Hang Seng Bank 2014 Interim Results

RNS Number : 1236O
HSBC Holdings PLC
04 August 2014
 



HANG SENG BANK LIMITED

2014 INTERIM RESULTS - HIGHLIGHTS

 

·    Operating profit up 6% to HK$9,496m (HK$8,934m for the first half of 2013).

 

·    Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions up 8% to HK$9,833m (HK$9,132m for the first half of 2013).

 

·    Attributable profit down 54% to HK$8,468m (HK$18,468m for the first half of 2013). Excluding the Industrial Bank reclassification in the first half of 2013, attributable profit down 5%.

 

·    Profit before tax down 47% to HK$9,877m (HK$18,773m for the first half of 2013). Excluding the Industrial Bank reclassification in the first half of 2013, profit before tax down 4%.

 

·    Return on average shareholders' funds of 15.9% (35.9% for the first half of 2013). Excluding the Industrial Bank reclassification in the first half of 2013, return on average shareholders' funds of 16.6% (19.0% for the first half of 2013).

 

·    Earnings per share down 54% to HK$4.43 per share (HK$9.66 per share for the first half of 2013). Excluding the Industrial Bank reclassification in the first half of 2013, earnings per share down 5%.

 

·    Second interim dividend of HK$1.10 per share; total dividends of HK$2.20 per share for the first half of 2014 (HK$2.20 per share for the first half of 2013).

 

·    Total capital ratio of 14.2%, both common equity tier 1 ('CET1') and tier 1 ('T1') capital ratios of 11.8% at 30 June 2014; (total capital ratio of 15.8%, both CET1 and T1 capital ratios of 13.8% at 31 December 2013).  

 

·    Cost efficiency ratio of 32.1% (32.2% for the first half of 2013).

 

Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. ('Industrial Bank') reclassification in 2013

 

Reported results for the first half of 2013 include a non-distributable accounting gain on the reclassification of Industrial Bank from an associate to a financial investment of HK$8,454m before tax (HK$9,517m attributable profit). Figures quoted as 'excluding the Industrial Bank reclassification' have been adjusted for the above items.

 

Within this document, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China has been referred to as 'Hong Kong'.

 

The abbreviations 'HK$m' and 'HK$bn' represent millions and billions of Hong Kong dollars respectively.


Contents

 

The financial information in this news release is based on the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Hang Seng Bank Limited ('the bank') and its subsidiaries ('the group') for the six months ended 30 June 2014.

 

1          Highlights of Results

2          Contents

4          Chairman's Comment

5          Chief Executive's Review

7          Results Summary

11        Segmental Analysis

19        Consolidated Income Statement

20        Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

21        Consolidated Balance Sheet

22        Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

24        Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

25        Financial Review

25        Net interest income

27        Net fee income

28        Net trading income

29        Net income/(loss) from financial instruments designated at fair value

29        Other operating income

30        Analysis of income from wealth management business

31        Analysis of insurance business income

32        Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions

33        Operating expenses

34        Gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets

34        Net gain on reclassification of Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. ('Industrial Bank')

and Yantai Bank Co., Ltd. ('Yantai Bank')

35        Tax expense

36        Earnings per share

36        Dividends per share

36        Segmental analysis

39        Cash and balances at central banks

39        Placings with and advances to banks

40        Trading assets

41        Financial assets designated at fair value

42        Loans and advances to customers

42        Loan impairment allowances against loans and advances to customers

43        Impaired loans and advances to customers and allowances

44        Overdue loans and advances to customers

44        Rescheduled loans and advances to customers

            45        Segmental analysis of loans and advances to customers by geographical area

            46        Gross loans and advances to customers by industry sector

48        Financial investments

50        Interest in associates

50        Intangible assets

50        Other assets

51        Current, savings and other deposit accounts

51        Certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue

52        Trading liabilities

52        Other liabilities

53        Subordinated liabilities

54        Shareholders' funds

55        Capital management

60        Liquidity ratio

60        Reconciliation of cash flow statement

61        Contingent liabilities, commitments and derivatives

65        Statutory accounts and accounting policies

66        The New Hong Kong Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622)

66        Changes in presentation

67        Comparative figures

67        The appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ('PwC') as the group's auditor 

68        Accounting treatment for Industrial Bank and Yantai Bank

69        Property revaluation

70        Foreign currency positions

71        Ultimate holding company

71        Register of shareholders

72        Proposed timetable for the remaining 2014 quarterly dividends

72        Code on corporate governance practices

72        Board of Directors

73        News release

 

 

Comment by Raymond Ch'ien, Chairman

With developments in the global and regional economies continuing to create uncertain market conditions - particularly in the early part of the year - Hang Seng Bank maintained good growth momentum in the first half of 2014. We reinforced our reputation for service excellence and further strengthened customer relationships by enhancing our portfolio of products and services, leveraging the close cross-border connectivity of our network and improving service channels and operational efficiency.

Operating profit increased by 6% to HK$9,496m. However, the impact of our reclassification of Industrial Bank in 2013 saw profit attributable to shareholders and earnings per share both fall by 54% to HK$8,468m and HK$4.43 respectively. Excluding the Industrial Bank reclassification, profit attributable to shareholders and earnings per share were both down 5%, reflecting a HK$769m decrease in the net surplus on property revaluation.

Return on average shareholders' funds was 15.9%, compared with 35.9% in the first half of 2013. Excluding the Industrial Bank reclassification, return on average shareholders' funds was 16.6%, compared with 19.0% in the first half of last year.

The Directors have declared a second interim dividend of HK$1.10 per share, bringing the total distribution for the first half of 2014 to HK$2.20 per share, the same as in the first half of 2013.

Economic environment

The global economy recorded a slow start in 2014, with emerging market equities and currencies falling sharply in January and harsh winter conditions in the US contributing to a first-quarter contraction in its economy. Looking ahead, improved economic conditions in the second quarter and ongoing recovery in the eurozone region are providing cause for cautious optimism, although the European Central Bank continues to take action to prevent inflation from falling further below its target.

Hong Kong's economy expanded by 2.5% in the first quarter, compared with a 2.9% increase for 2013. Domestic demand continued to be a major growth driver, although household spending appears to have slowed after years of outpacing overall economic expansion. With the recent improvement in the global economy, trade activity is likely to rebound in the second half of the year and we expect Hong Kong's real GDP to grow by 3.3% for the year.

After first-quarter GDP growth of 7.4%, mainland China's economy achieved growth of 7.5% in the second quarter, suggesting that targeted measures by the government are succeeding in stimulating growth. While property investment may remain weak for some time, a recovery in developed economies should see demand for exports increase in the second half and we expect the mainland economy to expand by 7.4% for 2014.

Challenges such as the rolling back of quantitative easing measures in the US will continue to create downside risks, but closer economic integration in the Greater China region and Hong Kong's position as a primary centre for offshore renminbi financial services will create new business opportunities.

We will continue with initiatives to leverage our competitive strengths and to improve efficiency across our business to generate increasing value for our customers and shareholders.

 

Review by Rose Lee, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive

Under challenging operating conditions, Hang Seng Bank achieved good growth, with increases in income and profit across all business groups, in the first half of 2014.

Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges rose by 8% to HK$9,833m compared with the first half of 2013. Operating profit increased by 6% to HK$9,496m. Compared with the second half of last year, which benefited from HK$995m in dividend income from Industrial Bank, operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and operating profit were both broadly unchanged. Excluding the dividend impact from Industrial Bank, operating profit grew by 12%.

The accounting gain on Industrial Bank's reclassification in 2013 and lower gains from property disposal and revaluation resulted in a 54% drop in profit attributable to shareholders to HK$8,468m and a 47% decline in profit before tax to HK$9,877m. Compared with the second half of 2013, profit attributable to shareholders and profit before tax increased by 3% and 2% respectively.

Leveraging our trusted brand and strong market position, we strategically deployed resources and implemented customer-focused initiatives to support sustainable growth in our core business lines and enhance our cross-border and renminbi-related propositions.

In April, we further enriched our wealth management proposition with the signing of an exclusive 10-year distribution agreement with international healthcare company Bupa, under which a range of bespoke medical insurance products and services will be offered to Hang Seng customers.

We upgraded our branch network and increased our number of Prestige and Preferred Banking Centres to better serve the needs of targeted commercial and wealth clients.

The new Hang Seng Bank (China) Ltd outlets in Chengdu and the Shanghai Free Trade Zone extended our cross-border network, strengthening our ability to capture new business opportunities in mainland China. In June, Hang Seng China successfully raised RMB1bn in Hong Kong through its debut offshore renminbi bond issue with a positive response from a diverse group of investors.

Net interest income increased by 8% to HK$9,671m, underpinned by a 4% increase in average interest-earning assets and an 8-basis-point improvement in net interest margin to 1.92%. In competitive market conditions, we continued to focus on quality assets and good balance sheet management, recording a 5% increase in average customer deposits and an 8% rise in average customer loans and advances.

Non-interest income grew by 7% to HK$4,802m, benefiting from the 4% increase in net fee income. Our diverse range of products and swift response to the changing market generated a 4% rise in wealth management income amidst uncertain market conditions.

Our cost efficiency ratio improved to 32.1% - down 10 basis points and 50 basis points compared with the first and second halves of 2013 respectively.

On 30 June 2014, our total capital ratio under Basel III was 14.2% and our common equity
tier 1 and tier 1 capital ratios were both 11.8%, compared with 15.8% and 13.8% respectively at 2013 year end.

Aligned for sustainable growth

We are committed to driving long-term business growth by upholding service excellence. We will continue to provide a premium customer experience and remain well positioned to respond effectively to new business opportunities, proactively manage emerging risks and maintain high standards of corporate governance.

We will build on our strong brand and market leadership to generate balanced growth with further investments in technology, staff development and our cross-border network and capabilities.

Our long-term success is closely aligned with the economic growth and well-being of our communities. We will continue to emphasise long-term relationships and our commitment to corporate responsibility.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff for their dedication and contribution to our business success. Their commitment and drive will ensure that we will continue to sustain quality growth in our core businesses to the benefit of our customers and shareholders.

 

Results summary

 

Hang Seng Bank Limited ('the bank') and its subsidiaries ('the group') reported an unaudited profit attributable to shareholders of HK$8,468m for the first half of 2014, down 54.1% compared with the first half of 2013 which benefited from the HK$9,517m accounting gain on the reclassification of Industrial Bank Co., Ltd ('Industrial Bank'). Earnings per share were down 54.1% at HK$4.43. Excluding the Industrial Bank reclassification, attributable profit fell by 5.4% mainly due to lower property revaluation gains. Attributable profit rose by 3.1% when compared with the second half of 2013.

 

Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions grew by HK$701m, or 7.7%, to HK$9,833m. This reflected growth in net interest income, driven by balance sheet growth and increased non-interest income from wealth management businesses. Under challenging operating conditions, the bank achieved good growth, with increases in income and profit across all business groups in the first half of 2014. Compared with the second half of 2013, operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions remained broadly unchanged. Excluding the dividend received from Industrial Bank, operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions grew by 11.5%, driven by the growth in both net interest income and non-interest income together with lower operating expenses.

 

Net interest income rose by HK$702m, or 7.8%, to HK$9,671m compared with the first half of 2013, driven by growth in average interest-earning assets and a widening of the net interest margin. The 3.6% increase in average interest-earning assets was supported by the 8.0% growth in average customer lending. Net interest margin improved by eight basis points to 1.92% while net interest spread and contribution from net free funds rose by six basis points and two basis points to 1.79% and 0.13% respectively. Average loan spreads in Hong Kong improved, notably in term lending, though the benefit of this growth was partly offset by spread compression in mortgages and trade-related lending. Average customer deposits grew by 5.1%, reflecting our flexible deposit acquisition strategy to support growth, the benefit of which was broadly offset by narrower deposit spreads. There was encouraging growth in Balance Sheet Management income as Treasury enhanced the portfolio yield with a larger commercial surplus for investment. In mainland China, higher average interest-earning assets coupled with a less volatile interbank market and improved deposit spreads outweighed the narrowing of loan spreads.

 

Net fee income grew by HK$126m, or 4.3%, to HK$3,062m, reflecting the group's continuous efforts in expanding its service capabilities. Retail investment fund sales income grew by 5.4%, notwithstanding the weakening of market sentiment. Credit card fee income rose by 3.4%, benefiting from increased cardholder spending and merchant acquiring business in Hong Kong. Fee income from remittances grew by 22.2% as business volumes increased. Insurance-related fee income rose by 11.7%, reflecting growth in life re-insurance income as well as distribution commission from non-life insurance business. Income from stockbroking and related services dropped by 4.5%, as a result of the reduced stock market trading activity.

 

Net trading income decreased by HK$143m, or 11.9%, to HK$1,061m. Foreign exchange income decreased by HK$195m compared with the first half of 2013. Decreased revenue from lower customer activity and demand for foreign exchange-linked structured treasury products was partly offset by the increase in net interest income from funding swap activities.

 

Dividend income was broadly in line with first half of 2013 but decreased significantly from HK$1,010m to HK$5m when compared with the second half of 2013, due mainly to the dividend received from Industrial Bank.

 

Income from insurance business (included under 'net interest income', 'net fee income', 'net trading income', 'net income/(loss) from financial instruments designated at fair value', 'net earned insurance premiums', 'movement in present value of in-force long-term insurance business' and 'other' within 'other operating income', 'share of profits from associates' and after deducting 'net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholders' liabilities') increased by HK$332m, or 18.2%, to HK$2,159m. Net interest income and fee income from the life insurance business grew marginally when compared with the same period last year. Under the low interest rate environment, the life insurance investment portfolios have been re-balanced with a modest shift from debt securities to equities and other assets. The investment return on life insurance benefited from the favourable movement in equity markets, though this was partly offset by lower property revaluation gains. To the extent that these investment returns were attributable to policyholders, there was an offsetting movement in net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholders' liabilities. Net earned insurance premiums rose by 3.5% as a result of increased renewals of existing policies, partly offset by lower new business premiums written. The growth in insurance premiums resulted in a corresponding increase in 'net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholders' liabilities'. The increase in the movement in present value of in-force long-term insurance business was driven by new sales with higher profit margins and a favourable change in market conditions. General insurance income increased by 10.5%, reflecting higher distribution commission income.

 

Operating expenses rose by HK$295m, or 6.8%, to HK$4,640m, compared with the first half of 2013, reflecting the bank's continued investment in new business platforms and mainland operations to support long-term business growth. Staff costs increased by 5.8%, due mainly to the annual salary increment and performance-related remuneration. General and administrative expenses rose by 8.2% as a result of an increase in rental expenses, marketing expenditure and processing charges. Mainland-related operating expenses increased by 6.9%, reflecting the network expansion of Hang Seng China.

 

With the increase in net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions outpacing the growth in operating expenses, the cost efficiency ratio improved to 32.1% when compared with 32.2% and 32.6% for the first and second halves of 2013.

 

Operating profit grew by HK$562m, or 6.3%, to HK$9,496m, after accounting for the increase of HK$139m in loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions, reflecting a broad-based increase in core banking business income.

 

Profit before tax decreased by 47.4% to HK$9,877m after taking the following major items into account:

·    the non-recurrence of the gain of HK$8,454m on the reclassification of Industrial Bank in January 2013;

·    a HK$178m decrease in gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets, due mainly to property disposals in the first half of 2013;

·    a 77.0% (or HK$769m) decrease in net surplus on property revaluation; and

·    a 26.8% (or HK$57m) decrease in share of profits from associates, mainly due to the reclassification of Yantai Bank in December 2013.

 

Consolidated balance sheet and key ratios

 

Total assets grew by HK$52.2bn, or 4.6%, to HK$1,196.0bn when compared with the year end, reflecting the group's balanced growth strategy to enhance profitability. Customer loans and advances increased by HK$46.7bn, or 8.0%, to HK$632.9bn, largely through growth in corporate and commercial lending. Amidst lower property market turnover, we maintained our market share in underwriting new mortgage business. Residential mortgage lending increased by 2.4% when compared with the year end. Hang Seng China lending portfolios increased by 1.9%, mainly to corporate customers. Overall loan quality remained sound with total loan impairment allowances as a percentage of gross loans and advances to customers improving to 0.23% at 30 June 2014. Customer deposits, including certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue, rose by HK$51.1bn, or 5.9%, to HK$920.8bn. In June, Hang Seng China successfully raised RMB1bn in Hong Kong through its debut offshore renminbi bond issue with a positive response from a diverse group of investors. At 30 June 2014, the advances-to-deposits ratio was 68.7%, compared with 67.4% at 31 December 2013.

 

At 30 June 2014, shareholders' funds (excluding proposed dividends) were HK$107.4bn, an increase of HK$3.8bn, or 3.7%, against last year end. Retained profits grew by HK$4.5bn, resulting from the growth in attributable profit after the appropriation of interim dividends. The premises revaluation reserve increased by HK$296m, or 2.0%, reflecting an increase in the fair value of the bank's premises. The available-for-sale investment reserve recorded a revaluation deficit of HK$2,460m, compared with a deficit of HK$1,618m at the end of 2013, primarily reflecting the unrealised revaluation deficit on the bank's investment in Industrial Bank. Available-for-sale financial investments are tested for impairment when there is an indication that the investment may be impaired. The group's policy is to recognise an impairment loss where there is a 'significant' or 'prolonged' decline in the fair value of an equity investment.

 

The return on average total assets was 1.5%, compared with 3.4% and 1.4% for the first and second halves of 2013. The return on average shareholders' funds was 15.9%, compared with 35.9% in the first half of 2013 and 15.3% in the second half.Excluding the Industrial Bank reclassification in 2013, return on average total assets was 1.5%, compared with 1.7% and 1.4% for the first and second halves of 2013. On the same basis, return on average shareholders' funds was 16.6%, compared with 19.0% and 16.3% for the first and second halves of last year. The decrease in return on average shareholders' funds when compared with the first half of 2013 was mainly the combined effect of lower property revaluation gains and the increase in average shareholders' funds which outpaced the growth in annualised profit. Higher average shareholders' funds mainly reflected the increase in attributable profit and business premises revaluation reserve during the first half of 2014.

 

At 30 June 2014, the total capital ratio was 14.2%, down from 15.8% at the end of last year, mainly from an increase in risk-weighted assets. The overall capital base remained broadly the same as last year end as the benefit of profit growth after accounting for dividends declared in the first half of the year was offset by the discounting of non-Basel III compliant subordinated debts. The increase of 11.3% in risk-weighted assets was driven by loan growth and regulatory model changes.

 

The CET1 and T1 capital ratios stood at 11.8%, down from 13.8% as a result of the combined effect of the reduction in CET1 and T1 capital and the increase in risk-weighted assets. The effect of the phasing-in of Basel III requirements on significant capital investments in unconsolidated financial sector entities has also affected the CET1 and T1 capital but has no impact on the total capital base.

 

The bank has been maintaining liquidity at a comfortable level. The average liquidity ratio for the first half of 2014 was 34.5% (calculated in accordance with the Fourth Schedule of the Hong Kong Banking Ordinance) compared with 35.8% for the first half of 2013.

 

Dividends

 

The Directors have declared a second interim dividend of HK$1.10 per share, which will be payable on 4 September 2014 to shareholders on the register of shareholders as of 20 August 2014. Together with the first interim dividend, the total distribution for the first half of 2014 will amount to HK$2.20 per share, the same as in the first half of 2013.

 

 

Segmental analysis

 

 

Hong Kong and other businesses










 











 

Retail

Banking 


 

Global Banking






Mainland


Inter-




 

 

and Wealth

Commercial

and






China

segment




 

Figures in HK$m

Management


Banking


Markets


Other


Total


business

elimination


Total



















Half-year ended

















30 June 2014


































Net interest income/(expense)

4,888


2,228


1,764


(75

)

8,805


866


__


9,671


Net fee income/(expense)

2,030


787


120


72


3,009


53


__


3,062


Net trading income/(loss)

140


266


579


__


985


76


__


1,061


Net income/(loss) from financial





 


 


 




 




  instruments designated at fair





 


 


 




 




  value

429


(1

)

__


__


428


__


__


428


Dividend income

1


__


__


4


5


__


__


5


Net earned insurance premiums

5,950


54


__


__


6,004


__


__


6,004


Other operating income

903


45


__


223


1,171


1


(41

)

1,131


Total operating income

14,341


3,379


2,463


224


20,407


996


(41

)

21,362


Net insurance claims

















  incurred and movement

















  in policyholders' liabilities

(6,847

)

(42

)

__


__


(6,889

)

__


__


(6,889

)

Net operating income before













 




  loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions

7,494


3,337


2,463


224


13,518


996


(41

)

14,473


Loan impairment (charges)/













 




  releases and other credit risk provisions

(247

)

12


__


__


(235

)

(102

)

__


(337

)

Net operating income

7,247


3,349


2,463


224


13,283


894


(41

)

14,136


Operating expenses W

(2,750

)

(861

)

(287

)

(52

)

(3,950

)

(731

)

41


(4,640

)

Operating profit

4,497


2,488


2,176


172


9,333


163


__


9,496


Gains less losses from financial

















  investments and fixed assets

__


__


3


(7

)

(4

)

(1

)

__


(5

)

Net surplus on property

















  revaluation

__


__


__


230


230


__


__


230


Share of profits from associates

155


1


__


__


156


__


__


156


Profit before tax

4,652


2,489


2,179


395


9,715


162


__


9,877


Share of profit before tax

47.1

%

25.2

%

22.1

%

4.0

%

98.4

%

1.6

%

__


100.0

%

Share of profit before tax as a % of

  Hong Kong and other businesses

47.9

%

25.6

%

22.4

%

4.1

%

100.0

%



 





















Operating profit excluding loan

















  impairment charges and other credit risk provisions

4,744


2,476


2,176


172


9,568


265


__


9,833















 




W Depreciation/amortisation

















    included in operating

















    expenses

(23

)

(14

)

(2

)

(373

)

(412

)

(49

)

__


(461

)














 





















At 30 June 2014


































Total assets

324,699


239,280


443,493


87,449


1,094,921


125,434


(24,391

)

1,195,964


Total liabilities

663,013


189,121


115,121


20,563


987,818


115,308


(16,663

)

1,086,463


Interest in associates

2,137


12


__


__


2,149


29


__


2,178







 








 









 








 









 








 




 

 

 

Hong Kong and other businesses










 











 

Retail Banking 


 

Global Banking






Mainland


Inter-




 

 

and Wealth

Commercial

and






China

segment




Figures in HK$m

Management


Banking


Markets


Other


Total


business

elimination


Total



















Half-year ended

















30 June 2013 (restated)


































Net interest income/(expense)

4,917


2,008


1,508


(113

)

8,320


649


__


8,969


Net fee income/(expense)

1,955


793


83


66


2,897


39


__


2,936


Net trading income/(loss)

89


327


689


(9

)

1,096


108


__


1,204


Net income/(loss) from financial





 


 


 




 




  instruments designated at fair





 


 


 




 




  value

(108

)

(3

)

__


__


(111

)

__


__


(111

)

Dividend income

__


__


__


4


4


__


__


4


Net earned insurance premiums

5,761


39


__


__


5,800


__


__


5,800


Other operating income

956


25


__


140


1,121


__


(26

)

1,095


Total operating income

13,570


3,189


2,280


88


19,127


796


(26

)

19,897


Net insurance claims

















  incurred and movement

















  in policyholders' liabilities

(6,381

)

(39

)

__


__


(6,420

)

__


__


(6,420

)

Net operating income before













 




  loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions

7,189


3,150


2,280


88


12,707


796


(26

)

13,477


Loan impairment (charges)/













 




  releases and other credit risk provisions

(280

)

59


6


__


(215

)

17


__


(198

)

Net operating income

6,909


3,209


2,286


88


12,492


813


(26

)

13,279


Operating expenses W

(2,615

)

(787

)

(250

)

(35

)

(3,687

)

(684

)

26


(4,345

)

Operating profit

4,294


2,422


2,036


53


8,805


129


__


8,934


Gains less losses from financial

















  investments and fixed assets

(1

)

__


1


173


173


__


__


173


Gain on reclassification of Industrial Bank

__


__


__


__


__


8,454


__


8,454


Net surplus on property

















  revaluation

__


__


__


999


999


__


__


999


Share of profits from associates

162


1


__


__


163


50


__


213


Profit before tax

4,455


2,423


2,037


1,225


10,140


8,633


__


18,773


Share of profit before tax

23.8

%

12.9

%

10.8

%

6.5

%

54.0

%

46.0

%

__


100.0

%

Share of profit before tax as a % of

  Hong Kong and other businesses

43.9

%

23.9

%

20.1

%

12.1

%

100.0

%
























Operating profit excluding loan

















  impairment charges and other credit risk provisions

4,574


2,363


2,030


53


9,020


112


__


9,132



















W Depreciation/amortisation

















    included in operating













 




    expenses

(24

)

(12

)

(2

)

(345

)

(383

)

(50

)

__


(433

)



































At 30 June 2013






























 




Total assets

307,081


215,914


392,251


98,429


1,013,675


118,176


(25,194

)

1,106,657


Total liabilities

621,704


162,820


83,686


46,569


914,779


109,913


(20,116

)

1,004,576


Interest in associates

1,769


9


__


__


1,778


975


__


2,753







 








 




 

 


Hong Kong and other businesses










 












 


Retail Banking 


 

Global Banking






Mainland


Inter-




 


and Wealth

Commercial

and






China

segment




Figures in HK$m

Management


Banking


Markets


Other


Total


business

elimination


Total



















Half-year ended

















31 December 2013 (restated)


































Net interest income/(expense)

5,042


2,163


1,728


(108

)

8,825


810


__


9,635


Net fee income/(expense)

1,894


772


148


78


2,892


59


__


2,951


Net trading income/(loss)

211


179


433


(5

)

818


23


__


841


Net income/(loss) from financial





 


 


 




 




  instruments designated at fair





 


 


 




 




  value

458


(1

)

(1

)

__


456


__


__


456


Dividend income

__


7


__


1,003


1,010


__


__


1,010


Net earned insurance premiums

4,164


41


__


__


4,205


__


__


4,205


Other operating income

656


14


1


194


865


7


(31

)

841


Total operating income

12,425


3,175


2,309


1,162


19,071


899


(31

)

19,939


Net insurance claims

















  incurred and movement

















  in policyholders' liabilities

(5,321

)

(33

)

__


__


(5,354

)

__


__


(5,354

)

Net operating income before













 




  loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions

7,104


3,142


2,309


1,162


13,717


899


(31

)

14,585


Loan impairment (charges)/













 




  releases and other credit risk provisions

(202

)

(97

)

(14

)

__


(313

)

(25

)

__


(338

)

Net operating income

6,902


3,045


2,295


1,162


13,404


874


(31

)

14,247


Operating expenses W

(2,700

)

(834

)

(265

)

(195

)

(3,994

)

(795

)

31


(4,758

)

Impairment loss on intangible assets

(11

)

(2

)

__


__


(13

)

__


__


(13

)

Operating profit

4,191


2,209


2,030


967


9,397


79


__


9,476


Gains less losses from financial

















  investments and fixed assets

__


1


3


3


7


(1

)

__


6


Loss on reclassification of Yantai

















  Bank

__


__


__


__


__


(297

)

__


(297

)

Net surplus on property

















  revaluation

__


__


__


189


189


__


__


189


Share of profits from associates

293


1


__


__


294


55


__


349


Profit before tax

4,484


2,211


2,033


1,159


9,887


(164

)

__


9,723


Share of profit before tax

46.1

%

22.7

%

20.9

%

12.0

%

101.7

%

(1.7

%)

__


100.0

%

Share of profit before tax as a % of

  Hong Kong and other businesses

45.4

%

22.4

%

20.6

%

11.6

%

100.0

%
























Operating profit excluding loan

















  impairment charges and other credit risk provisions

4,393


2,306


2,044


967


9,710


104


__


9,814



















W Depreciation/amortisation

















    included in operating













 




    expenses

(25

)

(16

)

(3

)

(350

)

(394

)

(48

)

__


(442

)



































At 31 December 2013






























 




Total assets

309,758


211,747


426,288


104,027


1,051,820


118,476


(26,566

)

1,143,730


Total liabilities

650,309


173,675


105,484


16,924


946,392


108,495


(18,935

)

1,035,952


Interest in associates

2,022


10


__


__


2,032


30


__


2,062







 








 









 








 




 

 

Hong Kong and other businesses segment

 

Retail Banking and Wealth Management ('RBWM') in Hong Kong reported profit before tax of HK$4,652m in the first half of 2014, a 4.4% increase compared with the first half of 2013. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges reached HK$4,744m, an increase of 3.7%. Operating profit grew by 4.7% to HK$4,497m.

 

Net interest income was maintained at HK$4,888m, in line with the first half of 2013, despite downward pressure on deposit margin as a result of increased competition and moderate growth in mortgage lending.

 

Non-interest income grew strongly by 14.7% to HK$2,606m, reflecting a growth in net fee income and trading income as well as an improvement in net income from financial instruments at fair value whereas a loss was recorded in the first half of 2013. We sustained our momentum in wealth management business, with income growing by 10.7% to HK$3,495m.

 

Unsecured lending business continued to be a key growth driver. Supported by effective marketing campaigns and a good quality credit card customer base, card spending achieved year-on-year growth of 9.4%. Total cards in circulation rose by 3.2% to 2.48 million year-on-year and we were the third largest card issuer of VISA and MasterCard in the first half of 2014. We were able to reach more targeted customers from our existing customer base to grow our personal loan portfolios. Compared to last year end, the personal loan portfolio rose by 11.7%.

 

Our mortgage business maintained third position in the market, with a market share of 16.2% in terms of new mortgage registrations. Mortgage balances grew by 2.1% compared to 2013 year end.

 

Investment funds income rose year-on-year by 6.2% with turnover increasing by 9.4% compared with last year. However, reduced transaction turnover in the stock market impacted our securities business. Securities turnover and income recorded reductions of 6.4% and 4.0% respectively.

 

Total operating income for insurance business achieved growth of 19.0%, reflecting an improvement in investment portfolio return and our effective distribution effort. Supported by the initiative to broaden our protection plans offerings, we diversified the life insurance product mix to create higher business value. In addition, we have entered into an exclusive 10 year distribution agreement with international healthcare company Bupa in providing medical insurance products and services.

 

With multiple efforts in strengthening Prestige and Preferred propositions and China connectivity, Prestige and Preferred Banking customers grew 7.0% year-on-year. We launched an awareness campaign to communicate our enhanced customer propositions and product features based on customer's wealth management needs. We accelerated our pace in the development of Prestige and Preferred Banking Centres to enhance customer experience. During the first half of 2014, five more Prestige and Preferred Banking Centres were established in strategic locations, bringing a total of 17 centres in our portfolio.

 

We continued to drive sustainable business growth with environmentally friendly initiatives. We deployed the e-signature pads at our branches to facilitate an efficient and paperless transactions environment. Efforts were also made to encourage customers to adopt the e-statement / e-advices services, with over half of our e-Banking customers utilising the services in the first half of 2014. Furthermore, we enhanced our capabilities to support paperless billing process through the Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment (EBPP) platform.

 

Commercial Banking ('CMB') in Hong Kong reported a 2.7% increase in profit before tax to HK$2,489m. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges grew by 4.8% to HK$2,476m. Operating profit grew by 2.7% to HK$2,488m.

 

Net interest income increased by 11.0% to HK$2,228m, supported by balanced growth in both customer advances and deposits compared with last year end. Customer advances increased by 13.2% with targeted marketing and cross-border collaborations leading to diversified growth in different industry sectors. Deposits increased by 9.2%, driven by continuing acquisition of quality mainland customers and propositions targeting professional firms, listed companies, property developers and retailers.

 

Non-interest income decreased by 2.9% to HK$1,109m, primarily because customers have reduced renminbi hedging activities with the depreciation of renminbi and our strategic repositioning of trade finance business to support the needs of core corporate customers.

 

Remittance income grew by 21.9% year-on-year, underpinned by cross-border business collaboration and initiatives.

 

Insurance income rose by 12.9% comparing with the first half of 2013, reflecting balanced growth in key-person and general insurance businesses. We strengthened our collaboration with QBE Insurance, resulting in good growth in general insurance income. Increased penetration of the SME sector led to a 16.1% increase in life insurance income.

 

We maintained good asset quality and recorded a net release in loan impairment charges as a result of proactive credit risk management and improved post-approval monitoring of loan assets. We continued to enhance our portfolio management to improve overall returns on risk assets.

 

We maintained our strong position for syndicated lending. According to Thomson Reuters LPC data, we ranked second and third in the Mandated Arranger and Bookrunner League Tables respectively for Hong Kong and Macau Syndicated Loans in terms of number of transactions in the first half of 2014.

 

We continued to tap cross-border business opportunities. We successfully completed the first renminbi cross-border loan to a customer in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone in the first half of 2014.     

 

We have enriched our service propositions and enhanced our Business Banking Centres network to attract and retain quality SME customers. Mainland companies continued to be one of our targeted segments, representing 44.9% of newly acquired SME customers in the first half. New customers were the primary drivers of growth in SME customer deposits and the 9.5% increase in non-interest income from SME business.

 

Our SME banking services continued to receive independent recognition. For the ninth consecutive year, Hang Seng Bank has received the SME's Best Partner Award from the Hong Kong General Chamber of Small and Medium Business.

 

Global Banking and Markets ('GBM') in Hong Kong recorded a 7.0% increase in profit before tax to HK$2,179m. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges grew by 7.2% to HK$2,176m. Operating profit rose 6.9% to HK$2,176m.

 

Global Banking ('GB') in Hong Kong achieved a 14.5% increase in profit before tax to HK$821m. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges grew by 15.4% to HK$819m. Operating profit grew 14.4% to HK$819m.

 

Net interest income rose by 13.9% to HK$813m, driven primarily by good loan growth, whilst maintaining strong credit quality. At the same time, we maintained robust credit risk management. Customer deposits increased by 41.6% compared with last year end as we stepped up our marketing efforts to acquire more new deposits and offer payment and cash management solutions to grow account balances.

 

Non-interest income recorded strong growth of 25.3% mainly due to increased transactional banking business.

 

To drive business opportunities in mainland China and Hong Kong, GB will continue to work closely with Hang Seng China in promoting renminbi-related services including deposit, loan and trade finance to take advantage of the liberalisation of renminbi business and opportunities arising from the development of new economic zones in Qianhai and Hengqin as well as the Shanghai Free Trade Zone.

 

Global Markets ('GM') in Hong Kong recorded a 2.9% increase in profit before tax to HK$1,358m. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges grew by 2.8% to HK$1,357m. Operating profit increased by 2.8% to HK$1,357m.

 

Net interest income increased by 19.8% to HK$951m. The balance sheet management team has been actively managing the interest rate risk and assessing different market opportunities for better yield enhancement of the commercial surplus.

 

Non-interest income decreased by HK$97m to HK$580m. Total trading income decreased by HK$111m, or 16.1%, to HK$579m. Foreign exchange trading income decreased due to lower market volatility. Income from structured products was also impacted by reduced customer demand for renminbi products due to the depreciation of the renminbi.

 

Front-line channels (including e-Banking) and trading systems were enhanced to facilitate straight-through processing, enabling better position management. To support client clearing directly and strengthen market standing as a leading local bank, the bank will join OTC Clearing Hong Kong Limited as a direct member for central clearing of its over-the-counter derivatives in 2014.

 

To diversify revenue sources, GM has increased cross-selling of Global Markets products to RBWM and CMB customers. Strategic actions were set for identifying RBWM and CMB customer needs and cross-selling opportunities through collaboration schemes.

 

Going forward, GM will continue to position itself to capture yield enhancement opportunities by investing in Hong Kong and mainland bonds and capturing yield curves of selected currencies. As the renminbi market in Hong Kong evolves, GM will continue to develop renminbi-denominated hedging and investment products to meet customer needs as well as explore new business opportunities for cross-selling treasury products with other customer groups.

 

Mainland China business

 

The operating results of Hang Seng China improved in the first half of 2014. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions grew by 136.6%, mainly from the 33.4% increase in net interest income. Solid progress with expanding trade-related business and treasury product sales drove 35.9% growth in net fee and commission income. Trading income declined, reflecting the impact of market interest rate changes on the fair value of structured deposits. Overall, non-interest income fell by 11.6%. Operating profit increased by 26.4%, reflecting higher impairment charges in the first half of 2014 compared with a net release in same period last year. Asset quality remains stable with impaired loan ratios at 0.42% at the end of 30 June 2014. Profit before tax decreased by 98.1% when compared with the first half of 2013, which benefited from the HK$8,454m accounting gain on the reclassification of Industrial Bank and a HK$52m share of profit from Yantai Bank. Excluding these items, profit before tax rose by 27.6%.

 

Backed by enhanced cross-border collaboration, Hang Seng China achieved a 5.8% rise in customer deposits compared to 2013 year end. In June, Hang Seng China successfully raised RMB1bn in Hong Kong through its debut offshore renminbi bond issue with a positive response from a diverse group of investors. Lending grew by 1.9% with continuing emphasis on sound credit risk management.

 

 


 

As reported

 

 


Constant currencyW


Half-year ended 30 June 2014

compared with 30 June 2013




Total operating income


25.1

%


23.1

%








Operating profit excluding loan impairment

  charges and other credit risk provisions


136.6

%


134.5

%

Operating profit


26.4

%


24.4

%

Profit before tax


-98.1

%


n.a









 

At 30 June 2014

compared with 31 December 2013

 







Gross loans and advances to customers


1.9

%


3.7

%

Customer deposits and debt securities in

  issue


5.8

%


7.7

%

 

Given the growing economic ties between Hong Kong and the Mainland, Hang Seng China has enhanced the cooperation and connectivity with Hang Seng Hong Kong, aiming to create more synergy and to seize new opportunities. In this regard, the Shanghai Free Trade Zone Sub-branch was opened in February 2014 to provide the latest available solutions to our clients. In April, the Greater China Prestige programme was launched to serve clients with banking needs in both mainland China and Hong Kong. Hang Seng China will continue to capture opportunities generated by increasing cross-border economic integration and renminbi internationalisation.

 

The Chengdu Branch was also opened in February to serve and develop our clients in the fast growing central and western region to supplement our coverage in the Pearl River Delta, Yangtze River Delta and Bohai Rim. Meanwhile, Hang Seng China continues to invest in direct channels including call centres, e-Banking and SMS services to enhance our customers' experience.

 

 

 

 

W Constant currency comparatives for 2013 referred to in the tables above are computed by translating into Hong Kong dollars the functional currency (renminbi) of Hang Seng's mainland China business:

- the income statement for the half year to 30 June 2013 at the average rates of exchange for the half year to 30 June 2014; and

- the balance sheet at 31 December 2013 at the prevailing rates of exchange on 30 June 2014.

 

 

Consolidated Income Statement (unaudited)

 


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013






















Interest income


12,774



11,459



12,366


Interest expense


(3,103

)


(2,490

)


(2,731

)

Net interest income


9,671



8,969



9,635


Fee income


3,757



3,637



3,692


Fee expense


(695

)


(701

)


(741

)

Net fee income


3,062



2,936



2,951


Net trading income


1,061



1,204



841


Net income/(loss) from financial










  instruments designated at fair value 


428


 

(111

)


456


Dividend income


5



4



1,010


Net earned insurance premiums


6,004



5,800



4,205


Other operating income


1,131



1,095



841


Total operating income


21,362



19,897



19,939


Net insurance claims incurred and










  movement in policyholders' liabilities


(6,889

)


(6,420

)


(5,354

)

Net operating income before loan










  impairment charges and other credit 
risk provisions


14,473



13,477



14,585


Loan impairment charges and

  other credit risk provisions


(337

)


(198

)


(338

)

Net operating income


14,136



13,279



14,247


Employee compensation and benefits


(2,295

)


(2,170

)


(2,262

)

General and administrative expenses


(1,884

)


(1,742

)


(2,054

)

Depreciation of premises, plant










  and equipment


(406

)


(376

)


(386

)

Amortisation of intangible assets


(55

)


(57

)


(56

)

Operating expenses


(4,640

)


(4,345

)


(4,758

)

Impairment loss on intangible assets


__



__



(13

)

Operating profit


9,496



8,934



9,476


Gains less losses from financial investments










  and fixed assets


(5

)


173



6


Gain on reclassification of Industrial Bank


__



8,454



__


Loss on reclassification of Yantai Bank


__



__



(297

)

Net surplus on property revaluation


230



999



189


Share of profits from associates 


156



213



349


Profit before tax


9,877



18,773



9,723


Tax expense


(1,409

)


(305

)


(1,513

)

Profit for the period


8,468



18,468



8,210












Profit attributable to shareholders


8,468



18,468



8,210












Earnings per share (in HK$)


4.43



9.66



4.29


 

Details of dividends payable to shareholders of the bank attributable to the profit for the half year are set out on page 36.

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)

 


Half-year ended



Half-year ended



Half-year ended



30 June



30 June



31 December


Figures in HK$m

2014



2013



2013











Profit for the period

8,468



18,468



8,210











Other comprehensive income


















Items that will be reclassified

  subsequently to the income statement

  when specific conditions are met:









Available-for-sale investment reserve:









- fair value changes taken to equity:







             


  -- on debt securities

350



(685

)


(228

)

  -- on equity shares

(417

)


(3,458

)


820


- fair value changes transferred









  to income statement:









  -- on hedged items

29



461



228


  -- on disposal

2



__



(1

)

- share of changes in equity of associates:









  -- fair value changes

__



4



(5

)

  -- fair value changes transferred to income statement on reclassification of Industrial Bank and Yantai Bank

__



94



17


- deferred taxes

(76

)


42



15


- exchange difference and other

(730

)


431



420


Cash flow hedging reserve:









- fair value changes taken to equity

(74

)


498



(66

)

- fair value changes transferred to









  income statement

70



(516

)


71


- deferred taxes

1



3



(1

)

Exchange differences on translation of:









- financial statements of overseas









  branches, subsidiaries and associates

(170

)


338



100


- cumulative foreign exchange reserve transferred to income statement on reclassification of Industrial Bank and









  Yantai Bank

__



(2,039

)


(111

)

- other

__



(3

)


5


Others

__



30



__











Items that will not be reclassified

  subsequently to the income statement:









Premises:









- unrealised surplus on revaluation of









  premises

612



1,526



577


- deferred taxes

(103

)


(241

)


(96

)

- exchange difference

(1

)


2



1


Defined benefit plans:









- actuarial gains/(losses) on defined









  benefit plans

75



855



(77

)

- deferred taxes

(12

)


(141

)


13


Share-based payments

(1

)


(1

)


(2

)

Other comprehensive income for the







 


  period, net of tax

(445

)


(2,800

)


1,680


Total comprehensive income









  for the period

8,023



15,668



9,890











Total comprehensive income









  for the period attributable to









  shareholders

8,023



15,668



9,890











 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet (unaudited)

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013







(restated)

























ASSETS










Cash and balances at central banks


7,721



9,798



22,717


Placings with and advances to banks


142,975



141,012



141,940


Trading assets


26,213



34,509



31,996


Financial assets designated at fair value


10,331



10,150


 

6,987


Derivative financial instruments


6,296



4,752



6,646


Reverse repurchase agreements

  - non trading


2,309



__



__


Loans and advances to customers


632,947



579,705



586,240


Financial investments


297,303



263,369



282,845


Interest in associates


2,178



2,753



2,062


Investment properties


11,108



10,547



10,918


Premises, plant and equipment


21,594



20,690



21,000


Intangible assets


8,779



7,403



7,974


Other assets


26,210



21,969



22,405


Total assets


1,195,964



1,106,657



1,143,730












LIABILITIES AND EQUITY




















Liabilities










Current, savings and other deposit accounts


860,092



779,884



824,996


Repurchase agreements - non trading


1,837



1,625



__


Deposits from banks


11,335



14,165



11,826


Trading liabilities


65,713



67,749



62,117


Financial liabilities designated at fair value


493



466


 

489


Derivative financial instruments


5,825



4,817



5,246


Certificates of deposit and other










  debt securities in issue


9,904



11,022



8,601


Other liabilities


24,451



20,874



20,467


Liabilities to customers under










  insurance contracts


89,049



86,584



85,844


Current tax liabilities


1,830



1,928



692


Deferred tax liabilities


4,114



3,633



3,850


Subordinated liabilities


11,820



11,829


 

11,824


Total liabilities


1,086,463



1,004,576



1,035,952












Equity










Share capital


9,658



9,559



9,559


Retained profits


83,215



76,633



78,679


Other reserves


14,525



13,786



15,334


Proposed dividends


2,103



2,103



4,206


Shareholders' funds


109,501



102,081



107,778


Total equity and liabilities


1,195,964



1,106,657



1,143,730












 

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (unaudited)

 



Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


 

Figures in HK$m


30 June

 2014


30 June

 2013


31 December 2013


















Share capital








  At beginning and end of period


9,559


9,559


9,559


  Transfer from capital redemption

    reserve


99


__


__




9,658


9,559


9,559










Retained profits (including

  proposed dividends)








  At beginning of period


82,885


63,507


78,736


  Dividends to shareholders








  - dividends approved in respect of the 

    previous year


(4,206

)

(3,824

)

__


  - dividends declared in respect of the 

    current period


(2,103

)

(2,103

)

(4,206

)

  Transfer


212


1,978


206


  Total comprehensive income

    for the period


8,530


19,178


8,149




85,318


78,736


82,885










Other reserves








Premises revaluation reserve








  At beginning of period


14,904


13,790


14,628


  Transfer


(212

)

(449

)

(206

)

  Total comprehensive income

    for the period


508


1,287


482




15,200


14,628


14,904










Available-for-sale investment reserve








  At beginning of period


(1,618

)

227


(2,884

)

  Total comprehensive income

    for the period


(842

)

(3,111

)

1,266




(2,460

)

(2,884

)

(1,618

)









Cash flow hedging reserve








  At beginning of period


6


17


2


  Total comprehensive income

    for the period


(3

)

(15

)

4




3


2


6










Foreign exchange reserve








  At beginning of period


1,295


3,071


1,306


  Transfer


__


(64

)

__


  Total comprehensive income

  for the period


(170

)

(1,701

)

(11

)



1,125


1,306


1,295


















 



Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Figures in HK$m


30 June

 2014


30 June

 2013


31 December 2013


















Other reserves








  At beginning of period


747


2,152


734


Cost of share-based payment

    arrangements


9


17


13


  Transfer


__


(1,465

)

__


  Transfer of capital redemption 

    reserve


(99

)

__


__


  Total comprehensive income

    for the period


__


30


__




657


734


747










Total equity








  At beginning of period


107,778


92,323


102,081


  Dividends to shareholders


(6,309

)

(5,927

)

(4,206

)

  Cost of share-based payment 

    arrangements


9


17


13


  Total comprehensive income

    for the period


8,023


15,668


9,890




109,501


102,081


107,778


 

 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement (unaudited)

 

 

Half-year ended


Half-year ended



 


30 June



30 June



2BFigures in HK$m


2014



2013



 





(restated)











Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities


(6,833

)


3,607











Cash flows from investing activities
















Dividends received from associates


__



__



Purchase of available-for-sale investments


(27,896

)


(23,729

)


Purchase of held-to-maturity debt securities


(430

)


(953

)


Proceeds from sale or redemption of








  available-for-sale investments


27,001



16,177



Proceeds from redemption of held-to-maturity








  debt securities


315



55



Net cash inflow from sale of loan portfolio


368



__



Purchase of premises, plant and equipment and








  intangible assets


(397

)


(3,229

)


Proceeds from sale of premises, plant and equipment








  and assets held for sale


2



910



Interest received from available-for-sale investments


731



826



Dividends received from available-for-sale investments


6



5



Net cash outflow from investing activities


(300

)


(9,938

)

 








 

Cash flows from financing activities







 








 

Dividends paid


(6,309

)


(5,927

)

 

Interest paid for subordinated liabilities


(152

)


(155

)

 

Net cash outflow from financing activities


(6,461

)


(6,082

)

 








 

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents


(13,594

)


(12,413

)

 








 

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January


115,779



115,947


 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes


42



(2,557

)

 

Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June


102,227



100,977


 

 

 

Financial Review

 

Net interest income

 

Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June



30 June



31 December


Figures in HK$m

2014



2013



2013











Net interest income/(expense) arising from:








- financial assets and liabilities that are









  not at fair value through profit and loss

10,754



9,705



10,537


- trading assets and liabilities  

(1,085

)


(770

)


(927

)

- financial instruments designated









  at fair value

2



34



25



9,671



8,969



9,635











Average interest-earning assets

1,016,759



981,814



991,320











Net interest spread

1.79

%


1.73

%


1.81

%

Net interest margin

1.92

%


1.84

%


1.93

%

 

Net interest income rose by HK$702m, or 7.8%, to HK$9,671m, driven mainly by the 3.6% increase in average interest-earning assets and an improvement in the net interest margin.

 

Average interest-earning assets increased by HK$34.9bn, or 3.6%, compared with the same period last year. The increase was underpinned by the 8.0% growth in average customer lending, with notable growth in corporate and commercial and mortgage lending. The rise in net interest income also included higher contributions from offshore RMB business as Treasury has been actively managing the interest rate risk and assessing different market opportunities for better yield enhancement of the commercial surplus. Partially offsetting this increase was a lower contribution from the insurance debt securities portfolios as the bank re-balanced assets under the low interest rate environment.  

 

Net interest margin widened by eight basis points to 1.92% whilst the net interest spread improved by six basis points to 1.79%. In Hong Kong, the spread on customer lending improved, notably on corporate and commercial term lending, though this was offset in part by the spread compression in trade-related and mortgage lending. On the back of the group's flexible deposit acquisition strategy to support balanced growth, average customer deposit balances increased, though the benefit of this growth was more than offset by narrower deposit spreads. On the Mainland, the net interest margin and net interest spread widened, reflecting the improved deposit spread, coupled with a less volatile interbank market, outweighing the compression of loan spreads.

 

The contribution from net free funds grew by two basis points to 0.13%, benefiting from the modest increase in the average interest rate.

 

Compared with the second half of 2013, net interest income was broadly unchanged, reflecting the combined effect of an increase in average interest earning assets, widening loan spreads, improved returns from offshore RMB business and less volatility in the mainland interbank market but offset by lower deposit spreads and more calendar days in the second half. The net interest margin has stabilised but remains at a compressed level.

 

The HSBC Group reports interest income and interest expense arising from financial assets and financial liabilities held for trading as 'Net trading income', while that arising from financial instruments designated at fair value through profit and loss is reported as 'Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value' (other than for debt securities in issue and subordinated liabilities, together with derivatives managed in conjunction with them).

 

The table below presents the net interest income of Hang Seng, as included in the HSBC Group accounts:

 


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013












Net interest income and

  expense reported as 'Net  interest income'










- Interest income


12,687



11,334



12,279


- Interest expense


(1,933

)


(1,629

)


(1,742

)

- Net interest income


10,754



9,705



10,537












Net interest income and expense reported as 'Net trading income'


(1,085

)


(770

)


(927

)











Net interest income and expense reported as 'Net  income from financial instruments designated at fair value'


2



34



25












Average interest-earning assets


986,694



944,273



957,970












Net interest spread


2.09

%


1.98

%


2.09

%

Net interest margin


2.20

%


2.07

%


2.18

%

 

 

Net fee income

 

Half-year ended



Half-year ended



Half-year ended


 


30 June



30 June



31 December


 

Figures in HK$m


2014




2013




2013


 













 

- Stockbroking and related services


511




535




538



- Retail investment funds


891




845




703



- Insurance


249




223




218



- Account services


184




179




175



- Private banking service fee


54




53




51



- Remittances


193




158




190



- Cards


1,051




1,016




1,126



- Credit facilities


185




163




207



- Trade services


260




284




301



- Other


179




181




183



Fee income


3,757




3,637




3,692



Fee expense


(695

)



(701

)



(741

)




3,062




2,936




2,951















 

 

Net fee income increased by HK$126m, or 4.3%, to HK$3,062m when compared with the first half of 2013.

 

Retail investment funds income increased by 5.4%, benefiting from increased funds sale volumes.

 

Insurance-related fee income rose by 11.7%, reflecting growth in life re-insurance commission income as a result of the successful sale of the life insurance product - Prosper Dragon Life Insurance Plan - as well as the distribution commission from non-life insurance products during the period.

 

Card services income was 3.4% higher than the first half of 2013, in line with the growth in average card balances. The bank's effective customer loyalty scheme and card utilisation promotions helped drive up the bank's card spending. The growth in card income was also supported by the increase of 9.3% in cardholder spending and a 3.3% increase in the number of cards in circulation as well as a 7.7% increase in merchant acquiring business. 

 

Credit facilities fee income rose by 13.5%, due mainly to higher fees from increased corporate lending.

 

Fees from remittances recorded encouraging growth of 22.2%, underpinned by increased business volumes as a result of the expansion of renminbi cross-border trade settlement volumes.

 

Stockbroking and related services income fell by 4.5%, as a result of subdued stock market trading activity. Trade-related service income was down by 8.5%.

 

Compared with the second half of 2013, net fee income increased by 3.8%, primarily from higher retail investment funds income.

 

 

Net trading income

 

 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
 
30 June
 
30 June
 
31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2014
 
 
2013
 
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- Foreign exchange
 
995
 
 
1,190
 
 
774
 
- Interest rate derivatives
 
(1
)
 
35
 
 
29
 
- Debt securities
 
43
 
 
(6
)
 
(29
)
- Equities and other trading
 
30
 
 
(4
)
 
63
 
Dealing profits
 
1,067
 
 
1,215
 
 
837
 
Net income/(loss) from hedging activities
 
(6
)
 
(11
)
 
4
 
 
 
1,061
 
 
1,204
 
 
841
 

 

 

Net trading income decreased by HK$143m, or 11.9%, to HK$1,061m when compared with first half of 2013.

 

Dealing profits fell by HK$148m, or 12.2%, to HK$1,067m. Foreign exchange income was lower, affected by subdued customer activity levels as market volatility was low. Income from foreign exchange option-linked structured products dropped, with reduced arbitrage opportunities during the second quarter reducing customer appetite for renminbi-denominated products. However, these unfavourable factors were offset by higher net interest income from funding swapsWactivities.

 

Income from securities, derivatives and other trading activities recorded a net gain of HK$72m, up HK$47m, when compared with the same period last year, reflecting the combined effect of higher income on equity derivatives and the revaluation loss on equity options backing a life endowment product in first half of 2013. Debt securities recorded a revaluation gain compared with a revaluation loss for the same period last year, mainly reflecting the movement in market interest rates. These increases were offset in part by the revaluation loss on interest rate derivatives products.

 

 

 

WFrom time to time Treasury employs foreign exchange swaps for its funding activities, which in essence involve swapping a currency ('original currency') into another currency ('swap currency') at the spot exchange rate for short-term placement and simultaneously entering into a forward exchange contract to convert the funds back to the original currency on maturity of the placement. In accordance with HKAS 39, the exchange difference of the spot and forward contracts is required to be recognised as a foreign exchange gain/loss, while the corresponding interest differential between the original and swap funding is reflected in net interest income.

 

 

Net income/(loss) from financial instruments designated at fair value

 


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013












Net income/(loss) on assets

  designated at fair value which

  back insurance and

  investment contracts


428



(111

)


456


 

Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value recorded a net gain of HK$428m compared with a net loss of HK$111m for the first half of 2013, due mainly to favourable equity market movements during the first half of 2014. To the extent that the investment return is attributable to policyholders, there is an offsetting movement reported under 'net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholders' liabilities' or 'movement in present value of in-force long-term insurance business ('PVIF').

 

 

Other operating income

 


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013












Rental income from










  investment properties


195



106



187


Movement in present value










  of in-force long-term 










  insurance business


807



622



573


Others


129



367



81




1,131



1,095



841


 

Other operating income rose by HK$36m, or 3.3% compared with the first half of 2013, driven by the increase in rental income and growth in the movement in present value of in-force long-term insurance business, partly offset by a lower revaluation gain on a property held by the insurance business. The increase in the movement in present value of in-force long-term insurance business was mainly due tonew sales with a higher profit margin and a favourable change in market conditions.

 

 

Analysis of income from wealth management business

 

Half-year ended

Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June



30 June



31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013







(restated)

















Investment income:












- retail investment funds


891




845




703


- structured investment productsW


523




675




290


- stockbroking and related services


495




519




522


- margin trading and others


146




173




146




2,055




2,212




1,661


Insurance income:












- life insurance


2,043




1,722




1,757


- general insurance and others


116




105




102




2,159




1,827




1,859


Total


4,214




4,039




3,520


 

WIncome from structured investment products includes income reported under net fee income on the sales of third-party structured investment products. It also includes profits generated from the selling of structured investment products in issue, reported under net trading income.

 

Wealth management business income maintained good growth momentum in the first half of 2014, achieving a 4.3% increase when compared with the same period last year. Investment income declined by 7.1%, mainly affected by weaker investor sentiment in the second quarter of 2014, as reflected by slower fund sales and securities broking activities. Insurance business income grew by 18.2%, due mainly to our proactive management of the life insurance investment portfolio which resulted in an increase of HK$390m in investment gains when compared with the same period last year. Compared with the second half of 2013, wealth management business income grew by 19.7%, driven by the increase of 23.7% in investment income and 16.1% in insurance income.

 

 

Analysis of insurance business income

 

Half-year ended

Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June



30 June



31 December


 

Figures in HK$m


2014




2013




2013


 













 

Life insurance:












 

- net interest income and fee income


1,517




1,506




1,527


 

- returns on life insurance investment












 

  portfolios (including share of associate's profit and surplus on property revaluation backing insurance contracts)


604




 

 

214




 

 

806


 

- net earned insurance premiums


6,004




5,800




4,205


 

- net insurance claims incurred and












 

  movement in policyholders' liabilities


(6,889

)



(6,420

)



(5,354

)

 

- movement in present value of in-force












 

  long-term insurance business


807




622




573


 



2,043




1,722




1,757


 

General insurance and others


116




105




102


 

Total


2,159




1,827




1,859


 

 

Against a backdrop of weakening investment sentiment, our comprehensive range of life insurance products underpinned the wealth management income stream. Life insurance income achieved growth of HK$321m, or 18.6%, to HK$2,043m, reflecting the improvement in the life insurance investment portfolios return and the growth of business.

 

Supported by our diversified range of life insurance products, the bank achieved a 4.4% increase in new annualised life insurance premiums when compared with the first half of 2013. To better meet the needs of customers at different life stages, the bank has entered into an exclusive 10-year distribution agreement with international healthcare company Bupa in providing medical insurance products and services.

 

Net interest income and fee income from the life insurance investment portfolio grew by 0.7% as the bank has re-balanced assets under the low interest rate environment. Investment returns on life insurance grew strongly by 182.2%, benefiting from the favourable movement in equity markets, though partly offset by lower property revaluation gains. To the extent that the investment return is attributable to policyholders, there is an offsetting movement reported under 'net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholders' liabilities' or 'movement in present value of in-force long-term insurance business ('PVIF')'. Net earned insurance premiums rose by 3.5% as a result of increased renewals of existing policies, partly offset by lower new business premiums written. The growth in insurance premiums earned resulted in a corresponding increase in 'net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholders' liabilities'. The increase in the movement in present value of in-force long-term insurance business was driven by new sales with a higher profit margin and a favourable change in market conditions.

 

General insurance income increased by 10.5%, reflecting higher distribution commission income.

 

 

Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions

 


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013












Net charge for impairment of loans

  and advances to customers:










Individually assessed impairment

  allowances:










- new allowances


(179

)


(61

)


(130

)

- releases


91



57



34


- recoveries


31



7



9




(57

)


3



(87

)

Net charge for collectively assessed

  impairment allowances


(252

)


(201

)


(251

)

Other credit risk provisions


(28

)


__



__


Loan impairment charges and other










  credit risk provisions


(337

)


(198

)


(338

)











 

Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions increased by HK$139m, or 70.2%, when compared with first half of last year, but were at the same level compared with the second half.

 

Individually assessed impairment charges increased from a low base of a HK$3m net release to a HK$57m net charge, due to the downgrade of a few corporate and commercial customers of Hang Seng China, partly offset by higher releases and recoveries from corporate and commercial customers in the first half of 2014.

 

Collectively assessed charges increased by HK$51m, or 25.4%, when compared with the first half of 2013. Impairment allowances for loans not individually identified as impaired recorded a lower release compared with the first half of 2013 as a result of the increase in customer loan balances and updated assumptions in the assessment model. Impairment charges for credit card and personal loan portfolios decreased, reflecting the revision to the collective impairment models in the first half of 2013.

 

Overall credit quality was relatively stable with total loan impairment allowances as a percentage of gross advances lowered to 0.23% when compared with 0.25% at last year end. The group remains cautious on the credit outlook.

 

 

Operating expenses

 


Half-year ended

Half-year ended

Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013












Employee compensation and benefits:










- salaries and other costs


2,071



1,953



2,038


- retirement benefit costs


224



217



224




2,295



2,170



2,262


General and administrative expenses:










- rental expenses


336



315



330


- other premises and equipment


507



519



579


- marketing and advertising expenses


381



322



391


- other operating expenses


660



586



754




1,884



1,742



2,054


Depreciation of premises, plant










  and equipment


406



376



386


Amortisation of intangible assets


55



57



56




4,640



4,345



4,758












Cost efficiency ratio


32.1

%


32.2

%


32.6

%











Full-time equivalent staff numbers

At 30 June


At 30 June

At 31 December


  by region


2014



2013



2013


Hong Kong and others


7,894



8,014



8,001


Mainland


1,769



1,820



1,855


Total


9,663



9,834



9,856


 

Operating expenses increased by HK$295m, or 6.8%, compared with the first half of 2013, reflecting the bank's continued investment in new business platforms and mainland operations to support long-term business growth and capture business opportunities while continuing carefully to manage costs. Mainland-related operating expenses increased by 6.9% due to ongoing investment in enhancing Hang Seng China's infrastructure and service capabilities. Compared with the second half of 2013, operating expenses fell by HK$118m, or 2.5%.

 

Employee compensation and benefits increased by HK$125m, or 5.8%. Salaries and other costs increased by 6.0%, reflecting the annual salary increment and performance related remuneration. General and administrative expenses were up 8.2%, due mainly to the rise in marketing expenditure to support business growth. Rental expenses rose as a result of increased rents for branches in Hong Kong and on the Mainland. Other operating expenses also increased as a result of higher processing charges. Depreciation charges were up 8.0%, reflecting higher depreciation charges on business premises following the upward commercial property revaluation in Hong Kong.

 

At 30 June 2014, the group's number of full-time equivalent staff was down by 193 compared with the end of 2013.

 

The bank continued to focus on enhancing operational efficiency while maintaining growth momentum. With the increase in net operating income before loan impairment charges outpacing the growth in operating expenses, the cost efficiency ratio lowered by 0.1 percentage points to 32.1%.

 

 

Gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets

 


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013












Net losses from disposal of 










  available-for-sale equity securities


(3

)


__



__


Net gains from disposal of 


 



 





  available-for-sale debt securities


1



__



1


Gains less losses on disposal of










  assets held for sale


__



175



2


Gains less losses on disposal of loans










  and advances


2



1



4


Gains less losses on disposal of fixed










  assets


(5

)


(3

)


(1

)



(5

)


173



6


 

Gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets recorded a loss of HK$5m in the first half of 2014 compared with a gain of HK$173m in the first half of 2013. The HK$175m net gain on disposal of assets held for sale in the same period last year was from the disposal of certain properties in Hong Kong.

 

 

Net gain on reclassification of Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. ('Industrial Bank') and Yantai Bank Co., Ltd. ('Yantai Bank')

 


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013












Gain on reclassification of Industrial Bank


__



8,454



__


Loss on reclassification of Yantai Bank


__



__



(297

)



__



8,454



(297

)











The group recorded an accounting gain of HK$8,454m on the reclassification of Industrial Bank as a financial investment following its issue of additional share capital to third parties in the first half of 2013.

 

The group recorded an accounting loss of HK$297m on the reclassification of Yantai Bank as a financial investment following an increase in its registered share capital to enable a private placement of additional share capital to a third party in the second half 2013.

 

 

Tax expense

 

Taxation in the consolidated income statement represents:

 


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013




















Current tax - provision for










  Hong Kong profits tax










Tax for the period


1,396



1,298



1,236


Adjustment in respect of










  prior periods


(96

)


__



(14

)











Current tax - taxation outside










  Hong Kong










Tax for the period


13



52



161


Adjustment in respect of








 


  prior periods


12



7



__












Deferred tax










Origination and reversal of










  temporary differences


84



(1,052

)


130


Total tax expense


1,409



305



1,513












 

The current tax provision is based on the estimated assessable profit for the first half of 2014, and is determined for the bank and its subsidiaries operating in Hong Kong by using the Hong Kong profits tax rate of 16.5% (the same as in 2013). For subsidiaries and branches operating in other jurisdictions, the appropriate tax rates prevailing in the relevant countries are used. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. The release in deferred tax in the first half of 2013 was mainly related to the reclassification of Industrial Bank as a financial investment.

 

 

Earnings per share

 

The calculation of earnings per share for the first half of 2014 is based on earnings of HK$8,468m (HK$18,468m and HK$8,210m for the first and second halves of 2013 respectively) and on the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue of 1,911,842,736 shares (unchanged from the first and second halves of 2013).

 

 

Dividends per share

 


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


 



30 June



30 June


31 December


 



2014



2013



2013


 


HK$

HK$m


HK$

HK$m


HK$

HK$m



per share



per share



per share













First interim

1.10

2,103


1.10

2,103


__

__


Second interim

1.10

2,103


1.10

2,103


__

__


Third interim

__

__


__

__


1.10

2,103


Fourth interim

__

__


__

__


2.20

4,206



2.20

4,206


2.20

4,206


3.30

6,309


 

 

 

Segmental analysis

 

Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standard 8 ('HKFRS 8') requires segmental disclosure to be based on the way that the group's chief operating decision maker regards and manages the group, with the amounts reported for each reportable segment being the measures reported to the group's chief operating decision maker for the purpose of assessing segmental performance and making decisions about operating matters. In 2014, there was a change in the reportable segments information reported internally to the group's most senior executive management for the purposes of resources allocation and performance assessment. To align with the internal reporting information, the group has presented the following five reportable segments. Corresponding amounts have been restated to ensure information is provided on a basis consistent with the revised segment information. Consolidation adjustments made in preparing the group's financial statements and inter-segment elimination of income or expenses upon consolidation are included in the 'Inter-segment elimination'.

 

Hong Kong and other businesses segment

·    Retail Banking and Wealth Management activities offer a broad range of products and services to meet the personal banking, consumer lending and wealth management needs of individual customers. Personal banking products typically include current and savings accounts, mortgages and personal loans, credit cards, insurance and wealth management;

·    Commercial Banking activities offer a comprehensive suite of products and services to corporate, commercial and SME customers - including corporate lending, trade and receivable finance, payments and cash management, treasury and foreign exchange, general insurance, key-person insurance, investment services and corporate wealth management.

·    Global Banking and Markets provides tailored financial solutions to major corporate and institutional clients. Undertaking a long-term relationships management approach, its services include general banking, corporate lending, interest rates, foreign exchange, money markets, structured products and derivatives, etc. Global Banking and Markets also manages the funding and liquidity positions of the bank and other market risk positions arising from banking activities;

·    Other mainly represents management of shareholders' funds and investments in premises, investment properties, equity shares and subordinated debt funding;

 

 

Mainland China business segment

·    Mainland China business segment comprises the business of Hang Seng Bank (China) Limited and our share of profits from mainland associates.

 

 (a) Segmental result

 

For the purpose of segmental analysis, the allocation of revenue reflects the benefits of capital and other funding resources allocated to the business segments by way of internal capital allocation and fund transfer-pricing mechanisms. Cost allocation is based on the direct costs incurred by the respective business segments and apportionment of management overheads. Bank-owned premises are reported under 'Other' segment. When these premises are utilised by Global Businesses, notional rent will be charged to the relevant business segments based on market rates.

 

Profit before tax contributed by the business segments for the periods stated is set out in the table below. More business segment analysis and discussion is set out in the 'Segmental analysis' section on page 11.

 

 

Hong Kong and other businesses








 

 














 

 

Retail

Banking 


 

Global Banking






Mainland




 

 

and Wealth

Commercial

and





China




 

3BFigures in HK$m

Management


Banking


Markets


Other


Total

business


Total


 
















 

Half-year ended

30 June 2014















 
















 

Profit before tax

4,652


2,489


2,179


395


9,715


162


9,877


 

Share of profit before tax

47.1

%

25.2

%

22.1

%

4.0

%

98.4

%

1.6

%

100.0

%



 

Share of profit before tax as a % of

  Hong Kong and other businesses

47.9

%

25.6

%

22.4

%

4.1

%

100.0

%



 




 














 

Half-year ended

30 June 2013 (restated)













 
















 

Profit before tax

4,455


2,423


2,037


1,225


10,140


8,633


18,773


 

Share of profit before tax

23.8

%

12.9

%

10.8

%

6.5

%

54.0

%

46.0

%

100.0

%

 

Share of profit before tax as a % of

  Hong Kong and other businesses

 43.9

%

23.9

%

20.1

%

12.1

%

100.0

%


















 

Half-year ended

31 December 2013 (restated)












 
















 

Profit before tax

4,484


2,211


2,033


1,159


9,887


(164

)

9,723


 

Share of profit before tax

46.1

%

22.7

%

20.9

%

12.0

%

101.7

%

(1.7

%)

100.0

%

 

Share of profit before tax as a % of

  Hong Kong and other businesses

45.4

%

22.4

%

20.6

%

11.6

%

100.0

%





 

 

 

(b) Geographic information

 

The geographical regions in this analysis are classified by the location of the principal operations of the subsidiary companies or, in the case of the bank itself, by the location of the branches responsible for reporting the results or advancing the funds.

 

 










Inter-segment



4BFigures in HK$m

Hong Kong

Mainland


Americas


Others


elimination


Total














Half-year ended 30 June 2014


























Income and expense













Total operating income


20,307


996


__


100


(41

)

21,362

Profit before tax


9,654


162


(8

)

69


__


9,877

 

At 30 June 2014


























Total assets


1,090,718


125,434


34


14,879


(35,101

)

1,195,964

Total liabilities


984,146


115,308


5


14,482


(27,478

)

1,086,463

Equity


106,572


10,126


29


397


(7,623

)

109,501

  Share capital


9,658


8,691


18


12


(8,721

)

9,658

Interest in associates


2,149


29


__


__


__


2,178

Non-current assetsW


40,384


1,096


__


1


__


41,481

 

Half-year ended 30 June 2013






















Income and expense













Total operating income


18,640


796


421


81


(41

)

19,897

Profit before tax


9,683


8,633


404


53


__


18,773

 

At 30 June 2013


























Total assets


1,008,809


118,176


57,583


10,996


(88,907

)

1,106,657

Total liabilities


911,782


109,913


56,008


10,703


(83,830

)

1,004,576

Equity


97,027


8,263


1,575


293


(5,077

)

102,081

  Share capital


9,559


6,224


18


12


(6,254

)

9,559

Interest in associates


1,778


975


__


__


__


2,753

Non-current assetsW


37,556


1,083


__


1


__


38,640

 

Half-year ended 31 December 2013






















Income and expense













Total operating income


18,818


899


179


90


(47

)

19,939

Profit before tax


9,660


(164

)

169


58


__


9,723

 

At 31 December 2013


























Total assets


1,048,106


118,476


185


12,702


(35,739

)

1,143,730

Total liabilities


943,141


108,495


48


12,356


(28,088

)

1,035,952

Equity


104,965


9,981


137


346


(7,651

)

107,778

  Share capital


9,559


8,847


18


12


(8,877

)

9,559

Interest in associates


2,032


30


__


__


__


2,062

Non-current assetsW


38,786


1,105


__


1


__


39,892

W Non-current assets consist of properties, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.

 

 

Cash and balances at central banks

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013







(restated)















Cash in hand


5,496



5,782



6,005


Balances at central banks


2,225



4,016



16,712




7,721



9,798



22,717












 

 

Placings with and advances to banks

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013












Balances with banks


7,828



5,013



10,577


Placings with and advances to banks










  maturing within one month


73,515



80,620



64,749


Placings with and advances to banks










  maturing after one month










  but less than one year


59,563



53,392



64,586


Placings with and advances to banks










  maturing after one year


2,069



1,987



2,028




142,975



141,012



141,940


 

 

Trading assets

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013












Treasury bills


16,108



28,206



18,336


Certificates of deposit


__



__



__


Other debt securities


8,778



5,935



5,471


Debt securities


24,886



34,141



23,807


Investment funds


35



25



28


Total trading securities


24,921



34,166



23,835


OtherW


1,292



343



8,161


Total trading assets


26,213



34,509



31,996












Debt securities:










- listed in Hong Kong


5,013



4,322



3,783


- listed outside Hong Kong


647



780



700




5,660



5,102



4,483


- unlisted


19,226



29,039



19,324




24,886



34,141



23,807


Investment funds:










- listed in Hong Kong


35



25



28












Total trading securities


24,921



34,166



23,835












Debt securities:










Issued by public bodies:










- central governments and central banks


21,770



33,077



22,650


- other public sector entities


__



69



__




21,770



33,146



22,650


Issued by other bodies:










- banks


627



581



853


- corporate entities


2,489



414



304




3,116



995



1,157




24,886



34,141



23,807


Investment funds:










Issued by corporate entities


35



25



28


Total trading securities


24,921



34,166



23,835












W This represents the amount receivable from counterparties on trading transactions not yet settled.

 

 

Trading assets decreased by HK$5.8bn, or 18.1%, compared with the end of 2013. Trading securities rose by HK$1.1bn mainly due to increased holdings of corporate bonds. This was, however, offset by the HK$6.9bn decrease in amounts receivable from counterparties on trading transactions not yet settled.

 

 

Financial assets designated at fair value

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013












Debt securities


60



4,228



812


Equity shares


7,015



2,990



3,639


Investment funds


3,256



2,932



2,536




10,331



10,150



6,987












Debt securities:










- listed in Hong Kong


11



87



103


- listed outside Hong Kong


49



468



489




60



555



592


- unlisted


__



3,673



220




60



4,228



812












Equity shares:










- listed in Hong Kong


2,299



1,554



2,072


- listed outside Hong Kong


4,634



1,408



1,539




6,933



2,962



3,611


- unlisted


82



28



28




7,015



2,990



3,639












Investment funds:










- listed in Hong Kong


509



27



32


- listed outside Hong Kong


341



741



314




850



768



346


- unlisted


2,406



2,164



2,190




3,256



2,932



2,536




10,331



10,150



6,987












Debt securities:










Issued by public bodies:










- central governments and central banks


__



313



358


- other public sector entities


1



46



44




1



359



402


Issued by other bodies:










- banks


10



3,664



208


- corporate entities


49



205



202




59



3,869



410




60



4,228



812












Equity shares:










Issued by banks


903



499



634


Issued by public sector entities


13



12



12


Issued by corporate entities


6,099



2,479



2,993




7,015



2,990



3,639


Investment funds:










Issued by banks


82



__



__


Issued by corporate entities


3,174



2,932



2,536




3,256



2,932



2,536




10,331



10,150



6,987












 

 

Loans and advances to customers

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013












Gross loans and advances to

  customers


634,413



581,080



587,688


Less:










Loan impairment allowances:










- individually assessed


(721

)


(666

)


(709

)

- collectively assessed


(745

)


(709

)


(739

)



632,947



579,705



586,240


 

 

Loan impairment allowances against loans and advances to customers

 



10BIndividually


Collectively





 

Figures in HK$m


11Bassessed


assessed



Total


 











 

At 1 January 2014


709



739



1,448


 

Amounts written off


(70

)


(269

)


(339

)

 

Recoveries of loans and advances










  written off in previous years


31



27



58


 

New impairment allowances










 

  charged to income statement

 

179



284



463


 

Impairment allowances released

 

 


 

 



 


 

  to income statement

 

(122

)


(32

)


(154

)

 

Unwinding of discount of loan

 

 


 

 



 


 

  impairment allowances

 



 






 

  recognised as 'interest income'

 

(3

)

 

(2

)


(5

)

 

Exchange


(3

)


(2

)


(5

)

 

At 30 June 2014


721



745



1,466


 

 

Total loan impairment allowances as a percentage of gross loans and advances to customers are as follows:

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December




2014



2013



2013




%



%



%












Loan impairment allowances:










- individually assessed


0.11



0.11



0.12


- collectively assessed


0.12



0.12



0.13


Total loan impairment allowances


0.23



0.23



0.25












 

Total loan impairment allowances as a percentage of gross loans and advances to customers were 0.23% at 30 June 2014 compared with 0.25% at the end of 2013. Individually assessed allowances as a percentage of gross loans and advances improved by one basis point to 0.11% as overall asset quality remained sound. Collectively assessed allowances as a percentage of gross loans and advances fell by one basis point to 0.12%.

 

 

Impaired loans and advances to customers and allowances

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


 

Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013


 











 

Gross impaired loans and

  advances


1,292



1,289



1,311


 

Individually assessed allowances


(721

)


(666

)


(709

)

 



571



623



602


 











 

Individually assessed allowances

  as a percentage of gross

  impaired loans and advances


55.8

%


51.7

%


54.1

%

 











 

Gross impaired loans and advances as a percentage of gross loans and advances to customers


0.20

%


0.22

%


0.22

%












 

 

Impaired loans and advances to customers are those loans and advances where objective evidence exists that full repayment of principal or interest is considered unlikely.

 

Gross impaired loans and advances decreased by HK$19m, or 1.4%, to HK$1,292m compared with the year end of 2013, due to repayments by corporate and commercial banking customers. Gross impaired loans and advances as a percentage of gross loans and advances to customers stood at 0.20% compared with 0.22% at the year end of 2013.

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


 

Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013


 











 

Gross individually assessed










 

  impaired loans and advances


1,124



1,131



1,157


 

Individually assessed allowances


(721

)


(666

)


(709

)

 



403



465



448


 











 

Gross individually assessed










 

  impaired loans and advances










 

  as a percentage of










 

  gross loans and advances to










 

  customers


0.18

%


0.19

%


0.20

%












 

Amount of collateral which








 


 

  has been taken into account










 

  in respect of individually assessed










 

  impaired loans and advances to










 

  customers


299



407



516


 






 





 

Collateral includes any tangible security that carries a fair market value and is readily marketable. This includes (but is not limited to) cash and deposits, stocks and bonds, mortgages over properties and charges over other fixed assets such as plant and equipment. Where collateral values are greater than gross loans and advances to customers, only the amount of collateral up to the gross loans and advances is included.

 

 

Overdue loans and advances to customers

 

Loans and advances that are more than three months overdue and their expression as a percentage of gross loans and advances to customers are as follows:

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December





2014




2013




2013



HK$m


%


HK$m


%


HK$m


%















Gross loans and advances which have been overdue with respect to either principal or interest for periods of:

- more than three months but

  not more than six months

- more than six months but

  not more than one year

- more than one year





























































168


__


140


__


121


__














100


__


50


__


73


__


640


0.1


681


0.1


637


0.1



908


0.1


871


0.1


831


0.1


 

Loans and advances with a specific repayment date are classified as overdue when the principal or interest is overdue and remains unpaid at the period end. Loans and advances repayable by regular instalments are treated as overdue when an instalment payment is overdue and remains unpaid at the period end. Loans and advances repayable on demand are classified as overdue either when a demand for repayment has been served on the borrower but repayment has not been made in accordance with the demand notice or when the loans and advances have remained continuously outside the approved limit advised to the borrower for more than the overdue period in question.

 

Overdue loans and advances increased by HK$77m, or 9.3%, to HK$908m compared with last year end. Overdue loans and advances as a percentage of gross loans and advances to customers stood at 0.1%.

 

 

Rescheduled loans and advances to customers

 

Rescheduled loans and advances to customers and their expression as a percentage of gross loans and advances to customers are as follows:

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December





2014




2013




2013



HK$m


%


HK$m


%


HK$m


%


Rescheduled loans and













   advances to customers

139


__


167


__


123


__















Rescheduled loans and advances to customers are those loans and advances that have been rescheduled or renegotiated for reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties. This will normally involve the granting of concessionary terms and resetting the overdue account to non-overdue status. A rescheduled loan and advance will continue to be disclosed as such unless the debt has been performing in accordance with the rescheduled terms for a period of six to 12 months. Rescheduled loans and advances to customers which have been overdue for more than three months under the rescheduled terms are reported as overdue loans and advances.

 

Rescheduled loans and advances stood at HK$139m at 30 June 2014, an increase of HK$16m, or 13.0% compared with last year end, representing 0.02% of gross loans and advances to customers.

 

 

Segmental analysis of loans and advances to customers by geographical area

 

Loans and advances to customers by geographical area are classified according to the location of the counterparties after taking into account the transfer of risk. In general, risk transfer applies when a loan is guaranteed by a party located in an area that is different from that of the counterparty.

 

Figures in HK$m

At 30 June 2014


Gross loans and advances

Individually

 impaired

loans and advances

Overdue

loans and advances

Individually assessed allowances

Collectively assessed allowances












Hong Kong


527,996


869


828


530


615

Rest of Asia-Pacific


99,370


253


78


191


121

Others


7,047


2


2


__


9



634,413


1,124


908


721


745

 

Figures in HK$m

At 30 June 2013


Gross loans and advances

Individually

 impaired

loans and advances

Overdue loans and

advances

Individually assessed allowances

Collectively assessed allowances












Hong Kong


467,327


886


715


498


545

Rest of Asia-Pacific


106,461


212


150


163


153

Others


7,292


33


6


5


11



581,080


1,131


871


666


709

 

Figures in HK$m

At 31 December 2013


Gross loans and advances

Individually

 impaired

loans and advances

Overdue loans and

advances

Individually assessed allowances

Collectively assessed allowances












Hong Kong


480,545


924


642


527


589

Rest of Asia-Pacific


99,987


233


189


182


140

Others


7,156


__


__


__


10



587,688


1,157


831


709


739

 

 

Gross loans and advances to customers by industry sector

 

The analysis of gross loans and advances to customers by industry sector based on categories and definitions used by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority ('HKMA') is as follows:

 

 

At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


5BFigures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013


 








Gross loans and advances to

  customers for use in Hong Kong




















Industrial, commercial and










  financial sectors










Property development


42,019



28,551



30,529


Property investment


111,550



99,722



100,912


Financial concerns


3,709



4,566



2,773


Stockbrokers


2,937



402



304


Wholesale and retail trade


24,979



19,850



21,912


Manufacturing


20,811



17,252



17,372


Transport and transport equipment


7,306



6,072



6,289


Recreational activities


137



224



160


Information technology


1,581



1,968



1,870


Other


35,958



32,751



35,664




250,987



211,358



217,785


Individuals










Loans and advances for the purchase of

  flats under the Government Home

  Ownership Scheme, Private Sector

  Participation Scheme and Tenants

  Purchase Scheme





























14,972



13,619



14,452


Loans and advances for the purchase of

  other residential properties











134,413



129,733



131,305


Credit card loans and advances


21,554



20,081



21,419


Other


17,265



14,333



14,431




188,204



177,766



181,607


Total gross loans and

  advances for use in Hong Kong











439,191



389,124



399,392


Trade finance


51,737



62,892



52,117


Gross loans and advances

  for use outside Hong Kong











143,485



129,064



136,179


Gross loans and advances

  to customers


634,413



581,080



587,688












 

 

Gross loans and advances to customers grew by HK$46.7bn, or 8.0%, to HK$634.4bn compared with the end of 2013.

 

Loans and advances for use in Hong Kong increased by HK$39.8bn, or 10.0%. Lending to the industrial, commercial and financial sectors grew by 15.2%. Lending to property development and property investment increased by 37.6% and 10.5% respectively. Lending to stockbrokers grew by HK$2.6bn mainly from financing granted to stockbroking companies relating to several initial public offerings at the end of June 2014. The bank's continued efforts to support local business saw lending to wholesale and retail trade and manufacturing sectors grew by 14.0% and 19.8% respectively.

 

Lending to individuals increased by 3.6% compared with the last year end. The bank was able to maintain its market share for the mortgage business based on comprehensive product suite and thus residential mortgage lending to individuals rose by 2.4% compared with the end of 2013. Credit card advances were broadly at the same level as last year end. Other loans to individuals grew by 19.6%, reflecting the success of the bank in expanding its consumer finance business. 

 

Loans and advances for use outside Hong Kong rose by 5.4%, compared with the end of 2013, driven largely by lending on the Mainland. Lending by Hang Seng China increased by 1.9% to HK$62.3bn, underpinned by the expansion of renminbi lending to corporate and commercial customers as well as residential mortgages. The group employed a cautious approach to lending on the Mainland and will continue to strengthen its prudent credit policies in light of the more difficult operating conditions for mainland businesses. 

 

 

Financial investments

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013












Available-for-sale at fair value:










- debt securities


200,179



166,288



183,344


- equity shares


26,851



26,103



27,948


- investment funds


45



43



48


Held-to-maturity debt securities










  at amortised cost


70,228



70,935



71,505




297,303



263,369



282,845












Fair value of held-to-maturity debt securities


71,753



72,386



72,014












Treasury bills


105,192



75,014



91,811


Certificates of deposit


10,550



10,980



9,729


Other debt securities


154,665



151,229



153,309


Debt securities


270,407



237,223



254,849


Equity shares


26,851



26,103



27,948


Investment funds


45



43



48




297,303



263,369



282,845


Debt securities:










- listed in Hong Kong


14,045



12,676



11,709


- listed outside Hong Kong


65,153



58,976



67,778




79,198



71,652



79,487


- unlisted


191,209



165,571



175,362




270,407



237,223



254,849


Equity shares:










- listed in Hong Kong


69



65



67


- listed outside Hong Kong


25,946



25,753



26,897




26,015



25,818



26,964


- unlisted


836



285



984




26,851



26,103



27,948


Investment funds:










- unlisted


45



43



48




297,303



263,369



282,845












Fair value of listed financial investments


105,873



97,781



106,674












Debt securities:










Issued by public bodies:










- central governments and central banks


148,193



110,094



127,599


- other public sector entities


26,681



27,655



27,680




174,874



137,749



155,279


Issued by other bodies:










- banks


64,892



70,860



69,189


- corporate entities


30,641



28,614



30,381




95,533



99,474



99,570




270,407



237,223



254,849


Equity shares:










Issued by banks


26,441



25,753



27,510


Issued by corporate entities


410



350



438




26,851



26,103



27,948


Investment funds:










Issued by corporate entities


45



43



48




297,303



263,369



282,845












 

 

Debt securities by rating agency designation

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December

Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013










AA- to AAA


201,920



184,183



187,387

A- to A+


59,592



43,799



59,463

B+ to BBB+


6,765



6,872



5,714

Unrated


2,130



2,369



2,285



270,407



237,223



254,849

 

Financial investments include treasury bills, certificates of deposit, other debt securities and equity shares intended to be held for an indefinite period of time.

 

Available-for-sale financial investments may be sold in response to needs for liquidity or changes in the market environment, and are carried at fair value with the gains and losses from changes in fair value recognised through equity reserves. Held-to-maturity debt securities are stated at amortised cost. Where debt securities have been purchased at premiums or discounts, the carrying value of the securities are adjusted to reflect the effective interest rate of the debt securities taking into account such premiums and discounts.

 

Financial investments rose by HK$14.5bn, or 5.1%, compared with the last year end. Debt securities investments increased by HK$15.6bn. Equity shares declined by HK$1.1bn, reflecting the fair value change of the bank's investment in Industrial Bank. Available-for-sale financial investments are tested for impairment when there is an indication that the investment may be impaired. The group's policy is to recognise an impairment loss where there is a 'significant' or 'prolonged' decline in the fair value of an equity investment. At 30 June 2014, the fair value of the bank's investment in Industrial Bank, an 'available-for-sale' financial investment, was HK$25.9bn, 10% below the deemed cost of HK$28.8bn. In accordance with the group's policy, no impairment loss has been recognised at 30 June 2014. If the fair value remains below the deemed cost in the second half of 2014, an impairment loss may be recognised in the income statement. In subsequent periods, any further decline in fair value below the level at which the initial impairment loss was recognised, may be reflected in the income statement for the relevant period as additional impairment losses.

 

At 30 June 2014, about 99.0% of the group's holdings of debt securities were assigned investment grade ratings by rating agencies. The unrated debt securities were issued by subsidiaries of investment-grade banks and are guaranteed by their corresponding holding companies. These notes rank equally with all of the respective guarantors' other senior debt obligations. The group did not hold any investments in structured investment vehicles or any sub-prime related assets such as collateralised debt obligations, mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities.

 

 

Interest in associates


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013












Share of net assets


2,178



2,597



2,062


Intangible assets


__



15



__


Goodwill


__



141



__




2,178



2,753



2,062


 

 

Intangible assets


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013












Present value of in-force long-term  










  insurance business


8,005



6,625



7,198


Internally developed software


369



390



378


Acquired software


76



59



69


Goodwill


329



329



329




8,779



7,403



7,974


 

 

Other assets


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013







(restated)















Items in the course of collection










  from other banks


6,912



5,540



4,743


Bullion


3,392



4,379



4,184


Prepayments and accrued income


3,972



3,245



3,519


Assets held for sale


5



4



9


Acceptances and endorsements


6,928



6,057



6,351


Retirement benefit assets


38



42



40


Other accounts


4,963



2,702



3,559




26,210



21,969



22,405


 

Gold bullion balances were reclassified from 'Cash and balances at central banks' to 'Other assets' in the second half of 2013 to reflect better the substance of the gold lending business. 30 June 2013 comparatives have been restated accordingly.

 

 

Current, savings and other deposit accounts

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013












Current, savings and










  other deposit accounts:










- as stated in consolidated










  balance sheet


860,092



779,884



824,996


- structured deposits reported as










  trading liabilities


47,042



39,990



34,489




907,134



819,874



859,485


By type:










- demand and current accounts


73,367



68,142



74,664


- savings accounts


525,172



483,341



526,403


- time and other deposits


308,595



268,391



258,418




907,134



819,874



859,485


 

 

Certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013












Certificates of deposit and 










  other debt securities in issue:










- as stated in consolidated










  balance sheet


9,904



11,022



8,601


- structured certificates of deposit










  and other debt securities in issue










  reported as trading liabilities


3,743



1,312



1,615




13,647



12,334



10,216












By type:










- certificates of deposit in issue


8,660



11,022



8,601


- other debt securities in issue


4,987



1,312



1,615




13,647



12,334



10,216












Customer deposits, including current, savings and other deposits accounts, certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue recorded growth of 5.9% to HK$920.8bn at 30 June 2014 from last year end. Structured deposits, certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue increased as instruments with yield enhancement features gained popularity. Deposits with Hang Seng China also rose by 5.8%, driven mainly by renminbi deposits. In June, Hang Seng China successfully raised RMB1bn in Hong Kong through its debut offshore renminbi bond issue with a positive response from a diverse group of investors.

 

At 30 June 2014, the advances-to-deposits ratio was 68.7%, compared with 67.4% at 31 December 2013.

 

 

Trading liabilities

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013












Structured certificates of deposit and










  other debt securities in issue


3,743



1,312



1,615


Structured deposits


47,042



39,990



34,489


Short positions in securities and others


14,928



26,447



26,013




65,713



67,749



62,117












 

 

Other liabilities

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013












Items in the course of transmission










  to other banks


8,759



8,034



6,987


Accruals


3,247



3,052



3,330


Acceptances and endorsements


6,956



6,057



6,351


Retirement benefit liabilities


1,768



1,682



1,772


Other


3,721



2,049



2,027




24,451



20,874



20,467












 

 

Subordinated liabilities

 



At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m



2014



2013



2013













Nominal value

Description





















Amount owed to HSBC Group undertakings





















US$775m

Floating rate











  subordinated loan debt








 



  due December 2020


6,007



6,011



6,009













US$450m

Floating rate











  subordinated loan debt











  due July 2021


3,488



3,491



3,489













US$300m

Floating rate











  subordinated loan debt











  due July 2022


2,325



2,327



2,326





11,820



11,829



11,824













Representing:











- measured at amortised cost


11,820



11,829



11,824













 

The outstanding subordinated loan debts serve to help the bank maintain a balanced capital structure and support business growth.

 

 

Shareholders' funds

 


At 30 June


At 30 June

At 31 December



 

Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013



 












 

Share capital


9,658



9,559



9,559



 

Retained profits


83,215



76,633



78,679



 

Premises revaluation reserve


15,200



14,628



14,904



 

Cash flow hedging reserve


3



2



6



 

Available-for-sale investment reserve











 

- on debt securities


136



(141

)


(113

)


 

- on equity securities


(2,596

)


(2,743

)


(1,505

)


 

Capital redemption reserve


__



99



99



 

Other reserves


1,782



1,941



1,943



 

Total reserves


97,740



90,419



94,013



 



107,398



99,978



103,572



 

Proposed dividends


2,103



2,103



4,206



 

Shareholders' funds


109,501



102,081



107,778



 












 

Return on average shareholders' fundsW


15.9

%

35.9

%

15.3

%

 

W For the half-year ended

 











Shareholders' funds (excluding proposed dividends) grew by HK$3,826m, or 3.7%, to HK$107,398m at 30 June 2014. Retained profits rose by HK$4,536m, mainly reflecting the growth in attributable profit after the appropriation of interim dividends during the period. The premises revaluation reserve increased by HK$296m, reflecting the commercial property market movement during the first half of 2014.

 

The available-for-sale investment reserve for equity securities recorded a deficit of HK$2,596m compared with a deficit of HK$1,505m at 2013 year end, reflecting mainly the fair value change of the bank's investment in Industrial Bank during the period.

 

The capital redemption reserve of HK$99m has been included in share capital under the Hong Kong New Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) which became effective on 3 March 2014. Please refer to the section 'The New Hong Kong Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622)' on page 66 for details.

 

The return on average shareholders' funds was 15.9%, compared with 35.9% for the first half of 2013. Excluding the Industrial Bank reclassification, the return on average shareholders' funds was 16.6%, compared with 19.0% for the first half of 2013.

 

There was no purchase, sale or redemption by the bank, or any of its subsidiaries, of the bank's securities during the first half of 2014.

 

 

Capital management

 

The following tables show the capital ratios, risk-weighted assets and capital base as contained in the 'Capital Adequacy Ratio' return required to be submitted to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority ('HKMA') by the bank on a consolidated basis that is specified by the HKMA under the requirements of section 3C(1) of the Banking (Capital) Rules.

 

The group uses the advanced internal ratings-based approach to calculate its credit risk for the majority of its non-securitisation exposures. For market risk, the group uses an internal models approach to calculate its general market risk for the risk categories of interest rate and foreign exchange (including gold bullion) exposures and the standardised (market risk) approach for calculating other market risk positions. For operational risk, the group uses the standardised (operational risk) approach to calculate its operational risk.

 

The basis of consolidation for the calculation of capital ratios under the Banking (Capital) Rules follows the basis of consolidation for financial reporting with the exclusion of subsidiaries which are 'regulated financial entities' (e.g. insurance and securities companies) as defined by the Banking (Capital) Rules. Accordingly, the investment cost of these unconsolidated regulated financial entities is deducted from the capital base.

 

The bank and its subsidiaries maintain a regulatory reserve to satisfy the provisions of the Banking Ordinance and local regulatory requirements for prudential supervision purposes. At 30 June 2014, the effect of this requirement is to restrict the amount of reserves which can be distributed to shareholders by HK$6,063m (31 December 2013: HK$5,440m).

 

There are no relevant capital shortfalls in any of the group's subsidiaries at 30 June 2014 (31 December 2013: nil) which are not included in its consolidation group for regulatory purposes.

 

During the period, the group has complied with all of the externally imposed capital requirements by the HKMA.

 

(a) Capital base


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m                 


2014



2013



2013












Common equity tier 1 ('CET1') capital










Shareholders' equity


98,313



93,464



98,068


- Shareholders' equity per balance sheet


109,501



102,081



107,778


- Unconsolidated subsidiaries


(11,188

)


(8,617

)


(9,710

)

Regulatory deductions to CET1 capital


(44,560

)


(40,027

)


(41,329

)

- Cash flow hedging reserve


(1

)


(3

)


(6

)

- Changes in own credit risk on fair valued










   liabilities


(5

)


(109

)


(4

)

- Property revaluation reserves1


(21,006

)


(20,019

)


(20,481

)

- Regulatory reserve


(6,063

)


(5,213

)


(5,440

)

- Intangible assets


(400

)


(565

)


(401

)

- Defined benefit pension fund assets


(31

)


__



(33

)

- Deferred tax assets net of deferred tax liabilities


(41

)


__



(43

)

- Valuation adjustments


(156

)


(219

)


(180

)

- Significant capital investments in unconsolidated










  financial sector entities


(6,019

)


__



(500

)

- Excess AT1 deductions


(10,838

)


(13,899

)


(14,241

)











Total CET1 capital


53,753



53,437



56,739












Additional tier 1 ('AT1') capital










Total AT1 capital before regulatory deductions


__



__



__


Regulatory deductions to AT1 capital


__



__



__


- Significant capital investments in










  unconsolidated financial sector entities


(10,838

)


(13,899

)


(14,241

)

- Excess AT1 deductions


10,838



13,899



14,241












Total AT1 capital


__



__



__


Total tier 1 ('T1') capital


53,753



53,437



56,739












Tier 2 ('T2') capital

 

Total T2 capital before regulatory deductions


22,113



22,344



22,518


 

- Term subordinated debt


9,921



10,880



10,872


 

- Property revaluation reserves1


9,453



9,009



9,216


 

- Impairment allowances and regulatory reserve eligible for inclusion in T2 capital


2,739



2,455



2,430


 

Regulatory deductions to T2 capital


(10,838

)


(13,899

)


(14,241

)

 

- Significant capital investments in unconsolidated financial sector entities


(10,838

 

)


 

(13,899

 

)


 

(14,241

 

)

 









 


 

Total T2 capital


11,275



8,445



8,277


 

Total capital


65,028



61,882



65,016


 




1 Includes the revaluation surplus on investment properties which is reported as part of retained profits and related adjustments made in accordance with the Banking (Capital) Rules issued by the HKMA.

 

 

The following table shows the pro-forma Basel III end point basis position once all transitional arrangements have been phased out based on the Transition Disclosures Template. It should be noted that the pro-forma Basel III end point basis position takes no account of, for example, any future profits or management actions. In addition, the current regulations or their application may change before full implementation. Given this, the final impact on the group's capital ratios may differ from the pro-forma position, which is a mechanical application of the current rules to the balance sheet at 30 June 2014; it is not a projection. On this pro-forma basis, the group's CET1 capital ratio is 9.4%, which is above the Basel III minimum requirement, including the capital conservation buffer.

 

Reconciliation of regulatory capital from transitional basis to a pro-forma Basel III end point basis

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013












CET1 capital on a transitional basis


53,753



53,437



56,739


Transitional provisions










- Significant capital investments in










   unconsolidated financial sector entities


(21,676

)


(27,798

)


(28,482

)

Excess AT1 deductions


10,838



13,899



14,241


CET1 capital end point basis


42,915



39,538



42,498


 

 

AT1 capital on a transitional basis


__



__



__


 

Transitional provisions










 

- Significant capital investments in










 

   unconsolidated financial sector entities


10,838



13,899



14,241


 

Excess AT1 deductions


(10,838

)


(13,899

)


(14,241

)

 

AT1 capital end point basis


__



__



__


 











 


T2 capital on a transitional basis


11,275



8,445



8,277


 

Grandfathered instruments










 

- Term subordinated debt


(7,596

)


(8,553

)


(8,546

)

 

Transitional provisions










 

- Significant capital investments in










 

   unconsolidated financial sector entities


10,838



13,899



14,241


 

T2 capital end point basis


14,517



13,791



13,972


 

 

(b) Risk-weighted assets by risk type 

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013












Credit risk


410,284



350,616



365,077


Market risk


3,918



2,534



4,293


Operational risk


42,628



39,361



41,100


Total


456,830



392,511



410,470












 

(c) Capital ratios (as a percentage of risk-weighted assets) 

 

The capital ratios on a consolidated basis calculated in accordance with the Banking (Capital) Rules are as follows:

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December




2014



2013



2013












CET1 capital ratio


11.8

%


13.6

%


13.8

%

Tier 1 capital ratio


11.8

%


13.6

%


13.8

%

Total capital ratio


14.2

%


15.8

%


15.8

%

 

(d) Capital instruments

 

The following is a summary of the group's CET1 and tier 2 capital instruments:

 


Amount recognised in regulatory capital



At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2014



2013



2013



CET1 capital instruments issued by the bank










Ordinary shares:










1,911,842,736 issued and fully paid ordinary           










  shares



9,658


9,559



9,559












Tier 2 capital instruments










Issued by the bank:










Subordinated loan due 2020










  (nominal value: US$775m)



4,806


5,410



5,407


Subordinated loan due 2021










  (nominal value: US$450m)



2,790


3,143



3,139


Subordinated loan due 2022










  (nominal value: US$300m)



2,325


2,327



2,326


 

 

(e) Additional information

 

To comply with the Banking (Disclosure) Rules ('BDR'), the following capital information can be found in the Regulatory Disclosures section of our website www.hangseng.com:

 

·      A description of the main features and the full terms and conditions of the group's capital instruments.

 

·      A detailed breakdown of the group's CET1 capital, AT1 capital, T2 capital and regulatory deductions, using the standard template as specified by the HKMA.

 

·      A full reconciliation between the group's accounting and regulatory balance sheets, using the standard template as specified by the HKMA.

 

 

Liquidity ratio

 

The average liquidity ratio for the periods indicated, calculated in accordance with the Fourth Schedule of the Hong Kong Banking Ordinance, is as follows:

 


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended




30 June



30 June


31 December




2014



2013



2013


The bank and its subsidiaries










  designated by the HKMA


34.5

%


35.8

%


33.9

%

 

 

Reconciliation of cash flow statement

 

(a) Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash flow from operating activities

 

 

Half-year ended


Half-year ended


 


30 June



30 June


 


2014



2013


6BFigures in HK$m





(restated)









Operating profit


9,496



8,934


Net interest income


(9,671

)


(8,969

)

Dividend income


(5

)


(4

)

Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions


337



198


Depreciation


406



376


Amortisation of intangible assets


55



57


Amortisation of available-for-sale investments


20



49


Loans and advances written off net of recoveries


(281

)


(233

)

Movement in present value of in-force long-term insurance







  business


(807

)


(622

)

Interest received


12,439



10,794


Interest paid


(3,088

)


(2,306

)

Operating profit before changes in working capital


8,901



8,274


Change in treasury bills and certificates of deposit







  with original maturity more than three months


(18,983

)


7,728


Change in placings with and advances to banks







  maturing after one month


5,023



7,923


Change in trading assets


6,541



2,537


Change in derivative financial instruments


929



1,126


Change in reverse repurchase agreements - non trading


(2,309

)


__


Change in loans and advances to customers


(46,464

)


(43,428

)

Change in other assets


(4,376

)


(3,925

)

Change in current, savings and other deposit accounts


35,094



10,737


Change in repurchase agreements - non trading


1,837



1,625


Change in deposits from banks


(491

)


(5,726

)

Change in trading liabilities


3,596



7,896


Change in certificates of deposit and other debt securities

  in issue

1,303



(269

)

Change in other liabilities


4,485



3,660


Elimination of exchange differences and other non-cash items


(1,774

)


5,444


Cash (used in)/generated from operating activities


(6,688

)


3,602


Taxation (paid)/recovered


(145

)


5


Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities


(6,833

)


3,607


 

 

(b) Analysis of the balances of cash and cash equivalents

 

 

At 30 June


At 30 June


7BFigures in HK$m


8B2014



9B2013


 





(restated)









Cash and balances at central banks


7,721



9,798


Balances with banks


7,828



5,013


Items in the course of collection from other banks


6,912



5,540


Placings with and advances to banks







  maturing within one month


69,933



78,729


Treasury bills


18,592



9,931


Less: Items in the course of transmission to other





 


  banks


(8,759

)


(8,034

)



102,227



100,977


 

 

Contingent liabilities, commitments and derivatives










At 30 June

At 30 June

At 31 December


Figures in HK$m

2014

2013

2013










Direct credit substitutes


11,905


6,973


 8,977


Transaction-related contingencies


2,097


1,546


 1,821


Trade-related contingencies


16,063


14,443


 14,922


Forward asset purchases


34


32


 43


Commitments that are unconditionally

  cancellable without prior notice


256,666


247,537


243,895


Commitments which have an original    








  maturity of not more than one year


4,283


6,652


3,723


Commitments which have an original








  maturity of more than one year


23,000


27,469


24,620


Contract amounts


314,048


304,652


298,001


 

Risk-weighted amounts


32,290


33,336


30,818


 

 








 

 





Credit


Risk-



Contract

equivalent

weighted


Figures in HK$m

amounts

amounts

amounts










At 30 June 2014
















Exchange rate contracts:








Spot and forward foreign exchange


547,644


3,589


1,207


Other exchange rate contracts


146,415


7,709


6,805




694,059


11,298


8,012


Interest rate contracts:








Interest rate swaps


230,015


1,370


447


Other interest rate contracts


981


__


__




230,996


1,370


447










Other derivative contracts


5,529


399


212


 

 





Credit


Risk-



Contract

equivalent

weighted


Figures in HK$m

amounts

amounts

amounts










At 30 June 2013
















Exchange rate contracts:








Spot and forward foreign exchange


449,358


2,740


777


Other exchange rate contracts


177,483


6,718


5,654




626,841


9,458


6,431


Interest rate contracts:








Interest rate swaps


251,150


1,802


555


Other interest rate contracts


194


__


__




251,344


1,802


555










Other derivative contracts


5,198


391


182


















 

 





Credit


Risk-



Contract

equivalent

weighted


Figures in HK$m

amounts

amounts

amounts










At 31 December 2013
















Exchange rate contracts:








Spot and forward foreign exchange


537,659


4,414


1,133


Other exchange rate contracts


108,223


3,651


2,570




645,882


8,065


3,703


Interest rate contracts:








Interest rate swaps


225,524


2,021


626


Other interest rate contracts


78


__


__




225,602


2,021


626










Other derivative contracts


6,044


423


188










 

The credit equivalent amounts are calculated for the purpose of deriving the risk-weighted amounts. The nominal contract amounts, credit equivalent amounts, risk-weighted amounts and the consolidation basis for the periods indicated were calculated in accordance with the Banking (Capital) Rules issued by the HKMA.

 

For the above analysis, contingent liabilities and commitments are credit-related instruments that include acceptances and endorsements, letters of credit, guarantees and commitments to extend credit. The risk involved is essentially the same as the credit risk involved in extending loan facilities to customers. These transactions are, therefore, subject to the same credit origination, portfolio management and collateral requirements as for customers applying for loans. As the facilities may expire without being drawn upon, the total of the contract amounts is not representative of future liquidity requirements.

 

Derivative financial instruments are held for trading, designated at fair value, or designated as either fair value or cash flow hedges. The following table shows the nominal contract amounts and marked-to-market value of assets and liabilities by class of derivatives.

 


At 30 June 2014


At 30 June 2013


At 31 December 2013

Figures in HK$m

Trading


Hedging


Trading


Hedging


Trading


Hedging













Contract amounts:












Interest rate contracts

192,187


39,367


215,933


35,799


193,353


32,249

Exchange rate contracts

907,196


2,659


888,359


4,992


802,099


3,463

Other derivative contracts

13,273


__


15,617


__


9,988


__


1,112,656


42,026


1,119,909


40,791


1,005,440


35,712













Derivative assets:












Interest rate contracts

880


72


1,257


94


1,553


109

Exchange rate contracts

4,771


417


2,505


793


4,253


667

Other derivative contracts

156


__


103


__


64


__


5,807


489


3,865


887


5,870


776













Derivative liabilities:












Interest rate contracts

764


692


1,061


956


1,348


715

Exchange rate contracts

4,270


9


2,451


38


3,019


6

Other derivative contracts

90


__


311


__


158


__


5,124


701


3,823


994


4,525


721













 

The above derivative assets and liabilities, being the positive or negative marked-to-market value of the respective derivative contracts, represent gross replacement costs.

 

 

Additional information

 

1. Statutory accounts and accounting policies

 

The information in this news release does not constitute statutory accounts.

 

Certain financial information in this news release is extracted from the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2013 ('2013 accounts') which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and the HKMA. The auditors expressed an unqualified opinion on those statutory accounts in their report dated 24 February 2014.

 

Disclosures required by the Banking (Disclosure) Rules issued by the HKMA are contained in the bank's Interim Report which will be published on the websites of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and the bank on the date of the issue of this news release.

 

Except as described below, the accounting policies and methods of computation adopted by the group for this news release are consistent with those described on pages 144 to 164 of the 2013 accounts.

 

During the period, the group has adopted the following amendments to standards and standard interpretations which had insignificant or no effect on the group's consolidated financial statements. 

 

·    Amendments to Hong Kong Accounting Standard ('HKAS') 32 'Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities'

 

·    Amendments to HKAS 39 'Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement - Novation of Derivatives and Continuation of Hedge Accounting'

 

·    Amendments to Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standard ('HKFRS') 10, HKFRS 12 and HKAS 27 'Investment Entities'

 

·    Amendments to HKAS 36 'Impairment of Assets: Recoverable Amounts Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets'

 

·    Hong Kong (International Financial Reporting Standards Interpretations Committee) 'HK(IFRIC)' Interpretation 21 'Levies'

 

 

2. The New Hong Kong Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622)

 

The New Hong Kong Companies Ordinance ('NCO') (Cap. 622) came into effect on 3 March 2014. On this effective date, the concept of par (nominal) value no longer exist. Consequently, the concepts of 'share premium', 'capital redemption reserve' and 'authorised share capital' are also abolished. Any amount received for issuing equity shares of a company should be recorded as part of 'share capital'. The effect of the transition is to subsume share premium account and capital redemption reserve balances into share capital as set out in section 37 of Schedule 11 to the NCO (Cap. 622). Prior to 3 March 2014, the application of the share premium account and the capital redemption reserve was governed by sections 48B and 49H respectively of the predecessor Hong Kong Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32).

 

As at 31 December 2013, 1,911,842,736 ordinary shares of the bank, with par value of $5 each, were authorised for issue. Under the NCO (Cap. 622), as part of the transition to the no-par value regime, the amount of HK$99m standing to the credit of the capital redemption reserve on 3 March 2014 have become part of the bank's share capital, under the NCO (Cap. 622).

 

These changes do not have an impact on the number of shares in issue or the relative entitlement of any of the members.

 

 

3. Changes in presentation

 

From 1 January 2014, non-trading reverse repurchase agreements and repurchase agreements are presented as separate lines in the balance sheet to align disclosure with market practice and provide more meaningful information in relation to loans and advances. Previously, non-trading reverse repurchase agreements were included within 'Placings with and advances to banks' and 'Loans and advances to customers' and non-trading repurchase agreements were included within 'Deposits from banks' and 'Current, savings and other deposit accounts'.

 

The group has also changed the balance sheet line item, 'Cash and balances with banks' to 'Cash and balances at central banks'. 'Balances with banks', is now included within 'Placings with and advances to banks'.

 

Comparative figures have been presented accordingly and the affected lines are shown below. There are no other effects of this change in presentation.

 

 

Figures in HK$m

As disclosed


Adjustments


As restated







31 December 2013 consolidated balance sheet items






Assets












Cash and balances with banks/ Cash and balances at central banks

33,294


(10,577

)

22,717

Placings with and advances to banks

131,363


10,577


141,940







30 June 2013 consolidated balance sheet items

Assets












Cash and balances with banksW/ Cash and balances at central banks

14,811


(5,013

)

9,798

 

Placings with and advances to banks

135,999


5,013


141,012

 

 

Liabilities












 

Repurchase agreements - non trading

__


1,625


1,625

 

Deposits from banks

15,790


(1,625

)

14,165

 







 







W The balance as disclosed under 'Cash and balances with banks' at 30 June 2013 was HK$19,190m. After adjusting the gold bullion balances of HK$4,379m as set out under 'Other assets', the revised 'Cash and balances with banks' was HK$14,811m.

 

 

4. Comparative figures

 

Certain comparative figures have been adjusted to conform with current period's presentation.

 

 

5. The appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ('PwC') as the group's auditor

 

The Board of the bank announces its intention to ask its shareholders to approve the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ('PwC') as its auditor for the year ending 31 December 2015, upon the expiry of the term of appointment of its incumbent auditor, KPMG, at the bank's Annual General Meeting in 2015.

 

The proposed appointment has been reviewed and is recommended by the bank's Audit Committee and the Board after taking into account the totality of relevant factors. 

 

KPMG (previously known as Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co.) has been the auditor of the group since 1955. Nevertheless, the bank considers that the appointment of PwC, being an equally professional and qualified audit firm with extensive expertise and experience in the audit of financial institutions, will align the audit arrangements between the bank and the parent company with a view to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the audit in terms of both cost and audit process. Such appointment will not lead to any adverse cost implication as PwC has offered a competitive fee quotation for undertaking the audit work.

 

KPMG, the bank's current auditor, will continue in the role and will undertake the audit of the group's consolidated accounts for the year ending 31 December 2014, having been reappointed at the 2014 Annual General Meeting, in order to facilitate a smooth transition. Following finalisation of the terms of the engagement of PwC, the appointment of PwC will be recommended to shareholders for approval at the 2015 Annual General Meeting.

 

The Board looks forward to a constructive and professional relationship with PwC in support of the Audit Committee's responsibility for oversight over the integrity of financial reporting.

 

There are no matters in connection with KPMG's prospective retirement as auditors which, in the view of the Board, need to be brought to the attention of shareholders.

 

In accordance with the statutory and regulatory requirements in Hong Kong, the Board will receive from KPMG, upon their retirement as auditor, notification of any circumstances which need to be brought to the attention of either the creditors or shareholders of the bank.

 

 

6. Accounting treatment for Industrial Bank and Yantai Bank

 

Industrial Bank

 

The group recorded an accounting gain of HK$9,517m (The accounting gain included the deemed disposal profit on the reclassification of HK$8,454m and the release of deferred tax of HK$1,063m) on the reclassification of Industrial Bank as a financial investment following its issue of additional share capital to third parties in the first half of 2013.

 

Since there are significant financial implications as a result of the change in accounting treatment for Industrial Bank, the key financial results and performance metrics are not directly comparable when comparing the first half 2014 with the same period last year. For the sake of comparison, we have prepared the following key financial results and performance metrics by excluding the accounting gain in the first half of 2013.

 


As reported

Excluding Industrial Bank reclassification


Half-year ended 30 June 2014

Half-year ended 30 June 2013

ChangeW

Half-year ended 30 June 2014

Half-year ended 30 June 2013

ChangeW








Attributable profit

8,468

18,468

-54.1%

8,468

8,951

-5.4%

Profit before tax

9,877

18,773

-47.4%

9,877

10,319

-4.3%

Return on average

  shareholders' funds (%)

15.9

35.9

-20.0pp

16.6

19.0

-2.4pp

Return on average total

  assets (%)

1.5

3.4

-1.9pp

1.5

1.7

-0.2pp

Earnings per share (HK$)

4.43

9.66

-54.1%

4.43

4.68

-5.3%








W Change in 'pp' represents change in percentage points.

 

Yantai Bank

 

The group recorded an accounting loss of HK$297m on the reclassification of Yantai Bank as a financial investment following an increase in its registered share capital to enable a private placement of additional share capital to a third party in the second half of 2013. Since then, the fair value of the Bank's investment in Yantai Bank had been below the carrying amount at 30 June 2014. The group will continue to perform an impairment review of its investment in Yantai Bank at each balance sheet date in accordance with the group's accounting policy on impairment of available-for-sale financial assets and, if appropriate, would recognise an impairment charge.

 

 

7. Property revaluation

 

The group's premises and investment properties were revalued at 30 June 2014 by DTZ Debenham Tie Leung Limited. The valuation was carried out by qualified persons who are members of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors. The basis of the valuation of property was market value which is consistent with the definition of fair value under HKFRS 13 'Fair Value Measurement' and takes into account the highest and best use of the property from the perspective of market participants. The highest and best use takes into account the use of the property that is physically possible, legally permissible and financially feasible as described in HKFRS 13. The net revaluation surplus for Group premises amounted to HK$612m was credited to the premises revaluation reserve. The related deferred tax provision for Group premises was HK$103m. Revaluation gains of HK$230m on investment properties (excluding the revaluation gain on properties backing insurance contracts) were recognised through the income statement.

 

The revaluation exercise also covered business premises and investment properties reclassified as properties held for sale. There was no revaluation gain recognised through the income statement during the period.

 

 

8. Foreign currency positions

 

At 30 June 2014, the US dollar ('US$') was the currency in which the group had non-structural foreign currency positions that were not less than 10% of the total net position in all foreign currencies. The group also had a Chinese renminbi ('RMB') structural foreign currency position, which was not less than 10% of the total net structural position in all foreign currencies.

Figures in HK$m

US$


RMB


AUD


EUR


JPY


Other foreign currencies


Total foreign currencies







 

 

 

 

 

 





At 30 June 2014





 

 

 

 

 

 










 

 

 

 

 

 





Non-structural position





 

 

 

 

 

 





Spot assets

185,629


152,815


17,195


4,576


31,715


18,360


410,290


Spot liabilities

(162,374

)

(146,419

)

(23,554

)

(8,107

)

(6,006

)

(29,681

)

(376,141

)

Forward purchases

310,445


148,522


10,793


9,173


8,943


22,598


510,474


Forward sales

(328,858

)

(154,612

)

(4,420

)

(6,092

)

(34,527

)

(11,027

)

(539,536

)

Net options position

60


(225

)

54


82


__


13


(16

)

Net long/(short)















  non-structural position

4,902


81


68


(368

)

125


263


5,071

















Structural position

205


36,392


__

 

__

 

__

 

601


37,198


 

Figures in HK$m

US$


RMB


AUD


EUR


JPY


Other foreign currencies


Total foreign currencies












 





At 30 June 2013










 















 





Non-structural position










 





Spot assets

  173,526


 147,750


 44,328


12,303


 6,417


39,256


423,580


Spot liabilities

(154,308

)

(128,555

)

(49,486

)

(10,226

)

(3,194

)

(45,435

)

(391,204

)

Forward purchases

271,887


113,794


10,107


7,496


11,096


13,150


427,530


Forward sales

(292,423

)

(129,830

)

(5,115

)

(9,675

)

(13,937

)

(6,807

)

(457,787

)

Net options position

753


(156

)

(209

)

(76

)

(48

)

  (299

)

(35

)

Net long/(short)















  non-structural position

(565

)

3,003


(375

)

(178

)

334


(135

)

2,084

















Structural position

205


34,011


__

 

__

 

__

 

478


34,694


 

 





 

 

 

 

 

 





 

Figures in HK$m


RMB


AUD


EUR


JPY


Other foreign currencies


Total foreign currencies








 




 





At 31 December 2013






 




 











 




 





Non-structural position






 




 





Spot assets

176,324


157,293


20,569


4,807


24,445


19,772


403,210


Spot liabilities

(154,695

)

(137,449

)

(26,347

)

(7,621

)

(3,046

)

(29,731

)

(358,889

)

Forward purchases

287,769


132,637


13,358


7,320


10,063


18,754


469,901


Forward sales

(310,493

)

(150,555

)

(7,658

)

(4,610

)

(31,453

)

(8,619

)

(513,388

)

Net options position

404


(146

)

(15

)

__


(38

)

(177

)

28


Net long/(short)















  non-structural position

(691

)

1,780


(93

)

(104

)

(29

)

(1

)

862

















Structural position

205


37,530


__

 

__


__

 

535


38,270


 

 

9. Ultimate holding company

 

Hang Seng Bank is an indirectly held, 62.14%-owned, subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc.

 

 

10. Register of shareholders

 

The register of shareholders of the bank will be closed on Wednesday, 20 August 2014, during which time no transfer of shares can be registered. In order to qualify for the second interim dividend, all transfers, accompanied by the relevant share certificates, must be lodged with the bank's registrar, Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited, at Shops 1712-1716, 17th Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen's Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong, for registration no later than 4:30 pm on Tuesday, 19 August 2014. The second interim dividend will be payable on Thursday, 4 September 2014, to shareholders whose names appear on the register of shareholders of the bank on Wednesday, 20 August 2014. Shares of the bank will be traded ex-dividend as from Monday, 18 August 2014.

 

 

11. Proposed timetable for the remaining 2014 quarterly dividends

 


Third

Fourth


interim dividend

interim dividend




Announcement

6 October 2014

23 February 2015

Book close and record date

22 October 2014

11 March 2015

Payment date

6 November 2014

26 March 2015

 

 

12. Code on corporate governance practices

 

The bank is committed to high standards of corporate governance with a view to safeguarding the interests of shareholders, customers, staff and other stakeholders. The bank has followed the module on 'Corporate Governance of Locally Incorporated Authorised Institutions' under the Supervisory Policy Manual ('SPM') issued by the HKMA and has fully complied with all the code provisions and most of the recommended best practices as set out in the Corporate Governance Code contained in Appendix 14 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited throughout the six months ended 30 June 2014, save that the Risk Committee (all the members of which are Independent Non-executive Directors), which was established pursuant to HKMA's SPM on corporate governance, is responsible for the oversight of internal control (other than internal control over financial reporting) and risk management systems. If there were no Risk Committee, these matters would be the responsibility of the Audit Committee, as provided under the aforesaid Corporate Governance Code.

 

The Audit Committee of the bank has reviewed the results of the bank for the six months ended 30 June 2014.

 

 

13. Board of Directors

 

At 4 August 2014, the Board of Directors of the bank comprises Dr Raymond K F Ch'ien* (Chairman), Ms Rose W M Lee (Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive), Dr John C C Chan*, Mr Nixon L S Chan, Dr Henry K S Cheng*, Ms L Y Chiang*, Mr Andrew H C Fung, Dr Fred Zuliu Hu*, Ms Irene Y L Lee*, Ms Sarah C Legg#, Dr Eric K C Li*, Dr Vincent H S Lo#, Mr Kenneth S Y Ng#, Mr Richard Y S Tang*, Mr Peter T S Wong# and Mr Michael W K Wu*.

 

*   Independent non-executive Directors

#   Non-executive Directors

 

 

14. News release

 

This news release is available on the bank's website www.hangseng.com.

 

The Interim Report 2014, which contains all disclosures required by the Banking (Disclosure) Rules issued by the HKMA, will be published on the websites of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and the bank on the date of the issue of this news release. Printed copies of the Interim Report 2014 will be sent to shareholders in late-August 2014.

 

Media enquiries to:


Walter Cheung

Telephone: (852) 2198 4020

Ruby Chan      

Telephone: (852) 2198 4236

 


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
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