TIDM57HB

RNS Number : 9326S

Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corp Ld

15 March 2019

 
 Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 Consolidated income statement 
 

for the year ended 31 December

 
                                                                        2018        2017 
                                                             Notes      HK$m        HK$m 
 Net interest income                                          3a    126,463   110,237 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------- 
 
   *    interest income                                             170,065   138,081 
 - interest expense                                                 (43,602)  (27,844) 
                                                                    -------   ------- 
 Net fee income                                               3b     44,231    43,150 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------  -------   ------- 
 - fee income                                                        54,585    52,312 
 
   *    fee expense                                                 (10,354)   (9,162) 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------  -------   ------- 
 Net income from financial instruments held for trading 
  or managed on a fair value basis                            3c     31,723    23,098 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------  -------   ------- 
 Net income/(expense) from assets and liabilities of 
  insurance businesses, including related derivatives, 
  measured at fair value through profit or loss               3c     (5,561)   15,607 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------  -------   ------- 
 Changes in fair value of long-term debt issued and 
  related derivatives                                         3c         20      (115) 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------  -------   ------- 
 Changes in fair value of other financial instruments 
  mandatorily measured at fair value through profit 
  or loss                                                     3c       (217)         N/A 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------  -------   ---------- 
 Gains less losses from financial investments                 3d        501     2,108 
                                                                    ------- 
 Dividend income                                                        164       232 
                                                                    ------- 
 Net insurance premium income                                 4a     60,678    56,176 
                                                                    -------   ------- 
 Other operating income                                       3e     10,306     4,740 
 Total operating income                                             268,308   255,233 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------  -------   ------- 
 Net insurance claims and benefits paid and movement 
  in liabilities to policyholders                             4b    (57,839)  (68,790) 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------  -------   ------- 
 Net operating income before change in expected credit 
  losses and other credit impairment charges                        210,469   186,443 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------  -------   ------- 
 Change in expected credit losses and other credit 
  impairment charges                                          3f     (4,720)         N/A 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------  -------   ---------- 
 Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions                N/A   (4,437) 
                                                            ------  -------- 
 Net operating income                                               205,749   182,006 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------  -------   ------- 
 Employee compensation and benefits                           5a    (40,793)  (40,095) 
 General and administrative expenses                          3g    (39,989)  (34,786) 
 Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and 
  equipment                                                   17     (4,686)   (4,650) 
 Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets                    (1,956)   (1,536) 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------  -------   ------- 
 Total operating expenses                                           (87,424)  (81,067) 
 Operating profit                                                   118,325   100,939 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------  -------   ------- 
 Share of profit in associates and joint ventures                    16,258    14,680 
                                                                    ------- 
 Profit before tax                                                  134,583   115,619 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------  -------   ------- 
 Tax expense                                                   6    (22,467)  (19,601) 
                                                                    ------- 
 Profit for the year                                                112,116    96,018 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------            ------- 
 Profit attributable to shareholders of the parent 
  company                                                           103,013    88,530 
                                                                    ------- 
 Profit attributable to non-controlling interests                     9,103     7,488 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------  -------   ------- 
 
 
 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
 

for the year ended 31 December

 
                                                                    2018        2017 
                                                                    HK$m        HK$m 
--------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ---------- 
 Profit for the year                                            112,116    96,018 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -------   ------- 
 Other comprehensive income/(expense) 
                                                                --------  ---------- 
 Items that will be reclassified subsequently to profit 
  or loss when specific conditions are met: 
 Available-for-sale investments                                      N/A    1,609 
 - fair value gains                                                  N/A    3,346 
 - fair value gains reclassified to the income statement             N/A   (1,667) 
-------------------------------------------------------------- 
 - amounts reclassified to the income statement in respect 
  of impairment losses                                               N/A        5 
-------------------------------------------------------------- 
 - income taxes                                                      N/A      (75) 
--------------------------------------------------------------  --------  ------- 
 Debt instruments at fair value through other comprehensive 
  income                                                            826          N/A 
-------------------------------------------------------------- 
 - fair value gains                                                 908          N/A 
-------------------------------------------------------------- 
 - fair value losses transferred to the income statement 
  on disposal                                                       142          N/A 
-------------------------------------------------------------- 
 - expected credit losses recognised in the income statement         (9)         N/A 
-------------------------------------------------------------- 
 - income taxes                                                    (215)         N/A 
-------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Cash flow hedges                                                   131       607 
-------------------------------------------------------------- 
 - fair value gains/(losses)                                      1,264    (6,780) 
-------------------------------------------------------------- 
 - fair value (gains)/losses reclassified to the income 
  statement                                                      (1,125)    7,506 
-------------------------------------------------------------- 
 - income taxes                                                      (8)     (119) 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -------   ------- 
 Share of other comprehensive expense of associates and 
  joint ventures                                                   (146)     (852) 
                                                                -------   ------- 
 Exchange differences                                           (18,098)   25,387 
--------------------------------------------------------------            ------- 
 Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit 
  or loss: 
 Property revaluation                                             8,826     8,864 
                                                                          ------- 
 - fair value gains                                              10,626    10,442 
 - income taxes                                                  (1,800)   (1,578) 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -------   ------- 
 Equity instruments measured at fair value through other 
  comprehensive income                                             (581)         N/A 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -------   ---------- 
 - fair value losses                                               (576)         N/A 
-------------------------------------------------------------- 
 - income taxes                                                      (5)         N/A 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -------   ---------- 
 Changes in fair value of financial liabilities designated 
  at fair value upon initial recognition arising from changes 
  in own credit risk                                               (199)     (209) 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -------   ------- 
 - before income taxes                                             (241)     (250) 
-------------------------------------------------------------- 
 - income taxes                                                      42        41 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -------   ------- 
 Remeasurement of defined benefit asset/liability                  (910)    1,371 
 - before income taxes                                           (1,091)    1,640 
 - income taxes                                                     181      (269) 
                                                                -------   ------- 
 Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax            (10,151)   36,777 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -------   ------- 
 Total comprehensive income for the year                        101,965   132,795 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -------   ------- 
 Attributable to: 
 - shareholders of the parent company                            92,796   123,739 
-------------------------------------------------------------- 
 - non-controlling interests                                      9,169     9,056 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -------   ------- 
 Total comprehensive income for the year                        101,965   132,795 
--------------------------------------------------------------  -------   ------- 
 
 
 Consolidated balance sheet 
 

at 31 December

 
                                                                      2018         2017 
                                                          Notes       HK$m         HK$m 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  ----------- 
 Assets 
 Cash and sight balances at central banks                          205,660    208,073 
                                                                 --------- 
 Items in the course of collection from other banks                 25,380     25,714 
                                                                 ---------  --------- 
 Hong Kong Government certificates of indebtedness                 280,854    267,174 
------------------------------------------------------- 
 Trading assets                                             8      558,838    496,434 
                                                                 --------- 
 Derivatives                                                9      292,869    300,243 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 Financial assets designated and otherwise mandatorily 
  measured at fair value through profit or loss            10      132,859          N/A 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  ----------- 
 Financial assets designated at fair value                 10          N/A    122,646 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 Reverse repurchase agreements - non-trading                       406,327    330,890 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 Placings with and advances to banks                               338,151    433,005 
                                                                 --------- 
 Loans and advances to customers                           11    3,528,702  3,328,980 
                                                                 --------- 
 Financial investments                                     12    1,871,026  1,720,873 
                                                         ------  --------- 
 Amounts due from Group companies                          34       70,455    227,729 
                                                                 ---------  --------- 
 Interests in associates and joint ventures                15      142,885    144,717 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 Goodwill and intangible assets                            16       65,104     59,865 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 Property, plant and equipment                             17      112,080    116,336 
                                                                 --------- 
 Deferred tax assets                                        6        2,315      2,156 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 Prepayments, accrued income and other assets              18      229,949    158,511 
                                                         ------ 
 Total assets                                                    8,263,454  7,943,346 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 Liabilities 
 Hong Kong currency notes in circulation                           280,854    267,174 
 Items in the course of transmission to other banks                 33,806     38,283 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 Repurchase agreements - non-trading                                70,279     47,170 
 Deposits by banks                                                 164,664    201,697 
                                                                 --------- 
 Customer accounts                                         19    5,207,666  5,138,272 
                                                         ------  --------- 
 Trading liabilities                                       20       81,194    231,365 
                                                                 --------- 
 Derivatives                                                9      295,553    309,353 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 Financial liabilities designated at fair value            21      161,143     49,278 
                                                                 --------- 
 Debt securities in issue                                  22       58,236     38,394 
                                                                 --------- 
 Retirement benefit liabilities                            5b        3,369      2,222 
 Amounts due to Group companies                            34      396,487    265,688 
 Accruals and deferred income, other liabilities and 
  provisions                                               23      196,665    110,687 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 Liabilities under insurance contracts                      4      468,589    438,017 
                                                                 --------- 
 Current tax liabilities                                    6        3,337      3,242 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 Deferred tax liabilities                                   6       24,513     24,391 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 Subordinated liabilities                                  24        4,081      4,090 
                                                                 --------- 
 Preference shares                                         25           98     21,037 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 Total liabilities                                               7,450,534  7,190,360 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 Equity 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------ 
 Share capital                                             26      172,335    151,360 
                                                                 --------- 
 Other equity instruments                                  27       35,879     14,737 
                                                         ------  --------- 
 Other reserves                                                    114,949    123,417 
 Retained earnings                                                 429,595    406,966 
                                                                 --------- 
 Total shareholders' equity                                        752,758    696,480 
 Non-controlling interests                                          60,162     56,506 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 Total equity                                                      812,920    752,986 
 Total liabilities and equity                                    8,263,454  7,943,346 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------  ---------  --------- 
 
 
 Consolidated statement of cash flows 
 

for the year ended 31 December

 
                                                                        2018         2017 
                                                                        HK$m         HK$m 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ----------- 
 Profit before tax                                                  134,583    115,619 
                                                                   -------- 
 Adjustments for non-cash items: 
                                                                   ---------  ----------- 
 Depreciation and amortisation                                        6,657      6,202 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Net gain from investing activities                                  (1,071)    (3,564) 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Share of profits in associates and joint ventures                  (16,258)   (14,680) 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 (Gain)/loss on disposal of subsidiaries, businesses, associates 
  and joint ventures                                                    (38)       186 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Change in expected credit losses gross of recoveries and 
  other credit impairment charges                                     4,720           N/A 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  --------   ----------- 
 Loan impairment losses gross of recoveries and other credit 
  risk provisions                                                        N/A     5,330 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -------- 
 Provisions                                                              51       (618) 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Share-based payment expense                                            881        970 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Other non-cash items included in profit before tax                  (3,861)       510 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Elimination of exchange differences                                 15,723    (36,213) 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Changes in operating assets and liabilities 
                                                                   ---------  ----------- 
 Change in net trading securities and derivatives                   (65,937)   (55,262) 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Change in loans and advances to banks and customers               (299,137)  (491,235) 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Change in reverse repurchase agreements - non-trading              (61,887)   (75,091) 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  --------   -------- 
 Change in financial assets designated and otherwise mandatorily 
  measured at fair value through profit and loss                      1,176           N/A 
                                                                   --------   ----------- 
 Change in financial assets designated at fair value                     N/A   (16,630) 
                                                                   ---------  -------- 
 Change in other assets                                             113,636    144,752 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Change in deposits by banks and customer accounts                   71,688    247,486 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Change in repurchase agreements - non-trading                       23,109     19,360 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Change in debt securities in issue                                  19,842     13,159 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Change in financial liabilities designated at fair value            (8,605)    (1,838) 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Change in other liabilities                                        166,634     63,627 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Dividends received from associates                                   4,948      4,556 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Contributions paid to defined benefit plans                           (576)      (722) 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Tax paid                                                           (18,216)   (14,674) 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Net cash from operating activities                                  88,062    (88,770) 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  --------   -------- 
 Purchase of financial investments                                 (822,067)  (721,925) 
 Proceeds from the sale and maturity of financial investments       756,630    749,277 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  --------   -------- 
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment                           (1,646)    (2,997) 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and 
  assets held for sale                                               11,820      5,572 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  --------   -------- 
 Proceeds from disposal of customer loan portfolios                   2,542      2,004 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Net investment in intangible assets                                 (4,691)    (2,831) 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Cash outflow on purchase of subsidiaries                                 -     (1,757) 
                                                                   --------   -------- 
 Net cash from investing activities                                 (57,412)    27,343 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  --------   -------- 
 Issue of ordinary share capital and other equity instruments        21,142      1,744 
                                                                   -------- 
 Redemption of preference shares and other equity instruments       (20,975)    (6,022) 
                                                                   -------- 
 Subordinated loan capital issued(1)                                 79,834     76,433 
                                                                   -------- 
 Subordinated loan capital repaid(1)                                (42,986)   (18,737) 
                                                                   -------- 
 Dividends paid to shareholders of the parent company and 
  non-controlling interests                                         (52,508)   (60,892) 
                                                                   -------- 
 Net cash from financing activities                                 (15,493)    (7,474) 
                                                                   -------- 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                15,157    (68,901) 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  --------   -------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 Jan(2)                              718,038    752,705 
                                                                   -------- 
 Exchange differences in respect of cash and cash equivalents       (11,586)    34,234 
                                                                   -------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 Dec                                721,609    718,038 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  -------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents comprise(3) 
                                                                   --------- 
 - cash and balances at central banks                               205,660    208,073 
                                                                   -------- 
 - items in the course of collection from other banks                25,380     25,714 
                                                                   -------- 
 - loans and advances to banks of one month or less                 179,952    293,499 
                                                                   -------- 
 - reverse repurchase agreements with banks of one month 
  or less                                                           165,654    152,104 
                                                                   -------- 
 - treasury bills, other bills and certificates of deposit 
  less than three months                                            178,769     76,931 
                                                                   -------- 
 - less: items in the course of transmission to other banks         (33,806)   (38,283) 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  --------   -------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 Dec                                721,609    718,038 
-----------------------------------------------------------------  --------   -------- 
 

Interest received was HK$166,441m (2017: HK$136,539m), interest paid was HK$41,583m (2017: HK$28,324m) and dividends received were HK$178m (2017: HK$175m).

1 Changes in subordinated liabilities (including those issued to Group companies) during the year included amounts from issuance and repayments as presented above, and non-cash changes from foreign exchange losses (HK$ 280m) and fair value losses (HK$353m).

2 At 1 January 2018, the cumulative changes in cash and cash equivalents as a result of remeasurement upon the transition to HKFRS 9 'Financial Instruments' was a loss of HK$1m.

3 At 31 December 2018 HK$ 122,899m (2017: HK$ 199,336m) was not available for use by the group, of which HK$ 71,783m (2017: HK$ 82,667m) related to mandatory deposits at Central banks.

 
 Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
 

for the year ended 31 December

 
                                                                                                                   Other reserves 
                                                                                                               Financial       Cash                         Total 
                                                                            Other                 Property        assets       flow   Foreign              share-           Non- 
                                                               Share       equity  Retained    revaluation      at FVOCI      hedge  exchange            holders'    controlling       Total 
                                                             capital  instruments  earnings        reserve    reserve(7)    reserve   reserve  Other(1)    equity      interests      equity 
                                                                HK$m         HK$m      HK$m           HK$m          HK$m       HK$m      HK$m      HK$m      HK$m           HK$m        HK$m 
----------------------------------------------------------- 
 At 31 Dec 2017                                              151,360       14,737  406,966     58,381         6,825        (197)      (6,948)   65,356   696,480     56,506       752,986 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  -----------  -------   --------  ---  -------  ---  -----      -------   -------   -------   --------  ---  ------- 
 Impact on transition 
  to HKFRS 9                                                       -            -   (7,478)         -        (4,512)          -            -         -   (11,990)      (323)      (12,313) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  -----------  -------   --------  ---  -------       -----      -------   -------   -------   --------       ------- 
 At 1 Jan 2018                                               151,360       14,737  399,488     58,381         2,313        (197)      (6,948)   65,356   684,490     56,183       740,673 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  -----------  -------   --------  ---  -------  ---  -----      -------   -------   -------   --------  ---  ------- 
 Profit for the 
  year                                                             -            -  103,013          -             -           -            -         -   103,013      9,103       112,116 
                                                             -------  -----------  -------   --------  ---  -------  ---  -----      -------   -------   -------   --------  ---  ------- 
 Other comprehensive 
  income/(expense) 
  (net of tax)                                                     -            -     (890)     8,050           228          98      (17,701)       (2)  (10,217)        66       (10,151) 
 
   *    debt instruments at fair value through other 
        comprehensive income                                       -            -        -          -           734           -            -         -       734         92           826 
 
   *    equity instruments designated at fair value through 
        other comprehensive income                                 -            -        -          -          (367)          -            -         -      (367)      (214)         (581) 
----------------------------------------------------------- 
 
   *    cash flow hedges                                           -            -        -          -             -          98            -         -        98         33           131 
----------------------------------------------------------- 
 
   *    changes in fair value of financial liabilities 
        designated at fair value upon initial recognition 
        arising from changes in own credit risk                    -            -     (197)         -             -           -            -         -      (197)        (2)         (199) 
----------------------------------------------------------- 
 
   *    property revaluation                                       -            -        -      8,050             -           -            -         -     8,050        776         8,826 
----------------------------------------------------------- 
 
   *    remeasurement of defined benefit asset/liability           -            -     (688)         -             -           -            -         -      (688)      (222)         (910) 
----------------------------------------------------------- 
 
   *    share of other comprehensive expense of associates 
        and joint ventures                                         -            -       (5)         -          (139)          -            -        (2)     (146)         -          (146) 
----------------------------------------------------------- 
 
   *    exchange differences                                       -            -        -          -             -           -      (17,701)        -   (17,701)      (397)      (18,098) 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  -----------  -------   --------  ---  -------  ---  -----      -------   -------   -------   --------       ------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income/(expense) 
  for the year                                                     -            -  102,123      8,050           228          98      (17,701)       (2)   92,796      9,169       101,965 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  -----------  -------   --------  ---  -------  ---  -----      -------   -------   -------   --------  ---  ------- 
 Other equity instruments 
  issued(2)                                                        -       21,142        -          -             -           -            -         -    21,142          -        21,142 
                                                             -------  -----------  -------   --------  ---  -------  ---  -----      -------   -------   -------   --------  ---  ------- 
 Dividends paid(3)                                                 -            -  (47,440)         -             -           -            -         -   (47,440)    (5,068)      (52,508) 
                                                             -------  -----------  -------   --------  ---  -------  ---  -----      -------   -------   -------   --------       ------- 
 Movement in respect 
  of share-based 
  payment arrangements                                             -            -     (234)         -             -           -            -       246        12         10            22 
                                                             -------  -----------  -------   --------  ---  -------  ---  -----      -------   -------   -------   --------  ---  ------- 
 Transfers and 
  other movements(4,5,6)                                      20,975            -  (24,342)    (8,517)          412           -            -    13,230     1,758       (132)        1,626 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  -----------  -------   --------       -------  ---  -----      -------   -------   -------   --------       ------- 
 At 31 Dec 2018                                              172,335       35,879  429,595     57,914         2,953         (99)     (24,649)   78,830   752,758     60,162       812,920 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  -----------  -------   --------  ---  -------  ---  -----      -------   -------   -------   --------  ---  ------- 
 
 
 At 1 Jan 2017                                              114,359  14,737  413,024   53,763   6,189   (793)  (31,861)  58,588   628,006   51,130   679,136 
----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------  -------   ------   -----   ----   -------   ------   -------   ------   ------- 
 Profit for the 
  year                                                            -       -   88,530        -       -      -         -        -    88,530    7,488    96,018 
----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------  -------                                     ------   ------- 
 Other comprehensive 
  income/(expense) 
  (net of tax)                                                    -       -      976    8,144     636    596    24,913      (56)   35,209    1,568    36,777 
 
   *    available-for-sale investments                            -       -        -        -   1,422      -         -        -     1,422      187     1,609 
 - cash flow hedges                                               -       -        -        -       -    596         -        -       596       11       607 
 
   *    changes in fair value of financial liabilities 
        designated at fair value upon initial recognition 
        arising from changes in own credit risk                   -       -     (207)       -       -      -         -        -      (207)      (2)     (209) 
 
   *    property revaluation                                      -       -        -    8,144       -      -         -        -     8,144      720     8,864 
---------------------------------------------------------- 
 
   *    remeasurement of defined benefit asset/liability          -       -    1,193        -       -      -         -        -     1,193      178     1,371 
---------------------------------------------------------- 
 
   *    share of other comprehensive expense of associates 
        and joint ventures                                        -       -      (10)       -    (786)     -         -      (56)     (852)       -      (852) 
---------------------------------------------------------- 
 
   *    exchange differences                                      -       -        -        -       -      -    24,913        -    24,913      474    25,387 
---------------------------------------------------------- 
 Total comprehensive 
  income/(expense) 
  for the year                                                    -       -   89,506    8,144     636    596    24,913      (56)  123,739    9,056   132,795 
----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------  -------   ------   -----   ----   -------   ------   -------   ------   ------- 
 Shares issued                                                1,744       -        -        -       -      -         -        -     1,744        -     1,744 
                                                                                                                         ------   -------   ------   ------- 
 Dividends paid(3)                                                -       -  (56,260)       -       -      -         -        -   (56,260)  (4,632)  (60,892) 
                                                            -------  ------  -------   ------   -----   ----   -------   ------ 
 Movement in respect 
  of share-based 
  payment arrangements                                            -       -      (73)       -       -      -         -     (324)     (397)      (9)     (406) 
----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------  -------   ------   -----   ----   -------   ------   -------   ------   ------- 
 Transfers and 
  other movements(4,5,6)                                     35,257       -  (39,231)  (3,526)      -      -         -    7,148      (352)     961       609 
                                                            -------  ------  -------   ------   -----   ----   -------   ------   -------   ------   ------- 
 At 31 Dec 2017                                             151,360  14,737  406,966   58,381   6,825   (197)   (6,948)  65,356   696,480   56,506   752,986 
----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------  -------   ------   -----   ----   -------   ------   -------   ------   ------- 
 

1 The other reserves mainly comprise share of associates' other reserves, purchase premium arising from transfer of business from fellow subsidiaries, property revaluation reserve relating to transfer of properties to a fellow subsidiary and the share-based payment reserve. The share-based payment reserve is used to record the amount relating to share awards and options granted to employees of the group directly by HSBC Holdings plc.

   2      In 2018, there were US$2,700m additional tier 1 capital instruments issued. 

3 Including distributions paid on perpetual subordinated loans classified as equity under HKFRS.

4 Ordinary share capital includes preference shares which have been redeemed or bought back via payment out of distributable profits. In 2018, the Bank redeemed HK$20,975m (2017: HK$35,257m) of preference shares.

5 The movement from retained earnings to other reserves includes the relevant transfers in associates according to local regulatory requirements.

6 The movement from property revaluation reserve to other reserves in 2018 included HK$7,169m (2017: HK$2,100m) relating to transfer of properties to a fellow subsidiary as part of the Recovery and Resolution Plan as set out in the Report of Directors in the Annual Report and Accounts 2018.

7 The balance at 31 December 2017 represents the HKAS 39 Available-for-sale fair value reserve as at 31 December 2017.

 
 Notes on the Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
 
 1   Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies 
    --------------------------------------------------------- 
 
   1.1     Basis of preparation 
   (a)      Compliance with Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards 

The consolidated financial statements of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited ('the Bank') and its subsidiaries (together 'the group') have been prepared in accordance with Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards ('HKFRSs') as issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants ('HKICPA') and accounting principles generally accepted in Hong Kong. These financial statements also comply with the requirements of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) which are applicable to the preparation of financial statements.

Standards adopted during the year ended 31 December 2018

The group has adopted the requirements of HKFRS 9 'Financial Instruments' from 1 January 2018, with the exception of the provisions relating to the presentation of gains and losses on financial liabilities designated at fair value, which were adopted from 1 January 2017. This includes the adoption of 'Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation (Amendments to HKFRS 9)' which is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019 with early adoption permitted. The effect of adopting the amendments to HKFRS 9 is not considered to be significant. HKFRS 9 includes an accounting policy choice to remain with HKAS 39 hedge accounting, which the group has exercised. The classification and measurement and impairment requirements are applied retrospectively by adjusting the opening balance sheet at the date of initial application. As permitted by HKFRS 9, the group has not restated comparatives. Adoption reduced net assets at 1 January 2018 by HK$12,313m as set out in note 2.

In addition, the group has adopted the requirements of HKFRS 15 'Revenue from Contracts with Customers' and a number of interpretations and amendments to standards which have had an insignificant effect on the group's consolidated financial statements.

HKFRS 9 transitional requirements

The transition requirements of HKFRS 9 have necessitated a review of the designation of financial instruments at fair value. HKFRS 9 requires that the designation is revoked where there is no longer an accounting mismatch at 1 January 2018 and permits designations to be revoked or additional designations created at 1 January 2018 if there are accounting mismatches at that date. As a result, fair value designations for financial liabilities have been revoked where the accounting mismatch no longer exists, as required by HKFRS 9.

The results of these changes are included in the reconciliation set out in note 2.

Changes in accounting policy

While not necessarily required by the adoption of HKFRS 9, the following voluntary changes in accounting policy and presentation have been made as a result of reviews carried out in conjunction with its adoption. The effect of presentational changes at 1 January 2018 is included in the reconciliation set out in note 2 and comparatives have not been restated.

-- We have considered market practices for the presentation of certain financial liabilities which contain both deposit and derivative components. We have concluded that a change in accounting policy and presentation from 'Trading liabilities' would be appropriate, since it would better align with the presentation of similar financial instruments by peers and therefore provide more relevant information about the effect of these financial liabilities on our financial position and performance. As a result, rather than being classified as held for trading, we designate these financial liabilities as at fair value through profit or loss since they are managed and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis. A further consequence of this change in presentation is that the effects of changes in the liabilities' credit risk will be presented in 'Other comprehensive income' with the remaining effect presented in profit or loss in accordance with group's accounting policy adopted in 2017 (following the adoption of the requirements in HKFRS 9 relating to the presentation of gains and losses on financial liabilities designated at fair value).

-- Cash collateral, margin and settlement accounts have been reclassified from 'Trading assets', 'Placings with and advances to banks' and 'Loans and advances to customers' to 'Prepayments, accrued income and other assets' and from 'Trading liabilities' and 'Deposits by banks' and 'Customer accounts' to 'Accruals and deferred income, other liabilities and provisions'. The change in presentation for financial assets is in accordance with HKFRS 9 and the change in presentation for financial liabilities is considered to provide more relevant information, given the change in presentation for the financial assets. The change in presentation for financial liabilities has had no effect on measurement of these items and therefore on retained earnings or profit for any period.

-- Certain stock borrowing assets have been reclassified from 'Placings with and advances to banks' and 'Loans and advances to customers' to 'Trading assets'. The change in measurement is a result of the determination of the global business model for this activity and will align to the global presentation.

   (b)      Future accounting developments 

Minor amendments to HKFRSs

The HKICPA has published a number of minor amendments to HKFRSs which are effective from 1 January 2019. The group expects they will have an insignificant effect, when adopted, on the consolidated financial statements.

Major new HKFRSs

The HKICPA has published HKFRS 16 'Leases' and HKFRS 17 'Insurance contracts'.

HKFRS 16 'Leases'

HKFRS 16 'Leases' has an effective date for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. HKFRS 16 results in lessees accounting for most leases within the scope of the standard in a manner similar to the way in which finance leases are currently accounted for under HKAS 17 'Leases'. Lessees will recognise a right of use ('ROU') asset and a corresponding financial liability on the balance sheet. The asset will be amortised over the length of the lease, and the financial liability measured at amortised cost. Lessor accounting remains

substantially the same as under HKAS 17. At 1 January 2019, the group expects to adopt the standard using a modified retrospective approach where the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard is recognised as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings and comparatives are not restated. The implementation is expected to increase assets by approximately HK$9.2bn and increase financial liabilities by the same amount, with no effect on net assets or retained earnings.

As a consequence of HKFRS 16, properties currently reported under 'Prepayments, accrued income and other assets' as operating leases and held at cost will be reclassified to 'Property, plant and equipment' and be measured at fair value. The implementation is expected to increase 'Property, plant and equipment' by HK$16.3bn and increase deferred tax liabilities by HK$2.7bn, with the net impact taken to the 'Property Revaluation Reserve'.

HKFRS 17 'Insurance Contracts'

HKFRS 17 'Insurance Contracts' was issued in January 2018 and sets out the requirements that an entity should apply in accounting for insurance contracts it issues and reinsurance contracts it holds. HKFRS 17 is effective from 1 January 2021. However, the HKICPA is considering delaying the mandatory implementation date by one year and may make additional changes to the standard. The group is in the process of implementing HKFRS 17. Industry practice and interpretation of the standard is still developing and there may be changes to the standard, therefore the likely impact of its implementation remains uncertain.

Amendment to HKAS 12 'Income Taxes'

An amendment to HKAS 12 was issued in February 2018 as part of the Annual Improvement Cycle. The amendment clarifies that an entity should recognise the tax consequences of dividends where the transactions or events that generated the distributable profits are recognised. This amendment will be effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019 and is applied to the income tax consequences of distributions recognised on or after the beginning of the earliest comparative period. As a consequence, income tax related to distributions on perpetual subordinated loans will be presented in profit or loss rather than equity.

   (c)      Foreign currencies 

Items included in each of the group's entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the 'functional currency'). The group's consolidated financial statements are presented in Hong Kong dollars.

Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange on the date of the transaction. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange at the balance sheet date except non-monetary assets and liabilities measured at historical cost that are translated using the rate of exchange at the initial transaction date. Exchange differences are included in other comprehensive income or in the income statement depending on where the gain or loss on the underlying item is recognised.

In the consolidated financial statements, the assets, liabilities and results of foreign operations whose functional currency is not Hong Kong dollars are translated into the group's presentation currency at the reporting date. Exchange differences arising are recognised in other comprehensive income. On disposal of a foreign operation, exchange differences previously recognised in other comprehensive income are reclassified to the income statement.

   (d)      Presentation of information 

Certain disclosures required by HKFRSs have been included in the audited sections of the Annual Report and Accounts as follows:

-- Consolidated income statement and balance sheet data by global business are included in the 'Financial Review' on page 8.

-- Disclosures concerning the nature and extent of risks relating to banking and insurance activities are included in the 'Risk' section on pages 14 to 15, pages 18 to 29, page 32, page 33, page 34, page 35 and pages 38 to 41 as specified as "audited".

   --    Capital disclosures are included in the 'Capital' section on page 42. 

In accordance with the group's policy to provide disclosures that help other stakeholders to understand the group's performance, financial position and changes thereto, the information provided in the Risk section and the Capital section goes beyond the minimum levels required by accounting standards, statutory and regulatory requirements. In addition, the group assesses good practice recommendations issued from time to time by relevant regulators and standard setters and will assess the applicability and relevance of such guidance, enhancing disclosures where appropriate.

   (e)      Critical accounting estimates and judgements 

The preparation of financial information requires the use of estimates and judgements about future conditions. In view of the inherent uncertainties and the high level of subjectivity involved in the recognition or measurement of items highlighted as the critical accounting estimates and judgements in note 1.2 below, it is possible that the outcomes in the next financial year could differ from those on which management's estimates are based. This could result in materially different estimates and judgements from those reached by management for the purposes of the 2018 Financial Statements. Management's selection of the group's accounting policies which contain critical estimates and judgements reflects the materiality of the items to which the policies are applied and the high degree of judgement and estimation uncertainty involved.

   (f)      Segmental analysis 

The group's chief operating decision-maker is the Executive Committee which operates as a general management committee under the direct authority of the Board and operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Executive Committee.

Measurement of segmental assets, liabilities, income and expenses is in accordance with the group's accounting policies. Segmental income and expenses include transfers between segments and these transfers are conducted at arm's length. Shared costs are included in segments on the basis of the actual recharges made.

   (g)      Going concern 

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, as the Directors are satisfied that the group and parent company have the resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future. In making this assessment, the Directors have considered a wide range of information relating to present and future conditions, including future projections of profitability, cash flows and capital resources.

   1.2     Summary of significant accounting policies 
   (a)      Consolidation and related policies 

Investments in subsidiaries

Where an entity is governed by voting rights, the group consolidates when it holds, directly or indirectly, the necessary voting rights to pass resolutions by the governing body. In all other cases, the assessment of control is more complex and requires judgement of other factors, including having exposure to variability of returns, power to direct relevant activities and whether power is held as agent or principal.

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The amount of non-controlling interest is measured either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest's proportionate share of the acquiree's identifiable net assets. This election is made for each business combination.

The Bank's investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost less impairment losses.

Goodwill

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units ('CGU') for the purpose of impairment testing, which is undertaken at the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. Impairment testing is performed at least annually, or whenever there is an indication of impairment, by comparing the recoverable amount of a CGU with its carrying amount.

Interests in associates

The group classifies investments in entities over which it has significant influence, and that are neither subsidiaries nor joint arrangements, as associates.

Investments in associates are recognised using the equity method. The attributable share of the results and reserves of associates are included in the consolidated financial statements of the group based on either financial statements made up to 31 December or pro-rated amounts adjusted for any material transactions or events occurring between the date of financial statements available and 31 December.

Investments in associates are assessed at each reporting date and tested for impairment when there is an indication that the investment may be impaired. Goodwill on acquisitions of interests in associates is not tested separately for impairment but is assessed as part of the carrying amount of the investment.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

 
 Impairment testing of investments in associates involves significant 
  judgement in determining the value in use, and in particular estimating 
  the present values of cash flows expected to arise from continuing 
  to hold the investment. The most significant judgements relate to the 
  impairment testing of our investment in Bank of Communications ('BoCom'). 
  Key assumptions used in estimating BoCom's value in use, the sensitivity 
  of the value in use calculation to different assumptions and a sensitivity 
  analysis that shows the changes in key assumptions that would reduce 
  the excess of value in use over the carrying amount (the 'headroom') 
  to nil are described in note 15. 
============================================================================ 
 
   (b)      Income and expenses 

Operating income

Interest income and expense

Interest income and expense for all financial instruments, excluding those classified as held for trading or designated at fair value are recognised in 'Interest income' and 'Interest expense' in the income statement using the effective interest method. However, as an exception to this, interest on debt securities issued by the group that are designated under the fair value option and derivatives managed in conjunction with those debt securities are included in interest expense.

Interest on impaired financial assets is recognised using the rate of interest used to discount the future cash flows for the purpose of measuring the impairment loss.

Non-interest income and expense

The group generates fee income from services provided at a fixed price over time, such as account service and card fees, or when the group delivers a specific transaction at a point in time such as broking services and import/export services. With the exception of certain fund management and performance fees, all other fees are generated at a fixed price. Fund management and performance fees can be variable depending on the size of the customer portfolio and the group's performance as fund manager. Variable fees are recognised when all uncertainties are resolved. Fee income is generally earned from short term contracts with payment terms that do not include a significant financing component.

The group acts as principal in the majority of contracts with customers, with the exception of broking services. For most brokerage trades the group acts as agent in the transaction and recognises broking income net of fees payable to other parties in the arrangement.

The group recognises fees earned on transaction-based arrangements at a point in time when we have fully provide the service to the customer. Where the contract requires services to be provided over time, income is recognised on a systematic basis over the life of the agreement.

Where the group offers a package of services that contains multiple non-distinct performance obligations, such as those included in account service packages, the promised services are treated as a single performance obligation. If a package of services contains distinct performance obligations, such as those including both account and insurance services, the corresponding transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on the estimated stand-alone selling prices.

Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive payment is established. This is the ex-dividend date for listed equity securities, and usually the date when shareholders approve the dividend for unlisted equity securities.

Net income/(expense) from financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss includes the following:

-- 'Net income from financial instruments held for trading or managed on a fair value basis'. This element is comprised of the net trading income, which includes all gains and losses from changes in the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities held for trading, together with the related interest income, expense and dividends; and it also includes all gains and losses from changes in the fair value of derivatives that are managed in conjunction with financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss.

-- 'Net income/(expense) from assets and liabilities of insurance businesses, including related derivatives, measured at fair value through profit or loss'. This includes interest income, interest expense and dividend income in respect of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss; and those derivatives managed in conjunction with the above which can be separately identifiable from other trading derivatives.

-- 'Changes in fair value of long-term debt and related derivatives'. Interest paid on the external long-term debt and interest cash flows on related derivatives is presented in interest expense.

-- 'Changes in fair value of other financial instruments mandatorily measured at fair value through profit or loss'. This includes interest on instruments which fail the SPPI test. See (d) below.

The accounting policies for insurance premium income are disclosed in note 1.2(j).

   (c)      Valuation of financial instruments 

All financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value of a financial instrument on initial recognition is generally its transaction price (that is, the fair value of the consideration given or received). However, if there is a difference between the transaction price and the fair value of financial instruments whose fair value is based on a quoted price in an active market or a valuation technique that uses only data from observable markets, the group recognises the difference as a trading gain or loss at inception ('day 1 gain or loss'). In all other cases, the entire day 1 gain or loss is deferred and recognised in the income statement over the life of the transaction until the transaction matures or is closed out, the valuation inputs become observable or the group enters into an offsetting transaction.

The fair value of financial instruments is generally measured on an individual basis. However, in cases where the group manages a group of financial assets and liabilities according to its net market or credit risk exposure, the fair value of the group of financial instruments is measured on a net basis but the underlying financial assets and liabilities are presented separately in the financial statements, unless they satisfy the HKFRSs offsetting criteria.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

 
 The majority of valuation techniques employ only observable market 
  data. However, certain financial instruments are valued on the basis 
  of valuation techniques that feature one or more significant market 
  inputs that are unobservable, where the measurement of fair value is 
  more judgemental. An instrument in its entirety is classified as valued 
  using significant unobservable inputs if, in the opinion of management, 
  a significant proportion of the instrument's inception profit or greater 
  than 5% of the instrument's valuation is driven by unobservable inputs. 
  'Unobservable' in this context means that there is little or no current 
  market data available from which to determine the price at which an 
  arm's length transaction would be likely to occur. It generally does 
  not mean that there is no data available at all upon which to base 
  a determination of fair value (consensus pricing data may, for example, 
  be used). 
========================================================================== 
 
   (d)      Financial instruments measured at amortised cost 

Financial assets that are held to collect the contractual cash flows and that contain contractual terms that give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest, such as most loans and advances to banks and customers and some debt securities, are measured at amortised cost. In addition, most financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost. The group accounts for regular way amortised cost financial instruments using trade date accounting. The carrying value of these financial assets at initial recognition includes any directly attributable transactions costs. If the initial fair value is lower than the cash amount advanced, such as in the case of some leveraged finance and syndicated lending activities, the difference is deferred and recognised over the life of the loan through the recognition of interest income.

The group may commit to underwrite loans on fixed contractual terms for specified periods of time. When the loan arising from the lending commitment is expected to be held for trading, the commitment to lend is recorded as a derivative. When the group intends to hold the loan, the loan commitment is included in the impairment calculations set out below.

Non-trading reverse repurchase, repurchase and similar agreements

When debt securities are sold subject to a commitment to repurchase them at a predetermined price ('repos'), they remain on the balance sheet and a liability is recorded in respect of the consideration received. Securities purchased under commitments to resell ('reverse repos') are not recognised on the balance sheet and an asset is recorded in respect of the initial consideration paid. Non-trading repos and reverse repos are measured at amortised cost. The difference between the sale and repurchase price or between the purchase and resale price is treated as interest and recognised in net interest income over the life of the agreement.

Contracts that are economically equivalent to reverse repurchase or repurchase agreements (such as sales or purchases of debt securities entered into together with total return swaps with the same counterparty) are accounted for similarly to, and presented together with, reverse repurchase or repurchase agreements.

   (e)      Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income ('FVOCI') 

Financial assets held for a business model that is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling and that contain contractual terms that give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest are measured at FVOCI. These comprise primarily debt securities. They are recognised on the trade date when the group enters into contractual arrangements to purchase and are normally derecognised when they are either sold or redeemed. They are subsequently remeasured at fair value and changes therein (except for those relating to impairment, interest income and foreign currency exchange gains and losses) are recognised in other comprehensive income until the assets are sold. Upon disposal, the cumulative gains or losses in other comprehensive income are recognised in the income statement as 'Gains less losses from financial instruments'. Financial assets measured at FVOCI are included in the impairment calculations set out below and impairment is recognised in profit or loss.

   (f)      Equity securities measured at fair value with fair value movements presented in OCI 

The equity securities for which fair value movements are shown in OCI are business facilitation and other similar investments where the group holds the investments other than to generate a capital return. Gains or losses on the derecognition of these equity securities are not transferred to profit or loss. Dividend income is recognised in profit or loss.

   (g)      Financial instruments designated at fair value through profit or loss 

Financial instruments, other than those held for trading, are classified in this category if they meet one or more of the criteria set out below and are so designated irrevocably at inception:

   --    the use of the designation removes or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch; 

-- when a group of financial assets and liabilities or a group of financial liabilities is managed and its performance is evaluated on a fair value basis, in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy; and

   --    where the financial liability contains one or more non-closely related embedded derivatives. 

Designated financial assets are recognised when the group enters into contracts with counterparties, which is generally on trade date, and are normally derecognised when the rights to the cash flows expire or are transferred. Designated financial liabilities are recognised when the group enters into contracts with counterparties, which is generally on settlement date, and are normally derecognised when extinguished. Subsequent changes in fair values are recognised in the income statement in 'Net income from financial instruments held for trading or managed on a fair value basis' or 'Net income/(expense) from assets and liabilities of insurance businesses, including related derivatives, measured at fair value through profit or loss'.

Under the above criterion, the main classes of financial instruments designated by the group are:

   --       Long-term debt issues 

The interest and/or foreign exchange exposure on certain fixed rate debt securities issued has been matched with the interest and/or foreign exchange exposure on certain swaps as part of a documented risk management strategy.

-- Financial assets and financial liabilities under unit-linked and non-linked investment contracts

A contract under which the group does not accept significant insurance risk from another party is not classified as an insurance contract, other than investment contracts with discretionary participation features ('DPF'), but is accounted for as a financial liability. Customer liabilities under linked and certain non-linked investment contracts issued by insurance subsidiaries are determined based on the fair value of the assets held in the linked funds. If no fair value designation was made for the related assets, at least some of the assets would otherwise be measured at either fair value through other comprehensive income or amortised cost. The related financial assets and liabilities are managed and reported to management on a fair value basis. Designation at fair value of the financial assets and related liabilities allows changes in fair values to be recorded in the income statement and presented in the same line.

   (h)     Derivatives 

Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their value from the price of underlying items such as equities, interest rates or other indices. Derivatives are recognised initially and are subsequently measured at fair value, with changes in fair value generally recorded in the income statement. Derivatives are classified as assets when their fair value is positive or as liabilities when their fair value is negative. This includes embedded derivatives in financial liabilities which are bifurcated from the host contract when they meet the definition of a derivative on a stand-alone basis.

Where the derivatives are managed with debt securities issued by the group that are designated at fair value, the contractual interest is shown in 'Interest expense' together with the interest payable on the issued debt.

Hedge accounting

When derivatives are held for risk management purposes, they are designated in hedge accounting relationships where the required criteria for documentation and hedge effectiveness are met. The group enters into fair value hedges, cash flow hedges or hedges of net investments in foreign operations as appropriate to the risk being hedged.

Fair value hedge

Fair value hedge accounting does not change the recording of gains and losses on derivatives and other hedging instruments, but results in recognising changes in the fair value of the hedged assets or liabilities attributable to the hedged risk that would not otherwise be recognised in the income statement. If a hedge relationship no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, hedge accounting is discontinued; the cumulative adjustment to the carrying amount of the hedged item is amortised to the income statement on a recalculated effective interest rate, unless the hedged item has been derecognised, in which case it is recognised in the income statement immediately.

Cash flow hedge

The effective portion of gains and losses on hedging instruments is recognised in other comprehensive income; the ineffective portion

of the change in fair value of derivative hedging instruments that are part of a cash flow hedge relationship is recognised immediately

in the income statement within 'Net income from financial instruments held for trading or managed on a fair value basis'. The accumulated gains and losses recognised in other comprehensive income are reclassified to the income statement in the same periods in which the hedged item affects profit or loss. In hedges of forecast transactions that result in recognition of a non-financial asset or liability, previous gains and losses recognised in other comprehensive income are included in the initial measurement of the asset or liability. When a hedge relationship is discontinued, or partially discontinued, any cumulative gain or loss recognised in other comprehensive income remains in equity until the forecast transaction is recognised in the income statement. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in other comprehensive income is immediately reclassified to the income statement.

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting

Non-qualifying hedges are derivatives entered into as economic hedges of assets and liabilities for which hedge accounting was not applied.

   (i)      Impairment of amortised cost and FVOCI financial assets 

Expected credit losses ('ECL') are recognised for placings with and advances to banks, loans and advances to customers, non-trading reverse repurchase agreements, other financial assets held at amortised cost, debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, and certain loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts. At initial recognition, allowance (or provision in the case of some loan commitments and financial guarantees) is required for ECL resulting from default events that are possible within the next 12 months (or less, where the remaining life is less than 12 months) ('12-month ECL'). In the event of a significant increase in credit risk, allowance (or provision) is required for ECL resulting from all possible default events over the expected life of the financial instrument ('lifetime ECL'). Financial assets where 12-month ECL is recognised are considered to be 'stage 1'; financial assets which are considered to have experienced a significant increase in credit risk are in 'stage 2'; and financial assets for which there is objective evidence of impairment so are considered to be in default or otherwise credit-impaired are in 'stage 3'. Purchased or originated credit-impaired financial assets ('POCI') are treated differently as set out below.

Credit-impaired (stage 3)

The group determines that a financial instrument is credit-impaired and in stage 3 by considering relevant objective evidence, primarily whether:

   --    contractual payments of either principal or interest are past due for more than 90 days; 

-- there are other indications that the borrower is unlikely to pay such as that a concession has been granted to the borrower for economic or legal reasons relating to the borrower's financial condition; and

   --    the loan is otherwise considered to be in default. 

If such unlikeliness to pay is not identified at an earlier stage, it is deemed to occur when an exposure is 90 days past due, even where regulatory rules permit default to be defined based on 180 days past due. Therefore the definitions of credit-impaired and default are aligned as far as possible so that stage 3 represents all loans which are considered defaulted or otherwise credit-impaired.

Interest income is recognised by applying the effective interest rate to the amortised cost amount, i.e. gross carrying amount less ECL allowance.

Write-off

Financial assets (and the related impairment allowances) are normally written off, either partially or in full, when there is no realistic prospect of recovery. Where loans are secured, this is generally after receipt of any proceeds from the realisation of security. In circumstances where the net realisable value of any collateral has been determined and there is no reasonable expectation of further recovery, write-off may be earlier.

Renegotiation

Loans are identified as renegotiated and classified as credit-impaired when we modify the contractual payment terms due to significant credit distress of the borrower. Renegotiated loans remain classified as credit-impaired until there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate a significant reduction in the risk of non-payment of future cash flows and retain the designation of renegotiated until maturity or derecognition.

A loan that is renegotiated is derecognised if the existing agreement is cancelled and a new agreement is made on substantially different terms or if the terms of an existing agreement are modified such that the renegotiated loan is a substantially different financial instrument. Any new loans that arise following derecognition events in these circumstances are considered to be purchased or originated credit-impaired ('POCI') and will continue to be disclosed as renegotiated loans.

Other than originated credit-impaired loans, all other modified loans could be transferred out of stage 3 if they no longer exhibit any evidence of being credit-impaired and, in the case of renegotiated loans, there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate a significant reduction in the risk of non-payment of future cash flows, over the minimum observation period, and there are no other indicators of impairment. These loans could be transferred to stage 1 or 2 based on the mechanism as described below by comparing the risk of a default occurring at the reporting date (based on the modified contractual terms) and the risk of a default occurring at initial recognition (based on the original, unmodified contractual terms). Any amount written off as a result of the modification of contractual terms would not be reversed.

Loan modifications that are not credit-impaired

Loan modifications that are not identified as renegotiated are considered to be commercial restructuring. Where a commercial restructuring results in a modification (whether legalised through an amendment to the existing terms or the issuance of a new loan contract) such that the group's rights to the cash flows under the original contract have expired, the old loan is derecognised and the new loan is recognised at fair value. The rights to cash flows are generally considered to have expired if the commercial restructure is at market rates and no payment-related concession has been provided.

Significant increase in credit risk (stage 2)

An assessment of whether credit risk has increased significantly since initial recognition is performed at each reporting period by considering the change in the risk of default occurring over the remaining life of the financial instrument. The assessment explicitly or implicitly compares the risk of default occurring at the reporting date compared to that at initial recognition, taking into account reasonable and supportable information, including information about past events, current conditions and future economic conditions. The assessment is unbiased, probability-weighted, and to the extent relevant, uses forward-looking information consistent with that used in the measurement of ECL. The analysis of credit risk is multifactor. The determination of whether a specific factor is relevant and its weight compared with other factors depends on the type of product, the characteristics of the financial instrument and the borrower, and the geographical region. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a single set of criteria that will determine what is considered to be a significant increase in credit risk and these criteria will differ for different types of lending, particularly between retail and wholesale. However, unless identified at an earlier stage, all financial assets are deemed to have suffered a significant increase in credit risk when 30 days past due. In addition, wholesale loans that are individually assessed, typically corporate and commercial customers, and included on a watch or worry list are included in stage 2.

For wholesale portfolios, the quantitative comparison assesses default risk using a lifetime probability of default ('PD') which encompasses a wide range of information including the obligor's customer risk rating ('CRR'), macroeconomic condition forecasts and credit transition probabilities. For origination CRRs up to 3.3, significant increase in credit risk is measured by comparing the average PD for the remaining term estimated at origination with the equivalent estimation at reporting date. The quantitative measure of significance varies depending on the credit quality at origination as follows:

 
                   Significance trigger -- PD to increase 
 Origination CRR    by 
 0.1-1.2           15bps 
 2.1-3.3           30bps 
----------------  --------------------------------------- 
 

For CRRs greater than 3.3 which are not impaired, a significant increase in credit risk is considered to have occurred when the origination PD has doubled. The significance of changes in PD was informed by expert credit risk judgement, referenced to historical credit mitigations and to relative changes in external market rates.

For loans originated prior to the implementation of HKFRS 9, the origination PD does not include adjustments to reflect expectations of future macroeconomic conditions since these are not available without the use of hindsight. In the absence of this data, origination PD must be approximated assuming through-the-cycle ('TTC') PDs and TTC migration probabilities, consistent with the instrument's underlying modelling approach and the CRR at origination. For these loans, the quantitative comparison is supplemented with additional CRR deterioration based thresholds as set out in the table below:

 
                   Additional significance criteria 
                    -- Number of CRR grade notches deterioration 
                    required to identify as significant 
                    credit deterioration (stage 2) (> 
 Origination CRR    or equal to) 
 0.1               5 notches 
----------------  ---------------------------------------------- 
 1.1-4.2           4 notches 
----------------  ---------------------------------------------- 
 4.3-5.1           3 notches 
----------------  ---------------------------------------------- 
 5.2-7.1           2 notches 
                  ---------------------------------------------- 
 7.2-8.2           1 notch 
----------------  ---------------------------------------------- 
 8.3               0 notch 
----------------  ---------------------------------------------- 
 

Further information about the 23-grade scale used for CRR can be found on page 25.

For certain portfolios of debt securities where external market ratings are available and credit ratings are not used in credit risk management, the debt securities will be in stage 2 if their credit risk increases to the extent they are no longer considered investment grade. Investment grade is where the financial instrument has a low risk of incurring losses, the structure has a strong capacity to meet its contractual cash flow obligations in the near term and adverse changes in economic and business conditions in the longer term may, but will not necessarily, reduce the ability of the borrower to fulfil their contractual cash flow obligations.

For retail portfolios, default risk is assessed using a reporting date 12-month PD derived from credit scores which incorporate all available information about the customer. This PD is adjusted for the effect of macroeconomic forecasts for periods longer than 12 months and is considered to be a reasonable approximation of a lifetime PD measure. Retail exposures are first segmented into homogeneous portfolios, generally by country, product and brand. Within each portfolio, the stage 2 accounts are defined as accounts with an adjusted 12-month PD greater than the average 12-month PD of loans in that portfolio 12 months before they become 30 days past due. The expert credit risk judgement is that no prior increase in credit risk is significant. This portfolio-specific threshold identifies loans with a PD higher than would be expected from loans that are performing as originally expected and higher than that which would have been acceptable at origination. It therefore approximates a comparison of origination to reporting date PDs.

Unimpaired and without significant increase in credit risk - (stage 1)

ECL resulting from default events that are possible within the next 12 months ('12-month ECL') are recognised for financial instruments that remain in stage 1.

Purchased or originated credit-impaired ('POCI')

Financial assets that are purchased or originated at a deep discount that reflects the incurred credit losses are considered to be POCI. This population includes the recognition of a new financial instrument following a renegotiation where concessions have been granted for economic or contractual reasons relating to the borrower's financial difficulty that otherwise would not have been considered. The amount of change-in-lifetime ECL is recognised in profit or loss until the POCI is derecognised, even if the lifetime ECL are less than the amount of ECL included in the estimated cash flows on initial recognition.

Movement between stages

Financial assets can be transferred between the different categories (other than POCI) depending on their relative increase in credit risk since initial recognition. Financial instruments are transferred out of stage 2 if their credit risk is no longer considered to be significantly increased since initial recognition based on the assessments described above. Except for renegotiated loans, financial instruments are transferred out of stage 3 when they no longer exhibit any evidence of credit impairment as described above. Renegotiated loans that are not POCI will continue to be in stage 3 until there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate a significant reduction in the risk of non-payment of future cash flows, observed over a minimum one-year period and there are no other indicators of impairment. For loans that are assessed for impairment on a portfolio basis, the evidence typically comprises a history of payment performance against the original or revised terms, as appropriate to the circumstances. For loans that are assessed for impairment on an individual basis, all available evidence is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Measurement of ECL

The assessment of credit risk, and the estimation of ECL, are unbiased and probability-weighted, and incorporate all available information which is relevant to the assessment including information about past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future events and economic conditions at the reporting date. In addition, the estimation of ECL should take into account the time value of money.

In general, the group calculates ECL using three main components, a probability of default, a loss given default ('LGD') and the exposure at default ('EAD').

The 12-month ECL is calculated by multiplying the 12-month PD, LGD and EAD. Lifetime ECL is calculated using the lifetime PD instead. The 12-month and lifetime PDs represent the probability of default occurring over the next 12 months and the remaining maturity of the instrument respectively.

The EAD represents the expected balance at default, taking into account the repayment of principal and interest from the balance sheet date to the default event together with any expected drawdowns of committed facilities. The LGD represents expected losses on the EAD given the event of default, taking into account, among other attributes, the mitigating effect of collateral value at the time it is expected to be realised and the time value of money.

The group leverages the Basel II IRB framework where possible, with recalibration to meet the differing HKFRS 9 requirements as follows.

 
 Model   Regulatory capital                                           HKFRS 9 
 PD 
          *    Through the cycle (represents long-run average PD        *    Point in time (based on current conditions, adjusted 
               throughout a full economic cycle)                             to take into account estimates of future conditions 
                                                                             that will impact PD) 
 
          *    The definition of default includes a backstop of 90+ 
               days past due                                            *    Default backstop of 90+ days past due for all 
                                                                             portfolios 
                                                                     ------------------------------------------------------------ 
 EAD 
           *    Cannot be lower than current balance                    *    Amortisation captured for term products 
------  -----------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------ 
 LGD 
           *    Downturn LGD (consistent losses expected to be         *    Expected LGD (based on estimate of loss given default 
                suffered during a severe but plausible economic             including the expected impact of future economic 
                downturn)                                                   conditions such as changes in value of collateral) 
 
 
           *    Regulatory floors may apply to mitigate risk of        *    No floors 
                underestimating downturn LGD due to lack of 
                historical data 
                                                                       *    Discounted using the original effective interest rate 
                                                                            of the loan 
           *    Discounted using cost of capital 
 
                                                                       *    Only costs associated with obtaining/selling 
           *    All collection costs included                               collateral included 
------  -----------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Other 
                                                                        *    Discounted back from point of default to balance 
                                                                             sheet date 
------  -----------------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------ 
 

While 12-month PDs are recalibrated from Basel models where possible, the lifetime PDs are determined by projecting the 12-month PD using a term structure. For the wholesale methodology, the lifetime PD also takes into account credit migration, i.e. a customer migrating through the CRR bands over its life.

The ECL for wholesale stage 3 is determined on an individual basis using a discounted cash flow ('DCF') methodology. The expected future cash flows are based on the credit risk officer's estimates as at the reporting date, reflecting reasonable and supportable assumptions and projections of future recoveries and expected future receipts of interest. Collateral is taken into account if it is likely that the recovery of the outstanding amount will include realisation of collateral based on its estimated fair value of collateral at the time of expected realisation, less costs for obtaining and selling the collateral. The cash flows are discounted at a reasonable approximation of the original effective interest rate. For significant cases, cash flows under four different scenarios are probability-weighted by reference to the three economic scenarios applied more generally by the group and the judgement of the credit risk officer in relation to the likelihood of the workout strategy succeeding or receivership being required. For less significant cases, the effect of different economic scenarios and work-out strategies is approximated and applied as an adjustment to the most likely outcome.

Period over which ECL is measured

Expected credit loss is measured from the initial recognition of the financial asset. The maximum period considered when measuring ECL (be it 12-month or lifetime ECL) is the maximum contractual period over which the group is exposed to credit risk. For wholesale overdrafts, credit risk management actions are taken no less frequently than on an annual basis and therefore this period is to the expected date of the next substantive credit review. The date of the substantive credit review also represents the initial recognition of the new facility. However, where the financial instrument includes both a drawn and undrawn commitment and the contractual ability to demand repayment and cancel the undrawn commitment does not serve to limit the group's exposure to credit risk to the contractual notice period, the contractual period does not determine the maximum period considered. Instead, ECL is measured over the period the group remains exposed to credit risk that is not mitigated by credit risk management actions. This applies to retail overdrafts and credit cards, where the period is the average time taken for stage 2 exposures to default or close as performing accounts, determined on a portfolio basis and ranging from between two and six years. In addition, for these facilities it is not possible to identify the ECL on the loan commitment component separately from the financial asset component. As a result, the total ECL is recognised in the loss allowance for the financial asset unless the total ECL exceeds the gross carrying amount of the financial asset, in which case the ECL is recognised as a provision.

Forward-looking economic inputs

The group will in general apply three forward-looking global economic scenarios determined with reference to external forecast distributions representative of our view of forecast economic conditions, the consensus economic scenario approach. This approach is considered sufficient to calculate unbiased expected loss in most economic environments. They represent a most likely outcome (the Central scenario) and two, less likely, outer scenarios referred to as an Upside and a Downside scenario. The Central scenario is used by the annual operating planning process and, with regulatory modifications, will also be used in enterprise-wide stress tests. The Upside and Downside are constructed following a standard process supported by a scenario narrative reflecting the group's current top and emerging risks and by consulting external and internal subject matter experts. The relationship between the outer scenarios and Central scenario will generally be fixed with the Central scenario being assigned a weighting of 80% and the Upside and Downside scenarios 10% each, with the difference between the Central and Outer scenarios in terms of economic severity being informed by the spread of external forecast distributions among professional industry forecasts. The outer scenarios are economically plausible, internally consistent states of the world and will not necessarily be as severe as scenarios used in stress testing. The period of forecast is five years, after which the forecasts will revert to a view based on average past experience. The spread between the central and outer scenarios is grounded on consensus distributions of projected gross domestic product of the following economies: UK, France, Hong Kong, mainland China, US and Canada. The economic factors include, but are not limited to, gross domestic product, unemployment, interest rates, inflation and commercial property prices across all the countries and territories in which the group operates.

In general, the consequences of the assessment of credit risk and the resulting ECL outputs will be probability-weighted using the standard probability weights. This probability weighting may be applied directly or the effect of the probability weighting determined on a periodic basis, at least annually, and then applied as an adjustment to the outcomes resulting from the central economic forecast. The central economic forecast is updated quarterly.

The group recognises that the consensus economic scenario approach using three scenarios will be insufficient in certain economic environments. Additional analysis may be requested at management's discretion, including the production of extra scenarios. If conditions warrant, this could result in alternative scenarios and probability weightings being applied in arriving at the ECL.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

 
 In determining ECL, management is required to exercise judgement in 
  defining what is considered to be a significant increase in credit 
  risk and in making assumptions and estimates to incorporate relevant 
  information about past events, current conditions and forecasts of 
  economic conditions. Judgement has been applied in determining the 
  lifetime and point of initial recognition of revolving facilities. 
  The PD, LGD and EAD models which support these determinations are reviewed 
  regularly in light of differences between loss estimates and actual 
  loss experience, but given that HKFRS 9 requirements have only just 
  been applied, there has been little time available to make these comparisons. 
  Therefore, the underlying models and their calibration, including how 
  they react to forward-looking economic conditions, remain subject to 
  review and refinement. This is particularly relevant for lifetime PDs, 
  which have not been previously used in regulatory modelling and for 
  the incorporation of 'Upside scenarios' which have not generally been 
  subject to experience gained through stress testing. 
  The exercise of judgement in making estimations requires the use of 
  assumptions which are highly subjective and very sensitive to the risk 
  factors, in particular to changes in economic and credit conditions 
  across a large number of geographical areas. Many of the factors have 
  a high degree of interdependency and there is no single factor to which 
  loan impairment allowances as a whole are sensitive. Pages 20 to 29 
  set out the assumptions underlying the Central scenario and information 
  about how scenarios are developed in relation to the group's top and 
  emerging risks and its judgements, informed by consensus forecasts 
  of professional industry forecasters. The sensitivity of ECL to different 
  economic scenarios is illustrated by recalculating the ECL for selected 
  portfolios as if 100% weighting had been assigned to each scenario. 
=============================================================================== 
 
   (j)      Insurance contracts 

A contract is classified as an insurance contract where the group accepts significant insurance risk from another party by agreeing to compensate that party on the occurrence of a specified uncertain future event. An insurance contract may also transfer financial risk, but is accounted for as an insurance contract if the insurance risk is significant. In addition, the group issues investment contracts with DPF which are also accounted for as insurance contracts as required by HKFRS 4 'Insurance Contracts'.

Net insurance premium income

Premiums for life insurance contracts are accounted for when receivable, except in unit-linked insurance contracts where premiums are accounted for when liabilities are established.

Reinsurance premiums are accounted for in the same accounting period as the premiums for the direct insurance contracts to which they relate.

Net insurance claims and benefits paid and movements in liabilities to policyholders

Gross insurance claims for life insurance contracts reflect the total cost of claims arising during the year, including claim handling costs and any policyholder bonuses allocated in anticipation of a bonus declaration.

Maturity claims are recognised when due for payment. Surrenders are recognised when paid or at an earlier date on which, following notification, the policy ceases to be included within the calculation of the related insurance liabilities. Death claims are recognised when notified.

Reinsurance recoveries are accounted for in the same period as the related claim.

Liabilities under insurance contracts

Liabilities under non-linked life insurance contracts are calculated by each life insurance operation based on local actuarial principles. Liabilities under unit-linked life insurance contracts are at least equivalent to the surrender or transfer value, which is calculated by reference to the value of the relevant underlying funds or indices.

Future profit participation on insurance contracts with Discretionary Participation Feature ('DPF')

Where contracts provide discretionary profit participation benefits to policyholders, liabilities for these contracts include provisions for the future discretionary benefits to policyholders. These provisions reflect the actual performance of the investment portfolio to date and management's expectation of the future performance of the assets backing the contracts, as well as other experience factors such as mortality, lapses and operational efficiency, where appropriate. The benefits to policyholders may be determined by the contractual terms, regulation, or past distribution policy.

Investment contracts with DPF

While investment contracts with DPF are financial instruments, they continue to be treated as insurance contracts as required by

HKFRS 4. The group therefore recognises the premiums for these contracts as revenue and recognises as an expense the resulting increase in the carrying amount of the liability.

In the case of net unrealised investment gains on these contracts, whose discretionary benefits principally reflect the actual performance of the investment portfolio, the corresponding increase in the liabilities is recognised in either the income statement or other comprehensive income, following the treatment of the unrealised gains on the relevant assets. In the case of net unrealised losses, a deferred participating asset is recognised only to the extent that its recoverability is highly probable. Movements in the liabilities arising from realised gains and losses on relevant assets are recognised in the income statement.

Present value of in-force long-term insurance business

The group recognises the value placed on insurance contracts and investment contracts with DPF, which are classified as long-term and in-force at the balance sheet date, as an asset. The asset represents the present value of the equity holders' interest in the issuing insurance companies' profits expected to emerge from these contracts written at the balance sheet date. The present value of in-force business ('PVIF') is determined by discounting those expected future profits using appropriate assumptions in assessing factors such as future mortality, lapse rates and levels of expenses, and a risk discount rate that reflects the risk premium attributable to the respective contracts. The PVIF incorporates allowances for both non-market risk and the value of financial options and guarantees. The PVIF asset is presented gross of attributable tax in the balance sheet and movements in the PVIF asset are included in 'Other operating income' on a gross of tax basis.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

 
 The value of PVIF depends upon assumptions regarding future events. 
  The PVIF is determined by discounting those expected future profits 
  using appropriate assumptions in assessing factors such as future mortality, 
  lapse rates and levels of expenses, and a risk discount rate that reflects 
  the risk premium attributable to the respective contracts. The PVIF 
  incorporates allowances for both non-market risk and the value of financial 
  options and guarantees. The assumptions are reassessed at each reporting 
  date and changes in the estimates which affect the value of PVIF are 
  reflected in the income statement. 
============================================================================== 
 
   (k)     Property 

Land and buildings

Land and buildings held for own use are carried at their revalued amount, being the fair value at the date of the revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

Revaluations are performed by professional qualified valuers, on a market basis, with sufficient regularity to ensure that the net carrying amount does not differ materially from the fair value. Surpluses arising on revaluation are credited firstly to the income statement, to the extent of any deficits arising on revaluation previously charged to the income statement in respect of the same land and buildings, and are thereafter taken to the 'Property revaluation reserve'. Deficits arising on revaluation are first set off against any previous revaluation surpluses included in the 'Property revaluation reserve' in respect of the same land and buildings, and are thereafter recognised in the income statement.

Buildings held for own use which are situated on leasehold land where it is possible to reliably separate the value of the building from the value of the leasehold land at inception of the lease are revalued by professional qualified valuers, on a depreciated replacement cost basis or surrender value, with sufficient regularity to ensure that the net carrying amount does not differ materially from the fair value.

Leasehold land and buildings are depreciated over the shorter of the unexpired terms of the leases or the remaining useful lives.

The Government of Hong Kong owns all the land in Hong Kong and permits its use under leasehold arrangements. Similar arrangements exist in mainland China. At inception of the lease, where the cost of land is known or can be reliably determined and the term of the lease is not less than 50 years, the group records its interests in leasehold land and land use rights as land and buildings held for own use. Where the term is less than 50 years, the group records its interests as operating leases.

Where the cost of the land is unknown or cannot be reliably determined, and the leasehold land and land use rights are not clearly held under an operating lease, they are accounted for as land and buildings held for own use.

Investment properties

The group holds certain properties as investments to earn rentals or for capital appreciation, or both, and those investment properties are included on balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value being recognised in the income statement.

   (l)      Employee compensation and benefits 

Post-employment benefit plans

The group operates a number of pension schemes including defined benefit and defined contribution, and post-employment benefit schemes.

Payments to defined contribution schemes are charged as an expense as the employees render service.

Defined benefit pension obligations are calculated using the projected unit credit method. The net charge to the income statement mainly comprises the service cost and the net interest on the net defined benefit asset or liability, and is presented in operating expenses.

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit asset or liability, which comprise actuarial gains and losses, return on plan assets excluding interest and the effect of the asset ceiling (if any, excluding interest), are recognised immediately in other comprehensive income. The net defined benefit asset or liability represents the present value of defined benefit obligations reduced by the fair value of plan assets, after applying the asset ceiling test, where the net defined benefit surplus is limited to the present value of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the plan.

   (m)    Tax 

Income tax comprises current tax and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case the tax is recognised in the same statement as the related item appears.

Current tax is the tax expected to be payable on the taxable profit for the year and on any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. The group provides for potential current tax liabilities that may arise on the basis of the amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred tax is recognised on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the balance sheet, and the amounts attributed to such assets and liabilities for tax purposes. Deferred tax is calculated using the tax rates expected to apply in the periods in which the assets will be realised or the liabilities settled.

Current and deferred tax are calculated based on tax rates and laws enacted, or substantively enacted, by the balance sheet date.

   (n)     Provisions, contingent liabilities and guarantees 

Provisions

Provisions are recognised when it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle a present legal or constructive obligation that has arisen as a result of past events and for which a reliable estimate can be made.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements

 
 Judgement is involved in determining whether a present obligation exists 
  and in estimating the probability, timing and amount of any outflows. 
  Professional expert advice is taken on the assessment of litigation, 
  property (including onerous contracts) and similar obligations. Provisions 
  for legal proceedings and regulatory matters typically require a higher 
  degree of judgement than other types of provisions. When matters are 
  at an early stage, accounting judgements can be difficult because of 
  the high degree of uncertainty associated with determining whether 
  a present obligation exists, and estimating the probability and amount 
  of any outflows that may arise. As matters progress, management and 
  legal advisers evaluate on an ongoing basis whether provisions should 
  be recognised, revising previous judgements and estimates as appropriate. 
  At more advanced stages, it is typically easier to make judgements 
  and estimates around a better defined set of possible outcomes. However, 
  the amount provisioned can remain very sensitive to the assumptions 
  used. There could be a wide range of possible outcomes for any pending 
  legal proceedings, investigations or inquiries. As a result, it is 
  often not practicable to quantify a range of possible outcomes for 
  individual matters. It is also not practicable to meaningfully quantify 
  ranges of potential outcomes in aggregate for these types of provisions 
  because of the diverse nature and circumstances of such matters and 
  the wide range of uncertainties involved. Provisions for customer remediation 
  also require significant levels of estimation and judgement. The amounts 
  of provisions recognised depend on a number of different assumptions, 
  such as the volume of inbound complaints, the projected period of inbound 
  complaint volumes, the decay rate of complaint volumes, the population 
  identified as systemically mis-sold and the number of policies per 
  customer complaint. 
=============================================================================== 
 

Contingent liabilities, contractual commitments and guarantees

Contingent liabilities

Contingent liabilities, which include certain guarantees and letters of credit pledged as collateral security, and contingent liabilities related to legal proceedings or regulatory matters, are not recognised in the financial statements but are disclosed unless the probability of settlement is remote.

Financial guarantee contracts

Liabilities under financial guarantee contracts which are not classified as insurance contracts are recorded initially at their fair value, which is generally the fee received or present value of the fee receivable.

The Bank has issued financial guarantees and similar contracts to other group entities. The group elects to account for certain guarantees as insurance contracts in the Bank's financial statements, in which case they are measured and recognised as insurance liabilities. This election is made on a contract-by-contract basis, and is irrevocable.

   (o)     Accounting policies applicable prior to 1 January 2018 

Financial instruments measured at amortised cost

Loans and advances to banks and customers, held-to-maturity investments and most financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost. The carrying value of these financial assets at initial recognition includes any directly attributable transactions costs. If the initial fair value is lower than the cash amount advanced, such as in the case of some leveraged finance and syndicated lending activities, the difference is deferred and recognised over the life of the loan (as described in note 1.2(c) above) through the recognition of interest income, unless the loan becomes impaired.

The group may commit to underwriting loans on fixed contractual terms for specified periods of time. When the loan arising from the lending commitment is expected to be held for trading, the commitment to lend is recorded as a derivative. When the group intends to hold the loan, a provision on the loan commitment is only recorded where it is probable that the group will incur a loss.

Impairment of loans and advances

Losses for impaired loans are recognised when there is objective evidence that impairment of a loan or portfolio of loans has occurred. Losses which may arise from future events are not recognised.

Individually assessed loans and advances

The factors considered in determining whether a loan is individually significant for the purposes of assessing impairment include the size of the loan, the number of loans in the portfolio, the importance of the individual loan relationship and how this is managed. Loans that are determined to be individually significant will be individually assessed for impairment, except when volumes of defaults and losses are sufficient to justify treatment under a collective methodology.

Loans considered as individually significant are typically to corporate and commercial customers, are for larger amounts and are managed on an individual basis. For these loans, the group considers on a case-by-case basis at each balance sheet date whether there is any objective evidence that a loan is impaired.

The determination of the realisable value of security is based on the most recently updated market value at the time the impairment assessment is performed. The value is not adjusted for expected future changes in market prices, though adjustments are made to reflect local conditions such as forced sale discounts.

Impairment losses are calculated by discounting the expected future cash flows of a loan, which include expected future receipts of contractual interest, at the loan's original effective interest rate or an approximation thereof, and comparing the resultant present value with the loan's current carrying amount.

Collectively assessed loans and advances

Impairment is assessed collectively to cover losses which have been incurred but have not yet been identified on loans subject to individual assessment or for homogeneous groups of loans that are not considered individually significant, which are generally retail lending portfolios.

Incurred but not yet identified impairment

Individually assessed loans for which no evidence of impairment has been specifically identified on an individual basis are grouped together according to their credit risk characteristics for a collective impairment assessment. This assessment captures impairment losses that the group has incurred as a result of events occurring before the balance sheet date that the group is not able to identify on an individual loan basis, and that can be reliably estimated. When information becomes available that identifies losses on individual loans within a group, those loans are removed from the group and assessed individually.

Homogeneous groups of loans and advances

Statistical methods are used to determine collective impairment losses for homogeneous groups of loans not considered individually significant. The methods used to calculate collective allowances are set out below:

-- When appropriate empirical information is available, the group utilises roll-rate methodology, which employs statistical analyses of historical data and experience of delinquency and default to reliably estimate the amount of the loans that will eventually be written off as a result of events occurring before the balance sheet date. Individual loans are grouped using ranges of past due days, and statistical estimates are made of the likelihood that loans in each range will progress through the various stages of delinquency and become irrecoverable. Additionally, individual loans are segmented based on their credit characteristics, such as industry sector, loan grade or product. In applying this methodology, adjustments are made to estimate the periods of time between a loss event occurring, for example because of a missed payment, and its confirmation through write-off (known as the loss identification period). Current economic conditions are also evaluated when calculating the appropriate level of allowance required to cover inherent loss. In certain highly developed markets, models also take into account behavioural and account management trends as revealed in, for example bankruptcy and rescheduling statistics.

-- When the portfolio size is small or when information is insufficient or not reliable enough to adopt a roll-rate methodology, the group adopts a basic formulaic approach based on historical loss rate experience, or a discounted cash flow model. Where a basic formulaic approach is undertaken, the period between a loss event occurring and its identification is estimated by local management, and is typically between six and 12 months.

Write-off of loans and advances

Loans and the related impairment allowance accounts are normally written off, either partially or in full, when there is no realistic prospect of recovery. Where loans are secured, this is generally after receipt of any proceeds from the realisation of security. In circumstances where the net realisable value of any collateral has been determined and there is no reasonable expectation of further recovery, write-off may be earlier.

Reversals of impairment

If the amount of an impairment loss decreases in a subsequent period, and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the excess is written back by reducing the loan impairment allowance account accordingly. The write-back is recognised in the income statement.

Assets acquired in exchange for loans

When non-financial assets acquired in exchange for loans as part of an orderly realisation are held for sale, these assets are recorded as 'Assets held for sale.'

Renegotiated loans

Loans subject to collective impairment assessment whose terms have been renegotiated are no longer considered past due, but are treated as up-to-date loans for measurement purposes once a minimum number of required payments has been received. Where collectively assessed loan portfolios include significant levels of renegotiated loans, these loans are segregated from other parts of the loan portfolio for the purposes of collective impairment assessment to reflect their risk profile. Loans subject to individual impairment assessment, whose terms have been renegotiated, are subject to ongoing review to determine whether they remain impaired. The carrying amounts of loans that have been classified as renegotiated retain this classification until maturity or derecognition.

A loan that is renegotiated is derecognised if the existing agreement is cancelled and a new agreement made on substantially different terms or if the terms of an existing agreement are modified such that the renegotiated loan is substantially a different financial instrument. Any new loans that arise following derecognition events will continue to be disclosed as renegotiated loans and are assessed for impairment as above.

Non-trading reverse repurchase, repurchase and similar agreements

When debt securities are sold subject to a commitment to repurchase them at a predetermined price ('repos'), they remain on the balance sheet and a liability is recorded in respect of the consideration received. Securities purchased under commitments to resell ('reverse repos') are not recognised on the balance sheet and an asset is recorded in respect of the initial consideration paid. Non-trading repos and reverse repos are measured at amortised cost. The difference between the sale and repurchase price or between the purchase and resale price is treated as interest and recognised in net interest income over the life of the agreement.

Contracts that are economically equivalent to reverse repurchase or repurchase agreements (such as sales or purchases of debt securities entered into together with total return swaps with the same counterparty) are accounted for similarly to, and presented together with, reverse repurchase or repurchase agreements.

Financial instruments measured at fair value

Available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets are recognised on the trade date when the group enters into contractual arrangements to purchase them, and are normally derecognised when they are either sold or redeemed. They are subsequently remeasured at fair value, and changes therein are recognised in other comprehensive income until the assets are either sold or become impaired. Upon disposal, the cumulative gains or losses in other comprehensive income are recognised in the income statement as 'Gains less losses from financial investments'.

Impairment of available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets are assessed at each balance sheet date for objective evidence of impairment. Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement within 'Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions' for debt instruments and within 'Gains less losses from financial investments' for equities.

Available-for-sale debt securities

In assessing objective evidence of impairment at the reporting date, the group considers all available evidence, including observable data or information about events specifically relating to the securities which may result in a shortfall in the recovery of future cash flows. A subsequent decline in the fair value of the instrument is recognised in the income statement when there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of decreases in the estimated future cash flows. Where there is no further objective evidence of impairment, the decline in the fair value of the financial asset is recognised in other comprehensive income. If the fair value of a debt security increases in a subsequent period, and the increase can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised in the income statement, or the instrument is no longer impaired, the impairment loss is reversed through the income statement.

Available-for-sale equity securities

A significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the equity below its cost is objective evidence of impairment. In assessing whether it is significant, the decline in fair value is evaluated against the original cost of the asset at initial recognition. In assessing whether it is prolonged, the decline is evaluated against the continuous period in which the fair value of the asset has been below its original cost at initial recognition.

All subsequent increases in the fair value of the instrument are treated as a revaluation and are recognised in other comprehensive income. Subsequent decreases in the fair value of the available-for-sale equity security are recognised in the income statement to the extent that further cumulative impairment losses have been incurred. Impairment losses recognised on the equity security are not reversed through the income statement.

Financial instruments designated at fair value

Financial instruments, other than those held for trading, are classified in this category if they meet one or more of the criteria set out below, and are so designated irrevocably at inception:

   --    the use of the designation removes or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch; 

-- when a group of financial assets, liabilities or both is managed and its performance is evaluated on a fair value basis, in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy; and

   --    where financial instruments contain one or more non-closely related embedded derivatives. 

Designated financial assets are recognised when the bank enters into contracts with counterparties, which is generally on trade date, and are normally derecognised when the rights to the cash flows expire or are transferred. Designated financial liabilities are recognised when the bank enters into contracts with counterparties, which is generally on settlement date, and are normally derecognised when extinguished. Subsequent changes in fair values are recognised in the income statement in 'Net income/(expense) from financial instruments designated at fair value'. Under this criterion, the main classes of financial instruments designated by the group are:

Long-term debt issues

The interest and/or foreign exchange exposure on certain fixed rate debt securities issued has been matched with the interest and/or foreign exchange exposure on certain swaps as part of a documented risk management strategy.

Financial assets and financial liabilities under unit-linked and non-linked investment contracts

A contract under which the group does not accept significant insurance risk from another party is not classified as an insurance contract, other than investment contracts with discretionary participation features ('DPF'), but is accounted for as a financial liability. See note 1.2(j) for investment contracts with DPF and contracts where the group accepts significant insurance risk. Customer liabilities under linked and certain non-linked investment contracts issued by insurance subsidiaries and the corresponding financial assets are designated at fair value. Liabilities are at least equivalent to the surrender or transfer value which is calculated by reference to the value of the relevant underlying funds or indices. Premiums receivable and amounts withdrawn are accounted for as increases or decreases in the liability recorded in respect of investment contracts. The incremental costs directly related to the acquisition of new investment contracts or renewing existing investment contracts are deferred and amortised over the period during which the investment management services are provided.

 
 2   Effects of reclassification upon adoption of HKFRS 9 
    ----------------------------------------------------- 
 
 
 Reconciliation of consolidated balance sheet at 31 December 2017 and 
  1 January 2018 
                                                                                             HKFRS 9 reclassification 
                                                                                                        to 
                                                            HKAS 
                                                              39                           Fair              Fair                                          HKFRS        HKFRS 
                                                        carrying                          value             value                               9 remeasure-ment   9 carrying 
                                                          amount              Other     through           through                     Carrying         including       amount 
                                                              at            changes      profit             other                       amount          expected           at 
                                                          31 Dec                 in         and    compre-hensive  Amortised              post            credit        1 Jan 
                                                            2017    classi-fication        loss            income       cost  reclassification         losses(4)         2018 
                                                HKFRS 
                                 HKAS 39            9 
                             measurement  measurement 
                 Footnotes      category     category       HK$m               HK$m        HK$m              HK$m       HK$m              HK$m              HK$m         HK$m 
                ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  -----------------  ----------  ----------------  ---------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------- 
 Assets 
                ---------- 
 Cash and 
  sight 
  balances 
  at central                   Amortised    Amortised 
  banks                             cost         cost    208,073            -             -            -                  -            208,073         (1)          208,072 
 Items in 
  the course 
  of 
  collection 
  from other                   Amortised    Amortised 
  banks                             cost         cost     25,714            -             -            -                  -             25,714          -            25,714 
 Hong Kong 
  Government 
  certificates 
  of                           Amortised    Amortised 
  indebtedness                      cost         cost    267,174            -             -            -                  -            267,174          -           267,174 
                            ------------ 
 Trading            1, 
  assets             3              FVPL         FVPL    496,434       36,282             -            -            (26,572)           506,144          9           506,153 
                                                                                                                              ----------------  ---------  -----  --------- 
 Derivatives                        FVPL         FVPL    300,243            -             -            -                  -            300,243          -           300,243 
--------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----  ------      -------  -------  --------   ----------------  ---------  -----  --------- 
 Financial 
  assets 
  designated 
  and 
  otherwise 
  mandatorily 
  measured 
  at fair 
  value           2,5,6,7           FVPL         FVPL    122,646            -        12,130            -               (899)           133,877        158           134,035 
-------------- 
 Reverse 
  repurchase 
  agreements 
  -                            Amortised    Amortised 
  non-trading                       cost         cost    330,890            -             -            -                  -            330,890          -           330,890 
--------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----  ------      -------  -------  --------   ----------------  ---------  -----  --------- 
 Placings 
  with and          1, 
  advances           2,        Amortised    Amortised 
  to banks           3              cost         cost    433,005      (37,095)       (4,667)           -                  -            391,243        (53)          391,190 
                    1, 
 Loans and           2, 
  advances           3,        Amortised    Amortised 
  to customers       4              cost         cost  3,328,980      (35,406)       (2,654)           -                  -          3,290,920     (3,492)        3,287,428 
--------------  ---------- 
                                   FVOCI 
                              (Available 
                                for sale 
 Financial                        - debt 
  investments        5      instruments)        FVOCI  1,410,655            -           (47)           -            (50,699)         1,359,909          -         1,359,909 
--------------              ------------ 
                                   FVOCI 
                              (Available 
                                for sale 
                                - equity 
                     6      instruments)        FVOCI      9,275            -        (3,093)         297                  -              6,479          6             6,485 
--------------              ------------ 
                               Amortised    Amortised 
                     5              cost         cost    300,943            -             -            -             51,598            352,541     (4,457)          348,084 
--------------                                                                                                     --------   ----------------  ---------   ----  --------- 
 Amounts 
  due from                     Amortised    Amortised 
  Group                           cost /       cost / 
  companies                         FVPL         FVPL    227,729            -             -            -                  -            227,729        (26)          227,703 
--------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----  ------      -------  -------  --------   ----------------  ---------   ----  --------- 
 Interests 
  in 
  associates 
  and joint 
  ventures           8               N/A          N/A    144,717            -             -            -                  -            144,717     (6,029)          138,688 
--------------              ------------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----  ------      -------  -------  --------   ----------------  ---------   ----  --------- 
 Goodwill 
  and 
  intangible 
  assets             9               N/A          N/A     59,865            -             -            -                  -             59,865       (616)           59,249 
--------------              ------------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----  ------      -------  -------  --------   ----------------  ---------   ----  --------- 
 Property, 
  plant and 
  equipment                          N/A          N/A    116,336            -             -            -                  -            116,336          -           116,336 
--------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----  ------      -------  -------  --------   ----------------  ---------  -----  --------- 
 Deferred 
  tax assets                         N/A          N/A      2,156            -             -            -                  -              2,156        383             2,539 
--------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----  ------      -------  -------  --------   ----------------  ---------  -----  --------- 
 Prepayments, 
  accrued 
  income 
  and other         1, 
  assets             7               N/A          N/A    158,511       36,219        (1,669)        (297)            26,572            219,336        (32)          219,304 
--------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----  ------      -------   ------  --------   ----------------  ---------   ----  --------- 
 Total assets                                          7,943,346            -             -            -                  -          7,943,346    (14,150)        7,929,196 
--------------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----  ------      -------  -------  --------   ----------------  ---------   ----  --------- 
 

For footnotes, see page 73.

 
 Reconciliation for consolidated balance sheet at 31 December 2017 and 
  1 January 2018 (continued) 
                                                                                         HKFRS 9 reclassification 
                                                                                                     to 
                                                           HKAS 
                                                             39                        Fair            Fair                                          HKFRS        HKFRS 
                                                       carrying                       value           value                               9 remeasure-ment   9 carrying 
                                                         amount              Other  through         through                     Carrying         including       amount 
                                                             at            changes   profit           other                       amount          expected           at 
                                                         31 Dec                 in      and  compre-hensive  Amortised              post            credit        1 Jan 
                                                           2017    classi-fication     loss          income       cost  reclassification         losses(4)         2018 
                                               HKFRS 
                                HKAS 39            9 
                            measurement  measurement 
                 Footnotes     category     category       HK$m               HK$m     HK$m            HK$m       HK$m              HK$m              HK$m         HK$m 
                ----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------------  -------  --------------  ---------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------- 
 Liabilities 
 Hong Kong 
  currency 
  notes in                    Amortised    Amortised 
  circulation                      cost         cost    267,174            -              -               -          -           267,174          -           267,174 
 Items in 
  the course 
  of 
  transmission 
  to other                    Amortised    Amortised 
  banks                            cost         cost     38,283            -              -               -          -            38,283          -            38,283 
--------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----  -------  --------------  ---------  ----------------  ---------  -----  --------- 
 Repurchase 
  agreements 
  -                           Amortised    Amortised 
  non-trading                      cost         cost     47,170            -              -               -          -            47,170          -            47,170 
 Deposits                     Amortised    Amortised 
  by banks           1             cost         cost    201,697      (24,023)             -               -          -           177,674          -           177,674 
 Customer                     Amortised    Amortised 
  accounts           1             cost         cost  5,138,272      (15,303)             -               -          -         5,122,969          -         5,122,969 
 Trading            1, 
  liabilities        10            FVPL         FVPL    231,365     (147,654)             -               -          -            83,711          -            83,711 
 Derivatives                       FVPL         FVPL    309,353            -              -               -          -           309,353          -           309,353 
 Financial 
  liabilities 
  designated 
  at fair           9, 
  value              10            FVPL         FVPL     49,278      120,397              -               -          -           169,675         73           169,748 
 Debt 
  securities                  Amortised    Amortised 
  in issue                         cost         cost     38,394            -              -               -          -            38,394          -            38,394 
 Retirement 
  benefit 
  liabilities                       N/A          N/A      2,222            -              -               -          -             2,222          -             2,222 
 Amounts 
  due to                      Amortised    Amortised 
  Group                          cost /       cost / 
  companies                        FVPL         FVPL    265,688            -              -               -          -           265,688          -           265,688 
                ---------- 
 Accruals 
  and deferred 
  income, 
  other 
  liabilities 
  and               1, 
  provisions         4              N/A          N/A    110,687       66,583              -               -          -           177,270        487           177,757 
--------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----  -------  --------------  ---------  ----------------  ---------  -----  --------- 
 Liabilities 
  under 
  insurance 
  contracts          9              N/A          N/A    438,017            -              -               -          -           438,017       (536)          437,481 
--------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----  -------  --------------  ---------  ----------------  ---------   ----  --------- 
 Current 
  tax 
  liabilities                       N/A          N/A      3,242            -              -               -          -             3,242          -             3,242 
--------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----  -------  --------------  ---------  ----------------  ---------  -----  --------- 
 Deferred 
  tax 
  liabilities                       N/A          N/A     24,391            -              -               -          -            24,391     (1,861)           22,530 
--------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----  -------  --------------  ---------  ----------------  ---------   ----  --------- 
 Subordinated                 Amortised    Amortised 
  liabilities                      cost         cost      4,090            -              -               -          -             4,090          -             4,090 
--------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----  -------  --------------  ---------  ----------------  ---------  -----  --------- 
 Preference                   Amortised    Amortised 
  shares                           cost         cost     21,037            -              -               -          -            21,037          -            21,037 
 Total 
  liabilities                                         7,190,360            -              -               -          -         7,190,360     (1,837)        7,188,523 
--------------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----  -------  --------------  ---------  ----------------  ---------   ----  --------- 
 
 
                                                                                           HKFRS 9 
                                    HKAS 39                                          remeasurement      Carrying 
                                   carrying                               Carrying       including     amount at 
                                  amount at              HKFRS 9       amount post        expected     1 January 
                                31 Dec 2017     reclassification  reclassification   credit losses          2018 
                    Footnotes          HK$m                 HK$m              HK$m            HK$m          HK$m 
                   ---------- 
 Equity 
 Called up share 
  capital                           151,360                -               151,360              -      151,360 
 Other equity 
  instruments                        14,737                -                14,737              -       14,737 
                   ---------- 
 Other reserves        11           123,417           (4,569)              118,848             57      118,905 
                   ---------- 
 Retained 
  earnings                          406,966            4,569               411,535        (12,047)     399,488 
 Total 
  shareholders' 
  equity                            696,480                -               696,480        (11,990)     684,490 
-----------------  ----------  ------------  ---------------      ----------------  -------------   ---------- 
 Non-controlling 
  interests                          56,506                -                56,506           (323)      56,183 
-----------------  ----------  ------------  ---------------      ----------------  -------------   ---------- 
 Total equity                       752,986                -               752,986        (12,313)     740,673 
-----------------  ----------  ------------  ---------------      ----------------  -------------   ---------- 
 

For footnotes, see page 73.

 
 Reconciliation of impairment allowance under HKAS 39 and provision 
  under HKAS 37 to expected credit losses under HKFRS 9 
                                                    Reclassification to             Remeasurement 
                                                           Fair value 
                                            Fair value        through 
                                               through          other                       Stage 1 
                                                profit  comprehensive  Amortised    Stage   & Stage 
                                              and loss         income       cost        3         2     Total 
                     HKAS 39 measurement 
                                category          HK$m           HK$m       HK$m     HK$m      HK$m      HK$m 
                     -------------------  ------------  -------------  ---------  -------  --------  -------- 
 Financial assets 
  at amortised 
  cost 
------------------- 
 HKAS 39 impairment 
  allowance at 
  31 Dec 2017                                        -              -          -        -         -  13,046 
---------------------------------------- 
 Cash and sight           Amortised cost 
  balances at                 (Loans and 
  central banks             receivables)             -              -          -        -         1       1 
------------------- 
 Items in the 
 course of 
 collection               Amortised cost 
 from other                   (Loans and 
 banks                      receivables)             -              -          -        -         -       - 
-------------------  -------------------  ------------  -------------  ---------  -------  --------  ------ 
 Hong Kong 
 Government               Amortised cost 
 certificates                 (Loans and 
 of indebtedness            receivables)             -              -          -        -         -       - 
-------------------  -------------------  ------------  -------------  ---------  -------  --------  ------ 
 Reverse repurchase       Amortised cost 
  agreements                  (Loans and 
  - non-trading             receivables)             -              -          -        -         -       - 
-------------------  -------------------  ------------  -------------  ---------  -------  --------  ------ 
 Placings with            Amortised cost 
  and advances                (Loans and 
  to banks                  receivables)             -              -          -        -        53      53 
------------------- 
                          Amortised cost 
 Loans and advances           (Loans and 
  to customers              receivables)             -              -          -      827     2,665   3,492 
------------------- 
 Financial                Amortised cost 
  investments         (Held to maturity)             -              -         23        -        99     122 
------------------- 
 Prepayments,             Amortised cost 
  accrued income              (Loans and 
  and other assets          receivables)             -              -          -        -        32      32 
-------------------  -------------------  ------------  -------------  ---------  -------  --------  ------ 
 Expected credit 
  loss 
  allowance at 
  1 Jan 2018                                         -              -          -        -         -  16,746 
----------------------------------------  ------------  -------------  ---------  -------  --------  ------ 
 Loan commitments 
 and financial 
 guarantee 
 contracts 
------------------- 
 HKAS 37 provisions 
  at 31 Dec 2017                                     -              -          -        -         -      54 
---------------------------------------- 
 Provisions 
  (loan commitments 
  and financial 
  guarantees)                        N/A           N/A            N/A        N/A        1       486     487 
-------------------  -------------------  ------------  -------------  ---------  -------  --------  ------ 
 Expected credit 
  loss 
  provision at 
  1 Jan 2018                                         -              -          -        -         -     541 
----------------------------------------  ------------  -------------  ---------  -------  --------  ------ 
 

The pre-tax net asset impact of additional impairment allowances on adoption of HKFRS 9 is HK$4,187m; HK$3,700m in respect of financial assets at amortised cost and HK$487m related to loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts. Total expected credit loss allowance at 1 January 2018 is HK$16,746m in respect of financial assets at amortised cost and HK$541m related to loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts.

 
 Effects of reclassification upon adoption of HKFRS 9 
                                                                           Assuming no reclassification 
                                                                                              Gains/(losses) 
                                                Carrying                    Gains/(losses)        recognised 
                                                  amount  Fair value            recognised          in other 
                                                   at 31       at 31             in profit     comprehensive 
                                                Dec 2018    Dec 2018               or loss            income 
                                                    HK$m        HK$m                  HK$m              HK$m 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  --------------------  ---------------- 
 Reclassified from available-for-sale to 
  amortised cost 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  --------------------  ---------------- 
 Debt instruments measured at amortised cost      41,704      42,448                   N/A         (3,427) 
---------------------------------------------  ---------  ----------  --------------------  ------------- 
 
 

The majority of the assets reclassified from fair value through profit and loss to amortised cost matured during the year.

 
 Footnotes to Effects of reclassification upon adoption of HKFRS 9 
 1    Settlement accounts of HK$26,572m have been reclassified from 'Trading 
       assets' to 'Prepayments, accrued income and other assets' as a result 
       of the assessment of business model in accordance with HKFRS 9. Cash 
       collateral, margin and settlement accounts previously presented as 
       'Placings with and advances to banks' of HK$28,032m and 'Loans and 
       advances to customers' of HK$8,187m have been represented in 'Prepayments, 
       accrued income and other assets' to ensure consistent presentation 
       of all such balances. Cash collateral, margin and settlement accounts 
       previously presented as 'Trading liabilities' of HK$27,257m, 'Deposits 
       by banks' of HK$24,023m and 'Customer accounts' of 
       HK$15,303m have been represented in 'Accruals and deferred income, 
       other liabilities and provisions'. This change in presentation for 
       financial liabilities is considered to provide more relevant information, 
       given the change in presentation for the financial assets. These 
       changes in presentation for financial assets and liabilities have 
       had no effect on measurement of these items and therefore on 'Retained 
       earnings'. 
 2    'Loans and advances to customers' of HK$2,654m and 'Placings with 
       and advances to banks' of HK$4,667m did not meet the 'solely payments 
       of principal and interest' ('SPPI') requirement for amortised cost 
       classification under HKFRS 9. As a result, these financial assets 
       were reclassified to 'Financial assets designated and otherwise mandatorily 
       measured at fair value'. 
 3    Stock borrowing assets of HK$36,282m have been reclassified from 
       'Placings with and advances to banks' and 'Loans and advances to 
       customers' to 'Trading assets'. The change in measurement is a result 
       of the determination of the global business model for this activity 
       and to align the presentation throughout the group. 
 4    HKFRS 9 expected credit losses have decreased net assets by HK$4,187m 
       principally comprising of HK$3,492m reduction in the carrying value 
       of assets classified as 'Loans and advances to customers' and HK$487m 
       increase in 'Provisions' relating to expected credit losses on loan 
       commitments and financial guarantee contracts. 
 5    Debt instruments of HK$47m previously classified as available-for-sale 
       under HKAS 39 did not meet the SPPI requirement for FVOCI classification. 
       As a result, these financial assets were classified as 'Financial 
       assets designated and otherwise mandatorily measured at fair value' 
       upon adoption of HKFRS 9. Debt instruments of HK$50,699m previously 
       classified as available-for-sale under HKAS 39, have been reclassified 
       to amortised cost as a result of 'hold to collect' business model 
       classification under HKFRS 9. This resulted in a HK$4,335m downward 
       remeasurement of the financial assets now measured at amortised cost 
       excluding expected credit losses. 
 6    HK$3,093m of available-for-sale equity instruments have been reclassified 
       as 'Financial assets designated and otherwise mandatorily measured 
       at fair value' in accordance with HKFRS 9. The group has elected 
       to apply the FVOCI option under HKFRS 9 for the remaining HK$6,182m. 
 7    HK$1,669m of other financial assets, representing default fund contributions 
       which were measured at amortised cost under HKAS 39, did not meet 
       the SPPI requirement for amortised cost classification under HKFRS 
       9. As a result, these financial assets were classified as 'Financial 
       assets designated and otherwise mandatorily measured at fair value'. 
 8    'Interests in associates and joint ventures' includes the consequential 
       downward remeasurement of our interests in associates and joint ventures 
       as a result of these entities applying HKFRS 9 of HK$6,029m. 
 9    Changes in the classification and measurement of financial assets 
       held in our insurance business and the recognition of ECL under HKFRS 
       9 has resulted in secondary impacts on the present value of in-force 
       long-term insurance business ('PVIF') and liabilities to holders 
       of insurance and investment contracts. The gross carrying value of 
       PVIF reported in 'Goodwill and intangible assets' and liabilities 
       reported in 'Liabilities under insurance contracts' has decreased 
       by HK$616m and HK$536m respectively. Liabilities reported under 'Financial 
       liabilities designated at fair value' have increased by HK$73m. 
 10   We have considered market practices for the presentation of HK$120,397m 
       of financial liabilities which contain both deposit and derivative 
       components. We have concluded that a change in accounting policy 
       and presentation from 'Trading liabilities' would be appropriate, 
       since it would better align with the presentation of similar financial 
       instruments by peers and therefore provide more relevant information 
       about the effect of these financial liabilities on our financial 
       position and performance. As a result, rather than being classified 
       as held for trading, we have designated these financial liabilities 
       as at fair value since they are managed and their performance evaluated 
       on a fair value basis. 
 11   While HKFRS 9 ECL has no effect on the carrying value of FVOCI financial 
       assets, which remain measured at fair value, the adoption of HKFRS 
       9 results in a transfer from the FVOCI reserve (formerly AFS reserve) 
       to retained earnings to reflect the cumulative impairment recognised 
       in profit or loss in accordance with HKFRS 9 (net of impairment losses 
       previously recognised in profit or loss under HKAS 39). The resulting 
       cumulative expected credit losses recognised in 'Retained earnings' 
       on financial assets measured at FVOCI on adoption of HKFRS 9 is HK$55m. 
       In addition, the cumulative AFS reserve relating to financial investments 
       reclassified to 'Financial assets designated and otherwise mandatorily 
       measured at fair value' in accordance with HKFRS 9 has been transferred 
       to retained earnings. 
 
 
 3   Operating profit 
    ----------------- 
 
   (a)      Net interest income 
 
 Net interest income includes: 
                                                                     2018    2017 
                                                                     HK$m    HK$m 
 Interest income recognised on impaired financial assets             276    277 
                                                                 -------   ---- 
 Interest income recognised on financial assets measured 
  at amortised cost                                              143,709      N/A 
---------------------------------------------------------------  -------   ------ 
 Interest income recognised on financial assets measured 
  at FVOCI                                                        26,412      N/A 
---------------------------------------------------------------  -------   ------ 
 Interest expense on financial instruments, excluding interest 
  on financial liabilities held for trading or designated 
  or otherwise mandatorily measured at fair value                (41,259)     N/A 
---------------------------------------------------------------  -------   ------ 
 
   (b)      Net fee income 
 
 Net fee income by global business 
                                                             2018                                     2017 
                                                                                                 --------- 
                                   Retail 
                                  Banking                Global 
                                      and               Banking    Global 
                                   Wealth  Commercial       and   Private   Corporate 
                               Management     Banking   Markets   Banking   Centre(1)     Total      Total 
                                     HK$m        HK$m      HK$m      HK$m        HK$m      HK$m       HK$m 
 Account services                  1,434         979       337        55           3     2,808    2,863 
----------------------------  ----------   ---------   -------   -------   ---------   -------   ------ 
 Funds under management            4,122         724     1,749       910           1     7,506    7,000 
                              ----------   ---------   -------   -------   ---------   -------   ------ 
 Cards                             6,552       1,788        74         -           -     8,414    7,622 
                              ----------   ---------   -------   -------   ---------   -------   ------ 
 Credit facilities                   242       1,568     1,360         9           1     3,180    2,886 
                              ----------   ---------   -------   -------   ---------   -------   ------ 
 Broking income                    3,397          73       702       507           -     4,679    4,386 
                              ----------   ---------   -------   -------   ---------   -------   ------ 
 Imports/exports                       -       2,909       723         -           -     3,632    3,627 
                              ----------   ---------   -------   -------   ---------   -------   ------ 
 Unit trusts                       6,381         172         -       558          (4)    7,107    6,987 
                              ----------   ---------   -------   -------   ---------   -------   ------ 
 Underwriting                          5           3     1,111         -          (7)    1,112    1,477 
                              ----------   ---------   -------   -------   ---------   -------   ------ 
 Remittances                         333       2,183       625         3          (6)    3,138    3,316 
                              ----------   ---------   -------   -------   ---------   -------   ------ 
 Global custody                      713          51     3,025        95         (18)    3,866    3,626 
                              ----------   ---------   -------   -------   ---------   -------   ------ 
 Insurance agency commission 
  (2)                              1,510         142         4        94          (9)    1,741    1,528 
                              ----------   ---------   -------   -------   ---------   -------   ------ 
 Other                             1,816       2,020     5,087       719      (2,240)    7,402    6,994 
                              ----------   ---------   -------             ---------   -------   ------ 
 Fee income                       26,505      12,612    14,797     2,950      (2,279)   54,585   52,312 
----------------------------  ----------   ---------   -------   -------   ---------   -------   ------ 
 Fee expense                      (5,418)     (2,014)   (5,003)     (300)      2,381   (10,354)  (9,162) 
----------------------------  ----------   ---------   -------   -------   ---------   -------   ------ 
 Net fee income                   21,087      10,598     9,794     2,650         102    44,231   43,150 
----------------------------  ----------   ---------   -------   -------   ---------   -------   ------ 
 
   1      Includes inter-segment elimination 

2 Re-insurance fees (previously reported under 'insurance agency commission') were reclassified under 'Other' to align with the Group's presentation. Comparatives have been represented to conform to the current year's presentation.

 
 Net fee income includes: 
                                                                  2018       2017 
                                                                  HK$m       HK$m 
 Net fee income includes the following: 
 Fees earned on financial assets that are not at fair 
  value through profit and loss (other than amounts included 
  in determining the effective interest rate)                  11,583   11,031 
-------------------------------------------------------------  ------   ------ 
 - fee income                                                  16,368   15,443 
------------------------------------------------------------- 
 - fee expense                                                 (4,785)  (4,412) 
                                                               ------   ------ 
 Fee earned on trust and other fiduciary activities             9,653    8,904 
                                                                        ------ 
 - fee income                                                  10,787    9,843 
------------------------------------------------------------- 
 - fee expense                                                 (1,134)    (939) 
-------------------------------------------------------------  ------   ------ 
 
   (c)     Net income from financial instruments measured at fair value 
 
                                                                 2018       2017 
                                                                 HK$m       HK$m 
 Net income/(expense) arising on: 
------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Trading activities                                           32,567   23,432 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------   ------ 
 Gain on termination of hedges                                     -       38 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------   ------ 
 Other trading income - hedging ineffectiveness                 (122)     (14) 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------   ------ 
 - on cash flow hedges                                             -        1 
------------------------------------------------------------ 
 - on fair value hedges                                         (122)     (15) 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------   ------ 
 Fair value movement on non-qualifying hedges                   (209)    (246) 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------   ------ 
 Other instruments designated at fair value and related 
  derivatives(1)                                                (513)    (112) 
                                                              ------   ------ 
 Net income from financial instruments held for trading 
  or managed on a fair value basis                            31,723   23,098 
------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Financial assets held to meet liabilities under insurance 
  and investment contracts                                    (6,104)  18,162 
------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Liabilities to customers under investment contracts             543   (2,555) 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------   ------ 
 Net income/(expense) from assets and liabilities of 
  insurance businesses, including related derivatives, 
  measured at fair value through profit or loss(1)            (5,561)  15,607 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------   ------ 
 Changes in fair value of long-term debt issued and related 
  derivatives                                                     20     (115) 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------   ------ 
 Changes in fair value of other financial instruments 
  mandatorily measured at fair value through profit or 
  loss                                                          (217)        N/A 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------   --------- 
 Year ended 31 Dec                                            25,965   38,590 
------------------------------------------------------------  ------   ------ 
 

1 The presentation has been updated to show the net income/(expense) from assets and liabilities backing insurance and investment contracts separately. Comparatives have been represented to conform to the current year's presentation.

   (d)      Gains less losses from financial investments 
 
                                                          2018      2017 
                                                          HK$m      HK$m 
 Gains on disposal of debt instruments measured at fair 
  value through other comprehensive income                 501       N/A 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----  -------- 
 Gains on disposal of available-for-sale securities        N/A  2,113 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----  ----- 
 Impairment of available-for-sale equity investments       N/A     (5) 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----  ----- 
 Year ended 31 Dec                                         501  2,108 
--------------------------------------------------------  ----  ----- 
 

The decrease in gains on disposal of financial investments was mainly due to the non-recurrence of disposal of the investment in Techcom Bank in 2017.

   (e)      Other operating income 
 
                                                                  2018      2017 
                                                                  HK$m      HK$m 
 Movement in present value of in-force insurance business       4,629     305 
                                                               ------   ----- 
 Gains on investment properties                                   639     416 
                                                               ------   ----- 
 Gains/(losses) on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
  and assets held for sale                                        (69)     77 
                                                               ------   ----- 
 Gains/(losses) on disposal of subsidiaries, associates 
  and business portfolios                                          38    (186) 
                                                               ------   ----- 
 Rental income from investment properties                         416     426 
-------------------------------------------------------------  ------   ----- 
 Other                                                          4,653   3,702 
-------------------------------------------------------------  ------   ----- 
 Year ended 31 Dec                                             10,306   4,740 
-------------------------------------------------------------  ------   ----- 
 

There was a loss on disposal of loans and receivables of HK$5m in the year (2017: loss of HK$75m). There were no gains or losses on disposal of financial liabilities measured at amortised cost in the year (2017: nil).

   (f)      Change in expected credit losses and other credit impairment charges 
 
                                                               2018      2017 
                                                               HK$m      HK$m 
 Change in expected credit losses/ loan impairment charges 
 Loans and advances to banks and customers                   4,611   4,330 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ----- 
 - new allowances net of allowance releases                  5,551   5,224 
 - recoveries of amounts previously written off               (940)   (894) 
 - modification losses and other movements                       -        N/A 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ----- 
 Loan commitments and guarantees                               123     107 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ----- 
 Other financial assets                                        (14)      - 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -----   ----- 
 Year ended 31 Dec                                           4,720   4,437 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -----   ----- 
 

Change in expected credit losses as a percentage of average gross customer advances was 0.13% for 2018 (2017: 0.14%).

   (g)     General and administrative expenses 
 
                                             2018      2017 
                                             HK$m      HK$m 
 Premises and equipment                     8,208   7,814 
                                           ------  ------ 
 - rental expenses                          4,134   3,717 
----------------------------------------- 
 - other premises and equipment expenses    4,074   4,097 
-----------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Marketing and advertising expenses         2,940   2,785 
-----------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Other administrative expenses             28,841  24,187 
-----------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 Year ended 31 Dec                         39,989  34,786 
-----------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 

Included in operating expenses were direct operating expenses of HK$35m (2017: HK$32m) arising from investment properties that generated rental income in the year. Direct operating expenses arising from investment properties that did not generate rental income amounted to HK$3m (2017: HK$4m).

Included in operating expenses were minimum lease payments under operating leases of HK$3,550m (2017: HK$3,598m).

   (h)     Auditors' remuneration 

Auditors' remuneration amounted to HK$125m (2017: HK$122m).

 
 4   Insurance business 
    ------------------- 
 
 
 (a) Net insurance premium Income 
                                                       Non-linked  Unit-linked      Total 
                                                             HK$m         HK$m       HK$m 
                                                       ----------  -----------  --------- 
 Gross insurance premium income                           63,462        1,586   65,048 
                                                       ---------   ----------   ------ 
 Reinsurers' share of gross insurance premium income      (4,349)         (21)  (4,370) 
----------------------------------------------------- 
 At 31 Dec 2018                                           59,113        1,565   60,678 
-----------------------------------------------------  ---------   ----------   ------ 
 
 Gross insurance premium income                           61,577        1,669   63,246 
 Reinsurers' share of gross insurance premium income      (7,052)         (18)  (7,070) 
-----------------------------------------------------  ---------   ----------   ------ 
 At 31 Dec 2017                                           54,525        1,651   56,176 
-----------------------------------------------------  ---------   ----------   ------ 
 
 
 (b) Net insurance claims and benefits paid and movement in liabilities 
  to policyholders 
                                                     Non-linked  Unit-linked      Total 
                                                           HK$m         HK$m       HK$m 
                                                     ----------  -----------  --------- 
 Gross claims and benefits paid and movement in 
  liabilities to policyholders                          65,002       (3,080)  61,922 
 - claims, benefits and surrenders paid                 27,086        7,598   34,684 
 - movement in liabilities                              37,916      (10,678)  27,238 
                                                     ---------   ----------   ------ 
 Reinsurers' share of claims and benefits paid and 
  movement in liabilities                               (4,155)          72   (4,083) 
 - claims, benefits and surrenders paid                 (1,930)      (1,394)  (3,324) 
 - movement in liabilities                              (2,225)       1,466     (759) 
                                                     ---------   ----------   ------ 
 At 31 Dec 2018                                         60,847       (3,008)  57,839 
---------------------------------------------------  ---------   ----------   ------ 
 
 Gross claims and benefits paid and movement in 
  liabilities to policyholders                          65,671        8,841   74,512 
 - claims, benefits and surrenders paid                 19,765        7,239   27,004 
 - movement in liabilities                              45,906        1,602   47,508 
 Reinsurers' share of claims and benefits paid and 
  movement in liabilities                               (6,894)       1,172   (5,722) 
 - claims, benefits and surrenders paid                 (1,727)      (1,715)  (3,442) 
 - movement in liabilities                              (5,167)       2,887   (2,280) 
 At 31 Dec 2017                                         58,777       10,013   68,790 
---------------------------------------------------  ---------   ----------   ------ 
 
 
 Liabilities under insurance                                                          2017 
  contracts                                         2018 
                                                Reinsurers'                      Reinsurers' 
                                         Gross     share(2)       Net     Gross     share(2)         Net 
                                          HK$m         HK$m      HK$m      HK$m         HK$m        HK$m 
                                      --------  -----------  -------- 
 Non-linked insurance contracts 
 At 31 Dec                            391,348      (15,624)  375,724   342,134      (10,077)  332,057 
 Impact on transition to HKFRS 
  9                                      (535)           -      (535)        -            -         - 
                                                                                 ---------- 
 At 1 Jan                             390,813      (15,624)  375,189   342,134      (10,077)  332,057 
                                                                       -------   ----------   ------- 
 Claims and benefits paid             (27,086)       1,930   (25,156)  (19,765)       1,727   (18,038) 
 Increase/(decrease) in liabilities 
  to policyholders                     65,002       (4,155)   60,847    65,671       (6,894)   58,777 
 Exchange differences and other 
  movements(1)                          4,939           91     5,030     3,308         (380)    2,928 
------------------------------------  -------   ----------   ------- 
 At 31 Dec                            433,668      (17,758)  415,910   391,348      (15,624)  375,724 
------------------------------------  -------   ----------   -------   -------   ----------   ------- 
 
 Linked insurance contracts 
 At 1 Jan                              46,669         (110)   46,559    44,036       (1,291)   42,745 
                                      -------   ----------   ------- 
 Claims and benefits paid              (7,598)       1,394    (6,204)   (7,239)       1,715    (5,524) 
------------------------------------ 
 Increase/(decrease) in liabilities 
  to policyholders                     (3,080)          72    (3,008)    8,841        1,172    10,013 
------------------------------------ 
 Exchange differences and other 
  movements(1)                         (1,070)      (1,390)   (2,460)    1,031       (1,706)     (675) 
------------------------------------ 
 At 31 Dec                             34,921          (34)   34,887    46,669         (110)   46,559 
------------------------------------  -------   ----------   -------   -------   ----------   ------- 
 Total liabilities to policyholders   468,589      (17,792)  450,797   438,017      (15,734)  422,283 
------------------------------------  -------   ----------   -------   -------   ----------   ------- 
 

1 Exchange differences and other movements' includes movements in liabilities arising from net unrealised investment gains recognised in other comprehensive income.

2 Amounts recoverable from reinsurance of liabilities under insurance contracts are included in the consolidated balance sheet in 'Prepayment, accrued income and other assets'.

The key factors contributing to the movement in liabilities to policyholders included death claims, surrenders, lapses, liabilities to policyholders created at the initial inception of the policies, the declaration of bonuses and other amounts attributable to policyholders.

 
 5   Employee compensation and benefits 
    ----------------------------------- 
 

(a) Employee compensation and benefits

 
                                  2018      2017 
                                  HK$m      HK$m 
 Wages and salaries             36,972  36,485 
                                ------ 
 Social security costs           1,249   1,110 
                                ------  ------ 
 Retirement benefits costs       2,572   2,500 
                                ------ 
 - defined contribution plans    1,804   1,685 
 - defined benefit plans           768     815 
                                ------ 
 Year ended 31 Dec              40,793  40,095 
------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 

Share-based payments

'Wages and salaries' include the effect of share-based payments arrangements of HK$968m (2017: HK$1,052m).

(b) Retirement benefit pension plans

The group operates a number of retirement benefit plans for its employees. 'Pension risk management' in the Risk section contains details of the policies and practices associated with these benefit plans. Some of these plans are defined benefit plans, of which the largest plan is The HSBC Group Hong Kong Local Staff Retirement Benefit Scheme ('the Principal Plan').

The Principal Plan

In Hong Kong, the Principal Plan covers employees of the Bank and certain other local employees of the Group. The Principal Plan comprises a funded defined benefit scheme (which provides a lump sum benefit on retirement but is now closed to new members) and a defined contribution scheme. The latter was established on 1 January 1999 for new employees, and the group has been providing defined contribution plans to all new employees. Since the defined benefit scheme of the Principal Plan is a final salary lump sum scheme, its exposure to longevity risk and interest rate risk is limited compared to a scheme that provides annuity payments.

The investment strategy of the defined benefit scheme of the Principal Plan is to hold the majority of assets in bonds, with a smaller portion in equities and each investment manager has been assigned a benchmark applicable to their respective asset class. The target asset allocation for the portfolio is as follows: Bonds 65% and Equity 35%. The Principal Plan is predominantly a funded plan with assets which are held in trust funds separate from the group. The actuarial funding valuation of the Principal Plan is reviewed at least on a triennial basis in accordance with the local practice and regulations. The actuarial assumptions used to conduct the actuarial funding valuation of the Principal Plan vary according to the economic conditions.

The trustee assumes the overall responsibility for the Principal Plan and the group has established a management committee and a number of sub-committees to broaden the governance and manage the concomitant issues.

Defined benefit pension plans

 
 Net asset/(liability) under defined benefit pension plans 
                                                                      Present 
                                                                     value of 
                                                     Fair value       defined    Net defined 
                                                        of plan       benefit        benefit 
                                                         assets   obligations      liability 
                                                           HK$m          HK$m           HK$m 
                                                                 ------------  ------------- 
 At 1 Jan 2018                                          15,167       (17,308)      (2,141) 
                                                     ---------   -----------   ---------- 
 Service cost                                                -          (697)        (697) 
---------------------------------------------------  ---------   -----------   ---------- 
 - current service cost                                      -          (684)        (684) 
 - past service cost and gains from settlements(1)           -           (13)         (13) 
                                                     ---------   -----------   ---------- 
 Net interest expense on the net defined benefit 
  liability                                                289          (338)         (49) 
                                                     ---------   -----------   ---------- 
 Re-measurement effects recognised in other 
  comprehensive income                                    (692)         (399)      (1,091) 
                                                     ---------   -----------   ---------- 
 - return on plan assets (excluding interest 
  income)                                                 (692)            -         (692) 
 - actuarial losses                                          -          (399)        (399) 
                                                     ---------   -----------   ---------- 
 Exchange differences and other movements                  (80)           74           (6) 
                                                     ---------   -----------   ---------- 
 Contributions by the group                                576             -          576 
                                                     ---------   -----------   ---------- 
 Benefits paid                                          (1,404)        1,471           67 
---------------------------------------------------  ---------   -----------   ---------- 
 At 31 Dec 2018                                         13,856       (17,197)      (3,341) 
---------------------------------------------------  ---------   -----------   ---------- 
 Retirement benefit liabilities recognised on 
  the balance sheet                                                                (3,369) 
--------------------------------------------------- 
 Retirement benefit assets recognised on the 
  balance sheet (within 'Prepayment, accrued 
  income and other assets')                                                            28 
 Present value of defined benefit obligation 
  relating to: 
 - actives                                                           (16,848) 
                                                                 ----------- 
 - deferreds                                                             (19) 
---------------------------------------------------  ----------  -----------   ------------- 
 - pensioners                                                           (330) 
---------------------------------------------------  ----------  -----------   ------------- 
 
 
 At 1 Jan 2017                                       14,755   (18,552)  (3,797) 
 Service cost                                             -      (722)    (722) 
--------------------------------------------------- 
 - current service cost                                   -      (748)    (748) 
 - past service cost and gains from settlements(1)        -        26       26 
                                                     ------   -------   ------ 
 Net interest expense on the net defined benefit 
  liability                                             281      (362)     (81) 
 Re-measurement effects recognised in other 
  comprehensive income                                1,633         7    1,640 
 - return on plan assets (excluding interest 
  income)                                             1,633          -   1,633 
 - actuarial gains                                        -         7        7 
                                                     ------   -------   ------ 
 Exchange differences and other movements(2)           (450)      482       32 
 Contributions by the group                             722         -      722 
 Benefits paid                                       (1,774)    1,839       65 
--------------------------------------------------- 
 At 31 Dec 2017                                      15,167   (17,308)  (2,141) 
---------------------------------------------------  ------   -------   ------ 
 Retirement benefit liabilities recognised on 
  the balance sheet                                                     (2,222) 
 Retirement benefit assets recognised on the 
  balance sheet (within 'Prepayment, accrued 
  income and other assets')                                                 81 
                                                     -------  --------  ------ 
 Present value of defined benefit obligation 
  relating to: 
                                                     -------  --------  --------- 
 - actives                                                    (17,044) 
 - pensioners                                                    (264) 
---------------------------------------------------  -------  -------   --------- 
 

1 Gains from settlements arise as the difference between assets distributed and liabilities extinguished on settlements.

2 Other movements in 2017 included the impact from transfer of certain employees to a fellow subsidiary.

The group expects to make HK$581m of contributions to defined benefit pension plans during 2019. Benefits expected to be paid from the Principal Plan to retirees over each of the next five years, and in aggregate for the five years thereafter, are as follows:

 
 Benefits expected to be paid from the Principal Plan 
                              2019  2020   2021   2022  2023    2024-2028 
                              HK$m  HK$m   HK$m   HK$m  HK$m         HK$m 
 HSBC Group Hong Kong 
  Local Staff Retirement 
  Benefit Scheme(1)            612   988  1,090  1,051   825      3,783 
----------------------------  ----  ----  -----  -----  ----  --------- 
 
 

1 The duration of the defined benefit obligation is 7 years for the Principal Plan under the disclosure assumptions adopted (2017: 7 years).

 
 Fair value of plan assets by asset classes 
                            At 31 Dec 2018               At 31 Dec 2017 
                                 Quoted                      Quoted 
                                 market                      market 
                               price in                    price in 
                                 active  Thereof             active    Thereof 
                       Value     market     HSBC   Value     market       HSBC 
                        HK$m       HK$m     HK$m    HK$m       HK$m       HK$m 
 Fair value of plan 
  assets              13,856     13,856      454  15,167     15,167      321 
                      ------  ---------  ------- 
 - equities            4,390      4,390        -   4,791      4,791        - 
 - bonds               8,448      8,448        -   9,539      9,539        - 
 - other(1)            1,018      1,018      454     837        837      321 
--------------------  ------  ---------  -------  ------  ---------  ------- 
 
   1      Other mainly consists of cash and deposits. 

.

The Principal Plan's principal actuarial financial assumptions

The group determines the discount rate to be applied to its obligations under the defined benefit scheme as prescribed by HKAS 19 and in consultation with the Principal Plan's local actuary, on the basis of the current average yields of Hong Kong Government bonds and Hong Kong Exchange Fund Notes, with maturities consistent with that of the defined benefit obligation.

The present value of the Principal Plan's obligation was HK$9,739m (2017: HK$10,086m). The principal actuarial assumptions used to calculate the group's obligations for the Principal Plan for the year, and used as the basis for measuring the expenses in relation to the Principal Plan, were as follows:

 
 Key actuarial assumptions for the principal plan 
                                              2018           2017 
                                            % p.a.         % p.a. 
 Discount rate                                1.95         1.70 
 Rate of pay increase                          3.0          3.0 
 Mortality table                       HKLT2017(1)    HKLT2016(2) 
-------------------------------------  -----------  ------------- 
 
   1      HKLT2017- Hong Kong Life Tables 2017 
   2      HKLT2016- Hong Kong Life Tables 2016 

Actuarial assumption sensitivities

The discount rate and rate of pay increase are sensitive to changes in market conditions arising during the reporting period. The following table shows the financial impact of assumption changes on the Principal Plan at year end:

 
 The effect of changes in key assumptions on the principal plan 
                                                        Impact on pension obligation 
                                                  Financial impact         Financial impact 
                                                     of increase              of decrease 
                                                       2018      2017         2018        2017 
                                                       HK$m      HK$m         HK$m        HK$m 
                                              -------------  --------  -----------  ---------- 
 Discount rate - increase/decrease of 25bps       (167)         (183)      172          189 
                                              --------       -------   ------- 
 Rate of pay increase - increase/decrease 
  of 25bps                                         176           193      (172)        (188) 
--------------------------------------------  --------  ---  -------   -------      ------- 
 

(c) Directors' emoluments

The aggregate emoluments of the Directors of the Bank disclosed pursuant to section 4 of the Companies (Disclosure of Information about Benefits of Directors) Regulation were HK$115m (2017: HK$108m). This comprises fees of HK$10m (2017: HK$9m) and other emoluments of HK$105m (2017: HK$99m) which includes contributions to pension schemes of HK$1m (2017: HK$1m). Non-cash benefits which are included in other emoluments mainly relate to share-based payment awards, and the provision of housing and furnishing. 2017 balances have been represented to align to the 2018 presentation. Details on loans to directors are set out in note 34.

 
 6   Tax 
    ---- 
 

The Bank and its subsidiaries in Hong Kong have provided for Hong Kong profits tax at the rate of 16.5% (2017: 16.5%) on the profits for the year assessable in Hong Kong. Overseas branches and subsidiaries have similarly provided for tax in the countries in which they operate at the appropriate rates of tax in force in 2018. Deferred taxation is provided for in accordance with the group's accounting policy in note 1.2(m).

 
 Tax expense 
                                                             2018       2017 
                                                             HK$m       HK$m 
 Current tax                                              20,413   18,801 
                                                          ------   ------ 
 - Hong Kong taxation - on current year profit            12,155   10,489 
 - Hong Kong taxation - adjustments in respect of prior 
  years                                                      (11)      (3) 
 - overseas taxation - on current year profit              8,471    8,588 
 - overseas taxation - adjustments in respect of prior 
  years                                                     (202)    (273) 
                                                          ------   ------ 
 Deferred tax                                              2,054      800 
                                                          ------   ------ 
 - origination and reversal of temporary differences       1,938      805 
 - effect of changes in tax rates                             62        3 
 - adjustments in respect of prior years                      54       (8) 
                                                          ------   ------ 
 Year ended 31 Dec                                        22,467   19,601 
--------------------------------------------------------  ------   ------ 
 

Tax reconciliation

The tax charged to the income statement differs from the tax charge that would apply if all profits had been taxed at the applicable tax rates in the countries concerned as follows:

 
 Reconciliation between taxation charge and accounting profit at applicable 
  tax rates 
                                                                  2018        2017 
                                                                  HK$m        HK$m 
 Profit before tax                                            134,583   115,619 
 Notional tax on profit before tax, calculated at the 
  rates applicable to profits in the countries concerned       25,232    21,915 
 Effects of profits in associates and joint ventures           (2,683)   (2,333) 
 Non-taxable income and gains                                  (3,412)   (2,623) 
 Local taxes and overseas withholding taxes                     1,470       810 
 Permanent disallowables                                        1,132     1,001 
 Others                                                           728       831 
 Year ended 31 Dec                                             22,467    19,601 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------   ------- 
 
 
 Movements of deferred tax assets and liabilities 
                                                               Impairment 
                     Accelerated                                allowance 
                         capital  Insurance      Expense     on financial     Revaluation 
                      allowances   business   provisions      instruments   of properties    Other       Total 
                            HK$m       HK$m         HK$m             HK$m            HK$m     HK$m        HK$m 
 
 Assets                   93             -        1,296           491                  -    2,154     4,034 
 Liabilities            (751)       (7,417)           -             -            (13,667)  (4,435)  (26,270) 
 At 31 Dec 2017         (658)       (7,417)       1,296           491            (13,667)  (2,281)  (22,236) 
 Impact on 
  transition 
  to HKFRS 9              (2)          103           (2)          873                  -    1,321     2,293 
-----------------  ---------      --------   ----------   -----------      -------------   ------   ------- 
 At 1 Jan 2018          (660)       (7,314)       1,294         1,364            (13,667)    (960)  (19,943) 
-----------------  ---------      --------   ----------   -----------      -------------   ------   ------- 
 Exchange and 
  other 
  adjustments              3            27          (60)          117              1,484       51     1,622 
 Charge/(credit) 
  to income 
  statement              185          (770)         185          (167)               310   (1,797)   (2,054) 
----------------- 
 Charge/(credit) 
  to other 
  comprehensive 
  income                   -             -            -             -             (1,800)     (23)   (1,823) 
----------------- 
 At 31 Dec 2018         (472)       (8,057)       1,419         1,314            (13,673)  (2,729)  (22,198) 
-----------------  ---------      --------   ----------   -----------      -------------   ------   ------- 
 Assets(1)               111             -        1,419         1,314                  -    1,870     4,714 
 Liabilities(1)         (583)       (8,057)           -             -            (13,673)  (4,599)  (26,912) 
-----------------  ---------      --------   ----------   -----------      -------------   ------   ------- 
 
 
 Assets(1)                  108        -     961   674         -    2,415     4,158 
 Liabilities(1)            (626)  (7,323)      -     -   (12,768)  (3,339)  (24,056) 
 At 1 Jan 2017             (518)  (7,323)    961   674   (12,768)    (924)  (19,898) 
-------------------------  ----   ------   -----  ----   -------   ------   ------- 
 Exchange and other 
  adjustments                 9      (44)     84    18       396      (15)      448 
 Charge/(credit) 
  to income statement      (149)     (50)    251  (201)      283     (934)     (800) 
 Charge/(credit) 
  to other comprehensive 
  income                      -        -       -     -    (1,578)    (408)   (1,986) 
 At 31 Dec 2017            (658)  (7,417)  1,296   491   (13,667)  (2,281)  (22,236) 
-------------------------  ----   ------   -----  ----   -------   ------   ------- 
 Assets(1)                   93        -   1,296   491         -    2,154     4,034 
 Liabilities(1)            (751)  (7,417)      -     -   (13,667)  (4,435)  (26,270) 
-------------------------  ----   ------   -----  ----   -------   ------   ------- 
 

1 After netting off balances within countries, the balances as disclosed in the accounts are as follows: deferred tax assets HK$2,315m (2017: HK$2,156m); and deferred tax liabilities HK$24,513m (2017: HK$24,391m).

The amount of unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset is recognised in the balance sheet is HK$3,626m (2017: HK$2,572m). Of this amount, HK$1,950m (2017: HK$1,898m) has no expiry date and the remaining will expire within 10 years.

Deferred tax of HK$2,261m (2017: HK$2,321m) has been provided in respect of distributable reserves or post-acquisition reserves of associates that, on distribution or sale, would attract withholding tax.

Deferred tax is not recognised in respect of the group's investments in subsidiaries and branches where remittance or other realisation is not probable, and for those associates and interests in joint ventures where it has been determined that no additional tax will arise.

 
 7   Dividends 
    ---------- 
 
 
 Dividends to ordinary shareholders of the parent company 
                                                                   2018              2017 
                                                             HK$ per          HK$ per 
                                                               share    HK$m    share      HK$m 
 Dividends paid on ordinary shares 
 In respect of previous year: 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------  -------  -------- 
 
   *    fourth interim dividend in respect of the previous 
        financial year approved and paid during the year        0.36  16,559     0.56  25,438 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------  -------  ------ 
 In respect of current year: 
 - first interim dividend paid                                  0.22  10,000     0.22  10,000 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------  -------  ------ 
 - second interim dividend paid                                 0.22  10,000     0.22  10,000 
                                                             -------  ------  -------  ------ 
 - third interim dividend paid                                  0.22  10,000     0.22  10,000 
                                                             -------  ------  -------  ------ 
 Total                                                          1.02  46,559     1.22  55,438 
-----------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------  -------  ------ 
 

The Directors have declared a fourth interim dividend in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2018 of HK$0.47 per ordinary share (HK$21,958m) (2017: HK$0.36 per ordinary share (HK$16,559m)).

 
 Distributions on other equity instruments 
                                                           2018    2017 
                                                           HK$m    HK$m 
 US$1,900m floating rate perpetual subordinated loans 
  (interest rate at one year US dollar LIBOR plus 3.84%)    881   822 
---------------------------------------------------------  ----  ---- 
 
 
 
 8   Trading assets 
    --------------- 
 
 
                                        2018       2017 
                                        HK$m       HK$m 
 Treasury and other eligible bills   140,050  100,566 
 Debt securities                     283,506  250,730 
 Equity securities                   119,475  107,301 
 Other(1,2)                           15,807   37,837 
 At 31 Dec                           558,838  496,434 
-----------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

1 'Other' includes reverse repos, stock borrowing and other accounts with banks and customers.

2 Settlement accounts were reclassified from 'Trading assets' to 'Other assets' on 1 January 2018 in accordance with HKFRS 9.

 
 9   Derivatives 
    ------------ 
 
 
 Notional contract amounts and fair values of derivatives by product 
  contract type 
                      Notional contract 
                            amount            Fair value - Assets          Fair value - Liabilities 
                        Trading  Hedging  Trading  Hedging      Total    Trading  Hedging         Total 
                           HK$m     HK$m     HK$m     HK$m       HK$m       HK$m     HK$m          HK$m 
                                 -------                               ---------  ------- 
 Foreign Exchange    21,492,856   91,274  187,746      909   188,655     186,776    1,529    188,305 
 Interest rate       32,926,700  365,130  196,720    2,924   199,644     197,904    2,790    200,694 
 Equity                 574,411        -   17,302        -    17,302      18,619        -     18,619 
 Credit                 926,082        -    5,967        -     5,967       5,904        -      5,904 
 Commodity and 
  other                 112,386        -    1,710        -     1,710       2,440        -      2,440 
 Gross total         56,032,435  456,404  409,445    3,833   413,278     411,643    4,319    415,962 
------------------  -----------  -------  -------  -------  --------   ---------  -------  --------- 
 Offset                                                     (120,409)                       (120,409) 
 At 31 Dec 2018                                              292,869                         295,553 
------------------  -----------  -------  -------  -------  --------   ---------  -------  --------- 
 
 Foreign Exchange    18,928,664  132,198  198,483    2,449   200,932     201,829    3,575    205,404 
                                                                                  ------- 
 Interest rate       26,655,864  298,036  145,569    2,431   148,000     147,460      702    148,162 
 Equity                 762,895        -   22,116        -    22,116      25,106        -     25,106 
                                                                       --------- 
 Credit                 659,200        -    5,591        -     5,591       5,970        -      5,970 
                                                                       --------- 
 Commodity and 
  other                  82,181        -    1,228        -     1,228       2,335        -      2,335 
                                 -------           -------             --------- 
 Gross total         47,088,804  430,234  372,987    4,880   377,867     382,700    4,277    386,977 
------------------  -----------  -------  -------  -------  --------   ---------  -------  --------- 
 Offset                                                      (77,624)                        (77,624) 
 At 31 Dec 2017                                              300,243                         309,353 
------------------  -----------  -------  -------  -------  --------   ---------  -------  --------- 
 

Use of derivatives

The group transacts derivatives for three primary purposes: to create risk management solutions for clients, to manage the portfolio risk arising from client business, and to manage and hedge the group's own risks. Derivatives (except for derivatives which are designated as effective hedging instruments) are held for trading. Within the held for trading classification are two types of derivative instruments: those used in sales and trading activities, and those used for risk management purposes but which for various reasons do not meet the qualifying criteria for hedge accounting. The second category includes derivatives managed in conjunction with financial instruments designated at fair value. These activities are described more fully below.

The group's derivative activities give rise to significant open positions in portfolios of derivatives. These positions are managed constantly to ensure that they remain within acceptable risk levels. When entering into derivative transactions, the group employs the same credit risk management framework to assess and approve potential credit exposures that it uses for traditional lending.

Trading derivatives

Most of the group's derivative transactions relate to sales and trading activities. Sales activities include the structuring and marketing of derivative products to customers to enable them to take, transfer, modify or reduce current or expected risks. Trading activities include market-making and risk management. Market-making entails quoting bid and offer prices to other market participants for the purpose of generating revenues based on spread and volume. Risk management activity is undertaken to manage the risk arising from client transactions, with the principal purpose of retaining client margin. Other derivatives classified as held for trading include non-qualifying hedging derivatives.

Derivatives valued using models with unobservable inputs

Any initial gain or loss on financial instruments where the valuation is dependent on unobservable parameters is deferred over the life of the contract or until the instrument is redeemed, transferred or sold or the fair value becomes observable. All derivatives that are part of qualifying hedging relationships have valuations based on observable market parameters.

The aggregate unobservable inception profit yet to be recognised in the income statement is immaterial.

Hedge accounting derivatives

The group applies hedge accounting to manage the following risks: interest rate, foreign exchange and net investment in foreign operations. The group uses derivatives (principally interest rate and currency swaps) for hedging purposes in the management of its own asset and liability portfolios and structural positions. This enables the group to optimise the overall costs to the group of accessing debt capital markets, and to mitigate the market risk which would otherwise arise from structural imbalances in the maturity and other profiles of its assets and liabilities. The accounting treatment of hedging transactions varies according to the nature of the instrument hedged and the type of hedging transaction. Derivatives may qualify as hedges for accounting purposes if they are fair value hedges, cash flow hedges, or hedges of net investments in foreign operations.

Fair value hedges

The group enters into to fixed-for-floating-interest-rate swaps to manage the exposure to changes in fair value due to movements in market interest rates on certain fixed rate financial instruments which are not measured at fair value through profit or loss, including debt securities held and issued.

Sources of hedge ineffectiveness may arise from basis risk including but not limited to the discount rates used for calculating the fair value of derivatives, hedges using instruments with a non-zero fair value and notional and timing differences between the hedged items and hedging instruments.

For some debt securities held, the group manages interest rate risk in a dynamic risk management strategy. The assets in scope of this strategy are high quality fixed-rate debt securities, which may be sold to meet liquidity and funding requirements.

The interest rate risk of the group's fixed rate debt securities issued is managed in a non-dynamic risk management strategy.

Cash flow hedges

The group's cash flow hedging instruments consist principally of interest rate swaps and cross-currency swaps that are used to manage the variability in future interest cash flows of non-trading financial assets and liabilities, arising due to changes in market interest rates and foreign-currency basis.

The group applies macro cash flow hedging for interest-rate risk exposures on portfolios of replenishing current and forecasted issuances of non-trading assets and liabilities that bear interest at variable rates, including rolling such instruments. The amounts and timing of future cash flows, representing both principal and interest flows, are projected for each portfolio of financial assets and liabilities on the basis of their contractual terms and other relevant factors, including estimates of prepayments and defaults. The aggregate cash flows representing both principal balances and interest cash flows across all portfolios are used to determine the effectiveness and ineffectiveness. Macro cash flow hedges are considered to be dynamic hedges.

The group also hedges the variability in future cash-flows on foreign-denominated financial assets and liabilities arising due to changes in foreign exchange market rates with cross-currency swaps; these are considered non-dynamic hedges.

 
 10   Financial assets designated and otherwise mandatorily measured at 
       fair value through profit 
       or loss 
---  ------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 
 
                                             2018                               2017 
                                           Mandatorily                       Mandatorily 
                               Designated     measured           Designated     measured 
                                  at fair      at fair              at fair      at fair 
                                    value        value    Total       value        value      Total 
                                     HK$m         HK$m     HK$m        HK$m         HK$m       HK$m 
                                                                 ---------- 
 Treasury and other eligible 
  bills                               107          220      327         514          N/A      514 
                                           ----------- 
 Debt securities                   13,380        6,134   19,514      18,142          N/A   18,142 
                                           ----------- 
 Equity securities(1)                   -       99,836   99,836     103,990          N/A  103,990 
-----------------------------              ----------- 
 Other(2)                               -       13,182   13,182         N/A          N/A        N/A 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  -------  ----------  -----------  --------- 
 At 31 Dec                         13,487      119,372  132,859     122,646          N/A  122,646 
-----------------------------  ----------  -----------  -------  ----------  -----------  ------- 
 

1 Equity securities have been reclassified from 'Financial assets designated at fair value' to 'Financial assets mandatorily measured at fair value through profit or loss' in accordance with HKFRS 9.

   2       'Other' primarily includes loans and advance to banks and customers. 
 
 11   Loans and advances to customers 
---  -------------------------------- 
 
 
                                                      2018          2017 
                                                      HK$m          HK$m 
 Gross loans and advances to customers          3,545,258   3,342,025 
 Expected credit losses/Impairment allowances     (16,556)    (13,045) 
                                                --------- 
 At 31 Dec                                      3,528,702   3,328,980 
----------------------------------------------  ---------   --------- 
 

The following table provides an analysis of loans and advances to customers by industry sector.

 
 Analysis of gross loans and advances to customers 
                                          2018         2017 
                                          HK$m         HK$m 
-----------------------------------  ---------  ----------- 
 Residential mortgages                 937,666    855,788 
 Credit card advances                   93,200     89,368 
 Other personal                        236,133    230,119 
-----------------------------------  --------- 
 Total personal                      1,266,999  1,175,275 
-----------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Real estate                           626,120    563,921 
 Wholesale and retail trade            433,734    460,347 
 Manufacturing                         424,813    411,225 
 Transportation and storage             95,773     95,834 
 Other                                 484,186    429,800 
                                     ---------  --------- 
 Total corporate and commercial(1)   2,064,626  1,961,127 
-----------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Non-bank financial institutions       213,633    205,623 
-----------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 At 31 Dec                           3,545,258  3,342,025 
-----------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 By geography(2) 
-----------------------------------  ---------  ----------- 
 Hong Kong                           2,282,909  2,107,700 
-----------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 Rest of Asia Pacific                1,262,349  1,234,325 
-----------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 

1 With effect from 2018, the industry sector is based on the Statistical Classification of economic activities in the European Community ('NACE') codes. Comparatives figures have been represented to conform to the current year presentation.

2 The geographical information shown above has been classified by the location of the principal operations of the subsidiary and by the location of the branch responsible for advancing the funds.

Finance lease receivables and hire purchase contracts

The group leases a variety of assets to third parties under finance leases. At the end of lease terms, assets may be sold to third parties or leased for further terms. Rentals are calculated to recover the cost of assets less their residual value, and earn finance income. Loans and advances to customers include receivables under finance leases and hire purchase contracts having the characteristics of finance leases.

 
 Net investment in finance leases and hire purchase contracts 
                                                 2018                           2017 
                                         Total                         Total 
                                        future  Unearned              future  Unearned 
                                       minimum   finance  Present    minimum   finance    Present 
                                      payments    income    value   payments    income      value 
                                          HK$m      HK$m     HK$m       HK$m      HK$m       HK$m 
 Amounts receivable 
 - within one year                       2,990     (640)   2,350       2,552     (584)   1,968 
 - after one year but within 
  five years                             8,622   (2,097)   6,525       8,504   (1,922)   6,582 
 - after five years                     23,346   (3,819)  19,527      22,823   (3,594)  19,229 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -------   ------   ---------  -------   ------ 
                                        34,958   (6,556)  28,402      33,879   (6,100)  27,779 
-----------------------------------  ---------  -------   ------   ---------  -------   ------ 
 Expected credit losses/Impairment 
  allowances                                                (117)                          (82) 
 Net investment in finance leases 
  and hire purchase contracts 
  at 31 Dec                                               28,285                        27,697 
-----------------------------------  ---------  --------  ------   ---------  --------  ------ 
 
 
 12   Financial investments 
---  ---------------------- 
 
 
                                                             2018         2017 
                                                             HK$m         HK$m 
 Financial investments measured at fair value through 
  other comprehensive income                            1,503,625          N/A 
                                                        ---------  ----------- 
 - treasury and other eligible bills                      660,871          N/A 
 - debt securities                                        836,896          N/A 
 - equity securities                                        5,858          N/A 
------------------------------------------------------  --------- 
 Debt instruments measured at amortised cost              367,401          N/A 
                                                        ---------  ----------- 
 - treasury and other eligible bills                        3,624          N/A 
 - debt securities                                        363,777          N/A 
------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ----------- 
 Available-for-sale securities at fair value                  N/A  1,419,930 
                                                        ---------  --------- 
 - treasury and other eligible bills                          N/A    539,014 
 - debt securities                                            N/A    871,641 
 - equity securities                                          N/A      9,275 
                                                        ---------  --------- 
 Held-to-maturity securities at amortised cost                N/A    300,943 
                                                        ---------  --------- 
 - treasury and other eligible bills                          N/A        699 
 - debt securities                                            N/A    300,244 
                                                        ---------  --------- 
 At 31 Dec(1)                                           1,871,026  1,720,873 
------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 

1 Categories of financial instruments are disclosed under HKFRS 9 at 31 December 2018. These are not directly comparable with 31 December 2017, where the instruments were categorised in accordance with HKAS 39.

 
 Equity instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive 
  income 
                                                                      Instruments held 
                                                                         at year end 
                                                                                   Dividends 
                                                                   Fair value     recognised 
 Type of equity instruments                                              HK$m           HK$m 
                                                               --------------  ------------- 
 Business facilitation                                                  5,137          155 
 Investments required by central institutions                             356            3 
                                                               --------------  ----------- 
 Others                                                                   365            5 
-------------------------------------------------------------  --------------  ----------- 
 At 31 Dec 2018                                                         5,858          163 
-------------------------------------------------------------  --------------  ----------- 
 
 
 13   Assets pledged, assets transferred and collateral received 
---  ----------------------------------------------------------- 
 

Assets pledged

 
 Financial assets pledged to secure liabilities 
                                                            2018       2017 
                                                            HK$m       HK$m 
                                                         ------- 
 Financial assets pledged as collateral 
-------------------------------------------------------  ------- 
Treasury bills, debt securities, equities and deposits   195,688  225,590 
                                                         ------- 
Amount of liabilities secured                            162,036  169,722 
                                                         ------- 
 

The table above shows assets where a charge has been granted to secure liabilities on a legal and contractual basis. These transactions are conducted under terms that are usual and customary to collateralised transactions including sale and repurchase agreements, securities lending, derivative margining, and include assets pledged to cover short positions and to facilitate settlement processes with clearing houses.

Hong Kong currency notes in circulation are secured by the deposit of funds in respect of which the Hong Kong Government certificates of indebtedness are held.

Assets transferred

 
 Transferred financial assets not qualifying for full derecognition 
  and associated financial liabilities 
                                                   2018                        2017 
                                             Carrying amount              Carrying amount 
                                                    of:                         of: 
                                         Transferred    Associated  Transferred      Associated 
                                              assets   liabilities       assets     liabilities 
                                                HK$m          HK$m         HK$m            HK$m 
Repurchase agreements                         70,492        59,118       77,151        45,778 
Securities lending agreements                  6,702           870        3,209            63 
                                              77,194        59,988       80,360        45,841 
                                        ------------  ------------               ------------ 
 

The financial assets shown above include amounts transferred to third parties that do not qualify for derecognition, notably debt securities held by counterparties as collateral under repurchase agreements and equity securities lent under securities lending agreements. As the substance of these transactions is secured borrowings, the collateral assets continue to be recognised in full and the related liabilities, reflecting the group's obligation to repurchase the transferred assets for a fixed price at a future date, are also recognised on the balance sheet. As a result of these transactions, the group is unable to use, sell or pledge the transferred assets for the duration of the transactions. The group remains exposed to interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk on these pledged instruments. The counterparty's recourse is not limited to the transferred assets.

Collateral received

Assets accepted as collateral relate primarily to standard securities lending, reverse repurchase agreements and derivative margining. These transactions are conducted under terms that are usual and customary to standard securities lending, reverse repurchase agreements and derivative margining.

 
 Fair value of collateral accepted as security for assets 
                                                             2018       2017 
                                                             HK$m       HK$m 
 Fair value of collateral permitted to sell or repledge 
  in the absence of default                               512,242  642,318 
 Fair value of collateral actually sold or repledged      112,832  102,382 
--------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 
 
 14   Investments in subsidiaries 
---  ---------------------------- 
 
 
 Principal subsidiaries of the Bank 
                                                                                               The group's 
                                                                                               interest in 
                                                                                              issued share 
                                                                                        capital/registered 
                                                                                                or charter 
                                        Place of incorporation   Principal activity                capital 
Hang Seng Bank Limited                               Hong Kong              Banking                 62.14% 
                                       People's Republic 
HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited       of China                            Banking                   100% 
HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad                             Malaysia              Banking                   100% 
HSBC Bank Australia Limited(1)                       Australia              Banking                   100% 
HSBC Bank (Taiwan) Limited(1)                           Taiwan              Banking                   100% 
HSBC Bank (Singapore) Limited                        Singapore              Banking           100% 
                                                                         Retirement 
                                                                       benefits and 
HSBC Life (International) Limited(1)                   Bermuda       life insurance           100% 
 
   1      Held indirectly. 

All the above subsidiaries are included in the group's consolidated financial statements. All these subsidiaries make their financial statements up to 31 December.

The principal places of business are the same as the places of incorporation except for HSBC Life (International) Limited which operates mainly in Hong Kong.

The proportion of voting rights held is the same as the proportion of ownership interest held.

The principal subsidiaries are regulated banking and insurance entities in the Asia-Pacific region and, as such, are required to maintain certain minimum levels of capital and liquid assets to support their operations. The effect of these regulatory requirements is to limit the extent to which the subsidiaries may transfer funds to the Bank in the form of repayment of shareholder loans or cash dividends.

 
 Subsidiary with significant non-controlling interest 
                                                                2018         2017 
 Hang Seng Bank Limited 
 Proportion of ownership interests and voting rights 
  held by non-controlling interests                           37.86%       37.86% 
                                                                HK$m         HK$m 
 Profit attributable to non-controlling interests              9,144      7,579 
 Accumulated non-controlling interests of the subsidiary      58,750     54,919 
 Dividends paid to non-controlling interests                   5,066      4,632 
 Summarised financial information (before intra-group 
  eliminations): 
 - total assets                                            1,571,297  1,478,418 
 - total liabilities                                       1,409,190  1,326,339 
 - net operating income before loan impairment                41,493     35,498 
 - profit for the year                                        24,188     20,003 
 - other comprehensive income for the year                       400      3,969 
 
 - total comprehensive income for the year                    24,588     23,972 
--------------------------------------------------------- 
 
 
 15   Interests in associates and joint ventures 
---  ------------------------------------------- 
 

Associates

 
                           2018        2017 
                           HK$m        HK$m 
 Share of net assets   139,052   140,670 
                       ------- 
 Goodwill                3,857     4,071 
 Impairment                (24)      (24) 
---------------------  ------- 
 At 31 Dec             142,885   144,717 
---------------------  ------- 
 

The above balance represented the group's interests in associates.

Principal associate

 
                                                               The group's interest 
                                                                    in issued share 
                                      Place of incorporation                capital 
                                      People's Republic 
Bank of Communications Co., Limited    of China                              19.03% 
 

Bank of Communications Co., Ltd. is listed on recognised stock exchanges. The fair value represents valuation based on the quoted market price of the shares held (Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy) and amounted to HK$86,086m at 31 December 2018

(2017: HK$81,987m).

Bank of Communications Co., Limited ('BoCom')

The group's investment in BoCom is classified as an associate. Significant influence in BoCom was established via representation on BoCom's Board of Directors and participation in a Technical Cooperation and Exchange Programme ('TCEP'). Under the TCEP, a number of HSBC staff have been seconded to assist in the maintenance of BoCom's financial and operating policies. Investments in associates are recognised using the equity method of accounting in accordance with HKAS 28 whereby the investment is initially recognised at cost and adjusted thereafter for the post-acquisition change in the group's share of BoCom's net assets. An impairment test is required if there is any indication of impairment.

Impairment testing

At 31 December 2018, the fair value of the group's investment in BoCom had been below the carrying amount for approximately 80 months. As a result, the group performed an impairment test on the carrying amount, which confirmed that there was no impairment at 31 December 2018 as the recoverable amount as determined by a value-in-use ('VIU') calculation was higher than the carrying value.

 
                                At 
              31 Dec 2018               31 Dec 2017 
               Carrying    Fair         Carrying      Fair 
          VIU     value   value    VIU     value     value 
        HK$bn     HK$bn   HK$bn  HK$bn     HK$bn     HK$bn 
                                 -----  --------  -------- 
BoCom   141.3     139.6    86.1  143.2     141.7    82.0 
                                 -----  --------  ------ 
 
 

In future periods, the VIU may increase or decrease depending on the effect of changes to model inputs. The main model inputs are described below and are based on factors observed at period-end. The factors that could result in a change in the VIU and an impairment include a short-term under-performance by BoCom, a change in regulatory capital requirements, or an increase in uncertainty regarding the future performance of BoCom resulting in a downgrade of the future asset growth or profitability. An increase in the discount rate as a result of an increase in the risk premium or risk-free rates could also result in a reduction of VIU and an impairment. At the point where the carrying value exceeds the VIU, impairment would be recognised.

If the group did not have significant influence in BoCom, the investment would be carried at fair value rather than the current carrying value.

Basis of recoverable amount

The impairment test was performed by comparing the recoverable amount of BoCom, determined by a VIU calculation, with its carrying amount. The VIU calculation uses discounted cash flow projections based on management's best estimates of future earnings available to ordinary shareholders prepared in accordance with HKAS 36. Significant management judgement is required in arriving at the best estimate. There are two main components to the VIU calculation. The first component is management's best estimate of BoCom's earnings which is based on management's explicit forecasts over the short to medium term. This results in forecast earnings growth that is lower than recent historical actual growth and also reflects the uncertainty arising from the current economic outlook. Earnings beyond the short to medium term are then extrapolated in perpetuity using a long-term growth rate to derive a terminal value, which comprises the majority of the VIU. The second component is the capital maintenance charge ('CMC') which is management's forecast of the earnings that need to be withheld in order for BoCom to meet regulatory capital requirements over the forecast period (i.e. CMC is deducted when arriving at management's estimate of future earnings available to ordinary shareholders). The principal inputs to the CMC calculation include estimates of asset growth, the ratio of risk-weighted assets to total assets, and the expected minimum regulatory capital requirements. An increase in the CMC as a result of a change to these principal inputs would reduce VIU. Additionally, management considers other factors (including qualitative factors) to ensure that the inputs to the VIU calculation remain appropriate.

Key assumptions in value in use calculation

We used a number of assumptions in our VIU calculation, in accordance with the requirements of HKAS 36:

-- Long-term profit growth rate: 3% (2017: 3%) for periods after 2022, which does not exceed forecast GDP growth in mainland China and is consistent with forecasts by external analysts.

-- Long-term asset growth rate: 3% (2017: 3%) for periods after 2022, which is the rate that assets are expected to grow to achieve long-term profit growth of 3%.

-- Discount rate: 11.82% (2017: 11.85%) which is based on a Capital Asset Pricing Model ('CAPM') calculation for BoCom, using market data. Management also compares the rate derived from the CAPM with discount rates from external sources. The discount rate used is within the range of 10.4% to 15.0% (2017: 10.2% to 13.4%) indicated by external sources.

-- Loan impairment charge as a percentage of customer advances: ranges from 0.73% to 0.79% (2017: 0.66% to 0.82%) in the short to medium-term and reflect increases due to the US-China trade tensions. For periods after 2022, the ratio is 0.7% (2017: 0.7%) which is slightly higher than the historical average.

-- Risk-weighted assets as a percentage of total assets: 62% (2017: 62%) for all forecast periods. This is slightly higher than BoCom's actual results and slightly lower than the forecasts disclosed by external analysts.

-- Cost-income ratio: ranges from 38.7% to 39.0% (2017: 37.1% to 38%) in the short-to medium-term. This is consistent with the forecasts disclosed by external analysts.

-- Effective tax rate: ranges from 13.8% to 22.3% (2017: 18.2% to 22.5%) in the short to medium-term reflecting an expected increase towards the long-term assumption. For periods after 2022, the rate is 22.5% (2017: 22.5%) which is slightly higher than the historical average.

-- Regulatory capital requirements: Capital adequacy ratio: 11.5% (2017: 11.5%) and Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio: 9.5% (2017: 9.5%), based on the minimum regulatory requirements.

The following table shows the change to each key assumption in the VIU calculation that on its own would reduce the headroom to nil:

 
                                                             Changes to key assumption to reduce 
Key assumption                                                headroom to nil 
 
  *    Long-term profit growth rate 
 
 
  *    Long-term asset growth rate                             *    Decrease by 10 basis points 
 
 
  *    Discount rate                                           *    Increase by 9 basis points 
 
 
  *    Loan impairment charge as a percentage of customer      *    Increase by 12 basis points 
       advances 
 
                                                               *    Increase by 2 basis point 
  *    Risk-weighted assets as a percentage of total assets 
 
                                                               *    Increase by 58 basis points 
  *    Cost-income ratio 
 
                                                               *    Increase by 37 basis points 
  *    Long-term effective tax rate 
 
                                                               *    Increase by 92 basis points 
  *    Regulatory capital requirements - capital adequacy 
       ratio 
                                                               *    Increase by 11 basis points 
 
  *    Regulatory capital requirements - tier 1 capital 
       adequacy ratio                                          *    Increase by 69 basis points 
 

The following table further illustrates the impact on VIU of reasonably possible changes to key assumptions. This reflects the sensitivity of the VIU to each key assumption on its own and it is possible that more than one favourable and/or unfavourable change may occur at the same time. The selected rates of reasonably possible changes to key assumptions is largely based on external analysts' forecasts which can change period to period.

 
                                               Favourable change                Unfavourable change 
                                                     Increase                         Decrease 
                                                       in VIU        VIU                in VIU        VIU 
                                              bps       HK$bn      HK$bn         bps     HK$bn      HK$bn 
At 31 December 2018 
Long-term profit growth rate                 +100    20.2      161.5             -10     (1.7)  139.6 
Long-term asset growth rate                   -10     2.0      143.3            +100    (21.7)  119.6 
Discount rate                                -142    25.4      166.7             +28     (4.0)  137.3 
                                             2018 
                                         to 2022: 
                                            0.70% 
                                                                                2018 
                                                                            to 2022: 
                                                                               0.83% 
                                             2023                               2023 
Loan impairment charge as a              onwards:                           onwards: 
 percentage of customer advances            0.65%     7.0      148.3           0.77%     (7.9)  133.4 
Risk-weighted assets as a percentage 
 of total assets                             -140     4.1      145.4             +80     (2.3)  139.0 
Cost-income ratio                            -160     8.8      150.1            +200    (10.9)  130.4 
Long term effective tax rate                 -280     5.3      146.6            +250     (4.6)  136.7 
Earnings in short to medium 
 term - compound annual growth 
 rate(1)                                     +204    12.2      153.5            -366    (19.9)  121.4 
Regulatory capital requirements 
 - capital adequacy ratio                       -       -      141.3            +258    (39.4)  101.9 
Regulatory capital requirements 
 - tier 1 capital adequacy ratio                -       -      141.3            +243    (25.2)  116.1 
 
At 31 December 2017 
Long-term profit growth rate                 +200    51.5      194.7               -         -  143.2 
Long-term asset growth rate                   -20     4.2      147.4            +200    (55.4)   87.8 
Discount rate                                 -35     5.7      148.9             +65     (9.5)  133.7 
                                                                                2017 
                                                                            to 2020: 
                                                                               0.90% 
                                                                                2021 
                                                                            onwards: 
                                             2017 
                                         to 2020: 
                                            0.71% 
                                             2021 
Loan impairment charge as a              onwards: 
 percentage of customer advances            0.70%     1.1      144.3           0.77%    (10.0)  133.2 
Risk-weighted assets as a percentage 
 of total assets                              -60     1.9      145.1             +30     (1.0)  142.2 
Cost-income ratio                            -173    11.7      154.9               -         -  143.2 
 
Long term effective tax rate                 -120     2.5      145.7            +250     (5.2)  138.0 
 
Earnings in short to medium 
 term - compound annual growth 
 rate(1)                                     +288    22.0      165.2            -311    (28.1)  115.1 
 
Regulatory capital requirements 
 - capital adequacy ratio                       -           -  143.2            +248    (43.8)   99.4 
 
Regulatory capital requirements 
 - tier 1 capital adequacy ratio                -           -  143.2            +234    (27.9)  115.3 
 
 

1 - Based on management's explicit forecasts over the short to medium-term.

Considering the interrelationship of the changes set out in the table above, management estimates that the reasonably possible range of VIU is HK$121.4bn to HK$153.5bn (2017: HK$115.1bn to HK$165.2bn). In 2018, the range is based on the favourable/unfavourable change in the earnings in the short to medium-term and long-term LICs set out in the table above. All other long-term assumptions, the discount rate and the basis of the CMC have been kept unchanged when determining the reasonably possible range of the VIU.

Selected financial information of BoCom

The statutory accounting reference date of BoCom is 31 December. For the year ended 31 December 2018, the group included the associate's results on the basis of financial statements made up for the 12 months to 30 September 2018, but taking into account the financial effect of significant transactions or events in the period from 1 October 2018 to 31 December 2018.

 
Selected balance sheet information of BoCom 
                                                                        At 30 Sep 
                                                                       2018           2017 
                                                                       HK$m           HK$m 
                                                                ----------- 
 Cash and balances at central banks                                982,268    1,141,256 
 Loans and advances to banks and other financial institutions      806,561      940,983 
 Loans and advances to customers                                 5,380,339    5,179,210 
 Other financial assets                                          3,196,602    3,017,209 
 Other assets                                                      332,795      458,039 
 Total assets                                                   10,698,565   10,736,697 
--------------------------------------------------------------  ----------   ---------- 
 Deposits by banks and other financial institutions              2,384,086    2,868,142 
 Customer accounts                                               6,497,116    5,844,883 
 Other financial liabilities                                       743,278      967,143 
 Other liabilities                                                 284,560      254,525 
 Total liabilities                                               9,909,040    9,934,693 
--------------------------------------------------------------  ----------   ---------- 
 Total equity(1)                                                   789,525      802,004 
--------------------------------------------------------------  ----------   ---------- 
 
 1 Due to the adoption of HKFRS 9, the equity balance 
  of BoCom as at 1 January 2018 was reduced by HKD31,672m. 
 
 Reconciliation of BoCom's net assets to carrying amount in the group's 
  consolidated financial statements 
                                                                         At 30 Sep 
                                                                       2018           2017 
                                                                       HK$m           HK$m 
                                                                -----------  ------------- 
 The group's share of ordinary shareholders' equity                135,871      137,769 
 Goodwill                                                            3,753        3,958 
 Carrying amount                                                   139,624      141,727 
--------------------------------------------------------------  ----------   ---------- 
 
 Selected income statement information of BoCom 
                                                                     For the 12 months 
                                                                        ended 30 Sep 
                                                                       2018           2017 
                                                                       HK$m           HK$m 
 Net interest income                                               151,223      148,688 
 Net fee and commission income                                      48,949       44,401 
 Change in expected credit losses/ loan impairment charges         (43,907)     (33,400) 
 Depreciation and amortisation                                      (6,012)     (10,460) 
 Tax expense                                                       (12,178)     (17,411) 
 - profit for the year                                              87,122       80,172 
 - other comprehensive income                                        1,490       (4,860) 
 Total comprehensive income                                         88,612       75,312 
--------------------------------------------------------------  ----------   ---------- 
 Dividends received from BoCom                                       4,792        4,401 
--------------------------------------------------------------  ----------   ---------- 
 

Other associates

 
Summarised aggregate financial information for all 
 associates excluding BoCom 
                                                               At 
                                                        31 Dec    31 Dec 
                                                          2018      2017 
                                                          HK$m      HK$m 
 Carrying value                                          3,261   2,990 
 The group's share of: 
 - total assets                                          7,618   7,465 
 - total liabilities                                     4,461   4,588 
                                                        ------ 
 - profit or loss from continuing operations               327     160 
 - total comprehensive income                              327     160 
                                                        ------ 
 Other expense related to investment in an associate: 
 - Impairment of an associate                               24      24 
------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 

At 31 December 2018, the group's share of associates' contingent liabilities was HK$319,469m (2017: HK$303,541m).

 
 16   Goodwill and intangible assets 
---  ------------------------------- 
 

Goodwill and intangible assets include goodwill arising on business combinations, the present value of in-force long-term insurance business, and other intangible assets.

 
                                                            2018      2017 
                                                            HK$m      HK$m 
 Goodwill                                                  5,932   7,128 
 Present value of in-force long-term insurance business   48,522  44,621 
 Other intangible assets                                  10,650   8,116 
--------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 At 31 Dec                                                65,104  59,865 
--------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 

The present value of in-force long-term insurance business

When calculating the present value of in-force insurance business ('PVIF'), expected cash flows are projected after adjusting for a variety of assumptions made by each insurance operation to reflect local market conditions and management's judgement of future trends, and uncertainty in the underlying assumptions is reflected by applying margins (as opposed to a cost of capital methodology). Variations in actual experience and changes to assumptions can contribute to volatility in the results of the insurance business.

Actuarial Control Committees of each key insurance entity meet on a quarterly basis to review and approve PVIF assumptions. All changes to non-economic assumptions, economic assumptions that are not observable and model methodology must be approved by the Actuarial Control Committee.

 
 Movements in PVIF 
                                                      2018       2017 
                                                      HK$m       HK$m 
 PVIF at 31 Dec                                    44,621   44,077 
 Impact on transition to HKFRS 9                     (616)       - 
-------------------------------------------------  ------   ------ 
 PVIF at 1 Jan                                     44,005   44,077 
-------------------------------------------------  ------   ------ 
 Changes in PVIF of long-term insurance business    4,629      305 
-------------------------------------------------  ------   ------ 
 - value of new business written during the year    8,138    6,597 
 - expected return                                 (4,650)  (3,687) 
 - experience variances                              (165)    (180) 
 - changes in operating assumptions                (1,877)  (1,685) 
 - investment return variances                      3,052     (638) 
 - changes in investment assumptions                  143     (178) 
 - other adjustments                                  (12)      76 
-------------------------------------------------  ------   ------ 
 Exchange differences and other                      (112)     239 
-------------------------------------------------  ------   ------ 
 PVIF at 31 Dec                                    48,522   44,621 
-------------------------------------------------  ------   ------ 
 

Key assumptions used in the computation of PVIF for main life insurance operations

Economic assumptions are set in a way that is consistent with observable market values. The following are the key long-term assumptions used in the computation of PVIF for Hong Kong, being the main life insurance operations:

 
                                       2018  2017 
                                          %     % 
 Weighted average risk free rate       2.29  2.02 
 Weighted average risk discount rate   5.90  6.20 
 Expense inflation                     3.00  3.00 
-------------------------------------        ---- 
 
 
 17   Property, plant and equipment 
---  ------------------------------ 
 
 
 Movement in property, plant and equipment 
                                                2018                                 2017 
                                   Land and   Investment               Land and   Investment 
                                  buildings   properties  Equipment   buildings   properties    Equipment 
                                       HK$m         HK$m       HK$m        HK$m         HK$m         HK$m 
Cost or valuation 
At 1 Jan                            97,619       12,617     22,617      95,134        10,629    22,092 
                                 ---------   ----------   -------- 
Exchange and other adjustments        (497)           1       (342)        621             2       585 
                                 ---------   ----------   -------- 
Additions                              271          278      1,097         765             -     2,232 
                                 ---------   ----------   -------- 
Disposals                             (361)           -       (644)       (312)            -    (2,292) 
                                 ---------   ----------   --------               ----------- 
Transfers(1)                       (11,126)        (464)         -      (5,106)            -            - 
                                 ---------   ----------   --------               -----------  ----------- 
Elimination of accumulated 
 depreciation on revalued 
 land and buildings                 (2,613)           -          -      (2,353)            -         - 
                                 ---------   ----------   -------- 
Surplus on revaluation              10,626          639          -       9,479         1,379         - 
                                 ---------   ----------   --------                            -------- 
Reclassifications                      118         (196)         -        (609)          607         - 
                                 ---------   ----------   --------                            -------- 
At 31 Dec                           94,037       12,875     22,728      97,619        12,617    22,617 
                                 ---------   ----------   --------   ---------   -----------  -------- 
Accumulated depreciation 
At 1 Jan                               210            -     16,307         169             -    16,046 
                                 ---------   ----------   --------               ----------- 
Exchange and other adjustments          (2)           -       (251)         22             -       469 
                                 ---------   ----------   --------               ----------- 
Charge for the year                  2,643            -      2,043       2,678             -     1,972 
                                 ---------   ----------   --------               ----------- 
Disposals                             (165)           -       (612)       (306)            -    (2,180) 
                                 ---------   ----------   --------               ----------- 
Elimination of accumulated 
 depreciation on revalued 
 land and buildings                 (2,613)           -          -      (2,353)            -         - 
                                 ---------   ----------   -------- 
At 31 Dec                               73            -     17,487         210             -    16,307 
                                 ---------   ----------   --------   ---------   -----------  -------- 
Net book value at 31 Dec            93,964       12,875      5,241      97,409        12,617     6,310 
                                 ---------   ----------   -------- 
Total at 31 Dec                                            112,080                             116,336 
                                 ----------  -----------  --------   ----------  -----------  -------- 
 

1 During 2017 and 2018, certain properties have been transferred to a fellow subsidiary as part of the Recovery and Resolution Plan as set out in the Report of Directors on page 10-11. The balance represented the carrying value of these properties on the date of transfer.

The carrying amount of land and buildings, had they been stated at cost less accumulated depreciation, would have been as follows:

 
                                        2018      2017 
                                        HK$m      HK$m 
 Cost less accumulated depreciation   16,281  19,358 
------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 
 

Valuation of land and buildings and investment properties

The group's land and buildings and investment properties were revalued in November 2018 and updated for any material changes at 31 December 2018. The basis of valuation for land and buildings and investment properties was open market value, depreciated replacement cost or surrender value as noted in note 1.2(k). The resultant values are Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair values for land and buildings are determined by using direct comparison approach which values the properties in their respective existing states and uses, assuming sale with immediate vacant possession and by making reference to comparable sales evidence. The valuations take into account the characteristics of the properties (unobservable inputs) which include the location, size, shape, view, floor level, year of completion and other factors collectively. The premium or discount applied to the characteristics of the properties is within minus 20% and plus 20%. In determining the open market value of investment properties, expected future cash flows have been discounted to their present values. The net book value of 'Land and buildings' includes HK$8,374m (2017: HK$8,853m) in respect of properties which were valued using the depreciated replacement cost method or surrender value.

Valuation of land and buildings and investment properties in Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China were largely carried out by Cushman & Wakefield Limited, who have recent experience in the location and type of properties and who are members of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors. This represents 93% by value of the group's properties subject to valuation. Other properties were valued by different independent professionally qualified valuers.

 
 18   Prepayments, accrued income and other assets 
---  --------------------------------------------- 
 
 
                                                                 2018       2017 
                                                                 HK$m       HK$m 
 Prepayments and accrued income                                27,897   24,541 
                                                              ------- 
 Bullion                                                       50,058   44,555 
                                                              ------- 
 Acceptances and endorsements                                  44,401   36,720 
                                                              ------- 
 Reinsurers' share of liabilities under insurance contracts 
  (note 4)                                                     17,792   15,734 
                                                              ------- 
 Current tax assets                                             1,517    2,485 
                                                              ------- 
Settlement accounts(1, 2)                                      23,683        N/A 
 Cash collateral and margin receivables(1,2)                   30,378        N/A 
                                                              ------- 
 Other assets                                                  34,223   34,476 
                                                              ------- 
 At 31 Dec(1,2)                                               229,949  158,511 
------------------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

1 Settlement accounts were reclassified from 'Trading assets' to 'Other assets' on 1 January 2018 in accordance with HKFRS 9.

2 Settlement accounts, cash collateral and margin receivables were reclassified from 'Placings with and advances to Banks' and 'Loans and advances to customers' to 'Other assets' on 1 January 2018. This reclassification is to better reflect the nature of these balances and ensure consistency of presentation. Comparatives have not been restated.

Prepayments, accrued income and other assets included HK$159,483m (2017: HK$93,610m) of financial assets, the majority of which were measured at amortised cost.

 
 19  Customer accounts 
--- 
 
 
Customer accounts by country 
                       2018         2017 
                       HK$m         HK$m 
 Hong Kong        3,797,807  3,728,687 
 Mainland China     358,026    359,428 
---------------- 
 Singapore          331,479    321,548 
---------------- 
 Australia          161,726    157,959 
 India              111,297    103,264 
---------------- 
 Malaysia           108,899    109,626 
---------------- 
 Taiwan             106,537    105,189 
 Indonesia           29,843     32,907 
 Other              202,052    219,664 
----------------  ---------  --------- 
 At 31 Dec(1)     5,207,666  5,138,272 
----------------  ---------  --------- 
 

1 Settlement accounts, cash collateral and margin payables were reclassified from 'Customer accounts' to 'Other liabilities' on 1 January 2018. This reclassification is to better reflect the nature of these balances and ensure consistency of presentation. Comparatives have not been restated.

 
 20   Trading liabilities 
---  -------------------- 
 
 
                                       2018       2017 
                                       HK$m       HK$m 
 Deposits by banks(1,2)               1,162    9,984 
-----------------------------------  ------  ------- 
 Customer accounts(1,2,3)               773  117,602 
-----------------------------------  ------  ------- 
 Debt securities in issue(3)              -   20,755 
                                     ------ 
 Net short positions in securities   79,259   83,024 
-----------------------------------  ------  ------- 
 At 31 Dec                           81,194  231,365 
-----------------------------------  ------  ------- 
 
   1      'Deposits by banks' and 'Customer accounts' include repos, stock lending and other amounts. 

2 Settlement accounts, cash collateral and margin payable included within 'Deposits by banks' and 'Customer accounts' were reclassified from 'Trading liabilities' to 'Other liabilities' on 1 January 2018. This reclassification is to better reflect the nature of these balances and ensure consistency of presentation. Comparatives have not been restated.

3 Financial liabilities which contain both deposit and derivative components were reclassified from 'Trading liabilities' to 'Financial liabilities designated at fair value' on 1 January 2018. This reclassification is to better align with the presentation of similar financial instruments by peers and therefore provide more relevant information about the effect of these financial liabilities on the group's financial position and performance.

 
 21   Financial liabilities designated at fair value 
---  ----------------------------------------------- 
 
 
                                                          2018      2017 
                                                          HK$m      HK$m 
 Deposits by banks and customer accounts(1)             82,136       N/A 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------  -------- 
 Debt securities in issue                               42,369  11,010 
                                                       ------- 
 Liabilities to customers under investment contracts    36,638  38,268 
 At 31 Dec                                             161,143  49,278 
-----------------------------------------------------  -------  ------ 
 

1 Financial liabilities which contain both deposit and derivative components were reclassified from 'Trading liabilities' to 'Financial liabilities designated at fair value' on 1 January 2018. This reclassification is to better align with the presentation of similar financial instruments by peers and therefore provide more relevant information about the effect of these financial liabilities on the group's financial position and performance.

The carrying amount of financial liabilities designated at fair value was HK$2,232m lower than the contractual amount at maturity (2017: HK$27m higher). The cumulative gain in fair value attributable to changes in credit risk was HK$177m (2017: HK$8m loss).

 
 22   Debt securities in issue 
---  ------------------------- 
 
 
                                                              2018        2017 
                                                              HK$m        HK$m 
 Bonds and medium-term note                                75,980    59,266 
                                                          ------- 
 Other debt securities in issue                            24,625    10,893 
                                                          ------- 
 Total debt securities in issue                           100,605    70,159 
--------------------------------------------------------  -------   ------- 
 Included within: 
--------------------------------------------------------  --------  ---------- 
 - trading liabilities (note 20)                                -   (20,755) 
--------------------------------------------------------  -------   ------- 
 - financial liabilities designated at fair value (note 
  21)                                                     (42,369)  (11,010) 
--------------------------------------------------------  -------   ------- 
 At 31 Dec                                                 58,236    38,394 
--------------------------------------------------------  -------   ------- 
 
 
 23   Accruals and deferred income, other liabilities and provisions 
---  --------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
 
                                                         2018       2017 
                                                         HK$m       HK$m 
                                                      ------- 
 Accruals and deferred income                          26,932   25,880 
                                                      ------- 
 Acceptances and endorsements                          44,438   36,720 
----------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Settlement accounts(1)                                 37,833        N/A 
                                                      ------- 
 Cash collateral and margin payables(1)                36,613        N/A 
                                                      ------- 
 Share-based payment liability to HSBC Holdings plc     1,923    2,268 
----------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
Other liabilities                                      47,521   45,193 
                                                      ------- 
 Provisions for liabilities and charges                 1,405      626 
                                                      ------- 
 At 31 Dec(1)                                         196,665  110,687 
----------------------------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 

1 Settlement accounts, cash collateral and margin payables were reclassified from 'Trading liabilities', 'Deposits by banks' and 'Customer accounts' to 'Other liabilities' on 1 January 2018. This reclassification is to better reflect the nature of these balances and ensure consistency of presentation. Comparatives have not been restated.

Accruals and deferred income, other liabilities and provisions included HK$184,221m (2017: HK$102,902m) of financial liabilities which were measured at amortised cost.

 
Movement in provisions 
                                                   Restructuring 
                                                           costs  Other     Total 
                                                            HK$m   HK$m      HK$m 
Provisions (excluding contractual commitments) 
At 31 Dec 2017                                          192        380     572 
Additions                                                11        469     480 
Amounts utilised                                        (97)       (91)   (188) 
Unused amounts reversed                                 (37)       (83)   (120) 
Exchange and other movements                              5        (35)    (30) 
At 31 Dec 2018                                           74        640     714 
Contractual commitments(1) 
At 31 Dec 2017                                                              54 
 
Impact on transition to HKFRS 9                                            487 
 
Net change in expected credit loss provision                               150 
 
At 31 Dec 2018                                                             691 
 
Total Provisions at 31 Dec 2018                                          1,405 
 
 

1 The contractual commitments provision at 31 December 2017 represented HKAS 37 provisions on off-balance sheet loan commitments and guarantees, for which expected credit losses are provided following transition to HKFRS 9 on 1 January 2018.

 
Movement in provisions (continued) 
                                       Restructuring 
                                               costs  Other     Total 
                                                HK$m   HK$m      HK$m 
At 1 Jan 2017                                786       381   1,167 
Additions                                    110       232     342 
Amounts utilised                            (728)      (84)   (812) 
Unused amounts reversed                      (14)     (109)   (123) 
Exchange and other movements                  38        14      52 
At 31 Dec 2017                               192       434     626 
 
 
 
24  Subordinated liabilities 
 

Subordinated liabilities issued to third parties measured at amortised cost consist of undated primary capital notes and other loan capital having an original term to maturity of five years or more. Subordinated liabilities issued to Group entities are not included in the below.

 
                                                             2018     2017 
                                                             HK$m     HK$m 
                                                            -----  ------- 
US$400m   Undated floating rate primary capital notes       3,133  3,126 
          Fixed rate (5.05%) subordinated bonds due 2027, 
MYR500m    callable from 2022(1)                              948    964 
                                                            ----- 
At 31 
 Dec                                                        4,081  4,090 
                                                            -----  ----- 
 

1 The interest rate on the MYR500m 5.05% callable subordinated bonds due 2027 will increase by 1% from November 2022.

 
25  Preference shares 
 
 
 Irredeemable preference shares, issued and fully paid 
                                              2018       2017 
                                              HK$m       HK$m 
                                          -------- 
 At 1 Jan                                  21,037   26,879 
                                          ------- 
 Redeemed / bought back during the year   (20,975)  (6,022) 
----------------------------------------  -------   ------ 
 Exchange and other movements                  36      180 
                                          -------   ------ 
 At 31 Dec                                     98   21,037 
----------------------------------------  -------   ------ 
 

The preference shares were issued at the then nominal value, and may be redeemed subject to 30 days' notice in writing to shareholders and with the prior consent of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. In the event of redemption, holders of the shares shall be entitled to receive the issue price of US$1 per share held together with any unpaid dividends for the period since the annual dividend payment date immediately preceding the date of redemption, subject to the Bank having sufficient distributable profits. The holders of the preference shares are entitled to one vote per share at shareholders' meetings of the Bank.

2,478m of issued non-cumulative irredeemable preference shares were fully bought back during the year (2017: 775m) and there were no remaining balance of issued non-cumulative irredeemable preference shares at 31 December 2018 (2017: 2,478m). The preference shares are no longer in issue.

200m of issued cumulative irredeemable preference shares were fully bought back during the year (2017: nil) and there were no remaining balance of issued cumulative preference shares at 31 December 2018 (2017: 200m). The preference shares are no longer in issue.

There was INR870m (2017: INR870m) of authorised preference share capital, comprising 8.7m compulsorily convertible preference shares ('CCPS') of INR100 each in the share capital of a subsidiary, HSBC InvestDirect Securities (India) Private Limited ('HSBC InvestDirect'). The CCPS were issued and fully paid in 2009 at a nominal value of INR100 each. These shares may be converted into fully paid equity shares of HSBC InvestDirect at any time after one year to 10 years from the date of allotment of the CCPS by written notice. The conversion shall be made at par or premium as may be determined by the Board of HSBC InvestDirect at the time of the conversion. The CCPS shall carry a fixed dividend of 0.001% of the face value per annum. After 10 years following the allotment of the CCPS, all outstanding CCPS shall be converted at par or premium as may be determined by the Board of HSBC InvestDirect at the time of the conversion. HSBC InvestDirect did not convert any CCPS during 2018 (2017: nil). The number of issued CCPS at 31 December 2018 was 8.7m (2017: 8.7m). No CCPS were issued during the year (2017: nil).

 
26  Share capital 
 
 
 
                                     2018      2017 
                                       HK$m       HK$m 
                                    ------- 
 Paid up share capital in HK$       116,103  116,103 
                                    -------  ------- 
 Paid up share capital in US$ (1)    56,232   35,257 
 At 31 Dec                          172,335  151,360 
----------------------------------  -------  ------- 
 
 
Ordinary shares issued and fully paid 
                                                   2018                      2017 
                                            HK$m          Number     HK$m            Number 
                                         ------- 
At 1 Jan                                 151,360  46,440,991,798  114,359  45,743,491,798 
                                         -------  -------------- 
Shares issued during the year                  -               -    1,744     697,500,000 
                                         -------  --------------  -------  -------------- 
Redemption / bought back of preference 
 shares                                   20,975               -   35,257               - 
                                         -------  --------------  -------  -------------- 
At 31 Dec                                172,335  46,440,991,798  151,360  46,440,991,798 
                                         -------  --------------  -------  -------------- 
 

1. Paid up share capital in US$ represents preference shares which have been redeemed or bought back via payment out of distributable profits and for which the amount was transferred from retained earnings to share capital in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Ordinance.

During 2018, no new ordinary shares were issued (2017: 698m). The holders of the ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time, rank equally with regard to the Bank's residual assets and are entitled to one vote per share at shareholder meetings of the Bank.

 
27  Other equity instruments 
 

Other equity instruments comprise additional tier 1 capital instruments in issue which are accounted for in equity.

 
                                                          2018      2017 
                                                          HK$m      HK$m 
 US$1,000m Floating rate perpetual subordinated loan, 
  callable from Dec 2019(1)                              7,756   7,756 
------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 US$900m Floating rate perpetual subordinated loan, 
  callable from Dec 2019(1)                              6,981   6,981 
------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 US$900m Floating rate perpetual subordinated loan, 
  callable from Nov 2023(2)                              7,048       - 
------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 US$500m Floating rate perpetual subordinated loan, 
  callable from Nov 2023(2)                              3,915       - 
------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 US$700m Floating rate perpetual subordinated loan, 
  callable from Dec 2023(3)                              5,481       - 
------------------------------------------------------ 
 US$600m Floating rate perpetual subordinated loan, 
  callable from Nov 2024(4)                              4,698       - 
------------------------------------------------------  ------ 
 At 31 Dec                                              35,879  14,737 
------------------------------------------------------  ------  ------ 
 
   1      Interest rate at one year US dollar LIBOR plus 3.84% 
   2      Interest rate at three months US dollar LIBOR plus 3.51% 
   3      Interest rate at three months US dollar LIBOR plus 4.98% 
   4      Interest rate at three months US dollar LIBOR plus 3.62% 

The additional tier 1 capital instruments are perpetual subordinated loans on which coupon payments may be cancelled at the sole discretion of the Bank. The subordinated loans will be written down at the point of non-viability on the occurrence of a trigger event as defined in the Banking (Capital) Rules. They rank higher than ordinary shares in the event of a wind-up.

 
28  Maturity analysis of assets and liabilities 
 

The following table provides an analysis of consolidated total assets and liabilities by residual contractual maturity at the balance sheet date. These balances are included in the maturity analysis as follows:

-- Trading assets and liabilities (including trading derivatives but excluding reverse repos, repos and debt securities in issue) are included in the 'Due not more than 1 month' time bucket, because trading balances are typically held for short periods of time.

-- Financial assets and liabilities with no contractual maturity (such as equity securities) are included in the 'Due over 5 years' time bucket. Undated or perpetual instruments are classified based on the contractual notice period which the counterparty of the instrument is entitled to give. Where there is no contractual notice period, undated or perpetual contracts are included in the 'Due over 5 years' time bucket.

-- Non-financial assets and liabilities with no contractual maturity are included in the 'Due over 5 years' time bucket.

-- Liabilities under insurance contracts are included in the 'Due over 5 years' time bucket. Liabilities under investment contracts are classified in accordance with their contractual maturity. Undated investment contracts are included in the 'Due over 5 years' time bucket, however, such contracts are subject to surrender and transfer options by the policyholders.

 
 Maturity analysis of assets and liabilities 
 
                                         Due      Due 
                                Due     over     over      Due 
                               over        3        6     over      Due 
                            1 month   months   months        9     over 
                                but      but      but   months   1 year   Due over 
                                not      not      not      but      but    2 years 
                   Due not     more     more     more      not      not    but not 
                      more     than     than     than     more     more       more 
                     than1        3        6        9     than     than       than   Due over 
                     month   months   months   months   1 year  2 years    5 years    5 years        Total 
                      HK$m     HK$m     HK$m     HK$m     HK$m     HK$m       HK$m       HK$m         HK$m 
Financial 
assets 
Cash and sight 
 balances 
 at central 
 banks             205,660        -        -        -        -        -          -          -    205,660 
Items in the 
 course 
 of collection 
 from 
 other banks        25,380        -        -        -        -        -          -          -     25,380 
 
Hong Kong 
 Government 
 certificates 
 of 
 indebtedness      280,854        -        -        -        -        -          -          -    280,854 
Trading assets     554,886    1,359    1,723        -        -      870          -          -    558,838 
                 ---------                                               ---------  ---------  --------- 
Derivatives        291,515       83      117      247       17      324        318        248    292,869 
Financial 
 assets 
 designated 
 and otherwise 
 mandatorily 
 measured at 
 fair value 
 through profit 
 or 
 loss                9,308       24    1,108      615    1,121    3,839     11,210    105,634    132,859 
Reverse 
 repurchase 
 agreements - 
 non-trading       250,550   87,939   15,059    4,326    7,771   37,682      3,000          -    406,327 
Placings with 
 and 
 advances to 
 banks             177,476   56,118   17,869   11,374   19,247   22,912     26,835      6,320    338,151 
Loans and 
 advances 
 to customers      638,718  323,164  268,711  159,123  145,495  350,859    767,323    875,309  3,528,702 
                 ---------                                               ---------  ---------  --------- 
Financial 
 investments       235,488  409,356  185,205   84,225   75,210  218,508    297,627    365,407  1,871,026 
Amounts due 
 from Group 
 companies          63,150    6,477      649       28        -        2        149          -     70,455 
Accrued income 
 and 
 other 
 financial 
 assets            102,461   33,492   14,830    2,189    1,178    1,071        584      3,678    159,483 
Financial 
 assets at 
 31 Dec 2018     2,835,446  918,012  505,271  262,127  250,039  636,067  1,107,046  1,356,596  7,870,604 
                 ---------                                               ---------  ---------  --------- 
Non-financial 
 assets                  -        -        -        -        -        -          -    392,850    392,850 
                 ---------                                               ---------  ---------  --------- 
Total assets at 
 31 
 Dec 2018        2,835,446  918,012  505,271  262,127  250,039  636,067  1,107,046  1,749,446  8,263,454 
                 ---------                                               ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
Financial 
liabilities 
Hong Kong 
 currency 
 notes in 
 circulation       280,854        -        -        -        -        -          -          -    280,854 
                 ---------                                               ---------  ---------  --------- 
Items in the 
 course 
 of 
 transmission 
 to 
 other banks        33,806        -        -        -        -        -          -          -     33,806 
Repurchase 
 agreements 
 - non-trading      63,273      723    1,159    4,555      569        -          -          -     70,279 
                                                                         ---------  --------- 
Deposits by 
 banks             154,915    2,415    3,923    2,018    1,260       53         80          -    164,664 
Customer 
 accounts        4,547,352  342,264  150,739   72,992   61,663   16,011     16,570         75  5,207,666 
Trading 
 liabilities        81,194        -        -        -        -        -          -          -     81,194 
Derivatives        294,112      304      157      250      207      209        314          -    295,553 
                 ---------                                               ---------  ---------  --------- 
Financial 
 liabilities 
 designated at 
 fair 
 value              22,524   23,447   21,021    7,873   10,014   18,541     18,314     39,409    161,143 
Debt securities 
 in 
 issue               2,631    6,287    9,810      859      519   15,913     19,053      3,164     58,236 
Amounts due to 
 Group 
 companies         120,904   93,361    1,299       50       27       15     77,508    103,323    396,487 
                                                                         ---------  ---------  --------- 
Accruals and 
 other 
 financial 
 liabilities       115,539   40,894   16,241    3,542    4,423    1,718      1,154        710    184,221 
                                                                         ---------  ---------  --------- 
Subordinated 
 liabilities(2)          -        -        -        -        -        -        948      3,133      4,081 
Preference 
 shares                  -        -        -        -        -        -          -         98         98 
Total financial 
 liabilities 
 at 31 Dec 2018  5,717,104  509,695  204,349   92,139   78,682   52,460    133,941    149,912  6,938,282 
                 ---------                                               ---------  ---------  --------- 
Non-financial 
 liabilities             -        -        -        -        -        -          -    512,252    512,252 
Total 
 liabilities 
 at 31 Dec 2018  5,717,104  509,695  204,349   92,139   78,682   52,460    133,941    662,164  7,450,534 
                 ---------                                               ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
 
 Maturity analysis of assets and liabilities(1) (continued) 
                                         Due      Due 
                                Due     over     over      Due 
                               over        3        6     over      Due        Due 
                            1 month   months   months        9     over       over 
                                but      but      but   months   1 year    2 years 
                       Due      not      not      not      but      but        but 
                       not     more     more     more      not      not        not 
                      more     than     than     than     more     more       more        Due 
                     than1        3        6        9     than     than       than       over 
(Represented)        month   months   months   months   1 year  2 years    5 years    5 years        Total 
                      HK$m     HK$m     HK$m     HK$m     HK$m     HK$m       HK$m       HK$m         HK$m 
 Financial 
 assets 
 Cash and sight 
  balances 
  at central 
  banks            208,073        -        -        -        -        -          -          -    208,073 
 
Items in the 
 course 
 of collection 
 from 
 other banks        25,714        -        -        -        -        -          -          -     25,714 
 
Hong Kong 
 Government 
 certificates 
 of 
 indebtedness      267,174        -        -        -        -        -          -          -    267,174 
 
 Trading assets    492,178    4,121      135        -        -        -          -          -    496,434 
 
 Derivatives       295,653      827      503      644      178      768      1,487        183    300,243 
 
 Financial 
  assets 
  designated 
  at fair value      1,145      294    1,515    1,156      446    3,150      7,893    107,047    122,646 
 
 Reverse 
  repurchase 
  agreements - 
  non-trading      212,556   62,050    5,381    3,437    7,654    6,972     32,840          -    330,890 
 
 Placings with 
  and advances 
  to banks         282,259   74,043   20,088   10,398    6,724   14,877     15,997      8,619    433,005 
 
 Loans and 
  advances 
  to customers     656,101  315,163  227,683  149,786  156,397  334,895    676,249    812,706  3,328,980 
 
 Financial 
  investments      205,553  351,781  197,723   75,119   91,276  186,116    303,034    310,271  1,720,873 
 
 Amounts due 
  from Group 
  companies         74,484  151,749      100      318      442      446        110         80    227,729 
 
 Accrued income 
  and 
  other 
  financial 
  assets            49,384   27,632   10,733    1,810      809      446        382      2,414     93,610 
 Financial 
  assets at 
  31 Dec 2017    2,770,274  987,660  463,861  242,668  263,926  547,670  1,037,992  1,241,320  7,555,371 
--------------- 
Non-financial 
 assets                  -        -        -        -        -        -          -    387,975    387,975 
 
 Total assets 
  at 31 
  Dec 2017       2,770,274  987,660  463,861  242,668  263,926  547,670  1,037,992  1,629,295  7,943,346 
--------------- 
 
Financial 
liabilities 
 Hong Kong 
  currency 
  notes in 
  circulation      267,174        -        -        -        -        -          -          -    267,174 
 
Items in the 
 course 
 of 
 transmission 
 to 
 other banks        38,283        -        -        -        -        -          -          -     38,283 
 
 Repurchase 
  agreements 
  - non-trading     45,000    2,170        -        -        -        -          -          -     47,170 
--------------- 
Deposits by 
 banks             192,187    2,840    5,079    1,045      313       94        139          -    201,697 
 
 Customer 
  accounts       4,727,204  217,307   94,791   42,207   40,152    9,456      6,881        274  5,138,272 
 
 Trading 
  liabilities      212,618    2,493    2,321    2,722      841    2,491      7,857         22    231,365 
 
 Derivatives       305,014      361      950      368      636    1,333        343        348    309,353 
 
 Financial 
  liabilities 
  designated at 
  fair 
  value                199        -    2,621        -        -    6,182      1,940     38,336     49,278 
 
 Debt 
  securities in 
  issue              1,189    2,677    5,331      301    3,363    3,963     17,151      4,419     38,394 
 
 Amounts due to 
  Group 
  companies        119,364    1,919      168       27      324       34     47,609     96,243    265,688 
 
 Accruals and 
  other 
  financial 
  liabilities       43,617   35,430   12,236    3,502    2,625    2,071      1,016        244    100,741 
--------------- 
Subordinated 
 liabilities(2)          -        -        -        -        -        -        964      3,126      4,090 
 
 Preference 
  shares                 -        -        -        -        -        -          -     21,037     21,037 
 Financial 
  liabilities 
  at 31 Dec 
  2017           5,951,849  265,197  123,497   50,172   48,254   25,624     83,900    164,049  6,712,542 
--------------- 
Non-financial 
 liabilities             -        -        -        -        -        -          -    477,818    477,818 
 
Total 
 liabilities at 
 31 Dec 2017     5,951,849  265,197  123,497   50,172   48,254   25,624     83,900    641,867  7,190,360 
 
 

1 The table has been revised to align with the Group's presentation and comparatives have been represented to conform to the current year's presentation.

2 The maturity for subordinated liabilities is based on the earliest date on which the group is required to pay, i.e. the callable date.

 
29  Analysis of cash flows payable under financial liabilities by remaining 
     contractual 
     maturities 
 
 
                                                Due between  Due between 
                                    Due within        3 and        1 and  Due after 
                         On demand    3 months    12 months      5 years    5 years        Total 
                              HK$m        HK$m         HK$m         HK$m       HK$m         HK$m 
At 31 Dec 2018 
Hong Kong currency 
 notes in 
 circulation               280,854           -            -            -          -    280,854 
Items in the course of 
 transmission 
 to other banks                  -      33,806            -            -          -     33,806 
Repurchase agreements - 
 non-trading                12,492      51,591        6,464            -          -     70,547 
Deposits by banks          146,159      12,019        7,221          137          -    165,536 
Customer accounts        3,941,160     953,242      289,185       34,197         80  5,217,864 
Trading liabilities         81,194           -            -            -          -     81,194 
Derivatives                293,073       1,679          403        1,754          -    296,909 
Financial liabilities 
 designated 
 at fair value                 463      46,394       40,498       39,723     39,474    166,552 
Debt securities in 
 issue                           -       9,329       12,028       37,140      3,521     62,018 
Amounts due to Group 
 companies                  38,093     176,357          885       88,418    137,417    441,170 
Other financial 
 liabilities                81,633      68,515       22,377        2,850      1,194    176,569 
Subordinated 
 liabilities                     -          22           65        1,294      3,995      5,376 
Preference shares                -           -           98            -          -         98 
                         ---------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
                         4,875,121   1,352,954      379,224      205,513    185,681  6,998,493 
 
Loan commitments         1,950,956     612,015          237            -          -  2,563,208 
Financial guarantees        57,964           -            -            -          -     57,964 
                         --------- 
                         6,884,041   1,964,969      379,461      205,513    185,681  9,619,665 
                                    ----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
 
At 31 Dec 2017 
Hong Kong currency 
 notes in 
 circulation               267,174           -            -            -          -    267,174 
Items in the course of 
 transmission 
 to other banks                  -      38,283            -            -          -     38,283 
Repurchase agreements - 
 non-trading                11,829      35,554            -            -          -     47,383 
Deposits by banks          163,030      32,048        6,467          267          -    201,812 
Customer accounts        4,229,543     717,651      179,389       17,795        281  5,144,659 
Trading liabilities        231,365           -            -            -          -    231,365 
Derivatives                304,970         412        1,820        1,253        411    308,866 
Financial liabilities 
 designated 
 at fair value                 199          32        2,724        8,524     38,069     49,548 
Debt securities in 
 issue                          40       4,026        9,521       22,421      4,753     40,761 
Amounts due to Group 
 companies                  40,004      82,614        4,495       67,306    113,635    308,054 
Other financial 
 liabilities                 8,870      69,010       16,515        3,287        218     97,900 
Subordinated 
 liabilities                     -          25           74        1,361      3,634      5,094 
Preference shares                -         283          412        2,781     27,990     31,466 
                         ---------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
                         5,257,024     979,938      221,417      124,995    188,991  6,772,365 
 
Loan commitments         1,821,774     640,726       14,437        4,678         97  2,481,712 
Financial guarantees        57,353           -            -            -          -     57,353 
                         ---------  ----------  -----------  -----------  ---------  --------- 
                         7,136,151   1,620,664      235,854      129,673    189,088  9,311,430 
 
 
 

The balances in the above tables incorporates all cash flows relating to principal and future coupon payments on an undiscounted basis (except for trading liabilities and trading derivatives). Trading liabilities and trading derivatives have been included in the 'On demand' time bucket as trading liabilities are typically held for short periods of time. The undiscounted cash flows payable under hedging derivative liabilities are classified according to their contractual maturity. Investment contract liabilities have been included in financial liabilities designated at fair value, whereby the policyholders have the options to surrender or transfer at any time, and are reported in the 'Due after 5 years' time bucket. A maturity analysis prepared on the basis of the earliest possible contractual repayment date (assuming that all surrender and transfer options are exercised) would result in all investment contracts being presented as falling due within one year or less. The undiscounted cash flows potentially payable under loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts are classified on the basis of the earliest date they can be called. Cash flows payable in respect of customer accounts are primarily contractually repayable on demand or at short notice.

 
30  Contingent liabilities, contractual commitments and guarantees 
 

Off-balance sheet contingent liabilities and commitments

 
                                                                  2018         2017 
                                                                  HK$m         HK$m 
----------------------------------------------------------- 
 Contingent liabilities and financial guarantee contracts: 
 - financial guarantees(1)                                      57,964     57,124 
                                                             --------- 
 - Performance & other guarantee(2)                            234,265    231,709 
 
 - other contingent liabilities                                  3,416      1,059 
 
 At 31 Dec                                                     295,645    289,892 
-----------------------------------------------------------             --------- 
 Commitments(3) : 
 - documentary credits and short-term trade-related 
  transactions                                                  23,258     28,045 
                                                             --------- 
 - forward asset purchases and forward forward deposits 
  placed                                                        14,087      8,198 
----------------------------------------------------------- 
 - undrawn formal standby facilities, credit lines and 
  other commitments to lend                                  2,525,863  2,445,468 
----------------------------------------------------------- 
 At 31 Dec                                                   2,563,208  2,481,711 
-----------------------------------------------------------  ---------  --------- 
 
 

1 Financial guarantees are contracts that require the issuer to make specified payments to reimburse the holder for a loss incurred because a specified debtor fails to make payment when due in accordance with the original or modified terms of a debt instrument. The amounts in the above table are nominal principal amounts.

2 Performance and other guarantees include re-insurance letters of credit related to particular transactions, trade-related letters of credit issued without provision for the issuing entity to retain title to the underlying shipment, performance bonds, bid bonds, standby letters of credit and other transaction-related guarantees.

3 Includes HK$1,490,711m of commitments at 31 December 2018 to which the impairment requirements in HKFRS 9 are applied where the group has become party to an irrevocable commitment.

The above table discloses the nominal principal amounts of commitments (excluding capital commitments), guarantees and other contingent liabilities, which represent the amounts at risk should contracts be fully drawn upon and clients default. The amount of the loan commitments shown above reflects, where relevant, the expected level of take-up of pre-approved facilities. As a significant portion of guarantees and commitments is expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total of the contractual amounts is not representative of future liquidity requirements.

It also reflect the group's maximum exposure under a large number of individual guarantee undertakings. The risks and exposures from guarantees are captured and managed in accordance with HSBC's overall credit risk management policies and procedures. Guarantees are subject to an annual credit review process.

Other contingent liabilities at 31 Dec 2018 included provisions made in relation to legal and regulatory matters as set out in note 39.

 
 31   Other commitments 
---  ------------------ 
 

Capital commitments

At 31 December 2018, capital commitments, mainly related to the commitment for purchase of premises, were HK$7,912m

(2017: HK$7,097m).

Operating lease commitments

The group leases certain properties and equipment under operating leases. The leases normally run for a period of one to 10 years and may include an option to renew. Lease payments are usually adjusted annually to reflect market rentals. None of the leases include contingent rentals. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases for premises and equipment are as follows:

 
                                           2018     2017 
                                           HK$m     HK$m 
 Amounts payable within 
 - one year or less                       2,925  2,948 
 - five years or less but over one year   3,967  4,277 
 - over five years                        1,391    874 
 At 31 Dec                                8,283  8,099 
----------------------------------------  -----  ----- 
 
 
 
 32   Offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities 
---  --------------------------------------------------------- 
 

Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the balance sheet when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously ('the offset criteria').

The 'Amounts not set off in the balance sheet' include transactions where:

-- the counterparty has an offsetting exposure with the group and a master netting or similar arrangement is in place with a right to set off only in the event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy, or the offset criteria are otherwise not satisfied; and

-- in the case of derivatives and reverse repurchase/repurchase, stock borrowing/lending and similar agreements, cash and non-cash collateral has been received/pledged.

For risk management purposes, the net amounts of loans and advances to customers are subject to limits, which are monitored and the relevant customer agreements are subject to review and updated, as necessary, to ensure that the legal right to set off remains appropriate.

 
 Offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities 
                                                                                         Amounts subject to enforceable netting 
                                                                                                      arrangements 
                                                                                                                                Amounts not offset 
                                                                                                                                      in the 
                                                                                                                                   balance sheet 
                                                                                                    Net 
                                                                                                amounts                                                                              Amounts 
                                                                                               reported                                                                          not subject 
                                                                                                 in the                                                                       to enforceable    Balance 
                                                                           Gross    Amounts     balance                  Financial      Non-cash          Cash        Net            netting      sheet 
                                                                         amounts     offset       sheet                instruments    collateral    collateral     amount    arrangements(1)      total 
                                                                            HK$m       HK$m        HK$m                       HK$m          HK$m          HK$m       HK$m               HK$m       HK$m 
At 31 Dec 2018 
Financial assets(2) 
 
 
 
Derivatives      380,939  (120,409)  260,530  (208,893)    (5,637)  (31,801)  14,199  32,339  292,869 
Reverse repos, 
 stock 
 borrowing and 
 similar 
 agreements 
 classified 
 as:             444,711   (31,283)  413,428         -   (413,374)      (42)      12  29,862  443,290 
 
- trading 
 assets           23,112         -    23,112         -    (23,100)        -       12       -   23,112 
- non-trading 
 assets          421,599   (31,283)  390,316         -   (390,274)      (42)       -  29,862  420,178 
 
Loans and 
 advances 
 to customers 
 at amortised 
 cost                  -         -         -         -          -         -        -       -        - 
 
                 825,650  (151,692)  673,958  (208,893)  (419,011)  (31,843)  14,211  62,201  736,159 
 
Financial 
 liabilities(3) 
Derivatives      391,064  (120,409)  270,655  (208,893)    (9,558)  (18,754)  33,450  24,898  295,553 
                 -------  --------                                  -------   ------          ------- 
Repos, stock 
 lending 
 and similar 
 agreements 
 classified as:  146,026   (31,283)  114,743         -   (114,548)       (4)     191  26,560  141,303 
- trading 
 liabilities       2,023         -     2,023         -     (2,007)        -       16       -    2,023 
- non-trading 
 liabilities     144,003   (31,283)  112,720         -   (112,541)       (4)     175  26,560  139,280 
 
Customer 
 accounts 
 at amortised 
 cost                  -         -         -         -          -         -        -       -        - 
 
                 537,090  (151,692)  385,398  (208,893)  (124,106)  (18,758)  33,641  51,458  436,856 
 
 
At 31 Dec 2017 
Financial 
 assets(2) 
Derivatives      353,713   (77,624)  276,089  (234,555)    (4,926)  (28,992)   7,616  24,154  300,243 
Reverse repos, 
 stock 
 borrowing and 
 similar 
 agreements 
 classified 
 as:             550,165   (12,689)  537,476         -   (537,348)      (62)      66  23,487  560,963 
- trading 
 assets            8,966         -     8,966         -     (8,966)        -        -       -    8,966 
- non-trading 
 assets          541,199   (12,689)  528,510         -   (528,382)      (62)      66  23,487  551,997 
Loans and 
 advances 
 to customers 
 at amortised 
 cost                  -         -         -         -          -         -        -       -        - 
                 903,878   (90,313)  813,565  (234,555)  (542,274)  (29,054)   7,682  47,641  861,206 
 
Financial 
 liabilities(3) 
Derivatives      366,456   (77,624)  288,832  (234,555)    (4,738)  (27,959)  21,580  20,521  309,353 
Repos, stock 
 lending 
 and similar 
 agreements 
 classified as:   94,755   (12,689)   82,066         -    (81,847)        -      219  27,617  109,683 
- trading 
 liabilities         687         -       687         -       (686)        -        1       -      687 
- non-trading 
 liabilities      94,068   (12,689)   81,379         -    (81,161)        -      218  27,617  108,996 
Customer 
 accounts 
 at amortised 
 cost                  -         -         -         -          -         -        -       -        - 
                 461,211   (90,313)  370,898  (234,555)   (86,585)  (27,959)  21,799  48,138  419,036 
 
 
 

1 These exposures continue to be secured by financial collateral, but the group may not have sought or been able to obtain a legal opinion evidencing enforceability of the offsetting right.

2 Amounts presented in the balance sheet included balances due from Group companies of HK$103,358m (2017: HK$262,159m).

3 Amounts presented in the balance sheet included balances due to Group companies of HK$139,410m (2017: HK$132,091m).

 
 33   Segmental analysis 
---  ------------------- 
 

The group's operating segments are organised into four global businesses and a Corporate Centre. The group's chief operating decision-maker, the Executive Committee ('EXCO'), regularly reviews operating activities on a number of bases, including by global businesses and by countries. Although the chief operating decision-maker reviews information on a number of bases, business performance is assessed and capital resources are allocated by global business, and the segmental analysis is presented on that basis. The global businesses are therefore considered our reportable segments under HKFRS 8.

Information provided to EXCO is measured in accordance with HKFRSs. The group's operations are closely integrated and, accordingly, the presentation of data includes internal allocations of certain items of income and expenses. These allocations include the costs of certain support services and global functions to the extent that they can be meaningfully attributed to operational business lines and geographical regions. While such allocations have been made on a systematic and consistent basis, they necessarily involve a degree of subjectivity. Costs which are not allocated to global businesses are included in the 'Corporate Centre'. Where relevant, income and expenses amounts presented include the results of inter-segment funding along with inter-company and inter-business line transactions. All such transactions are undertaken on arm's length terms. The intra-group elimination items for the global businesses are presented in the Corporate Centre.

The group provides a comprehensive range of banking and related financial services to its customers organised by global business:

-- Retail Banking and Wealth Management ('RBWM') serves personal customers. We take deposits and provide transactional banking services to enable customers to manage their day to day finances and save for the future. We selectively offer credit facilities to assist customers in their short or longer-term borrowing requirements; and we provide financial advisory, broking, insurance and investment services to help them manage and protect their financial futures.

-- Commercial Banking ('CMB') is segmented into Corporate, to serve both corporate and mid-market companies with more sophisticated financial needs, and Business Banking, to serve small- and medium-sized enterprises ('SMEs'), enabling differentiated coverage of our target customers. This allows us to provide continuous support to companies as they grow both domestically and internationally, and ensures a clear focus on internationally aspirant customers.

-- Global Banking and Markets ('GB&M') provides tailored financial solutions to major government, corporate and institutional clients worldwide. GB&M operates a long-term relationship management approach to build a full understanding of clients' financial requirements. Sector-focused client service teams comprising relationship managers and product specialists develop financial solutions to meet individual client needs.

-- Global Private Banking ('GPB') provides investment management and trustee solutions to high net worth individuals and their families. We aim to meet the needs of our clients by providing excellent customer service, leveraging our global footprint and offering a comprehensive suite of solutions.

-- Corporate Centre was established to align certain functions of the group. The Corporate Centre includes Balance Sheet Management, certain interests in associates and joint ventures, as well as the results of our financing operations and central support costs with associated recoveries.

Performance by global business is presented in the 'Financial Review' section.

 
 Information by geographical region 
 
                                                     Rest of  Intra-segment 
                                    Hong Kong   Asia-Pacific    elimination        Total 
                                         HK$m           HK$m           HK$m         HK$m 
For the year ended 31 Dec 2018 
Total operating income                195,249         75,297        (2,238)    268,308 
Profit before tax                      88,017         46,566             -     134,583 
At 31 Dec 2018 
Total assets                        6,036,854      2,939,955      (713,355)  8,263,454 
Total liabilities                   5,590,770      2,573,119      (713,355)  7,450,534 
                                    ---------  -------------  ------------   --------- 
Credit commitments and contingent 
 liabilities 
 (contract amounts)                 1,584,981      1,273,872             -   2,858,853 
 
 
For the year ended 31 Dec 2017 
Total operating income                187,935         70,397        (3,099)    255,233 
Profit before tax                      73,577         42,042             -     115,619 
At 31 Dec 2017 
Total assets                        5,643,940      2,923,926      (624,520)  7,943,346 
Total liabilities                   5,263,539      2,551,341      (624,520)  7,190,360 
 
Credit commitments and contingent 
 liabilities 
 (contract amounts)                 1,500,456      1,271,147             -   2,771,603 
 
 
 
 
 Information by country 
                                 Revenue(1)             Non-current assets(2) 
                             For the year ended 
                                    31 Dec                    At 31 Dec 
                                      2018     2017              2018       2017 
                                      HK$m     HK$m              HK$m       HK$m 
Hong Kong                          142,665  125,698           110,125  111,164 
                          ---------------- 
Mainland China                      17,653   14,264           147,444  150,778 
                                                     ---------------- 
Australia                            7,658    6,636               825      871 
 
India                                7,880    8,372             1,934    2,108 
 
Indonesia                            3,702    4,395             3,566    3,851 
 
Malaysia                             6,330    5,663               962      833 
 
Singapore                           10,053    9,054             1,415    1,404 
 
Taiwan                               3,509    3,295             2,201    2,325 
 
Other                               11,019    9,066             3,075    2,963 
                                            -------  ----------------  ------- 
Total                              210,469  186,443           271,547  276,297 
 
 
 

1 Revenue (defined as 'Net operating income before change in expected credit losses and other impairment charges') is attributable to countries based on the location of the principal operations of the branch, subsidiary, associate or joint venture.

2 Non-current assets consist of property, plant and equipment, goodwill, other intangible assets, interests in associates and joint ventures and certain other assets.

 
 34   Related party transactions 
---  --------------------------- 
 

The group's related parties include the parent, fellow subsidiaries, associates, joint ventures, post-employment benefit plans for the group's employees, Key Management Personnel ('KMP') as defined by HKAS 24, close family members of KMP and entities which are controlled or jointly controlled by KMP or their close family members.

Particulars of transactions with related parties are set out below.

   (a)      Inter-company 

As part of recovery and resolution planning, the ownership of the group was transferred in November 2018 from HSBC Asia Holdings B.V. (previously the group's immediate holding company) to HSBC Asia Holdings Limited, a newly incorporated intermediate holding company in Hong Kong that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc (incorporated in England).

During the year, the group transferred another property to the service company, HSBC Global Services (Hong Kong) Limited (the 'ServCo'), which is a fellow subsidiary of the group set up in Hong Kong as part of recovery and resolution planning to provide functional support services to the group. The transfer was made at market value with no impact to the profit and loss. The group recognised a management charge of HK$1,098m for services provided by ServCo for the year ended 31 Dec 2018 (2017: HK$238m), which is included under 'General and administrative expenses'.

The group entered into transactions with its fellow subsidiaries in the normal course of business, including the acceptance and placement of interbank deposits, correspondent banking transactions and off-balance sheet transactions. The activities were on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and security, as for comparable transactions with third-party counterparties.

The group shared the costs of certain IT projects with its fellow subsidiaries and also used certain processing services of fellow subsidiaries. The Bank also acted as agent for the distribution of retail investment funds for fellow subsidiaries and paid professional fees for services provided by fellow subsidiaries. These transactions and services are priced on an arm's length basis.

The aggregate amount of income and expenses arising from these transactions during the year and the balances of amounts due to and from the relevant parties at the year end were as follows:

 
                                 2018                                2017 
                   Immediate  Ultimate                Immediate  Ultimate 
                     holding   holding        Fellow    holding   holding          Fellow 
                     company   company  subsidiaries    company   company    subsidiaries 
                        HK$m      HK$m          HK$m       HK$m      HK$m            HK$m 
Income and 
expenses for 
the year 
Interest income            -         -         1,220          -         -         2,447 
                   --------- 
Interest 
 expense(1)            1,563     5,545         1,681      2,739     1,709           625 
                              -------- 
Fee income                 -        43         2,547          -        41         2,605 
Fee expense                -         -         1,153          -         -         1,100 
Net income from 
 financial 
 instruments held 
 for 
 trading or 
 managed on 
 a fair value 
 basis                     -         5         1,289          -         2            27 
 
Other operating 
 income                    -     1,348         2,531          -     1,201         2,506 
Other operating 
 expenses(2)               -     3,405        13,682          2     2,879         9,632 
                   ---------  --------  ------------  ---------  --------  ------------ 
At 31 Dec 
Assets                     -       327       149,122          1       713       306,099 
- trading 
 assets(3)                 -       123        11,586          -       202         8,270 
- derivative 
 assets                    -         -        78,994          -         -        79,084 
- other assets(3)          -       204        58,542          1       511       218,745 
 
Liabilities                -   254,547       212,358     71,700    94,460       190,831 
Trading 
 liabilities(3)            -        15            97          -         2        12,994 
Financial 
 liabilities 
 designated at 
 fair value(3,4)           -    87,065           298          -    35,866            15 
Derivative 
 liabilities               -         -        70,320          -         -        70,266 
Other 
 liabilities(3)            -    96,000       120,551        515     1,067       107,449 
Subordinated 
 liabilities(3,5)          -    71,467        20,994     50,255    57,525             - 
Preference shares          -         -            98     20,930         -           107 
 
Guarantees                 -         -        17,763          -         -        17,908 
 
Commitments                -         -        14,319          -         -        14,372 
                   ---------  --------                ---------  --------  ------------ 
 
 

1 Interest expense included distribution on preference shares and interest on subordinated liabilities.

2 In 2018, payments were made of HK$459m (2017: HK$432m) for software costs which were capitalised as intangible assets in the balance sheet of the group.

3 These balances are presented under 'Amounts due from/to Group companies' in the consolidated balance sheet.

4 The balance included subordinated liabilities of HK$87,065m to meet Total Loss Absorbing Capacity ('TLAC') requirements (2017: HK$35,866m).

5 The balance included subordinated liabilities of HK$78,450m to meet TLAC requirements (2017: HK$89,889m).

   (b)      Share option and share award schemes 

The group participates in various share option and share plans operated by HSBC whereby share options or shares of HSBC are granted to employees of the group. The group recognises an expense in respect of these share options and share awards. The cost borne by the ultimate holding company in respect of share options is treated as a capital contribution and is recorded within 'Other reserves'. In respect of share awards, the group recognises a liability to the ultimate holding company over the vesting period. This liability is measured at the fair value of the shares at each reporting date, with changes since the award dates adjusted through the capital contribution account within 'Other reserves'. The balances of the capital contribution and the liability at 31 December 2018 amounted to HK$3,147m and HK$1,923m respectively (2017: HK$2,901m and HK$2,268m respectively).

   (c)      Retirement benefit plans 

At 31 December 2018, HK$12.3bn (2017: HK$15.1bn) of the group's retirement benefit plan assets were under management by group companies, earning management fees of HK$29m in 2018 (2017: HK$27m). At 31 December 2018, the group's retirement benefit plans had placed deposits of HK$486m (2017: HK$370m) with its banking subsidiaries, earning interest payable to the schemes of HK$2m (2017: HK$3m). The above outstanding balances arose from the ordinary course of business and on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and security, as for comparable transactions with third-party counterparties.

   (d)      Associates and joint ventures 

The group provides certain banking and financial services to associates and joint ventures, including loans, overdrafts, interest and non-interest bearing deposits and current accounts. Details of interests in associates and joint ventures are given in note 15. Transactions and balances during the year with associates and joint ventures were as follows:

 
                                                       2018                      2017 
                                                Highest                  Highest 
                                                balance       Balance    balance         Balance 
                                                 during            at     during              at 
                                               the year   31 December   the year     31 December 
                                                   HK$m          HK$m       HK$m            HK$m 
 Amounts due from associates - 
  unsubordinated                                 30,411        23,487     24,178        19,793 
                                              ---------  ------------ 
 Amounts due to associates                       15,821         2,141     20,454         9,632 
 
 Commitments                                          1             1          1             1 
--------------------------------------------                           ---------  ------------ 
 
 

The disclosure of the year-end balance and the highest amounts outstanding during the year is considered to be the most meaningful information to represent the amount of transactions and outstanding balances during the year.

The transactions resulting in outstanding balances arose in the ordinary course of business and on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and security, as for comparable transactions with third--party counterparties.

   (e)      Key Management Personnel 

Key Management Personnel are defined as those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Bank and the group. It includes members of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Bank and the Board of Directors and Group Managing Directors of HSBC Holdings plc.

The following table shows the expense in respect of compensation for Key Management Personnel of the Bank for services rendered to the Bank:

 
                                          2018    2017 
                                          HK$m    HK$m 
 Salaries and other short-term benefits    337   308 
 Post employment benefits                   10    10 
 Share-based payments(1)                    92    94 
----------------------------------------  ----  ---- 
 Total(1)                                  439   412 
---------------------------------------- 
 
 
   1      2017 amounts have been represented. 
 
 Transactions, arrangements and agreements involving Key Management 
  Personnel 
                                                                            2018      2017 
                                                                            HK$m      HK$m 
During the year 
Highest average assets(1)                                                 47,132  36,413 
                                                                          ------  ------ 
Highest average liabilities(1)                                            48,251  55,629 
 
Contribution to group's profit before tax                                    936     899 
 
At the year end 
Guarantees                                                                 7,060  10,249 
                                                                          ------ 
 Commitments                                                               3,841   2,961 
------------------------------------------------------------------------          ------ 
 
 

1 The disclosure of the highest average balance during the year is considered the most meaningful information to represent transactions during the year.

Transactions, arrangements and agreements are entered into by the group with companies that may be controlled by Key Management Personnel of the group and their immediate relatives. These transactions are primarily loans and deposits, and were entered into in the ordinary course of business and on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and security, as comparable transactions with persons or companies of a similar standing or, where applicable, with other employees. The transactions did not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavourable features.

Change in expected credit losses recognised for the year, and impairment allowances against balances outstanding at the end of the year, in respect of Key Management Personnel were insignificant (2017: nil).

   (f)      Loans to directors 

Directors are defined as the Directors of the Bank, its ultimate holding company, HSBC Holdings plc and intermediate companies. Loans to directors also include loans to companies that are controlled by, and entities that are connected with these directors. Particulars of loans to directors disclosed pursuant to section 17 of the Companies (Disclosure of Information about Benefits of Directors) Regulation are as follows:

 
                      Aggregate amount           Maximum aggregate 
                        outstanding at           amount outstanding 
                            31 Dec                 during the year 
                               2018   2017                 2018     2017 
                               HK$m   HK$m                 HK$m     HK$m 
 By the Bank                    857  1,090                7,986  1,213 
 By subsidiaries                  8      -                   10      1 
-----------------  ----------------         ------------------- 
                                865  1,090                7,996  1,214 
                                     -----                       ----- 
 
 

These amounts include principal and interest, and the maximum liability that may be incurred under guarantees.

 
 35   Fair values of financial instruments carried at fair value 
---  ----------------------------------------------------------- 
 

Control framework

Fair values are subject to a control framework designed to ensure that they are either determined, or validated, by a function independent of the risk-taker.

Where fair values are determined by reference to externally quoted prices or observable pricing inputs to models, independent price determination or validation is utilised. For inactive markets, the group sources alternative market information, with greater weight given to information that is considered to be more relevant and reliable. Examples of the factors considered are price observability, instrument comparability, consistency of data sources, underlying data accuracy and timing of prices.

For fair values determined using valuation models, the control framework includes development or validation by independent support functions of the model logic, inputs, model outputs and adjustments. Valuation models are subject to a process of due diligence before becoming operational and are calibrated against external market data on an ongoing basis.

Changes in fair value are generally subject to a profit and loss analysis process and are disaggregated into high-level categories including portfolio changes, market movements and other fair value adjustments.

The majority of financial instruments measured at fair value are in GB&M. GB&M's fair value governance structure comprises its Finance function and Valuation Committees. Finance is responsible for establishing procedures governing valuation and ensuring fair values are in compliance with accounting standards. The fair values are reviewed by the group's Valuation Committees, which consist of independent support functions. These Committees are overseen by the Group's Valuation Committee Review Group, which considers all material subjective valuations.

Financial liabilities measured at fair value

In certain circumstances, the group records its own debt in issue at fair value, based on quoted prices in an active market for the specific instrument. When quoted market prices are unavailable, the own debt in issue is valued using valuation techniques, the inputs for which are either based on quoted prices in an inactive market for the instrument or are estimated by comparison with quoted prices in an active market for similar instruments. In both cases, the fair value includes the effect of applying the credit spread which is appropriate to the group's liabilities. The change in fair value of issued debt securities attributable to the group's own credit spread is computed as follows: for each security at each reporting date, an externally verifiable price is obtained or a price is derived using credit spreads for similar securities for the same issuer. Then, using discounted cash flow, each security is valued using a Libor-based discount curve. The difference in the valuations is attributable to the group's own credit spread. This methodology is applied consistently across all securities.

Structured notes issued and certain other hybrid instruments are included within 'Financial liabilities designated at fair value' and are measured at fair value. The credit spread applied to these instruments is derived from the spreads at which the group issues structured notes.

Gains and losses arising from changes in the credit spread of liabilities issued by the group reverse over the contractual life of the debt, provided that the debt is not repaid at a premium or a discount.

Fair value hierarchy

Fair values of financial assets and liabilities are determined according to the following hierarchy:

-- Level 1 - valuation technique using quoted market price: financial instruments with quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets that the group can access at the measurement date.

-- Level 2 - valuation technique using observable inputs: financial instruments with quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in inactive markets and financial instruments valued using models where all significant inputs are observable.

-- Level 3 - valuation technique with significant unobservable inputs: financial instruments valued using valuation techniques where one or more significant inputs are unobservable.

 
 Financial instruments carried at fair value and bases of valuation 
                                Fair Value Hierarchy 
                                 Level    Level   Level  Third-party      Inter- 
                                     1        2       3        total  company(2)        Total 
                                  HK$m     HK$m    HK$m         HK$m        HK$m         HK$m 
At 31 Dec 2018 
Assets 
Trading assets(1)              395,769  162,841     228      558,838           -    558,838 
 
Derivatives                      3,219  209,450   1,206      213,875      78,994    292,869 
 
Financial assets designated 
 and otherwise mandatorily 
 measured at fair value 
 through profit or loss         75,105   36,599  21,155      132,859           -    132,859 
 
Financial investments        1,146,426  352,490   4,709    1,503,625           -  1,503,625 
 
Liabilities 
Trading liabilities(1)          74,376    6,818       -       81,194           -     81,194 
 
Derivatives                      3,348  220,043   1,842      225,233      70,320    295,553 
 
Financial liabilities 
 designated 
 at fair value(1)                    -  139,782  21,361      161,143           -    161,143 
 
 
At 31 Dec 2017 
Assets 
Trading assets(1)              300,646  195,575     213      496,434           -    496,434 
Derivatives                      4,773  215,869     517      221,159      79,084    300,243 
Financial assets designated 
 at fair value                  90,641   23,567   8,438      122,646           -    122,646 
Financial investments          916,385  498,512   5,033    1,419,930           -  1,419,930 
 
Liabilities 
Trading liabilities(1)          79,209  141,972  10,184      231,365           -    231,365 
Derivatives                      4,501  232,627   1,959      239,087      70,266    309,353 
Financial liabilities 
 designated 
 at fair value(1)                    -   49,278       -       49,278           -     49,278 
 
 
 
   1      Amounts with HSBC Group entities are not reflected here. 
   2      Derivatives balances with HSBC Group entities are largely under 'Level 2'. 
 
 Transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair values 
                                                  Assets                                       Liabilities 
                                                         Designated 
                                                                and 
                                                          otherwise 
                                                        mandatorily 
                                                           measured                            Designated 
                                    Financial  Trading      at fair                   Trading     at fair 
                                  investments   assets        value  Derivatives  liabilities       value    Derivatives 
                                         HK$m     HK$m         HK$m         HK$m         HK$m        HK$m           HK$m 
At 31 Dec 2018 
Transfers from Level 
 1 to Level 2                           9,955    1,389            -            -          349           -            - 
                           ------------------  -------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ----------- 
 Transfers from Level 
 2 to Level 1                         121,667   18,109            -            -          376           -            - 
------------------------- 
 
                                                  Assets                                       Liabilities 
                                                  Held   Designated                            Designated 
                                                   for      at fair                      Held     at fair 
                           Available-for-sale  trading        value  Derivatives  for trading       value    Derivatives 
                                         HK$m     HK$m         HK$m         HK$m         HK$m        HK$m           HK$m 
At 31 Dec 2017 
Transfers from Level 
 1 to Level 2                           5,424    9,402            -            -            -           -            - 
                           ------------------           -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ----------- 
 Transfers from Level 
 2 to Level 1                          63,280        -            -            -            -           -            - 
------------------------- 
 
 

Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are deemed to occur at the end of each quarterly reporting period. Transfers into and out of Level of the fair value hierarchy are primarily attributable to changes in observability of valuation inputs and price transparency.

Movements in Level 3 financial instruments

There were no material transfers from/to Level 1 and 2 as a result of change in observability of valuation inputs, settlement, nor gains/loss recognised in the income statement/other comprehensive income during the year in relation to financial instruments carried at fair value in Level 3 (2017: immaterial). The increase in Level 3 assets was mainly due to the purchase of financial assets of HK$12,200m (2017: HK$4,577m) to support growth in insurance business. The increase in Level 3 liabilities was mainly due to increased financial liabilities which contain both deposit and derivative components of HK$10,954m (2017: Nil), reflecting increase in customers' demand.

Fair value adjustments

Fair value adjustments are adopted when the group determines there are additional factors considered by market participants that are not incorporated within the valuation model. Movements in the level of fair value adjustments do not necessarily result in the recognition of profits or losses within the income statement, such as when models are enhanced and therefore fair value adjustments may no longer be required.

Bid-offer

HKFRS 13 requires use of the price within the bid-offer spread that is most representative of fair value. Valuation models will typically generate mid-market values. The bid-offer adjustment reflects the extent to which bid-offer costs would be incurred if substantially all residual net portfolio market risks were closed using available hedging instruments or by disposing of, or unwinding the position.

Uncertainty

Certain model inputs may be less readily determinable from market data, and/or the choice of model itself may be more subjective. In these circumstances, an adjustment may be necessary to reflect the likelihood that market participants would adopt more conservative values for uncertain parameters and/or model assumptions, than those used in the group's valuation model.

Credit valuation adjustment ('CVA') and debit valuation adjustment ('DVA')

The CVA is an adjustment to the valuation of over-the-counter ('OTC') derivative contracts to reflect the possibility that the counterparty may default and the group may not receive the full market value of the transactions.

The DVA is an adjustment to the valuation of OTC derivative contracts to reflect the possibility that the group may default, and that the group may not pay the full market value of the transactions.

The group calculates a separate CVA and DVA for each legal entity, and for each counterparty to which the entity has exposure. With the exception of central clearing parties, all third-party counterparties are included in the CVA and DVA calculations, and these adjustments are not netted across group entities.

The group calculates the CVA by applying the probability of default ('PD') of the counterparty, conditional on the non-default of the group, to the group's expected positive exposure to the counterparty and multiplying the result by the loss expected in the event of default. Conversely, the group calculates the DVA by applying the PD of the group, conditional on the non-default of the counterparty, to the expected positive exposure of the counterparty to the group and multiplying the result by the loss expected in the event of default. Both calculations are performed over the life of the potential exposure.

For most products the group uses a simulation methodology, which incorporates a range of potential exposures over the life of the portfolio, to calculate the expected positive exposure to a counterparty. The simulation methodology includes credit mitigants, such as counterparty netting agreements and collateral agreements with the counterparty.

The methodologies do not, in general, account for 'wrong-way risk' which arises when the underlying value of the derivative prior to any CVA is positively correlated to the PD of the counterparty. When there is significant wrong-way risk, a trade-specific approach is applied to reflect this risk in the valuation.

Funding fair value adjustment ('FFVA')

The FFVA is calculated by applying future market funding spreads to the expected future funding exposure of any uncollateralised component of the OTC derivative portfolio. The expected future funding exposure is calculated by a simulation methodology, where available and is adjusted for events that may terminate the exposure, such as the default of the group or the counterparty. The FFVA and DVA are calculated independently.

Model limitation

Models used for portfolio valuation purposes may be based upon a simplifying set of assumptions that do not capture all material market characteristics. In these circumstances, model limitation adjustments are adopted.

Inception profit (Day 1 profit or loss reserves)

Inception profit adjustments are adopted when the fair value estimated by a valuation model is based on one or more significant unobservable inputs.

Effects of changes in significant unobservable assumptions to reasonably possible alternatives

The key unobservable inputs to Level 3 financial instruments include volatility and correlation for structured notes and deposits valued using option models, bid quotes for corporate bonds valued using approaches that take into account of market comparables, and multiple items for private equity and strategic investments. In the absence of an active market, the fair value of private equity and strategic investments is estimated on the basis of an analysis of the investee's financial position and results, risk profile, prospects and other factors, as well as by reference to market valuations for similar entities quoted in an active market, or the price at which similar companies have changed ownership. The change in fair values due to changes in reasonably possible alternative assumptions for these unobservable inputs is not significant.

Favourable and unfavourable changes are determined on the basis of sensitivity analysis. The sensitivity analysis aims to measure a range of fair values consistent with the application of a 95% confidence interval. Methodologies take account of the nature of the valuation technique employed, the availability and reliability of observable proxies and historical data. When the available data is not amenable to statistical analysis, the quantification of uncertainty is judgemental, but remains guided by the 95% confidence interval. The sensitivity of Level 3 fair values to reasonably possible alternative assumptions is not significant.

 
 36   Fair values of financial instruments not carried at fair value 
---  --------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
 
 Fair values of financial instruments not carried at fair value and 
  bases of valuation 
                                           Fair Value Hierarchy 
                                      Quoted               Significant 
                                      market  Observable  unobservable 
                                       price      inputs        inputs 
                          Carrying     Level       Level         Level 
                            amount         1           2             3        Total 
                              HK$m      HK$m        HK$m          HK$m         HK$m 
At 31 Dec 2018 
Assets 
Reverse repurchase 
 agreements - 
 non-trading               406,327         -     396,061        10,723    406,784 
 
Placings with and 
 advances to banks         338,151         -     322,443        15,531    337,974 
 
Loans and advances to 
 customers               3,528,702         -      52,262     3,473,497  3,525,759 
 
Financial investments - 
 at amortised 
 cost                      367,401     8,543     356,836             -    365,379 
 
Liabilities 
Repurchase agreements - 
 non-trading                70,279         -      70,282             -     70,282 
 
Deposits by banks          164,664         -     164,662             -    164,662 
 
Customer accounts        5,207,666         -   5,207,871             -  5,207,871 
 
Debt securities in 
 issue                      58,236         -      58,808             -     58,808 
 
Subordinated 
 liabilities                 4,081         -         960         2,919      3,879 
 
Preference shares               98         -           -            98         98 
 
 
At 31 Dec 2017 
Assets 
Reverse repurchase 
 agreements - 
 non-trading               330,890         -     318,849        11,927    330,776 
 
Placings with and 
 advances to banks         433,005         -     418,652        14,561    433,213 
 
Loans and advances to 
 customers               3,328,980         -      92,146     3,230,365  3,322,511 
 
Financial investments - 
 at amortised 
 cost                      300,244     6,244     303,240             -    309,484 
 
Liabilities 
Repurchase agreements - 
 non-trading                47,170         -      47,155             -     47,155 
 
Deposits by banks          201,697         -     201,456           233    201,689 
 
Customer accounts        5,138,272         -   5,138,352             -  5,138,352 
 
Debt securities in 
 issue                      38,394         -      38,279             -     38,279 
 
Subordinated 
 liabilities                 4,090         -         993         2,773      3,766 
 
Preference shares           21,037         -           -        21,539     21,539 
 
 
 

The fair values above are stated at a specific date and may be significantly different from the amounts which will actually be paid on the maturity or settlement dates of the instruments. In many cases, it would not be possible to realise immediately the estimated fair values given the size of the portfolios measured. Accordingly, these fair values do not represent the value of these financial instruments to the group as a going concern.

Other financial instruments not carried at fair value are typically short-term in nature or reprice to current market rates frequently. Accordingly, their carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of fair value. They include cash and sight balances at central banks, items in the course of collection from and transmission to other banks, Hong Kong Government certificates of indebtedness and Hong Kong currency notes in circulation, all of which are measured at amortised cost.

Valuation

Fair value is an estimate of the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It does not reflect the economic benefits and costs that the group expects to flow from an instrument's cash flow over its expected future life. Our valuation methodologies and assumptions in determining fair values for which no observable market prices are available may differ from those of other companies.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements - non-trading

Fair values approximate carrying amounts as these balances are generally short dated.

Loans and advances to banks and customers

To determine the fair value of loans and advances to banks and customers, loans are segregated, as far as possible, into portfolios of similar characteristics. Fair values are based on observable market transactions, when available. When they are unavailable, fair values are estimated using valuation models incorporating a range of input assumptions. These assumptions may include: value estimates from third-party brokers reflecting over-the-counter trading activity; forward-looking discounted cash flow models, taking account of expected customer prepayment rates, using assumptions that the group believes are consistent with those that would be used by market participants in valuing such loans; new business rates estimates for similar loans; and trading inputs from other market participants including observed primary and secondary trades. From time to time, we may engage a third-party valuation specialist to measure the fair value of a pool of loans.

The fair value of loans reflects expected credit losses at the balance sheet date and estimates of market participants' expectations of credit losses over the life of the loans, and the fair value effect of repricing between origination and the balance sheet date. For credit impaired loans, fair value is estimated by discounting the future cash flows over the time period they are expected to be recovered.

Financial investments

The fair values of listed financial investments are determined using bid market prices. The fair values of unlisted financial investments are determined using valuation techniques that incorporate the prices and future earnings streams of equivalent quoted securities.

Deposits by banks and customer accounts

The fair values of on-demand deposits are approximated by their carrying value. For deposits with longer-term maturities, fair values are estimated using discounted cash flows, applying current rates offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

Debt securities in issue and subordinated liabilities

Fair values are determined using quoted market prices at the balance sheet date where available, or by reference to quoted market prices for similar instruments.

 
 37   Structured entities 
---  -------------------- 
 

The group is involved with both consolidated and unconsolidated structured entities through the securitisation of financial assets, conduits and investment funds, established either by the group or a third party.

Consolidated structured entities

The group uses consolidated structured entities to securitise customer loans and advances it originates to diversify its sources of funding for asset origination and capital efficiency purposes. The loans and advances are transferred by the group to the structured entities for cash or synthetically through credit default swaps, and the structured entities issue debt securities to investors. The group's transactions with these entities are not significant.

Unconsolidated structured entities

The term 'unconsolidated structured entities' refers to all structured entities not controlled by the group. The group enters into transactions with unconsolidated structured entities in the normal course of business to facilitate customer transactions and for specific investment opportunities.

 
 Nature and risks associated with the group's interests in unconsolidated 
  structured entities 
                                                                                                              HSBC      Non-HSBC 
                                                                                                           managed       managed 
                                                                                     Securitisations         funds         funds       Other        Total 
Total asset values of the entities 
 (HK$bn) 
0-4                                                                                             38            39            97          36          210 
4-15                                                                                             7            18            84           1          110 
15-39                                                                                            1             4            38           -           43 
39-196                                                                                           -             1            21           -           22 
196+                                                                                             -             1             5           -            6 
Number of entities at 31 Dec 2018                                                               46            63           245          37          391 
                                                                                 ----------------- 
                                                                                                HK$m          HK$m          HK$m        HK$m         HK$m 
Total assets in relation to the 
 group's interests in the unconsolidated 
 structured entities                                                                        17,907        20,540        40,101      15,598       94,146 
 
  *    trading assets                                                                            -            76             -           -           76 
 
 *    financial assets designated and otherwise mandatorily 
      measured at fair value                                                                     -        19,292        40,101           -       59,393 
 
  *    derivatives                                                                               -             -             -           -            - 
 
  *    loans and advances to customers                                                      17,907             -             -      15,253       33,160 
 
  *    financial investments                                                                     -         1,172             -           -        1,172 
 
  *    other assets                                                                              -             -             -         345          345 
Total liabilities in relation 
 to the group's interests in the 
 unconsolidated structured entities                                                              -             -             -           -            - 
                                                                                 ----------------- 
Other off balance sheet commitments                                                             19             -         8,905       6,877       15,801 
 
The group's maximum exposure at 
 31 Dec 2018                                                                                17,926        20,540        49,006      22,475      109,947 
 
 
Total asset values of the entities 
 (HK$bn) 
0-4                                                                                             36            39            92          25          192 
4-15                                                                                             4            16            75           1           96 
15-39                                                                                            -             8            36           -           44 
39-196                                                                                           2             2            29           -           33 
196+                                                                                             -             1             4           -            5 
 
Number of entities at 31 Dec 2017                                                               42            66           236          26          370 
 
                                                                                                HK$m          HK$m          HK$m        HK$m         HK$m 
Total assets in relation to the 
 group's interests in the unconsolidated 
 structured entities                                                                        20,201        28,160        44,854       8,578      101,793 
 
  *    trading assets                                                                            -           874             -           -          874 
 
  *    financial assets designated at fair value                                                 -        26,016        44,463           -       70,479 
 
  *    derivatives                                                                               1             -             -           -            1 
 
  *    loans and advances to customers                                                      20,200             -             -       8,281       28,481 
 
  *    financial investments                                                                     -         1,270           391           -        1,661 
 
  *    other assets                                                                              -             -             -         297          297 
Total liabilities in relation 
 to the group's interests in the 
 unconsolidated structured entities                                                              -             -             -           -            - 
Other off balance sheet commitments                                                             18             -         6,265       3,120        9,403 
 
The group's maximum exposure at 
 31 Dec 2017                                                                                20,219        28,160        51,119      11,698      111,196 
 
 

The maximum exposure to loss from the group's interests in unconsolidated structured entities represents the maximum loss it could incur as a result of its involvement with these entities regardless of the probability of the loss being incurred.

-- For commitments, guarantees and written credit default swaps, the maximum exposure to loss is the notional amount of potential future losses.

-- For retained and purchased investments in and loans to unconsolidated structured entities, the maximum exposure to loss is the carrying value of these interests at the balance sheet reporting date.

The maximum exposure to loss is stated gross of the effects of hedging and collateral arrangements entered into to mitigate the group's exposure to loss.

Securitisations

The group has interests in unconsolidated securitisation vehicles through holding notes issued by these entities.

HSBC managed funds

The group establishes and manages money market funds and non-money market investment funds to provide customers with investment opportunities. The group, as fund manager, may be entitled to receive management and performance fees based on the assets under management. The group may also retain units in these funds.

Non-HSBC managed funds

The group purchases and holds units of third-party managed funds in order to facilitate business and meet customer needs. In addition to entities, asset and liability classes disclosed above, the group enters into derivative contracts with non-HSBC managed funds.

Other

The group has established structured entities in the normal course of business, such as structured credit transactions for customers, to provide finance to public and private sector infrastructure projects, and for asset and structured finance transactions. In addition to the interest disclosed above, the group enters into derivative contracts, reverse repos and stock borrowing transactions with structured entities. These interests arise in the normal course of business for the facilitation of third-party transactions and risk management solutions.

Structured entities sponsored by the group

The amount of assets transferred to and income received from such sponsored entities during 2018 and 2017 were not significant.

 
 38   Bank balance sheet and statement of changes in equity 
---  ------------------------------------------------------ 
 

Bank balance sheet at 31 December 2018

 
                                                                      2018         2017 
                                                                      HK$m         HK$m 
Assets 
Cash and sight balances at central banks                           147,447    149,529 
                                                                 --------- 
Items in the course of collection from other banks                  18,021     19,172 
Hong Kong Government certificates of indebtedness                  280,854    267,174 
Trading assets                                                     439,155    354,114 
Derivatives                                                        276,558    281,552 
Financial assets designated and otherwise mandatorily 
 measured at fair value through profit or loss                       6,298          N/A 
Financial assets designated at fair value                              N/A        463 
Reverse repurchase agreements - non-trading                        243,203    203,031 
Placings with and advances to banks                                159,636    187,495 
Loans and advances to customers                                  1,947,307  1,832,490 
Financial investments                                              866,566    796,384 
Amounts due from Group companies                                   347,652    486,744 
Investments in subsidiaries                                         88,169     89,418 
Interests in associates and joint ventures                          39,830     39,830 
Goodwill and intangible assets                                       8,419      5,542 
Property, plant and equipment                                       75,897     83,520 
Deferred tax assets                                                    682        738 
Prepayments, accrued income and other assets                       130,057     87,287 
                                                                 ---------  --------- 
Total assets                                                     5,075,751  4,884,483 
 
Liabilities 
Hong Kong currency notes in circulation                            280,854    267,174 
                                                                 --------- 
Items in the course of transmission to other banks                  22,786     28,217 
 
Repurchase agreements - non-trading                                 55,142     12,243 
 
Deposits by banks                                                  121,618    154,728 
 
Customer accounts                                                3,186,542  3,179,845 
 
Trading liabilities                                                 47,491    101,529 
 
Derivatives                                                        279,056    289,649 
 
Financial liabilities designated at fair value                      42,545      7,838 
 
Debt securities in issue                                            41,398     27,865 
 
Retirement benefit liabilities                                       2,085      1,675 
 
Amounts due to Group companies                                     439,262    337,344 
 
Accruals and deferred income, other liabilities and provisions      98,983     51,929 
 
Current tax liabilities                                              1,600      1,099 
 
Deferred tax liabilities                                             8,836      8,758 
 
Subordinated liabilities                                             3,133      3,126 
 
Preference shares                                                        -     20,930 
                                                                            --------- 
Total liabilities                                                4,631,331  4,493,949 
 
Equity 
Share capital                                                      172,335    151,360 
                                                                 --------- 
Other equity instruments                                            35,879     14,737 
 
Other reserves                                                      23,346     18,855 
 
Retained earnings                                                  212,860    205,582 
                                                                            --------- 
Total equity                                                       444,420    390,534 
Total equity and liabilities                                     5,075,751  4,884,483 
                                                                 ---------  --------- 
 
 

Bank statement of changes in equity for the year ended 31 December 2018

 
                                                                                                                                    Other reserves 
                                                                                                                                Financial       Cash 
                                                                                             Other                 Property        assets       flow   Foreign 
                                                                                Share       equity  Retained    revaluation      at FVOCI      hedge  exchange                 Total 
                                                                              capital  instruments  earnings        reserve    reserve(7)    reserve   reserve  Other(1)      equity 
                                                                                 HK$m         HK$m      HK$m           HK$m          HK$m       HK$m      HK$m      HK$m        HK$m 
At 31 Dec 2017                                                                151,360       14,737  205,582     39,799         1,688        (118)      (9,473)  (13,041)  390,534 
                                                                                                                        ---           --- 
Impact on transition 
 to HKFRS 9                                                                         -            -     (896)         -          (356)          -            -         -    (1,252) 
                                                                                                                        --- 
At 1 Jan 2018                                                                 151,360       14,737  204,686     39,799         1,332        (118)      (9,473)  (13,041)  389,282 
                                                                                                                        ---           --- 
Profit for the year                                                                 -            -   75,742               -             -          -         -         -   75,742 
Other comprehensive 
 income/(expense) (net 
 of tax)                                                                            -            -     (535)     8,410          (295)         34       (3,373)         -    4,241 
 
  *    debt instruments at fair value through other 
       comprehensive income                                                         -            -         -                    (261)              -         -         -     (261) 
 
 *    equity instruments designated at fair value through 
      other comprehensive income                                                    -            -         -                     (34)              -         -         -      (34) 
 
  *    cash flow hedges                                                             -            -         -                            -     34             -         -       34 
 
  *    changes in fair value of financial liabilities 
       designated at fair value upon initial recognition 
       arising from changes in own credit risk                                      -            -     (208)                            -          -         -         -     (208) 
 
  *    property revaluation                                                                                -     8,410                                                      8,410 
 
  *    remeasurement of defined benefit asset/liability                             -            -     (327)                            -          -         -         -     (327) 
 
  *    exchange differences                                                         -            -         -              -             -          -   (3,373)         -   (3,373) 
 
Total comprehensive 
 income/(expense) for 
 the year                                                                           -            -   75,207      8,410          (295)         34       (3,373)         -   79,983 
                                                                                                                        --- 
Other equity instruments 
 issued(2)                                                                          -       21,142         -              -             -          -         -         -   21,142 
 
Dividends paid(3)                                                                   -            -  (47,440)              -             -          -         -         -  (47,440) 
 
Movement in respect 
 of share-based payment 
 arrangements                                                                       -            -     (213)              -             -          -         -      215         2 
 
Transfers and other 
 movements(4,6)                                                                20,975            -  (19,380)    (8,703)                 -          -         -     8,559    1,451 
 
At 31 Dec 2018                                                                172,335       35,879  212,860     39,506         1,037         (84)     (12,846)   (4,267)  444,420 
                                                                                                                        ---           --- 
 
                                                                                                                                    Other reserves 
                                                                                                                               Available-       Cash 
                                                                                             Other                 Property      for-sale       flow   Foreign 
                                                                                Share       equity  Retained    revaluation    investment      hedge  exchange                 Total 
                                                                              capital  instruments  earnings        reserve       reserve    reserve   reserve  Other(1)      equity 
                                                                                 HK$m         HK$m      HK$m           HK$m          HK$m       HK$m      HK$m      HK$m        HK$m 
At 1 Jan 2017                                                                 114,359       14,737  232,782     35,816         2,262        (675)     (13,734)  (15,226)  370,321 
Profit for the year                                                                 -            -   62,511          -             -           -            -         -    62,511 
Other comprehensive 
 income/expense 
 (net of tax)                                                                       -            -      707      7,252          (538)        557        4,261         -    12,239 
- available-for-sale 
 investments                                                                        -            -        -          -          (538)          -            -         -      (538) 
- cash flow hedges                                                                  -            -        -          -             -         557            -         -       557 
 
  *    changes in fair value of financial liabilities 
       designated at fair value upon initial recognition 
       arising from changes in own credit risk                                      -            -     (205)         -             -           -            -         -      (205) 
- property revaluation                                                              -            -        -      7,252             -           -            -         -     7,252 
 
  *    remeasurement of defined benefit asset/liability                             -            -      912          -             -           -            -         -       912 
- exchange differences                                                              -            -        -          -             -           -        4,261         -     4,261 
Total comprehensive 
 income/(expense) for 
 the year                                                                           -            -   63,218      7,252          (538)        557        4,261         -    74,750 
Shares issued                                                                   1,744            -        -          -             -           -            -         -     1,744 
Dividends paid(3)                                                                   -            -  (56,260)         -             -           -            -         -   (56,260) 
Movement in respect 
 of share-based payment 
 arrangements                                                                       -            -     (103)         -             -           -            -      (311)     (414) 
Transfers and other 
 movements(4,6)                                                                35,257            -  (34,055)    (3,269)          (36)          -            -     2,496       393 
At 31 Dec 2017                                                                151,360       14,737  205,582     39,799         1,688        (118)      (9,473)  (13,041)  390,534 
 
 

For footnotes, please refer to page 56.

 
 39   Legal proceedings and regulatory matters 
---  ----------------------------------------- 
 

The group is party to legal proceedings and regulatory matters in a number of jurisdictions arising out of its normal business operations. Apart from the matters described below, the Bank considers that none of these matters are material. The recognition of provisions is determined in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1.2(n). While the outcome of legal proceedings and regulatory matters is inherently uncertain, management believes that, based on the information available to it, appropriate provisions have been made in respect of these matters as at 31 December 2018. Any provision recognised does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing or legal liability. It is not practicable to provide an aggregate estimate of potential liability for our legal proceedings and regulatory matters as a class of contingent liabilities.

Anti-money laundering and sanctions-related matters

In 2010, HSBC Bank USA entered into a consent cease and desist order with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ('OCC') and the indirect parent of that company, HSBC North America Holdings Inc. ('HNAH'), entered into a consent cease and desist order with the US Federal Reserve Board ('FRB'). In 2012, HSBC Bank USA further entered into an enterprise-wide compliance consent order with the OCC (together the 'Orders'). These Orders required improvements to establish an effective compliance risk management programme across HSBC's US businesses, including risk management related to the US Bank Secrecy Act ('BSA') and anti-money laundering ('AML') compliance. In 2012, an additional consent order was entered into with the OCC that required HSBC Bank USA to correct the circumstances noted in the OCC's report and imposed restrictions on HSBC Bank USA acquiring control of, or holding an interest in, any new financial subsidiary, or commencing a new activity in its existing financial subsidiary, without the OCC's approval. Between June and September 2018, following implementation of the required remediation actions by HNAH and HSBC Bank USA, the FRB and OCC terminated each of these orders.

In December 2012, among other agreements, HSBC Holdings plc consented to a cease-and-desist order with the FRB and agreed to an undertaking with the UK Financial Conduct Authority ('FCA') to comply with certain forward-looking AML and sanctions-related obligations and to retain an independent compliance monitor (who is, for FCA purposes, a 'skilled person' under section 166 of the Financial Services and Markets Act) to produce periodic assessments of the Group's AML and sanctions compliance programme (the 'Skilled Person/Independent Consultant'). In December 2012, HSBC Holdings plc also entered into an agreement with the Office of Foreign Assets Control ('OFAC') regarding historical transactions involving parties subject to OFAC sanctions. The Skilled Person/Independent Consultant will continue to conduct country reviews and provide periodic reports for a period of time at the FCA's and FRB's discretion.

Through his country-level reviews, the Skilled Person/Independent Consultant has identified potential AML and sanctions compliance issues that HSBC is reviewing further with the FRB and/or FCA. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the US Treasury Department as well as the Civil Division of the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York are investigating the collection and transmittal of third-party originator information in certain payments instructed over HSBC's proprietary payment systems. HSBC is cooperating with all of these investigations.

Based on the facts currently known, it is not practicable at this time for HSBC to predict the resolution of these matters, including the timing or any possible impact on HSBC, which could be significant.

Tax investigations

The Bank continues to cooperate with the relevant US and other authorities, including with respect to clients of the Bank in India who may have had US tax reporting obligations.

In addition, various tax administration, regulatory and law enforcement authorities around the world, including in India, are conducting investigations and reviews of HSBC Swiss Private Bank and other HSBC companies in connection with allegations of tax evasion or tax fraud, money laundering and unlawful cross-border banking solicitation. In February 2015, the Indian tax authority issued a summons and request for information to the Bank in India.

The Bank and other HSBC companies are cooperating with these ongoing investigation. There are many factors that may affect the range of outcomes, and the resulting financial impact, of these investigations and reviews, which could be significant.

In light of the media attention regarding these matters, it is possible that other tax administration, regulatory or law enforcement authorities will also initiate or enlarge similar investigations or regulatory proceedings.

Singapore Interbank Offered Rate ('Sibor'), Singapore Swap Offer Rate ('SOR') and Australia Bank Bill Swap Rate ('BBSW')

In July 2016 and August 2016, HSBC and other panel banks were named as defendants in two putative class actions filed in the New York District Court on behalf of persons who transacted in products related to the SIBOR, SOR and BBSW benchmark rates. The complaints allege, among other things, misconduct related to these benchmark rates in violation of US antitrust, commodities and racketeering laws, and state law. Following a decision in October 2018 on the defendants' motion to dismiss in the SIBOR/SOR litigation, the claims against a number of HSBC entities were dismissed and the Bank remains the only HSBC defendant in this action. In October 2018, the Bank filed a motion for reconsideration of the decision based on the issue of personal jurisdiction. The plaintiff filed a third amended complaint in October 2018 naming only the SIBOR panel members. In November 2018, the defendants moved to dismiss the third amended complaint, and this motion remains pending.

In November 2018, the court granted in part and denied in part the defendants' motion to dismiss the BBSW case and dismissed all foreign defendants, including all the HSBC entities, on personal jurisdiction grounds. The plaintiff sought leave to file a second amended complaint in January 2019.

There are many factors that may affect the range of outcomes, and the resulting financial impact, of these matters, which could be significant.

United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York litigation

In June 2018, a claim was issued against the Bank in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York by the Chapter 11 Trustee of CFG Peru Investments Pte. Ltd. (Singapore) (the 'Trustee Complaint'). The Trustee Complaint makes allegations under the Peruvian Civil Code, Hong Kong and U.S. common law and the Bankruptcy Code concerning the Bank's alleged conduct in commencing the winding-up proceedings and pursuing the appointment of joint provisional liquidators for affiliates of CFG Peru Investments Pte. Ltd. The Trustee is seeking damages and equitable subordination or disallowance of the Bank's Chapter 11 claims in a related bankruptcy proceeding.

The Bank will seek to dismiss the Trustee Complaint. Based on the facts currently known, it is not practicable at this time to predict the resolution of these matters, including the timing or any possible impact, which could be significant.

Foreign exchange rate investigations

In January 2018, HSBC Holdings plc entered into a three-year deferred prosecution agreement with the Criminal Division of the DoJ (the 'FX DPA'), regarding fraudulent conduct in connection with two particular transactions in 2010 and 2011. This concluded the DoJ's investigation into HSBC's historical foreign exchange activities. Under the terms of the FX DPA, HSBC has a number of ongoing obligations, including implementing enhancements to its internal controls and procedures in its Global Markets business, which will be the subject of annual reports to the DoJ. In addition, HSBC agreed to pay a financial penalty and restitution.

There are many factors that may affect the range of outcomes and the resulting financial impact of this matter, which could be significant.

Other regulatory investigations, reviews and litigation

HSBC Holdings plc and/or certain of its affiliates are subject to a number of other investigations and reviews by various regulators and competition and law enforcement authorities, as well as litigation, in connection with various matters relating to the firm's businesses and operations, including:

-- requests for information from various tax administration or regulatory authorities relating to Mossack Fonseca & Co.;

-- an investigation by the US Securities and Exchange Commission of multiple institutions, including HSBC, in relation to hiring practices of candidates referred by or related to government officials or employees of state-owned enterprises in Asia-Pacific.

There are many factors that may affect the range of outcomes, and the resulting financial impact, of these matters, which could be significant.

 
 40   Ultimate holding company 
---  ------------------------- 
 

The ultimate holding company of the Bank is HSBC Holdings plc, which is incorporated in England.

The largest group in which the accounts of the Bank are consolidated is that headed by HSBC Holdings plc. The consolidated accounts of HSBC Holdings plc are available to the public on the HSBC Group's website at www.hsbc.com or may be obtained from 8 Canada Square, London E14 5HQ, United Kingdom.

 
 41   Events after the balance sheet date 
---  ------------------------------------ 
 

During 2018, the group also made progress to remove internal operational dependencies (for instance, where one group entity provides critical services to another) to further facilitate the recovery and resolution planning of the group. In particular, the group transferred critical shared services to a separate internal group of service companies ('ServCo group'), which is outside of the group but remain wholly-owned by HSBC Holdings plc. The transfer to the ServCo group of relevant employees, critical shared services and assets in Hong Kong was substantially completed on 1 January 2019. The establishment of the ServCo group does not change how the group operates and there were no changes to employment terms and conditions or pension benefits as a result of these transfers.

 
 42   Approval of financial statements 
---  --------------------------------- 
 

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 19 February 2019.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

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