2007 Bos Ra
2007 Bos Ra
Risk Management 8
Directors’ Report 20
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in Respect of the Annual Report and the Financial Statements 31
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Head Office
The Directors are pleased to present the Business and Financial Review for the Bank of Scotland plc ( the "Bank") for the period to 31
December 2007. The Bank is a directly held subsidiary of HBOS plc and part of the HBOS Group ("HBOS Group"). The results of the Bank
together with its subsidiaries are consolidated and reported as the Bank of Scotland plc group ("group").
On 17 September 2007, in accordance with the provisions of the HBOS Group Reorganisation Act 2006 ("the Act"), the Governor and
Company of the Bank of Scotland registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act and changed its name to Bank of
Scotland plc. On the same day, under the Act, the business activities, assets (including investments in subsidiaries) and liabilities of
CAPITAL BANK plc and HBOS Treasury Services plc, (subsidiaries of the Governor and Company of the Bank of Scotland), and Halifax plc,
(a subsidiary of HBOS plc), transferred to Bank of Scotland plc.
Basis of Preparation
These are the first published Accounts of Bank of Scotland plc covering the period from 17 September 2007 to 31 December 2007. As
explained in the Accounting Policies merger accounting has been adopted for 2007 with the result that these Accounts are presented as if
the Bank had been in existence for the full year.
The 2006 comparatives in the Business and Financial Review below have been prepared on a pro forma basis to match the basis of
preparation for the 2007 financials.
The Group and Divisional financial information included in the Business and Financial Review has been prepared on a consolidated basis.
In March 2007 the HBOS Group announced a divisional reorganisation under which the Group's European Corporate business became
part of Corporate division moving from International division. The HBOS Group reports through the following divisions: Retail, Corporate,
International, Insurance & Investment, Treasury & Asset Management and Group Items. The Bank of Scotland group reports through the
same divisional structure. The majority of the HBOS Group's Insurance & Investment and Asset Management activities lie outwith the group.
The activities of Insurance and Investment, and Group Items are not individually material to the group and are reported together as "Other
activities "in the Business and Financial Review.
Retail
Retail provides financial services to its customers through a broad distribution base ranging from branches to direct mail, telephone and
internet services. Retail’s range of multi-branded products includes personal and business banking services providing mortgages, savings,
bank accounts, personal loans and credit cards.
The Retail strategy offers customers easy to understand, competitively priced and straightforward products which, combined with a
rigourous approach to cost control and risk management, enables them to convert carefully selected growth in sales into long term growth
in shareholder value.
Retail profits decreased by 11% to £2,040m, primarily due to higher impairment losses.
1
Business and Financial Review (continued)
Prospects
In 2008, a slowing UK economy and the effects of the dislocation in financial markets are expected to contribute to a moderation in the markets
for UK credit based products, and a substantial increase in competition for retail deposits. House price inflation is expected to be zero in
2008. Housing transactions are likely to fall from the levels seen in 2007, although the higher the level of product cessations expected in 2008
will continue to under-pin the re-mortgage market. The underlying fundamentals of the housing market remain strong and we do not expect a
serious downturn in the housing and mortgage markets. In this environment, we will continue to favour profitable mortgage lending over market
share with a selective approach to the trade-off between volume, margin and credit risk.
We expect to continue to build upon the strong performances of both the Savings and Banking businesses. In Savings, our multi-brand,
multi-channel franchise and status as the number one savings business in the UK give us an important advantage in a tougher overall funding
environment.
While new mortgage pricing is more favourable, this is offset by higher funding costs which are likely to exert some downward pressure on
margins.
Given the subdued condition of the consumer credit market, higher levels of indebtedness and affordability stretch, we will maintain our
cautious approach to growth in Credit Cards and Unsecured Personal Loans. The slowing UK economy will put pressure on unsecured
borrowers and consequently we expect further reductions in the level of unsecured impairment losses to be gradual.
The ongoing investigations into bank charges and payment protection insurance may both lead to changes in pricing structures in those
markets, however following the conclusion of these investigations we will have more certainty on the regulatory environment and will be able to
plan accordingly.
Our more cautious approach to credit risk and tight control of costs in recent years means that we are well positioned to trade effectively
through more difficult conditions, and our strong customer franchise and multi-brand sales and distribution capability provide a long term
source of competitive advantage.
Corporate
Profit before taxation in Corporate increased by 37% to £2,411m as a result of lending growth, increased profits from associates and jointly
controlled entities and strong non-interest income streams.
Prospects
The dislocation in financial markets is expected to continue to shape our UK and European markets in 2008 and reduce the supply of corporate
credit. As a result, asset margins have increased recently but asset growth will be slower.
In 2007 we took advantage of excellent market conditions, particularly in the first half year, to realise substantial gains from our investment
portfolio. Such opportunities are likely to be much more restricted in 2008 and, currently, we expect a significantly lower level of investment
realisations.
The corporate sector in the UK remains relatively under geared and companies are generally well placed to service increased debt costs. Our
commercial property portfolio is expected to continue to perform relatively well, partially reflecting our preference for incremental growth in
Europe. In an environment where commercial property prices are expected to remain under pressure our primary focus on cash flow based
property transactions, with collateral valuations as support, will continue to drive our risk based decisions.
The tough economic climate is likely to see a rising trend in impairments, but we expect this to lead to only a modest increase in the impairment
losses in 2008.
Overall, we anticipate slower asset growth in 2008 and a higher proportion of originated assets will be held on the balance sheet than in
previous periods, where the sell down market has been more active.
International
International comprises three distinct geographical businesses. HBOS Australia provides retail, commercial, corporate, asset finance and
insurance & investment products. In Ireland, Bank of Scotland (Ireland) focuses on providing banking solutions to business banking customers
and during 2007 has developed into a full service retail bank. Europe & North America includes the group’s retail, corporate and insurance &
investment businesses in those regions.
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Business and Financial Review (continued)
We aim to grow our International profile by taking the successful UK strategy and deploying it in international markets in which we have
experience of operating.
Profit before taxation in International decreased by 18% to £630m. On 7 December 2006, the 64.5% financial investment in Drive Financial
Services (‘Drive’), the sub-prime auto finance receivables business based in Texas was sold. The sale of the investment in Drive realised a gain
on disposal of £180m, excluding this gain on sale would result in an increase of 6%.
Prospects
We continue to pursue a strategy of targeted organic growth across our European and North American businesses by seeking to expand into
new markets, while increasing the depth of our presence and relationships in our existing markets by developing our product range, increasing
our range of specialist sectors and broadening our distribution reach.
In our European retail businesses, BoSNL and BHH, the slowing economic outlook is expected to lead to a moderation in demand for credit.
However, our branch network in Spain will provide us with increased capacity to develop this business prudently.
In North America, our expanding network of loan offices will position us for further growth opportunities. Our regional banking partnership
initiative will continue to complement our established corporate lending business.
We operate in established, affluent and accessible markets which, in spite of current market volatility, are forecast to maintain robust long-term
growth and which suit BoS products and risk appetite. The continued attractiveness of the economic, political and fiscal conditions in our
markets will play a major role in the pace of our expansion, as will our ability to attract high quality talented colleagues. With our current low
market penetrations the scale of the opportunity is substantial.
Treasury
The Treasury function focuses on performing three core functions; funding and managing the liquidity position of the HBOS Group, providing
financial services to the HBOS Group and its customers and generating income. Of these, funding and managing liquidity is the most important
function and will take priority over the other functions. Treasury’s strategy is to provide treasury services to support the growth of the HBOS
Group’s business and deliver treasury products to the HBOS Group’s customers.
Prospects
The primary focus of our Treasury operations is to manage the Group's funding and liquidity. The dislocation in financial markets which
commenced in the second half of 2007 is expected to continue to be a feature of financial markets, particularly the term markets, in 2008.
In recent years, prior to the dislocation in financial markets, we have lengthened the maturity profile of our wholesale funding and diversified
the types and sources of such funding. This has enabled us to operate effectively in difficult financial markets and will give us the flexibility to
source funds in 2008, at appropriate prices, consistent with our business requirements. As term markets recover, we will continue to ensure that
the profile of the funding portfolio is appropriate for our longer term business plans.
Treasury profits were affected by negative fair value adjustments to debt securities in 2007. We expect these adjustments to both the income
statement and balance sheet to reverse out over time as markets recover and/or the debt securities reach maturity.
We will continue to be selective in issuing commercial paper at appropriate spreads from our ABCP Conduits Grampian and Landale or fund the
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Business and Financial Review (continued)
Conduits via the repo markets or our own liquidity lines as appropriate.
Treasury also provides services to the Group and to the Group's customers. We continue to invest in our capabilities to deliver a top quality
service and performance. Access to Group customers, product innovation and our strong standing in the market underpins our confidence in
our business model. Our cautious approach to products and services remains unaltered.
Other activities
Other activities combine the activities of the Insurance & Investment and Group Items divisions which are not individually material to the group.
Other activities has an underlying loss of £346m as a result of increased operating expenses due to implementation costs of our cost efficiency
programme. Asset quality remains high and no credit provisions were required in the period.
Overview of Results
Group Items comprise costs incurred in the management of the group as a whole.
Non-interest income grew 21% to £4,723m for the year compared with £3,912m for the year to 31 December 2006.
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Business and Financial Review (continued)
Operating expenses increased 10% to £5,653m as a result of the planned investment in people and infrastructure in International and Treasury.
Taxation
The tax charge for the year of £1,318m (2006 £1,450m), represents 27% (2006 29%) of profit before tax compared with a UK corporation tax
rate of 30% applicable to both periods. The difference in tax rate for 2007 is explained in more detail in Note 7 on page 55.
Balance Sheet
Loans and advances to customers is £460,267m. The mix of the group’s lending portfolio at the year end and gross lending exposure is shown
in more detail in Note 11 on pages 59 to 60.
The total charge for loan impairment losses against group profits was £2,012m (2006 £1,742m). Further details are shown in Note 12 on page
60.
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Business and Financial Review (continued)
2007 2006
Risk weighted assets £m £m
On balance sheet - banking book 299,908 162,503
On balance sheet - trading book 9,483 7,702
Off balance sheet 19,680 13,552
(The information set out below forms an integral part of the audited financial statements as described in the definition of financial statements
given in the Accounting Policies on page 41)
Tier 1
Ordinary share capital 499 436
Preference share capital 1,200 400
Perpetual securities 298 298
Eligible reserves 21,119 10,905
Minority interests (equity) 285 1,169
Preference instruments (non-equity): Preferred securities 400 400
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets (1,611) (1,565)
Tier 2
Available for sale reserve 187 168
Undated subordinated debt 3,383 2,126
Dated subordinated debt 9,695 4,815
Other minority interests (non-equity) 56
Collectively assessed impairment provisions 2,671 1,184
Supervisory deductions:
(End of information that forms an integral part of the audited financial statements)
Key Performance Indicators
Pro-forma
2007 2006
The cost:income ratio is calculated excluding regulatory provisions, the impact of the change in the corporation tax rate, the profit on sale of
Drive, goodwill impairment and after netting operating lease depreciation, impairment losses on investment securities, against operating income,
and including share of profits of associates and jointly controlled entities within underlying non-interest income.
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Business and Financial Review (continued)
Our credentials in respect of tight cost control are now well established. Our aim is to continue to control costs whilst at the same time
increasing income and further reducing our cost:income ratio.
Future Developments
Corporate will continue to sharpen their focus on core markets to enhance their depth of knowledge and experience. By concentrating on
these markets, Corporate will continue to develop long term relationships with their chosen customers. Retail will continue to look for growth
opportunities across all principal business activities. International is looking to expand into new markets and increase their depth of presence
and relationships in current markets. Treasury's primary focus is to deliver a top quality service and performance to the Group and its clients
and will continue to invest in its capabilities to do so.
7
Risk Management
Introduction
Risk management within the Bank of Scotland group is part of the overall framework that is applied across the HBOS Group ("Group").
The following report is in relation to the HBOS Group overall. Identification, measurement and management of risk is a strategic priority
for HBOS. The HBOS Board which is also the Bank's Board has established a comprehensive framework covering accountability,
oversight, measurement and reporting to maintain high standards of risk management throughout the Group.
Each of the Divisions faces key risks and uncertainties in the execution of their strategy. These are set out in the divisional sections of the
Business Review where they can be read in conjunction with the Division’s strategy, and financial and operating performance.
The Group’s earnings are affected by general economic conditions in the markets in which we operate
The Group’s earnings could be affected by deterioration in economic conditions in the UK, where the majority of the Group’s earnings
are generated, as well as in the other economies in which we operate. In particular, significantly higher UK unemployment and/or interest
rates may reduce borrowers’ ability to repay loans and may cause house prices to fall materially thereby reducing the collateral value
on many of our loans. An economic downturn may also reduce demand for many of our products. To mitigate we have developed
a diversified business model that operates in many different markets and cycles (including, but not limited to, mortgages, savings,
corporate, SME, insurance and investment) both in the UK and increasingly in our chosen overseas markets.
Changes in financial markets may restrict the availability or increase the cost of funding to the Group. Such changes could impact on the
margins we are able to achieve or constrain the growth in businesses. To mitigate this we have developed a well diversified funding and
depositor base and would seek to pass on increased cost of funds where appropriate.
Future earnings growth and shareholder value creation depend on the Group’s strategic decisions
Significant resources are devoted to the formulation and implementation of our strategy. If elements of the strategy do not deliver as
planned, either as a result of internal factors such as poor implementation associated with strategic change, or external factors, such as
competitor actions, the Group’s earnings may grow more slowly or decline.
The financial performance of the Group is affected by borrowers ability and willingness to repay amounts lent by the
Group
This is known as credit risk and more information about how we manage credit risk and our credit exposures is set out on pages 10 to
12.
The Group may be unable to meet its financial obligations as they fall due or is unable to raise sufficient funds to take
full advantage of growth opportunities
This is known as liquidity risk. Further information about our approach to managing liquidity risk is explained on pages 15 to 17.
The financial performance of the Group is affected by changes in external market factors such as interest rates, foreign
exchange rates, commodity and equity prices and the potential for customers to act in a manner which is inconsistent
with business, pricing and hedging assumptions
This is referred to as market risk. Further information about our management of, and exposure to, market risk is set out on pages 12 to
15.
The Group may have insufficient capital resources to meet the regulatory minimum requirements, to finance growth, or
to support its credit rating
Capital discipline is a key element of the Group’s strategy. Capital is a scarce resource and our task is to deploy it to achieve sustainable
returns and add value for our shareholders. The financial performance of the Group may affect the ability to generate sufficient capital.
This, together with a reduction in the availability of capital from the capital markets, may affect the Group’s ability to meet the capital
requirements of regulators or to have an acceptable capital structure to support the existing credit ratings. The Group’s approach to the
management of capital is set out on pages 18 to 19.
The Group's business and earnings can be affected by changes in financial services laws and regulations in each of the
locations in which it operates
Any significant regulatory changes could affect how the group conducts business and its financial performance. Regulatory risk is
explained in detail on page 18.
8
HBOS Board
1st Line of Defence 2nd Line of Defence 3rd Line of Defence
The Board is responsible for setting the Group’s risk appetite and does so through an iterative process that aims to ensure that the
Group’s approved business plan is consistent with the Board’s appetite for risk.
The strategy for managing risk is formulated by the Executive Committee and is informed through divisional and Group planning and key
performance indicators, including monthly financial and business performance reporting of variances against plan.
The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s system of control and approval of principal risk policies and standards. The Board is
also responsible for reviewing the effectiveness of the systems and controls. The system of controls described in this section has been in
place throughout the period to the date of approval of the Annual Report and Accounts. It accords with the Turnbull guidance on internal
control and has also been reviewed by the Board specifically for the purposes of this statement. Within the Group, risk is managed in
accordance with the following principles: or
Risk Appetite
HBOS uses risk appetite to describe:
–– The level of acceptable risk given the Group’s appetite for earnings volatility, external stakeholder expectations and any other defined
objectives such as paying dividends; and
–– The types of risk the Group is prepared to accept in line with HBOS control environment and the market conditions in which it
operates.
Key risks are identified and managed to achieve a balance between risk and reward which is acceptable to the Board. The Board carries
out an annual strategic review of risk management, its appetite for risk and the Group’s annual business plan. This focus on aligning the
taking of risk with the achievement of business objectives means that the control system is designed to manage, rather than eliminate,
risk. The Board also reviews the effectiveness of risk management through regular management information reporting.
Responsibility for risk is a key element of managers’ competencies at all levels. Specialist Group and divisional risk teams have been
established where appropriate to assist managers across the Group. Specialist risk managers research industry best practice and
ensure that standards and policies within the Group evolve in line with recognised risk management practice.
Staff and systems resources are dedicated to ensuring that risk management information is accurate, timely and relevant to the business.
9
The Risk Management Framework
HBOS allocates specific roles in the management of risk to executives and senior managers and to the Board and Executive
Committees. This is undertaken within an overall framework and strategy established by the Board. The model is based on the concept
of ‘three lines of defence’, as shown in the table below.
Divisional management has primary responsibility for identifying and evaluating significant risks to the business and for designing and
operating suitable controls. Internal and external risks are assessed, including economic factors, control breakdowns, disruption of
information systems, competition and regulatory requirements.
The four Group Executive Risk Committees - Group Credit Risk Committee, Group Market Risk Committee, Group Insurance Risk
Committee and Group Operational Risk Committee develop the policies and parameters within which Divisions are required to manage
risk. The Committees provide central oversight by reviewing and challenging the work of the Divisions’ own risk committees and
considering the application of appropriate risk management techniques.
The specialist Group Risk function, reporting to the Group Risk Director, supports these Committees. Its responsibilities are:
–– to provide leadership in the development and implementation of risk management techniques; and
–– to aggregate risks arising in the Divisions and to monitor the overall Group position independently from the Divisions’ own analysis.
Consideration of capital, liquidity and balance sheet management is undertaken on an integrated basis. All capital and funding related
activities are the responsibility of the Group Capital Committee, supported by three sub-committees, which focus on the core aspects
of overall Group requirements. The Group Capital Committee is chaired by the Group Finance Director and operates under delegated
authority from the Board to oversee and manage the Group’s Balance Sheet and Capital in accordance with the Board approved Group
Business plan and within regulatory ratios.
In judging the effectiveness of the Group’s controls, the Board reviews the reports of the Audit Committee and management.
Certain responsibilities are delegated to the Audit Committee including ensuring that there is regular review of the adequacy and
efficiency of internal control procedures. This role provides independent and objective assurance that there is an appropriate control
structure throughout the Group.
The Audit Committee, supported by Divisional Risk Control Committees, obtains assurance about the internal control and risk
management environment through regular reports from Group Functions (including Group Risk and Group Finance) and Group Internal
Audit. It also considers external auditors’ reports.
(The information set out below up to and including the table entitled 'Wholesale funding - residual maturity' forms an integral part of the
audited financial statements as described in the accounting policies section of the Accounts on page 41).
Credit Risk
Credit Risk is the risk of financial loss from counterparty’s failure to settle financial obligations as they fall due.
The Group Credit Risk Committee, one of the Executive Risk Committees, is chaired by the Group Risk Director and comprises senior
executives from across the business divisions and Group Risk and Group Finance functions. It meets monthly and reviews the Group’s
lending portfolio, approves material credit models and Group credit standards, limits and divisional credit risk policies. The Group
Credit Risk Policy Statement is approved by the Board on an annual basis. The Group Credit Risk Committee also assists the Board in
formulating the Group’s credit risk appetite in respect of key products and sectors.
Group Credit, a specialist support function within Group Risk, provides centralised expertise in the area of credit risk measurement and
management techniques. In addition to reporting on the performance of each divisional portfolio to the Group Credit Risk Committee,
Group Credit exercises independent oversight over the effectiveness of credit risk management arrangements and adherence to
approved policies, standards and limits.
Day to day management of credit risk is undertaken by specialist credit teams working within each Division in compliance with
policies approved by the Board. Typically functions undertaken by these teams include credit sanctioning, portfolio management and
management of high risk and defaulted accounts and credit risk model build and governance.
10
To mitigate credit risk, a wide range of policies and techniques are used across the Group:
–– For retail portfolios use is made of credit scoring software for new applications. In addition, behavioural scoring is used to provide an
assessment of the conduct of a customer’s accounts in granting extensions to, and setting limits for, existing facilities. Affordability is a
vitally important measure and is reviewed in combination with either application and/or behavioural scores. Small business customers
may be rated using scorecards in a similar manner to retail customers.
–– For corporate portfolios a full independent credit assessment of the financial strength of each potential transaction and/or customer
is undertaken, awarding an internal risk rating which is reviewed regularly. The same approach is also used for larger SME (small to
medium enterprise) customers.
–– Within Treasury Division (Treasury), which handles the Group's banking and sovereign related exposures, as well as the Group's
structured credit bond (ABS) portfolio held for liquidity and proprietary purposes, focused credit risk policies are established and
reviewed by Group Wholesale Credit Risk Committee (GWCC), a sub-committee of the Group Credit Risk Committee. Basel II
Advanced IRB compliant models are used to rate banking and sovereign counterparties. Structured credit bonds are reviewed
individually by an independent credit function prior to purchase and an internal rating is applied to all exposures. The rating assessment
is commensurate with, and often more stringent than, those of the external credit rating agencies. Additional thresholds and limits are
applied by rating and asset class and, as part of an ongoing portfolio review process, thorough surveillance is performed covering
each bond holding, supplemented by stress analyses conducted on a periodic basis.
An additional measure within the credit risk framework is the establishment of product, industrial sector and country limits to avoid
excessive concentrations of risk. Material portfolios, such as mortgages, have approved sub-sector limits to ensure that they remain
within plan and tolerance for risk. All such limits are set and monitored by the Group Credit Risk Committee.
Standards have been established across the Group for the management of credit risk. All Divisions are committed to continuously
improving credit risk management. There continues to be investment in the development of credit risk rating tools, including
enhancements to the portfolio risk measurement systems and in governance arrangements to support operations within the terms of
the Basel II Accord. These include principles for development, validation and performance monitoring of credit risk models. The approval
process for credit models is dependant upon materiality, with all models impacting the regulatory capital calculation requiring approval by
the Group Credit Risk Committee and those deemed material to the Group being approved by the Group Capital Committee.
Internal reporting has developed further in response to the introduction of improved rating tools. Senior Management across the Group
are now capable of assessing the risk profile in terms of Probability of Default and Expected Loss and will do so under the Basel II
environment going forward.
Financial Financial
instruments instruments
subject subject
to credit risk to credit risk
As at As at
31.12.2007 31.12.2006
£m £m
Loans and advances to customers 460,267 215,255
Financial assets held for trading 54,681 49,139
Debt securities 48,833 43,077
Other financial assets 22,335 137,471
586,116 444,942
Contingent liabilities and commitments 106,318 54,722
Total 692,434 499,664
Loans and advance to customers
Loans and advances to customers are managed on a divisional basis. Information about the credit quality of loans and advances to
customers is set out on pages 1-3 in the Business Review and in Note 30 to the Accounts on pages 82 to 84.
As Treasury manages the liquidity of the HBOS Group, its mandate is to maintain a high quality credit portfolio. In addition to the credit
process mentioned above, it also actively uses portfolio techniques to manage and monitor the quality of its portfolios, and to avoid
concentration risk.
This includes the use of rating based thresholds, established portfolio level thresholds, asset class limits and sub-limits. There are also
rules governing the types of assets that can be held within Treasury’s Liquidity portfolios, Trading and Banking books and for individual
(ABS) tranche sizes. There are also limits controlling the maximum weighted average life of assets.
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As at As at
31.12.2007 31.12.2006
% %
AAA 51.5 51.9
AA 34.4 30.6
A 13.7 17.0
Below A 0.4 0.5
Debt securities
Debt securities are primarily held within the Treasury or Corporate Divisions and are almost exclusively invested in investment grade
counterparties with 96% (2006 93%) of debt securities rated ‘A’ or above, again based on our internal rating scale.
As at As at
31.12.2007 31.12.2006
% %
AAA 60.4 69.4
AA 23.6 18.5
A 12.5 5.6
Below A 3.5 6.5
The AAA proportion of the portfolio fell during 2007 due to two factors (i) a reduction in Sovereign assets and (ii) an increase in the size of
the portfolio comprising mainly AA and A assets, thereby reducing the AAA proportion.
Market Risk
Market risk is defined as the potential loss in value or earnings of the organisation arising from:
–– changes in external market factors such as interest rates (interest rate risk), foreign exchange rates (foreign exchange
risk), commodities and equities; and
–– the potential for customers to act in a manner which is inconsistent with business, pricing and hedging assumptions.
The objectives of the Group’s market risk framework are to ensure that:
–– market risk is taken only in accordance with the Board’s appetite for such risk;
–– such risk is within the Group’s financial capability, management understanding and staff competence;
–– the Group complies with all regulatory requirements relating to the taking of market risk; and
–– the quality of the Group’s profits is appropriately managed and its reputation safeguarded.
Risk appetite is set by the Board which allocates responsibility for oversight and management of market risk to the Group Market Risk
Committee, an Executive Risk Committee chaired by the Group Risk Director.
The Group devotes resources to ensuring that market risk is comprehensively captured, accurately modelled and reported, and
effectively managed. Trading and non-trading portfolios are managed at various organisational levels, from the HBOS Group overall,
down to specific business areas. Market risk measurement and management methods are designed to meet or exceed industry
standards, and the tools used facilitate internal market risk management and reporting.
Market risk is controlled across the Group by setting limits using a range of measurement methodologies. The principal methodologies
are Net Interest Income (‘NII’) sensitivity and Market Value (‘MV’) sensitivity for banking books and Value-at-Risk (‘VaR’) for trading books.
All are supplemented by scenario analysis which is performed in order to estimate the potential economic loss that could arise from
extreme, but plausible stress events.
Detailed market risk framework documents and limit structures have been developed for each Division. These are tailored to the specific
market risk characteristics and business objectives of each Division. Each divisional policy requires appropriate divisional sanction, and is
then forwarded to the Group Market Risk Committee for approval on at least an annual basis.
Market risk – principally interest rate, inflation and equity – also arises from the Group’s defined benefit pensions obligations. These
sensitivities are regularly measured and are reported to the Group Market Risk Committee every month.
The principal Board limit for structural interest rate risk is expressed in terms of potential volatility of net interest income in adverse market
conditions. Risk exposure is monitored using the following measures:
–– Net Interest Income sensitivity – This methodology comprises an analysis of the Group’s current interest rate risk position overlaid with
behavioural assessment and re-pricing assumptions of planned future activity. The change to forecast NII is calculated with reference
to a set of defined parallel interest rate shocks which measure how much current projections would alter over a 12 month period.
–– Market Value sensitivity – This methodology considers all re-pricing mismatches in the current balance sheet including those beyond
the time horizon of the NII measure. It is also calculated with reference to a set of defined parallel interest rate shocks.
12
The Board has delegated authority to the Group Market Risk Committee to allocate limits to divisions as appropriate within the overall
risk appetite approved by the Board each year. In turn, the Group Market Risk Committee has granted limits which constitute the risk
tolerance for each Division.
Banking divisions are required to hedge all significant open interest rate mismatch positions with Treasury and are not permitted to take
positions of a speculative nature. A limit structure exists to ensure that risks stemming from residual and temporary positions, or from
changes in assumptions about customer behaviour, remain within the Group’s risk appetite.
Market risk in non-trading books consists almost entirely of exposure to changes in interest rates. This is the potential impact on earnings
and value that could occur when, if rates fall, liabilities cannot be re-priced as quickly as assets; or when, if rates rise, assets cannot be
re-priced as quickly as liabilities.
As at 31.12.2007
+ 25 bps – 25 bps
Impact of interest rate shift £m £m
Currency
Sterling (21.2) 21.6
US Dollar (0.6) 0.5
Euro (4.3) 4.3
AU Dollar 0.1 (0.1)
Other 0.1 (0.1)
Total (25.9) 26.2
As at 31.12.2006
+ 25 bps – 25 bps
Impact of interest rate shift £m £m
Currency
Sterling (11.9) 13.3
US Dollar (1.2) 1.2
Euro (4.4) 4.4
AU Dollar 1.0 (1.2)
Other (0.2) 0.2
Total (16.7) 17.9
Base case projected NII is calculated on the basis of the Group’s current balance sheet, forward rate paths implied by current market
rates, and contractual re-pricing dates (adjusted according to behavioural assumptions for some products). It also incorporates business
planning assumptions about future balance sheet volumes and the level of early redemption fees. The above sensitivities show how this
projected NII would change in response to an immediate parallel shift to all relevant interest rates – market and administered.
The principal driver of the risk is re-pricing mismatch but the methodology also recognises that behavioural re-pricing assumptions – for
example, prepayment rates – are themselves a function of the level interest rates.
The measure, however, is simplified in that it assumes all interest rates, for all currencies and maturities, move at the same time and by
the same amount. Also, it does not incorporate the impact of management actions that, in the event of an adverse rate movement, could
reduce the impact on NII.
Reserve Sensitivity
The following table shows the market value sensitivity, for a 25 basis point shift, of those items in respect of which a change in market
value must be reflected in the equity of the group – principally ‘Available for Sale’ assets and cash flow hedges.
As at 31.12.2007
+ 25 bps – 25 bps
Impact of interest rate shift £m £m
Available for sale reserve (15.7) 15.7
Cash flow hedge reserve 101.5 (101.5)
Total 85.8 (85.8)
As at 31.12.2006
+ 25 bps – 25 bps
Impact of interest rate shift £m £m
Available for sale reserve (21.2) 21.2
Cash flow hedge reserve 76.5 (76.5)
Total 55.3 (55.3)
Translation exposures arise due to earnings that are retained within the overseas operations and reinvested within their own balance
sheet.
Structural currency exposures arise from the group’s investments in overseas subsidiaries, branches and other investments and are
noted in the following table.
As at 31.12.07
Net Borrowing Remaining
investments taken out to structural
in overseas hedge net currency
Functional currency operations investments exposure
of the operation £m £m £m
AU Dollar 2,023 2,023
Euro 1,888 1,613 275
US Dollar 97 97
Other 4 4
Total 4,012 3,733 279
As at 31.12.06
Net Borrowing Remaining
investments taken out to structural
in overseas hedge net currency
Functional currency operations investments exposure
of the operation £m £m £m
AU Dollar 1,560 1,458 102
Euro 975 975
US Dollar 106 99 7
Other 13 13
Total 2,654 2,532 122
As at 31 December 2007 and 31 December 2006 there are no material net currency exposures in the non–trading book relating to
transactional (or non-structural) positions that would give rise to net currency gains or losses.
Trading
The Group’s market risk trading activities are conducted by Treasury Division. This Group activity is subject to a Trading Book Policy
Statement, which is approved by the Board, and limits set by the Group Market Risk Committee.
Treasury trading primarily centres around two activities: proprietary trading and trading on the back of business flows. Both activities
incur market risk, the majority being interest rate and foreign exchange rate exposure. In addition, a number of marketable assets held
as part of our liquidity risk management framework are also held in trading books. Such activity gives rise to market risk as a result of
movements in credit spread.
The framework for managing the market risk in these activities requires detailed and tailored modelling techniques, which are the
responsibility of the Treasury Division Market Risk team.
The Group employs several complementary techniques to measure and control trading activities including: Value at Risk (‘VaR’),
sensitivity analysis, stress testing and position limits.
The VaR model used as part of the Group's management of trading activity expresses market risk to 99% confidence using a one day
holding period. The number provides an indication of the maximum mark to market loss which, to this level of confidence, might be
incurred on a single day given the size of current trading positions. It is computed using an historical simulation approach and a one year
history of price data.
The underlying assumption of VaR is that future price volatility and correlation will not differ significantly from that previously observed. It
also implicitly assumes that all positions are sufficiently liquid to be realisable within the chosen one day holding period. Also, VaR gives
no indication of the size of any loss that could occur from extreme adverse price changes (ie, outside the chosen confidence level).
For these reasons, stress testing is also employed to simulate the effect of selected adverse market movements. Such measures are
particularly relevant when market conditions are abnormal and daily price movements are difficult to source, as has been the case in a
number of financial markets since August 2007.
The large increase in VaR, relative to 31 December 2006, is due principally to higher price volatility in wholesale markets – the size of
underlying trading positions has not changed materially.
The regulatory capital charge for market risk trading exposures represents only 1.89% (2006 3.27%) of the group’s capital base.
For all significant exposures VaR is calculated on a daily basis and is used by senior management to manage market risk. On a more
detailed desk and trader level, to increase transparency interest rate risk relating to the trading book is principally managed using
sensitivity methodology to measure exposure and set limits. This methodology calculates the present value impact of a one basis point
movement in interest rates on the outstanding positions. Credit spread risk is managed using credit spread VaR and position limits based
on credit spread sensitivity. Foreign exchange risk is principally managed by the use of position limits. Equity risk is managed through
Equity Index VaR and position limits.
The Group’s trading market risk exposure for the year ended 31 December 2007 is analysed below.
14
As at As at Average Highest Lowest
31.12.07 31.12.06 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006
Exposure £m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
Total value at risk 13.2 4.5 7.6 4.2 13.9 6.4 4.0 2.9
Included in the above is the
Value at risk relating to
Interest rates 4.7 2.2 3.0 2.4 5.9 3.9 1.7 1.4
Credit spread 8.3 2.0 4.3 1.4 8.4 3.9 1.8 0.9
Foreign exchange 1.9 0.2 0.6 0.3 2.0 0.7 0.1 0.1
Equity risk factor 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.4 0.4 0.0 0.0
Derivatives
In the normal course of business, the Group uses a limited range of derivative instruments for both trading and non-trading purposes.
The principal derivative instruments used are interest rate swaps, interest rate options, cross currency swaps, forward rate agreements,
credit derivatives, forward foreign exchange contracts and futures. The Group uses derivatives as a risk management tool for hedging
interest rate and foreign exchange rate risk.
The Group’s activity in derivatives is controlled within risk management limits set by the Board and overseen by the relevant Group Risk
Committees. Details of derivative contracts outstanding at the year-end are included in Note 10 to the Accounts on pages 57 and 58.
Liquidity Risk
The risk that the Group does not have sufficient financial resources to meet its obligations when they are due or will have to
do so at excessive cost.
(Liquidity and funding risk information is collated at divisional and entity levels for submission into the consolidated HBOS Group
position. This consolidated information is used to manage liquidity and funding risk at the HBOS Group level. Although the group forms
a significant part of the HBOS Group, management of liquidity and funding risk is not undertaken at the group sub-consolidation level.
Additionally as HBOS plc, the holding company, is an important funding vehicle for the HBOS Group its exclusion from any funding
information presents a distorted view of the overall Group funding position. Accordingly, the information presented below is based on an
extract from the HBOS Group Risk report).
Liquidity Risk is governed by the Group Liquidity Policy Statement (GLPS) which is approved by the Board and defines the core principles
for identifying, measuring, managing and monitoring liquidity risk across the Group. Detailed liquidity risk framework documents and limit
structures are in place for the Group’s operations, where liquidity is managed on a group basis, and for overseas banking units subject
to specific regulatory requirements. The responsibility for oversight and management of Liquidity Risk is delegated to the Group Capital
Committee (GCC).
Policy is reviewed at least annually to ensure its continued relevance to the Group’s current and planned operations. Operational liquidity
management is delegated to Treasury. The authority to set specific limits and guidelines and responsibility for monitoring and controlling
liquidity is delegated by the GCC to the Group Funding & Liquidity Committee (GFLC) (a subcommittee of the GCC).
The Group’s banking operations in the UK comply with the FSA’s Sterling Stock Liquidity approach for sterling liquidity management
and regulatory reporting. A key element of the FSA’s Sterling Stock Liquidity Policy is that a bank should hold a stock of high quality
liquid assets that can be sold quickly and discreetly in order to replace funding that has been withdrawn due to an actual or perceived
problem with the bank. The objective is that this stock should enable the bank to continue business, whilst providing an opportunity to
arrange more permanent funding solutions. Limits on the five day sterling net wholesale outflow and the minimum level of stock liquidity
have been agreed with the FSA. In addition, GFLC has set a requirement for the stock liquidity ratio of at least 105% (FSA minimum level
100%).
HBOS also adheres to the requirements of other regulatory authorities including the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority and the
Irish Financial Regulator in whose jurisdictions the Group has branches or subsidiaries.
The internal approach to liquidity management, which has been in place for several years, goes beyond the regulatory requirements
(in terms of the depth of analysis conducted and the amount of liquidity held). The approach looks at our forecast cash flows across all
currencies and at longer timeframes than the regulatory rules require. At 31 December 2007, the Group’s liquidity portfolio of marketable
assets was £60.0bn (2006 £56.4bn). The liquidity portfolio is recorded in Treasury and predominantly comprises Treasury debt securities,
excluding Grampian and Landale. The assets in the liquidity portfolio are treated in two forms. Firstly, assets which we know to be eligible
under normal arrangements with the Bank of England, the European Central Bank and the Federal Reserve. Secondly, a substantial pool
of high quality secondary liquidity assets that allow us to manage through periods of stress taking into account the likely behaviours of
depositors and wholesale markets. These approaches are supported by a framework of limits to ensure we are not subject to undue
concentrations for either our assets or liabilities and by daily control processes to address both regulatory and internal requirements. In
2007, the primary method of realising the liquidity portfolio for cash has been via repo rather than outright sale. This framework includes:
–– Funding diversity criteria focusing on retail, other customer and wholesale sources;
–– Sight to one week and sight to one month mismatch limits as a percentage of total wholesale funding for all major currencies and for all
currencies in aggregate;
–– Targets on the appropriate balance of short to medium term wholesale funding; and
–– Criteria and limits on marketable assets, by asset class for Sterling, US Dollars, Euros, other currencies, and for all currencies in
aggregate.
Daily monitoring and control processes are in place to address both statutory and prudential liquidity requirements.
15
In addition to day to day prudential limits, the liquidity framework has two other important components.
Firstly, HBOS ‘stress tests’ its potential cash flow mismatch position under various scenarios on an ongoing basis, with formal Group
reporting at least monthly, in compliance with FSA regulations. The cash flow mismatch position considers on balance sheet cash flows,
commitments received and granted, and material derivative cash flows. Specifically, commitments granted include the pipeline of new
business awaiting completion as well as other standby or revolving credit facilities. Behavioural adjustments are developed evaluating
how the cash flow position might change under each stress scenario to derive a stressed cash flow position.
Scenarios are based on varying degrees of stress and cover both HBOS name specific and systemic difficulties. The scenarios and the
assumptions are reviewed at least annually to gain assurance they continue to be relevant to the nature of the business.
An example of a name specific scenario we model is a substantial fall in our credit rating. In such a scenario we assess the likely impact
on customer deposits and assume the wholesale markets would be closed to us. Our approach is to hold substantial liquidity assets
which would provide sufficient time for management to take appropriate mitigating actions. We also model the impact of systemic events
across the banking sector. Typically the impact of these is less severe as wholesale markets normally continue to provide some funding
and concerted central bank action would be expected to address such market dislocation.
The results of the stress testing are presented monthly to the GFLC. A formal strategic review is presented to the HBOS plc Board at
least annually.
Secondly, the Group has a Liquidity Contingency Plan embedded within the Group Liquidity Policy Statement which has been designed
to identify emerging liquidity concerns at an early stage, so that action can be taken to avoid a more serious crisis developing. This is
achieved through the use of Early Warning Indicators (EWIs).
Clear guidelines are set out for the management escalation process in the event of EWIs triggering and the actions to be taken (short and
medium term) should such an event take place. Responsibilities for communication with various external parties and contact details of
key personnel are also clearly stated.
In response to the market dislocation in the second half of 2007, the GCC has increased the frequency of its meetings and Treasury has
introduced additional metrics which are monitored daily and tailored to prevailing market conditions.
Funding
Customer deposit growth and the supply of wholesale funding to HBOS have remained strong during the dislocation in global financial
markets in the latter part of 2007. The position for the HBOS Group is:
As at As at
31.12.07 31.12.06
£bn £bn
Loans and advances to customers 430.0 376.8
Customer accounts 243.2 211.9
Customer lending less customer accounts 186.8 164.9
Customer accounts as a % of loans
and advances to customers 56.6% 56.2%
The wholesale funding capacity of the Group is dependant upon factors such as the strength of the balance sheet, earnings, asset
quality, ratings and market position. GFLC assesses the Group funding mix to ensure that adequate diversity is maintained. It is Group
policy to manage its balance sheet profile to ensure customer deposits sourced outside Treasury represents a significant component of
overall funding, and GFLC directs and coordinates the activities of the Divisions in raising liabilities from a range of sources.
In order to strengthen the Group’s funding position, HBOS has over the last few years diversified its funding sources and lengthened its
maturity profile of market sensitive funding. This has been achieved through:
–– Utilising the geographic diversity of New York and Sydney as funding hubs of the Group; and
During 2007 the Group’s wholesale funding sources were well diversified by instrument, currency and by maturity as shown in the tables
on the following page. The tables are prepared on the basis that ‘retail’ is defined using the current statutory definition, i.e. administered
rate products. Wholesale funding, when issued in a foreign currency but swapped into sterling, is included at the swap exchanged
amount. Wholesale funding is shown excluding any repo activity and the funding raised in the names of the conduits.
During the second half of 2007, with the increased cost of term funding we chose to reduce our term issuance and utilise our significant
available capacity in money markets.
However, covered bonds and securitisation issues continue to be important funding sources for the Group with outstandings as at the
end of December 2007 of £69.6bn, an increase of £5.2bn during 2007. In addition, issuance of CDs rose to £63.1bn compared with
£42.5bn at the end of 2006. As at the end of December 2007, £113.9bn of wholesale funding had a maturity over one year compared
with £109.8bn at the end of 2006.
16
Conduits
HBOS sponsors two conduits, Grampian and Landale, which are special purpose vehicles that invest in highly rated assets and fund
via the Asset Backed Commercial Paper ('ABCP') market. At 31 December 2007, investments held by the Grampian totalled £18.6bn.
Grampian is, and always has been, fully consolidated into our balance sheet. We also consolidated £0.6bn of assets held by Landale.
Grampian is a long established, high grade credit investment vehicle that invests in diversified Asset Backed Securities of which over
99.9% are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by Moody's. Grampian has a liquidity line in place with HBOS which covers all of the assets and
programme wide credit enhancement is also provided by HBOS. Landale holds both assets originated from our own balance sheet and
third party banks and therefore the former, but not the latter, are consolidated into our balance sheet.
In the latter half of 2007, due to the disruption in the ABCP market, there have been occasions when Grampian and Landale (in respect
of assets backed by HBOS liquidity lines) have declined to issue ABCP given the unattractiveness of the spreads and maturities available.
At these times we therefore funded the conduits, on a temporary basis, through the ABCP market. At 31 December 2007, HBOS has
provided funding to the Grampian and Landale conduits of £8.1bn.
Retail and Wholesale Funding sources As at As at
31.12.07 31.12.06
Instrument £bn % £bn %
Bank Deposits 32.9 6.7 27.9 6.6
Deposits from Customers 27.8 5.6 17.1 4.0
Certificates of Deposit 63.1 12.8 42.5 10.0
MTNs issued 42.8 8.7 41.5 9.7
Covered Bonds 23.7 4.8 17.2 4.0
Commercial Paper 16.9 3.4 17.3 4.1
Securitisation 45.9 9.3 47.2 11.1
Subordinated Debt 20.0 4.1 15.4 3.6
Other 4.9 0.9 4.9 1.1
Total Wholesale 278.0 56.3 231.0 54.2
Retail 215.4 43.7 194.8 45.8
Total Group Funding 493.4 100.0 425.8 100.0
As at As at
31.12.07 31.12.06
Wholesale funding – Currency £bn % £bn %
US dollar 104.5 37.6 87.2 37.7
Euro 79.0 28.4 65.3 28.3
Sterling 69.7 25.1 60.7 26.3
Other 24.8 8.9 17.8 7.7
Total Wholesale Funding 278.0 100.0 231.0 100.0
As at As at
31.12.07 31.12.06
Wholesale funding – Residual Maturity £bn % £bn %
Less than one year 164.1 59.0 121.2 52.5
One to two years 21.6 7.8 19.3 8.4
Two to five years 46.3 16.7 46.5 20.1
More than 5 years 46.0 16.5 44.0 19.0
Total Wholesale Funding 278.0 100.0 231.0 100.0
(End of information that forms an integral part of the audited financial statements).
Operational Risk
Operational risk exists in the normal conduct of business. Examples of potential sources of operational risk include
fraud, system reliability, human error, failure of key suppliers, IT security, business continuity, change management,
operational outsourcing and failure to comply with legislation or regulation.
The Board has approved an Operational Risk Policy that establishes the framework for managing operational risk. The main components
of the Operational Risk Framework include risk and control assessment, internal loss reporting, capture of risk event information, key risk
indicator monitoring and evaluation of external events.
The Group Operational Risk Committee is one of the four Executive Risk Committees chaired by the Group Risk Director. It is attended
by senior executives from the Divisions and Group specialist areas. The committee considers the management of issues and exposures,
recommends the appropriate capital requirement, approves policies and standards and provides oversight of the operational risk
communities.
A key enhancement to our infrastructure has been to focus on the explicit risk management of specialist areas that underpin the
HBOS Operational Risk Framework. All specialist functions have clear roles defined to help lead the identification, management and
measurement of risks relevant to their areas across the Group. The Group Operational Risk function co-ordinates the specialist areas,
designs and maintains Group-wide risk systems and undertakes the detailed modelling required to assess risk exposure.
17
Regulatory Risk
The Financial Services Authority is the main regulator for HBOS, although the Group’s international businesses in
the USA, Australia and Ireland are subject to direct scrutiny from the US Federal Reserve, APRA and The Financial
Regulator respectively.
HBOS understands that consumers have an ever-increasing choice of supplier and product and are more demanding of financial
services providers. Consumer lobby groups have also become more active on their behalf. The Group’s Customer Contract, which
was approved by the Board in November 2005, sets out principles for doing business and is HBOS’s flagship response to the FSA’s
Treating Customers Fairly initiative, supported by ongoing development of procedures across the Group. The objective is to meet the
requirements of our shareholders through meeting the needs of our customers.
HBOS is alert to the wider, cumulative picture of regulatory change and utilises centralised expertise in the area of regulatory and legal
compliance, specifically to:
–– Identify and assess the impact of, respond to and where possible influence the direction of regulatory developments on behalf of
HBOS;
–– Lead the development and monitoring of the application of specific Group-wide policies and standards; and,
–– Oversee the management, support and co-ordination of the liaison and interaction with HBOS regulatory stakeholders across all its
international businesses.
The impact of regulatory change is reported across all Executive Risk Committees with specific reference to the discipline affected and at
Group level to Audit Committee and the Board.
(The information set out below up to and including the paragraph on movements in Tier 1 capital and the capital structure overleaf forms
an integral part of the audited financial statements as described in the Accounting Policies section in the Accounts on page 41).
Capital Management
It is HBOS’s policy to maintain a strong capital base to support the development of its business and to meet regulatory
capital requirements at all times.
HBOS recognises the impact on shareholder returns of the level of equity capital employed and seeks to maintain a prudent balance
between the advantages and flexibility afforded by a strong capital position and the higher returns on equity possible with greater
leverage.
The Group’s capital is managed via the Board through the Group Business Plan, with the objective of maintaining both the optimal
amount of capital and the most appropriate mix between the different components of capital. The day to day management of the
Group’s capital is delegated to the Group Capital Committee.
The Group’s policy is to issue capital in a range of different forms and also from diverse sources to spread the investor base. HBOS plc
raises the non-equity Tier 1 capital and subordinated debt for all the Group’s businesses, with the exception of Clerical Medical which is
permitted to raise capital separately as part of the overall Group capital plan to spread the investor base for subordinated debt.
The principal forms of capital are included in the following balances on the consolidated balance sheet:
- other reserves,
Capital also includes collective impairment allowances held in respect of loans and advances.
Capital Requirements
The FSA supervises HBOS on a consolidated basis and, as such, receives information on the capital adequacy of, and sets capital
requirements for, HBOS as a whole. Individual banking and insurance subsidiaries are directly regulated by either the FSA or their local
supervisors, who set their capital adequacy requirements.
In implementing the EU’s Banking Consolidation Directive (Basel I), the FSA requires each bank and banking group to maintain an
individually prescribed ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets, taking into account both balance sheet assets and off-balance sheet
transactions.
The Group must at all times monitor and demonstrate compliance with the regulatory capital requirements of the FSA. The Group has
in place processes and controls to monitor the Group's capital adequacy and no breached were reported to the FSA during the year.
HBOS’s capital is divided into two tiers:
–– Tier 1 capital comprises shareholders’ funds, innovative Tier 1 securities and minority interests, after adjusting for items reflected in
shareholders’ funds which are treated differently for the purposes of capital adequacy. The book values of goodwill and intangible
assets are deducted in arriving at Tier 1 capital.
–– Tier 2 capital comprises qualifying subordinated loan capital, collective impairment allowances, and unrealised gains arising on the fair
valuation of equities held as available for sale.
Various limits are applied to elements of the capital base. The amount of innovative Tier 1 securities cannot exceed 15 per cent of overall
Tier 1 capital, qualifying Tier 2 capital cannot exceed Tier 1 capital, and qualifying dated subordinated loan capital may not exceed 50
18
per cent of Tier 1 capital. There are also limitations on the amount of collective impairment allowances which may be included as part
of Tier 2 capital. From the total of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital the carrying amounts of unconsolidated investments (e.g. insurance company
investments), investments in the capital of banks and certain regulatory items are deducted.
The Capital structure of the group is given in the Business and Financial Review on page 6.
(End of information that forms an integral part of the audited financial statements.)
Risk weighted assets are categorised as either trading book or banking book and risk weighted assets are determined accordingly.
Banking book risk weighted assets are measure by means of a hierarchy of risk weightings classified according to the nature of each
asset and counterparty, taking into account any eligible collateral or guarantees. Banking book off-balance sheet items giving rise to
credit, foreign exchange or interest rate risk are assigned weights appropriate to the category of the counterparty, taking into account any
eligible collateral or guarantees. trading book risk weighted assets are determined by taking into account market-related risks such as
foreign exchange, interest rate and equity position risks and counterparty risk.
Basel II
Financial Services Authority (FSA) GENPRU and BIPRU rules were adopted into the Prudential Sourcebook for Banks, Building Societies
and Investment Firms with effect from 1st January 2007. This legislative process converted the European Capital Requirements Directive
and, therefore, the Basel II Capital Accord, into UK regulation that applies to HBOS.
HBOS elected to adopt transitional arrangements in 2007 and remain on the Basel I rules to determine minimum regulatory capital
requirements.
The primary goal of our Basel II programme has always been to optimise the way we do business through an improved risk management
capability. This is integral to our strategy of targeted growth within our overarching objectives of delivering sustainable income streams
and generating added shareholder value.
Basel II is structured around three “pillars”: minimum capital requirements, supervisory review process and market discipline. The
supervisory objectives that form Basel II are to promote safety and soundness in the financial system and maintain at least the overall
level of capital within the system, enhance competitive equality; and constitute a more comprehensive approach to addressing risks; and
focus on internationally active banks.
Pillar One determines the minimum capital requirements and for HBOS this is divided into two approaches to determining credit risk
regulatory capital requirement, with increasing complexity and sophistication.
–– Standardised approach. This requires banks to use external credit ratings to determine risk weightings for rated counterparties and
groups other counterparties into broad categories and applying standardised risk weightings to these categories.
–– Advanced Internal Ratings approach. Banks use their own internal assessment of both the probability of default, the exposure at
default and loss given default.
Basel II also introduces capital requirements for operational risk comprising three levels of increasing sophistication. One level calculates
a capital charge based on gross revenues, a second uses three defined percentages based on gross revenues in eight business lines
and finally an Advanced Measurement Approach based on the bank’s own analysis of potential loss based on operational risk data.
HBOS has FSA approval to use the Advanced Internal Ratings Based Approach (Credit Risk) and Advanced Measurement Approach
(Operational Risk ) for capital determination purposes with effect from 1 January 2008.
Pillar Two is the supervisory review of a bank’s internal assessment of the appropriate level of regulatory capital to hold, consistent with
its risk profile and strategy. The FSA has conducted its annual supervisory review and evaluation process and issued under Pillar Two
Individual Capital Guidance to HBOS.
Pillar Three is the appropriate disclosure of risk exposures and risk assessment processes of each firm. Pillar Three recognises that
market discipline has the potential to reinforce capital regulation and other supervisory efforts to promote safety and soundness in banks
and financial systems. It is our intention to publish full disclosures under Pillar Three as required by BIPRU rules as at 31 December 2008.
This is in line with emerging UK and EU consensus that the first disclosures for banks adopting advanced approaches from 1 January
2008 will be published based on year end 2008 data.
HBOS continues to promote a prudent and responsible approach to the management of capital. Management and the Board’s view of
future requirements will continue to be the main determinant of total capital holdings.
19
Directors' Report
The Directors have pleasure in presenting the Annual Report and Accounts for the period ended 31 December 2007.
Principal Activities
The principal activity of the group is the provision of financial services. A list of the main subsidiary undertakings, and the nature of their
business, is given in Note 15 to the accounts on page 64.
On 17 September 2007, in accordance with the provisions of the HBOS Group Reorganisation Act 2006 ("the Act"), the Governor and Company
of the Bank of Scotland registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act and changed its name to Bank of Scotland plc ('the
Bank'). On the same day, under the Act, the business activities, assets (including investments in subsidiaries) and liabilities of CAPITAL BANK
plc and HBOS Treasury Services plc (subsidiaries of the Governor and Company of the Bank of Scotland), and Halifax plc (a subsidiary of
HBOS plc) transferred to Bank of Scotland plc. All subsequent transactions after this date are those of the Bank. In accordance with the merger
accounting principles explained in the Accounting Policies the financial statements are presented as if the merger took place on 1 January
2007. The 2006 comparatives are those of the Governor and Company of the Bank of Scotland.
Business Review
The Companies Act 1985 requires the Directors’ Report to include a Business Review of the Bank of Scotland plc, giving a fair review of the
business of the group and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties facing the group. These are reviewed in the Business and
Financial Review on pages 1 to 7 and the Risk Management report on pages 8 to 19. The information in both of these sections, which fulfil the
requirements of the Business Review, is incorporated into this Directors’ Report by reference.
The profit before taxation for the year ended 31 December 2007 amounted to £4,952m (2006 - £3,021m).
An interim dividend of £622m was paid in 2007. The final dividend of £1,050m in respect of the year ended 31 December 2006 was paid in
March 2007. The Directors recommend payment of a final dividend of £1,205m in respect of the year ended 31 December 2007.
Directors
The current executive Directors are: Peter Cummings, Jo Dawson, Phil Hodkinson, Andy Hornby, Colin Matthew, Dan Watkins, Mike Ellis, Philip
Gore-Randall. Non-executive Directors: Richard Cousins, Charles Dunstone, Sir Ron Garrick, Anthony Hobson, Karen Jones, Coline McConville,
Kate Nealon, John E Mack and Dennis Stevenson (Chairman).
Sir Brian Ivory and David Shearer stepped down from the Board on 25 April 2007. Benny Higgins resigned as an Executive Director on 10
August 2007 but remained employed until 31 December 2007. Phil Hodkinson stepped down from the Board on 31 December 2007.
Richard Cousins was appointed as a Non-executive Director on 1 March 2007 and John E Mack was appointed as a Non-executive Director on
1 May 2007.
Dan Watkins was appointed an Executive Director on 5 September 2007; Philip Gore-Randall was appointed as an Executive Director on 15
September 2007 and Mike Ellis was appointed as an Executive Director on 25 September 2007.
Employees
The principal employer for UK based employees is HBOS plc. The Group is a ‘two-tick’ employer actively seeking applications for employment
from disabled people and guaranteeing an interview where disabled applicants meet the essential criteria for the role being applied for. In the
event of an existing colleague becoming disabled, HBOS works with external specialists to ensure that all possible reasonable adjustments are
made to allow the colleague to continue in their existing role. If, after making all possible adjustments, a colleague is not able to continue in
their current role, HBOS will look at suitable alternative roles within the Group. Training and career development opportunities are open to all
colleagues, including disabled colleagues, and Group policies are designed with inclusion of disabled colleagues in mind.
Payment Policy
The Bank’s suppliers are paid through HBOS plc’s centralised Accounts Payable department. For the forthcoming period the group’s policy for
the payment of suppliers will be as follows:
– Payment terms are agreed at the start of the relationship with the supplier and are only changed by agreement;
– Standard payment terms to suppliers of goods and services is 30 days from receipt of a correct invoice for satisfactory goods or services
which have been ordered and received, unless other terms are agreed in a contract;
– Payment is made in accordance with the agreed terms or in accordance with the law if no agreement has been made; and
– Suppliers are advised without delay when an invoice is contested and disputes are settled as quickly as possible.
Charitable donations by the group in the UK during the year amounted to £nil.
Share Capital
Full details of the movements in the issued share capital during the year are provided in Note 24 to the Accounts on page 74.
20
Directors' Report (continued)
Corporate Governance and Directors’ Remuneration
The HBOS Group follows the principles of good governance set out in the Combined Code. No separate report on the corporate governance
or Directors’ remuneration is presented here as full details are contained in the Report and Accounts of HBOS plc, the Bank’s ultimate parent
undertaking.
Going Concern
The Directors are satisfied that the group has adequate resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future and consequently the going
concern basis continues to be appropriate in preparing the accounts.
Properties
The Directors are of the opinion that the current market value of the group’s properties are not significantly different from the amount at which
they are included in the Balance Sheet.
Auditors
A resolution to re-appoint KPMG Audit Plc as auditors will be put to shareholders at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. The Directors
who held office at the date of approval of this Directors’ Report confirm that, so far as they each are aware, there is no relevant audit
information of which the company’s auditors are unaware and each Director has taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a Director
to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditors are aware of that information.
H F Baines
Company Secretary
26 February 2008
21
Directors' Report (continued)
Directors Share Interests
1. Shares
The beneficial interests of the Directors and their immediate families in the ordinary shares of HBOS plc are set out below:
Chairman
Dennis Stevenson 406,892 267,794
Executive Directors
Peter Cummings 131,407 88,791
Jo Dawson 106,654 52,485
Mike Ellis 350,545 350,506
Philip Gore-Randall
Phil Hodkinson 347,723 263,094
Andy Hornby 608,031 535,379
Colin Matthew 361,844 356,930
Dan Watkins 63,251 62,802
Non-Executive Directors
Richard Cousins 5,644 2,144
Charles Dunstone 100,000 100,000
Sir Ron Garrick 33,002 23,980
Anthony Hobson 7,500 7,500
Karen Jones 10,255 10,000
John E Mack 6,000
Coline McConville 10,910 5,320
Kate Nealon 12,879 12,879
Note 1:
Certain Executive Directors will or may receive further interests in the ordinary shares of the Group arising out of the short term incentive plans
and long term incentive plans as set out in tables 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Note 2:
As at 26 February 2008, the date of approval of this Annual Report and Accounts, no Director had any interest in the preference shares of the
Group or in the loan or share capital of any Group undertaking at the beginning, or during, or at the end of the financial year. No options to
subscribe for shares in other Group companies are granted to Directors of the Group.
Note 3:
There has been no change in the share interest as set out in table 1 between the end of the financial year and 26 February 2008, the date of
approval of this Annual Report and Accounts, other than set out in note 3 to table 5.
All Executive Directors, excluding Philip Gore-Randall, who did not join the Group until 2007, have conditional entitlements to shares arising
from sharekicker. Where the annual incentives for 2003 and/or 2004 and/or 2005 were taken in shares and these shares are retained in trust for
three years, additional shares may also be transferred to the Directors. Details of these shares are set out in table 2.
All Executive Directors, excluding Mike Ellis and Philip Gore-Randall, who did not join the Group until 2007, have performance contingent
entitlements to shares arising from the HBOS EPS performance based long term incentive arrangements. The number of additional shares
released to participants under this plan will depend on HBOS's annualised growth in EPS in excess of the retail prices index. Where the annual
incentive for 2006 was taken in shares and these shares are retained in trust for three years, additional performance shares may also be
transferred to the Directors. Details of these shares are set out in table 2.
All Executive Directors, excluding Mike Ellis and Philip Gore-Randall, who did not join the Group until 2007, had the option to switch share
awards effective from March 2005 and March 2006 from the sharekicker arrangements to the HBOS EPS performance based long term
incentive arrangements. All relevant Executive Directors chose to do so.
The basic and additional shares shown over which vested in 2007 are also included in table 1.
22
Directors' Report (continued)
Table 2 Award At 31.12.06/1.1.07 Added in year At 31.12.07
effective from Basic Additional Basic Additional Released Basic Additional
Shares Shares Shares Shares in year Shares Shares
Peter Cummings
March 2004 3,807 1,903 5,710
March 2005 10,808 7,205 10,808 7,205
March 2006 15,153 12,626 15,153 12,626
March 2007 8,366 8,366 8,366 8,366
Jo Dawson
March 2004 11,280 5,640 16,920
March 2005 14,648 9,765 14,648 9,765
March 2006 14,232 11,859 14,232 11,859
March 2007 17,672 17,672 17,672 17,672
Mike Ellis
March 2004 17,315 8,657 25,972
March 2005 34,069 17,034 34,069 17,034
Phil Hodkinson
March 2004 12,826 6,413 19,239
March 2005 20,511 13,674 20,511 13,674
March 2006 23,052 19,209 23,052 19,209
March 2007 23,887 23,887 23,887 23,887
Andy Hornby
March 2004 18,437 9,218 27,655
March 2005 28,436 21,327 28,436 21,327
April 2005 141,826 70,913 141,826 70,913
March 2006 27,462 27,462 27,462 27,462
March 2007 33,791 42,238 33,791 42,238
Colin Matthew
March 2004 12,505 6,252 18,757
March 2005 20,511 13,674 20,511 13,674
March 2006 22,050 18,374 22,050 18,374
March 2007 22,333 22,333 22,333 22,333
Dan Watkins
March 2004 4,994 2,497 7,491
March 2005 3,744 2,496 3,744 2,496
March 2006 7,094 5,911 7,094 5,911
March 2007 13,530 13,530 13,530 13,530
Note 1:
Shares under these plans were granted using the average market price around the date of award, as follows:
23
Directors' Report (continued)
Note 2:
Shares will be released after three years, subject to the basic shares still being held and subject to the participant still being in the Group’s
employment at that time or being a qualifying leaver. For awards effective from March 2005 and/or March 2006 and/or March 2007, where
additional shares are contingent (in full or in part) on HBOS EPS performance, the 'on target' additional share award is shown in the table.
Note 3:
The performance period for the March 2005 award ended on 31 December 2007. HBOS's EPS growth, in excess of the retail prices index,
over the relevant performance period, was equivalent to 5.71%p.a, so an additional share award of 65.06% (72.99% in the case of the Chief
Executive) of the basic award will be released to award recipients in March 2008.
Note 4:
Because the basic shares are the participant's entitlements, they are shown net of each participant’s original income tax and National Insurance
liability. The additional incentive shares are shown in a like manner although in practice the number of additional shares is grossed-up to take
into account the associated income tax and National Insurance payable by the participant. Those released in 2007 represented the basic shares
purchased by the Director’s own annual cash incentive in March 2004 plus the additional shares arising as a result of sharekicker. The closing
market price of the Group’s ordinary shares on the date of release was £10.81.
3.Long-term Incentive Plan and Special Long-term Bonus Plan - HBOS Executive Directors and Chairman
Details of the shares which have been conditionally awarded to Executive Directors and the Chairman under the plans are set out below. The
performance conditions relating to these conditional awards are set out in the notes below the table (see next page).
24
Directors' Report (continued)
Table 3 Grant At 31 Granted (G) or Added as Dividend Vested At
effective Dec 06 Lapsed (L) a result of reinvestment in year 31 Dec 07
from in year superior shares
performance
Peter Cummings
January 2003 18,750 18,750
January 2004 27,894 4,260 4,069 36,223
January 2005 23,809 23,809
January 2006 51,203 51,203
January 2007 67,855 (G) 67,855
121,656 161,617
Jo Dawson
January 2004 25,569 3,905 3,730 33,204
January 2005 27,380 27,380
January 2006 39,285 39,285
January 2007 59,522 (G) 59,522
92,234 126,187
Mike Ellis
January 2004 75,313 11,503 10,987 97,803
January 2007 20,114 (G) 20,114
75,313 20,114
Philip Gore-Randall
January 2007 18,718 (G) 18,718
18,718
Phil Hodkinson
January 2004 55,788 8,521 8,139 72,448
January 2005 52,380 52,380
January 2006 58,883 58,883
January 2007 73,212 (G) 73,212
167,051 184,475
Andy Hornby
January 2004 80,195 12,249 11,700 104,144
January 2005 72,619 72,619
January 2006 70,148 70,148
January 2007 103,568 (G) 103,568
222,962 246,335
Colin Matthew
January 2004 54,393 8,308 7,935 70,636
January 2005 52,380 52,380
January 2006 56,323 56,323
January 2007 68,450 (G) 68,450
163,096 177,153
Dennis Stevenson
January 2004 73,221 10,480 12,106 95,807
January 2005 65,476 65,476
January 2006 58,883 58,883
January 2007 60,714 (G) 60,714
197,580 185,073
Dan Watkins
January 2004 15,275 2,333 2,228 19,836
January 2005 21,428 21,428
January 2006 18,433 18,433
January 2007 41,163 (G) 41,163
55,136 81,024
25
Directors' Report (continued)
Notes to Table 3
Note 1:
Shares under these plans were granted using the average market price in the ten business days ending at the previous year, as follows:
Note 2:
The 30,425 shares awarded to Benny Higgins in May 2006, on terms set out in last year's report, were released to him on 8 January 2008 under the
terms of his leaving arrangements. The closing market price of the Group's ordinary shares on the date of release was £6.97.
Note 3:
Awards are not pensionable.
Note 4:
The performance period for the January 2004 grant ended on 31 December 2006. HBOS’s TSR over the performance period exceeded the
weighted average of the comparator group by 3.40% p.a. so 113.33% of share grants were released to grant recipients. The shares granted in
January 2004 vested on 28 February 2007. The closing market price of the Group’s ordinary shares on that date was £10.81. In addition, dividend
reinvestment shares have been released to grant recipients as set out in the table and as provided for under the rules of the plans. The dividend
reinvestment shares are the additional shares which would have accrued on the overall share grants actually released had dividends due during the
performance period been reinvested in shares.
Note 5:
As explained in last year’s report, for the 2003 grants, all participants could choose to take any shares released after three years based on the
three-year performance outcome or could continue to participate in the plan for a further two years and take shares at that point based on the
better of the three-year and the five-year performance outcomes. This design feature sought to motivate participants continually to sustain strong
performance, or to improve lesser performance, for their benefit and the benefit of shareholders. This feature does not apply for the 2004 grants
and does not apply for any grants in subsequent years, to reflect the preference on ‘retesting’ expressed by most major institutional investors. With
the exception of Peter Cummings, all Executive Directors chose to take their 2003 grants in 2006 based on the three year performance outcome.
Note 6:
Subject to performance, the shares granted under the long term plan effective from January 2005 will be released to most individuals shortly after
the three-year anniversary of the grant date, in March 2008.
Note 7:
In the case of the Chairman, it is not possible to include him in the standard Long-term Incentive Plan. Nor is it possible to include him in such an
arrangement where the grant is denominated in shares. He is therefore included as the sole participant in the Special Long-term Bonus Plan where
the grants are awards of notional shares. He will become entitled to the cash value of any notional shares on vesting but has agreed that this value
will, subject to any withholdings for income tax or National Insurance, be applied in acquiring HBOS shares on his behalf.
Note 8:
The number of shares to be released to participants is dependent on the HBOS Group’s annualised TSR over a three year period, compared to the
annualised weighted average TSR of a basket of comparator companies over an equivalent period. For the grant effective from January 2003, a
five year period can also apply. This basket of companies comprises:
- for the January 2003 and 2004 grants: Abbey National, Aviva, Barclays, Legal & General, Lloyds TSB, Prudential, Royal & Sun Alliance and Royal
Bank of Scotland, but with Abbey National replaced by Alliance & Leicester, Bradford & Bingley and Northern Rock with effect from 1 July 2004.
The Committee decided to remove Abbey National from the comparator group, in respect of the January 2003 and 2004 grants, effective from the
end of June 2004 (immediately before bid activity started) and replace it with Alliance & Leicester, Bradford & Bingley and Northern Rock effective
from the start of July 2004;
- for the January 2005 and subsequent grants: Alliance & Leicester, Aviva, Barclays, Bradford & Bingley, Legal & General, Lloyds TSB, Northern
Rock, Prudential, Royal & Sun Alliance and Royal Bank of Scotland. The weighting of this basket was amended with effect from January 2007 to
better match the business profile of the HBOS Group. This amendment applies to all future awards and to outstanding awards for performance from
1 January 2007 onwards.
26
Directors' Report (continued)
Intermediate positions are determined by interpolation.
Note 9:
The performance period for the January 2005 grant ended on 31 December 2007. HBOS’s TSR over the performance period fell short of the
weighted average of the comparator group by 2.63% p.a., so no share grants will be released to grant recipients in March 2008.
The performance period for the January 2006 grant does not end until 31 December 2008. So far, HBOS’s TSR over the two year elapsed period falls
short of the weighted average of the comparator group by 12.99%.
The performance period for the January 2007 grant does not end until 31 December 2009. So far, HBOS's TSR over one year elapsed period falls
short of the weighted average of the comparator group by 8.76%.
Note 10:
An additional deferred incentive payable to Peter Cummings to recognise and respond to market practice in his divisional specialism was
£1,320,000. This award will vest shortly after 31 December 2010 and will be payable to him in shares, which will be purchased at the prevailing
market price at that time.
The share options under the Bank of Scotland plans are exercisable in accordance with the rules of the plans, all performance targets having been
satisfied, as set out in last year’s report.
No further share options have been, or can be, granted under these plans.
Details of the options outstanding under these plans in respect of Executive Directors are set out below:
Colin Matthew
October 1997 28,000 28,000(E) 5.3533
October 1998 5,223 5,223(E) 5.7433
October 1998 29,777 29,777(E) 5.8350
May 2000 40,000 40,000(E) 5.5150
October 2000 40,000 40,000(E) 6.1000
143,000
Notes to Table 4
Note 1:
On 28 March 2007, Colin Matthew exercised options over 28,000 shares granted effective from October 1997 and 35,000 shares granted effective
from October 1998; and on 29 May 2007, exercised 40,000 shares granted effective from May 2000 and 40,000 granted effective from October 2000.
The closing market price of the Group's ordinary shares on these dates of exercise were £10.46 and £10.68 respectively. The aggregate gain on
exercise was £695,141.
Note 2:
Jo Dawson and Dan Watkins have share options under the HBOS all-employee plan which were granted before they were appointed Executive
Directors or to Level 9 or Level 8. Jo Dawson has options over 3,727 shares granted effective from April 2002 at an option price of £7.512. These are
exercisable between 1 January 2008 and 14 April 2008. Dan Watkins has options over 5,192 shares granted effective from March 2004 at an option
price of £7.125. These are exercisable between 1 January 2008 and 15 March 2010. There are no performance conditions.
5. Sharesave Plan
The plan allows colleagues to save a fixed amount of money on a monthly basis. At the end of a pre-determined period, of three, five or seven years,
colleagues have the right, if they so choose, to use the funds accumulated to purchase shares in the Group at a fixed price, based on a market price
or an average market price determined around the invitation date and discounted by up to 20%. There are no performance conditions.
Certain Executive Directors have taken up membership of the plan and the projected numbers of shares which they would be entitled to purchase at
the end of the relevant pre-determined periods are set out over:
27
Directors' Report (continued)
Table 5 Option effective At 31 Dec 2006/ Granted (G) At 31 Dec
from 1 Jan 2007 exercised (E) 2007
or lapsed (L)
in year Exercisable
2,630 2,030
3,672 2,065
3,823 2,216
2,512 1,870
Notes to Table 5
Note 1:
Options under these plans were granted using market prices shortly before the dates of the grants, discounted by 20%, as follows:
Note 2:
On 5 January 2007, Andy Hornby exercised options over 1,607 shares granted effective from September 2003. The closing market price of the
Group's ordinary shares on the date of exercise was £11.42. The aggregate gain on exercise was £9,128.
Note 3:
On 5 January 2007, Peter Cummings exercised options over 600 shares granted effective from October 2001 and on 12 January 2008 exercised
options over 549 shares granted effective from September 2002 and 452 shares granted effective from September 2004. The closing market price of
the Group's ordinary shares on these dates were £11.42 and £6.62 respectively. The aggregate gain on exercise was £4,366.
On 6 April 2007, Jo Dawson exercised options over 1,607 shares granted effective from September 2003. The closing market price of the Group's
ordinary shares on the date of exercise was £10.50. The aggregate gain on exercise was £7,649.
Benny Higgins, who left on 31 December 2007, retains the right to exercise 2,065 share options which were granted in September 2006. The share
options will remain exercisable until June 2008, after which they will lapse.
The plan awards colleagues free shares, usually on an annual basis. At the end of three years, shares are transferable to colleagues, subject to the
participants still being in the Group’s employment at that time or earlier if they are a qualifying leaver. Shares must be held in trust for five years to
qualify for full tax and National Insurance benefits. There are no performance conditions.
28
Directors' Report (continued)
All Executive Directors, with the exception of Mike Ellis and Philip Gore-Randall who were appointed after the qualifying date, have taken up
membership of the plan and the projected number of shares which they would be entitled to at the end of the relevant period are set out below:
Table 6 Grant effective At 31 Dec 2006/ Awarded (A) Dividend At 31 Dec Releasable
from 1 Jan 2007 Released (R) reinvestment 2007
or Forfeit (F) shares
in year acquired in
year
658 1,009
658 1,009
658 1,009
658 1,009
658 1,009
658 1,009
Notes to Table 6
Note 1:
Shares were awarded at £9.10, £9.74 and £9.45 in August 2005, August 2006 and August 2007 respectively being the middle market price of the
Group’s ordinary shares on the days immediately preceding the dates of the awards.
Note 2:
Participants in this plan have an interest in dividends on the free shares (in the form of dividend shares) as and when they become due. Dividends were
paid on 14 May 2007 and 8 October 2007 and were reinvested in shares. The closing market price of the Group’s ordinary shares on these dates was
£10.77 and £9.56 respectively. Dividend reinvestment shares are required to be held for three years from the dates of payment.
Note 3:
On 8 February 2008, 648 shares were released from the trust on behalf of Benny Higgins who left on 31 December 2007. The closing market price of
the Group’s ordinary shares on the date of release was £6.58. He has no remaining shares under the plan.
Certain Executive Directors, together with certain other colleagues, are deemed to have or have had an interest or a potential interest as potential
discretionary beneficiaries under:
29
Directors' Report (continued)
- the Group’s Employee Share Ownership Trusts. As such, they were each treated as at 31 December 2007 as being interested in the 9,701,897
ordinary shares (31 December 2006 - 5,405,010 ordinary shares) held by the trustees of these Trusts. The shares held in the Trusts will be used to
satisfy share awards under short term and long term incentive plans. The relevant Executive Directors’ specific individual interests are shown in tables
2 and 3;
- the Group’s Qualifying Employee Share Ownership Trust. As such, they were each treated as at 31 December 2007 as being interested in the
88,301 ordinary shares (31 December 2006 - 1,697,350 ordinary shares) held by the trustee of this Trust. The shares held in the Trust will be used to
satisfy entitlements of colleagues arising on the exercise of options under the Sharesave Plan. The relevant Executive Directors’ specific individual
interests are shown in table 5; and
- the Group’s Share Incentive Plan Trust. As such, they were each treated as at 31 December 2007 as being interested in the 20,087,238 ordinary
shares (31 December 2006 - 12,964,303 ordinary shares) held by the trustees of this Trust. The shares held in the Trust will be used to satisfy share
awards under the Free Share and Sharebuy Plans. The relevant Executive Directors’ specific individual interests are shown in table 6.
In cases where the beneficiaries of the Group's Employee Share Ownership Trusts do not have the right to direct the trustees how to vote on shares
held in the Trusts, the trustees may vote in a way they see fit.
All of the Group’s share plans empower new issue shares to be allotted to satisfy share requirements. The Group’s past practice has generally been
to purchase shares in the market in relation to the plans described in Sections 2, 3 and 6 and to issue new shares in relation to the plans described in
Sections 4 and 5 and the Group’s all-employee share option scheme. This practice was reviewed in 2007, and as a consequence, purchased shares
were also used to a large extent to satisfy awards in relation to the plan described in Section 5 and the Group’s all-employee share option scheme.
New issue shares were used to satisfy awards made under the plan described in Section 6. The method by which share plan requirements are
satisfied will again be reviewed in 2008 and any changes to the 2007 practice will be set out in next year's report.
8. General
The closing market price of the Group’s ordinary shares at 31 December 2007 was £7.35. The closing market price of the Group’s ordinary shares at
31 December 2006 was £11.32. The range during the year was £7.13 to £11.67.
Other than as set out in this report, there has been no change in the Directors' interests in shares or options granted by the Group between the end of
the financial year and 26 February 2008, the date of approval of this Annual Report and Accounts.
30
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in respect of the
Annual Report and the financial statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the group and parent company ("Bank") financial statements in accordance
with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare group and Bank company financial statements for each financial year. They are required to
prepare the group financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as adopted by the EU and have
elected to prepare the Bank financial statements on the same basis.
The group and Bank financial statements are required by law and IFRS as adopted by the EU to fairly present the financial position of the group
and the Bank and the performance for that period; the Companies Act 1985 provides in relation to such financial statements that references in
the relevant part of that Act to financial statements giving a true and fair view are references to their achieving a fair presentation.
In preparing each of the group and Bank financial statements, the Directors are required to:
- state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the group and the Bank will continue in
business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position
of the parent company and enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with the Companies Act 1985. They have general
responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the group and to prevent and detect fraud and
other irregularities.
Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also responsible for preparing a Directors’ Report and Business Review.
31
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Bank of
Scotland plc
We have audited the consolidated and Bank financial statements (the ‘financial statements’) of the Bank of Scotland plc for the year ended 31
December 2007 which comprise consolidated Income Statement, the consolidated and Bank Balance Sheets, the consolidated and Bank Cash Flow
Statements, the consolidated and Bank Statements of Recognised Income and Expense and the related notes. The financial statements have been
prepared under the accounting policies set out therein.
This report is made solely to the Bank’s members, as a body, in accordance with section 235 of the Companies Act 1985. Our audit work has been
undertaken so that we might state to the Bank’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other
purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Bank and the Bank’s members
as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
The Directors’ responsibilities for preparing the Annual Report, Directors’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the EU are set out in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities on page 31.
Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements and International Standards on
Auditing (UK and Ireland).
We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view and are properly prepared in accordance with
the Companies Act 1985. We also report to you if, in our opinion, the information given in the Directors’ Report is consistent with the financial
statements. The information given in the Directors’ Report includes that specific information presented in the Annual Report that is cross referred
from the Business Review section of the Directors’ Report.
In addition we report to you if, in our opinion, the Bank has not kept proper accounting records, if we have not received all the information and
explanations we require for our audit, or if information specified by law regarding Directors’ remuneration and other transactions is not disclosed.
We read the other information contained in the Annual Report and consider whether it is consistent with the audited financial statements. We
consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial statements.
Our responsibilities do not extend to any other information.
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An
audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. It also includes an
assessment of the significant estimates and judgments made by the directors in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the
accounting policies are appropriate to the group’s and Bank’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.
We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with
sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other
irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements.
Opinion
In our opinion:
- the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU, of the state of the group’s affairs
as at 31 December 2007 and of its profit for the year then ended;
- the Bank financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU as applied in accordance with the
provisions of the Companies Act 1985, of the state of the Bank’s affairs as at 31 December 2007;
- the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985, and as regards the group financial statements ,
Article 4 of the IAS Regulation; and
- the information given in the Directors’ Report is consistent with the financial statements.
Chartered Accountants
Registered Auditor
Edinburgh
26 February 2008
32
Consolidated Income Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2007
2007 2006
Notes £m £m
(1,333) (596)
Goodwill impairment 16 (41)
Attributable to:
Parent company shareholders 3,608 2,189
Minority interests 30 36
3,638 2,225
The comparative figures are those of the Governor and Company of Bank of Scotland as published in the 2006 Annual Report and Accounts.
33
Consolidated Balance Sheet
As at 31 December 2007
2007 2006
Notes £m £m
Assets
Cash and balances at central banks 2,571 1,641
Items in course of collection 945 733
Financial assets held for trading 8 54,681 49,139
Disposal group assets held for sale 9 1,388
Derivative assets 10 13,794 8,383
Loans and advances to banks 4,468 126,068
Loans and advances to customers 11 460,267 215,255
Investment securities 13 52,354 45,508
Interests in jointly controlled entities 14 852 454
Interests in associates 14 148 179
Goodwill and other intangible assets 16 1,517 506
Property and equipment 17 1,291 455
Investment properties 18 34 39
Operating lease assets 19 4,643 2,084
Current tax assets 73
Other assets 4,637 2,579
Prepayments and accrued income 1,430 695
Liabilities
Deposits by banks 41,513 140,185
Customer accounts 272,687 106,829
Financial liabilities held for trading 8 22,705 22,334
Disposal group liabilities held for sale 9 909
Derivative liabilities 10 12,160 9,338
Notes in circulation 881 857
Insurance contract liabilities 24 19
Investment contract liabilities 98 96
Current tax liabilities 728
Deferred tax liabilities 20 965 371
Other liabilities 2,560 3,788
Accruals and deferred income 2,894 1,524
Provisions 21 172 39
Debt securities in issue 22 206,520 147,777
Other borrowed funds 23 17,881 8,708
The comparative figures are those of the Governor and Company of Bank of Scotland as published in the 2006 Annual Report and Accounts.
34
Consolidated Balance Sheet continued
As at 31 December 2007
2007 2006
Notes £m £m
Shareholders’ Equity
Issued share capital 24 499 436
Share premium 25 6,343 3,926
Other reserves 25 1,167 1,106
Retained earnings 25 13,479 6,568
The comparative figures are those of the Governor and Company of Bank of Scotland as published in the 2006 Annual Report and Accounts.
Approved by the Board on 26 February 2008 and signed on its behalf by:
35
Consolidated Statement of Recognised Income and Expense
For the year ended 31 December 2007
2007 2006
£m £m
Attributable to:
Parent company shareholders 2,576 3,063
Minority interests 42 36
2,618 3,099
The comparative figures are those of the Governor and Company of Bank of Scotland as published in the 2006 Annual Report and Accounts.
Net cash flows from operating activities before tax (8,550) 7,572
Income taxes paid (792) (889)
The comparative figures are those of the Governor and Company of Bank of Scotland as published in the 2006 Annual Report and Accounts.
36
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement continued
For the year ended 31 December 2007
Analysis of Cash and Cash Equivalents
2007 2006
£m £m
Investing Activities
2007 2006
£m £m
Financing Activities
2007 2006
£m £m
The comparative figures are those of the Governor and Company of Bank of Scotland as published in the 2006 Annual Report and Accounts.
37
Bank Balance Sheet
As at 31 December 2007
2007 2006
Notes £m £m
Assets
Cash and balances at central banks 1,294 1,059
Items in course of collection 890 667
Financial assets held for trading 52,169
Derivative assets 10 12,134 47
Loans and advances to banks 25,831 53,154
Loans and advances to customers 11 453,590 120,693
Investment securities 13 27,020 397
Interests in jointly controlled entities 14 103 2
Interests in associates 14 67
Interests in group undertakings 15 3,273 2,493
Goodwill and other intangible fixed assets 16 783 174
Property and equipment 17 1,108 270
Current tax assets 146
Deferred tax assets 20 152 205
Other assets 4,393 328
Prepayments and accrued income 1,292 507
Liabilities
Deposits by banks 47,321 92,194
Customer accounts 316,849 68,674
Financial liabilities held for trading 22,145
Derivative liabilities 10 10,546 55
Notes in circulation 881 857
Current tax liabilities 544
Other liabilities 1,735 392
Accruals and deferred income 1,654 756
Provisions 21 135 3
Debt securities in issue 22 149,188 1,046
Other borrowed funds 23 14,855 7,427
The comparative figures are those of the Governor and Company of Bank of Scotland as published in the 2006 Annual Report and Accounts.
By virtue of the exemption contained within Section 230 of the Companies Act 1985, the income statement of the Bank is not presented. Of the profit
attributable to shareholders £2,420m (2006 £1,818m) is dealt with in the accounts of the Bank.
Approved by the Board on 26 February 2008 and signed on its behalf by:
38
Bank Statement of Recognised Income and Expense
For the year ended 31 December 2007
2007 2006
£m £m
Net actuarial gain from defined benefit plans and other movements (net of tax) 71
Capital contribution 515
Tax relief on share plan 23
Foreign exchange translation (7) (14)
Available for sale investments:
Net change in fair value (net of tax) (248) 3
Net gains transferred to the income statement (net of tax) (11)
Cash flow hedges:
Effective portion of changes in fair value taken to equity (net of tax) (209) 7
Net gains transferred to the income statement (net of tax) (290)
Attributable to:
Parent company shareholders 1,655 2,423
The comparative figures are those of the Governor and Company of Bank of Scotland as published in the 2006 Annual Report and Accounts.
39
Bank Cash Flow Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2007
2007 2006
£m £m
Net cash flows from operating activities before tax (26,625) 9,166
Income taxes paid (588) (696)
2007 2006
£m £m
Investing Activities
2007 2006
£m £m
Financing Activities
2007 2006
£m £m
The comparative figures are those of the Governor and Company of Bank of Scotland as published in the 2006 Annual Report and Accounts.
40
Notes to the Accounts
Accounting Policies
Financial Statements
The financial statements comprise the Consolidated Income Statement and the Consolidated and Bank Balance Sheets, Cash Flow
Statements and Statements of Recognised Income and Expense together with the related Notes to the Accounts. The notes include
information contained in the Business Review on pages 1 to 7 and in the Risk Report on pages 8 to 19 that are cross-referenced into the
financial statements. These disclosures are required under IAS 1 'Presentation of Financial Statements' relating to the management of
capital and IFRS 7 'Financial Instruments: Disclosures' relating to the nature of risks and their management. These disclosures form an
integral part of the financial statements and are prefaced as such on the respective pages.
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') and interpretations
issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee ('IFRIC') as adopted by the European Union. The group has
not utilised the 'carve-out' provisions in respect of full fair value and portfolio hedging of core deposits in IAS 39 'Financial Instruments:
Recognition and Measurement' as adopted by the European Union, the financial statements comply with International Financial Reporting
Standards ('IFRS'). The standards applied by the group and Bank are those endorsed by the European Union and effective at the date the
consolidated IFRS financial statements are approved by the Board.
The financial statements also comply with the relevant provisions of Part VII of the Companies Act 1985, as amended by the Companies
Act 1985 (International Accounting Standards and Other Accounting Amendments) Regulations 2004.
On 17 September 2007, in accordance with the provisions of the HBOS Group Reorganisation Act 2006 (" the Act"), the Governor and
Company of the Bank of Scotland registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act and changed its name to Bank
of Scotland plc. On the same day, under the Act, the business activities, assets (including investments in subsidiaries) and liabilities of
CAPITAL BANK plc and HBOS Treasury Services plc, (subsidiaries of the Governor and Company of the Bank of Scotland), and Halifax
plc, (a subsidiary of HBOS plc), transferred to Bank of Scotland plc. IFRS does not have a specific accounting policy that covers group
reconstructions. Accordingly, the Bank has adopted merger accounting with effect from 1 January 2007 in preparing these financial
statements. This follows the accounting treatment prescribed in the Act for accounting in the year in which the transfer becomes effective.
It is also consistent with accounting for group reconstructions under UK generally accepted accounting principals, which the group has
considered in the absence of specific IFRS guidance.
Merger accounting involves the transfer of assets and liabilities from the transferor to the Bank at their carrying value. They are treated as
if they had always been assets and liabilities of the Bank and transactions that have occurred during the year and prior to the date of the
transfer in the transferor bank are reported as these of the Bank. On transfer a statutory reserve is created representing the difference in
the carrying value of the assets and liabilities transferred. Subsequently, this reserve has been reallocated to minority interests, available for
sale, cash flow hedge reserve to mirror the previous accounting treatment of the underlying transactions in the transferor. A transfer from
the statutory reserve to retained earnings is also made to reflect the amount of distributable reserves previously held in the transferor in
accordance with the provisions of the HBOS Group Reorganisation Act 2006.
The statutory comparatives for 2006 are the audited financial statements for the Governor and Company of the Bank of Scotland that were
published in the Bank's last Annual Report and Accounts.
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost basis, except that the following assets and liabilities are stated
at their fair values: derivatives, financial instruments held for trading, financial instruments designated at fair value through the income
statement, financial instruments classified as available for sale and investment properties.
IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’ which is applicable for periods commencing on or after 1 January 2009. The application of this standard in
2007 would not have had any financial impact. During 2008 the group will be assessing the standard against its business model and the
disclosures will be revised accordingly in the 2009 financial statements.
IFRIC 11 ‘Group and Treasury Share Transactions’ which is effective for periods commencing on or after 1 March 2007. The application
of this interpretation in 2007 would not have affected the financial statements because the interpretation deals with accounting for share-
based payments at subsidiary level. No material adjustment arises since these costs are recharged from the parent company HBOS plc.
In the Group and Bank the following standards and interpretations have not yet been adopted by the European Union, are not effective for
the year ended 31 December 2007 and have not been applied in preparing the financial statements. Where appropriate disclosures will be
revised in the financial statements in the year in which the standard or interpretation becomes applicable.
IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ which is effective for periods commencing on or after 1 January 2009. The application of this
revised standard in 2007 would not have had any financial impact on the financial statements. It will impact the presentation and format of
the primary statements and notes and these disclosures will be revised accordingly in the 2009 financial statements.
41
Revised IAS 23 ‘Borrowing Costs’ which is applicable to borrowing costs related to qualifying assets for which the commencement date
for capitalisation is on or after 1 January 2009. The application of this revised standard in 2007 would not have had a material impact on the
financial statements.
IFRIC 12 ‘Service Concession Arrangements’ which is effective for periods commencing on or after 1 January 2008. The application of this
interpretation in 2007 would not have had a material impact on the financial statements.
IFRIC 13 ‘Customer Loyalty Programmes’ which is effective for periods commencing on or after 1 July 2008. The application of this
interpretation in 2007 would not have had a material impact on the financial statements.
IFRIC 14 ‘Defined Benefit Assets and Minimum Funding Requirements’ which is effective for periods commencing on or after 1 January
2008. The application of this interpretation in 2007 would not have affected the financial statements as the Group's defined benefit schemes
are sponsored by HBOS plc.
The following standards have been issued during 2008, have not been endorsed by the European Union, are not effective for the year
ended 31 December 2007 and have not been applied in preparing the financial statements:
IFRS 2 ‘Share-based Payments’ amendment on ‘Vesting Conditions and Cancellations’ which is effective for periods commencing on or
after 1 January 2009.
Revised IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations (2008)’ and revised IAS 27 ‘Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements (2008)’ are effective
for periods commencing on or after 1 July 2009.
Amendments to IAS 32 'Financial Instruments: Presentation' and IAS 1 'Presentation of Financial Statements' - Puttable Financial
Instruments and Obligations Arising on Liquidation are effective for periods commencing on or after 1 January 2009.
The group has been monitoring the progress of these revised standards through the discussion papers and exposure drafts issued and will
assess their impact on the financial statements of the group during 2008.
The accounting policies below have been consistently applied to all periods presented in these financial statements. Certain comparative
amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the results of the Bank and its subsidiary undertakings, together with the group’s interests in
associates and jointly controlled entities.
The financial statements of entities controlled by the group are consolidated in the group financial statements commencing on the date
control is obtained until the date control ceases. Control is defined as being where the group has power, directly or indirectly, to govern the
financial and operating policies of such entities so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, potential voting rights that
presently are exercisable or convertible are taken into account. When assessing whether or not a special purpose entity (‘SPE’) that has
been sponsored by the group should be consolidated or not, the group considers the indicators of control that are included in the Standing
Interpretations Committee (‘SIC’) Interpretation 12 ‘Consolidation – Special Purpose Entities’ and if these are met the SPE is included in the
consolidation.
All intra-group balances, transactions, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.
The group derecognises a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or it transfers the right to
receive the contractual cash flows on the financial asset in a transaction in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of
the financial asset are transferred. Any interest in the transferred financial asset that is created or retained by the group is recognised as a
separate asset.
The group derecognises a financial liability when its contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled or expire.
Derivatives
Derivatives are measured at fair value and initially recognised on the date the contract is entered into. Where the fair value of a derivative
is positive, it is carried as a derivative asset and where negative as a derivative liability. The gain or loss from changes in fair value is taken
to net trading income, except for interest from derivatives used for economic hedging purposes that do not qualify for hedge accounting
treatment which is taken to net interest income, insurance and investment related derivatives which are taken to net investment income
related to insurance and investment business or when cash flow hedge accounting is employed.
Hedge accounting allows one financial instrument, generally a derivative such as a swap, to be designated as a hedge of another financial
instrument such as a loan or deposit or a portfolio of the same. At inception of the hedge relationship formal documentation must be drawn
up specifying the hedging strategy, the component transactions and the methodology that will be used to measure effectiveness.
Monitoring of hedge effectiveness is undertaken continually. A hedge is regarded as effective if the change in fair value or cash flows of the
hedge instrument and the hedged item are negatively correlated within a range of 80% to 125%, either for the period since effectiveness
was last tested or cumulatively since inception.
Firstly, fair value hedge accounting offsets the change in the fair value of the hedging instrument against the change in the fair value of
the hedged item in respect of the risk being hedged. The hedged item is adjusted for the fair value of the risk being hedged irrespective
of its financial instrument classification. These changes in fair value are recognised in the income statement through net trading income.
Adjustments made to the carrying amount of the hedged item for fair value hedges will be amortised on an effective interest rate basis over
the remaining expected life in line with the presentation of the underlying hedged item. If the hedge is highly effective the net impact on the
income statement is minimised.
42
Secondly, cash flow hedge accounting matches the cash flows of hedged items against the corresponding cash flow of the hedging
derivative. The effective part of any gain or loss on a hedging instrument is recognised directly in equity in the cash flow hedge reserve
and the hedged item is accounted for in accordance with the policy for that financial instrument. Any ineffective portion of the hedging
instrument’s fair value is recognised immediately in the income statement through net trading income. The amount deferred in reserves
remains until the designated transaction occurs at which time it is released and accounted for in the income statement in line with the
treatment of the hedged item. Where the hedge relationship subsequently proves ineffective, or where the hedged item is settled early or is
terminated, the associated gains and losses that were recognised directly in reserves are reclassified to the income statement through net
trading income. Where the hedging instrument expires or is terminated before the forecast transaction occurs, the associated gains and
losses recognised in reserves remain deferred until the forecast transaction occurs.
Thirdly, hedging of net investments in foreign operations is discussed within the foreign currencies accounting policy.
A derivative may be embedded in another financial instrument, known as the host contract. Where the economic characteristics and risks of
an embedded derivative are not closely related to those of the host contract, the embedded derivative is separated from the host and held
on balance sheet at fair value, except for those instruments that have been designated at fair value through the income statement where the
derivative is not separated from the host instrument. Changes in fair value are taken to the income statement, through net trading income,
and the host contract is accounted for in accordance with the policy for that class of financial instrument.
If quoted or market values are not available then derivative fair values are determined using valuation techniques that are consistent with
techniques commonly used by market participants to price these instruments. These techniques include discounted cash flow analysis
and other pricing models. The fair values calculated from these models are regularly compared with prices obtained in actual market
transactions to ensure reliability. In all material instances these techniques use only observable market data.
All other loans and advances are classified as loans and receivables. They are initially recognised at the draw down date at the fair value on
the commitment date plus directly attributable incremental transaction costs. They are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the
effective interest method less provision for impairment.
The fair value of loans and advances to customers is measured at the commitment date and calculated by discounting anticipate cash
flows, including interest, at current market rate of interest. The fair value of floating rate loans and advances and overnight deposits is
considered by the group to be equal to the carrying value as these loans and advances are accounted for at current interest rates and credit
risk is assessed in the impairment review. The fair value of fixed interest bearing accounts is based on cash flows discounted using current
money market interest rates for debts with similar maturity and credit risk characteristics.
Loans and advances that are performing in accordance with the underlying contract are classified as neither past due nor impaired. If a
customer fails to make a payment that is contractually due the loan is classified as past due. If subsequently all contractually due payments
are made the loan reverts to its neither past due nor impaired status.
The group assesses impairment individually for financial assets that are significant and individually or collectively for assets that are not
significant. The estimation involved in these impairment assessments is considered a critical accounting estimate.
Individual impairment is identified at a counterparty specific level following objective evidence that a financial asset is impaired. This may be
after an interest or principal payment is missed, when a banking covenant is breached or when the counterparty is experiencing significant
financial difficulties including cash flow problems. Objective evidence may also arise from wider economic and financial market indicators
including factors that pertain to a particular industry sector or local economy. The present value of estimated cash flows recoverable is
determined after taking into account any security held. The amount of any impairment is calculated by comparing the present value of the
cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate with the carrying value. If impaired, the carrying value is adjusted and the
difference charged to the income statement.
The written down value of the impaired loan is compounded back to the net realisable balance over time using the original effective interest
rate. This is reported through interest income in the income statement and represents the unwinding of the discount.
A write-off is made when all or part of a claim is deemed uncollectable or forgiven. Write-offs are charged against previously established
provisions for impairment or directly to the income statement.
In circumstances where an asset has been individually assessed for impairment and no objective evidence of impairment exists, then it will
be subject to a collective assessment.
Collective impairment is identified for groups of assets that share similar risk characteristics. Collective impairment is assessed using a
methodology based on existing risk conditions or events that have a strong correlation with a tendency to default.
Loans and advances that are subject to collective impairment provisioning are deemed to be impaired loans where interest or capital
payments are past due by more than three months.
Loans and advances that are past due or impaired may have the terms and conditions renegotiated. Loans and advances are classified
as renegotiated if they fulfill the definition of a troubled debt restructuring. When the renegotiated contract becomes effective the loan is
subsequently classified as past due, impaired or neither past due nor impaired according to its performance under the renegotiated terms.
Loans and advances to customers include advances that are subject to non-returnable finance arrangements following securitisation of
portfolios of mortgages and other advances. The principal benefits of these advances are acquired by special purpose securitisation entities
that fund their purchase primarily through the issue of debt securities in issue.
Syndications
Syndication activity is undertaken as part of the group’s credit risk management strategy. The group considers that loan commitments and
subsequent draw down form one contract. The loan is recognised at the date of the draw down and initial fair value is measured at the
commitment date. Loans pending syndication are classified as loans and receivables and derecognised upon sell down when the risks and
rewards are transferred to a third party.
43
Finance Leases and Operating Leases
Assets leased to customers that transfer substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership to the customer are classified as
finance leases. Together with instalment credit agreements, they are recorded at an amount equal to the net investment in the lease, less any
provisions for impairment, within loans and advances to customers.
The difference between the gross receivable and the present value of the receivable is recognised as unearned finance income. Lease
income is recognised over the term of the lease using the net investment method, which reflects a constant periodic rate of return on the net
investment.
All other assets leased to customers are classified as operating leases. These assets are separately disclosed in the balance sheet and
are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation, which is calculated on a straight-line basis. Operating lease rentals are recognised in
operating income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Operating lease assets are reviewed for impairment when there is an indication
of impairment.
Investment Securities
Investment securities held for trading are classified as financial assets held for trading and are carried at fair value. Gains, losses and related
income are taken to net trading income as they arise. Investment securities designated at fair value through the income statement are carried
at fair value. Gains, losses and related income are taken to other operating income as they arise, except for those related to insurance and
investment business which are taken to net investment income related to insurance and investment business.
Debt securities other than those held for trading or designated at fair value and for which there is no active market at inception are classified
as loans and receivables. They are initially recognised at fair value plus directly related incremental transaction costs and are subsequently
carried on the balance sheet at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method less provision for impairment.
All other investment securities are classified as available for sale. They are initially recognised at fair value plus directly related incremental
transaction costs and are subsequently carried on the balance sheet at fair value. Unrealised gains or losses arise from changes in the
fair values and are recognised directly in equity in the available for sale reserve, except for impairment losses or foreign exchange gains
or losses related to debt securities, which are recognised immediately in the income statement in impairment on investment securities or
other operating income respectively. Income on debt securities is recognised on an effective interest rate basis and taken to interest income
through the income statement. Income from equity shares is credited to other operating income, with income on listed equity shares being
credited on the ex-dividend date and income on unlisted equity shares being credited on an equivalent basis. On sale or maturity, previously
unrealised gains and losses are recognised in other operating income.
Impairment losses on available for sale equity instruments are not reversed through the income statement. Any increase in the fair value of an
available for sale equity instrument after an impairment loss has been recognised is treated as a revaluation and recognised directly in equity.
An impairment loss on an available for sale debt instrument is reversed through the income statement, if there is evidence that the increase in
fair value is due to an event that occurred after the impairment loss was recognised.
The fair value of investment securities trading in active markets is based on market prices or broker/dealer valuations. Where quoted prices
on instruments are not readily and regularly available from a recognised broker, dealer or pricing service, or available prices do not represent
regular transactions in the market, the fair value is estimated. These estimates use quoted market prices for securities with similar credit,
maturity and yield characteristics or similar valuation models. Asset-backed securities ('ABS') not traded in an active market are valued using
valuation models that include non-market observable inputs. These models use observed issuance prices, benchmarking methodology and
modelled market correlations. For each asset class within the portfolio, the implied spread arrived at by using this methodology is applied
to the securities within that asset class. Additional assessments are then made for possible deterioration in credit risk for each individual
security.
The group uses settlement date accounting when recording the purchase and sale of investment securities, with the exception of those held
for trading for which trade date accounting is used.
Associates are entities over which the group has significant influence, but not control over the financial and operating policies. Significant
influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the entity but is not control over those policies.
The attributable shares of results of associates and jointly controlled entities, generally based on audited accounts, are included in the
consolidated financial statements using the equity method of accounting. The share of any losses is restricted to a level that reflects an
obligation to fund such losses.
Goodwill
The excess of the cost of a business combination over the interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent
liabilities at the date of acquisition of a business is capitalised as goodwill. The goodwill is allocated to the cash-generating units or groups of
cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the acquisitions concerned. In most cases, the cash-generating units represent the
business acquired.
After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Cash-generating units to which goodwill
is allocated are subject to a semi-annual impairment review at 31 March and 30 September and whenever there is an indication that the
unit may be impaired, by comparing the value in use with the carrying value. When this indicates that the carrying value of goodwill is not
recoverable, it is irrevocably written down through the income statement by the amount of any impaired loss identified. Further details of the
calculation are given in the critical accounting estimates and in Note 16. IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’ has not been applied retrospectively
to business combinations that occurred before 1 January 2004.
Software
Costs associated with the development of software for internal use, subject to de minimis limits, are capitalised if the software is technically
feasible and the group has both the intent and sufficient resources to complete the development. Costs are only capitalised if the asset can
be reliably measured and will generate future economic benefits to the group either through sale or use.
Only costs that are directly attributable to bringing the asset into working condition for its intended use are capitalised. These costs include
44
all directly attributable costs necessary to create, produce and prepare the asset to be capable of operating in a manner intended by
management. Other development expenditure is recognised in the income statement as an expense as incurred.
Capitalised development expenditure and purchased software is stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses.
Once the software is ready for use, the capitalised costs are amortised over their expected lives, generally four years. Capitalised software is
assessed for impairment where there is an indication of impairment. Where impairment exists, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to
its recoverable amount and the impairment loss recognised in the income statement. The amortisation charge for the asset is then adjusted
to reflect the asset’s revised carrying amount.
Subsequent expenditure is only capitalised when it increases the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset to which it relates.
Freehold land is not depreciated. Freehold and leasehold property, other than freehold investment properties, is stated at cost and
depreciated over fifty years or the length of the lease term if shorter. Improvements to leasehold properties are stated at cost and are
depreciated in equal instalments over the lesser of the remaining life of the lease or eight years. Premiums are amortised over the period of
the lease.
The cost of equipment, which includes fixtures and fittings, vehicles and computer hardware, less estimated residual value, is written off in
equal instalments over the expected lives of the assets, generally between three and eight years.
Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the
item will flow to the group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably.
Property and equipment is assessed for impairment where there is an indication of impairment. Where impairment exists, the carrying
amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount and the impairment loss recognised in the income statement. The depreciation
charge for the asset is then adjusted to reflect the asset’s revised carrying amount.
Investment Properties
Investment properties, which are defined as properties held either to earn rental income or for capital appreciation or both, are initially
recognised at cost and are fair valued annually. Any gains or losses arising from a change in the fair value are recognised in the income
statement in the period that they occur through other operating income, except for those relating to insurance and investment business,
which are taken through net investment income related to insurance and investment business. Investment properties are not depreciated.
Investments in Subsidiaries
Investments in subsidiaries are included in the Bank's financial statements and comprise equity investments in, and capital contributions to
subsidiary entities. These are carried at cost less impairment provisions. At each reporting date an assessment is undertaken to determine
if there is any indication of impairment. This assessment can include reviewing factors such as the solvency, profitability and cash flows
generated by the subsidiary. If there is an indication of impairment, an estimate of the recoverable amount is made. If the carrying value
exceeds the recoverable amount then a provision for impairment is made to reduce the carrying value to the recoverable amount.
Disposal Group
Assets and liabilities of a disposal group are classified as held for sale where the carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale
transaction as opposed to continuing use. This applies where the assets and liabilities are available for sale in their present condition, subject
only to the terms that are usual and customary for the sale of such assets and liabilities, and when a sale is highly probable and expected
to complete within one year of being classified as a disposal group. Disposal groups are measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair
value less costs to sell.
The fair value of customer deposits with no stated maturity date is the amount repayable on demand. The estimated fair value of fixed interest
bearing deposits and other borrowings with no quoted market price is calculated using a cash flow model discounted using interest rates for
debts with similar maturity.
Repurchase Agreements
Debt securities sold subject to repurchase agreements are retained within the balance sheet where the group retains substantially all of
the risks and rewards of ownership. Funds received under these arrangements are included within deposits by banks, customer accounts
or financial liabilities held for trading. Conversely, debt securities acquired under commitments to resell are not recognised in the balance
sheet as debt securities where substantially all the risks and rewards do not pass to the group. In this case, the purchase price is included
within loans and advances to banks, loans and advances to customers, or financial assets held for trading. The difference between sale
and repurchase prices for such transactions is reflected in the income statement over the lives of the transactions, within interest payable or
interest receivable as appropriate.
Because the Bank is unable to identify its share of the scheme assets and liabilities on a consistent and reasonable basis, as permitted
by IAS 19 'Employee benefits' the HBOS FSPS has been accounted for, in these financial statements, as if the scheme was a defined
contribution scheme.
Taxation
Income tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the income statement except to
45
the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity. The tax charge is analysed between
tax that is payable in respect of policyholder returns and tax that is payable on shareholders’ equity returns. This allocation is based on an
assessment of the effective rate of tax that is applicable to shareholders’ equity for the year.
Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts
of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following differences are not
provided: goodwill not deductible for tax purposes, the initial recognition of assets and liabilities that affects neither accounting nor taxable
profit and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future. The
amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities,
based on tax rates that are enacted or substantially enacted at the balance sheet date.
Provisions
The group recognises a provision if there is a present obligation either as a consequence of a legal or constructive obligation resulting from
a past event. To recognise this it should be probable that an outflow of economic resources, that can be reliably measured, will be required
to settle the obligation. Provisions are measured as the discounted expected future cash flows taking account of the risks and uncertainties
associated with the specific liability where appropriate.
A constructive obligation is only deemed to exist in respect of restructuring provisions once a detailed restructuring plan has been formally
approved and the plan has been announced publicly or work on the restructure has commenced.
As explained under critical accounting judgements, if the group assesses that a constructive obligation for a regulatory provision exists
then a provision is established. Where the provisioning criteria are met, the group makes provision for the estimated cost of making redress
payments to customers in respect of past product sales where the sales processes have been deficient. To calculate the provision, the
group estimates the number of cases requiring redress and the average cost per case. These are dependent upon, inter alia, the volume of
claims, the actions of regulators and, as appropriate, the performance of investments. As progress is made in settling claims, if necessary,
the group revises its judgements and estimates based on the emerging trends.
Regulatory provisions held in respect of customer remediation where a legal obligation exists or the group considers that a constructive
obligation exists are set out in Note 21.
Fair values are calculated based on quoted market prices. Where quoted market prices are not available, a cash flow model is used,
discounted using an appropriate current yield curve for the remaining term to maturity.
Preference shares are classified as debt where they are redeemable on a specific date, or at the option of the shareholders, or if dividend
payments are not discretionary. Dividends on preference shares classified as debt are recognised in the income statement through interest
expense.
Preferred securities issued at or close to market values are classified as debt where they are redeemable on a specific date or at the option
of the holders, or if interest payments are not discretionary. The interest payable on such securities is recognised in the income statement
through interest expense.
Subordinated liabilities consist of dated and undated loan capital. The interest payable is recognised in the income statement through
interest expense.
Netting
The group nets loans, deposits and derivative transactions covered by master agreements and when there is a legal right of offset and
where simultaneous or net settlement is permitted under the terms of the relevant agreement and where there is the intention and ability to
settle on a net or simultaneous basis.
Foreign Currencies
The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the Bank's functional and presentation currency.
Foreign currency transactions are translated into sterling at the exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transaction.
Monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the closing rate at the date of the balance sheet. Exchange differences arising are
recognised in the income statement except for differences arising from net investment hedges and derivatives related to cash flow hedges
which are recognised directly in equity.
Non-monetary assets and liabilities carried at historical cost are translated using the historical exchange rate.
Non-monetary assets and liabilities carried at fair value are translated at exchange rates on the date the fair value is determined. Exchange
differences arising are recognised in the income statement except those relating to available for sale financial assets (equity investments),
which are recognised directly in reserves.
The results and financial position of all group entities that have a functional currency different from sterling are translated into sterling as
follows:
–– assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of the balance sheet;
46
–– goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and
translated at the closing rate; and
–– income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates for the period (unless this is not a reasonable approximation of the
cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the dates of the
transactions).
All resulting exchange differences are recognised as a separate component of other reserves within equity.
On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations, and of borrowings and other
currency instruments designated as hedges of such investments, are taken to equity where the hedge is deemed to be effective. When a foreign
operation is sold, such exchange differences are recognised in the income statement as part of the gain or loss on sale. The ineffective portion
of any net investment hedge is recognised in the income statement immediately.
Cumulative translation differences for all foreign operations are deemed to be zero at 1 January 2004. Any gain or loss on the subsequent
disposal of a foreign operation will exclude translation differences that arose before 1 January 2004, but include later translation differences.
Fees and commission recognised in the income statement include service fees, agency and management fees, transaction fees, guarantee
fees, letter of credit fees, asset management fees and non-utilisation fees.
Fees and commission included in the effective interest rate calculation are those that are incremental and directly attributable to the origination of
the product and which are integral to the yield of the product. These include arrangement fees, incentives such as cash backs, intermediary fees
and commissions, high loan to value fees and procurement fees.
Guarantees
Financial guarantees are contracts that require the group to make specified payments to reimburse the holder for a loss it incurs because a
specified debtor fails to make payment when due in accordance with the terms of a debt instrument.
Intra-group financial guarantee contracts in the Bank financial statements are accounted for as general insurance contracts. This practice also
applies to any new intra-group financial guarantees written.
Loan Commitments
Provision is made for undrawn loan commitments which have become onerous.
47
Critical Accounting Judgements
The preparation of the financial statements necessarily requires the exercise of judgement both in the application of accounting policies
which are set out on pages 41 to 49. These judgements are continually reviewed and evaluated based on historical experience and other
factors. The principal critical accounting judgements made by the group that have a material financial impact on the financial statements
are as follows:
–– Non-derivative financial assets, other than those held for trading, where there is no active market and which have fixed or determinable
payments are classified as ‘loans and receivables’;
–– The group’s ‘trading’ portfolio is classified as ‘held for trading’. The group exercises judgement in determining which financial
instruments form part of its trading book. This is determined at acquisition by the purpose for which the instrument is acquired and the
business area that acquires it;
–– Derivative instruments are automatically classified as ‘at fair value through the income statement’ unless they form part of a qualifying
hedging relationship. The Group’s accounting policy for hedge accounting is described under the policy for derivatives;
–– Instruments that are deemed by the group on initial recognition to eliminate a measurement mismatch or where they contain an
embedded derivative which is not separated from the host contract are designated ‘at fair value through the income statement’. In
addition portfolios of assets, liabilities or both that are managed and the performance evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance
with a documented risk or investment management strategy are designated ‘at fair value through the income statement’;
–– In addition the venture capital exemption is taken for investments where significant influence or joint control is present and the investing
area operates as a venture capital business. These investments are designated 'at fair value through the income statement'. This policy
is applied consistently across the group’s portfolios. Judgement is applied when determining whether or not a business area operates
as a venture capital business. The judgement is based on consideration of whether, in particular, the primary business activity is
investing for current income, capital appreciation or both; whether the investment activities are clearly and objectively distinct from any
other activities of the group; and whether the investee operates as a separate business autonomous from the group;
–– The group has chosen not to designate any financial assets as ‘held to maturity’;
–– All other financial assets are automatically classified as ‘available for sale’; and
–– All other financial liabilities are automatically classified as ‘at amortised cost’.
The accounting treatment of these financial instruments is set out in the relevant accounting policy.
Syndications
As explained in the accounting policy on syndications the group has elected to treat loans and advances pending syndication as loans
and receivables rather than account for them as trading assets. Accordingly these are initially recognised at the draw down date at the
fair value plus directly attributable incremental transaction costs as at the commitment date.
Fair Values
The designation of financial instruments for measurement purposes is set out under the critical accounting judgements above and the
valuation methodologies for financial instruments are set out in the appropriate accounting policies.
Derivatives and other financial instruments designated as at fair value through the income statement or available for sale are recognised
at fair value.
As explained in the accounting policy on investment securities, asset backed securities ('ABS') not traded in an active market are
valued using valuation models that include non-market observable inputs. These models use observed issuance prices, benchmarking
methodology and modelled market correlations. For each asset class within the ABS portfolio, the implied spread arrived at by using this
methodology is applied to the securities within that asset class. Additional assessments are then made on possible deterioration in credit
risk for each individual security.
At 31 December 2007, the value of ABS measured using models with non-market observable inputs comprised investment securities of
£5,404m (2006 £nil) within financial assets held for trading and £12,386m (2006 £nil) within assets classified as available for sale.
48
During the year, a £78m pre-tax negative fair value adjustment was recognised in the income statement, within net trading income, on ABS
that were valued using models with non-market observable inputs (2006 £nil). In addition to this post-tax negative fair value adjustment of
£158m (2006 £nil) on ABS classified as available for sale was recognised in equity reserves.
For ABS asset valuations using non-market observable inputs, the effect of a one basis point move in credit spreads would result in a
pre-tax movement of £2m for ABS assets classified as held for trading and a post-tax movement of £4m, recognised in equity reserves, on
assets classified as available for sale.
The use of non-market observable inputs in the valuation models will diminish as and when activity returns to these markets.
Goodwill
Goodwill arises on the acquisition of companies and other businesses. As explained in the accounting policy for goodwill it is subject to
a six monthly impairment review by comparing the value in use with the carrying value. When this indicates that the carrying value is not
recoverable it is written down through the income statement as goodwill impairment.
The value in use calculation uses cash flow projections based upon the five year business plan with cash flows thereafter being
extrapolated using growth rates in the range of 2.25% to 2.50% reflecting the long term nature of the businesses concerned and the long
term trend in growth rate of the respective economy. The pre-tax discount rates used in discounting the projected cash flows are in the
range of 10% to 12.2% reflecting the perceived risk within those businesses. As at 31 December 2007 the carrying value of goodwill held
on the balance sheet is £1,041m (2006 £342m) as shown in Note 16. The aggregate headroom between the value in use and carrying value
of goodwill plus net assets of the businesses is sufficiently large that changes in growth and discount rates, after allowing for the current
credit conditions, would have no material impact on the goodwill impairment charge.
49
Notes to the Accounts
continued
1. Income
2007 2006
£m £m
185 290
87 189
2. Administrative Expenses
2007 2006
£m £m
50
Notes to the Accounts
continued
3. Colleagues
HBOS refers to its employees as colleagues. Most UK based colleagues are contractually employed by HBOS plc, the ultimate parent company. All
expenses related to the employment of colleagues for whom the Bank gains the benefit of their employment are recharged by HBOS to the Bank.
Consequently, the Bank has no employees.
2007 2006
Number Number
69,047 24,283
The aggregate remuneration recharged to the group is included within administrative expenses and comprises:
2007 2006
£m £m
2,530 1,162
The expense arising from share-based payment arrangements does not include £12m (2006 £18m) in relation to National Insurance and income tax costs
that are borne by the group.
4. Directors’ Remuneration
The Directors of the Bank during the year were also Directors of HBOS plc, the parent company of the Bank. No Director received emoluments for
qualifying services to the Bank in the year ended 31 December 2007 or for the comparative period. Full details of the Directors' remuneration are
disclosed in the 2007 HBOS plc Annual Report and Accounts within the "Report of the Board in relation to remuneration policy and practice".
5. Auditors’ Remuneration
The aggregate remuneration of KPMG Audit Plc and its associates for audit and other services (excluding value added taxes) included within
administrative expenses is analysed below:
2007 2006
Total Total
£m £m
6.8 5.1
In respect of the Bank, fees in respect of the statutory audit were £1.6m (2006 £50,000) and other fees amounted to £0.1m (2006 £0.1m).
51
Notes to the Accounts
continued
6. Segmental Analysis
Business Sector
2007
Retail Corporate International Treasury Other Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m
52
Notes to the Accounts
continued
6. Segmental Analysis continued
Business Sector
2006
Retail Corporate International (b) Treasury Other Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m
(a) The total assets and total liabilities of Corporate include £1,388m and £909m respectively being the assets and liabilities of the disposal group.
(b) International division includes the income and expenses of Drive which was disposed of during 2006.
53
Notes to the Accounts
continued
6. Segmental Analysis continued
Geographical
The table below analyses the group results and assets by geographical area based on the location of the customer. For funding costs where the
location of the customer cannot be ascertained, the interest expense is matched to the location of the customer generating the interest income.
2007 2006
Rest Rest
UK of world Total UK of world Total
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Share of profits of jointly controlled entities and associates 63 178 241 91 61 152
Non-operating income 87 87 9 180 189
54
Notes to the Accounts
continued
7. Taxation
2007 2006
£m £m
Current tax
Corporation tax charge at 30% 1,104 597
Relief for overseas taxation (65) (51)
Overseas taxation 236 166
1,275 712
Deferred tax (Note 20) 43 89
The effective tax rate for the year is 26.62% (2006 26.51%) lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK (30%). The differences are
explained below:
2007 2006
£m £m
(140) (16)
(228) 145
In addition there is £2m (2006 £nil) recognised in equity relating to changes in the rates of corporation tax.
55
Notes to the Accounts
continued
8. Financial Instruments Held for Trading
Financial assets and liabilities held for trading (other than derivatives) are as follows:
Group Bank
2007 2006 2007 2006
£m £m £m £m
9. Disposal Group
The assets and liabilities of the disposal group were acquired in 2006 with a view to subsequent disposal. They comprise of the Mother
Topco Limited group of companies, that includes McCarthy & Stone plc, a UK provider of retirement homes in which the group had a 58.3%
equity interest at 31 December 2006. The assets and liabilities were sold during 2007 and within twelve months of the acquisition date. As the
disposal was made at the values at which the group was held at 31 December 2006 no additional profit arose in 2007 that is attributable to the
shareholders of the HBOS Group.
56
Notes to the Accounts
continued
10. Derivatives
The group’s derivative transactions are either customer driven and generally matched, or are carried out for proprietary purposes within limits
approved by the Board. Where a derivative held for economic hedging purposes does not qualify for hedge accounting, it is classified below as held
for trading.
Group 2007 2006
Fair value Fair value
Asset Liability Asset Liability
£m £m £m £m
Bank 2007 2006
Fair value Fair value
Asset Liability Asset Liability
£m £m £m £m
1,852 1,209 6 2
5,757 5,951 31 44
12,134 10,546 47 55
57
Notes to the Accounts
continued
10. Derivatives continued
The group uses interest rate swaps, forward foreign exchange contracts and other derivative instruments to hedge and reduce the interest rate and
currency exposures that are inherent in any banking business. The hedge accounting strategy adopted by the group is to utilise a combination of
the macro cash flow, micro fair value and net investment hedge approaches.
The group has entered into derivative contracts for qualifying hedges as noted below:
Bank 2007 2006
Fair value Fair value
Asset Liability Asset Liability
£m £m £m £m
1,702 995
2,273 1,970 10 9
58
Notes to the Accounts
continued
11. Loans and Advances to Customers
Group Bank
2007 2006 2007 2006
£m £m £m £m
The group’s lending exposure before impairment provisions and before taking account of collateral is analysed below:
2007 2006
£m £m
463,640 216,816
Group Bank
2007 2006 2007 2006
£m £m £m £m
Loans and advances that are neither past due nor impaired 442,307 204,890 437,755 112,124
Loans and advances that are past due but not impaired 10,786 7,434 9,591 6,380
Impaired loans (Note 30) 10,547 4,492 9,241 3,337
Loans and advances to customers include advances that are securitised under the group's securitisation programmes the majority of which have
been sold by the Bank to bankruptcy remote special purpose entities, funded by the issue of debt on terms whereby some of the risks and rewards
of the portfolio are retained by the subsidiary. Accordingly, all these advances are retained on the group’s balance sheet with the commercial paper
included within debt securities in issue (Note 22).
The group's principal securitisation programmes and the type of loans and advances securitised are as follows:
82,868 15,035
59
Notes to the Accounts
continued
11. Loans and Advances to Customers continued
In addition to the programmes above loans and advances totalling £14,089m and (2006 £6,629m) relating to UK residential mortgages have been
securitised using credit default swaps.
Group loans and advances to customers include finance leases analysed as follows:
2007 2006
£m £m
12,413 7,789
Less: unearned finance income (3,118) (1,257)
Analysed as:
Within one year 2,616 2,476
Between one and five years 4,004 3,397
More than five years 2,675 659
At 31 December 2007 total unguaranteed residual values accrued to the benefit of the group amounted to £20m (2006 £24m). At 31 December
2007,total accumulated allowance for uncollectable minimum lease payments receivable amounted to £65m (2006 £31m). The group's principal leasing
activities are in property leasing and instalment credit and are transacted through its subsidiaries.
Group Bank
2007 2006 2007 2006
£m £m £m £m
60
Notes to the Accounts
continued
13. Investment Securities
Group 2007
At fair value Available Loans and Total
through the for sale receivables
income
statement
Listed £m £m £m £m
Unlisted
Debt securities 151 14,833 1,266 16,250
Equity shares 308 2,942 3,250
Comprising:
Debt securities 790 46,777 1,266 48,833
Equity shares 318 3,203 3,521
Group 2006
At fair value Available Loans and Total
through for sale receivables
the income
statement
Listed £m £m £m £m
Unlisted
Debt securities 31 15,774 493 16,298
Equity shares 172 2,208 2,380
Comprising:
Debt securities 31 42,553 493 43,077
Equity shares 172 2,259 2,431
Investment securities held at fair value through the income statement and as available for sale are recorded at fair value. The fair value movement
during the year was £65m (2006 £29m) and a loss of £517m (2006 a gain of £136m) respectively. Within the fair value movement for available for
sale is a loss of £105m (2006 loss of £136m) relating to assets subject to fair value hedging which is included in net trading income.
In keeping with normal market practice, the group enters into securities lending transactions and repurchase agreements, whereby cash and
securities are temporarily received or transferred as collateral. Debt securities with a value of £13,707m (2006 £2,989m) were subject to agreement
to repurchase, where the transferee obtains the right to pledge or sell the asset they receive. Debt securities also include securities pledged as
collateral as part of securities lending transactions amounting to £11,918m (2006 £11,818m).
Debt securities include asset backed securities of £18,563m (2006 £19,017m) which are held in the group's Grampian conduit. This is a series
of bankruptcy remote special purpose entities ('SPEs') that are funded by the issue of commercial paper and banking facilities. The commercial
paper is included within debt securities in issue (Note 22). As some of the rewards and risks of the portfolio are retained by the group, including the
provision of liquidity facilities by the Bank to the conduit, the assets and liabilities of the conduit are consolidated as part of the group. The group
also has a smaller conduit, Landale, of which three of the five SPEs are consolidated. These hold debt securities of £604m (2006 £271m) which are
included in the total of available for sale investments. Details of the Landale SPEs that are not consolidated by the group are given in Note 33. There
are no impairment provisions held in respect of the group's investment securities.
Securities held as collateral as stock borrowed or under reverse repurchase agreements amounted to £39,975m (2006 £33,773m). These are not
recognised as assets and are therefore not included above. Of this amount the group had resold or repledged £28,817m (2006 £25,309m) as
collateral for its own transactions.
61
Notes to the Accounts
continued
13. Investment Securities continued
Unlisted
Comprising:
Debt securities 405 25,558 7 25,970 374
Equity shares 1,050 1,050 23
Investment securities held at fair value through the income statement and as available for sale are recorded at fair value. The fair value movement
during the year was a loss of £2m (2006 £nil) and a loss of £490m (2006 £12m) respectively. Investment securities held as loans and receivables are
held at amortised cost.
The transfer from associates to jointly controlled entities is in respect of the group's interest in Sainsbury's Bank plc, following the acquisition on 8
February 2007 of an additional 5% interest taking the group's shareholding to 50%.
The following amounts are included in the group’s share of jointly controlled entities noted above:
The group’s unrecognised share of losses for the year was £22m (2006 £36m). For entities making losses, subsequent profits earned are not
recognised until previously unrecognised losses are extinguished. The group's unrecognised share of losses net of unrecognised profits on a
cumulative basis is £68m (2006 £82m).
62
Notes to the Accounts
continued
14. Interests in Jointly Controlled Entities and Associates continued
The following amounts are included in the group’s share of associated undertakings noted above:
The group’s unrecognised share of losses for the year was £5m (2006 £nil). For entities making losses, subsequent profits earned are not
recognised until previously unrecognised losses are extinguished. The group's unrecognised share of losses net of unrecognised profits
on a cumulative basis is £4m (2006 £nil).
The group's main jointly controlled entities and associates in operation at 31 December 2007 are as follows:
All the interests in jointly controlled entities and associates are incorporated in the UK and are held by subsidiaries. Rightmove plc is listed on
the London Stock Exchange and the group's interest had a market valuation of £76m at 31 December 2007. The group reduced its holding in
Rightmove plc from 22% to 13% during the year (Note 1) and continues to consider the investment as an associate as a result of the influence
arising from the group's representation on the Board. All other interests are unlisted. All interests in jointly controlled entities and associates are
held by subsidiaries. Where entities have accounts that are drawn up to a date other than 31 December management accounts are used when
accounting for them by the group.
63
Notes to the Accounts
continued
15. Investments in Subsidiaries continued
(a) HBOS Covered Bonds LLP does not have ordinary share capital. The group consolidates a 100% interest in this activity.
Group Bank
2007 2006 2007 2006
£m £m £m £m
Goodwill
Group Bank
2007 2006 2007 2006
£m £m £m £m
The impairment loss charged during the year was £nil (2006 £41m). The 2006 impairment loss principally relates to the full write down of the
goodwill held in respect of a specialist leasing company following an impairment review.
2007 2006
£m £m
Retail 385 70
Corporate 342 2
International 314 270
64
Notes to the Accounts
continued
16. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets continued
Group
2007 2006
Purchased Software Total Purchased Software Total
value of and other value of and other
in-force intangible in-force intangible
investment assets investment assets
contracts contracts
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Cost
At 1 January 2 359 361 2 277 279
Transfer in under HBOS Group Reorganisation 574 574
Exchange translation 34 34 (3) (3)
Acquired through business combination 7 7
Additions 242 242 92 92
Disposals (29) (29) (7) (7)
Amortisation
At 1 January 197 197 168 168
Transfer in under HBOS Group Reorganisation 359 359
Exchange translation 32 32 (5) (5)
Amortisation for the year 130 130 36 36
Disposals (5) (5) (2) (2)
Carrying value
At 1 January 2 162 164 2 109 111
At 31 December 2 474 476 2 162 164
Software
Bank
2007 2006
£m £m
Cost
At 1 January 270 217
Transfer in under HBOS Group Reorganisation 506
Additions 162 53
Disposals (9)
Amortisation
At 1 January 162 136
Transfer in under HBOS Group Reorganisation 306
Amortisation for the year 102 26
Additions 2
Carrying value
At 1 January 108 81
At 31 December 357 108
65
Notes to the Accounts
continued
17. Property and Equipment
Cost
At 1 January 380 585 965 379 579 958
Transfer in under HBOS Group Reorganisation 1,072 936 2,008
Exchange translation 5 13 18 (3) (6) (9)
Additions 117 180 297 32 35 67
Disposals (41) (179) (220) (26) (14) (40)
Disposal of subsidiary undertakings (2) (2) (2) (9) (11)
Transfer from investment property (Note 18) 5 5
Transfers and other movements 3 (3)
Depreciation
At 1 January 80 430 510 67 404 471
Transfer in under HBOS Group Reorganisation 509 609 1,118
Exchange translation 3 7 10 (1) (4) (5)
Depreciation charge for the year 57 161 218 16 43 59
Disposals (26) (50) (76) (1) (7) (8)
Disposal of subsidiary undertakings (1) (6) (7)
Transfers and other movements 2 (2)
Carrying value
At 1 January 300 155 455 312 175 487
At 31 December 916 375 1,291 300 155 455
Included within property and equipment are assets in the course of construction amounting to £127m (2006 £47m) which are not depreciated until
the assets are brought into use.
Cost
At 1 January 222 362 584 208 362 570
Transfer in under HBOS Group Reorganisation 1,089 987 2,076
Additions 98 157 255 25 12 37
Disposals (17) (158) (175) (5) (6) (11)
Transfers and other movements 3 (3) (6) (6) (12)
Depreciation
At 1 January 44 270 314 38 255 293
Transfer in under HBOS Group Reorganisation 521 668 1,189
Depreciation charge for the year 51 143 194 9 23 32
Disposals (17) (48) (65) (1) (4) (5)
Transfers and other movements 1 (1) (2) (4) (6)
Carrying value
At 1 January 178 92 270 170 107 277
At 31 December 795 313 1,108 178 92 270
66
Notes to the Accounts
continued
18. Investment Properties
2007 2006
£m £m
At 1 January 39 37
Transfer in under HBOS Group Reorganisation 54
Disposals (52) (2)
Fair value movement (2) 4
Group transfers (Note 17) (5)
At 31 December 34 39
Investment properties are carried at their fair value as determined by independent qualified surveyors having recent experience in the location and
category of the property being valued. Fair values were determined having regard to recent market transactions for similar properties.
Rental income and expenses in respect of the above properties amounted to £1m and £nil respectively (2006 £2m and £nil respectively).
2007 2006
Cost Depreciation Carrying Cost Depreciation Carrying
value value
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are due to be received in the following periods:
2007 2006
£m £m
3,473 1,292
67
Notes to the Accounts
continued
20. Deferred Tax
Group Bank
2007 2006 2007 2006
£m £m £m £m
At 31 December 2007 a deferred tax liability of £171m (2006 £155m) relating to investments in subsidiaries has not been recognised because the
Bank controls whether or not the liability will be incurred and it is satisfied that it will not be incurred in the foreseeable future.
As a result of the Finance Act 2007, the main UK corporation tax rate will reduce from 30% to 28% in April 2008. UK deferred tax balances that are
not expected to have been realised by April 2008 have been restated at the rate of 28%.
Group Bank
2007 2006 2007 2006
£m £m £m £m
* The other movement in 2006 relates primarily to the deferred tax asset on the Retirement Benefit Plans which were transferred to HBOS plc during that year.
Deferred tax liabilities
Group
2007
EIR Capital Available Cash flow Other Total
allowances for sale hedges
investments
£m £m £m £m £m £m
Group
Employee Provisions Effective Cash flow Other 2007
benefits interest rate hedges Total
adjustment
£m £m £m £m £m £m
68
Notes to the Accounts
continued
20. Deferred Tax continued
Deferred tax liabilities
Group
2006
Capital Available Cash flow Other Total
allowances for sale hedges
investments
£m £m £m £m £m
Group
2006
Employee Provisions Effective Other Total
benefits interest rate
£m £m £m £m £m
* The other movement in 2006 relates primarily to the deferred tax asset on the Retirement Benefit Plans which were transferred to HBOS plc during that year.
Deferred tax liabilities
Bank
2007
Capital Available Cash flow Other Total
EIR allowances for sale hedges
investments
£m £m £m £m £m £m
At 1 January 10 3 18 31
Transfer in under HBOS Group Reorganisation 182 30 13 171 5 401
(Credit)/charge to income for the year (72) (5) (2) 54 (25)
Charge/(credit) to equity for the year 5 (171) (23) (189)
Change in rate of corporation tax recognised in income (8) (2) (4) (14)
Other movements (1) (1) (2)
Bank
Employee Provisions Effective Cash flow Other Total
benefits interest rate hedges 2007
£m £m £m £m £m £m
69
Notes to the Accounts
continued
20. Deferred Tax continued
Bank
2006
Capital Available Other Total
allowances for sale
investments
£m £m £m £m
At 1 January (1) 2 21 22
Charge/(credit) to income for the year 11 (3) 8
Charge to equity for the year 1 1
At 31 December 10 3 18 31
Bank
2006
Employee Provisions Effective Other Total
benefits interest rate
adjustment
£m £m £m £m £m
21. Provisions
Group Bank
Regulatory Other Total Regulatory Other Total
provisions provisions provisions provisions
£m £m £m £m £m £m
At 1 January 2007 39 39 3 3
Transfer in under HBOS Group Reorganisation 131 26 157 131 25 156
Exchange translation 3 3
Additional provision in the year 122 17 139 122 2 124
Utilised in year (147) (19) (166) (147) (1) (148)
Regulatory provisions are established when a legal or constructive obligation exists and represents the estimated cost of making redress
payments to customers in respect of past product sales where sales processes have been deficient. Other provisions include property related
costs in respect of surplus leased space that amounted to £25m (2006 £23m) for the group at the year end and provisions for long term and
annual leave.
70
Notes to the Accounts
continued
22. Debt Securities in Issue
Group Bank
2007 2006 2007 2006
£m £m £m £m
The group issues debt securities principally from special purpose entities that are secured against loans and advances, debt securities and
certain other assets of the group. At 31 December 2007 such debt securities in issue amounted to £57,716m (2006 £30,106m) of which
£11,954m (2006 £19,010) is issued by the Grampian conduit and £137m (2006 £835m) by the Landale conduit. In addition, the Group has
issued £24,780m (2006 £16,826m) of covered bonds. Debt securities in issue measured at amortised cost include £38,036m (2006 £39,181m)
of securities subject to fair value hedge designation, such as debt securities relating to securitisation and covered bonds, the carrying value of
which has been adjusted to reflect the fair value of the risk being hedged.
2,417 720
On 21 June 2007 Fortrose Investments Ltd, a subsidiary, issued £2,000m of 6.0064/6.0895% Fixed Rate Perpetual Securities. Interest is payable
two monthly in arrears, and the step up in rate occurs in March 2008.
During 2006 Castlemill Investments Ltd, a subsidiary, issued £285m of Junior Perpetual Preferred Securities and other subsidiaries issued
Preferred Securities totalling £12m and US$45m, all of which were redeemed during 2007.
71
Notes to the Accounts
continued
23. Other Borrowed Funds continued
£300m 9 1/4% Non-cumulative Irredeemable £1 preference shares 300 300 300 300
£100m 9 3/4% Non-cumulative Irredeemable £1 preference shares 100 100 100 100
£800m 6 1/8% Non-cumulative preference share 800 800
Accrued interest 27 12 27 12
During 2007 the Bank issued floating rate subordinated notes at par to its parent HBOS plc, as follows:
On 28 February 2007, £520m floating rate subordinated notes were issued by the Bank, at par, to its parent undertaking HBOS plc. The notes
bear interest at the three month LIBOR rate plus 76 basis points.
n 26 August 2007, A$300m floating rate subordinated notes were issued by a subsidiary of the Bank, at par, to its ultimate parent undertaking
O
HBOS plc. These instruments bear interest at the three month Australian Bank Bill rate plus 76 basis points.
On 31 October 2007, £500m floating rate subordinated notes were issued by the Bank, at par, to its parent undertaking HBOS plc. The notes
bear interest at the three month LIBOR rate plus 76 basis points.
On 31 December 2007, £2bn floating rate subordinated notes were issued by the Bank, at par, to its parent undertaking HBOS plc. The notes
bear interest at the three month LIBOR rate plus 76 basis points.
72
Notes to the Accounts
continued
23. Other Borrowed Funds continued
No repayment, for whatever reason, of dated subordinated liabilities prior to its stated maturity and no purchase by the relevant entity of its
subordinated debt may be made without the consent of the Financial Services Authority. On a winding up of the Bank or subsidiary, the claims of
the holders of dated loan capital shall be subordinated in right of payment to the claims of all depositors and creditors of the Bank or subsidiary
other than creditors whose claims are expressed to rank pari passu with, or junior to, the claims of the holders of the dated loan capital.
No exercise of any redemption option or purchase by the relevant entity of any of its undated subordinated liabilities may be made without the
consent of the Financial Services Authority. On a winding up of the Bank or subsidiary, the claims of the holders of undated loan capital shall be
subordinated in right of payment to the claims of all depositors and creditors of the Bank or subsidiary other than creditors whose claims are
expressed to rank pari passu with, or junior to, the claims of the holders of the undated loan capital. The undated loan capital is junior in point of
subordination to the dated loan capital referred to above.
73
Notes to the Accounts
continued
24. Share Capital
Ordinary shares
2,085 million ordinary shares of 25 pence each (2006 1,785 million).
Preference shares
150,000 7.754%, non-cumulative perpetual preference shares of £10 each (2006 150,000),
250,000 8.117% non-cumulative perpetual preference shares of £10 each (2006 250,000),
375,000,000 9.25% non-cumulative irredeemable preference shares of £1 each (2006 375,000,000),
125,000,000 9.75% non-cumulative irredeemable preference shares of £1 each (2006 125,000,000).
The terms of some of the preference shares when issued are such that these shares are classified as other borrowed funds rather than
as issued share capital.
74
Notes to the Accounts
continued
25. Shareholders’ Equity
Group
Other reserves
Share Share Cash flow Available Other Retained Minority Total
capital premium hedge for sale reserves (a) earnings interests
reserve reserve (b)
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m £m
At 31 December 2006 and 1 January 2007 436 3,926 416 204 486 6,568 369 12,405
Total recognised income and expense (508) (518) (6) 3,608 42 2,618
Transfer in under HBOS Group Reorganisation 7 1 1,085 5,011 15 6,119
Dividends paid (Note 27) (1,672) (43) (1,715)
Issue of new shares (Note 24) 63 2,417 98 2,578
Disposal of subsidiaries (125) (125)
Movements in share-based compensation reserve (36) (36)
At 31 December 2007 499 6,343 (85) (313) 1,565 13,479 356 21,844
(a) Other reserves principally include the merger reserve of £494m arising from the combination of Halifax and Bank of Scotland in 2001 and the merger reserve of £612m arising under the
HBOS Group Reorganisation. The cumulative balance for exchange translation at 31 December 2007 is £(28)m (2006 £(32)m)
(b) The available for sale reserve is comprised of £(450m) (2006 £33m) in respect of treasury assets and £137m (2006 £170m) in respect of corporate and other investments.
75
Notes to the Accounts
continued
25. Shareholders’ Equity continued
Bank
Other reserves
Share Share Cash flow Available Other Retained Total
capital premium hedge for sale reserves (a) earnings
reserve reserve (b)
£m £m £m £m £m £m £m
At 31 December 2006 and 1 January 2007 436 3,926 7 564 3,872 8,805
Total recognised income and expense (499) (259) (7) 2,420 1,655
Transfer in under HBOS Group Reorganisation 386 18 1,086 5,457 6,947
Dividends paid (Note 27) (1,672) (1,672)
Issue of new shares (Note 24) 63 2,417 2,480
Movements share-based compensation reserve (36) (36)
(a) Other reserves principally include the merger reserve of £494m arising from the combination of Halifax and Bank of Scotland in 2001 and the merger reserve of £612m arising under the
HBOS Group Reorganisation. The cumulative balance for exchange translation at 31 December 2007 is £(28)m (2006 £(32)m)
(b) The available for sale reserve is comprised of £(450m) (2006 £33m) in respect of treasury assets and £137m (2006 £170m) in respect of corporate and other investments.
76
Notes to the Accounts
continued
27. Dividends
Ordinary dividends are charged to reserves only when the Bank has a contractual obligation to pay. The following dividends have been charged to
retained earnings during the year:
G
roup and Bank
2007 2006
£m £m
1,672 1,425
Group Bank
2007 2006 2007 2006
£m £m £m £m
Contingent liabilities
Acceptances and endorsements 43 62 37 53
Guarantees and irrevocable letters of credit 6,491 4,837 10,124 54,066
Commitments
Included above in the Bank's disclosures are guarantees to subsidiaries of £4,288m (2006 £49,768m) and commitments to subsidiaries of £12,851m
(2006 £81m).
The contractual amounts above indicate the volume of business outstanding at the year end and do not reflect the underlying credit and other risks,
which are significantly lower as some facilities will not be drawn down and some facilities that are drawn will be supported by collateral. Further de-
tails of assets pledged as collateral security are given in Note 13 for investment securities and Note 11 for loans and advances to customers.
77
Notes to the Accounts
continued
28 Contingent Liabilities and Commitments continued
Where the group or Bank is a lessee the future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are due to be paid in
the following periods:
Group Bank
2007 2006 2007 2006
£m £m £m £m
Where the group is a lessee the future obligations payable under finance leases are as follows:
Group
2007 2006
£m £m
Commitments in respect of capital expenditure on property and equipment that is authorised but not provided for in the accounts, for
which contracts have been entered into amount to £21m (2006 £11m). Commitments for which contracts have been placed in relation
to operating leased assets amount to £11m (2006 £9m).
On 27 July 2007 it was announced that the Bank, along with seven other major UK current account providers, had reached agreement
with the Office of Fair Trading to start legal proceedings in the High Court of England and Wales for a declaration (or declarations)
to resolve legal uncertainties concerning the fairness and lawfulness of unapproved overdraft charges (the "test case"). It was also
announced that the Bank and those other providers will seek a stay of all current and potential future Court proceedings which are
brought against them in the UK concerning these charges and have obtained the consent of the Financial Services Ombudsman not
to proceed with consideration of the merits of any complaints concerning these charges that are referred to him prior to the resolution
of the test case. By virtue of a waiver granted by the Financial Services Authority of its complaints handling rules, the Bank (and other
banks, including the banks party to the test case) will not be dealing with or resolving customer complaints on unapproved overdraft
charges while the test case is running. A definitive outcome of the test case is unlikely to be known for at least 12 months. Given the
very early stage of these proceedings and the uncertainty as to their outcome, it is not practicable at this time to estimate any potential
financial effect.
Prior to the announcement above the group refunded certain unapproved overdraft charges on an ex-gratia basis as shown in Note 2.
The group's consideration of the current position is outlined in the critical accounting judgement in respect of regulatory provisions.
HBOS is engaged in various other litigation in the UK and overseas arising out of its normal business activities. HBOS considers that
none of these actions is material and has not disclosed any contingent liability in respect of these actions because it is not practicable
to do so.
78
Notes to the Accounts
continued
29. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair values of financial assets classified as loans and receivables or financial liabilities held at amortised cost are based on market prices
where available, or are estimated using other valuation techniques. Where they are short term in nature or reprice frequently, fair value
approximates to carrying value. The fair value information presented does not represent the fair value of the group as a going concern.
The classification adopted by the group is shown in the following table:
Group 2007
At fair Available Loans and
value through for sale receivables
the income
statement
Financial assets
Cash and balances with central banks 2,571 2,571
Items in course of collection 945 945
Financial assets held for trading 54,681
Derivative assets 13,794
Loans and advances to banks 6 4,462 4,473
Loans and advances to customers 460,267 462,363
Investment securities 1,108 49,980 1,266 1,266
Other financial assets 557 557
2007
At fair At
value through amortised
the income cost
statement
Financial liabilities
Deposits by banks 41,513 41,528
Customer accounts 272,687 273,883
Financial liabilities held for trading 22,705
Derivative liabilities 12,160
Investment contract liabilities 98
Debt securities in issue 1,842 204,678 203,579
Other borrowed funds 50 17,831 18,414
Other financial liabilities 286 286
79
Notes to the Accounts
continued
29. Fair Value of Financial Instruments continued
Group 2006
At fair Available Loans and
value through for sale receivables
the income
statement
2006
At fair At
value through amortised
the income cost
statement
Financial liabilities
Deposits by banks 140,185 140,089
Customer accounts 106,829 106,838
Financial liabilities held for trading 22,334
Derivative liabilities 9,338
Investment contract liabilities 96
Debt securities in issue 3,260 144,517 144,174
Other borrowed funds 48 8,660 8,790
Other financial liabilities 1,067 968
Bank 2007
At fair Available Loans and
value through for sale receivables
the income
statement
Financial assets
Cash and balances with central banks 1,294 1,294
Items in course of collection 890 890
Financial assets held for trading 52,169
Derivative assets 12,134
Loans and advances to banks 25,831 25,834
Loans and advances to customers 453,590 455,319
Investment securities 405 26,608 7 7
Other financial assets 2,235 2,235
80
Notes to the Accounts
continued
29. Fair Value of Financial Instruments continued
Bank 2007
At fair At
value through amortised
the income cost
statement
Financial liabilities
Deposits by banks 47,321 47,338
Customer accounts 316,849 317,903
Financial liabilities held for trading 22,145
Derivative liabilities 10,546
Investment contract liabilities
Debt securities in issue 149,188 148,306
Other borrowed funds 14,855 15,469
Other financial liabilities 103 103
Bank 2006
At fair Available Loans and
value through for sale receivables
the income
statement
Financial assets
Cash and balances with central banks 1,059 1,059
Items in course of collection 667 667
Financial assets held for trading
Derivative assets 47
Loans and advances to banks 53,154 53,154
Loans and advances to customers 120,693 120,693
Investment securities 397
Other financial assets 66 66
2006
At fair At
value through amortised
the income cost
statement
Financial liabilities
Deposits by banks 92,194 92,194
Customer accounts 68,674 68,685
Financial liabilities held for trading
Derivative liabilities 55
Investment contract liabilities
Debt securities in issue 1,046 1,046
Other borrowed funds 7,427 7,427
Other financial liabilities 131 131
55 169,472 169,483
81
Notes to the Accounts
continued
29. Fair Value of Financial Instruments continued
The valuation methodologies for financial instruments recognised at fair value basis are set out in the appropriate accounting policies. The basis
for calculating the fair value of financial instruments carried at amortised cost is set out below.
Loans and advances to banks, loans and advances to customers, deposits by banks and customer accounts are not regularly traded and so
market prices are not available. Fair value is estimated by discounting anticipated contractual cash flows at a current market rate of interest.
Current market rates are estimated by discounting anticipated contractual cashflows at a current market rate of interest and certain portfolios
of loans are also impacted by a significant change in credit spread. Current market rates are estimated by reference to the rates at which
similar products are advanced by the group and market. For loans and deposits with variable interest rates or fixed rates which are re-priced
within a short period, the carrying value represents fair value. For debt securities in issue and other borrowed funds carried at amortised cost,
the fair values which have been derived using quoted prices where available, broker valuations and where these are not available, cash flow
models, adjusted for credit spreads where appropriate.
These calculations do not necessarily represent the fair value that could be obtained for the portfolios if they were sold at 31 December 2007.
The exit price for such portfolios in a wholesale market would be subject to negotiation with a buyer and, for the financial assets, would take
account of factors including credit risk, loan to collateral ratios, liquidity, contractual terms, historic default rates and age of the portfolio. These
factors and others would in combination be the basis of valuation of the portfolios. All such drivers of valuation interact and there is no certainty
that any single factor would have a greater impact on the portfolio valuation than others.
For loans and deposits with variable interest rates or fixed rates which are re-priced within a short period, the carrying value represents fair value.
For loans with fixed rates which do not re-price in the short term, the carrying values have been adjusted to reflect current interest rates using
discounted cash flow models.
For debt securities in issue and other borrowed funds carried at amortised cost, the fair values have been derived using quoted prices where
available, broker valuations and where these are not available, cash flow models adjusted for credit spreads where appropriate.
Yield curves are used within the calculations that take into account credit conditions where appropriate.
Assets
Cash and balances at central banks 2,571 1,641 1,294 1,059
Items in the course of collection 945 733 890 667
Financial assets held for trading 54,681 49,139 52,169
Derivative assets 13,794 8,383 12,134 47
Loans and advances to banks 4,468 126,068 25,831 53,154
Loans and advances to customers 460,267 215,255 453,590 120,693
Debt securities 48,833 43,077 25,970 374
Other financial assets (excluding equity shares) 557 646 1,930 328
Derivative Assets
Derivative assets are primarily traded with investment grade counterparties with 83% (2006 92%) of derivatives rated A or above based on
internal credit ratings. An analysis of derivative assets is given in Note 10.
82
Notes to the Accounts
continued
30. Credit Risk continued
The Group's Corporate, International and Treasury lending exposures are analysed by internal credit rating below.
Group Bank
2007 2006 2007 2006
Internal rating % % % %
The loan to value of the group's and Bank's UK Retail home mortgage lending exposure is analysed below.
Group Bank
2007 2006 2007 2006
% % % %
The ageing of the group's and Bank's lending exposure that is past due but not impaired is analysed below:
Group Bank
2007 2006 2007 2006
£m £m £m £m
The group's and Bank's impaired gross lending exposure is analysed below:
Group Bank
2007 2006 2007 2006
£m £m £m £m
Loans categorised as impaired without loss represent loans that have been individually assessed as having impairment characteristics but where
we expect, after taking into consideration collateral and other credit enhancements, full recovery of both interest and capital.
Collateral
The value of collateral held by the group and Bank as described above includes the value of the homes secured against the mortgage lending
without limitation to the actual loan amounts. The average loan to value of Retail home mortgages that are impaired is 57% (2006 57%). The
group's Corporate lending is generally secured by fixed and floating charges.
83
Notes to the Accounts
continued
30. Credit Risk continued
Debt securities
Debt securities are primarily held within the Treasury & Asset Management and Corporate divisions and are almost exclusively issued by
investment grade counterparties with 96% (2006 93%) of debt securities rated 'A' or above based on internal credit ratings.
The table below sets out by major currency the sensitivity (before tax) of the group's and Bank's NII over one year to an immediate 25 basis
points ('bps') shift to all interest rates as at the balance sheet date. The table excludes the sensitivity to insurance contracts and investment
contracts which are not material.
Currency
Sterling (21.2) 21.6 (11.9) 13.3 (21.2) 21.7 (8.4) 8.9
US Dollar (0.6) 0.5 (1.2) 1.2 (0.7) 0.6 (0.1) 0.1
Euro (4.3) 4.3 (4.4) 4.4 (5.2) 5.2 (3.1) 3.1
AU Dollar 0.1 (0.1) 1.0 (1.2) (2.3) 2.3 (2.3) 2.4
Other 0.1 (0.1) (0.2) 0.2 0.1 (0.1)
Base case projected NII is calculated on the basis of the group's and Bank's current balance sheet, with forward rate paths implied by current
market rates, and contractual (or behaviourally adjusted) re-pricing dates. It also incorporates corporate planning assumptions about future
balance sheet volumes. The sensitivities show how this projected NII would change in response to an immediate parallel shift to all relevant
interest rates - market and administered.
The principal driver of the risk is re-pricing mismatch but the methodology also recognises that behavioural re-pricing assumptions, for example
prepayment rates, are themselves a function of the level of interest rates.
The measure, however, is simplified in that it assumes all interest rates, for all currencies and maturities, move at the same time and by the same
amount. Also, it does not recognise the impact of management actions that, in the event of an adverse movement, could reduce the impact on
NII.
In addition to the net interest sensitivity, the group's and Bank's net equity is also exposed to movements in the fair value of available for sale
investment securities and cash flow hedging derivatives.
2007 2006
Net Borrowing Remaining Net Borrowing Remaining
investments taken out to structural investments taken out to structural
in overseas hedge net currency in overseas hedge net currency
operations investments exposure operations investments exposure
Functional currency of the operation £m £m £m £m £m £m
At 31 December 2007 and 31 December 2006 there are no material net currency exposures in the non-trading book relating to transactional (or
non-structural) positions that would give rise to net currency gains or losses. Additional information on the group's foreign exchange risk is set
out on page 14 of the 'Risk Management' report.
84
Notes to the Accounts
continued
31.Market Risk continued
The table below sets out the sensitivity before tax of the group's and Bank's available for sale and cash flow hedge reserves to an immediate 25
bps shift to all interest rates as at the balance sheet date.
The tables below set out the contractual cash flows attaching to the group's and Bank's financial liabilities. Certain long dated financial liabilities
allow for the early termination at the option of the group. Where the terms of these instruments have been designed to economically compel the
group to early settle the earlier settlement date has been applied. For undated instruments the earlier of 20 years or expected date of maturity
has been applied. The analysis of insurance contract liabilities is based on the expected timing of discounted amounts recognised at the balance
sheet date. In addition to the cash flows detailed below, the group and Bank are exposed to potential cash outflows from commitments and
contingencies as set out in Note 28.
Group 2007
Up to 1 1 to 3 3 to 12 1 to 5 Over 5
month months months years years
Liabilities £m £m £m £m £m
Group 2006
Up to 1 1 to 3 3 to 12 1 to 5 Over 5
month months months years years
Liabilities £m £m £m £m £m
85
Notes to the Accounts
continued
32.Liquidity Risk continued
The tables below set out by maturity the contractual cash flows attaching to the Bank's financial liabilities.
Bank 2007
Up to 1 1 to 3 3 to 12 1 to 5 Over 5
month months months years years
Liabilities £m £m £m £m £m
Bank 2006
Up to 1 1 to 3 3 to 12 1 to 5 Over 5
month months months years years
Liabilities £m £m £m £m £m
12 20 44 20
Debt securities in issue 48 12 1,027
Other borrowed funds 88 915 3,207 7,854
Other financial liabilities 131
In the 2006 table above, inter-company term balances between the Bank and the transferor banks are deemed to settle on 17 September 2007, the
date of the merger of the banks under the HBOS Group Reorganisation Act 2006.
Two of the Landale SPEs are not consolidated by the Group. One is the central funding company for the conduit that obtains funding and lends
it to the purchasing companies. The second is a purchasing company that has acquired floating rate notes issued under the Group's Mortgage
securitisation programmes and which is supported by liquidity lines that are provided by third-party banks. These entities are not consolidated
as there are insufficient indicators of control, in particular as the credit risk relating to the assets held by the entities and the liquidity risks are not
borne by the group. If these two entities were consolidated by the group the financial impact would be minimal.
86
Notes to the Accounts
continued
34. Related Party Transactions
The ultimate parent of the group is HBOS plc. A number of banking transactions are entered into with its subsidiaries in the normal course of
business. These include loans, deposits and foreign currency transactions. The interest received and paid was £1,554m (2006 £8,789m) and £1,904m
(2006 £2,176m) respectively. HBOS plc is the principal employer of the group and staff costs amounting to £2,190m (2006 £885m) were recharged to
the group.
In the year ended 31 December 2007, the group provided both administration and processing services to Sainsbury's Bank plc. The amount
in respect of administration and processing services payable to the group during the year is £42m (2006 £34m), of which £18m (2006 £14m) is
outstanding at the year end. Sainsbury's Bank plc also has balances with the group and Bank within loans and advances to banks and deposits by
banks. Balances with the group and Bank within loans and advances to banks are £726m (2006 nil). Balances with the group within deposits by banks
are £3,430m (2006 £943m) and balances with the Bank within deposits by banks are £3,430m (2006 £16m).
Included within balances of the group and Bank are the following amounts relating to jointly controlled entities and associated undertakings:
Group Bank
2007 2006 2007 2006
£m £m £m £m
Included within balances of the group and Bank are the following amounts relating to fellow subsidiary undertakings:
Group Bank
2007 2006 2007 2006
£m £m £m £m
Included within balances of the Bank are the following amounts relating to its own subsidiaries:
2007 2006
£m £m
For the purposes of IAS 24 'Related Party Disclosures', key management personnel comprise members of the Bank of Scotland Board, the Company
Secretary and, as the senior executive committee of the group, the HBOS Executive Committee.
Key management personnel and other colleagues, as well as receiving salary, incentives, shares, pensions and other benefits are entitled to enter into
product transactions with HBOS plc and its subsidiaries. These transactions are generally in the form of banking, savings, mortgage, loan, insurance,
assurance and investment products. Any product offerings that are received on beneficial terms compared to the terms received by customers and
which give rise to taxable benefits in kind are declared to HM Revenue & Customs and taxed accordingly.
87
Notes to the Accounts
continued
35. Transactions with Key Management Personnel continued
Key management personnel and members of their close families have undertaken transactions with HBOS plc and its subsidiaries, jointly
controlled entities and associated undertakings in the normal course of business, details of which are given below:
Number
of key
management
personnel £’000
Number
of key
management
personnel £’000
88
Notes to the Accounts
continued
35. Transactions with Key Management Personnel continued
Number
of key
management
personnel £’000
The following disclosures are presented in line with the Companies Act 1985 as amended by the Companies Act 2006.
The number of directors, together with their connected persons, who had transactions and balances with banking activities in the Group were as
follows:
Number of 2007 Number of 2006
directors £000 directors £000
89
90
91