The maintenance of records is an operational matter for the bank itself. I am assured that under the new management team the bank is maintaining its records in line with standard banking practice. For the information of the Deputy the Bank maintains files on all loans made by the Bank. Some, but not all, elements of the loan documentation are recorded electronically and/or scanned by the Bank. For this reason it is not possible to confirm that all records relating to individual loans outstanding in the Bank are held in both formats (i.e. soft and hard copies). However, records of loans, including personal guarantees, are held in at least one format.
Securities, including personal guarantees, are catalogued and retained in the bank's vault or in the safe keeping of solicitors who act on the bank's behalf. These securities are reviewed as part of internal audit of lending and the related securities. The lending process, including related securities, is included in the scope of the external audit of the bank.