Hang Seng Bank H1 2011 Results

RNS Number : 4426L
HSBC Holdings PLC
31 July 2011
 



 

 

 

 

 

1 August 2011

 

 

HANG SENG BANK LIMITED

2011 INTERIM RESULTS - HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

·    Attributable profit up 16% to HK$8,057m (HK$6,964m for the first half of 2010; up 1% compared with HK$7,953m for the second half of 2010).

 

·    Profit before tax up 15% to HK$9,320m (HK$8,103m for the first half of 2010; up 1% compared with HK$9,242m for the second half of 2010).

 

·    Operating profit up 6% to HK$7,129m (HK$6,697m for the first half of 2010; down 4% compared with HK$7,388m for the second half of 2010).

 

·    Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions up 6% to HK$7,287m (HK$6,850m for the first half of 2010; down 4% compared with HK$7,625m for the second half of 2010).

 

·    Return on average shareholders' funds of 22.7% (22.8% for the first half of 2010; 23.5% for the second half of 2010).

 

·    Earnings per share up 16% to HK$4.21 per share (HK$3.64 per share for the first half of 2010).

 

·    Second interim dividend of HK$1.10 per share; total dividends of HK$2.20 per share for the first half of 2011 (HK$2.20 per share for the first half of 2010).

 

·    Capital adequacy ratio of 13.8% (13.6% at 31 December 2010); core capital ratio of 11.0% (10.8% at 31 December 2010).

 

·    Cost efficiency ratio of 34.6% (33.8% for the first half of 2010 and 33.6% for the second half of 2010).

 

 

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

 

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

 


Contents

 

The financial information in this news release is based on the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Hang Seng Bank Limited ('the bank') and its subsidiaries ('the group') for the six months ended 30 June 2011.

 

            Highlights of Results

            Contents

            Chairman's Comment

            Chief Executive's Review

            Results Summary

            Customer Group Performance

            Mainland Business

            Consolidated Income Statement

            Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

            Consolidated Balance Sheet

            Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

            Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

            Financial Review

            Net interest income

            Net fee income

            Trading income

            Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value

            Other operating income

            Analysis of income from wealth management business

            Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions

            Operating expenses

            Gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets

            Tax expense

            Earnings per share

            Dividends per share

            Segmental analysis

            Cash and balances with banks and other financial institutions

            Placings with and advances to banks and other financial institutions

            Trading assets

            Financial assets designated at fair value

            Advances to customers

            Loan impairment allowances against advances to customers

            Impaired advances and allowances

            Overdue advances

            Rescheduled advances

                        Segmental analysis of advances to customers by geographical area

                        Gross advances to customers by industry sector

            Financial investments

            Interest in associates

            Intangible assets

            Other assets

            Current, savings and other deposit accounts

            Certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue

            Trading liabilities

            Other liabilities

            Subordinated liabilities

            Shareholders' funds

            Capital resources management

            Liquidity ratio

            Reconciliation of cash flow statement

            Contingent liabilities, commitments and derivatives

            Statutory accounts and accounting policies

            Comparative figures

            Property revaluation

            Foreign currency positions

            Ultimate holding company

            Register of shareholders

            Proposed timetable for the remaining 2011 quarterly dividends

            Code on corporate governance practices

            Board of Directors

            News release

 

 

 

Comment by Raymond Ch'ien, Chairman

 

The first half of 2011 brought continued uncertainty for global markets, reflecting the prevailing - and in some instances deteriorating - economic conditions. The devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan also created supply chain problems in the global economy. Despite these challenges, Hang Seng Bank delivered steady growth.

 

The bank's growth came despite rising inflationary pressures and intense competition as economic conditions in Hong Kong and mainland China remained strong overall. In Hong Kong, unemployment remains low and consumer spending healthy, while the Mainland's economy continues to be robust.

 

We enhanced performance by shifting resources towards business where returns commensurate with the risks.

 

Both net interest income and net fees and commissions grew in the first half of 2011.

 

In line with our prudent strategy, which underpinned our performance even when market conditions were uncertain, we expanded our investment business.

 

In the first half of 2011, we consolidated our position as a preferred partner for trade-related services. We further strengthened our position on the Mainland, enhancing our ability to tap into immense growth opportunities there.

 

One of our key strengths is the bank's leadership position in renminbi businesses at a time when Hong Kong is strengthening its role as the major offshore RMB centre. The bank has strong coverage in cross-border transactions, and offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal customers which should support sustainable growth in both Hong Kong and the Mainland.

 

In May 2011, Hang Seng Bank (China) Limited moved into its new headquarters located in the Hang Seng Bank Tower in Shanghai's Lujiazui financial district. This important milestone demonstrates our long-term commitment to our business and our customers on the Mainland.

 

We will continue to maximise growth potential on the Mainland and to further develop cross-border and referral business for our Hong Kong operations.

 

Financial Performance

 

Profit attributable to shareholders rose by 16% to HK$8,057m in the first half of 2011, compared with the same period in 2010. Earnings per share were up 16% at HK$4.21.

 

Profit before tax increased by 15% to HK$9,320m compared with the first half of 2010.

 

Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions rose by HK$437m, or 6%, to HK$7,287m, compared with the first half of 2010. The rise was driven by the growth in net interest income, partly offset by the rise in operating expenses. Operating profit grew by 6% to HK$7,129m.

 

Operating expenses were up 11% to HK$3,888m. Our cost efficiency ratio was 34.6%, compared with 33.8% for the first half of 2010.

 

The share of profits from associates increased by HK$587m, or 50%, to HK$1,771m, mainly from Industrial Bank.

 

The return on average shareholders' funds was 22.7%, compared with 22.8% for the same period in 2010. The return on average total assets was maintained at 1.7%.

 

At 30 June 2011, our capital adequacy ratio was 13.8%. The core capital ratio stood at 11.0%.

 

The Directors have declared a second interim dividend of HK$1.10 per share, bringing total dividends to HK$2.20 per share for the first half of 2011.

 

Outlook

 

Debt default fears persist in Europe, and growth in many developed markets may continue to be uneven. We expect better operating conditions in Hong Kong and the Mainland in the second half of 2011, however.

 

Strong investment and domestic consumption should continue to drive economic growth on the Mainland, while inflation is likely to peak during the summer months and then start to trend lower in the second half of the year, barring future supply shocks.

 

Although Hong Kong's inflation is also climbing, we expect buoyant consumer demand to underpin continued economic growth. Unemployment remains at a more than two-year low, and we do not expect that to change in the near term.

 

Against this backdrop, we will continue to build on our competitive strengths which were recognised when we were named the Best Domestic Bank in Hong Kong again by Asiamoney in 2011. We will enhance our leading position in target businesses and take new opportunities to achieve long-term growth.

 

We will seek to ensure the high quality of our assets and enhance relationships with our loyal customer base. Reinforcing our already strong position in renminbi services will also be a key focus for the bank. Diversification of income streams will remain important.

 

As a result of these actions, combined with the strength of our trusted brand, our leading position in key market segments, our excellent cross-border market knowledge and time-to-market capabilities, we are confident the bank remains well-positioned to meet the future needs of our customers.

 

 

Review by Margaret Leung, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive

 

In the first half of 2011, Hong Kong banks came under pressure as net interest margins narrowed amid intense competition and low interest rates. Higher fee and commission income helped compensate for lower returns in other areas across the banking sector.

 

Despite the challenging operating environment, Hang Seng increased operating profit by 6%, to HK$7,129m, from the same period in 2010.

 

In the low-interest rate environment, we grew net interest income by HK$924m, or 14%, on the back of prudent growth in the average balances of trade finance, and corporate and personal lending. Average interest-earning assets increased by 15% year-on-year.

 

Net fees and commissions increased across most core businesses, by HK$167m, or 7%, compared with the first half of 2010.

 

Our credit card business delivered strong performance, and we increased sales of retail investment instruments by successfully promoting a wide range of funds from Hang Seng Investment Management and other providers.

 

Our efforts to develop and diversify the bank's business continued to yield good results. We increased the revenues generated from the small- and medium-sized business sector and this was among our successes in expanding our sources of income.

 

Our mainland China business, in particular, delivered a solid performance, with increases in the customer number, revenues and profit.

 

Operating expenses rose by 11% to HK$3,888m, reflecting the bank's continued investments to support business growth, capture business opportunities and increase employee compensation.

 

Customer Groups

 

Retail Banking and Wealth Management reported profit before tax of HK$3,457m in the first half of 2011. Operating income excluding loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions was HK$6,062m, a year-on-year decline of 3%.

 

Total operating income from unsecured lending was up 10% year-on-year, benefiting from a high quality credit card customer base and targeted marketing campaigns. 

 

The increase in card income was supported by a year-on-year increase of 15% in the number of cards in circulation to 2.19 million and a 17% rise in card spending to HK$38bn. The bank retained its position as Hong Kong's second and third largest issuer of Visa and MasterCard credit cards respectively. Card receivables grew by 4% to HK$16bn from the end of 2010.

 

Sales of life insurance recorded solid growth, with new annualised premiums increasing by 24%. The total number of policies in force rose by 8%.

  

Personal loans saw steady growth, with total outstanding balances up 7% to HK$4,900m.

 

Investment businesses registered year-on-year income growth of 10%. Investment fund subscriptions grew by 31% to reach HK$21bn. Fee income from private banking increased by 27%, supported by a wider range of products.

 

Commercial Bankingdelivered a 34% increase in profit before tax to HK$2,389m, while operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions grew by 31% to HK$1,631m compared with the first half of 2010.

 

The respectable growth was driven mainly by net interest income from advances and fee income. In line with the increase in the loan portfolio both in Hong Kong and the Mainland, net interest income from advances rose by 50%.

 

Income from the corporate wealth management business increased by 9%, partly attributable to the provision of competitive products to customers to meet their needs.

 

At 30 June 2011, the number of commercial renminbi accounts exceeded 65,000.

 

Corporate Bankingposted a 62% rise in profit before tax, reaching HK$905m, compared with the first half of 2010. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions was HK$859m, up 54% year-on-year. This strong profit growth was mainly attributable to a rise in net interest income arising from an increase in the loan portfolio and moderate growth in net fee income.

 

Corporate Banking achieved these results through selective growth in customer advances of 8%, compared with the end of 2010.

 

By delivering total solutions to customers to meet their overall business needs and capitalising on our efficient cross-border relationship management system, Corporate Banking deposits grew by 27% despite fierce competition.

 

Corporate Banking also sought to diversify its customer advances portfolio in terms of customer, industry and currency.

 

Treasuryregistered a year-on-year profit before tax increase of 31% to HK$1,873m, while operating profit increased by 39% to HK$1,284m. These strong results came as net interest income growth and an increase in its share of profits from associates offset decreases in trading income and disposal gains.

 

Global interest rates remained at low levels and yield curves were relatively flat in the first half of 2011. Nevertheless, net interest income still increased by 69% to HK$1,032m, mainly due to our strategy of actively managing our balance sheet.

 

Mainland Business

 

The central government has been seeking to tighten monetary policy and control inflation. From January to July 2011, the People's Bank of China raised the deposit reserve ratio six times and benchmark interest rates thrice.

 

Despite these challenges, Hang Seng Bank (China) Limited ('Hang Seng China') increased its deposit base, acquired new customers and boosted operating income.

 

There was solid growth in the customer base. The number of personal customers rose by 22% and the number of corporate customers by 13% year-on-year. Total deposits increased by 21% compared with the end of 2010. Advances rose by 11% from the 2010 year-end against a tightened lending market.

 

Total operating income rose by 44% over the same period in 2010, supported by the increase in both net interest income and other operating income. Profit before tax increased by 160% year-on-year.

 

Looking Ahead

 

In light of Hong Kong's intense competition and mature marketplace, the bank is building on its presence on the Mainland to support growth. As Hong Kong strengthens its role as the major offshore RMB centre, we will seek to further expand our range of renminbi products and services both on the Mainland and in Hong Kong.

 

To assist commercial customers to grow cross-border business and to establish a more dynamic customer referral channel, our Hong Kong and Mainland teams are working with several strategic partners on the Mainland to enhance cross-border services that provide a valuable source of referral business.

 

As Hang Seng China puts more resources into its branch network, it will open its third cross-city sub-branch under CEPA VI in Huizhou, Guangdong. The bank has also applied to establish a branch in Xiamen.

 

In Hong Kong, we will continue to develop areas of strength and deepen our penetration into segments that offer growth opportunity. As part of this, we will further expand our wealth management services and private banking. We also intend to strengthen our presence in the SME segment.

 

We remain confident that our solid position in key market segments, reputation for quality and customer loyalty will continue to support sustainable growth.

 

 

Results summary

 

Hang Seng Bank Limited ('the bank') and its subsidiaries ('the group') reported an unaudited profit attributable to shareholders of HK$8,057m for the first half of 2011, up 15.7% compared with the first half of 2010. Earnings per share were up 15.7% at HK$4.21. Compared with the second half of 2010, attributable profit rose by 1.3%.

 

- Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions rose by HK$437m, or 6.4%, to HK$7,287m, driven by the growth in net interest income partly offset by the rise in operating expenses. Non-interest income and loan impairment charges were maintained at broadly the same level compared with the same period last year.

 

- Net interest income rose by HK$924m, or 13.8%, driven by the growth in average balances of trade finance and corporate and personal lending. Average interest earning assets were up 14.6% compared with the half-year ended 30 June 2010. The favourable impact on net interest income was largely offset by the compression in asset spreads while the persistent low interest rate environment continued to constrain deposit spreads. Net interest margin for the first half of 2011 was 1.75%, down two basis points compared with the same period last year, partly affected by the dilutive effect of the increase in lower yielding renminbi funds placed with the local clearing bank. Net interest spread dropped by four basis points to 1.68% and the contribution from net free funds grew by two basis points to seven basis points. Compared with the second half of 2010, net interest income increased marginally, reflecting the bank's continued efforts to enlarge its net interest income base through the strong growth momentum in lending which was offset by the reduced deposit spread.

 

- Net fees and commissions registered an increase across most core business and grew by HK$167m, or 7.0%, to HK$2,536m. Income from sales of retail investment funds increased by 12.2%, attributable to the bank's efforts to offer a wide spectrum of funds from Hang Seng Investment Management and other providers, together with a more stable investment sentiment in the first quarter of 2011. Stockbroking and related services income increased by 3.4%, underpinned by improved investment sentiment and an active stock market during the first quarter of this year. Private banking continued to expand its product range and grew its service fee income by 25.4%. Fee income from our credit card business rose by 6.7% as card spending and transaction volumes increased. Income from trade financing and remittance services recorded impressive growth of 21.5% and 8.2% respectively on the back of reviving global trade demand. There was a decrease in insurance agency fee income of 11.5% as competition intensified.

 

- Trading income rose by HK$41m, or 4.6%, to HK$931m. Foreign exchange income declined by HK$92m, or 10.5%, due primarily to the decrease in trading net interest income from funding swaps although this was partly offset by growth in normal foreign exchange and foreign exchange-linked structured products income. Securities, derivatives and other trading income grew by HK$133m, mainly due to the improvement in interest rate derivative trading.

 

- Income from our insurance business (included under 'net interest income', 'net fee income', 'net income from financial instruments designated at fair value', 'net earned insurance premiums' and 'movement in present value of in-force long-term insurance business' within 'other operating income', and after deducting 'net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholders' liabilities') dropped by HK$121m, or 8.8%, to HK$1,249m. New annualised life insurance premiums grew by 23.8% compared with the same period last year while renewal premiums declined as policies were paid up. Net interest income and fee income from the life insurance business grew by 10.9%. The favourable sale results contributed to the increase in the size of the life insurance funds, with bond investments held as the major underlying assets. Investment returns on life insurance funds declined by HK$62m compared with the first half of 2010, affected by the slowdown of the equity market. The movement in present value of in-force long-term insurance business increased by 36.8%, the net effect of higher sales in the first half of 2011 compared with the first half of 2010, a refinement of the calculation of the present value of in-force long-term insurance business ('PVIF') asset during the period and the unfavourable experience variance of the investment return assumption.

 

- Operating expenses rose by HK$384m, or 11.0%, compared with the first half of 2010. The group continued to manage costs carefully, while investing for the future to better capture new opportunities. Excluding our mainland business, operating expenses rose by 9.4%, mainly due to higher wages and salaries as a result of the annual salary increment and increase in staff numbers in both frontline and support functions. There was also an increase in marketing expenditure and processing charges. Mainland-related operating expenses increased by 20.6%, mainly to support future growth.

 

- Impairment loss on intangible assets of HK$78m related to certain IT projects.

 

- Operating profit grew by HK$432m, or 6.5%, to HK$7,129m after accounting for the slight increase in loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions.

 

- Profit before tax increased by 15.0% to HK$9,320m after taking the following items into account:

 

·    an 87.0% (or HK$60m) decrease in gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets;

·    a 168.6% (or HK$258m) increase in net surplus on property revaluation; and

·    a 49.6% (or HK$587m) increase in share of profits from associates, mainly from Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. and a property investment company.

 

Consolidated balance sheet and key ratios

 

Total assets increased by HK$56.3bn, or 6.1%, to HK$973.2bn. Customer advances grew by HK$31.0bn, or 6.6%, to HK$503.6bn due to higher demand for trade finance, corporate and commercial lending and mainland lending. Our residential mortgage business reduced as the bank sought to shift its focus towards more prime-based mortgage lending. Customer deposits rose by HK$30.5bn, or 4.3%, to HK$740.8bn as the group proactively grew its customer deposits to underpin loan growth. At 30 June 2011, the advances-to-deposits ratio was 68.0%, compared with 66.5% at the end of December 2010.

 

At 30 June 2011, shareholders' funds (excluding proposed dividends) were HK$71,572m, an increase of HK$5,193m, or 7.8%. Retained profits grew by HK$3,585m, reflecting the growth in attributable profit (excluding first and second interim dividends) for the first half of 2011. The premises revaluation reserve increased by HK$1,306m, or 13.9%, against the backdrop of the continued robust growth in the property market during the first half of 2011.

 

The return on average total assets was 1.7%, compared with 1.7% and 1.8% for the first and second halves of 2010 respectively. The return on average shareholders' funds was 22.7% (22.8% in the first half of 2010 and 23.5% in the second half of 2010).

 

At 30 June 2011, the capital adequacy ratio was 13.8% compared with 13.6% at the last year-end. The core capital ratio stood at 11.0%, slightly above the 10.8% at 31 December 2010. The ratios were calculated in accordance with the advanced internal ratings-based approach under the Banking (Capital) Rules issued by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority for the implementation of Basel II. The slight increase in both the capital adequacy and core capital ratios reflect the net effect of the increase in profit growth after accounting for dividends in the first half of the year and the increase in risk-weighted assets. 

 

The bank maintained a comfortable liquidity position. The average liquidity ratio for the first half of 2011 was 33.3% (calculated in accordance with the Fourth Schedule of the Hong Kong Banking Ordinance) compared with 42.0% for the first half of 2010.

 

The cost efficiency ratio for the first half of 2011 was 34.6% compared with 33.8% and 33.6% for the first and second halves of 2010 respectively.

 

Dividends

 

The Directors have declared a second interim dividend of HK$1.10 per share, which will be payable on 1 September 2011 to shareholders on the register of shareholders as of 17 August 2011. Together with the first interim dividend, the total distribution for the first half of 2011 will amount to HK$2.20 per share, the same as in the first half of 2010.

 

 

Customer group performance

 

 

Retail

 Banking  









Total


Inter-




 

and Wealth

Commercial

Corporate






reportable

segment




Figures in HK$m

Management


Banking


Banking


Treasury


Other


segments

elimination


Total



















Half-year ended

















30 June 2011


































Net interest income

4,028


1,578


947


1,032


52


7,637


__


7,637


Net fee income/(expense)

1,780


604


109


(17

)

60


2,536


__


2,536


Trading income/(loss)

261


278


8


430


(46

)

931


__


931


Net income from financial





 


 


 




 




 instruments designated at fair





 


 


 




 




 value

96


__


__


__


__


96


__


96


Dividend income

__


__


__


__


6


6


__


6


Net earned insurance premiums

6,068


121


1


__


__


6,190


__


6,190


Other operating income/(loss)

704


15


(1

)

__


330


1,048


(246

)

802


Total operating income

12,937


2,596


1,064


1,445


402


18,444


(246

)

18,198


Net insurance claims

















  incurred and movement

















  in policyholders' liabilities

(6,875

)

(70

)

__


__


__


(6,945

)

__


(6,945

)

Net operating income before













 




  loan impairment charges













 




  and other credit risk

















  provisions

6,062


2,526


1,064


1,445


402


11,499


(246

)

11,253


Loan impairment charges













 




  and other credit risk provisions

(114

)

(90

)

46


__


__


(158

)

__


(158

)

Net operating income

5,948


2,436


1,110


1,445


402


11,341


(246

)

11,095


Operating expenses W

(2,550

)

(892

)

(205

)

(161

)

(326

)

(4,134

)

246


(3,888

)

Impairment loss on intangible assets

(75

)

(3

)

__


__


__


(78

)

__


(78

)

Operating profit

3,323


1,541


905


1,284


76


7,129


__


7,129


Gains less losses from financial

















  investments and fixed assets

__


__


__


2


7


9


__


9


Net surplus on property

















  revaluation

__


__


__


__


411


411


__


411


Share of profits from associates

134


848


__


587


202


1,771


__


1,771


Profit before tax

3,457


2,389


905


1,873


696


9,320


__


9,320


Share of profit before tax

37.1

%

25.6

%

9.7

%

20.1

%

7.5

%

100.0

%

__


100.0

%



































Operating profit excluding loan

















  impairment charges

















  and other credit risk provisions

3,437


1,631


859


1,284


76


7,287


__


7,287



















WDepreciation/amortisation

















    included in  operating













 




    expenses

(80

)

(15

)

(3

)

(3

)

(304

)

(405

)

__


(405

)



































At 30 June 2011






























 




Total assets

267,290


210,175


138,779


311,419


45,546


973,209


__


973,209


Total liabilities

585,458


156,069


64,183


58,439


35,385


899,534


__


899,534


Interest in associates

1,280


7,537


__


5,535


2,636


16,988


__


16,988







 








 




 

 

Retail

Banking  









Total


Inter-




 

and Wealth

Commercial

Corporate






reportable

segment




Figures in HK$m

Management


Banking


Banking


Treasury


Other


segments

elimination


Total



















Half-year ended

















30 June 2010


































Net interest income

4,194


1,184


641


609


85


6,713


__


6,713


Net fee income/(expense)

1,585


649


90


(12

)

57


2,369


__


2,369


Trading income/(loss)

249


145


4


506


(14

)

890


__


890


Net income/(loss) from financial





 


 


 




 




 instruments designated at fair





 


 


 




 




 value

148


__


__


(2

)

(14

)

132


__


132


Dividend income

__


__


__


__


4


4


__


4


Net earned insurance premiums

6,232


126


1


__


__


6,359


__


6,359


Other operating income/(loss)

541


9


__


(1

)

313


862


(226

)

636


Total operating income

12,949


2,113


736


1,100


431


17,329


(226

)

17,103


Net insurance claims

















  incurred and movement

















  in policyholders' liabilities

(6,670

)

(79

)

__


__


__


(6,749

)

__


(6,749

)

Net operating income before













 




  loan impairment charges













 




  and other credit risk

















  provisions

6,279


2,034


736


1,100


431


10,580


(226

)

10,354


Loan impairment charges













 




  and other credit risk provisions

(102

)

(50

)

(1

)

__


__


(153

)

__


(153

)

Net operating income

6,177


1,984


735


1,100


431


10,427


(226

)

10,201


Total operating expenses W

(2,334

)

(787

)

(180

)

(173

)

(256

)

(3,730

)

226


(3,504

)

Operating profit

3,843


1,197


555


927


175


6,697


__


6,697


Gains less losses from financial

















  investments and fixed assets

__


__


5


62


2


69


__


69


Net surplus on property

















  revaluation

__


__


__


__


153


153


__


153


Share of profits from associates

94


586


__


441


63


1,184


__


1,184


Profit before tax

3,937


1,783


560


1,430


393


8,103


__


8,103


Share of profit before tax

48.6

%

22.0

%

6.9

%

17.6

%

4.9

%

100.0

%

__


100.0

%



































Operating profit excluding loan

















  impairment charges

















  and other credit risk provisions

3,945


1,247


556


927


175


6,850


__


6,850



















WDepreciation/amortisation

















    included in total operating













 




    expenses

(88

)

(16

)

(3

)

(2

)

(246

)

(355

)

__


(355

)



































At 30 June 2010






























 




Total assets

244,132


128,459


115,306


348,071


35,119


871,087


__


871,087


Total liabilities

546,668


132,261


54,456


37,866


35,616


806,867


__


806,867


Interest in associates

1,049


5,913


__


4,466


2,413


13,841


__


13,841







 








 




 

 

Retail

 Banking









Total


Inter-




 

and Wealth

Commercial

Corporate






reportable

segment




Figures in HK$m

Management


Banking


Banking


Treasury


Other


segments

elimination


Total



















Half-year ended

















31 December 2010


































Net interest income

4,291


1,525


799


794


178


7,587


__


7,587


Net fee income/(expense)

1,838


560


98


(17

)

49


2,528


__


2,528


Trading income/(loss)

381


189


7


656


(64

)

1,169


__


1,169


Net income from financial





 


 


 




 




 instruments designated at fair





 


 


 




 




 value

149


__


__


1


__


150


__


150


Dividend income

__


5


__


__


5


10


__


10


Net earned insurance premiums

4,827


120


1


__


__


4,948


__


4,948


Other operating income

730


14


1


__


399


1,144


(222

)

922


Total operating income

12,216


2,413


906


1,434


567


17,536


(222

)

17,314


Net insurance claims

















  incurred and movement

















  in policyholders' liabilities

(5,766

)

(73

)

1


__


__


(5,838

)

__


(5,838

)

Net operating income before













 




  loan impairment charges













 




  and other credit risk

















  provisions

6,450


2,340


907


1,434


567


11,698


(222

)

11,476


Loan impairment charges













 




  and other credit risk provisions

(107

)

(128

)

(2

)

__


__


(237

)

__


(237

)

Net operating income

6,343


2,212


905


1,434


567


11,461


(222

)

11,239


Total operating expenses W

(2,530

)

(916

)

(199

)

(154

)

(274

)

(4,073

)

222


(3,851

)

Operating profit

3,813


1,296


706


1,280


293


7,388


__


7,388


Gains less losses from financial

















  investments and fixed assets

__


__


__


33


10


43


__


43


Net surplus on property

















  revaluation

__


__


__


__


334


334


__


334


Share of profits from associates

122


669


__


618


68


1,477


__


1,477


Profit before tax

3,935


1,965


706


1,931


705


9,242


__


9,242


Share of profit before tax

42.6

%

21.3

%

7.6

%

20.9

%

7.6

%

100.0

%

__


100.0

%



































Operating profit excluding loan

















  impairment charges

















  and other credit risk provisions

3,920


1,424


708


1,280


293


7,625


__


7,625



















WDepreciation/amortisation

















    included in total operating













 




    expenses

(87

)

(18

)

(2

)

(2

)

(257

)

(366

)

__


(366

)



































At 31 December 2010






























 




Total assets

264,827


180,013


130,148


304,898


37,025


916,911


__


916,911


Total liabilities

581,118


141,518


50,862


39,268


34,133


846,899


__


846,899


Interest in associates

1,384


6,197


__


5,626


2,459


15,666


__


15,666







 








 




 

 

Retail Banking and Wealth Management ('RBWM') was able to achieve sales growth in various areas of business despite the challenging operating environment in Hong Kong.

 

Continuing to be one of the key income drivers, total operating income from unsecured lending was up 10.0% year-on-year, attributed to the quality of our credit card customer base and effective marketing campaigns. The bank's card market shares grew and we remained the second and third largest issuer of Visa and MasterCard cards respectively. The card base of the Hang Seng Hong Kong dollar China UnionPay (CUP) credit card expanded strongly, with the number of cards issued doubling since the end of 2010. As of June 2011, total overall cards issued reached 2.19 million and 194,000 new cards were acquired. Compared with the end of 2010, card receivables grew by 4.0% to HK$16.4bn while card spending increased by 17.5% to HK$38.0bn year-on-year. Up to June 2011, personal loans were up 7.5%, with a total loan balance of HK$4.9bn.

 

Despite intense market competition and the tightening of regulator policies on mortgage lending, our mortgage business remained third in the market in terms of new mortgage registrations for the first half of 2011. The switch of focus away from HIBOR-based mortgages to prime-based lending, resulting in competitors changing their pricing strategies in follow-up, enhanced mortgage yield and profitability.

 

Net fee income and trading income grew 12.3% and 4.8% year-on-year. In particular, investment businesses remained as a strong income driver and registered year-on-year income growth of 9.9%. Investment fund subscriptions grew by 30.8% to reach HK$21bn and the related income recorded over 21.1% growth compared with the same period in 2010. Strong sales momentum was maintained even when uncertainties emerged from March onwards.

 

With effective distribution efforts and timely promotion offers, life insurance registered good sales results in the first half of 2011. As of June 2011, annualised new premiums grew 23.8% compared to the same period last year. Total policies in force also grew steadily and achieved year-on-year growth of 8.1%.

 

Service quality was never compromised and Hang Seng Bank continued to receive recognition in the banking industry. For the second consecutive year, the bank was named 'Best Local Private Bank in Hong Kong' in the Euromoney Private Banking Survey 2011 based on the assessment of business performance and peer nominations. Asiamoney also named Hang Seng Bank as the 'Best Domestic Bank in Hong Kong' again in 2011.

 

While top line business momentum sustained good performance, RBWM's operating income excluding loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions of HK$6,062m represented a slight year-on-year decline of 3.5%. Profit before tax was HK$3,457m in the first half of 2011, representing a year-on-year decline. The reduced profit was due to the higher cost of deposits, the holding back of the growth of mortgage loans and the lower investment return of the life insurance portfolio.

 

Amid the competitive environment, the bank raised deposit interest rates which reduced deposit spreads. As of June 2011, net interest income from deposits dropped 17.1% compared with the same period last year.

 

The price competition in HIBOR-based mortgages made the mortgage business less profitable. The bank, therefore, held back on mortgage loan growth and focused more on prime-based lending. Income from secured lending recorded a year-on-year decline as a result, but it remained in line with expectations.

 

The year-on-year decline in insurance income was mainly due to the under-performance of investment returns.

 

Commercial Banking ('CMB') achieved a 34.0% increase in profit before tax to HK$2,389m. CMB's contribution to the bank's total profit before tax increased to 25.6%, up by 3.6 percentage points from the same period of 2010. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions was up by 30.8% to HK$1,631m.

 

Against a backdrop of a brisk-paced economy and buoyant consumer demand, we achieved reasonable growth driven mainly by net interest income from advances. In line with the increase in the loan portfolio both in Hong Kong and the Mainland, net interest income from advances increased by 50.4%. Non-interest income grew by 11.5% and provided the bank with a valuable source of funds to compensate for the decline in deposit-related net interest income under the low interest rate environment. At the same time, the bank achieved healthy growth in customer deposits of 10.1% compared with 31 December 2010.

 

Income from the corporate wealth management business increased by 8.8% and contributed 12.9% to CMB's total operating income in the first half of 2011. CMB worked to provide timely, competitive corporate wealth management products for its customers, focusing particularly on those in the top-end segment. Enriched corporate investment, insurance and treasury products were marketed to customers on various platforms to capture the shift in investment sentiment and to meet customers' yield enhancement or hedging needs.

 

At 30 June 2011, the number of commercial renminbi accounts exceeded 65,000, while renminbi cross-border trade-related business routed through the bank topped RMB61.2bn. As Hong Kong strengthens its role as the major offshore RMB centre, we will capitalise on our growth capabilities by further enhancing our full range of renminbi services, especially providing customised renminbi trade solutions and wealth management services, and tapping the potential of renminbi lending in Hong Kong.

 

Account acquisition remains an important strategy. To enhance services and convenience for our customers and referral partners, we brought to six the total number of Business Banking Centres in the first half of 2011. They are located in areas of high commercial traffic. We will increase the sales force dedicated to this business to strengthen our presence in the SME segment. New customer acquisition momentum in CMB was also strong, achieving a 59.7% increase over the same period in 2010.

 

The bank has an edge in cross-border transactions. The co-operation between our Hong Kong and Mainland teams and the alliance with several strategic partners on the Mainland supported customers in growing their cross-border business and the establishment of a dynamic customer referral channel.

 

Compared with end-2010, the Business e-Banking customer base grew by 9.3% by end-June 2011 while the year-on-year increase in the number of online business transactions grew by 15.5%.

 

Corporate Banking ('CIB') posted a 61.6% growth in profit before tax to HK$905m compared with the first half of 2010. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions was HK$859m, up 54.5%. The strong profit growth was mainly attributable to a rise in net interest income arising from an increase in the loan portfolio and moderate growth in net fee income.

 

CIB encountered a challenging operating environment in the first half of 2011. On the Mainland, market liquidity tightened following a number of interest rate increases and an increase in banks' deposit reserve ratio requirements. Robust loan demand prompted an increasing number of mainland enterprises to come to Hong Kong to secure loans as the market offered funding at lower cost and in larger amounts. The surge in loan demand in Hong Kong resulted in a sharp rise in the cost of acquiring customer deposits.

 

Against a backdrop of tightening market liquidity, CIB leveraged its strong industry knowledge, effective risk management and dedicated business teams in both Hong Kong and on the Mainland to achieve strong financial results through very selective growth in customer advances, delivering an increase of 7.9% compared with the end of December 2010. By offering total solutions to customers to meet their business needs and capitalising on our efficient cross-border relationship management system, CIB customer deposits grew by 26.8% despite fierce competition.

 

CIB took measures to diversify the customer advances portfolio in terms of customer, industry and currency. Anticipating continued tight Hong Kong dollar and US dollar liquidity, while the renminbi deposit base grew quickly in Hong Kong, CIB successfully made renminbi loans and will continue to explore such opportunities to achieve more balanced and sustainable growth.

 

Leveraging its well-established business infrastructure, CIB stepped up marketing efforts to drive growth in non-fund income from business customers, including offering a wide spectrum of services encompassing treasury, hedging, trade services, cash management, wealth management and insurance products.

 

Treasury ('TRY') registered a year-on-year profit before tax increase of 31.0% to HK$1,873m, while operating profit increased by 38.5% to HK$1,284m. These strong results came as net interest income growth and an increase in its share of profits from associates offset decreases in trading income and disposal gains.

 

Global interest rates remained at low levels and yield curves were relatively flat in the first half of 2011. Nevertheless, net interest income still increased by 69.5% to HK$1,032m, mainly due to our strategy of actively managing our balance sheet.

 

Trading income decreased by HK$76m, or 15.0%, to HK$430m mainly due to a decline in income from funding swaps. Foreign exchange, as well as securities and derivatives trading, on the other hand, registered strong growth, boosted mainly by rising demand for renminbi-denominated products following the further liberalisation of renminbi business in Hong Kong.

 

Mainland business

 

The bank's wholly owned subsidiary, Hang Seng Bank (China) Limited ('Hang Seng China') currently operates 11 branches and 27 sub-branches, spanning 13 cities on the Mainland. In May 2011, Hang Seng China obtained approval to establish a Huizhou sub-branch, its third cross-city sub-branch in Guangdong Province under CEPA VI. The bank has also applied to establish a branch in Xiamen.

 

Since the beginning of 2011, the Mainland government has launched a series of macro-economic control measures. Up to 7 July 2011, the People's Bank of China had raised the deposit reserve ratio six times and benchmark interest rates thrice.

 

Against a very challenging and highly competitive market environment, Hang Seng China increased its deposit base, acquired new customers, widened the loan margin and boosted other operating income.

 

Hang Seng China achieved these encouraging results through focused strategies. Advances to customers rose by 10.5% over the end of 2010.

 

To reinforce the bank's brand name and long-term commitment to the mainland market, in May Hang Seng China moved into its new headquarters located in the Hang Seng Bank Tower in Shanghai's Lujiazui financial district, which we earlier acquired for RMB510m. This marked an important milestone for us on the Mainland and demonstrated the bank's long-term commitment to providing quality wealth management services for customers there. The headquarters includes a VIP Prestige Centre.

 

The number of personal customers increased by 22.2% year-on-year. Targeting customers with cross-border renminbi business and trade services needs, the number of corporate customers also increased by 13.3% year-on-year. With solid growth in the customer base, total deposits increased by 20.5% compared with the end of 2010.

 

Total operating income rose by 43.9% over the same period last year, supported by strong growth in both net interest income and non-interest income. Driven by strong revenue growth momentum, profit before tax recorded growth of 160.1% compared with the first half of 2010.

 

The strategic alliance with Industrial Bank continued to support the bank's long-term growth on the Mainland. In March 2011, the bank signed a memorandum of understanding with Industrial Bank to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various business areas. Moreover, branch-level cooperation initiatives have been launched between Hang Seng China and Industrial Bank.

 

Consolidated Income Statement (unaudited)

 

 


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010






















Interest income


9,298



7,665



8,842


Interest expense


(1,661

)


(952

)


          (1,255

)

Net interest income


7,637



6,713



7,587


Fee income


3,042



2,835



3,060


Fee expense


(506

)


(466

)


              (532

)

Net fee income


2,536



2,369



2,528


Trading income


931



890



1,169


Net income from financial










  instruments designated at fair value 


96


 

132



150


Dividend income


6



4



10


Net earned insurance premiums


6,190



6,359



4,948


Other operating income


802



636



922


Total operating income


18,198



17,103



17,314


Net insurance claims incurred and










  movement in policyholders' liabilities


(6,945

)


(6,749

)


            (5,838

)

Net operating income before loan










  impairment charges and








          


  other credit risk provisions


11,253



10,354



11,476


Loan impairment charges and










  other credit risk provisions


(158

)


(153

)


              (237

)

Net operating income


11,095



10,201



11,239


Employee compensation and benefits


(1,901

)


(1,773

)


            (1,944

)

General and administrative expenses


(1,582

)


(1,376

)


            (1,541

)

Depreciation of premises, plant








             


  and equipment


(347

)


(306

)


(313

)

Amortisation of intangible assets


(58

)


(49

)


                (53

)

Operating expenses


(3,888

)


(3,504

)


          (3,851

)

Impairment loss on intangible assets


(78

)


__



__


Operating profit


7,129



6,697



7,388


Gains less losses from financial investments










  and fixed assets


9



69



43


Net surplus on property revaluation


411



153



334


Share of profits from associates 


1,771



1,184



1,477


Profit before tax


9,320



8,103



9,242


Tax expense


(1,263

)


(1,139

)


            (1,289

)

Profit for the period


8,057



6,964



7,953












Profit attributable to shareholders


8,057



6,964



7,953












Earnings per share (in HK$)


4.21



3.64



4.16


 

Details of dividends payable to shareholders of the bank attributable to the profit for the half year are set out on page 39.

 

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

 

The table below presents the interest income and interest expense of Hang Seng, as included within the HSBC Group accounts:



Half-year ended



Half-year ended



Half-year ended


Figures in HK$m


30 June 2011



30 June 2010



31 December 2010












Interest income


9,159



7,526



8,702


Interest expense


(1,254

)


(757

)


(1,015

)

Net interest income


7,905



6,769



7,687


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


(300

)


(83

)


(155

)

Net interest income and expense reported as 'Net income from










  financial instruments designated at fair value'


32



27



55


 

 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)

 

 


Half-year ended



Half-year ended



Half-year ended


 


30 June



30 June



31 December


 

Figures in HK$m

2011



2010



2010


 










 










 

Profit for the period

8,057



6,964



7,953


 










 

Other comprehensive income









 

Premises:









 

- unrealised surplus on









 

  revaluation of premises

1,720



690



1,412


 

- deferred taxes

(284

)


(114

)


(229

)

 

Available-for-sale investments reserve:









 

- fair value changes taken to/(from) equity:







             


 

  -- on debt securities

342



774



__


 

  -- on equity shares

16



(30)



25


 

- fair value changes transferred









 

  (to)/from income statement:









 

  -- on hedged items

(173

)


(441

)


              169


 

  -- on disposal

(10

)


(72

)


(33

)

 

- share of changes in equity of associates:









 

  -- fair value changes

(411

)


108



                 12


 

- deferred taxes

95



(34

)


(19

)

 

Cash flow hedging reserve:









 

- fair value changes taken to equity

119



127



164


 

- fair value changes transferred to









 

  income statement

(119

)


(261

)


(153 

)

 

- deferred taxes

__



23



(2

)

 

Defined benefit plans:









 

- actuarial (losses)/gains on defined









 

  benefit plans

(483

)


(183

)


194


 

- deferred taxes

80



30



(32

)

 

Exchange differences on translation of:









 

- financial statements of overseas







              


 

  branches, subsidiaries and associates

422



176



511


 

Others

9



13



__



Other comprehensive income for the







 


 

  period, net of tax

1,323



806



2,019



Total comprehensive income









 

  for the period

9,380



7,770



9,972


 










 

Total comprehensive income









 

  for the period attributable to









 

  shareholders

9,380



7,770



9,972


 










 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet (unaudited)

 

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010






















ASSETS










Cash and balances with banks and










  other financial institutions


42,644



30,065



44,411


Placings with and advances to banks and










  other financial institutions


114,507



104,711



 110,564


Trading assets


27,621



35,559



26,055


Financial assets designated at fair value


8,006



6,160


 

7,114


Derivative financial instruments


5,678



4,645



5,593


Advances to customers


503,645



394,110



472,637


Financial investments


210,456



247,280



199,359


Interest in associates


16,988



13,841



15,666


Investment properties


3,660



3,013



3,251


Premises, plant and equipment


16,065



12,853



14,561


Intangible assets


5,966



4,706



5,394


Other assets


17,973



14,134



12,306


Deferred tax assets


__



10



__


Total assets


973,209



871,087



916,911












LIABILITIES AND EQUITY




















Liabilities










Current, savings and other deposit accounts


703,321



650,859



683,628


Deposits from banks


19,452



12,962



15,586


Trading liabilities


59,425



40,789



42,581


Financial liabilities designated at fair value


456



446


 

457


Derivative financial instruments


4,877



5,516



4,683


Certificates of deposit and other










  debt securities in issue


8,146



1,360



3,095


Other liabilities


17,925



23,863



17,018


Liabilities to customers under










  insurance contracts


69,081



59,547



64,425


Current tax liabilities


1,329



963



344


Deferred tax liabilities


3,657



2,709



3,234


Subordinated liabilities


11,865



7,853


 

11,848


Total liabilities


899,534



806,867



846,899












Equity










Share capital


9,559



9,559



9,559


Retained profits


46,551



40,474



42,966


Other reserves


15,462



12,084



13,854


Proposed dividends


2,103



2,103



3,633


Shareholders' funds


73,675



64,220



70,012


Total equity and liabilities


973,209



871,087



916,911












 

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (unaudited)

 

 



Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


 

Figures in HK$m


30 June

 2011


30 June

 2010


31 December 2010


















Share capital








  At beginning and end of period


9,559


9,559


9,559










Retained profits (including

  proposed dividends)








  At beginning of period


46,599


41,385


42,577


  Dividends to shareholders








  - dividends approved in respect of the 

    previous year


(3,633

)

(3,633

)

__


  - dividends declared in respect of the 

    current period


(2,103

)

(2,103

)

(4,206

)

  Transfer


128


105


113


  Total comprehensive income

    for the period


7,663


6,823


8,115




48,654


42,577


46,599










Other reserves








Premises revaluation reserve








  At beginning of period


9,426


7,885


8,356


  Transfer


(131

)

(105

)

(113

)

  Total comprehensive income

    for the period


1,437


576


1,183




10,732


8,356


9,426










Available-for-sale investment reserve








  At beginning of period


202


(257

)

48


  Transfer


(4

)

__


__


  Total comprehensive income

    for the period


(155

)

305


154




43


48


202










Cash flow hedging reserve








  At beginning of period


72


174


63


  Total comprehensive income

    for the period


__


(111

)

9




72


63


72










Foreign exchange reserve








  At beginning of period


2,069


1,382


1,558


  Total comprehensive income

  for the period


435


176


511




2,504


1,558


2,069










 



Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Figures in HK$m


30 June

2011


30 June

 2010


31 December 2010


















Other reserves








  At beginning of period


2,085


2,020


2,059


Cost of share-based payment

    arrangements


19


38


26


  Transfer


7


__


__


  Total comprehensive income

    for the period


__


1


__




2,111


2,059


2,085










Total equity








  At beginning of period


70,012


62,148


64,220


  Dividends to shareholders


(5,736

)

(5,736

)

(4,206

)

  Cost of share-based payment 

    arrangements


19


38


26


  Total comprehensive income

    for the period


9,380


7,770


9,972




73,675


64,220


70,012


 

 

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement (unaudited)

 

 

Half-year ended


Half-year ended



 


30 June



30 June



Figures in HK$m


2011



2010











Net cash outflow from operating activities


(8,739

)


(33,732

)










Cash flows from investing activities
















Dividends received from associates


456



397



Purchase of an interest in an associate


__



(2,626

)


Purchase of available-for-sale investments


(28,293

)


(16,913

)


Purchase of held-to-maturity debt securities


(205

)


(479

)


Proceeds from sale or redemption of








  available-for-sale investments


34,732



23,331



Proceeds from redemption of held-to-maturity








  debt securities


234



238



Proceeds from sale of loan portfolio


4,670



__



Purchase of fixed assets and intangible assets


(192

)


(132

)


Proceeds from sale of fixed assets and

  assets held for sale


1



__



Interest received from available-for-sale investments


893



783



Dividends received from available-for-sale investments


3



3



Net cash inflow from investing activities


12,299



4,602


 








 

Cash flows from financing activities







 








 

Dividends paid


(5,736

)


(5,736

)

 

Interest paid for subordinated liabilities


(82

)


(29

)

 

Repayment of subordinated liabilities


__



(2,500

)

 

Net cash outflow from financing activities


(5,818

)


(8,265

)

 








 

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents


(2,258

)


(37,395

)

 








 

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January


118,560



136,759


 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes


1,868



1,068


 

Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June


118,170



100,432


 








 

 

 

Financial Review

 

 

Net interest income

 

Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June



30 June



31 December


Figures in HK$m

2011



2010



2010











Net interest income/(expense) arising from:








- financial assets and liabilities that are









  not at fair value through profit and loss

7,905



6,772



7,687


- trading assets and liabilities  

(300

)


(83

)


(155

)

- financial instruments designated









  at fair value

32



24



55



7,637



6,713



7,587











Average interest-earning assets

878,514



766,382



837,959











Net interest spread

1.68

%


1.72

%


1.73

%

Net interest margin

1.75

%


1.77

%


1.80

%

 

 

Net interest income rose by HK$924m, or 13.8%, to HK$7,637m, on the back of the 14.6% growth in average interest earning assets, notably in trade finance, corporate and commercial and mainland lending businesses. The favourable impact on net interest income was largely offset by continued compression on asset and deposit spreads due to the persistently low interest rate environment.

 

Net interest margin fell by two basis points to 1.75% while net interest spread declined by four basis points to 1.68% compared with the same period last year. The reduction in net interest spread was due to narrowing deposit spreads. The average volume growth in mortgage lending offset the tighter spread in HIBOR mortgages in an intensely competitive market. Despite the growth in renminbi business, the dilutive effect of the increase in lower yielding renminbi funds placed with the local clearing bank adversely affected the net interest spread. The impressive average volume growth in corporate and commercial lending, credit cards and trade finance also helped to support net interest income revenue streams. The group also grew its life insurance fund investment portfolio and increased its interest income by 13.8% compared with the same period last year.

 

The contribution from net free funds grew by two basis points to seven basis points as a result of the modest increase in average market interest rates.

 

Compared with the second half of 2010, net interest income grew marginally by HK$50m, or 0.7%, due mainly to fewer days in the period, notwithstanding the 4.8% increase in average interest-earning assets. Net interest margin was affected by compressed deposit spreads and the lower yielding renminbi funds placed with the local clearing bank.

 

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

 

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

 

 

 


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Net interest income


7,905



6,769



7,687


Average interest-earning assets


836,753



708,453



802,990












Net interest spread


1.84

%


1.89

%


1.84

%

Net interest margin


1.91

%


1.93

%


1.90

%

 

 

Net fee income

 

Half-year ended



Half-year ended



Half-year ended



30 June



30 June



31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011




2010




2010














- Stockbroking and related services


696




673




795


- Retail investment funds


551




491




548


- Structured investment products


8




11




8


- Insurance agency


123




139




117


- Account services


181




180




169


- Private banking service fee


79




63




97


- Remittances


132




122




137


- Cards


792




742




720


- Credit facilities


105




91




104


- Trade services


249




205




247


- Other


126




118




118


Fee income


3,042




2,835




3,060


Fee expense


(506

)



(466

)



  (532

 )



2,536




2,369




2,528














 

Net fee income increased by HK$167m, or 7.0%, to reach HK$2,536m, compared with the first half of 2010.

 

With the slowdown of investment market sentiment in Hong Kong, stockbroking and related services income recorded growth of 3.4%. The bank capitalised on investor appetite with the launch of timely investment fund products and grew its investment funds income by 12.2%. This included the Hang Seng Index Fund and Hang Seng China H-Share Index Leveraged 150 Fund from Hang Seng Investment Management as well as other funds issued by other providers that helped to boost sales and turnover. Private banking service fee income rose by 25.4%.

 

Card service fee income was 6.7% higher than the same period last year, attributable to the growth in average card balances. The bank's effective loyalty scheme and card utilisation promotions helped drive up card spending. The increase in card income was also supported by year-on-year increases of 14.7% in the number of cards in circulation and 17.5% in cardholder spending.

 

In line with the robust performance of external trade and the expansion of cross-border renminbi trade settlement, income from trade services and remittances registered growth of 21.5% and 8.2% respectively. Fee income from account services and credit facilities also increased.

 

Compared with the second half of 2010, net fee income remained broadly at the same level. The increase in card service fee income was offset by the fall in stockbroking and related services income which recorded strong growth in the second half of 2010 on the back of the rebound in equity markets.

 

 

Trading income

 


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Trading income:










- foreign exchange


788



880



888


- securities, derivatives and










  other trading activities


143



10



281




931



890



1,169


 

Trading income grew by HK$41m, or 4.6%, to HK$931m compared with the first half of 2010. Foreign exchange income decreased by 10.5%, mainly due to the decrease in net interest income from funding swapsW. Normal foreign exchange trading, however, grew strongly by 22.4%, as part of the bank's efforts to meet the growing demand for renminbi-denominated products.  

 

Income from securities, derivatives and other trading activities grew by HK$133m, reflecting an improvement in interest rate derivative trading.

 

 

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

 

 

Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value

 


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Net income on assets

  designated at fair value which

  back insurance and

  investment contracts


96



147



150


Net change in fair value of

  other financial instruments 

  designated at fair value


__



(15

)


__




96



132



150


 

Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value decreased by HK$36m, or 27.3%, reflecting the fair value changes of assets supporting the linked insurance contracts and reported in 'net income from financial instruments designated at fair value' with offsetting movements in the value of these contracts reported in 'net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholders' liabilities'.

 

 

 

Other operating income 


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Rental income from










   investment properties


84



78



77


Movement in present value










  of in-force long-term 










  insurance business


639



467



659


Other


79



91



186




802



636



922


 

Other operating income rose by HK$166m, or 26.1%, to HK$802m compared with the first half of 2010. The movement in present value of in-force long-term insurance business increased by 36.8%, the net effect of higher sales in 2011 compared with the first half of 2010, a refinement of the calculation of the PVIF asset during the period and the unfavourable experience variance of the investment return assumption.

 

 

Analysis of income from wealth management business

 

Half-year ended
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
 
30 June
 
 
30 June
 
 
31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2011
 
 
 
2010
 
 
 
2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- retail investment funds
 
551
 
 
 
491
 
 
 
548
 
- structured investment productsW
 
308
 
 
 
239
 
 
 
209
 
- private banking service feeWW
 
100
 
 
 
80
 
 
 
116
 
- stockbroking and related services
 
696
 
 
 
673
 
 
 
795
 
- margin trading and others
 
56
 
 
 
72
 
 
 
57
 
 
 
1,711
 
 
 
1,555
 
 
 
1,725
 
Insurance income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- life insurance
 
1,064
 
 
 
1,197
 
 
 
1,085
 
- general insurance and others
 
185
 
 
 
173
 
 
 
169
 
 
 
1,249
 
 
 
1,370
 
 
 
1,254
 
Total
 
2,960
 
 
 
2,925
 
 
 
2,979
 
 

W Income from structured investment products includes income reported under net fee income on the sales of structured investment products issued by other providers. It also includes profit generated from the selling of structured investment products in issue, reported under trading income.

 

WW Income from private banking includes income reported under net fee income on investment services and profit generated from selling of structured investment products in issue, reported under trading income.

 

The wealth management business continued to make a major contribution to the bank's income, achieving a steady growth of 1.2% compared with the first half 2010. Investment income increased by 10.0% as opposed to the 8.8% fall in insurance income.

 

Leveraging the open architecture of the bank's wealth management platform, income from retail investment funds rose by 12.2%, supported by a wide variety of investment funds to meet the various risk appetites of investors. These included funds from Hang Seng Investment Management and other providers. Throughout the first half, the bank continued to distribute competitive structured products to broaden the range of investment options available to customers, with structured investment products income growing by 28.9%, mainly from sales of equity-linked instruments. Stockbroking and related services income registered stable growth of 3.4% as equity markets remained difficult in the second quarter of 2011.

 

Private banking service fee income increased by 25.0% compared with the first half of 2010.

 

Life insurance income fell by HK$133m, or 11.1%, to HK$1,064m. During the first half of 2011, the bank continued to launch new products catering for customers' investment and protection needs. This included the launch of the 'RewardYou Life Insurance Plan' and '3-Year Target Life Insurance Plan' which were well received. Total policies in-force increased by 8.1%.

 

Net interest income and fee income from the life insurance funds investment portfolio grew by 10.9%, as a result of the growth in the size of the portfolio. Investment returns on life insurance funds declined by 63.9%, reflecting changes in the fair value of assets supporting linked insurance contracts and reported under 'net income from financial instruments designated at fair value', with offsetting movements in policyholders' liabilities.

 

The movement in present value of in-force long-term insurance business increased by 36.8%, representing the net effect of higher sales in 2011 compared with the first half of 2010, a refinement of the calculation of the PVIF asset during the period and the unfavourable experience variance of the investment return assumption.

 

General insurance income increased by 6.9% to HK$185m.

 

 

Half-year ended
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
 
30 June
 
 
30 June
 
 
31 December
 
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2011
 
 
 
2010
 
 
 
2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Life insurance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- net interest income and fee income
 
1,267
 
 
 
1,142
 
 
 
1,240
 
 
- investment returns on life insurance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 funds
 
35
 
 
 
97
 
 
 
190
 
 
- net earned insurance premiums
 
6,022
 
 
 
6,189
 
 
 
4,777
 
 
- net insurance claims incurred and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 movement in policyholders’ liabilitiesW
 
(6,899
)
 
 
(6,698
)
 
 
(5,781
)
 
- movement in present value of in-force
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 long-term insurance business
 
639
 
 
 
467
 
 
 
659
 
 
 
 
1,064
 
 
 
1,197
 
 
 
1,085
 
 
General insurance and others
 
185
 
 
 
173
 
 
 
169
 
 
Total
 
1,249
 
 
 
1,370
 
 
 
1,254
 
 
 

W Including premium and investment reserves

 

 

Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions

 


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Loan impairment charges:










- individually assessed


(18

)


(77

)


(109

)

- collectively assessed


(140

)


(76

  )


(128

)



(158

)


(153

  )


(237

)

Of which:










- new and additional


(396

)


(281

  )


(328

)

- releases


204



98



59


- recoveries


34



30



32




(158

)


(153

  )


(237

)











Other credit risk provisions


__



__



__












Loan impairment charges and other










  credit risk provisions


(158

)


(153

)


(237

)

 

Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions rose slightly by HK$5m year-on-year to HK$158m.

 

Individually assessed provisions fell by HK$59m, or 76.6%, mainly due to higher releases from commercial and corporate banking customers in the first half of 2011 as economic conditions continued to improve together with the bank's good risk management control.

 

Collectively assessed provisions rose by HK$64m, due largely to the rise in impairment allowances for loans not individually identified as impaired. Impairment provisions for credit card portfolios were lower due to the fall in credit card delinquencies.

 

 

Operating expenses

 


Half-year ended

Half-year ended

Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Employee compensation and benefits:










- salaries and other costs


1,742



1,639



1,809


- retirement benefit costs


159



134



135




1,901



1,773



1,944


General and administrative expenses:










- rental expenses


245



227



237


- other premises and equipment


458



428



474


- marketing and advertising expenses


266



234



236


- other operating expenses


613



487



594




1,582



1,376



1,541


Depreciation of business premises










  and equipment


347



306



313


Amortisation of intangible assets


58



49



53




3,888



3,504



3,851












Cost efficiency ratio


34.6

%


33.8

%


33.6

%












At 30 June


At 30 June

At 31 December


Staff numbersW by region


2011



2010



2010


Hong Kong


8,145



7,933



7,960


Mainland


1,662



1,497



1,623


Others


58



58



59


Total


9,865



9,488



9,642


W Full-time equivalent

 

Operating expenses rose by HK$384m, or 11.0%, compared with the first half of 2010, reflecting the bank's continued investments to support business growth and capture business opportunities while continuing to carefully manage costs. Excluding the mainland business, operating expenses rose by 9.4%. Compared with the second half of 2010, operating expenses were maintained broadly at the same level.

 

Employee compensation and benefits increased by HK$128m, or 7.2%. Salaries and other costs rose by 6.3%, reflecting the combined effects of annual salary rises and the higher average headcount. General and administrative expenses were up 15.0%, largely attributable to the rise in processing charges and marketing expenditure as we conducted more branding and promotional activities during the period to support business growth. Rental expenses rose due to higher rents for branches in Hong Kong as well as new branches on the Mainland. Depreciation charges were up 13.4%, reflecting higher depreciation charges on business premises following upward property revaluation in Hong Kong.

 

The group's number of full-time equivalent staff rose by 223 compared with the 2010 year-end - mainly in frontline and support areas. Headcount for the mainland operations also rose compared with the last year-end as a result of the expansion of Hang Seng China's mainland business. The cost efficiency ratio for the first half of 2011 was 34.6%, compared with 33.8% for the first half of 2010, due primarily to the increase in operating expenses. Compared with the second half of 2010, the cost efficiency ratio rose by one percentage point.

 

 

Gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets

 


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Net gains from disposal of 










  available-for-sale equity securities


8



10



__


Net gains from disposal of










  available-for-sale debt securities


2



62



33


Impairment of available-for-sale










  equity securities


__



__



__


Gains less losses on disposal of










  assets held for sale


__



__



12


Gains less losses on disposal of










  fixed assets


(1

)


(3

)


(2

)



9



69



43












 

Gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets amounted to HK$9m - a decrease of HK$60m compared with the first half of 2010. Net gains from disposal of available-for-sale equity securities fell by HK$2m, or 20.0%.

 

 

Tax expense

 

Taxation in the consolidated income statement represents:

 


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010




















Current tax - provision for










  Hong Kong profits tax










Tax for the period


995



933



1,034


Adjustment in respect of










  prior periods


__



(19

)


__












Current tax - taxation outside










  Hong Kong










Tax for the period


57



39



(1

)











Deferred tax










Origination and reversal of










  temporary differences


211



186



256


Total tax expense


1,263



1,139



1,289












 

The current tax provision is based on the estimated assessable profit for the first half of 2011, and is determined for the bank and its subsidiaries operating in Hong Kong by using the Hong Kong profits tax rate of 16.5% (the same as in 2010). For subsidiaries and branches operating in other jurisdictions, the appropriate tax rates prevailing in the relevant countries are used. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised.

 

 

Earnings per share

 

The calculation of earnings per share for the first half of 2011 is based on earnings of HK$8,057m (HK$6,964m and HK$7,953m for the first and second halves of 2010 respectively) and on the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue of 1,911,842,736 shares (unchanged from the first and second halves of 2010).

 

 

Dividends per share

 


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


 



30 June



30 June


31 December


 



2011



2010



2010


 


HK$

HK$m


HK$

HK$m


HK$

HK$m



per share



per share



per share













First interim

1.10

2,103


1.10

2,103


__

__


Second interim

1.10

2,103


1.10

2,103


__

__


Third interim

__

__


__

__


1.10

2,103


Fourth interim

__

__


__

__


1.90

3,633



2.20

4,206


2.20

4,206


3.00

5,736


 

 

 

Segmental analysis

 

The group's business comprises five customer groups. To be consistent with the way in which information is reported internally for the purposes of resource allocation and performance assessment, the group identified the following five reportable segments:

 

·    Retail Banking and Wealth Management provides banking (including deposits, credit cards, mortgages and other retail lending) and wealth management services (including private banking, investment and insurance) to personal customers.

·    Commercial Banking manages middle market and smaller corporate relationships and specialises in trade-related financial services.

·    Corporate Banking handles relationships with large corporate and institutional customers

·    Treasury engages in balance sheet management and proprietary trading. Treasury also manages the funding and liquidity positions of the group and other market risk positions arising from banking activities.

·    'Other' mainly represents management of shareholders' funds and investments in premises, investment properties and equity shares.

 

(a) Segmental result

 

For the purpose of segmental analysis, the allocation of revenue reflects the benefits of capital and other funding resources allocated to the customer groups by way of internal capital allocation and fund transfer-pricing mechanisms. Cost allocation is based on the direct costs incurred by the respective customer groups and apportionment of management overheads. Rental charges at market rates for usage of premises are reflected in other operating income for the 'Other' customer group and total operating expenses for the respective customer groups.

 

Profit before tax contributed by the customer groups for the periods stated is set out in the table below. More customer group analysis and discussion is set out in the 'Customer group performance' section on page 14.

 

 

Retail

 Banking









Total


 

 

and Wealth

Commercial

Corporate





reportable


 

Figures in HK$m

Management


Banking


Banking


Treasury


Other

segments


 














Half-year ended 30 June 2011


























Profit before tax

3,457


2,389


905


1,873


696


9,320


Share of profit before tax

37.1

%

25.6

%

9.7

%

20.1

%

7.5

%

100.0

%














Half-year ended 30 June 2010












 














 

Profit before tax

3,937


1,783


560


1,430


393


8,103


 

Share of profit before tax

48.6

%

22.0

%

6.9

%

17.6

%

4.9

%

100.0

%

 














 

Half-year ended 31 December 2010











 














 

Profit before tax

3,935


1,965


706


1,931


705


9,242


 

Share of profit before tax

42.6

%

21.3

%

7.6

%

20.9

%

7.6

%

100.0

%

 

 

(b) Geographic information

 

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

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Mainland
 
 
 
Figures in HK$m
Hong Kong
Americas
 
and others
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Half-year ended 30 June 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income and expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total operating income
 
16,757
 
656
 
785
 
18,198
 
Profit before tax
 
6,928
 
641
 
1,751
 
9,320
 
 
At 30 June 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
785,812
 
64,145
 
123,252
 
973,209
 
Total liabilities
 
823,623
 
1,860
 
74,051
 
899,534
 
Interest in associates
 
1,156
 
__
 
15,832
 
16,988
 
Non-current assetsW
 
24,721
 
__
 
970
 
25,691
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Half-year ended 30 June 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income and expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total operating income
 
16,095
 
440
 
568
 
17,103
 
Profit before tax
 
6,479
 
425
 
1,199
 
8,103
 
 
At 30 June 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
737,526
 
63,322
 
70,239
 
871,087
 
Total liabilities
 
765,674
 
1,403
 
39,790
 
806,867
 
Interest in associates
 
946
 
__
 
12,895
 
13,841
 
Non-current assetsW
 
20,266
 
__
 
306
 
20,572
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Half-year ended 31 December 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income and expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total operating income
 
16,029
 
607
 
678
 
17,314
 
Profit before tax
 
7,243
 
571
 
1,428
 
9,242
 
 
At 31 December 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
752,206
 
68,216
 
96,489
 
916,911
 
Total liabilities
 
786,304
 
1,187
 
59,408
 
846,899
 
Interest in associates
 
989
 
__
 
14,677
 
15,666
 
Non-current assetsW
 
22,262
 
__
 
944
 
23,206
 
W Non-current assets consist of properties, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.

 

 

Cash and balances with banks and other financial institutions

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Cash in hand


7,190



3,992



6,101


Balances with central banks


7,835



9,404



6,591


Balances with banks and










   other financial institutions


27,619



16,669



31,719




42,644



30,065



44,411












 

 

Placings with and advances to banks and other financial institutions

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Placings with and advances to banks










  and other financial institutions










  maturing within one month


74,083



57,557



56,437


Placings with and advances to banks










  and other financial institutions










  maturing after one month










  but less than one year


38,829



47,154



53,659


Placings with and advances to banks










  and other financial institutions










  maturing after one year


1,595



__



468




114,507



104,711



110,564


 

 

Trading assets

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Treasury bills


20,143



30,156



20,204


Certificates of deposit


435



__



18


Other debt securities


6,679



4,203



5,101


Debt securities


27,257



34,359



25,323


Equity shares


15



__



8


Total trading securities


27,272



34,359



25,331


OtherW


349



1,200



724


Total trading assets


27,621



35,559



26,055












Debt securities:










- listed in Hong Kong


4,099



3,043



3,876


- listed outside Hong Kong


107



109



170




4,206



3,152



4,046


- unlisted


23,051



31,207



21,277




27,257



34,359



25,323


Equity shares:










- listed in Hong Kong


15



__



8












Total trading securities


27,272



34,359



25,331












Debt securities:










Issued by public bodies:










- central governments and central banks


24,554



34,043



24,905


- other public sector entities


99



85



101




24,653



34,128



25,006


Issued by other bodies:










- banks


1,003



118



149


- corporate entities


1,601



113



168




2,604



231



317




27,257



34,359



25,323


Equity shares:










Issued by corporate entities


15



__



8


Total trading securities


27,272



34,359



25,331












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

 

 

Financial assets designated at fair value

 

 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2011
 
 
2010
 
 
2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Certificates of deposit
 
1
 
 
10
 
 
__
 
Other debt securities
 
4,104
 
 
4,569
 
 
4,440
 
Debt securities
 
        4,105
 
 
4,579
 
 
4,440
 
Equity shares
 
           559
 
 
137
 
 
583
 
Investment funds
 
        3,342
 
 
1,444
 
 
2,091
 
 
 
8,006
 
 
6,160
 
 
7,114
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- listed in Hong Kong
 
11
 
 
3
 
 
11
 
- listed outside Hong Kong
 
181
 
 
195
 
 
184
 
 
 
192
 
 
198
 
 
195
 
- unlisted
 
3,913
 
 
4,381
 
 
4,245
 
 
 
4,105
 
 
4,579
 
 
4,440
 
Equity shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- listed in Hong Kong
 
559
 
 
137
 
 
583
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment funds:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- listed in Hong Kong
 
23
 
 
20
 
 
23
 
- listed outside Hong Kong
 
80
 
 
57
 
 
65
 
 
 
103
 
 
77
 
 
88
 
- unlisted
 
3,239
 
 
1,367
 
 
2,003
 
 
 
3,342
 
 
1,444
 
 
2,091
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8,006
 
 
6,160
 
 
7,114
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issued by public bodies:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- central governments and central banks
 
145
 
 
151
 
 
148
 
- other public sector entities
 
54
 
 
138
 
 
105
 
 
 
199
 
 
289
 
 
253
 
Issued by other bodies:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- banks
 
3,831
 
 
4,165
 
 
4,113
 
- corporate entities
 
75
 
 
125
 
 
74
 
 
 
3,906
 
 
4,290
 
 
4,187
 
 
 
4,105
 
 
4,579
 
 
4,440
 
Equity shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issued by banks
 
66
 
 
25
 
 
69
 
Issued by public sector entities
 
15
 
 
__
 
 
15
 
Issued by corporate entities
 
478
 
 
112
 
 
499
 
 
 
559
 
 
137
 
 
583
 
Investment funds:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issued by banks
 
2,094
 
 
1,367
 
 
2,004
 
Issued by corporate entities
 
1,248
 
 
77
 
 
87
 
 
 
3,342
 
 
1,444
 
 
2,091
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8,006
 
 
6,160
 
 
7,114
 
 

 

Advances to customers

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Gross advances to customers


505,346



395,935



474,473


Less:










Loan impairment allowances:










- individually assessed


(979

)


(1,099

)


(1,118

)

- collectively assessed


(722

)


(726

)


(718

)



503,645



394,110



472,637






















 

 

Loan impairment allowances against advances to customers

 


 

 








 


 

 








 


 

Individually


Collectively





 

Figures in HK$m

 

assessed


assessed



Total


 











 

At 1 January 2011


1,118



718



1,836


 

Amounts written off


(170

)


(157

)


(327

)

 

Recoveries of advances










  written off in previous years


13



21



34


 

New impairment allowances










 

  charged to income statement

 

145



251



396


 

Impairment allowances released

 

 


 

 



 


 

  to income statement

 

(127

)


(111

)


(238

)

 

Unwinding of discount of loan

 

 


 

 



 


 

  impairment allowances

 



 






 

  recognised as 'interest income'

 

(4

)

 

(2

)


(6

)

 

Exchange


4



2



6


 

At 30 June 2011


979



722



1,701


 

 

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

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December




2011



2010



2010




%



%



%












Loan impairment allowances:










- individually assessed


0.19



0.28



0.24


- collectively assessed


0.14



0.18



0.15


Total loan impairment allowances


0.33



0.46



0.39












 

Total loan impairment allowances as a percentage of gross advances to customers was 0.33% at 30 June 2011 - six basis points lower than at the end of 2010. Individually assessed and collectively assessed allowances as a percentage of gross advances fell by five basis points to 0.19% and by one basis point to 0.14% respectively, reflecting the improved credit quality and the bank's good credit risk management control.

 

 

Impaired advances and allowances

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Gross impaired advances


1,639



2,429



1,990


Individually assessed allowances


(979

)


(1,099

)


(1,118

)



660



1,330



872












Individually assessed allowances










  as a percentage of










  gross impaired advances


59.7

%


45.2

%


56.2

%









 


Gross impaired advances










  as a percentage of gross










  advances to customers


0.3

%


0.6

%


0.4

%






 





 

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

 

Gross impaired advances declined by HK$351m, or 17.6%, to HK$1,639m compared with the year-end of 2010, with the downgrade of certain commercial banking accounts more than offset by the write-off of irrecoverable balances against impairment allowances and customer repayments. Gross impaired advances as a percentage of gross advances to customers stood at 0.3% - an improvement of 0.1 percentage point compared with the year-end of 2010.

 

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Gross individually assessed










  impaired advances


1,549



2,280



1,886


Individually assessed allowances


(979

)


(1,099

)


(1,118

)



570



1,181



768












Gross individually assessed










  impaired advances










  as a percentage of










  gross advances to customers


0.3

%


0.6

%


0.4

%











Amount of collateral which










  has been taken into account








 


  in respect of individually assessed










  impaired advances to customers


422



862



682







 





 

 

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

 

 

Overdue advances

 

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

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December





2011




2010




2010



HK$m


%


HK$m


%


HK$m


%















Gross advances to customers













  which have been overdue













  with respect to either principal













  or interest for periods of:













- more than three months but













  not more than six months

120


__


179


0.1


137


__


- more than six months but













  not more than one year

131


__


164


__


89


__


- more than one year

871


0.2


1,055


0.3


1,147


0.3



1,122


0.2


1,398


0.4


1,373


0.3


 

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

 

Overdue advances decreased by HK$251m, or 18.3%, to HK$1,122m compared with the last year-end. Overdue advances as a percentage of gross advances to customers stood at 0.2%.

 

 

Rescheduled advances

 

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

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December





2011




2010




2010



HK$m


%


HK$m


%


HK$m


%


Rescheduled advances













   to customers

169


__


258


0.1


194


__















 

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

 

Rescheduled advances decreased by HK$25m, or 12.9%, to HK$169m at 30 June 2011, representing 0.03% of gross advances to customers. The improvement was due mainly to the upgrade and repayments of customers.

 

 

Segmental analysis of advances to customers by geographical area

 

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

 

Figures in HK$m

At 30 June 2011


Gross advances to customers

Individually

 impaired

advances to customers

Overdue

advances to customers

Individually assessed allowances

Collectively assessed allowances












Hong Kong


405,258


1,264


969


830


530

Rest of Asia-Pacific


93,807


273


151


142


177

Others


6,281


12


2


7


15



505,346


1,549


1,122


979


722

 

Figures in HK$m

At 30 June 2010


Gross advances to customers

Individually

 impaired

advances to customers

Overdue

advances to customers

Individually assessed allowances

Collectively assessed allowances












Hong Kong


 350,711


 1,707


 1,025


 921


 609

Rest of Asia-Pacific


 37,170


 547


 370


 176


 101

Others


 8,054


 26


 3


 2


 16



 395,935


 2,280


 1,398


 1,099


 726

 

Figures in HK$m

At 31 December 2010


Gross advances to customers

Individually

 impaired

advances to customers

Overdue

advances to customers

Individually assessed allowances

Collectively assessed allowances












Hong Kong


392,836


1,452


1,112


838


545

Rest of Asia-Pacific


76,308


345


257


234


162

Others


5,329


89


4


46


11



474,473


1,886


1,373


1,118


718

 

 

Gross advances to customers by industry sector

 

The analysis of gross advances to customers by industry sector based on categories and definitions used by the HKMA is as follows:

 

 

At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


 


2011



2010



2010


Figures in HK$m




(restated)


(restated)












Gross advances to customers for










  use in Hong Kong




















Industrial, commercial and










  financial sectors










Property development


30,626



22,780



32,430


Property investment


103,977



86,440



100,023


Financial concerns


3,347



2,804



2,907


Stockbrokers


180



2,646



165


Wholesale and retail trade


13,129



9,993



11,339


Manufacturing


16,217



14,069



14,628


Transport and transport equipment


6,889



4,918



7,546


Recreational activities


829



37



532


Information technology


1,851



1,227



1,957


Other


22,023



23,879



20,177




199,068



168,793



191,704


Individuals










Advances for the purchase of flats under










  the Government Home Ownership










  Scheme, Private Sector Participation










  Scheme and Tenants Purchase Scheme


14,471



14,179



14,834


Advances for the purchase of other










  residential properties


105,841



102,566



112,394


Credit card advances


16,362



14,289



15,735


Other


14,610



13,363



13,776




151,284



144,397



156,739


Total gross advances for










  use in Hong Kong


350,352



313,190



348,443


Trade finance


80,223



29,319



63,660


Gross advances for










  use outside Hong Kong


74,771



53,426



62,370


Gross advances to customers


505,346



395,935



474,473












 

 

Gross advances to customers grew by HK$30.9bn, or 6.5%, to HK$505.3bn compared with the end of 2010.

 

Loans for use in Hong Kong increased by HK$1.9bn, or 0.5%. Lending to the industrial, commercial and financial sectors grew by 3.8%. Lending to the property investment and financial concerns (including financial vehicles) sectors grew by 4.0% and 15.1% respectively while lending to property development fell by 5.6%, due mainly to repayments by large corporate customers. The bank was an active participant in Hong Kong government-organised schemes to support SMEs, and recorded loan growth of 15.8% to the wholesale and retail trade sector and 10.9% to manufacturing. Growth in lending to 'Other' was attributable to certain new working capital financing for large corporate customers.

 

Lending to individuals decreased by 3.5% against the last year-end. Residential mortgage lending to individuals declined by 5.8%, as a result of the bank's focus towards prime-based mortgage lending. The decrease was also affected by the intense market competition and new government measures to cool the property market. Credit card advances grew by 4.0%, supported by a year-on-year rise of 14.7% in the number of cards in circulation and a 17.5% increase in cardholder spending. Other loans to individuals were up 6.1%, reflecting the bank's successful efforts to prudently expand personal lending.

 

Riding on recovering global demand and a rebound in export markets, the bank grew trade finance lending by 26.0%. Commercial Banking strengthened its cross-border service proposition to offer a full range of renminbi commercial banking services and to serve the growing demand from customers for renminbi-related financial solutions as well as trade refinancing lending to other banks on the Mainland.

 

Loans for use outside Hong Kong rose by 19.9%, compared with the end of 2010, driven largely by lending on the Mainland. The mainland loan portfolio increased by 10.5% to HK$40.2bn, underpinned by the expansion of renminbi lending to corporate borrowers. The group remained vigilant in assessing credit risk in increasing lending on the Mainland.

 

 

Financial investments

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Available-for-sale at fair value:










- debt securities


151,851



193,786



142,732


- equity shares


300



301



326


Held-to-maturity debt securities










   at amortised cost


58,305



53,193



56,301




210,456



247,280



199,359












Fair value of held-to-maturity debt securities


61,976



56,328



58,327












Treasury bills


30,533



62,962



18,010


Certificates of deposit


8,150



7,005



6,713


Other debt securities


171,473



177,012



174,310


Debt securities


210,156



246,979



199,033


Equity shares


300



301



326




210,456



247,280



199,359












Debt securities:










- listed in Hong Kong


17,247



9,168



9,783


- listed outside Hong Kong


58,373



73,831



67,139




75,620



82,999



76,922


- unlisted


134,536



163,980



122,111




210,156



246,979



199,033


Equity shares:










- listed in Hong Kong


53



45



47


- listed outside Hong Kong


23



58



64




76



103



111


- unlisted


224



198



215




300



301



326




210,456



247,280



199,359












Fair value of listed financial investments


76,347



83,561



77,403












Debt securities:










Issued by public bodies:










- central governments and central banks


63,135



78,730



39,007


- other public sector entities


27,592



20,947



23,041




90,727



99,677



62,048


Issued by other bodies:










- banks


101,455



129,462



119,300


- corporate entities


17,974



17,840



17,685




119,429



147,302



136,985




210,156



246,979



199,033


Equity shares:










Issued by corporate entities


300



301



326




210,456



247,280



199,359












 

Debt securities by rating agency designation

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December

Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010










AAA


80,402



87,424



79,046

AA- to AA+


73,951



94,497



59,924

A- to A+


50,869



59,869



54,927

B+ to BBB+


3,930



2,048



3,072

B and lower


__



__



__

Unrated


1,004



3,141



2,064



210,156



246,979



199,033

 

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

 

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

 

Financial investments rose by HK$11.1bn, or 5.6%, compared with the last year-end. Investments were primarily in high-quality debt securities or debt securities guaranteed by governments, reflecting the bank's strategy of identifying quality investment opportunities that enable it to optimise returns while prudently managing risk. At 30 June 2011, 99.5% of the group's holdings of debt securities were assigned investment grade ratings by rating agencies. The unrated debt securities were issued by subsidiaries of investment-grade banks and are guaranteed by their corresponding holding companies. These notes rank equally with all of the respective guarantor's other senior debt obligations. The group did not hold any investments in structured investment vehicles or any sub-prime related assets such as collateralised debt obligations, mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities.

 

 

Interest in associates

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Share of net assets


16,454



13,310



15,119


Intangibles


70



94



84


Goodwill


464



437



463




16,988



13,841



15,666


 

Interest in associates rose by HK$1,322m, due mainly to the increase in the bank's share of net assets of Industrial Bank.

 

 

Intangible assets

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Present value of in-force long-term  










  insurance business


5,232



3,933



4,593


Internally developed software


363



408



429


Acquired software


42



36



43


Goodwill


329



329



329




5,966



4,706



5,394


 

 

Other assets

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Items in the course of collection










  from other banks


8,865



5,393



4,673


Prepayments and accrued income


2,675



2,160



2,259


Assets held for sale










- Repossessed assets


12



19



12


- Other assets held for sale


217



18



206


Acceptances and endorsements


4,393



4,662



3,751


Retirement benefit assets


89



77



95


Other accounts


1,722



1,805



1,310




17,973



14,134



12,306














 

 

Current, savings and other deposit accounts

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Current, savings and










  other deposit accounts:










- as stated in consolidated










  balance sheet


703,321



650,859



683,628


- structured deposits reported as










  trading liabilities


25,393



17,499



20,852




728,714



668,358



704,480


By type:










- demand and current accounts


56,315



54,432



59,116


- savings accounts


452,158



426,942



466,158


- time and other deposits


220,241



186,984



179,206




728,714



668,358



704,480


 

 

Certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Certificates of deposit and 










  other debt securities in issue:










- as stated in consolidated










  balance sheet


8,146



1,360



3,095


- structured certificates of deposit










  and other debt securities in issue










  reported as trading liabilities


3,903



2,508



2,738




12,049



3,868



5,833












By type:










- certificates of deposit in issue


8,146



1,574



3,121


- other debt securities in issue


3,903



2,294



2,712




12,049



3,868



5,833












 

Customer deposits and certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue stood at HK$740.8bn at 30 June 2011 - a rise of 4.3% from the end of 2010. Higher growth was recorded in time deposits but partly offset by the fall in savings balances. Structured deposits and other structured certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue increased, due primarily to a total amount of US$500m US dollar certificates of deposit issued during the first half of 2011.Deposits with Hang Seng China also rose by 20.5%, driven mainly by renminbi deposits. 

 

 

Trading liabilities

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Structured certificates of deposit and










  other debt securities in issue


3,903



2,508



2,738


Structured deposits


25,393



17,499



20,852


Short positions in securities and others


30,129



20,782



18,991




59,425



40,789



42,581












 

 

Other liabilities

 


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010












Items in the course of transmission










  to other banks


6,622



12,540



7,208


Accruals


2,409



1,930



2,385


Acceptances and endorsements


4,393



4,662



3,751


Retirement benefit liabilities


2,232



1,903



1,718


Other


2,269



2,828



1,956




17,925



23,863



17,018












 

 

Subordinated liabilities

 



At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m



2011



2010



2010













Nominal value

Description





















Amount owed to third parties





















US$450m

Callable floating rate











  subordinated notes











  due July 2016W


3,501



3,498



3,495













US$300m

Callable floating rate











  subordinated notes











  due July 2017


2,333



2,331



2,328













Amount owed to HSBC Group undertakings





















US$260m

Callable floating rate











  subordinated loan debt


__



2,024



__



  due December 2015WW








 











 


US$775m

Floating rate








 



  subordinated loan debt








 



  due December 2020WW


6,031



__



6,025





11,865



7,853



11,848


Representing:











- measured at amortised cost


11,865



7,853



11,848


- designated at fair value


__



__



__





11,865



7,853



11,848













 

 

WAfter the period under review, the bank redeemed all the US$450m floating rate subordinated notes due 2016 at par on 6 July 2011.

 

WW The bank  exercised its option to redeem this subordinated loan debt at par of US$260m and replenished it by a new issue of US$775m subordinated loan debt in December 2010.   

 

 

The outstanding subordinated notes, which qualify as supplementary capital, serve to help the bank maintain a more balanced capital structure and support business growth.

 

 

Shareholders' funds

 


At 30 June


At 30 June

At 31 December



Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010

























Share capital


9,559



9,559



9,559



Retained profits


46,551



40,474



42,966



Premises revaluation reserve


10,732



8,356



9,426



Cash flow hedging reserve


72



63



72



Available-for-sale investment reserve


43



48



202



Capital redemption reserve


98



99



99



Other reserves


4,517



3,518



4,055



Total reserves


62,013



52,558



56,820





71,572



62,117



66,379



Proposed dividends


2,103



2,103



3,633



Shareholders' funds


73,675



64,220



70,012














Return on average shareholders' funds


%

22.8

%

23.5

%












 

Shareholders' funds (excluding proposed dividends) grew by HK$5,193m, or 7.8%, to HK$71,572m at 30 June 2011. Retained profits rose by HK$3,585m, mainly reflecting the growth in attributable profit (excluding first and second interim dividends) during the period. The premises revaluation reserve increased by HK$1,306m on the back of continued robust growth in the property market during the first half of 2011.

 

The available-for-sale investment reserve showed a surplus of HK$43m compared with a surplus of HK$202m at the year-end of 2010. The group assessed that there were no impaired debt securities during the period and, accordingly, no impairment loss has been recognised.

 

The return on average shareholders' funds was 22.7%, compared with 22.8% and 23.5% for the first and second halves of 2010 respectively.

 

There was no purchase, sale or redemption by the bank, or any of its subsidiaries, of the bank's securities during the first half of 2011. After the period under review, the bank redeemed all the US$450m floating rate subordinated notes due 2016 at par on 6 July 2011.

 

 

Capital resources management

 

Analysis of capital base and risk-weighted assets


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December



Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010













Core capital:











Paid-up ordinary share capital


9,559



9,559



9,559














- Reserves per balance sheet


62,013



52,558



56,820



- Unconsolidated subsidiaries


(6,882

)


(5,629

)


(6,268

)


- Cash flow hedging reserve


(72

)


(63

)


(72

)


- Regulatory reserve


(2,889

)


(1,254

)


(1,654

)


- Reserves arising from revaluation of











  property and unrealised gains on











  available-for-sale equities and debt securities


(15,136

)


(12,435

)


(13,585

)


- Own credit spread 


__



__



__



Total reserves included in core capital


37,034



33,177



35,241














- Goodwill and intangible assets


(939

)


(972

)


(1,019

)


- 50% of unconsolidated investments


(10,693

)


(8,822

)


(9,725

)


- 50% of securitisation positions and











  other deductions


(158

)


(264

)


(158

)


Deductions


(11,790

)


(10,058

)


(10,902

)













Total core capital


34,803



32,678



33,898





 






 



Supplementary capital:


 






 



- Term subordinated debt


11,865



7,893



11,848



- Property revaluation reserves 1


5,894



5,894



5,894



- Available-for-sale investments











  revaluation reserves 2


226



478



396



- Regulatory reserve 3


318



138



182



- Collective impairment allowances 3


77



75



77



- Excess impairment allowances over











  expected losses 4


1,373



__



306



Supplementary capital before deductions


19,753



14,478



18,703














- 50% of unconsolidated investments


(10,693

)


(8,822

)


(9,725

)


- 50% of securitisation positions and











  other deductions


(158

)


(264

)


(158

)


Deductions


(10,851

)


(9,086

)


(9,883

)













Total supplementary capital


8,902



5,392



8,820














Capital base


43,705



38,070



42,718














Risk-weighted assets











- Credit risk


279,207



255,927



274,969



- Market risk


2,099



1,405



1,615



- Operational risk


36,137



37,576



36,853





317,443



294,908



313,437













Capital adequacy ratio


13.8

%

12.9

%

13.6

%

Core capital ratio


11.0

%

11.1

%

10.8

%

 

 

Reserves and deductible items


At 30 June


At 30 June


At 31 December


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010



2010


 

 

 

 







Published reserves


34,309



30,955



31,741


Profit and loss account


2,725



2,222



3,500


Total reserves included in core capital

 

37,034



33,177



35,241












Total of items deductible 50% from core capital










  and 50% from supplementary capital


21,702



18,172



19,766


 

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

 

2 Includes adjustments made in accordance with Banking (Capital) rules.

 

3 Total regulatory reserve and collective impairment allowances are apportioned between the standardised approach and internal ratings-based approach in accordance with Banking (Capital) rules. Those apportioned to the standardised approach are included in supplementary capital. Those apportioned to the internal ratings-based approach are excluded from supplementary capital.

 

4 Excess impairment allowances over expected losses are applicable to non-securitisation exposures calculated by using the internal ratings-based approach.

 

Capital ratios at 30 June 2011 were compiled in accordance with the Banking (Capital) Rules ('the Capital Rules') issued by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority ('HKMA') under section 98A of the Hong Kong Banking Ordinance for the implementation of Basel II, which came into effect on 1 January 2007. The bank used the advanced internal ratings-based approach to calculate its credit risk exposure which was approved by the HKMA effective 1 January 2009. The standardised (operational risk) approach and internal models approach were used to calculate its operational risk and market risk respectively.

 

At 30 June 2011, the capital adequacy ratio and core capital ratio were 13.8% and 11.0% respectively, compared with 13.6% and 10.8% at the year-end of 2010.  

 

Capital adequacy and core capital ratios rose slightly by 0.2 percentage point, mainly due to profit growth after accounting for dividends in the first half of the year, partly offset by the increase in risk-weighted assets.

 

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

  

To satisfy the provisions of the Hong Kong Banking Ordinance and regulatory requirements for prudential supervision purposes, the group has earmarked a regulatory reserve from retained profits. In accordance with updated guidance from the HKMA, the regulatory reserve has been increased to HK$2,889m (HK$1,254m and HK$1,654m at 30 June 2010 and 31 December 2010 respectively).

 

 

Liquidity ratio

 

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

 


Half-year ended


Half-year ended


Half-year ended




30 June



30 June


31 December




2011



2010



2010


The Bank and its subsidiaries










  designated by the HKMA


33.3

%


42.0

%


34.1

%



 

Reconciliation of cash flow statement

 

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

 

 

Half-year ended


Half-year ended


 


30 June



30 June


Figures in HK$m       


2011



2010









Operating profit


7,129



6,697


Net interest income


(7,637

)


(6,713

)

Dividend income


(6

)


(4

)

Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions


158



153


Impairment loss of intangible assets


78



__


Depreciation


347



306


Amortisation of intangible assets


58



49


Amortisation of available-for-sale investments


(15

)


68


Amortisation of held-to-maturity debt securities


2



2


Advances written off net of recoveries


(293

)


(283

)

Interest received


8,784



7,090


Interest paid


(1,772

)


(943

)

Operating profit before changes in working capital


6,833



6,422


Change in treasury bills and certificates of deposit







  with original maturity more than three months


(13,198

)


(9,028

)

Change in placings with and advances to banks







  maturing after one month


15,298



(19,182

)

Change in trading assets


(18,327

)


6,367


Change in financial assets designated at fair value


106



189


Change in derivative financial instruments


109



1,670


Change in advances to customers


(35,547

)


(49,359

)

Change in other assets


(10,422

)


(12,352

)

Change in financial liabilities designated at fair value


__



(2

)

Change in current, savings and other deposit accounts


19,693



14,490


Change in deposits from banks


3,866



8,091


Change in trading liabilities


16,844



2,398


Change in certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue

5,051



(466

)

Change in other liabilities


5,300



17,672


Elimination of exchange differences and other non-cash items


(4,290

)


(605

)

Cash used in operating activities


(8,684

)


(33,695

)

Taxation paid


(55

)


(37

)

Net cash outflow from operating activities


(8,739

)


(33,732

)

 

 

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

 

At 30 June


At 30 June


Figures in HK$m


2011



2010









Cash and balances with banks and







  other financial institutions


42,644



30,065


Placings with and advances to banks and other







  financial institutions maturing within one month


71,528



55,784


Treasury bills


3,998



13,851


Certificates of deposit


__



732




118,170



100,432


 

 

Contingent liabilities, commitments and derivatives





Credit


Risk-



Contract

equivalent

weighted


Figures in HK$m

amounts

amounts

amounts










At 30 June 2011
















Direct credit substitutes


4,856


4,711


3,387


Transaction-related contingencies


462


58


32


Trade-related contingencies


11,064


1,115


660


Forward asset purchases


49


49


49


Undrawn formal standby facilities, credit lines








  and other commitments to lend:








- not unconditionally cancellable W


30,334


15,289


6,213


- unconditionally cancellable


218,351


72,752


23,080




265,116


93,974


33,421


Exchange rate contracts:








Spot and forward foreign exchange


505,747


2,993


1,906


Other exchange rate contracts


92,518


2,489


1,621




598,265


5,482


3,527


Interest rate contracts:








Interest rate swaps


361,412


2,744


969


Other interest rate contracts


__


__


__




361,412


2,744


969










Other derivative contracts


11,172


719


238


 

W The contract amounts for undrawn formal standby facilities, credit lines and other commitments to lend with original maturity of 'not more than one year' and 'more than one year' were HK$11,109m and HK$19,225m respectively.

 

 





Credit


Risk-



Contract

equivalent

weighted


Figures in HK$m

amounts

amounts

amounts










At 30 June 2010
















Direct credit substitutes


3,377


3,246


2,182


Transaction-related contingencies


889


540


389


Trade-related contingencies


10,897


3,061


1,736


Forward asset purchases


44


44


44


Undrawn formal standby facilities, credit lines








  and other commitments to lend:








- not unconditionally cancellable


31,767


16,115


7,736


- unconditionally cancellable


168,893


57,439


16,463




215,867


80,445


28,550


Exchange rate contracts:








Spot and forward foreign exchange


431,420


5,701


950


Other exchange rate contracts


74,168


2,500


1,436




505,588


8,201


2,386


Interest rate contracts:








Interest rate swaps


272,830


2,638


558


Other interest rate contracts


143


__


__




272,973


2,638


558










Other derivative contracts


6,982


473


100










 

 





Credit


Risk-



Contract

equivalent

weighted


Figures in HK$m

amounts

amounts

amounts










At 31 December 2010
















Direct credit substitutes


4,365


4,220


3,231


Transaction-related contingencies


455


337


168


Trade-related contingencies


10,593


3,516


2,008


Forward asset purchases


51


51


51


Undrawn formal standby facilities, credit lines








  and other commitments to lend:








- not unconditionally cancellable


38,273


17,788


7,479


- unconditionally cancellable


198,724


66,852


20,649




252,461


92,764


33,586


Exchange rate contracts:








Spot and forward foreign exchange


431,732


2,738


1,417


Other exchange rate contracts


59,222


1,258


712




490,954


3,996


2,129


Interest rate contracts:








Interest rate swaps


340,076


2,522


602


Other interest rate contracts


25


__


__




340,101


2,522


602










Other derivative contracts


7,729


505


137










 

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

 

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

 

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

 


At 30 June 2011


At 30 June 2010


At 31 December 2010

Figures in HK$m

Trading


Designated at fair value


Hedging


Trading


Designated at fair value


Hedging


Trading


Designated at fair value


Hedging



















Contract amounts:


















Interest rate contracts

287,771


140


74,338


178,553


140


94,461


236,030


140


105,511

Exchange rate contracts

766,754


-


-


641,169


134


-


601,220


769


-

Other derivative contracts

25,080


-


-


15,394


-


-


16,891


-


-


1,079,605


140


74,338


835,116


274


94,461


854,141


909


105,511



















Derivative assets:


















Interest rate contracts

2,091


-


396


1,650


-


302


1,748


-


511

Exchange rate contracts

2,763

-


-


2,260


 

 

 

-


 

 

 

-


2,721


-


-

Other derivative contracts

428


-


-


433


-


-


613


-


-


5,282


-


396


4,343


-


302


5,082


-


511



















Derivative liabilities:


















Interest rate contracts

1,602


7


1,126


1,687


11


1,147


1,557


9


974

Exchange rate contracts

1,853


-


-


2,405


 

 

 

2


 

 

 

-


2,031


3


-

Other derivative contracts

289


-


-


264


-


-


109


-


-


3,744


7


1,126


4,356


13


1,147


3,697


12


974



















 

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

 

 

Additional information

 

1. Statutory accounts and accounting policies

 

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

 

Certain financial information in this news release is extracted from the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2010 ('2010 accounts'), which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and the HKMA. The auditors expressed an unqualified opinion on those statutory accounts in their report dated 28 February 2011.

 

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

 

The accounting policies and methods of computation adopted by the group for this news release are consistent with those described on pages 104 to 125 of the 2010 Annual Report and Accounts. A number of new and revised Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards have become effective in 2011. None has a material impact on the group.

 

 

2. Comparative figures

 

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

 

 

3. Property revaluation

 

The group's premises and investment properties were revalued at 30 June 2011 by DTZ Debenham Tie Leung Limited. The valuation was carried out by qualified persons who are members of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors. The basis of the valuation of premises was open market value for existing use and the basis of valuation for investment properties was open market value. The net revaluation surplus for group premises amounted to HK$1,711m, of which HK$1,720m was credited to the premises revaluation reserve and HK$9m was debited to the income statement. Revaluation gains of HK$409m on investment properties were recognised through the income statement. The related deferred tax provisions for group premises and investment properties were HK$283m and HK$67m respectively.

 

The revaluation exercise also covered business premises/investment properties reclassified as properties held for sale. The revaluation gain of HK$11m was recognised through the income statement.

 

 

4. Foreign currency positions

 

The group's foreign exchange exposures mainly comprise foreign exchange dealing by Treasury and currency exposures originated by its banking business. The latter are transferred to Treasury where they are centrally managed within foreign exchange position limits approved by the Risk Management Committee. The net options position is calculated on the basis of delta-weighted positions of all foreign exchange options contracts. Structural foreign exchange positions arising from capital investment in associates, subsidiaries and branches outside Hong Kong, mainly in US dollar and Chinese renminbi as set out below, are managed by the Asset and Liability Management Committee ('ALCO'). At 30 June 2011, the US dollar ('US$') was the currency in which the group had non-structural foreign currency positions that was not less than 10% of the total net position in all foreign currencies. The group also had a Chinese renminbi ('RMB') structural foreign currency position, which was not less than 10% of the total net structural position in all foreign currencies.

 

Figures in HK$m

US$


RMB


GBP


JPY


EUR


CAD


CHF


AUD


NZD


GOL


Other foreign currencies


Total foreign currencies









 


 


 














At 30 June 2011







 


 


 





















 


 


 














Non-structural position







 


 


 














Spot assets

202,504


117,668


13,205


4,191


10,972


14,039


179


49,941


8,119


2,805


822


424,445


Spot liabilities

(138,668

)

(116,524

)

(16,030

)

(1,849

)

(11,831

)

(15,192

)

(536

)

(47,971

)

(10,706

)

(3,741

)

(2,188

)

(365,236

)

Forward purchases

272,831


109,050


7,834


11,136


7,088


2,118


1,322


9,764


6,615


1,649


3,903


433,310


Forward sales

(335,242

)

(110,238

)

(5,020

)

(13,546

)

(6,268

)

(969

)

(1,000

)

(11,679

)

(4,044

)

(745

)

(2,499

)

(491,250

)

Net options position

67


(44

)

1


__


(6

)

2


__


__


(14

)

__


__


6


Net long/(short)

























  non-structural 
position

1,492


(88

)

(10

)

(68

)

(45

)

(2

)

(35

)

55


(30

)

(32

)

38


1,275



























Structural position

206


21,827


__


__


__


__


__


__


__


__


273


22,306


 

Figures in HK$m

US$


RMB


GBP


JPY


EUR


CAD


CHF


AUD


NZD


GOL


Other foreign currencies


Total foreign currencies







 




 


 














At 30 June 2010





 




 


 



















 




 


 














Non-structural position





 




 


 














Spot assets

230,684


52,221


8,183


10,398


8,852


6,938


248


20,071


5,097


525


36,572


379,789


Spot liabilities

(152,310

)

(52,694

)

(10,167

)

(1,753

)

(9,647

)

(8,996

)

(684

)

(31,777

)

(10,204

)

(2,495

)

(38,003

)

(318,730

)

Forward purchases

236,686


42,463


6,367


11,271


6,483


2,599


681


16,747


6,494


2,854


1,955


334,600


Forward sales

(315,026

)

(42,216

)

(4,447

)

(19,916

)

(5,826

)

(551

)

(208

)

(5,096

)

(1,287

)

(851

)

(542

)

(395,966

)

Net options position

(68

)

__


4


__


70


(2

)

__


92


(104

)

__


__


(8

)

Net long/(short)

























  non-structural position

(34

)

(226

)

(60

)

__


(68

)

(12

)

37


37


(4

)

33


(18

)

(315

)


























Structural position

286


18,144


__


__


__


__


__


__


__


__


285


18,715



























Figures in HK$m

US$


RMB


GBP


JPY


EUR


CAD


CHF


AUD


NZD


GOL


Other foreign currencies


Total foreign currencies







 




 


 














At 31 December 2010





 




 


 



















 




 


 














Non-structural position





 




 


 














Spot assets

246,638


93,067


13,026


8,985


11,068


13,933


191


43,643


9,017


2,169


974


442,711


Spot liabilities

(155,377

)

(88,666

)

(15,470

)

(1,912

)

(12,393

)

(14,882

)

(549

)

(41,953

)

(11,658

)

(3,404

)

(3,034

)

(349,298

)

Forward purchases

228,982


72,661


7,130


8,932


3,735


2,431


1,347


8,340


3,909


2,919


3,423


343,809


Forward sales

(319,494

)

(77,799

)

(4,810

)

(16,151

)

(2,497

)

(1,449

)

(964

)

(9,885

)

(1,341

)

(1,559

)

(1,359

)

(437,308

)

Net options position

133


(41

)

__


(5

)

(55

)

(7

)

__


(71

)

60


__


__


14


Net long/(short)

























  non-structural position

882


(778

)

(124

)

(151

)

(142

)

26


25


74


(13

)

125


4


(72

)


























Structural position

206


20,124


__


__


__


__


__


__


__


__


238


20,568







 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 

5. Ultimate holding company

 

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

 

 

6. Register of shareholders

 

The register of shareholders of the bank will be closed on Wednesday, 17 August 2011, during which no transfer of shares can be registered. In order to qualify for the second interim dividend, all transfers, accompanied by the relevant share certificates, must be lodged with the bank's registrars, Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited, Shops 1712-1716, 17th Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen's Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong, for registration no later than 4:30 pm on Tuesday, 16 August 2011. The second interim dividend will be payable on Thursday, 1 September 2011, to shareholders whose names appear on the register of shareholders of the bank on Wednesday, 17 August 2011. Shares of the bank will be traded ex-dividend as from Monday, 15 August 2011.

 

 

7. Proposed timetable for the remaining 2011 quarterly dividends

 


Third

Fourth


interim dividend

interim dividend




Announcement

7 November 2011

27 February 2012

Book close and record date

23 November 2011

14 March 2012

Payment date

8 December 2011

29 March 2012

 

 

8. Code on Corporate Governance Practices

 

The bank is committed to high standards of corporate governance. The bank has followed the module on 'Corporate Governance of Locally Incorporated Authorised Institutions' under the Supervisory Policy Manual issued by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and has fully complied with all the code provisions and most of the recommended best practices as set out in the Code on Corporate Governance Practices contained in Appendix 14 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited throughout the six months ended 30 June 2011.

 

The Audit Committee of the bank has reviewed the results of the bank for the six months ended 30 June 2011.

 

 

9. Board of Directors

 

At 1 August 2011, the Board of Directors of the Bank comprises Dr Raymond K F Ch'ien* (Chairman), Mrs Margaret Leung (Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive), Dr John C C Chan*, Dr Marvin K T Cheung*, Ms L Y Chiang*, Dr Fred Zuliu Hu*, Mr Jenkin Hui*, Ms Sarah C Legg#, Mr William W Leung, Dr Eric K C Li*, Dr Vincent H S Lo#, Mr Mark S McCombe#, Mrs Dorothy K Y P Sit#, Mr Richard Y S Tang*, Mr Peter T S Wong# and Mr Michael W K Wu*.

 

*   Independent non-executive Directors

#   Non-executive Directors

 

 

10. News release

 

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

 

The Interim Report 2011, which contains all disclosures required by the Banking (Disclosure) Rules issued by the HKMA, will be published on the websites of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and the bank on the date of the issue of this news release. Printed copies of the Interim Report 2011 will be sent to shareholders in late August 2011.

 

Media enquiries to:

Walter Cheung                                     Telephone: (852) 2198 4020

Ruby Chan                                           Telephone: (852) 2198 4236

 

 


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