
Glitnir Bank was a major Icelandic bank that played a significant role in the country's financial crisis. It was one of the three largest banks in Iceland at the time.
Glitnir Bank's assets were valued at around $10 billion, making it one of the largest banks in Iceland. Its collapse had significant repercussions for the country's economy.
Glitnir Bank's financial information showed that it had significant exposure to the Icelandic real estate market, which was experiencing a bubble at the time. The bank's investments in the real estate market ultimately contributed to its collapse.
In 2008, Glitnir Bank received a $2 billion bailout from the Icelandic government.
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Bank Management and Operations
Glitnir operated branches in London and Copenhagen, and had representative offices in Halifax, Canada and in Shanghai, China.
The bank offered a range of services including retail, corporate and investment banking, stock trade and capital management.
Glitnir also had a fully owned bank in Luxembourg and banks and financial services companies in Norway.
Lárus Welding was the chief executive officer of Glitnir when the bank was taken into government administration late September 2008.
Thorsteinn M. Jonsson was elected chairman of the board in April 2007, and Þorsteinn Már Baldvinsson took over as chairman in February 2008.
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Government Takes Control
The government took control of Glitnir by acquiring a 75% share in the bank for €600 million through the Icelandic Financial Supervisory Authority on October 7, 2008.
This move was a response to the financial crisis, and the government stated that it didn't intend to keep the ownership of the bank for a long-term period.
The government's decision had a ripple effect, as Glitnir Bank ASA, the Norwegian subsidiary of Glitnir Bank, was sold for NOK 300 million on October 21, 2008.
This sale was significant, as it marked a new beginning for the bank, with 20 savings banks coming together to purchase it.
Finn Haugan, the managing director of Sparebanken Midt-Norge, led the takeover, and his bank acquired a 25-percent stake in the bank.
The sale price of NOK 300 million was a fraction of the bank's current worth, estimated at ISK 36.5 billion.
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Overview of Operations
Glitnir was a leading niche player in three global segments: seafood/food, sustainable energy, and offshoresupply vessels.
The bank operated branches in London and Copenhagen, and had representative offices in Halifax, Canada and in Shanghai, China. Its services included retail, corporate and investment banking, stock trade and capital management.
Glitnir had a fully owned bank in Luxembourg (Glitnir Bank Luxembourg S.A) and banks and financial services companies in Norway, considering Iceland and Norway its home markets.
In 2004, Glitnir acquired several companies, including BNbank and Glitnir bank (previously Kredittbanken), and by 2006, it had acquired 50.1 percent of Union Gruppen in Norway.
Glitnir continued to expand its operations in the Nordic countries, owning the leading Swedish brokerage firm Glitnir AB (formerly Fischer Partners) and the Finnish investment firm FIM after acquiring 68.1 percent of its shares in 2007.
The bank announced strong profits for 2006, with a return on equity after tax of 39.4 percent.
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Financial Information
Glitnir presents their financial statements in a clear and transparent manner.
Glitnir has released a Financial Statement for the year 2013, which provides a comprehensive overview of their financial performance.
Their financial information for Q3 2013 is also available, presented by the Winding-Up Board of Glitnir.
Glitnir's financial statements include a Statement of Assets and Liabilities, which gives insight into their financial situation as of 31 December 2013 and 30 September 2013, respectively.
Here are the specific financial statements available:
- Glitnir Financial Statement 2013
- Glitnir Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of 31 December 2013
- Glitnir Statement of Assets and Liabilities 30 September 2013
Icelandic Crash
Iceland's financial struggles began with a banking system collapse in 2008, forcing the country to seek help from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and its Nordic neighbors.
Iceland repaid 55.6 billion krona (£280m; $443.4m) to the IMF ahead of schedule, reducing its total debt by about one-fifth.
The country is also paying back 60.5 billion krona to Nordic countries early, which is a significant step towards financial recovery.
Iceland's Prime Minister, Johanna Sigurdardottir, has expressed her desire to change the country's currency, stating that the krona is not working for Iceland.
The krona lost about 40% of its value after the banking collapse, making imports more expensive for households.
Capital controls were put in place to protect the krona, but this has not alleviated the financial struggles of Icelandic citizens.
Iceland's trade with the EU dwarfs its trade with Canada, with only about 2% of its trade being with Canada.
This makes it sensible for Iceland to join the euro, which would simplify trade and economic transactions.
A referendum will be held to decide whether Iceland joins the EU, but the opposition Progressive Party has suggested adopting the Canadian dollar instead.
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Financial Information
Financial Information can be a complex topic, but let's break it down. Glitnir hf. presents Financial Statements for the year 2013.
Glitnir Financial Statements for 2013 include a Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of 31 December 2013. This statement provides a snapshot of the company's financial situation at the end of the year.
Glitnirbank Financial Information for Q3 2013 is presented by the Winding-Up Board. This information is specific to the third quarter of 2013.
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Glitnir Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of 30 September 2013 is part of the Q3 2013 Financial Information. This statement shows the company's assets and liabilities at the end of the third quarter.
Here's a summary of the Financial Statements and Statements of Assets and Liabilities mentioned:
- Glitnir Financial Statement 2013
- Glitnir Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of 31 December 2013
- Glitnir Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of 30 September 2013
Bank Winding Up and Claims
The Winding-up Board of Glitnir hf. is responsible for handling claims against the bank during the moratorium period. They will also oversee the winding-up proceedings after the moratorium concludes.
The moratorium granted to Glitnir banki hf. is effective until 13 November 2009, as per the ruling of the Reykjavik District Court. This means that the bank is protected from creditors during this time.
The Winding-up Board will issue new Notices of Successful Transfers from 11 April 2014 onwards, after a temporary halt due to a creditors meeting on 9 April 2014.
Halt of Claim Transfer Recognition Due to Creditors Meeting on 9 Apr 2014

In April 2014, a creditors meeting was held on the 9th, which affected the claim transfer process for Glitnir hf.
The Winding-up Board of Glitnir hf. temporarily halted the recognition of new claims due to the meeting.
Notices of Successful Transfers were put on hold from 26 March 2014 until 10 April 2014.
The halt in notices did not affect other notices sent by the Winding-up Board or its transfer agent, Epiq Bankruptcy Solutions, LLC.
Notices of successful transfers resumed on 11 April 2014.
Time Limits for Lodging a Claim
Glitnir banki hf. has been granted a moratorium until 13 November 2009. This means that the bank is temporarily protected from creditors.
Claims against the bank will be handled by the Winding-Up Board, which was appointed by the Reykjavík District Court on 12 May 2009. The Winding-Up Board will take care of claims even after the moratorium ends.
The moratorium is in effect until 13 November 2009, so you have until then to lodge a claim against Glitnir banki hf. Make sure to do so before the deadline to avoid missing your chance.
Bank Appointments and Engagements

MP Bank's Corporate Finance Division was engaged by the Winding-up Board of Glitnir as Icelandic financial advisor in the finalization of a composition agreement.
MP Bank will independently review and evaluate solutions to help Glitnir finalize the agreement. The Winding-up Board consulted a few local financials before choosing MP Bank.
Glitnir has twice presented the Central Bank of Iceland with detailed proposals for settling the estate, including a request for exemption from the law on capital controls. The Central Bank received the proposal without any commitments other than to submit it to analysis.
Glitnir also appointed the London office of Kroll, a global independent forensic investigation firm, to assist in investigating potential irregularities in transactions prior to the bank's collapse. Kroll will help pursue and recover assets from those who may have benefited from or were responsible for such irregularities.
MP Bank Engaged
MP Bank's Corporate Finance Division was engaged as Icelandic financial advisor by the Winding-up Board of Glitnir to finalize a composition agreement.
The Winding-up Board of Glitnir consulted a few local financials before choosing MP Bank for this role.
Financial Firm Appointed

Glitnir hf. has appointed Kroll, a global independent forensic investigation firm, to assist in investigating potential irregularities in transactions undertaken prior to the bank's collapse.
Kroll is a leader in its field and has a London office that will be working on this case.
The goal of the investigation is to pursue and recover any assets from those who may have benefited from, or were responsible for, such irregularities.
Kroll's expertise will be crucial in uncovering any wrongdoing and bringing it to light.
Settlement and Transfer of Assets
Glitnir's Resolution Committee and the Central Bank of Luxembourg (BCL) have signed an agreement providing for settlement of debts for Glitnir's subsidiary, Glitnir Bank Luxembourg S.A.
The agreement was made with the BCL, which is part of the network of European central banks in member countries of the Eurosystem.
Agreement on Settlement for Luxembourg Subsidiary
An agreement has been signed between Glitnir's Resolution Committee and the Central Bank of Luxembourg to settle debts for Glitnir's subsidiary, Glitnir Bank Luxembourg S.A. This agreement marks a significant step in resolving outstanding issues.

The Central Bank of Luxembourg is part of the network of European central banks in member countries of the Eurosystem. This affiliation suggests a high level of cooperation and coordination among European central banks.
The agreement provides for the settlement of debts, which is a crucial aspect of the settlement and transfer of assets process. Settlement of debts is a key step in resolving outstanding issues and moving forward.
Glitnir's Resolution Committee and the Central Bank of Luxembourg have worked together to reach this agreement, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in complex financial matters.
Moderna Finance AB Share Capital Transferred
Glitnir's Resolution Committee has taken over the share capital of Moderna Finance AB, a subsidiary of Milestone ehf. in Sweden.
This takeover was enforced through an agreement with Milestone ehf., which allowed Glitnir's Resolution Committee to gain control of the entire share capital of Moderna Finance AB.
The share capital of Moderna Finance AB is now under the control of Glitnir's Resolution Committee.
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