expenses,” it is stipulated that:

Down Payment for Services:

For the purposes of ensuring the provision of the service during the term specified in Clause Fourteen of the contract and its subsequent renewals, the Bank shall pay Produban for the services in advance, corresponding to the initial investments, development, connectivity and tests, among other items, an amount equivalent to 10,506,907 € (ten million five hundred six thousand nine hundred seven Euros).  This payment shall supplement the remuneration for the recurring services that Produban will provide in the aforementioned period.

The parties acknowledge that the Bank shall maintain a contract for contingency services with IBM Chile, which shall be administered by Produban in accordance with the provisions of Appendix A executed by Banco Santander and IBM Chile, for the term that is deemed relevant in accordance with the guidelines of the Executive Administration of the Bank and in accordance with the requirements established by the Authority in Chile.

In the event that, for reasons attributable to Produban, the Bank decides to take or not to use the contracted service, this contract shall be rendered null and void ipso facto.  In such a case, Produban must return to the Bank the down payment in an amount equivalent to the proportion of the period from January 1, 2008 and the month in which the contract is terminated, to the total number of months included in the contract term specified in Clause Fourteen of this contract.  For these purposes the fact that the SBIF does not authorize the operation or contracting of the services contracted in this document shall be attributed to Produban.

The down payment referenced herein shall enter into force as of the date on which the contracted service is put into production, understanding the placement into production to be the date on which the daily processing of data is begun to be provided from the facilities of the Vendor in Spain.

Recurring service payment:

The recurring service that the Customer contracts in its entry, shall be equivalent to having processing capacity of 6,000 MIPs, 36 TB and a set of machinery that is detailed in the corresponding inventory, which shall later be an appendix to this contract.

The schedule of payments for the provision of the “BSS Data Processing Service” during the period between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2017, shall be as follows:

Payment for recurring service, 2008:  11,375,000 €
Payment for recurring service, 2009:  11,704,875 €
Payment for recurring service, 2010:  12,044,316 €
Payment for recurring service, 2010:  12,393,602 €


Bandera 140 – Tel.: (562) 320-2000 – Santiago – www.santander.cl
6/8


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander
 
Renewal Appendix
BS Santiago – Produban
200701469 VI



Payment for recurring service, 2012:  12,753,016 €
Payment for recurring service, 2013:  13,122,853 €
Payment for recurring service, 2014:  13,503,416 €
Payment for recurring service, 2015:  13,895,015 €
Payment for recurring service, 2016:  14,297,971 €
Payment for recurring service, 2017:  14,712,612 €

Which amounts include an annual correction of 2.9%.

The amounts indicated above shall be subject to an annual reduction for disbursements incurred by the Customer locally, for implementation of the service.  The reduction applied by ear shall be as follows:

Reduction for 2008:  1,050,000 €
Reduction for 2009:  1,050,000 €
Reduction for 2010:  1,050,000 €
Reduction for 2011:  1,050,000 €
Reduction for 2012:  1,050,000 €

Early termination of the contract

Furthermore, the amounts that the Customer must pay in the event of rescission of the contract, per the provisions of the contract referenced in Clause I of this Appendix VI, in Clauses Six and Fourteen, as amended and expanded by this Appendix, shall be as follows:

Amount payable in the event of rescission in 2009:  18,238,000 €
Amount payable in the event of rescission in 2010:  17,092,000 €
Amount payable in the event of rescission in 2011:  15,860,000 €
Amount payable in the event of rescission in 2012:  13,794,000 €
Amount payable in the event of rescission in 2013:  11,101,000 €
Amount payable in the event of rescission in 2014:  9,262,000 €
Amount payable in the event of rescission in 2015:  7,234,000 €
Amount payable in the event of rescission in 2016:  5,016,000 €
Amount payable in the event of rescission in 2017:  2,605,000 €

The sole fact of paying the amounts for Early Termination of the Contract shall entitle the Customer to ownership of the technological equipment used for the provision of this service as of the date of the early termination.

Efficiencies of the Contract Cost

The parties agree that, together with the annual revision of the contract price specified in Clause Six of the Contract, which has been updated in this appendix, an annual contract cost efficiency plan shall be established.  The vendor agrees to pass on to the customer any savings obtained in the production cost.  any savings obtained must offset increases incurred for increasing MIPs, storage capacity and increased communications costs, with a minimum goal of obtaining a 2.9% reduction in costs.



Bandera 140 – Tel.: (562) 320-2000 – Santiago – www.santander.cl
7/8


[FIPO translation from Spanish original]

[Logo] Santander
 
Renewal Appendix
BS Santiago – Produban
200701469 VI




Billing shall be monthly.  To this end, the Vendor shall submit the corresponding invoice within the first five (5) business days of the month in course, adding the applicable VAT, and the other applicable taxes and other costs and expenses that may arise from the provision of the service shall be for its own account.  The parties agree that payment shall be made monthly within the first five (5) business days of each moth as of the date of execution of the contract, by bank transfer to the current account specified for this purpose.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, this new method of payment shall not assume, in any case, the approval or conformity of the paid invoice, so that in the event that a decrease in the quality of the services rendered is observed, and if any type of incident occurs in relation to the submitted invoice, it shall be handled by a Work Group established for this purpose, which shall be comprised of the following members:

      Representative of the Vendor
•      Representative of the Customer
•      Representative of the Comptroller’s Office at Produban
•      Representative of the Comptroller’s Office at Banco Santander Chile.

This price shall include the amounts of the various technological services that PRODUBAN provides to the Customer, agreed upon at the appropriate time by the parties and that are specified in the appendices “Customized Relationship Model,” Service Catalog” and “Level of Service Agreement.”  These appendices shall remain in effect, and shall be subject to the modifications agreed upon by the parties.

This price SHALL NOT include any amounts receivable by PRODUBAN for projects requested by the Customer or those that are requested after the execution of this document, and that will be detailed in Appendices to this Set of Financial Terms, together with the documentation corresponding to each project.

For all matters not expressly provided for in this Appendix and that are applicable to the service rendered, the provisions of the contract specified at the beginning of this document shall be applicable, of which this document is an integral and inseparable part.  This agreement does not entail any novation of the primary contract, except in regards to the express amendments contained herein.

In witness whereof, the parties have set their hand hereto, in two original counterparts, at the location and on the date specified above.

         
/s/ Francisco Javier del Valle Garrido
   
/s/ Juan Fernández Fernández
 
Produban, Servicios Informáticos Generales, S.L.
   
Banco Santander – Chile
 
Francisco Javier del Valle Garrido
   
Juan Fernández Fernández
 
         
By power of attorney
    By power of attorney  
 

         
 
   
/s/ César Naranjo Ramirez
 
 
   
Banco Santander – Chile
 
 
   
César Naranjo Ramirez
 
         
 
    By power of attorney  
 
 


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Exhibit 12.1

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION
 
I, Oscar von Chrismar, certify that:
 
1.          I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Banco Santander-Chile;
 
2.          Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.          Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.          The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
 
(a)          Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b)          Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c)          Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d)          Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.          The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a)          All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b)          Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
         
 
By:
/s/ Oscar von Chrismar
 
   
Name:
Oscar von Chrismar
 
   
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
Date: June 25, 2008
 
Exhibit 12.2

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION
 
I, Guillermo Sabater, certify that:
 
1.          I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Banco Santander-Chile;
 
2.          Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.          Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.          The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
 
(a)          Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b)          Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c)          Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d)          Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.          The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a)          All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b)          Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Guillermo Sabater
 
   
Name:
Guillermo Sabater
 
   
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
Date:     June 25, 2008
 
 

 
Exhibit 13.1

Section 906 Certification
 
The certification set forth below is being submitted in connection with the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2007 (the “Report”), for the purpose of complying with Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
 
Oscar von Chrismar, the Chief Executive Officer and Guillermo Sabater, the Chief Financial Officer of Banco Santander-Chile, each certifies that, to the best of his knowledge:
 
 
1.
the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act; and
     
 
2.
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Banco Santander-Chile.
 
June 25, 2008
 
   
By:
/s/ Oscar von Chrismar
 
     
Name:
Oscar von Chrismar
 
       
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
   
By:
/s/ Guillermo Sabater
 
     
Name:
Guillermo Sabater
 
       
Chief Financial Officer
 
 






 
 
Exhibit 23.1
 
 
Deloitte
Auditores y Consultores Limitada
RUT: 80.276.200-3
Av. Providencia 1760
Pisos 6, 7, 8, 9 y 13
Providencia, Santiago
Chile
Fono: (56-2) 729 7000
Fax: (56-2) 374 9177
e-mail: deloittechile@deloitte.com
www.deloitte.cl
 



CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement No. 333-138953 on Form  F-3 of our report dated June 23, 2008 relating to the consolidated financial statements of Banco Santander Chile and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Banco Santander Chile”) (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and contains explanatory paragraphs (1) referring to the translation of Chilean peso amounts into U.S. dollar amounts, (2) the reconciliation of Chile GAAP to U.S. GAAP for net income and shareholders’ equity and the application thereof and (3) the modified accounting basis under Chile GAAP for recording and valuation of financial investments acquired for trading, available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investments and derivative instruments), and of our report dated June 23, 2008 relating to the effectiveness of the Bank´s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in the Annual report on Form 20-F of Banco Santander Chile for the year ended December 31, 2007.



/s/Deloitte
Santiago, Chile
June 23, 2008