21. Foreign exchange gains/ (losses)

Foreign exchange gains (losses) comprise foreign exchange gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, resulting from valuation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and from the fair value measurement of foreign currency derivatives (FX forward, FX swap, CIRS and currency options). In the case of the hedging strategies in which CIRS contracts are the hedging instrument, this item also includes the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges (for details, please see the note “Hedge accounting and other derivative instruments”).

Allowances for expected credit losses in respect of loans, advances and other foreign currency-denominated receivables, which are recorded in PLN, are revalued when the measurement of the underlying foreign currency-denominated assets changes. The effect of such remeasurement due to foreign exchange differences is recognized in foreign exchange gains/losses.

An increase in net foreign exchange income results mainly from an improvement in the net income on currency derivatives.