1 March 2010
HANG SENG BANK LIMITED
2009 RESULTS - HIGHLIGHTS
· Operating profit down 2.9 per cent to HK$13,324 million (HK$13,725 million in 2008).
· Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions down 14.3 per cent to HK$14,136 million (HK$16,501 million in 2008).
· Profit before tax down 2.5 per cent to HK$15,477 million (HK$15,878 million in 2008).
· Attributable profit down 6.2 per cent to HK$13,221 million (HK$14,099 million in 2008).
· Return on average shareholders' funds of 24.6 per cent (26.0 per cent in 2008).
· Assets up 8.4 per cent to HK$826.0 billion (HK$762.2 billion at 31 December 2008).
· Earnings per share down 6.1 per cent to HK$6.92 per share (HK$7.37 per share in 2008).
· Fourth interim dividend of HK$1.90 per share; total dividends of HK$5.20 per share for 2009 (HK$6.30 per share in 2008).
· Capital adequacy ratio of 15.8 per cent (12.5 per cent at 31 December 2008); core capital ratio of 12.8 per cent (9.5 per cent at 31 December 2008).
· Cost efficiency ratio of 32.1 per cent (29.2 per cent in 2008).
Within this document, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China has been referred to as 'Hong Kong'.
Contents
Results Summary
Customer Group Performance
Mainland Business
Consolidated Income Statement
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
Financial Review
Net interest income
Net fee income
Trading income
Net loss 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
Analysis of assets and liabilities by remaining maturity
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
Amounts due from/to immediate holding company and fellow subsidiary companies
Investments 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 2010 quarterly dividends
Code on corporate governance practices
Board of Directors
News release
Comment by Raymond Ch'ien, Chairman
The effects of the global financial crisis continued to dominate operating conditions in 2009.
In the unstable economic environment, we remained focused on our long-term growth objectives, taking steps to support both personal and commercial customers while better aligning our business for future expansion.
We helped promote economic recovery through active involvement in Hong Kong Government-led lending schemes for small and medium-sized enterprises and by facilitating trade with a wide range of cross-border renminbi services.
Capitalising on our strong wealth management capabilities, we developed investment and insurance solutions that provided greater financial peace of mind in uncertain markets.
We leveraged our trusted brand and time-to-market advantage to maintain momentum in core areas of business, serve the diverse needs and interests of investors, and lay the groundwork for future development in new markets.
Our efforts have earned us the continuing loyalty of existing customers and are helping us build bridges to new ones, which will prove important business drivers as the economy returns to a firmer footing.
We remain committed to enhancing shareholder value through careful risk management and cost control while investing in our operations to promote sustainable growth over the long term.
Financial Performance
Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions was down 14.3 per cent at HK$14,136 million. Operating profit declined by 2.9 per cent to HK$13,324 million, with good credit risk management and improving economic conditions in the second half leading to a significant drop in loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions.
Profit before tax fell by 2.5 per cent to HK$15,477 million.
Profit attributable to shareholders was down 6.2 per cent at HK$13,221 million. Earnings per share were HK$6.92 - a drop of 6.1 per cent compared with a year earlier.
Lower staff-related expenses and further emphasis on cost containment resulted in a 1.8 per cent reduction in operating expenses to HK$6,676 million. However, net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions was down 10.7 per cent at HK$20,812 million, due mainly to the adverse impact of low interest rates on deposit spreads and mortgage portfolio pricing. With the reduction in operating expenses outpaced by the drop in income, our cost efficiency ratio rose to 32.1 per cent.
Return on average shareholders' funds was 24.6 per cent, compared with 26.0 per cent in 2008. Return on average total assets was down 0.2 percentage points at 1.7 per cent.
On 31 December 2009, our capital adequacy and core capital ratios were 15.8 per cent and 12.8 per cent respectively, as calculated using the 'advanced internal ratings-based approach' under Basel II, compared with 12.5 per cent and 9.5 per cent respectively as calculated using the 'foundation internal ratings-based approach' under Basel II at the end of 2008.
After careful consideration of our capital needs for future business opportunities, particularly in mainland China, as well as additional capital requirements under potential changes in the regulatory environment, the Directors have declared a fourth interim dividend of HK$1.90 per share, payable on 31 March 2010. This brings the total distribution for 2009 to HK$5.20 per share.
Outlook
Following the implementation of unprecedented monetary and fiscal stimulus programmes by many of the world's leading economies, we are starting to see tentative signs of broad-based recovery.
Hong Kong's key economic indicators have begun to improve, with the domestic sector taking the lead. Exports registered a year-on-year increase in November 2009 after 12 consecutive months of contraction. However, the pace of expansion in many major economies will be modest at best in 2010 with external demand remaining subdued. A sustained upturn in external sector activity will be crucial in getting Hong Kong's outward-facing economy back on a solid growth track.
Supported by the Central Government's RMB4 trillion package of economic stimulus initiatives, domestic demand has driven continued growth on the Mainland - albeit at a more moderate pace than pre-crisis levels. The relatively loose monetary and fiscal policies in place during 2009 have led to surging asset prices and concerns about overheating. But with economic recovery still in its infancy, the government will likely continue to fine-tune current policies rather than make dramatic changes that may undermine growth.
Against this backdrop, we are cautiously optimistic for 2010. The global recovery will bring new and renewed business opportunities. At the same time, challenges remain. The low interest rates that are likely to persist until at least the second half of this year and keen competition in the financial sector will continue to put pressure on margins.
We will use our competitive strengths - including our widely respected brand, customer service excellence and efficient business model - to deepen customer relationships, reinforce our strong market position and take advantage of new avenues of business growth.
Review by Margaret Leung, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive
The economic environment in 2009 created both challenges and opportunities for Hang Seng.
Despite difficult operating conditions, our long-term goals continued to guide our strategy. We made good use of our competitive strengths to serve the different financial needs of our customers, maintain momentum in core areas of business and strengthen our platform for future growth.
Competitive pressures grew during the year as banks sought to capture business flows in recovering market segments. New rules on the physical segregation of investment and banking services in Hong Kong necessitated the reorganisation of wealth management services during the second half of the year. Assisted by our strong brand, we emphasised service excellence in differentiating ourselves from our peers.
With continued financial market uncertainty in the first half of the year, we provided enhanced insurance protection offerings and defensive investment opportunities. As the outlook of investors improved during the second half, we capitalised on our time-to-market advantage to launch products in line with changing trends and to tap new areas of business with good growth potential.
Leveraging our strong balance sheet and good credit risk management capabilities, we assisted customers through the prudent expansion of our lending portfolios. Deposits also increased but low interest rates put significant downward pressure on spreads.
Our early actions to tackle the challenges the global financial crisis as well as the improving economic conditions resulted in better performances by our core revenue drivers in the second half of 2009 compared with the first half.
We also worked to provide greater choice over when and where customers manage their finances, particularly by enhancing our online and mobile phone platforms. The number of Personal e-Banking and Business e-Banking customers grew by 12.8 per cent and 19.0 per cent respectively.
In mainland China, our subsidiary bank, Hang Seng Bank (China) Limited, extended its service reach by adding outlets and building new business alliances. Close collaboration between colleagues on the Mainland and in Hong Kong led to new wealth management products and the strengthening of cross-border capabilities - supporting good growth in the mainland customer base.
Customer Groups
Personal Financial Services
Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and profit before tax for the second half of 2009 were up 8.4 per cent and 9.3 per cent respectively compared with the first half.
Although customer deposits and advances to individuals both increased, interest margins on deposits and the mortgage portfolio fell, resulting in a 5.8 per cent reduction in Personal Financial Services' net interest income to HK$8,195 million.
Despite subdued investment sentiment, we kept wealth management income broadly steady at HK$4,672 million - down 2.4 per cent compared with 2008. Revenue from wealth management in the second half of 2009 increased by 14.7 per cent compared with the first half.
With continuing economic uncertainty in the first half of the year, we emphasised financial security, shifting our sales focus to personal insurance protection and lower-risk investment products.
As market conditions began to stabilise, we used our new Securities Select Customer Trading Centre and attractive IPO investment services to capitalise on renewed interest in securities trading, increasing our market share and the number of securities accounts. We launched new Hang Seng-branded funds with China themes that were well received by customers. These actions helped drive a 36.8 per cent rise in investment income in the second half of the year compared with the first half, with increases across all major revenue streams.
In August, we became the first Hong Kong financial institution to achieve a dual listing of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in Taiwan, increasing our profile and opening up a new avenue of future business.
Overall, investment income dropped by 23.2 per cent for 2009. The 15.2 per cent growth in revenue from stockbroking and related services was outweighed by declines in income from investment funds and structured investment products, which fell by 49.1 per cent and 57.1 per cent respectively. Private Banking service fee income dropped by 38.9 per cent, reflecting the reduced level of investment activity.
New and enhanced insurance products offered protection strategies for a diverse range of life stages. Total policies in-force increased by 10.1 per cent and annualised premiums rose by 14.7 per cent to HK$13.7 billion.
Life insurance income rose by 46.8 per cent, due mainly to our proactive management of the life insurance funds investment portfolio - which resulted in a HK$17 million investment gain for 2009 compared with a HK$1,063 million loss in 2008 - as well as the increase in net interest income arising from the growth in the portfolio and asset re-allocation.
Effective promotional campaigns drove good all-round growth in our credit card business. The card base increased by 6.5 per cent to 1.85 million cards in use and we increased our market share. Card receivables and spending rose by 7.6 per cent and 9.1 per cent respectively.
A wide range of mortgage loan offers and our convenient e-Mortgage channel helped us retain a strong position in the highly competitive residential mortgage sector.
Commercial Banking's profit before tax was up 6.8 per cent at HK$2,637 million. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges fell by 15.5 per cent, due mainly to the 16.6 per cent drop in net interest income. Operating profit increased by 14.0 per cent, with effective management of credit risk and improvements in the economic environment supporting a 67.4 per cent reduction in loan impairment charges.
Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and profit before tax for the second half of 2009 rose by 9.1 per cent and 44.2 per cent respectively compared with the first half.
We continued to assist small and medium-sized enterprises in Hong Kong through our participation in government-guaranteed lending schemes, under which we have now approved over 5,000 applications with loans totalling more than HK$14.2 billion. Advances to customers rose by 12.1 per cent. Along with improved loan spreads, this supported a 15.4 per cent increase in net interest income from lending.
The establishment of a dedicated deposit service team drove a 26.0 per cent increase in deposits, but this only partly offset the effects of narrowing deposit spreads, with net interest income from deposits down by 47.7 per cent.
Income from our strengthened portfolio of corporate life insurance products rose by 103.1 per cent, sustaining corporate wealth management revenue - which fell by just 1.8 per cent despite the less favourable environment for investment business.
Good business synergy between commercial banking teams in Hong Kong and on the Mainland, the launch of renminbi trade settlement services and new business relationships with strategic mainland partners have enhanced our ability to capture an increasing share of cross-border business flows.
Corporate Bankingachieved a 20.1 per cent increase in operating profit excluding loan impairment charges to HK$979 million.
A significant improvement in loan impairment charges saw operating profit grow by 46.7 per cent to HK$901 million. Profit before tax was HK$915 million - an increase of 41.9 per cent.
Total operating income grew by 15.4 per cent, supported mainly by the 17.2 per cent growth in net interest income.
Advances to customers declined by 5.6 per cent, reflecting weaker investment appetite and stronger financial discipline by corporate customers during the international financial crisis. We capitalised on our balance sheet strength and good understanding of local markets to assist corporate customers with new and renewed facilities while adjusting pricing in line with the credit environment, resulting in a 41.5 per cent rise in net interest income from customer advances.
The low interest rate environment drove a marked customer preference for greater liquidity, with the increase in current account and savings account deposits more than offset by the drop in time deposits. Net interest income from deposits fell by 36.4 per cent.
Treasury's operating profit excluding credit risk provisions declined by 3.9 per cent to HK$2,918 million.
We continued with our prudent risk management strategy, enhancing the portfolio mix through investment in high-quality debt securities and selectively disposing of negotiable instruments as market conditions changed.
Low interest rates kept the cost of funds down but also limited yields on new deployments of funds and balance sheet management investments. Net interest income fell by 19.4 per cent.
Net trading income grew by 64.4 per cent to HK$1,054 million, due mainly to a net increase in funding swap income.
We enhanced the infrastructure for customer-driven business, strengthening Treasury's product development capabilities and sales synergy with other customer groups. With weak investor demand for equity and interest rate-linked products, we successfully maintained business momentum by enhancing the features of our foreign exchange-linked investment offerings.
Treasury's profit before tax increased by 48.9 per cent, due mainly to the non-recurrence of the HK$1,375 million credit risk provisions booked in 2008.
Mainland Business
Including a cross-location sub-branch that opened in Guangdong province under CEPA VI in January 2010, Hang Seng China now has 37 outlets across 12 cities.
Hang Seng China's profit before tax achieved steady growth, underpinned by an increase in total operating income as well as reductions in both operating expenses and loan impairment charges.
Total operating income grew by 3.9 per cent, supported by a 1.3 per cent rise in net interest income.
We contained costs through effective deployment of resources to record a 0.9 per cent reduction in operating expenses despite expanding our network during the year.
Our attractive range of products and enhancements to service delivery across a variety of channels helped drive an 18.3 per cent year-on-year rise in the mainland customer base. Deposits grew by 35.9 per cent compared with a year earlier, supporting further improvement in our balance sheet strength.
Government policies to promote economic recovery increased opportunities for banks to expand lending, creating downward pressure on pricing. We maintained a prudent approach to credit risk control - focusing on the quality rather than the size of our loans portfolio. Advances to customers rose by 5.2 per cent.
Leveraging in part on our wealth management experience in Hong Kong, we offered new investment products aimed at affluent customers, achieving a 25.2 per cent expansion in the number of mainland Prestige Banking accounts.
Our growing range of cross-border services helped drive a 10.9 per cent increase in the number of commercial customers.
We built new alliances with external partners such as China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation and China UnionPay to good business effect.
Collaborative initiatives with strategic partners Industrial Bank and Yantai Bank continued to provide synergy in key areas of business and extend our reach in regions with strong economic growth potential.
Including the share of profits from mainland associates, our mainland business contributed 13.3 per cent to total profit before tax, compared with 11.9 per cent a year earlier.
Moving Ahead
In a year marked by economic uncertainty, Hang Seng remained committed to a forward-looking strategy that focuses on the long term. We have continued to support customers, sustain the momentum of growth drivers and establish new avenues of revenue generation.
Investors are placing greater emphasis on personalised financial services and the timely provision of information. Businesses facing difficult operating conditions are demanding one-stop financial assistance with fast and efficient delivery channels that can give them an edge over their competitors.
Hang Seng's strengths - including service excellence, time-to-market capabilities and a strong distribution network - will continue to serve us well in meeting these needs, helping us deepen existing customer relationships and acquire new ones.
Our diverse portfolio of investment and insurance products enables us to provide tailored wealth management solutions for a wide range of market conditions and financial needs. Ourwealth management business - particularly sales of investment funds - has gained strong momentum during the first two months of 2010 and we will build on this with new products and services.
With deep roots in our communities, our local knowledge allows us to identify emerging trends ahead of the curve to the mutual benefit of our customers and our business. Following on from our ground-breaking dual listing of ETFs in Taiwan last year, we will work to develop additional new revenue streams that support our core business lines.
Commercial Banking's growing range of cross-border services and corporate wealth management offerings will help us strengthen ties with customers and attract new business. We will further enhance cross-selling and leverage our multi-channel platforms and payment and cash management capabilities in Hong Kong and on the Mainland as part of our new customer acquisition strategy.
Our support of Corporate Banking clients in challenging economic times puts us in a good position to deepen these partnerships as market conditions improve.
We will take advantage of opportunities to expand our renminbi services for commercial and corporate customers in Hong Kong following new measures announced by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority last month that widen the scope of renminbi business.
Treasury will continue to prudently manage its investment portfolio to strike a good balance between risk and return. We will further enhance Treasury's service infrastructure and product development capabilities to strengthen fee-earning potential.
We will upgrade and expand our service delivery channels to provide customers with greater efficiency and convenience in managing their financial needs.
Hang Seng China will further grow its brand on the Mainland, make good use of its strategic alliances and extend its business reach in high-potential locations - including Guangdong under the favourable policies of CEPA VI.
Supported by Hang Seng's strong capabilities in Hong Kong, we will expand our mainland wealth management offerings to attract more customers in target segments. We will promote our comprehensive cross-border services to increase the mainland commercial customer base. These initiatives will help drive deposits growth, providing important support for business expansion.
On top of our investments in Industrial Bank and Yantai Bank, we are actively looking for strategic partners in wealth management industries on the Mainland.
We will continue to invest in staff capabilities, technology and initiatives that enhance our reputation as a leading provider of Greater China financial expertise.
The past year has been a challenging one but we are looking ahead - to identify new opportunities and ensure our strategic decisions best serve our long-term goals.
Supported by our trusted brand and solid financial fundamentals, we will reinforce our leadership in traditional lines, build momentum in areas with good potential for further business expansion, and explore new markets and customer segments in order to deliver sustainable growth.
Results summary
Hang Seng Bank Limited ('the bank') and its subsidiaries and associates ('the group') reported an audited profit attributable to shareholders of HK$13,221 million for 2009, down by 6.2 per cent compared with 2008. Earnings per share were HK$6.92, down HK$0.45 from 2008. Attributable profit to shareholders for the second half of 2009 rose by HK$319 million, or 4.9 per cent, when compared with the first half.
Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions fell by HK$2,365 million, or 14.3 per cent, to HK$14,136 million. Although the economic environment in Hong Kong began to show signs of gradual recovery and market sentiment improved during the second half of the year, operating conditions in 2009 were challenging. The continuing low interest rate environment had a significant adverse impact on net interest income. Non-interest income also fell although there was notable growth in the second half of the year compared with the first half. Operating expenses were contained at a lower level than in 2008.
Net interest incomedecreased by HK$2,209 million, or 13.6 per cent. Net interest margin for 2009 was 1.90 per cent - down 46 basis points compared with 2008. Net interest spread dropped by 31 basis points to 1.84 per cent and the contribution from net free funds declined by 15 basis points to 0.06 per cent. Although average interest-earning assets increased by 7.1 per cent, there was a shift towards more liquid assets with a lower yield. Markedly reduced deposit spreads and the reduction in contribution from net free funds in the near-zero interest rate environment outweighed the benefits of improved loan spreads.
Net fees and commissions dropped by HK$648 million, or 13.0 per cent, to HK$4,321 million, as demand for wealth management products was lower than in 2008, reflecting weak investor sentiment. The more buoyant stock market, improving economic conditions and the improvement in investor outlook towards the end of the year helped support the 24.4 per cent growth in net fees and commissions in the second half compared with the first half. Income from sales of retail investment funds and third-party structured investment products fell by 44.3 per cent and 91.8 per cent respectively. There was a reduction in private banking service fee income, reflecting diminished customer appetite for trading and structured products. Fee income from stockbroking and related services rose by 15.2 per cent, driven by the 25.7 per cent increase in turnover, which significantly outperformed the 12.1 per cent drop in Hong Kong market turnover. In the uncertain economic conditions, the group's comprehensive range of health and wealth insurance solutions offered good personal coverage to customers at all life stages. This drove a significant 93.9 per cent rise in insurance fee income, mainly contributed by strong sales of the HSBC Jade Global Universal Life product. Credit card business continued to gain market share in terms of cards in issue, spending and receivables, and achieved a strong 8.4 per cent growth in fee income.
Trading income improved by HK$468 million, or 32.2 per cent, to HK$1,923 million. Foreign exchange income registered significant growth of HK$408 million, or 29.5 per cent, attributable partly to increased net interest income from funding swaps and the continued strong customer demand for foreign exchange-linked structured products. The rise was also driven by reduced losses on the revaluation of certain US dollar capital funds - maintained in the bank's mainland subsidiary bank and subject to regulatory controls - against the renminbi.
Income from insurance business (included within 'net interest income', 'net fee income', 'net income from financial instruments designated at fair value', 'net earned insurance premiums', 'movement in present value of in-force insurance business' within 'other operating income', and after deducting 'net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholders' liabilities') grew by HK$710 million, or 41.8 per cent, to HK$2,407 million. To cater for the increase in customer concerns about health issues, more emphasis was placed on products offering greater protection and medical coverage. Net interest income and fee income from life insurance business grew by 43.7 per cent, attributable mainly to the increase in the size and asset reallocation of the life insurance funds investment portfolio. The investment return on the life insurance funds investment portfolio also improved significantly from a loss of HK$1,065 million in 2008 to a gain of HK$17 million in 2009.
Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions decreased by HK$2,484 million, or 10.7 per cent, to HK$20,812 million.
Operating expensesdropped by HK$119 million, or 1.8 per cent, to HK$6,676 million, with costs at the bank's Hong Kong operations and mainland operations falling by 2.0 per cent and 0.3 per cent respectively. The total drop was largely attributable to decreased headcount through natural attrition, reduced performance-related expenses and good cost containment in areas such as marketing expenditure.
Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions improved significantly, falling by HK$1,964 million, or 70.7 per cent, to HK$812 million. Individually assessed impairment charges dropped by HK$615 million, or 66.5 per cent, primarily due to lower new and additional impairment charges and a higher net release on the accounts of certain corporate and commercial banking customers. Collectively assessed allowances rose slightly by HK$26 million owing to higher charges on the credit card and personal loans portfolios. There were no impairment losses or provisions against available-for-sale debt securities in 2009, compared with an impairment charge of HK$1,375 million in 2008 when the bank wrote down the carrying value of certain available-for-sale debt securities following the outbreak of the global financial crisis. Compared with the first half of 2009, loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions fell significantly by HK$430 million, or 69.2 per cent, in the second half as a result of improved economic conditions and the bank's good credit risk management.
Operating profit was down HK$401 million, or 2.9 per cent, at HK$13,324 million.
Profit before tax dropped by 2.5 per cent to HK$15,477 million after taking the following items into account:
· HK$140 million increase in net surplus on property revaluation;
· HK$81 million fall in gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets; and
· HK$59 million drop in share of profits from associates, mainly from Industrial Bank.
Consolidated financial position and key ratios
Total assets increased by HK$63.8 billion, or 8.4 per cent, to HK$826.0 billion. In light of the weak global economy and the fact that financial markets were still recovering from the credit crisis, Treasury continued to take a highly prudent approach in managing its balance sheet management investments. Surplus funds arising from trading assets that matured in 2009 were redeployed to interbank placements and appropriate available-for-sale debt securities to attain yield enhancement. As a result, financial investments - primarily high-quality debt securities which included government-guaranteed debt securities - rose by 33.3 per cent. Customer advances recorded encouraging growth of 4.7 per cent. Despite intense market competition, the group was able to sustain a leading position and maintained its growth momentum in residential mortgage lending and other personal lending. Mainland lending grew moderately with Hang Seng China continuing to emphasise lending quality over business expansion. Customer deposits and certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue rose by HK$59.2 billion, or 9.8 per cent, to HK$663.7 billion, reflecting customers' lukewarm attitude towards investment and preference for liquidity in the uncertain market conditions. At 31 December 2009, the advances-to-deposits ratio was 51.9 per cent, compared with 54.4 per cent at the end of 2008.
At 31 December 2009, shareholders' funds (excluding proposed dividends) were HK$54,591 million, an increase of HK$8,701 million, or 19.0 per cent. Retained profits rose by HK$5,201 million, mainly reflecting the growth in 2009 profit after the appropriation of interim dividends and the increase in actuarial gains under the defined benefit scheme. The available-for-sale investments reserve showed a deficit of HK$257 million compared with a deficit of HK$3,823 million in 2008, due mainly to the narrowing of credit spreads as a result of the stabilisation in credit markets.
The return on average total assets was 1.7 per cent (1.9 per cent for 2008). The return on average shareholders' funds was 24.6 per cent (26.0 per cent for 2008).
At 31 December 2009, the capital adequacy ratio was 15.8 per cent, up from 12.5 per cent at the end of 2008. The core capital ratio was 12.8 per cent, up from 9.5 per cent. The ratios were calculated in accordance with the internal ratings-based approach under the Banking (Capital) Rules issued by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority for the implementation of Basel II. Effective 1 January 2009, the bank migrated to the 'advanced internal ratings-based approach' under the Basel II framework to calculate its capital ratios. The capital adequacy ratio and core capital ratio at 31 December 2008 were calculated using the 'foundation internal ratings-based approach'. The strengthening of these ratios largely reflects profit growth after accounting for dividends in the year, the improvement in the available-for-sale debt securities reserve due to the narrowing of credit spreads and the change in calculation methodology.
The bank maintained a strong liquidity position. The average liquidity ratio for 2009 was 48.1 per cent (calculated in accordance with the Fourth Schedule of the Hong Kong Banking Ordinance), compared with 46.4 per cent for 2008.
The cost efficiency ratio for 2009 was 32.1 per cent, compared with 29.2 per cent in 2008.
Dividends
The Directors have declared a fourth interim dividend of HK$1.90 per share, which will be payable on 31 March 2010 to shareholders on the register of shareholders as of 16 March 2010. Together with the interim dividends for the first three quarters, the total distribution for 2009 will be HK$5.20 per share.
Customer group performance
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Personal |
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Total |
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Inter- |
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Financial |
Commercial |
Corporate |
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reportable |
segment |
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Figures in HK$m |
Services |
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Banking |
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Banking |
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Treasury |
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Other |
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segments |
elimination |
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Total |
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Year ended |
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31 December 2009 |
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Net interest income |
8,195 |
|
2,011 |
|
1,158 |
|
2,162 |
|
497 |
|
14,023 |
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__ |
|
14,023 |
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Net fee income/(expense) |
3,000 |
|
1,114 |
|
145 |
|
(35 |
) |
97 |
|
4,321 |
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__ |
|
4,321 |
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Trading income/(loss) |
662 |
|
245 |
|
8 |
|
1,054 |
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(46 |
) |
1,923 |
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__ |
|
1,923 |
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Net (loss)/income from |
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financial instruments |
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designated at fair value |
(54 |
) |
__ |
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__ |
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5 |
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(26 |
) |
(75 |
) |
__ |
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(75 |
) |
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Dividend income |
2 |
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6 |
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__ |
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__ |
|
8 |
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16 |
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__ |
|
16 |
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Net earned insurance premiums |
11,293 |
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225 |
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1 |
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__ |
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__ |
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11,519 |
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__ |
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11,519 |
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Other operating income |
898 |
|
29 |
|
1 |
|
__ |
|
632 |
|
1,560 |
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(471 |
) |
1,089 |
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Total operating income |
23,996 |
|
3,630 |
|
1,313 |
|
3,186 |
|
1,162 |
|
33,287 |
|
(471 |
) |
32,816 |
|
||
Net insurance claims |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
incurred and movement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
in policyholders' liabilities |
(11,868 |
) |
(134 |
) |
(2 |
) |
__ |
|
__ |
|
(12,004 |
) |
__ |
|
(12,004 |
) |
||
Net operating income before |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
loan impairment charges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
and other credit risk |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
provisions |
12,128 |
|
3,496 |
|
1,311 |
|
3,186 |
|
1,162 |
|
21,283 |
|
(471 |
) |
20,812 |
|
||
Loan impairment charges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
and other credit risk provisions |
(454 |
) |
(278 |
) |
(78 |
) |
(2 |
) |
__ |
|
(812 |
) |
__ |
|
(812 |
) |
||
Net operating income |
11,674 |
|
3,218 |
|
1,233 |
|
3,184 |
|
1,162 |
|
20,471 |
|
(471 |
) |
20,000 |
|
||
Total operating expenses W |
(4,671 |
) |
(1,507 |
) |
(332 |
) |
(268 |
) |
(369 |
) |
(7,147 |
) |
471 |
|
(6,676 |
) |
||
Operating profit |
7,003 |
|
1,711 |
|
901 |
|
2,916 |
|
793 |
|
13,324 |
|
__ |
|
13,324 |
|
||
Gains less losses from financial |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
investments and fixed assets |
96 |
|
53 |
|
14 |
|
(152 |
) |
175 |
|
186 |
|
__ |
|
186 |
|
||
Net surplus on property |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
revaluation |
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
219 |
|
219 |
|
__ |
|
219 |
|
||
Share of profits from associates |
159 |
|
873 |
|
__ |
|
629 |
|
87 |
|
1,748 |
|
__ |
|
1,748 |
|
||
Profit before tax |
7,258 |
|
2,637 |
|
915 |
|
3,393 |
|
1,274 |
|
15,477 |
|
__ |
|
15,477 |
|
||
Share of profit before tax |
46.9 |
% |
17.0 |
% |
5.9 |
% |
21.9 |
% |
8.3 |
% |
100.0 |
% |
__ |
|
100.0 |
% |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Operating profit excluding loan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
impairment charges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
and other credit risk provisions |
7,457 |
|
1,989 |
|
979 |
|
2,918 |
|
793 |
|
14,136 |
|
__ |
|
14,136 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
WDepreciation/amortisation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
included in total operating |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
expenses |
(173 |
) |
(31 |
) |
(7 |
) |
(4 |
) |
(335 |
) |
(550 |
) |
__ |
|
(550 |
) |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
At 31 December 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total assets |
234,723 |
|
96,490 |
|
88,135 |
|
377,561 |
|
29,059 |
|
825,968 |
|
__ |
|
825,968 |
|
||
Total liabilities |
554,357 |
|
123,996 |
|
37,477 |
|
21,503 |
|
30,411 |
|
767,744 |
|
__ |
|
767,744 |
|
||
Investments in associates |
847 |
|
4,284 |
|
__ |
|
2,707 |
|
2,388 |
|
10,226 |
|
__ |
|
10,226 |
|
||
Capital expenditure incurred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
during the year |
181 |
|
34 |
|
5 |
|
__ |
|
92 |
|
312 |
|
__ |
|
312 |
|
||
|
Personal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
Inter- |
|
|
|
|||
|
Financial |
Commercial |
Corporate |
|
|
|
|
|
reportable |
segment |
|
|
|
|
||||
Figures in HK$m |
Services |
|
Banking |
|
Banking |
|
Treasury |
|
Other |
|
segments |
elimination |
|
Total |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Year ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
31 December 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net interest income |
8,700 |
|
2,411 |
|
988 |
|
2,682 |
|
1,451 |
|
16,232 |
|
__ |
|
16,232 |
|
||
Net fee income/(expense) |
3,696 |
|
1,066 |
|
127 |
|
(33 |
) |
113 |
|
4,969 |
|
__ |
|
4,969 |
|
||
Trading income/(loss) |
743 |
|
245 |
|
18 |
|
641 |
|
(192 |
) |
1,455 |
|
__ |
|
1,455 |
|
||
Net (loss)/income from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
financial instruments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
designated at fair value |
(1,043 |
) |
(2 |
) |
__ |
|
(10 |
) |
24 |
|
(1,031 |
) |
__ |
|
(1,031 |
) |
||
Dividend income |
25 |
|
10 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
47 |
|
82 |
|
__ |
|
82 |
|
||
Net earned insurance premiums |
12,135 |
|
213 |
|
3 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
12,351 |
|
__ |
|
12,351 |
|
||
Other operating income |
439 |
|
54 |
|
2 |
|
4 |
|
671 |
|
1,170 |
|
(469 |
) |
701 |
|
||
Total operating income |
24,695 |
|
3,997 |
|
1,138 |
|
3,284 |
|
2,114 |
|
35,228 |
|
(469 |
) |
34,759 |
|
||
Net insurance claims |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
incurred and movement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
in policyholders' liabilities |
(11,349 |
) |
(113 |
) |
(1 |
) |
__ |
|
__ |
|
(11,463 |
) |
__ |
|
(11,463 |
) |
||
Net operating income before |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
loan impairment charges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
and other credit risk |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
provisions |
13,346 |
|
3,884 |
|
1,137 |
|
3,284 |
|
2,114 |
|
23,765 |
|
(469 |
) |
23,296 |
|
||
Loan impairment charges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
and other credit risk provisions |
(347 |
) |
(853 |
) |
(201 |
) |
(1,375 |
) |
__ |
|
(2,776 |
) |
__ |
|
(2,776 |
) |
||
Net operating income |
12,999 |
|
3,031 |
|
936 |
|
1,909 |
|
2,114 |
|
20,989 |
|
(469 |
) |
20,520 |
|
||
Total operating expenses W |
(4,879 |
) |
(1,530 |
) |
(322) |
|
(247 |
) |
(286 |
) |
(7,264 |
) |
469 |
|
(6,795 |
) |
||
Operating profit |
8,120 |
|
1,501 |
|
614 |
|
1,662 |
|
1,828 |
|
13,725 |
|
__ |
|
13,725 |
|
||
Gains less losses from financial |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
investments and fixed assets |
156 |
|
85 |
|
31 |
|
(84 |
) |
79 |
|
267 |
|
__ |
|
267 |
|
||
Net surplus on property |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
revaluation |
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
79 |
|
79 |
|
__ |
|
79 |
|
||
Share of profits from associates |
134 |
|
884 |
|
__ |
|
701 |
|
88 |
|
1,807 |
|
__ |
|
1,807 |
|
||
Profit before tax |
8,410 |
|
2,470 |
|
645 |
|
2,279 |
|
2,074 |
|
15,878 |
|
__ |
|
15,878 |
|
||
Share of profit before tax |
52.9 |
% |
15.6 |
% |
4.1 |
% |
14.4 |
% |
13.0 |
% |
100.0 |
% |
__ |
|
100.0 |
% |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Operating profit excluding loan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
impairment charges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
and other credit risk provisions |
8,467 |
|
2,354 |
|
815 |
|
3,037 |
|
1,828 |
|
16,501 |
|
__ |
|
16,501 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
WDepreciation/amortisation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
included in total operating |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
expenses |
(140 |
) |
(24 |
) |
(7 |
) |
(3 |
) |
(318 |
) |
(492 |
) |
__ |
|
(492 |
) |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
At 31 December 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total assets |
211,092 |
|
85,791 |
|
93,570 |
|
345,920 |
|
25,795 |
|
762,168 |
|
__ |
|
762,168 |
|
||
Total liabilities |
508,596 |
|
96,905 |
|
41,981 |
|
34,575 |
|
28,485 |
|
710,542 |
|
__ |
|
710,542 |
|
||
Investments in associates |
501 |
|
3,194 |
|
__ |
|
2,784 |
|
2,391 |
|
8,870 |
|
__ |
|
8,870 |
|
||
Capital expenditure incurred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
during the year |
374 |
|
52 |
|
14 |
|
3 |
|
223 |
|
666 |
|
__ |
|
666 |
|
||
Personal Financial Services ('PFS')reported a profit before tax of
Despite the excessive liquidity driving down market interest rates, PFS managed to partly offset the effect of compressed deposit spreads and the repricing of the mortgage portfolio by successfully deploying the commercial surplus to achieve growth in the secured and unsecured lending portfolios. Net interest income for the year declined by 5.8 per cent, but increased by 4.1 per cent in the second half compared with the first half.
Total operating income from unsecured lending business recorded year-on-year growth of 16.0 per cent, underpinned by the increase in the number of credit cards in force as well as card spending and receivables. Effective marketing campaigns helped the bank gain market share and the card base grew by 6.5 per cent to 1.85 million cards in use. Card receivables rose by 7.6 per cent compared with a year earlier to HK$13.8 billion, outperforming market peers. Personal lending was up 9.3 per cent, with a total loan balance of HK$3.6 billion.
The bank's residential mortgage business sustained its market leadership in the active property sector and gained market share despite intense competition. The bank ranked second for the provision of equitable mortgages in Hong Kong throughout 2009 and, at 31 December 2009, its market share in terms of total mortgage loans stood at 15.1 per cent.
PFS' prudent credit strategy and improvements in unemployment and bankruptcy trends beginning in mid-2009 saw loan impairment charges drop by 34.3 per cent in the second half of the year compared with the first half.
Against the backdrop of new rules governing the physical segregation of banking and investment services, the improving market sentiment in the second half of the year helped support investment business momentum. Securities brokerage business and investment funds business registered a 29.3 per cent and 236.1 per cent increase in turnover in the second half of 2009 compared with the first half of 2009. Although non-interest income fell by 15.4 per cent compared with 2008, growth of 13.5 per cent and 52.7 per cent was achieved in the second half of 2009 compared with the first half of 2009 and the second half of 2008 respectively.
Wealth management income was broadly in line with 2008 at HK$4,672 million, representing a slight drop of 2.4 per cent.
Sales of wealth management products improved as the effects of financial stimulus policies introduced in Hong Kong started to take effect and help stabilise market conditions. In the very low interest rate environment, the bank capitalised on growing investor appetite for lower-risk yield-enhancement opportunities. Turnover of our foreign exchange-linked investment deposits in 2009 exceeded HK$130 billion - more than triple that recorded in 2008.
Income from life insurance business grew by 46.8 per cent. Diversification of the product range with the launch of new plans that offer improved protection propositions proved effective in driving sales. Total policies in-force and total annualised premiums rose by 10.1 per cent and 14.7 per cent respectively.
Personal e-Banking continued to grow steadily with over 980,000 registered customers at 31 December 2009 - a 12.8 per cent increase compared with the end of 2008. Customers continued to support the bank's environmental protection efforts with a 54.5 per cent increase in the number of accounts switching to the e-statement service during the year to reach more than 330,000. Hang Seng was among the first banks in Hong Kong to launch a mobile phone-based travel insurance application service and introduce touch screen technology in its network of self-service terminals.
Commercial Banking ('CMB') reported a 6.8 per cent increase in profit before tax to reach HK$2,637 million in the face of challenging market conditions. CMB's contribution to the bank's total profit before tax increased to 17.0 per cent, up 1.4 percentage points from a year earlier. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges was down 15.5 per cent at HK$1,989 million, due mainly to falling deposit spreads in the low interest rate environment. On the back of improving market conditions and a continuing emphasis on vigilant risk management, loan impairment charges fell significantly by 67.4 per cent.
With upturns in economic activity and the property market during the second half of 2009, customer advances rose by 12.1 per cent. Assisted by the establishment of a dedicated deposit service team and the influx of liquidity into the market, customer deposits recorded notable growth of 26.0 per cent. However, the positive impact of this growth in advances and deposits was more than offset by continuing pressure on deposit margins, resulting in a year-on-year decline of 16.6 per cent in net interest income.
CMB continued to develop its corporate wealth management business, enjoying particular success with corporate life insurance products which offered customers diversified insurance solutions, comprehensive protection, customised benefits and flexible payment options. An Executive Retention Insurance Plan for business owners who want to retain key executives with additional benefits was launched towards the end of the year. Income from corporate life insurance recorded impressive growth of 103.1 per cent. Business momentum was sustained in investment services with more defensive investment instruments and treasury hedging solutions that served customers' business needs in the prevailing economic conditions. These initiatives helped mitigate the unfavourable impact of the overall fall in investment activity, with corporate wealth management income recording a small decline of 1.8 per cent. Corporate wealth management income contributed 13.2 per cent to CMB's total operating income in 2009.
In response to the announcement of the pilot Renminbi Trade Settlement Scheme by the Central Government on the Mainland, CMB launched a series of renminbi trade settlement services in July to support the cross-border renminbi trade between Hong Kong companies and designated mainland enterprises in the five pilot cities (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Dongguan and Zhuhai). This enhanced product suite was further supported by an agreement signed with China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation (SINOSURE) in December, which reinforces CMB's capability to offer one-stop buyer credit protection and accounts receivable financial solutions. Close collaboration with Hang Seng China and the bank's strategic partners on the Mainland also put CMB in a stronger position to capture a growing share of cross-border business flows.
With strong roots in its local communities, the bank continued to be an active player in government-backed schemes to support small and medium-sized enterprises facing tough economic times. Since the launch of the SME Loan Guarantee Scheme and Special Loan Guarantee Scheme in late 2008, the bank has approved over 5,000 applications with a total loan amount of more than HK$14.2 billion and with market shares in the SME Loan and Special Loan schemes of 33.3 per cent and 15.2 per cent respectively.
CMB customers continued to switch to online and automated banking channels. In December, CMB enhanced its Business e-Banking proposition with the launch of online investment fund trading services. At 31 December 2009, over 77,000 customers had registered for the bank's Business e-Banking service, up 19.0 per cent compared with a year earlier. The number of online business transactions grew by 13.3 per cent. Branch counter transactions fell by 14.6 per cent compared with 2008.
Corporate Banking ('CIB') capitalised on its in-depth understanding of the market and its customers to support funding needs in a tight credit market, particularly in early 2009. As the economic environment stabilised, more lenders returned to the market, leading to keener competition for loans business. Despite this, CIB managed to maintain good loan asset portfolios - priced in line with conditions in the credit market - both in Hong Kong and on the Mainland, resulting in a 41.5 per cent increase in loan interest income compared with 2008 despite a 5.6 per cent decline in the total loan balance.
Competition for deposits business remained intense throughout the year. In the low interest rate environment, CIB recorded a 40.8 per cent drop in its time deposits balance. However, due to strong customer service relationships and CIB's customer profile, current and savings account deposits increased. The total deposit balance at end of 2009 was down 9.4 per cent compared with a year earlier. Deposit net interest income declined by 36.4 per cent.
Net operating income before loan impairment charges was HK$1,311 million - a year-on-year increase of 15.3 per cent. With the improved loan assets portfolio, loan impairment charges for both Hong Kong and mainland loan books were lower than in 2008. Net operating income after loan impairment charges was up 31.7 per cent at HK$1,233 million.
Treasury ('TRY') reported relatively stable operating income in 2009, recording a drop of 3.0 per cent. The favourable interest rate environment and ample liquidity in the market enabled TRY to maintain the cost of funds at a relatively low level during the year. However, the low interest rates also limited the yields that could be generated from fund deployment and balance sheet management investments. Net interest income was HK$2,162 million, down 19.4 per cent compared to 2008.
Net trading income increased substantially by HK$413 million, or 64.4 per cent, to reach HK$1,054 million, mainly attributable to a HK$462 million net increase in funding swapW income (described below). For income from sales and trading other than from funding swaps, TRY maintained business momentum by strengthening sales of foreign exchange-linked products to offset weak customer appetite for more sophisticated equity-linked and interest rate-linked structured products.
TRY maintained a prudent risk management strategy, with investment focused mainly on high-quality debt securities, particularly government-guaranteed papers and high-quality corporate securities. The credit quality of the balance sheet management portfolio improved significantly during the year, resulting in a HK$1,373 million reduction in credit risk provisions compared with 2008. This underpinned the increase of 66.8 per cent, or HK$1,275 million, in net operating income after credit risk provisions.
TRY captured opportunities in the market during the year to dispose of selected securities to achieve an improved mix of investments in the balance sheet management portfolio. While this action was in line with the bank's prudent risk management strategy, the accompanying disposal loss of HK$152 million partly offset growth in net operating income. Profit before tax was up 48.9 per cent at HK$3,393 million, 21.9 per cent of the bank's total profit before tax.
WTreasury from time to time employs foreign exchange swaps for its funding activities, which in essence involves 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 HKAS39, the exchange difference of the spot and forward contracts is required to be recognised as a foreign exchange gain/loss, while the corresponding interest differential between the original and swap funding is reflected in net interest income.
Mainland business
Hang Seng Bank (China) Limited ('Hang Seng China') opened three new outlets on the Mainland in 2009. Including a cross-city sub-branch that opened in Guangdong province under CEPA VI in January 2010, Hang Seng China now operates a network of 37 outlets in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Shenzhen, Fuzhou, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Tianjin, Kunming, and Foshan. The bank has a branch in Shenzhen for foreign currency wholesale business and a representative office in Xiamen.
Despite the mainland economy displaying good resilience against the effects of the global financial crisis, the economic outlook - particularly in the first half of the year - remained uncertain. Against the backdrop of a large-scale stimulus package implemented in 2009, Hang Seng China recorded notable loan growth in the second half of the year. At 31 December 2009, lending was up 5.2 per cent compared with a year earlier. With the further development of wealth management business and Commercial Banking's growing service capabilities, Hang Seng China's customer base recorded solid growth of 18.3 per cent when compared with the end of 2008, including a 25.2 per cent increase in the total number of Prestige Banking customers. These increases helped underpin a 35.9 per cent rise in the deposit base. Total operating income increased by 3.9 per cent, benefiting from the 1.3 per cent growth in net interest income. Reduced exchange losses from the revaluation of US dollar capital funds against the renminbi were partly offset by the reduction in other operating income during the year.
Hang Seng China continued to further enrich and diversify its product offerings to cater for different market conditions and to promote wealth management awareness among target customer segments. Hang Seng China has also signed an agreement with China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation (SINOSURE) that will enhance its cross-border service proposition for commercial customers.
Hang Seng China is striving to improve its network and business development efficiency by increasing its penetration in four key cities: Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Beijing. Resources are also being redeployed to achieve greater management and operational efficiency. Management of credit risk and operational risk continues to be strengthened through proactive risk management practices.
The bank remains firmly committed to developing its mainland business, through both Hang Seng China and long-term relationships with mainland partners. The bank's strategic alliance with Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. ('Industrial Bank') reached its fifth anniversary in April 2009 and continues to yield good results. Including the bank's share of profit from Industrial Bank and Yantai Bank Co., Ltd. ('Yantai Bank'), mainland business contributed 13.3 per cent of total profit before tax, compared with 11.9 per cent in 2008.
Consolidated Income Statement
|
Year ended 31 December |
|
||||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income |
|
16,390 |
|
|
26,172 |
|
Interest expense |
|
(2,367 |
) |
|
(9,940 |
) |
Net interest income |
|
14,023 |
|
|
16,232 |
|
Fee income |
|
5,190 |
|
|
5,704 |
|
Fee expense |
|
(869 |
) |
|
(735 |
) |
Net fee income |
|
4,321 |
|
|
4,969 |
|
Trading income |
|
1,923 |
|
|
1,455 |
|
Net loss from financial instruments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
designated at fair value |
|
(75 |
) |
|
(1,031 |
) |
Dividend income |
|
16 |
|
|
82 |
|
Net earned insurance premiums |
|
11,519 |
|
|
12,351 |
|
Other operating income |
|
1,089 |
|
|
701 |
|
Total operating income |
|
32,816 |
|
|
34,759 |
|
Net insurance claims incurred and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
movement in policyholders' liabilities |
|
(12,004 |
) |
|
(11,463 |
) |
Net operating income before loan impairment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
charges and other credit risk provisions |
|
20,812 |
|
|
23,296 |
|
Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions |
|
(812 |
) |
|
(2,776 |
) |
Net operating income |
|
20,000 |
|
|
20,520 |
|
Employee compensation and benefits |
|
(3,378 |
) |
|
(3,452 |
) |
General and administrative expenses |
|
(2,748 |
) |
|
(2,851 |
) |
Depreciation of premises, plant and equipment |
|
(466 |
) |
|
(432 |
) |
Amortisation of intangible assets |
|
(84 |
) |
|
(60 |
) |
Total operating expenses |
|
(6,676 |
) |
|
(6,795 |
) |
Operating profit |
|
13,324 |
|
|
13,725 |
|
Gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets |
|
186 |
|
|
267 |
|
Net surplus on property revaluation |
|
219 |
|
|
79 |
|
Share of profits from associates |
|
1,748 |
|
|
1,807 |
|
Profit before tax |
|
15,477 |
|
|
15,878 |
|
Tax expense |
|
(2,256 |
) |
|
(1,779 |
) |
Profit for the year |
|
13,221 |
|
|
14,099 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit attributable to shareholders |
|
13,221 |
|
|
14,099 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share (in HK$) |
|
6.92 |
|
|
7.37 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Details of dividends payable to shareholders of the bank attributable to the profit for the year are set out on |
|
|||||
on page 38.
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The HSBC Group reports interest income and interest expense arising from financial assets and financial liabilities held for trading as 'Net trading income' and arising from financial instruments designated at fair value through profit and loss as 'Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value' (other than for debt securities in issue and subordinated liabilities, together with derivatives managed in conjunction with them).
The table below presents the interest income and interest expense of Hang Seng, as included within the HSBC Group accounts:
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income |
|
15,950 |
|
|
25,599 |
|
Interest expense |
|
(1,813 |
) |
|
(8,366 |
) |
Net interest income |
|
14,137 |
|
|
17,233 |
|
Net interest income and expense reported as 'Net trading income' |
|
(234 |
) |
|
(1,211 |
) |
Net interest income and expense reported as 'Net income from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
financial instruments designated at fair value' |
|
120 |
|
|
210 |
|
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
|
|
|
|
Year ended 31 December |
|
|
|||
Figures in HK$m |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit for the year |
|
|
|
13,221 |
|
|
14,099 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premises: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- unrealised surplus on |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
revaluation of premises |
|
|
|
700 |
|
|
171 |
|
|
- deferred taxes |
|
|
|
(72 |
) |
|
(24 |
) |
|
Available-for-sale investments reserve: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- fair value changes taken to/(from) equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-- on debt securities |
|
|
|
3,908 |
|
|
(3,627 |
) |
|
-- on equity shares |
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
(1,937 |
) |
|
- fair value changes transferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
from/(to) income statement: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-- on impairment |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
555 |
|
|
-- on hedged items |
|
|
|
81 |
|
|
(496 |
) |
|
-- on disposal |
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
(563 |
) |
|
- share of changes in equity of associates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-- fair value changes |
|
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
(63 |
) |
|
- deferred taxes |
|
|
|
(472 |
) |
|
417 |
|
|
Cash flow hedging reserve: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- fair value changes taken to equity |
|
|
|
407 |
|
|
870 |
|
|
- fair value changes transferred to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
income statement |
|
|
|
(864 |
) |
|
(376 |
) |
|
- deferred taxes |
|
|
|
69 |
|
|
(76 |
) |
|
Defined benefit plans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- actuarial gains/(losses) on defined |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
benefit plans |
|
|
|
1,877 |
|
|
(3,016 |
) |
|
- deferred taxes |
|
|
|
(309 |
) |
|
497 |
|
|
Exchange differences on translation of: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- financial statements of overseas |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
branches, subsidiaries and associates |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
622 |
|
|
- others |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
5 |
|
|
Effect of decrease in tax rate on |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
deferred tax balance at 1 January 2008 |
|
|
|
__ |
|
|
30 |
|
|
Other comprehensive income for the |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
year, net of tax |
|
|
|
5,387 |
|
|
(7,011 |
) |
|
Total comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for the year |
|
|
|
18,608 |
|
|
7,088 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for the year attributable to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
shareholders |
|
|
|
18,608 |
|
|
7,088 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and balances with banks and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
other financial institutions |
|
22,086 |
|
|
24,822 |
|
Placings with and advances to banks and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
other financial institutions |
|
104,551 |
|
|
69,579 |
|
Trading assets |
|
66,597 |
|
|
108,389 |
|
Financial assets designated at fair value |
|
5,450 |
|
|
7,798 |
|
Derivative financial instruments |
|
5,050 |
|
|
7,104 |
|
Advances to customers |
|
344,621 |
|
|
329,121 |
|
Financial investments |
|
241,502 |
|
|
181,159 |
|
Investments in associates |
|
10,226 |
|
|
8,870 |
|
Investment properties |
|
2,872 |
|
|
2,593 |
|
Premises, plant and equipment |
|
7,178 |
|
|
7,090 |
|
Interest in leasehold land held for own use |
|
|
|
|
|
|
under operating lease |
|
536 |
|
|
551 |
|
Intangible assets |
|
4,214 |
|
|
3,385 |
|
Other assets |
|
11,069 |
|
|
11,506 |
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
16 |
|
|
201 |
|
Total assets |
|
825,968 |
|
|
762,168 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current, savings and other deposit accounts |
|
636,369 |
|
|
562,183 |
|
Deposits from banks |
|
4,870 |
|
|
11,556 |
|
Trading liabilities |
|
38,391 |
|
|
48,282 |
|
Financial liabilities designated at fair value |
|
1,456 |
|
|
1,407 |
|
Derivative financial instruments |
|
4,251 |
|
|
14,945 |
|
Certificates of deposit and other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
debt securities in issue |
|
1,826 |
|
|
2,772 |
|
Other liabilities |
|
15,285 |
|
|
15,448 |
|
Liabilities to customers under insurance contracts |
|
54,240 |
|
|
43,835 |
|
Current tax liabilities |
|
52 |
|
|
94 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
1,684 |
|
|
711 |
|
Subordinated liabilities |
|
9,320 |
|
|
9,309 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
767,744 |
|
|
710,542 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share capital |
|
9,559 |
|
|
9,559 |
|
Retained profits |
|
37,719 |
|
|
32,518 |
|
Other reserves |
|
7,313 |
|
|
3,813 |
|
Proposed dividends |
|
3,633 |
|
|
5,736 |
|
Shareholders' funds |
|
58,224 |
|
|
51,626 |
|
Total equity and liabilities |
|
825,968 |
|
|
762,168 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
|
|
|
|
Year ended 31 December |
|
||
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
Figures in HK$m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At beginning and end of year |
|
|
|
9,559 |
|
9,559 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained profits (including proposed dividends) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At beginning of year |
|
|
|
38,254 |
|
38,609 |
|
Dividends to shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Dividends approved in respect of the previous year |
|
|
|
(5,736 |
) |
(5,736 |
) |
- Dividends declared in respect of the current year |
|
|
|
(6,309 |
) |
(6,309 |
) |
Transfer |
|
|
|
345 |
|
121 |
|
Total comprehensive income for the year |
|
|
|
14,798 |
|
11,569 |
|
|
|
|
|
41,352 |
|
38,254 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other reserves |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Premises revaluation reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At beginning of year |
|
|
|
3,711 |
|
3,639 |
|
Transfer |
|
|
|
(345 |
) |
(121 |
) |
Total comprehensive income for the year |
|
|
|
628 |
|
193 |
|
|
|
|
|
3,994 |
|
3,711 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Available-for-sale investment reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At beginning of year |
|
|
|
(3,823 |
) |
1,892 |
|
Total comprehensive income for the year |
|
|
|
3,566 |
|
(5,715 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(257 |
) |
(3,823 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flow hedging reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At beginning of year |
|
|
|
562 |
|
144 |
|
Total comprehensive income for the year |
|
|
|
(388 |
) |
418 |
|
|
|
|
|
174 |
|
562 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign exchange reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At beginning of year |
|
|
|
1,379 |
|
757 |
|
Total comprehensive income for the year |
|
|
|
3 |
|
622 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,382 |
|
1,379 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended 31 December |
|
||
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
Figures in HK$m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At beginning of year |
|
|
|
1,984 |
|
1,856 |
|
Cost of share-based payment arrangements |
|
|
|
35 |
|
127 |
|
Total comprehensive income for the year |
|
|
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
2,020 |
|
1,984 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At beginning of year |
|
|
|
51,626 |
|
56,456 |
|
Dividends to shareholders |
|
|
|
(12,045 |
) |
(12,045 |
) |
Cost of share-based payment arrangements |
|
|
|
35 |
|
127 |
|
Total comprehensive income for the year |
|
|
|
18,608 |
|
7,088 |
|
|
|
|
|
58,224 |
|
51,626 |
|
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
|
Year ended 31 December |
|
|
|||||||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities |
|
65,815 |
|
|
|
(86,830 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends received from associates |
|
380 |
|
|
|
287 |
|
|
|
|
Purchase of an interest in an associate |
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(909 |
) |
|
|
|
Purchase of available-for-sale investments |
|
(49,642 |
) |
|
|
(79,103 |
) |
|
|
|
Purchase of held-to-maturity debt securities |
|
(513 |
) |
|
|
(198 |
) |
|
|
|
Proceeds from sale or redemption of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
available-for-sale investments |
|
48,615 |
|
|
|
136,534 |
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from redemption of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
held-to-maturity debt securities |
|
182 |
|
|
|
123 |
|
|
|
|
Purchase of fixed assets and intangible assets |
|
(312 |
) |
|
|
(666 |
) |
|
|
|
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets and assets held for sale |
|
443 |
|
|
|
272 |
|
|
|
|
Interest received from available-for-sale investments |
|
4,429 |
|
|
|
8,188 |
|
|
|
|
Dividends received from available-for-sale investments |
|
13 |
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
|
Net cash inflow from investing activities |
|
3,592 |
|
|
|
64,608 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends paid |
|
(12,045 |
) |
|
|
(12,045 |
) |
|
|
|
Interest paid for subordinated liabilities |
|
(126 |
) |
|
|
(396 |
) |
|
|
|
Net cash outflow from financing activities |
|
(12,171 |
) |
|
|
(12,441 |
) |
|
|
|
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
57,236 |
|
|
|
(34,663 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January |
|
76,116 |
|
|
|
113,474 |
|
|
|
|
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes |
|
3,407 |
|
|
|
(2,695 |
) |
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December |
|
136,759 |
|
|
|
76,116 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Review
Net interest income
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net interest income/(expense) arising from: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- financial assets and liabilities that are not at fair value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
through profit and loss |
|
14,151 |
|
|
17,277 |
|
- trading assets and liabilities |
|
(234 |
) |
|
(1,211 |
) |
- financial instruments designated at fair value |
|
106 |
|
|
166 |
|
|
|
14,023 |
|
|
16,232 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average interest-earning assets |
|
736,953 |
|
|
688,252 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net interest spread |
|
1.84 |
% |
|
2.15 |
% |
Net interest margin |
|
1.90 |
% |
|
2.36 |
% |
Net interest income fell by HK$2,209 million, or 13.6 per cent, due mainly to the adverse impact of the low interest rate environment. While average interest-earning assets increased by HK$48.7 billion, or 7.1 per cent, funds were deployed into high quality but low yield liquid assets to reduce risk. Net interest income was also affected by the repricing of assets due to the decline in interest rates.
Net interest margin decreased by 46 basis points to 1.90 per cent compared with 2008. Net interest spread declined by 31 basis points to 1.84 per cent, attributable mainly to compressed deposit margins in the low interest rate environment which offered little room for the reduction of interest rates paid to customers. Treasury balance sheet management income was also affected by the repricing of assets as interest rates fell. Volume growth was noted in the average balance of mortgage lending, offsetting the effect of tighter spreads on mortgages in an intensely competitive market. The increase in the higher-yielding credit card business also helped support net interest income revenue streams. The group has grown its life insurance business and changed the mix of the assets held in the life insurance funds investment portfolio to held-to-maturity securities, increasing its contribution to interest income by 38.1 per cent compared with 2008.
The contribution from net free funds dropped by 15 basis points to 0.06 per cent as a consequence of the low interest rate environment.
The HSBC Group reports interest income and interest expense arising from financial assets and financial liabilities held for trading as 'Net trading income'. Income arising from financial instruments designated at fair value through profit and loss is reported as 'Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value' (other than for debt securities in issue and subordinated liabilities, together with derivatives managed in conjunction with them).
The table below presents the net interest income of Hang Seng, as included within the HSBC Group accounts:
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net interest income |
|
14,137 |
|
|
17,233 |
|
Average interest-earning assets |
|
670,321 |
|
|
664,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net interest spread |
|
2.06 |
% |
|
2.34 |
% |
Net interest margin |
|
2.11 |
% |
|
2.59 |
% |
Net fee income
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Stockbroking and related services |
|
1,566 |
|
|
|
1,359 |
|
- Retail investment funds |
|
604 |
|
|
|
1,084 |
|
- Structured investment products |
|
28 |
|
|
|
341 |
|
- Insurance |
|
190 |
|
|
|
98 |
|
- Account services |
|
291 |
|
|
|
282 |
|
- Private banking service fee |
|
129 |
|
|
|
234 |
|
- Remittances |
|
217 |
|
|
|
212 |
|
- Cards |
|
1,413 |
|
|
|
1,304 |
|
- Credit facilities |
|
135 |
|
|
|
132 |
|
- Trade services |
|
379 |
|
|
|
409 |
|
- Other |
|
238 |
|
|
|
249 |
|
Fee income |
|
5,190 |
|
|
|
5,704 |
|
Fee expense |
|
(869 |
) |
|
|
(735 |
) |
|
|
4,321 |
|
|
|
4,969 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net fee income fell by HK$648 million, or 13.0 per cent, to HK$4,321 million, compared with 2008.
Although the economic environment began to improve in the second half of 2009, investor demand for retail investment funds and structured investment products remained weak, resulting in declines in income of 44.3 per cent and 91.8 per cent respectively. Income from stockbroking and related services registered encouraging growth of 15.2 per cent on the back of the 25.7 per cent increase in stock trading turnover - a significant outperformance of the Hong Kong stock market. Private banking services fee income fell, reflecting reduced customer appetite for trading and structured investment products.
Card services income was 8.4 per cent higher than in 2008 and was broadly in line with the growth in average card balances. The bank's effective customer loyalty scheme and card utilisation promotions helped drive up Hang Seng card spending in 2009 to outperform the shrinking market. The increase in card income was also supported by year-on-year increases of 6.5 per cent in the number of cards in circulation and 9.1 per cent in cardholder spending.
Insurance fee income rose by 93.9 per cent, mainly contributed by strong sales of the HSBC Jade Global Universal Life product.
Compared with the first half of 2009, net fee income grew by HK$469 million, or 24.4 per cent, in the second half, partly reflecting increased demand for wealth management products coupled with renewed activity in the stock market. Higher income was recorded from retail investment funds with the timely launch of a China Index-linked fund and a global high-yield bond fund. Income from stockbroking and related services benefitted from the rebound in the stock market and increased IPO activity. Income from card services, private banking and trade services also registered solid growth in the second half of 2009 as compared to the first half.
Trading income
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trading income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- foreign exchange |
|
1,792 |
|
|
1,384 |
|
- securities, derivatives and other trading activities |
|
131 |
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
1,923 |
|
|
1,455 |
|
Trading income rose significantly by HK$468 million, or 32.2 per cent, to HK$1,923 million. Foreign exchange income increased by 29.5 per cent, mainly due to the combined effect of the favourable increase in net interest income from funding swapsW and the reduction in exchange losses on Hang Seng China's US dollar capital funds upon revaluation against the renminbi. Normal foreign exchange trading, however, fell by 14.2 per cent.
Income from securities, derivatives and other trading activities increased by HK$60 million, or 84.5 per cent. This was the net result of the improvement in securities trading activities and the decreased customer appetite for equity-linked structured products.
WTreasury from time to time employs foreign exchange swaps for its funding activities, which in essence involve swapping a currency ('original currency') into another currency ('swap currency') at the spot exchange rate for short-term placement and simultaneously entering into a forward exchange contract to convert the funds back to the original currency on maturity of the placement. In accordance with HKAS39, the exchange difference of the spot and forward contracts is required to be recognised as foreign exchange gain/loss, while the corresponding interest differential between the original and swap funding is reflected in net interest income.
Net loss from financial instruments designated at fair value
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss on assets designated at fair value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
which back insurance and investment contracts |
|
(54 |
) |
|
(1,045 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net change in fair value of other financial instruments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
designated at fair value |
|
(21 |
) |
|
14 |
|
|
|
(75 |
) |
|
(1,031 |
) |
Net loss from financial instruments designated at fair value improved by HK$956 million, or 92.7 per cent, to HK$75 million, when compared with 2008, reflecting the improved financial markets in 2009 and the switching of the equity component of the investment assets of the life insurance funds investment portfolio for high-quality debt securities in the second half of 2008.
Other operating income
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rental income from investment properties |
|
149 |
|
|
138 |
|
Movement in present value of in-force long-term |
|
|
|
|
|
|
insurance business |
|
760 |
|
|
382 |
|
Other |
|
180 |
|
|
181 |
|
|
|
1,089 |
|
|
701 |
|
Analysis of income from wealth management business
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- retail investment funds |
|
604 |
|
|
|
1,084 |
|
- structured investment productsW |
|
473 |
|
|
|
882 |
|
- private banking service feeWW |
|
158 |
|
|
|
248 |
|
- stockbroking and related services |
|
1,566 |
|
|
|
1,359 |
|
- margin trading and others |
|
141 |
|
|
|
119 |
|
|
|
2,942 |
|
|
|
3,692 |
|
Insurance income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- life insurance |
|
2,070 |
|
|
|
1,383 |
|
- general insurance and others |
|
337 |
|
|
|
314 |
|
|
|
2,407 |
|
|
|
1,697 |
|
Total |
|
5,349 |
|
|
|
5,389 |
|
W Income from structured investment products includes income reported under net fee income on the sales of third-party structured investment products. It also includes profit generated from the selling of structured investment products in issue, reported under trading income.
WWIncome 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.
Wealth management business income was broadly in line with 2008, falling by HK$40 million, or 0.7 per cent. The investment climate in 2009 remained weak, although there was an upturn in demand for wealth management products during the second half of the year. To cater for changing customer demands in uncertain financial markets, the group rapidly shifted its focus to personal insurance protection and lower-risk investment products. This resulted in an encouraging growth of 41.8 per cent in insurance income which partly offset the 20.3 per cent decline in investment income.
Income from retail investment funds and structured products was adversely affected by the unfavourable investment climate and equity markets volatility that took hold in the second half of 2008. However, as economic conditions stabilised during 2009, effective actions to support improving investor sentiment led to a solid increase in investment income in the second half of the year compared with the first half. The bank capitalised on opportunities to promote yield-enhancing investment products in the context of the low interest rate environment. The launch of the Hang Seng China Index Linked Fund and Hang Seng Global Financial Sector Bond Fund boosted investment funds sales during the second half but this only partly offset the overall decline in demand for investment funds, with investment funds turnover and income 41.0 per cent and 44.3 per cent respectively for the year. Structured investment products income declined by 46.4 per cent.
Income from stockbroking and related services rose by 15.2 per cent on the back of the bank's efforts to grow its market share to capitalise on the stock market rebound in the second half of 2009. The bank captured additional sales opportunities by offering professional and convenient trading services to customers via its new Securities Select Customer Trading Centre. These efforts helped increase year-on-year securities turnover by 25.7 per cent.
Private Banking service fee income was lower than in 2008, affected by the weak investment sentiment and lower volume of customer transactions. The bank expanded its business by strengthening its relationship management team, enhancing investment services support and implementing a variety of wealth management initiatives that will ensure it can take better advantage of medium and long-term business opportunities.
To meet customers' increased focus on wealth preservation in the changing economic conditions, the group diversified its insurance product range and introduced new plans with improved protection propositions. In the intensely competitive operating environment, the group recorded an increase in renewal business but new business declined, with net earned life insurance premiums down by 6.9 per cent. With the bank having shifted the portfolio mix away from equities to debt securities in the second half of 2008, the investment returns improved from an investment loss of HK$1,065 million in 2008 to an investment gain of HK$17 million in 2009. Net interest income and fee income from the life insurance funds investment portfolio rose by 43.7 per cent, contributed by the growth in the life insurance funds investment portfolio and asset reallocation. The increase more than offset the rise in net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholders' liabilities.
General insurance income increased by 7.3 per cent to HK$337 million.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life insurance: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- net interest income and fee income |
|
2,012 |
|
|
|
1,400 |
|
|
- investment returns on life insurance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
funds |
|
17 |
|
|
|
(1,065 |
) |
|
- net earned insurance premiums |
|
11,193 |
|
|
|
12,023 |
|
|
- net insurance claims incurred and movement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
in policyholders' liabilitiesW |
|
(11,912 |
) |
|
|
(11,357 |
) |
|
- movement in present value of in-force |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
long-term insurance business |
|
760 |
|
|
|
382 |
|
|
|
|
2,070 |
|
|
|
1,383 |
|
|
General insurance and others |
|
337 |
|
|
|
314 |
|
|
Total |
|
2,407 |
|
|
|
1,697 |
|
|
W Including premium and investment reserves
Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loan impairment charges: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- individually assessed |
|
(310 |
) |
|
(925 |
) |
- collectively assessed |
|
(502 |
) |
|
(476 |
) |
|
|
(812 |
) |
|
(1,401 |
) |
Of which: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- new and additional |
|
(1,104 |
) |
|
(1,505 |
) |
- releases |
|
230 |
|
|
48 |
|
- recoveries |
|
62 |
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
(812 |
) |
|
(1,401 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other credit risk provisions |
|
__ |
|
|
(1,375 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loan impairment charges and other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
credit risk provisions |
|
(812 |
) |
|
(2,776 |
) |
Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions fell by HK$1,964 million, or 70.7 per cent, to HK$812 million compared with a year earlier. With no impairment losses against available-for-sale securities, other credit risk provisions were down significantly when compared with 2008, which saw a HK$1,375 million write down of the carrying value of certain available-for-sale debt securities in the second half of the year.
Individually assessed provisions fell by HK$615 million due mainly to lower new and additional impairment charges and a higher net release on the accounts of certain corporate and commercial banking customers. The mortgage portfolio continued to be well secured with an average loan-to-value ratio below 40 per cent.
Collectively assessed provisions rose slightly by HK$26 million, reflecting a rise in credit card delinquencies against the backdrop of higher card spending and the uncertain economic environment. Impairment provisions for personal loan portfolios also increased modestly.
Operating expenses
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee compensation and benefits: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- salaries and other costs |
|
2,714 |
|
|
2,817 |
|
- performance-related pay |
|
377 |
|
|
462 |
|
- retirement benefit costs |
|
287 |
|
|
173 |
|
|
|
3,378 |
|
|
3,452 |
|
General and administrative expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- rental expenses |
|
445 |
|
|
423 |
|
- other premises and equipment |
|
900 |
|
|
926 |
|
- marketing and advertising expenses |
|
382 |
|
|
516 |
|
- other operating expenses |
|
1,021 |
|
|
986 |
|
|
|
2,748 |
|
|
2,851 |
|
Depreciation of business premises |
|
|
|
|
|
|
and equipment |
|
466 |
|
|
432 |
|
Amortisation of intangible assets |
|
84 |
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
6,676 |
|
|
6,795 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost efficiency ratio |
|
32.1 |
% |
|
29.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Staff numbersW by region |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hong Kong |
|
7,834 |
|
|
8,256 |
|
Mainland |
|
1,449 |
|
|
1,450 |
|
Others |
|
59 |
|
|
58 |
|
Total |
|
9,342 |
|
|
9,764 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
W Full-time equivalent
Operating expenses fell by HK$119 million, or 1.8 per cent, compared with 2008, reflecting lower staff-related expenses and the bank's well-managed cost control in the difficult operating environment. Excluding mainland business, operating expenses fell by 2.0 per cent.
Employee compensation and benefits decreased by HK$74 million, or 2.1 per cent. Salaries and other costs decreased by 3.7 per cent, reflecting the decline in average headcount and other staff-related costs. Performance-related pay expenses dropped by 18.4 per cent. Retirement benefit costs increased, due mainly to a reduction in the expected investment return for 2009. General and administrative expenses decreased by 3.6 per cent, with close cost management in marketing and advertising partly offset by rising rental expenses. Depreciation charges rose by 7.9 per cent, reflecting the acquisition of equipment, fixtures and fittings for the bank's Kowloon Bay office and head office in Central.
At 31 December 2009, the group's number of full-time equivalent staff was down by 422 compared with the end of 2008 - with the reduction mainly at the group's Hong Kong operations. The number of staff was closely monitored and headcount in Hong Kong was gradually reduced through natural attrition. Headcount for the bank's mainland operations remained stable.
The cost efficiency ratio for 2009 was 32.1 per cent, compared with 29.2 per cent for 2008, with the increase in the ratio due primarily to the reduction in net operating income before impairment charges and other credit risk provisions.
Gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net gains from disposal of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
available-for-sale equity securities |
|
161 |
|
|
646 |
|
Net losses from disposal of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
available-for-sale debt securities |
|
(152 |
) |
|
(83 |
) |
Impairment of available-for-sale equity securities |
|
(4 |
) |
|
(284 |
) |
Gains less losses on disposal of assets held for sale |
|
187 |
|
|
__ |
|
Gains less losses on disposal of fixed assets |
|
(6 |
) |
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
186 |
|
|
267 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets fell by HK$81 million, or 30.3 per cent, compared with a year earlier. As the group disposed of most of its equity holdings in 2008, net gains from the disposal of available-for-sale equity securities decreased by HK$485 million, or 75.1 per cent and impairment charges for certain available-for-sale equity securities amounted to HK$4 million compared with charges of HK$284 million in 2008. The net gain on the disposal of assets held for sale increased by HK$187 million, due mainly to a gain on the disposal of a property.
Tax expense
Taxation in the consolidated income statement represents:
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current tax - provision for Hong Kong profits tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax for the year |
|
1,844 |
|
|
2,167 |
|
Adjustment in respect of prior year |
|
(3 |
) |
|
(350 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current tax - taxation outside Hong Kong |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax for the year |
|
50 |
|
|
(21 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Origination and reversal of temporary differences |
|
365 |
|
|
31 |
|
Effect of decrease in tax rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
on deferred tax balances at 1 January |
|
__ |
|
|
(48 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total tax expense |
|
2,256 |
|
|
1,779 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The current tax provision is based on the estimated assessable profit for 2009, and is determined for the bank and its subsidiaries operating in Hong Kong by using the Hong Kong profits tax rate of 16.5 per cent (same as in 2008). 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 in 2009 is based on earnings of HK$13,221 million (HK$14,099 million in 2008) and on the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue of 1,911,842,736 shares (unchanged from 2008).
Dividends per share
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
HK$ |
HK$m |
|
HK$ |
HK$m |
|
|
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 |
|
1.10 |
2,103 |
|
Fourth interim |
1.90 |
3,633 |
|
3.00 |
5,736 |
|
|
5.20 |
9,942 |
|
6.30 |
12,045 |
|
Segmental analysis
The group's business comprises five customer groups. On first-time adoption of HKFRS 8 'Operating segments' and in a manner consistent with the way in which information is reported internally for the purposes of resource allocation and performance assessment, the group has identified the following five reportable segments:
· Personal Financial Services 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) Segment 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 in 2009 compared with 2008 is set out in the table below. More customer group analysis and discussions are set out in the 'Customer group performance' section on page 15.
|
Personal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|||
|
Financial |
Commercial |
Corporate |
|
|
|
|
reportable |
|
|||||
Figures in HK$m |
Services |
|
Banking |
|
Banking |
|
Treasury |
|
Other |
segments |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Year ended 31 December 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Profit before tax |
7,258 |
|
2,637 |
|
915 |
|
3,393 |
|
1,274 |
|
15,477 |
|
Share of profit before tax |
46.9 |
% |
17.0 |
% |
5.9 |
% |
21.9 |
% |
8.3 |
% |
100.0 |
% |
Year ended 31 December 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit before tax |
8,410 |
|
2,470 |
|
645 |
|
2,279 |
|
2,074 |
|
15,878 |
|
Share of profit before tax |
52.9 |
% |
15.6 |
% |
4.1 |
% |
14.4 |
% |
13.0 |
% |
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.
Figures in HK$m |
Hong Kong |
Americas |
|
Mainland and other |
|
Total |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended 31 December 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income and expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating income |
|
30,923 |
|
885 |
|
1,008 |
|
32,816 |
|
Profit before tax |
|
12,902 |
|
799 |
|
1,776 |
|
15,477 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 31 December 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
705,467 |
|
63,808 |
|
56,693 |
|
825,968 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
733,842 |
|
1,109 |
|
32,793 |
|
767,744 |
|
Interest in associates |
|
916 |
|
__ |
|
9,310 |
|
10,226 |
|
Non-current assetsW |
|
13,947 |
|
__ |
|
317 |
|
14,264 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended 31 December 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income and expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating income |
|
31,381 |
|
2,378 |
|
1,000 |
|
34,759 |
|
Profit before tax |
|
12,834 |
|
1,771 |
|
1,273 |
|
15,878 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 31 December 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
656,411 |
|
55,365 |
|
50,392 |
|
762,168 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
680,296 |
|
1,238 |
|
29,008 |
|
710,542 |
|
Interest in associates |
|
883 |
|
__ |
|
7,987 |
|
8,870 |
|
Non-current assetsW |
|
12,722 |
|
__ |
|
346 |
|
13,068 |
|
WNon-current assets consist of properties, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.
Analysis of assets and liabilities by remaining maturity
The maturity analysis is based on the remaining period at the end of the reporting period to the contractual maturity date, with the exception of the trading portfolio that may be sold before maturity and is accordingly recorded as 'Trading'.
|
|
|
|
One |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
month |
|
One |
|
Three |
|
One |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Repayable |
|
or less |
|
month |
|
months |
|
year |
|
Over |
|
|
|
No |
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
on |
|
but not on |
|
to three |
|
to |
|
to five |
|
five |
|
|
|
contractual |
|
|
|
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
demand |
|
demand |
|
months |
|
one year |
|
years |
|
years |
|
Trading |
|
maturity |
|
Total |
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Cash and balances with |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
banks and other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
financial institutions |
|
22,086 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
22,086 |
|
|
||
Placings with and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
advances to banks and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
other financial institutions |
|
4,352 |
|
72,226 |
|
25,557 |
|
2,416 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
104,551 |
|
|
||
Trading assets |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
66,597 |
|
__ |
|
66,597 |
|
|
||
Financial assets designated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
at fair value |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
20 |
|
646 |
|
4,201 |
|
58 |
|
__ |
|
525 |
|
5,450 |
|
|
||
Derivative financial |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
instruments |
|
__ |
|
7 |
|
34 |
|
232 |
|
118 |
|
__ |
|
4,659 |
|
__ |
|
5,050 |
|
|
||
Advances to customers |
|
9,254 |
|
22,927 |
|
25,005 |
|
51,673 |
|
121,394 |
|
114,368 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
344,621 |
|
|
||
Financial investments |
|
__ |
|
18,081 |
|
16,708 |
|
49,955 |
|
129,898 |
|
26,051 |
|
__ |
|
809 |
|
241,502 |
|
|
||
Investments in associates |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
10,226 |
|
10,226 |
|
|
||
Investment properties |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
2,872 |
|
2,872 |
|
|
||
Premises, plant and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
equipment |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
7,178 |
|
7,178 |
|
|
||
Interest in leasehold land |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
held for own use under |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
operating lease |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
536 |
|
536 |
|
|
||
Intangible assets |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
4,214 |
|
4,214 |
|
|
||
Other assets |
|
4,558 |
|
2,682 |
|
1,838 |
|
1,511 |
|
126 |
|
14 |
|
__ |
|
340 |
|
11,069 |
|
|
||
Deferred tax assets |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
16 |
|
16 |
|
|
||
At 31 December 2009 |
|
40,250 |
|
115,923 |
|
69,162 |
|
106,433 |
|
255,737 |
|
140,491 |
|
71,256 |
|
26,716 |
|
825,968 |
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current, savings and other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
deposit accounts |
|
494,026 |
|
81,129 |
|
38,108 |
|
22,427 |
|
679 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
636,369 |
|
|
||
Deposits from banks |
|
2,964 |
|
1,737 |
|
28 |
|
25 |
|
116 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
4,870 |
|
|
||
Trading liabilities |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
38,391 |
|
__ |
|
38,391 |
|
|
||
Financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
designated at fair value |
|
3 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
1,000 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
453 |
|
1,456 |
|
|
||
Derivative financial |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
instruments |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
6 |
|
21 |
|
630 |
|
13 |
|
3,581 |
|
__ |
|
4,251 |
|
|
||
Certificate of deposit and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
other debt securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
in issue |
|
__ |
|
159 |
|
171 |
|
1,177 |
|
319 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
1,826 |
|
|
||
Other liabilities |
|
6,044 |
|
3,158 |
|
1,955 |
|
1,452 |
|
150 |
|
116 |
|
__ |
|
2,410 |
|
15,285 |
|
|
||
Liabilities to customers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
under insurance contracts |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
54,240 |
|
54,240 |
|
|
||
Current tax liabilities |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
52 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
52 |
|
|
||
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
1,684 |
|
1,684 |
|
|
||
Subordinated liabilities |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
3,516 |
|
5,804 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
9,320 |
|
|
||
At 31 December 2009 |
|
503,037 |
|
86,183 |
|
40,268 |
|
29,670 |
|
7,698 |
|
129 |
|
41,972 |
|
58,787 |
|
767,744 |
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
One |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
month |
|
One |
|
Three |
|
One |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repayable |
|
or less |
|
month |
|
months |
|
year |
|
Over |
|
|
|
No |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
on |
|
but not on |
|
to three |
|
to |
|
to five |
|
five |
|
|
|
contractual |
|
|
|
|
|
Figures in HK$m |
|
demand |
|
demand |
|
months |
|
one year |
|
years |
|
years |
|
Trading |
|
maturity |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and balances with |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
banks and other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
financial institutions |
|
24,822 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
24,822 |
|
|
|
Placings with and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
advances to banks and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
other financial institutions |
|
6,440 |
|
40,585 |
|
15,934 |
|
6,620 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
69,579 |
|
|
|
Trading assets |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
108,389 |
|
__ |
|
108,389 |
|
|
|
Financial assets designated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
at fair value |
|
__ |
|
35 |
|
91 |
|
1,052 |
|
6,004 |
|
230 |
|
__ |
|
386 |
|
7,798 |
|
|
|
Derivative financial |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
instruments |
|
__ |
|
129 |
|
252 |
|
744 |
|
285 |
|
__ |
|
5,694 |
|
__ |
|
7,104 |
|
|
|
Advances to customers |
|
19,056 |
|
14,830 |
|
22,376 |
|
47,777 |
|
121,586 |
|
103,496 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
329,121 |
|
|
|
Financial investments |
|
5 |
|
9,921 |
|
15,718 |
|
28,041 |
|
101,512 |
|
25,379 |
|
__ |
|
583 |
|
181,159 |
|
|
|
Investments in associates |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
8,870 |
|
8,870 |
|
|
|
Investment properties |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
2,593 |
|
2,593 |
|
|
|
Premises, plant and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
equipment |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
7,090 |
|
7,090 |
|
|
|
Interest in leasehold land |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
held for own use under |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
operating lease |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
551 |
|
551 |
|
|
|
Intangible assets |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
3,385 |
|
3,385 |
|
|
|
Other assets |
|
4,224 |
|
1,781 |
|
1,636 |
|
3,570 |
|
51 |
|
8 |
|
__ |
|
236 |
|
11,506 |
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
201 |
|
201 |
|
|
|
At 31 December 2008 |
|
54,547 |
|
67,281 |
|
56,007 |
|
87,804 |
|
229,438 |
|
129,113 |
|
114,083 |
|
23,895 |
|
762,168 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current, savings and other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
deposit accounts |
|
358,976 |
|
128,083 |
|
60,146 |
|
13,916 |
|
777 |
|
285 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
562,183 |
|
||
Deposits from banks |
|
5,712 |
|
4,274 |
|
1,279 |
|
291 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
11,556 |
|
||
Trading liabilities |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
48,282 |
|
__ |
|
48,282 |
|
||
Financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
designated at fair value |
|
3 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
998 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
406 |
|
1,407 |
|
||
Derivative financial |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
instruments |
|
__ |
|
1 |
|
__ |
|
5 |
|
304 |
|
259 |
|
14,376 |
|
__ |
|
14,945 |
|
||
Certificate of deposit and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
other debt securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
in issue |
|
__ |
|
295 |
|
__ |
|
1,082 |
|
1,395 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
2,772 |
|
||
Other liabilities |
|
4,657 |
|
2,154 |
|
1,225 |
|
2,996 |
|
69 |
|
116 |
|
__ |
|
4,231 |
|
15,448 |
|
||
Liabilities to customers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
under insurance contracts |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
43,835 |
|
43,835 |
|
||
Current tax liabilities |
|
__ |
|
1 |
|
__ |
|
93 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
94 |
|
||
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
711 |
|
711 |
|
||
Subordinated liabilities |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
9,309 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
9,309 |
|
||
At 31 December 2008 |
|
369,348 |
|
134,808 |
|
62,650 |
|
18,383 |
|
12,852 |
|
660 |
|
62,658 |
|
49,183 |
|
710,542 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Cash and balances with banks and other financial institutions
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash in hand |
|
4,299 |
|
|
3,696 |
|
Balances with central banks |
|
3,397 |
|
|
2,426 |
|
Balances with banks and other financial institutions |
|
14,390 |
|
|
18,700 |
|
|
|
22,086 |
|
|
24,822 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Placings with and advances to banks and other financial institutions
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Placings with and advances to banks and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
other financial institutions maturing within one month |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Placings with and advances to banks and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
other financial institutions maturing after one month |
|
27,972 |
|
|
22,554 |
|
|
|
104,551 |
|
|
69,579 |
|
Trading assets
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Treasury bills |
|
62,028 |
|
|
103,621 |
|
Other debt securities |
|
4,562 |
|
|
4,750 |
|
Debt securities |
|
66,590 |
|
|
108,371 |
|
Equity shares |
|
6 |
|
|
__ |
|
Total trading securities |
|
66,596 |
|
|
108,371 |
|
OtherW |
|
1 |
|
|
18 |
|
Total trading assets |
|
66,597 |
|
|
108,389 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- listed in Hong Kong |
|
2,712 |
|
|
3,631 |
|
- listed outside Hong Kong |
|
157 |
|
|
269 |
|
|
|
2,869 |
|
|
3,900 |
|
- unlisted |
|
63,721 |
|
|
104,471 |
|
|
|
66,590 |
|
|
108,371 |
|
Equity shares: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- listed in Hong Kong |
|
6 |
|
|
__ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total trading securities |
|
66,596 |
|
|
108,371 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued by public bodies: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- central governments and central banks |
|
65,817 |
|
|
107,428 |
|
- other public sector entities |
|
369 |
|
|
378 |
|
|
|
66,186 |
|
|
107,806 |
|
Issued by other bodies: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- banks and other financial institutions |
|
292 |
|
|
306 |
|
- corporate entities |
|
112 |
|
|
259 |
|
|
|
404 |
|
|
565 |
|
|
|
66,590 |
|
|
108,371 |
|
Equity shares: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued by corporate entities |
|
6 |
|
|
__ |
|
Total trading securities |
|
66,596 |
|
|
108,371 |
|
WThis represents amount receivable from counterparties on trading transactions not yet settled.
Beginning in late 2008, the bank took action to preserve its liquidity and yield by deploying surplus funds from matured available-for-sale securities and short-term interbank placements to high-quality trading debt securities. These trading securities are mostly in the form of treasury bills with short tenors issued by governments. During 2009, as the financial sector and credit environment began to stabilise, Treasury redeployed surplus funds generated upon the maturing of trading assets into interbank placements and available-for-sale debt securities to achieve yield enhancement while prudently managing risk. As a result, trading securities declined by HK$41,775 million, or 38.5 per cent, to HK$66,596 million when compared with 2008 year-end.
Financial assets designated at fair value
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Certificates of deposit |
|
129 |
|
|
163 |
|
Other debt securities |
|
4,798 |
|
|
7,273 |
|
Debt securities |
|
4,927 |
|
|
7,436 |
|
Equity shares |
|
523 |
|
|
362 |
|
|
|
5,450 |
|
|
7,798 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- listed in Hong Kong |
|
3 |
|
|
834 |
|
- listed outside Hong Kong |
|
194 |
|
|
1,004 |
|
|
|
197 |
|
|
1,838 |
|
- unlisted |
|
4,730 |
|
|
5,598 |
|
|
|
4,927 |
|
|
7,436 |
|
Equity shares: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- listed in Hong Kong |
|
21 |
|
|
26 |
|
- listed outside Hong Kong |
|
69 |
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
83 |
|
- unlisted |
|
433 |
|
|
279 |
|
|
|
523 |
|
|
362 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,450 |
|
|
7,798 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued by public bodies: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- central governments and central banks |
|
154 |
|
|
924 |
|
- other public sector entities |
|
168 |
|
|
564 |
|
|
|
322 |
|
|
1,488 |
|
Issued by other bodies: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- banks and other financial institutions |
|
4,464 |
|
|
5,317 |
|
- corporate entities |
|
141 |
|
|
631 |
|
|
|
4,605 |
|
|
5,948 |
|
|
|
4,927 |
|
|
7,436 |
|
Equity shares: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued by corporate entities |
|
523 |
|
|
362 |
|
|
|
5,450 |
|
|
7,798 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advances to customers
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross advances to customers |
|
346,586 |
|
|
331,164 |
|
Less: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loan impairment allowances: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- individually assessed |
|
(1,151 |
) |
|
(1,241 |
) |
- collectively assessed |
|
(814 |
) |
|
(802 |
) |
|
|
344,621 |
|
|
329,121 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Included in advances to customers are: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Trade bills |
|
2,802 |
|
|
2,899 |
|
- Less: loan impairment allowances |
|
(42 |
) |
|
(30 |
) |
|
|
2,760 |
|
|
2,869 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loan impairment allowances against advances to customers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Individually |
|
Collectively |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
assessed |
|
assessed |
|
|
Total |
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 January 2009 |
|
1,241 |
|
|
802 |
|
|
2,043 |
|
|
|
Amounts written off |
|
(394 |
) |
|
(526 |
) |
|
(920 |
) |
|
|
Recoveries of advances |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
written off in previous years |
|
24 |
|
|
38 |
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
New impairment allowances |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
charged to income statement |
|
564 |
|
|
540 |
|
|
1,104 |
|
|
|
Impairment allowances released |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
to income statement |
|
(254 |
) |
|
(38 |
) |
|
(292 |
) |
|
|
Unwinding of discount of loan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
impairment allowances |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
recognised as 'interest income' |
|
(30 |
) |
|
(2 |
) |
|
(32 |
) |
|
|
At 31 December 2009 |
|
1,151 |
|
|
814 |
|
|
1,965 |
|
|
|
Total loan impairment allowances as a percentage of gross advances to customers are as follows:
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loan impairment allowances: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- individually assessed |
|
0.33 |
|
|
0.37 |
|
- collectively assessed |
|
0.23 |
|
|
0.24 |
|
Total loan impairment allowances |
|
0.56 |
|
|
0.61 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total loan impairment allowances as a percentage of gross advances to customers was 0.56 per cent at 31 December 2009 compared with 0.61 per cent at 2008 year-end. Individually assessed allowances as a percentage of gross advances fell by 0.04 percentage points to 0.33 per cent, reflecting the net release on certain corporate and commercial banking customer accounts during the year.
Impaired advances and allowances
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross impaired advances |
|
2,508 |
|
|
3,404 |
|
Individually assessed allowances |
|
(1,151 |
) |
|
(1,241 |
) |
|
|
1,357 |
|
|
2,163 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Individually assessed allowances |
|
|
|
|
|
|
as a percentage of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
gross impaired advances |
|
45.9 |
% |
|
36.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross impaired advances |
|
|
|
|
|
|
as a percentage of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
gross advances to customers |
|
0.7 |
% |
|
1.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impaired advances are those advances where objective evidence exists that full repayment of principal or interest is considered unlikely.
Gross impaired advances fell by HK$896 million, or 26.3 per cent, to HK$2,508 million compared with the end of 2008, due mainly to the write-off of irrecoverable balances against impairment allowances and customer repayments offsetting the downgrade of certain commercial banking customers. Gross impaired advances as a percentage of gross advances to customers was 0.7 per cent, compared with 1.0 per cent at the end of 2008.
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross individually assessed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
impaired advances |
|
2,434 |
|
|
3,297 |
|
Individually assessed allowances |
|
(1,151 |
) |
|
(1,241 |
) |
|
|
1,283 |
|
|
2,056 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross individually assessed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
impaired advances |
|
|
|
|
|
|
as a percentage of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
gross advances to customers |
|
0.7 |
% |
|
1.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount of collateral which |
|
|
|
|
|
|
has been taken into account |
|
|
|
|
|
|
in respect of individually assessed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
impaired advances to customers |
|
1,024 |
|
|
1,502 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 is 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 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||||
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
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 |
241 |
|
0.1 |
|
340 |
|
0.1 |
|
- more than six months but |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
not more than one year |
353 |
|
0.1 |
|
419 |
|
0.1 |
|
- more than one year |
864 |
|
0.2 |
|
311 |
|
0.1 |
|
|
1,458 |
|
0.4 |
|
1,070 |
|
0.3 |
|
Advances with a specific repayment date are classified as overdue when the principal or interest is overdue and remains unpaid at year-end. Advances repayable by regular instalments are treated as overdue when an instalment payment is overdue and remains unpaid at year-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 rose by 36.3 per cent to HK$1,458 million at 31 December 2009. Overdue advances as a percentage of gross advances to customers stood at 0.4 per cent - up 0.1 percentage point compared with the end of 2008.
Rescheduled advances
Rescheduled advances and their expression as a percentage of gross advances to customers are as follows:
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||||
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
HK$m |
|
% |
|
HK$m |
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rescheduled advances to customers |
703 |
|
0.2 |
|
281 |
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rescheduled advances are those advances that have been rescheduled or renegotiated for reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties. This will normally involve the granting of concessionary terms and resetting the overdue account to non-overdue status. A rescheduled 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 (page 49).
Rescheduled advances increased by HK$422 million, or 150.2 per cent, to HK$703 million at 31 December 2009, representing 0.2 per cent of gross advances to customers. The increase was mainly due to the debt restructuring of certain commercial banking and corporate customers.
Segmental analysis of advances to customers by geographical area
Advances to customers by geographical area are classified according to the location of the counterparties after taking into account the transfer of risk. In general, risk transfer applies when an advance is guaranteed by a party located in an area that is different from that of the counterparty. At 31 December 2009, about 90 per cent (about 90 per cent at 31 December 2008) of the group's advances to customers, including related impaired advances and overdue advances, were classified under Hong Kong. There was no geographical segment other than Hong Kong to which the bank's advances to customers is not less than 10 per cent of the total loans and advances.
Gross advances to customers by industry sector
The analysis of gross advances to customers by industry sector based on categories and definitions used by the HKMA is as follows:
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross advances to customers for |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
use in Hong Kong |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Industrial, commercial and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
financial sectors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property development |
|
23,618 |
|
|
25,314 |
|
|
Property investment |
|
75,264 |
|
|
66,179 |
|
|
Financial concerns |
|
2,720 |
|
|
3,146 |
|
|
Stockbrokers |
|
480 |
|
|
526 |
|
|
Wholesale and retail trade |
|
7,812 |
|
|
6,183 |
|
|
Manufacturing |
|
12,080 |
|
|
12,828 |
|
|
Transport and transport equipment |
|
6,503 |
|
|
8,400 |
|
|
Recreational activities |
|
37 |
|
|
26 |
|
|
Information technology |
|
1,247 |
|
|
1,075 |
|
|
Other |
|
24,405 |
|
|
21,553 |
|
|
|
|
154,166 |
|
|
145,230 |
|
|
Individuals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advances for the purchase of flats under |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
the Government Home Ownership |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scheme, Private Sector Participation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scheme and Tenants Purchase Scheme |
|
14,647 |
|
|
16,739 |
|
|
Advances for the purchase of other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
residential properties |
|
96,651 |
|
|
89,669 |
|
|
Credit card advances |
|
13,818 |
|
|
12,841 |
|
|
Other |
|
11,961 |
|
|
11,892 |
|
|
|
|
137,077 |
|
|
131,141 |
|
|
Total gross advances for use in Hong Kong |
|
291,243 |
|
|
276,371 |
|
|
Trade finance |
|
19,215 |
|
|
19,039 |
|
|
Gross advances for use outside Hong Kong |
|
36,128 |
|
|
35,754 |
|
|
Gross advances to customers |
|
346,586 |
|
|
331,164 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 31 December 2009, gross advances to customers were up HK$15.4 billion, or 4.7 per cent, at HK$346.6 billion compared with the previous year-end.
Loans for use in Hong Kong increased by HK$14.9 billion, or 5.4 per cent. New financing for corporate customers was active, reflecting strong growth in property investment lending in line with the buoyant property market. Following the Hong Kong Government's launch of two government-guaranteed lending schemes - the SME Loan Guarantee Scheme ('SGS') and the Special Loan Guarantee Scheme ('SpGS') - to facilitate financial institutions in supporting SMEs in challenging credit conditions, the bank has actively promoted these schemes to its existing clientele and potential new customers. This boosted lending to the wholesale and retail trade sector. The decline in lending to manufacturing sector was mainly due to a large loan repayment during the year. Growth in lending to the 'Other' sector was due to the increase in new financing to certain large corporate customers.
Lending to individuals increased slightly by HK$5.9 billion, or 4.5 per cent. Excluding the fall in Government Home Ownership Scheme ('GHOS') mortgages, lending to individuals grew by 7.0 per cent. Despite intense competition, the bank was able to sustain a leading position in the mortgage market by offering comprehensive mortgage consultancy and e-mortgage services to capitalise on new business opportunities in the booming property market and the low interest rate environment. Riding on this momentum, residential mortgage lending to individuals grew by a remarkable 7.8 per cent. Sustained strong customer spending saw card advances increase by 7.6 per cent. The bank gained market share during the year, supported by a 6.5 per cent rise in the number of cards in issue and a 9.1 per cent increase in cardholder spending. Loans to other individuals remained broadly the same as in 2008.
Despite the contraction in global trade activity, trade finance was able to achieve modest growth against 2008 year-end, reflecting the bank's success in broadening its range of product and service offerings for SME customers in Hong Kong, the Mainland and Macau.
Loans for use outside Hong Kong grew by 1.0 per cent. This was due largely to the 5.2 per cent expansion in the mainland loan portfolio, which had reached HK$28.3 billion at 31 December 2009. In the uncertain credit environment, the group took a prudent approach in extending its lending business on the Mainland.
Financial investments
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Available-for-sale at fair value: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- debt securities |
|
192,486 |
|
|
144,520 |
|
- equity shares |
|
347 |
|
|
434 |
|
Held-to-maturity debt securities at amortised cost |
|
48,669 |
|
|
36,205 |
|
|
|
241,502 |
|
|
181,159 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of held-to-maturity debt securities |
|
49,805 |
|
|
39,315 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Treasury bills |
|
53,973 |
|
|
9,927 |
|
Certificates of deposit |
|
7,665 |
|
|
12,871 |
|
Other debt securities |
|
179,517 |
|
|
157,927 |
|
Debt securities |
|
241,155 |
|
|
180,725 |
|
Equity shares |
|
347 |
|
|
434 |
|
|
|
241,502 |
|
|
181,159 |
|
Debt securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- listed in Hong Kong |
|
7,607 |
|
|
5,604 |
|
- listed outside Hong Kong |
|
66,618 |
|
|
67,018 |
|
|
|
74,225 |
|
|
72,622 |
|
- unlisted |
|
166,930 |
|
|
108,103 |
|
|
|
241,155 |
|
|
180,725 |
|
Equity shares: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- listed in Hong Kong |
|
60 |
|
|
37 |
|
- listed outside Hong Kong |
|
85 |
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
145 |
|
|
105 |
|
- unlisted |
|
202 |
|
|
329 |
|
|
|
347 |
|
|
434 |
|
|
|
241,502 |
|
|
181,159 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of listed financial investments |
|
74,493 |
|
|
73,048 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued by public bodies: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- central governments and central banks |
|
64,776 |
|
|
16,643 |
|
- other public sector entities |
|
25,065 |
|
|
4,353 |
|
|
|
89,841 |
|
|
20,996 |
|
Issued by other bodies: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- banks and other financial institutions |
|
133,312 |
|
|
144,167 |
|
- corporate entities |
|
18,002 |
|
|
15,562 |
|
|
|
151,314 |
|
|
159,729 |
|
|
|
241,155 |
|
|
180,725 |
|
Equity shares: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued by corporate entities |
|
347 |
|
|
434 |
|
|
|
241,502 |
|
|
181,159 |
|
Debt securities by rating agency designation
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AAA |
|
74,339 |
|
|
40,775 |
|
AA- to AA+ |
|
98,811 |
|
|
71,511 |
|
A- to A+ |
|
58,749 |
|
|
56,296 |
|
B+ to BBB+ |
|
5,094 |
|
|
7,572 |
|
B and lower |
|
__ |
|
|
160 |
|
Unrated |
|
4,162 |
|
|
4,411 |
|
|
|
241,155 |
|
|
180,725 |
|
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 premium or discount.
Financial investments rose by HK$60.3 billion, or 33.3 per cent, compared with the end of 2008. Investments were primarily in high-quality debt securities or debt securities guaranteed by governments, reflecting the bank's strategy to identify quality investment opportunities that enable it to optimise returns while prudently managing risk. At 31 December 2009, 98.3 per cent of the group's holdings of debt securities were assigned with investment grade ratings by rating agencies. The unrated debt securities were issued by subsidiaries of investment-grade banks and are guaranteed by their corresponding holding companies. These notes rank pari passu with all of the respective guarantor's other senior debt obligations. The group did not hold any investments in structured investment vehicles or any sub-prime related assets such as collateralised debt obligations, mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities.
Amounts due from/to immediate holding company and fellow subsidiary companies
The amounts due from/to the bank's immediate holding company and fellow subsidiary companies included in the assets and liabilities balances of the consolidated statement of financial position are as follows:
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts due from: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and balances with banks and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
other financial institutions |
|
2,253 |
|
|
7,032 |
|
Placings with and advances to banks |
|
|
|
|
|
|
and other financial institutions |
|
10,841 |
|
|
10,899 |
|
Financial assets designated at fair value |
|
3,346 |
|
|
3,545 |
|
Derivative financial instruments |
|
383 |
|
|
635 |
|
Financial investments |
|
412 |
|
|
692 |
|
Other assets |
|
65 |
|
|
226 |
|
|
|
17,300 |
|
|
23,029 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts due to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer accounts |
|
1,653 |
|
|
177 |
|
Deposits from banks |
|
1,313 |
|
|
5,478 |
|
Derivative financial instruments |
|
1,314 |
|
|
7,425 |
|
Subordinated liabilities |
|
2,017 |
|
|
2,015 |
|
Other liabilities |
|
330 |
|
|
274 |
|
|
|
6,627 |
|
|
15,369 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments in associates
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of net assets |
|
9,691 |
|
|
8,314 |
|
Intangibles |
|
106 |
|
|
157 |
|
Goodwill |
|
429 |
|
|
399 |
|
|
|
10,226 |
|
|
8,870 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments in associates increased by HK$1,356 million, mainly due to the increase in the bank's share of net assets of Industrial Bank Co., Ltd as well as its investment in Yantai Bank Co., Ltd.
Intangible assets
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
|||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Present value of in-force long-term |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
insurance business |
|
3,466 |
|
|
2,707 |
|
|
Internally developed software |
|
385 |
|
|
321 |
|
|
Acquired software |
|
34 |
|
|
28 |
|
|
Goodwill |
|
329 |
|
|
329 |
|
|
|
|
4,214 |
|
|
3,385 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Items in the course of collection |
|
|
|
|
|
|
from other banks |
|
4,343 |
|
|
4,028 |
|
Prepayments and accrued income |
|
1,835 |
|
|
2,711 |
|
Assets held for sale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Repossessed assets |
|
47 |
|
|
136 |
|
- Other assets held for sale |
|
__ |
|
|
16 |
|
Acceptances and endorsements |
|
3,584 |
|
|
3,090 |
|
Retirement benefit assets |
|
86 |
|
|
30 |
|
Other accounts |
|
1,174 |
|
|
1,495 |
|
|
|
11,069 |
|
|
11,506 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current, savings and other deposit accounts: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- as stated in consolidated statement of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
financial position |
|
636,369 |
|
|
562,183 |
|
- structured deposits reported as |
|
|
|
|
|
|
trading liabilities |
|
22,212 |
|
|
29,785 |
|
|
|
658,581 |
|
|
591,968 |
|
By type: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- demand and current accounts |
|
53,450 |
|
|
36,321 |
|
- savings accounts |
|
437,440 |
|
|
294,556 |
|
- time and other deposits |
|
167,691 |
|
|
261,091 |
|
|
|
658,581 |
|
591,968 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Certificates of deposit and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
other debt securities in issue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- as stated in consolidated statement of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
financial position |
|
1,826 |
|
|
2,772 |
|
- structured certificates of deposit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
and other debt securities in issue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
reported as trading liabilities |
|
3,247 |
|
|
9,716 |
|
|
|
5,073 |
|
|
12,488 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By type: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- certificates of deposit in issue |
|
2,304 |
|
|
6,633 |
|
- other debt securities in issue |
|
2,769 |
|
|
5,855 |
|
|
|
5,073 |
|
|
12,488 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer deposits and certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue stood at HK$663.7 billion at 31 December 2009, a rise of 9.8 per cent over the end of 2008. Higher growth was recorded in savings and current account balances, reflecting customer preference for liquidity in the prevailing low interest rate. Structured deposits and other structured certificates of deposits and other debt securities in issue fell, due primarily to reduced demand for such products in the uncertain investment environment. Deposits with Hang Seng (China) Limited rose significantly by 35.9 per cent.
Trading liabilities
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Structured certificates of deposit and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
other debt securities in issue |
|
3,247 |
|
|
9,716 |
|
Structured deposits |
|
22,212 |
|
|
29,785 |
|
Short positions in securities and other |
|
12,932 |
|
|
8,781 |
|
|
|
38,391 |
|
|
48,282 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trading liabilities include customer deposits and certificates of deposit with embedded options or other derivatives, the market risk of which is managed in the trading book.
Other liabilities
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Items in the course of transmission |
|
|
|
|
|
|
to other banks |
|
6,304 |
|
|
4,583 |
|
Accruals |
|
2,039 |
|
|
2,924 |
|
Acceptances and endorsements |
|
3,584 |
|
|
3,090 |
|
Retirement benefit liabilities |
|
1,712 |
|
|
3,532 |
|
Other |
|
1,646 |
|
|
1,319 |
|
|
|
15,285 |
|
|
15,448 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subordinated liabilities
|
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nominal value |
Description |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount owed to third parties |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HK$1,500 million |
Callable floating rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
subordinated notes due June 2015 |
|
1,499 |
|
|
1,498 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HK$1,000 million |
4.125 per cent callable fixed rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
subordinated notes due June 2015 |
|
1,003 |
|
|
994 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
US$450 million |
Callable floating rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
subordinated notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
due July 2016 |
|
3,483 |
|
|
3,478 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
US$300 million |
Callable floating rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
subordinated notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
due July 2017 |
|
2,321 |
|
|
2,318 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount owed to HSBC Group undertakings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
US$260 million |
Callable floating rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
subordinated loan debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
due December 2015 |
|
2,017 |
|
|
2,015 |
|
|
|
|
10,323 |
|
|
10,303 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Representing: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- measured at amortised cost |
|
9,320 |
|
|
9,309 |
|
|
- designated at fair value |
|
1,003 |
|
|
994 |
|
|
|
|
|
10,323 |
|
|
10,303 |
|
There was no subordinated debt issued during 2009. The outstanding subordinated notes, which qualify as supplementary capital, serve to help the bank maintain a more balanced capital structure and support business growth.
Shareholders' funds
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share capital |
|
9,559 |
|
|
9,559 |
|
Retained profits |
|
37,719 |
|
|
32,518 |
|
Premises revaluation reserve |
|
3,994 |
|
|
3,711 |
|
Cash flow hedges reserve |
|
174 |
|
|
562 |
|
Available-for-sale investments reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- on debt securities |
|
(496 |
) |
|
(4,137 |
) |
- on equity securities |
|
239 |
|
|
314 |
|
Capital redemption reserve |
|
99 |
|
|
99 |
|
Other reserves |
|
3,303 |
|
|
3,264 |
|
Total reserves |
|
45,032 |
|
|
36,331 |
|
|
|
54,591 |
|
|
45,890 |
|
Proposed dividends |
|
3,633 |
|
|
5,736 |
|
Shareholders' funds |
|
58,224 |
|
|
51,626 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return on average shareholders' funds |
|
24.6 |
% |
|
26.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders' funds (excluding proposed dividends) grew by HK$8,701 million, or 19.0 per cent, to reach HK$54,591 million at 31 December 2009. Retained profits rose by HK$5,201 million, mainly reflecting the growth in 2009 profit after the appropriation of interim dividends and the increase in actuarial gains on the defined benefit scheme. Against the backdrop of the rebound in the property market during the year, the premises revaluation reserve increased by HK$283 million compared with 2008.
In accordance with accounting standards, available-for-sale debt and equity securities should be measured at fair value. The carrying amounts of the various debt and equity securities are reviewed at the end of the reporting period to determine whether there is any objective evidence of impairment. If evidence exists, the relevant carrying amount is reduced to the estimated recoverable amount by means of an impairment charge to the income statement.
The available-for-sale investments reserve for debt securities showed a deficit of HK$496 million compared with a deficit of HK$4,137 million at 2008 year-end, reflecting the improvement and stabilisation in global credit markets and the disposal of high-risk assets under the bank's prudent risk management strategy. The group assessed that there were no impaired debt securities during the year, and accordingly, no impairment loss has been recognised.
The return on average shareholders' funds was 24.6 per cent, compared with 26.0 per cent for 2008.
There was no purchase, sale or redemption by the bank, or any of its subsidiaries, of the bank's securities in 2009.
Capital resources management
Analysis of capital base and risk-weighted assets
|
At 31 December |
|
|
|
At 31 December |
|
||||||
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Capital base |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Core capital: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
- Share capital |
|
9,559 |
|
|
|
|
|
9,559 |
|
|
||
- Retained profits |
|
31,708 |
|
|
|
|
|
24,290 |
|
|
||
- Classified as regulatory reserve |
|
(920 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(854 |
) |
|
||
- Less: deductible of core capital |
|
(561 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(557 |
) |
|
||
- Less: 50 per cent of total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
unconsolidated investments and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
other deductions |
|
(7,330 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(6,330 |
) |
|
||
- Total core capital |
|
32,456 |
|
|
|
|
|
26,108 |
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Supplementary capital: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
- Fair value gains on the revaluation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
of property |
|
3,732 |
|
|
|
|
|
3,465 |
|
|
||
- Fair value gains on the revaluation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
of available-for-sale investment and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
equity |
|
498 |
|
|
|
|
|
649 |
|
|
||
- Collective impairment allowances |
|
81 |
|
|
|
|
|
78 |
|
|
||
- Regulatory reserve |
|
101 |
|
|
|
|
|
94 |
|
|
||
- Surplus provision |
|
__ |
|
|
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
||
- Term subordinated debt |
|
10,354 |
|
|
|
|
|
10,357 |
|
|
||
- Less: 50 per cent of total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
unconsolidated investments and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
other deductions |
|
(7,330 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(6,330 |
) |
|
||
- Total supplementary capital |
|
7,436 |
|
|
|
|
|
8,414 |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Total capital base after deductions |
|
39,892 |
|
|
|
|
|
34,522 |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Risk-weighted assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
- Credit risk |
|
212,434 |
|
|
|
|
|
235,576 |
|
|||
- Market risk |
|
1,278 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,684 |
|
|||
- Operational risk |
|
39,017 |
|
|
|
|
|
38,104 |
|
|||
|
|
252,729 |
|
|
|
|
|
275,364 |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Capital adequacy ratio |
|
15.8 |
% |
|
|
|
12.5 |
% |
||||
Core capital ratio |
|
12.8 |
% |
|
|
|
9.5 |
% |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Capital ratios at 31 December 2009 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. Having obtained approval from the HKMA to adopt the 'advanced internal ratings-based approach' ('AIRB') to calculate the risk-weighted assets for credit risk from 1 January 2009, the bank used the AIRB approach to calculate its credit risk exposure at 31 December 2009. The standardised (operational risk) approach and internal models approach were used to calculate its operational risk and market risk respectively. The capital adequacy ratio and core capital ratio at 31 December 2008 were calculated using the 'foundation internal ratings-based approach' ('FIRB'). On 31 December 2009, the capital adequacy ratio and core capital ratio were 15.8 per cent and 12.8 per cent, compared with 12.5 per cent and 9.5 per cent at the end of 2008. The strengthening of these ratios largely reflects profit growth after accounting for dividends during the year, the improvement in the available-for-sale debt securities reserve due to the narrowing of credit spreads and the change in calculation methodology.
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 costs of these unconsolidated regulated financial entities are 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 of HK$920 million (HK$854 million at 31 December 2008) from retained profits.
Liquidity ratio
The average liquidity ratio for the year, calculated in accordance with the Fourth Schedule of the Hong Kong Banking Ordinance, is as follows:
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The bank and its subsidiaries |
|
|
|
|
|
|
designated by the HKMA |
|
48.1 |
% |
|
46.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash flow from operating activities
Figures in HK$m |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit |
|
13,324 |
|
|
13,725 |
|
Net interest income |
|
(14,023 |
) |
|
(16,232 |
) |
Dividend income |
|
(16 |
) |
|
(82 |
)) |
Loan impairment charges and other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
credit risk provisions |
|
812 |
|
|
2,776 |
|
Impairment of available-for-sale equity securities |
|
4 |
|
|
284 |
|
Depreciation |
|
466 |
|
|
432 |
|
Amortisation of intangible assets |
|
84 |
|
|
60 |
|
Amortisation of available-for-sale investments |
|
76 |
|
|
(398 |
)) |
Amortisation of held-to-maturity debt securities |
|
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
Advances written off net of recoveries |
|
(858 |
) |
|
(400 |
) |
Interest received |
|
11,126 |
|
|
16,232 |
|
Interest paid |
|
(1,478 |
) |
|
(9,249 |
) |
Operating profit before changes in working capital |
|
9,518 |
|
|
7,149 |
|
Change in treasury bills and certificates of deposit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
with original maturity more than three months |
|
(41,353 |
) |
|
14,016 |
|
Change in placings with and advances to banks |
|
|
|
|
|
|
maturing after one month |
|
(5,418 |
) |
|
(2,895 |
)) |
Change in trading assets |
|
77,386 |
|
|
(100,363 |
)) |
Change in financial assets designated at fair value |
|
(2,549 |
) |
|
(276 |
)) |
Change in derivative financial instruments |
|
(8,640 |
) |
|
7,848 |
|
Change in advances to customers |
|
(15,454 |
) |
|
(21,766 |
) |
Change in other assets |
|
(1,070 |
) |
|
(3,474 |
) |
Change in financial liabilities designated at fair value |
|
8 |
|
|
5 |
|
Change in current, savings and other deposit accounts |
|
74,186 |
|
|
15,530 |
|
Change in deposits from banks |
|
(6,566 |
) |
|
(8,300 |
)) |
Change in trading liabilities |
|
(9,891 |
) |
|
131 |
) |
Change in certificates of deposit and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
other debt securities in issue |
|
(946 |
) |
|
(2,913 |
) |
Change in other liabilities |
|
4,048 |
|
|
7,150 |
|
Elimination of exchange differences |
|
|
|
|
|
|
and other non-cash items |
|
(5,523 |
) |
|
4,542 |
) |
Cash generated from/(used in) operating activities |
|
67,736 |
|
|
(83,616 |
)) |
Taxation paid |
|
(1,921 |
) |
|
(3,214 |
) |
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities |
|
65,815 |
|
|
(86,830 |
)) |
(b) Analysis of the balances of cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
At 31 December |
|
||
Figures in HK$m |
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and balances with banks and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
other financial institutions |
|
22,086 |
|
|
24,822 |
|
Placings with and advances to banks and other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
financial institutions maturing within one month |
|
74,459 |
|
|
44,572 |
|
Treasury bills |
|
40,214 |
|
|
6,722 |
|
|
|
136,759 |
|
|
76,116 |
|
Contingent liabilities, commitments and derivatives
|
|
|
|
Credit |
|
Risk- |
|
|
Contract |
equivalent |
weighted |
|
|||
Figures in HK$m |
|
amount |
|
amount |
|
amount |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 31 December 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Direct credit substitutes |
|
3,121 |
|
2,987 |
|
1,785 |
|
Transaction-related contingencies |
|
550 |
|
289 |
|
155 |
|
Trade-related contingencies |
|
9,451 |
|
2,465 |
|
1,466 |
|
Forward asset purchases |
|
36 |
|
36 |
|
36 |
|
Undrawn formal standby facilities, credit lines |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and other commitments to lend: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- not unconditionally cancellable W |
|
29,069 |
|
16,447 |
|
7,720 |
|
- unconditionally cancellable |
|
158,817 |
|
53,514 |
|
15,036 |
|
|
|
201,044 |
|
75,738 |
|
26,198 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange rate contracts: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spot and forward foreign exchange |
|
334,133 |
|
5,573 |
|
689 |
|
Other exchange rate contracts |
|
51,624 |
|
1,644 |
|
489 |
|
|
|
385,757 |
|
7,217 |
|
1,178 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest rate contracts: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest rate swaps |
|
230,376 |
|
2,640 |
|
413 |
|
Other interest rate contracts |
|
143 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
|
|
230,519 |
|
2,640 |
|
413 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other derivative contracts |
|
7,002 |
|
474 |
|
92 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
W The contract amount for undrawn formal standby facilities, credit lines and other commitments to lend with an original maturity of 'not more than one year' and 'more than one year' were HK$13,371 million and HK$15,698 million respectively.
|
|
|
|
Credit |
|
Risk- |
|
|
Contract |
equivalent |
weighted |
|
|||
Figures in HK$m |
|
amount |
|
amount |
|
amount |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 31 December 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Direct credit substitutes |
|
4,174 |
|
4,174 |
|
2,132 |
|
Transaction-related contingencies |
|
1,016 |
|
507 |
|
418 |
|
Trade-related contingencies |
|
7,046 |
|
1,409 |
|
922 |
|
Forward asset purchases |
|
59 |
|
59 |
|
59 |
|
Undrawn formal standby facilities, credit lines |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and other commitments to lend: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- not unconditionally cancellable |
|
23,708 |
|
15,992 |
|
6,389 |
|
- unconditionally cancellable |
|
155,505 |
|
30,971 |
|
3,586 |
|
|
|
191,508 |
|
53,112 |
|
13,506 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange rate contracts: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spot and forward foreign exchange |
|
500,166 |
|
7,364 |
|
1,872 |
|
Other exchange rate contracts |
|
51,226 |
|
1,836 |
|
778 |
|
|
|
551,392 |
|
9,200 |
|
2,650 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest rate contracts: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest rate swaps |
|
248,758 |
|
4,144 |
|
1,117 |
|
Other interest rate contracts |
|
142 |
|
1 |
|
__ |
|
|
|
248,900 |
|
4,145 |
|
1,117 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other derivative contracts |
|
15,705 |
|
1,141 |
|
343 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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, which came into effect on 1 January 2007.
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 maintenance 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 31 December 2009 |
|
At 31 December 2008 |
|
||||||||
Figures in HK$m |
Trading |
|
Designated at fair value |
|
Hedging |
|
Trading |
|
Designated at fair value |
|
Hedging |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract amounts: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest rate contracts |
163,354 |
|
1,160 |
|
66,554 |
|
161,519 |
|
1,797 |
|
85,942 |
|
Exchange rate contracts |
473,989 |
|
89 |
|
__ |
|
655,777 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
Other derivative contracts |
11,385 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
21,168 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
|
648,728 |
|
1,249 |
|
66,554 |
|
838,464 |
|
1,797 |
|
85,942 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest rate contracts |
1,552 |
|
17 |
|
391 |
|
2,121 |
|
31 |
|
1,410 |
|
Exchange rate contracts |
2,636 |
|
1 |
|
__ |
|
3,300 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
Other derivative contracts |
453 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
242 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
|
4,641 |
|
18 |
|
391 |
|
5,663 |
|
31 |
|
1,410 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest rate contracts |
1,623 |
|
13 |
|
670 |
|
2,249 |
|
30 |
|
569 |
|
Exchange rate contracts |
938 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
5,717 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
Other derivative contracts |
1,007 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
6,380 |
|
__ |
|
__ |
|
|
3,568 |
|
13 |
|
670 |
|
14,346 |
|
30 |
|
569 |
|
The above derivative assets and liabilities, being the positive or negative marked-to-market value of the respective derivative contracts, represent gross replacement costs, as none of these contracts are subject to any bilateral netting arrangements.
Additional information
1. Statutory accounts and accounting policies
The information in this news release does not constitute statutory accounts.
Certain financial information in this news release is extracted from the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2009 ('2009 accounts'), which will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies and the HKMA. The auditors expressed an unqualified opinion on those statutory accounts in their report dated 1 March 2010.
Disclosures required by the Banking (Disclosure) Rules issued by the HKMA are contained in the bank's Annual Report which will be published on the websites of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and the bank on the date of issue of this news release.
The 2009 accounts and this news release have been prepared on a basis consistent with the accounting policies adopted in the 2008 accounts except for the following:
On 1 January 2009, the group adopted the Amendments to HKFRS 7 'Financial Instruments: Disclosures - Improving Disclosures about Financial Instruments'. The amendments introduce a three level fair value hierarchy, which reflects the availability of observable market inputs when estimating fair values and clarifies the quantitative disclosures about the liquidity risk associated with financial instruments. The adoption of the amendment has no effect on the results reported in the consolidated financial statements.
On 1 January 2009, the group adopted HKFRS 8 'Operating Segments' (HKFRS 8), which replaced HKAS 14 'Segment Reporting'. HKFRS 8 requires segment information to be reported using the same measure reported to the chief operating decision-maker for the purpose of making decisions about allocating resources to the segment and assessing its performance. The group's HKFRS 8 operating segments are determined to be customer group segments because the chief operating decision-maker uses customer group information in order to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance. The five operating segments, or customer groups, are: Personal Financial Services, Commercial Banking, Corporate Banking, Treasury and Other. Segment information provided to the chief operating decision maker is on an HKFRS basis.
On 1 January 2009, the group adopted revised HKAS 1 'Presentation of Financial Statements' (HKAS 1). The revised standard aims to improve users' ability to analyse and compare information given in financial statements. The adoption of the revised standard has no effect on the results reported in the group's consolidated financial statements. It does, however, result in certain presentational changes in the group's primary financial statements, including:
· the presentation of all items of income and expenditure in two financial statements, the 'Consolidated Income Statement' and 'Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income';
· the presentation of the 'Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity' as a financial statement, which replaces the 'Reserves' note on the financial statements; and
· the adoption of revised title 'Consolidated Statement of Financial Position' for the 'Consolidated Balance Sheet'.
The group also adopted a number of insignificant amendments to standards and interpretations. These are described under note 7 of the 2009 Annual Report and Accounts.
2. Comparative figures
As a result of the application of HKAS 1 (revised 2007), Presentation of financial statements, certain comparative figures have been adjusted to conform with the current year's presentation and to provide comparative amounts in respect of items disclosed for the first time in 2009. Further details of these developments are disclosed in the additional information above and note 5 of the 2009 Annual Report.
3. Property revaluation
The group's premises and investment properties were revalued at 30 November 2009 and updated for any material changes at 31 December 2009 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$669 million of which HK$700 million was credited to premises revaluation reserve and HK$31 million was charged to the income statement. Revaluation gains of HK$250 million on investment properties were recognised through the income statement. The related deferred tax provisions for group premises and investment properties were HK$109 million and HK$41 million respectively.
The revaluation exercise also covered business premises/investment properties reclassified as properties held for sale. In accordance with HKFRS 5, there was no revaluation gain/loss recognised through the income statement.
4. Foreign currency positions
Foreign currency exposures include those arising from trading, non-trading and structural positions. Net option position is calculated on the basis of delta-weighted positions of all foreign exchange options contracts. At 31 December 2009, the US dollar (US$) was the currency in which the group had non-structural foreign currency positions that were not less than 10 per cent 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 per cent of the total net structural position in all foreign currencies.
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||||
Figures in HK$m |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
US$ |
|
RMB |
|
US$ |
|
RMB |
|
Non-structural position |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spot assets |
214,379 |
|
41,638 |
|
240,624 |
|
37,665 |
|
Spot liabilities |
(164,511 |
) |
(41,564 |
) |
(200,971 |
) |
(37,568 |
) |
Forward purchases |
169,349 |
|
29,483 |
|
269,935 |
|
26,549 |
|
Forward sales |
(219,453 |
) |
(29,603 |
) |
(303,047 |
) |
(27,082 |
) |
Net option position |
(4 |
) |
__ |
|
(1 |
) |
__ |
|
Net (short)/long non-structural position |
(240 |
) |
(46 |
) |
6,540 |
|
(436 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 31 December 2009, the group's major structural foreign currency positions were in US$ and RMB.
|
At 31 December |
|
At 31 December |
|
||||
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
||
|
|
|
% of |
|
|
|
% of |
|
|
|
|
total net |
|
|
|
total net |
|
|
|
|
structural |
|
|
|
structural |
|
|
HK$m |
|
position |
|
HK$m |
|
position |
|
Structural positions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
US dollar |
285 |
|
1.9 |
|
285 |
|
2.0 |
|
Renminbi |
14,550 |
|
96.2 |
|
13,343 |
|
96.5 |
|
5. Ultimate holding company
Hang Seng Bank is an indirectly held, 62.14 per cent-owned, subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc.
6. Register of shareholders
The register of shareholders of the bank will be closed on Tuesday, 16 March 2010, during which no transfer of shares can be registered. In order to qualify for the fourth interim dividend for 2009, 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 Monday, 15 March 2010. The fourth interim dividend will be payable on Wednesday, 31 March 2010 to shareholders whose names appear on the register of shareholders of the bank on Tuesday, 16 March 2010. Shares of the bank will be traded ex-dividend as from Friday, 12 March 2010.
7. Proposed timetable for 2010 quarterly dividends
|
First |
Second |
Third |
Fourth |
|
interim dividend |
interim dividend |
interim dividend |
interim dividend |
|
|
|
|
|
Announcement |
4 May 2010 |
2 August 2010 |
1 November 2010 |
28 February 2011 |
Book close and |
|
|
|
|
record date |
19 May 2010 |
17 August 2010 |
16 November 2010 |
15 March 2011 |
Payment date |
3 June 2010 |
1 September 2010 |
1 December 2010 |
30 March 2011 |
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 all the code provisions and most of the recommended best practices 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 year ended 31 December 2009.
The Audit Committee of the bank has reviewed the results for the year ended 31 December 2009.
9. Board of Directors
At 1 March 2010, the Board of Directors of the bank comprises Dr Raymond K F Ch'ien* (Chairman), Mrs
* Independent non-executive Directors
# Non-executive Directors
10. News release
Copies of this news release may be obtained from Legal and Company Secretarial Services Department, Level 10, 83 Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong; or from the bank's website www.hangseng.com.
The 2009 Annual Report and Financial Statements, which contains all disclosures required by the Banking (Disclosure) Rules issued by the HKMA, will be published on the websites of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and the bank on the date of issue of this news release. Printed copies of the 2009 Annual Report will be sent to shareholders in late March 2010.
Media enquiries to:
Walter Cheung |
Telephone: (852) 2198 4020 |
Michelle Chan |
Telephone: (852) 2198 4236 |