14.11.2014 klo 12:00

Stock Exchange Release
Pohjola Bank plc
14 November 2014, at 12:00 p.m.

OP-Pohjola Group continues the planning of structural arrangements

OP-Pohjola Group Central Cooperative continues the planning of the structural reforms of OP-Pohjola Group Central Cooperative Consolidated. The changes are part of the rebuilding of the new OP-Pohjola, owned by its customers.

The new operational management system of OP-Pohjola Group took effect on 1 October 2014.The process of planning and examination of different options regarding the restructuring of OP-Pohjola Group Central Cooperative Consolidated and the implementation of legal structures of the organisation is still ongoing. In the context of further planning of the restructuring, the separation of OP-Pohjola Group's central banking operations, being presently part of Pohjola Bank plc, as a detached subsidiary fully owned by OP-Pohjola Group Central Cooperative, is also under consideration. OP-Pohjola Group's banking operations in their entirety will continue to fall within the scope of joint liability as laid down in the applicable law. No decisions have been made with respect to the specific manner of implementation or schedule of any restructuring measures.

Joint Liability within OP-Pohjola Group
Joint liability within OP-Pohjola Group is based on the Finnish Act on Amalgamations of Deposit Banks (Laki talletuspankkien yhteenliittymästä, 599/2010). According to this Act, OP-Pohjola Group Central Cooperative, the Group's central institution, and its member credit institutions are liable for each other's debts and mitments. This joint liability applies to OP-Pohjola Group Central Cooperative, OP-Pohjola Group member cooperative banks, Pohjola Bank plc, Helsinki OP Bank Plc, OP Mortgage Bank, OP Card Company plc and OP Process Services Ltd. Other OP-Pohjola Group panies, such as insurance panies, do not fall within the scope of joint liability.

Pohjola Bank plc
Carina Geber-Teir
Chief Communications Officer

For more information:
OP-Pohjola Communications, media contacts, tel. +358 (0)50 523 9904

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op.fi, pohjola.fi

Pohjola is part of Finland's leading customer-owned financial services group OP-Pohjola Group. Pohjola provides its customers with banking, non-life insurance and asset management services. Pohjola acts as OP-Pohjola Group's central bank and is responsible, together with OP Mortgage Bank, for the Group's funding in the money and capital markets. As laid down in the applicable law, Pohjola, its parent pany OP-Pohjola Group Central Cooperative and other OP-Pohjola Group member credit institutions are ultimately jointly and severally liable for each other's debts and mitments. Joint liability within OP-Pohjola Group is based on the Laki talletuspankkien yhteenliittymästä Act (Act on the amalgamation of deposit banks). Financial services provider OP-Pohjola Group is continuing its revamp - this time the focus is on its brand. The changes under way form part of the creation of a new financial services group fully owned by its customers. As of 1 January 2015, OP-Pohjola Group will be called OP Financial Group. www.pohjola.

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