Cash flow mismatch between cover assets and covered bonds is furthermore reduced by the prepayment rules
applicable to fixed interest rate mortgage loans. Prepayments of mortgages during fixed rate periods are only
permitted in cases of “legitimate interest” of the borrower or after a period of ten years. If the mortgage is
prepaid, the borrower has to compensate the damage of the lender caused by the prepayment (§ 490 II German
Civil Code).