BASIS OF ACCOUNTING
Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (“Deutsche Bank” or the “Parent”) is a stock corporation organized under the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany. Deutsche Bank together with all entities in which Deutsche Bank has a controlling financial interest (the “Group”) is a global provider of a full range of corporate and investment banking, private clients and asset management products and services. For a discussion of the Group’s business segment information, see Note [2].
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in euros, the presentation currency of the Group, and have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and endorsed by the European Union (“EU”). Since the Group does not use the “carve-out” relating to hedge accounting included in IAS 39, “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement,” as endorsed by the EU, its financial statements fully comply with IFRS as issued by the IASB. In accordance with
IFRS 4, “Insurance Contracts”, the Group has applied its previous accounting practices
(U.S. GAAP) for insurance contracts.
The following is a description of the significant accounting policies of the Group. These policies have been consistently applied for 2006 and 2007.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions for certain categories of assets and liabilities. Areas where this is required include the fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities, the allowance for loan losses, the impairment of assets other than loans, goodwill and intangibles, the recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets, provisions for uncertain income tax positions, legal and regulatory contingencies, the reserves for insurance and investment contracts, reserves for pensions and similar obligations. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from management’s estimates.