Hongkong and Shanghai Banking

RNS Number : 7242W
HSBC Holdings PLC
03 August 2009
 











3 August 2009





THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION LIMITED  

2009 INTERIM CONSOLIDATED RESULTS - HIGHLIGHTS



  • Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions down 7.5 per cent to HK$58,825 million (HK$63,567 million in the first half of 2008).


  • Pre-tax profit down 20.1 per cent to HK$30,580 million (HK$38,273 million in the first half of 2008).


  • Attributable profit down 19.5 per cent to HK$22,295 million (HK$27,697 million in the first half of 2008).


  • Return on average shareholders' funds of 22.3 per cent (26.3 per cent in the first half of 2008).


  • Assets up 2.9 per cent to HK$4,385 billion (HK$4,260 billion at the end of 2008).


  • Cost efficiency ratio of 43.1 per cent (40.9 per cent for the first half of 2008).




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






The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Results




Comment by Vincent Cheng, Chairman


The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited reported robust results for the first half of 2009 amidst the most difficult operating environment in living memory. Against the backdrop of a deteriorating global economy, margin compression due to reduced interest rates and declining customer activity, profit before tax declined 20 per cent over the first half of 2008 to HK$30,580 million. 


Despite these external challenges, I am pleased to report that the first half of 2009 was one of success and progress for HSBC in Asia, confirming the strength of our broad-based and geographically diverse banking model. Our Global Banking and Markets division performed well, we saw growth in mortgages and cards, and customer deposits increased 9.4 per cent to HK$2,817 billion, illustrating savers' trust in our brand. Excluding our Malaysian business, which was transferred into the group at the beginning of the year, the increase in customer deposits was 5.8 per cent. 


During the period, we saw stronger competition in several key markets in Asia, as government guarantees have provided alternatives to our usual strengths of capital and liquidity. However, our global connectivity and our ability to deliver a comprehensive range of products and services to profitable customer segments in the region gave us a competitive advantage over other banks. Our advances to deposits ratio of 46 per cent and our strong balance sheet mean that HSBC in Asia is well positioned to take advantage of the economic recovery when it comes.


Our strategy for long-term sustainable growth in the region is unchanged, and we continue to expand our franchise. In Taiwan, the integration of the operations and businesses of The Chinese Bank, acquired last year, continues to go well and is now ahead of original expectations. In Indonesia, our acquisition of Bank Ekonomi has doubled our physical presence in this important emerging market to more than 200 branches in 26 cities. 


In India, the integration of IL&FS Investsmart, acquired in September of last year, is also going well. The acquisition of Investsmart, one of India's leading retail brokers, gives the bank access to 103 cities and 160,000 customers through 246 outlets across the country. Also in India, our insurance joint venture marked its first anniversary with a top 10 ranking in terms of market share on a weighted premium income basis. Our joint venture partners, Canara Bank and Oriental Bank of Commerce, have a combined network of 4,000 outlets and 40 million customers in India.


In mainland China, we continue to be the leading foreign bank. We added a further eight outlets in the first half of this year, increasing our total network (excluding our five rural banks) to 87 HSBC-branded outlets in 20 cities. In the first half of 2009, we were the first foreign bank to issue an offshore RMB bond and the first to settle a cross-border RMB trade transaction. We have also been given approval to form a 50-50 jointly held insurance company, which is due to launch in the third quarter of this year. We continue to work with our strategic partners in mainland China, and have benefited during the half-year from our close association with them. Also in the second half of 2009, our new mainland China headquarters, comprising 58,510 square metres over 22 floors will become operational in Shanghai. At the Group level, we also continue to make progress with our plans to list HSBC Holdings shares on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in close consultation with the local regulators.  


In Malaysia, we opened two additional branches of HSBC Amanah Malaysia to add to our growing Islamic banking franchise. We expanded our network in Vietnam as well, opening seven new outlets in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. We also continue to work towards increasing our stake in Vietnam's leading insurer, Bao Viet, from 10 per cent to 18 per cent.


Despite our continued expansion, our expenses during the first half fell by more than two per cent to HK$25,368 million. This was mainly a result of reduced performance-related bonus payouts, lower administrative costs, and a decline in marketing and advertising spend. This reduction in costs was also achieved despite an increase in headcount in the region, up 7.4 per cent to 70,040 people, including the transfer of HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad into the group from a fellow subsidiary, and as we absorbed new staff from the acquisitions in India and Indonesia. 


In our customer groups, lower interest rates during the first half had a significant impact on net interest income in both Personal Financial Services and Commercial Banking. We continued, however, to grow market share in key products during this period. In Hong Kong, for example, we were the market leader in deposits, mortgages, cards, insurance, and the provision of Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) related services. To further assist our commercial customers, we boosted our SME loan fund in June to HK$12 billion, and then by a further HK$4 billion in July, taking the total allocation to HK$16 billion in Hong Kong. In Malaysia, we also launched a US$55 million SME loan fund. Our Global Banking and Markets operations in Asia posted another strong performance in the highly volatile environment.


Despite the uncertainties lingering in the global economy, we remain highly optimistic about Asia's future prospects. There are still more than two billion consumers to serve in mainland China and India. This year-to-date, more cars have been sold in mainland China than in the United States. Turnover on the Chinese stock market is now higher than in New York, and even turnover in Asia ex-Japan and mainland China is roughly equal to that in the USAAsia is now also home to the largest foreign reserves and the biggest banks in the world. By 2014, according to our economic estimates, mainland China's share of world Gross Domestic Product will rise to 11.5 per cent, while that of Asia ex-Japan will expand to 20.5 per cent. 


For HSBC, Asia remains a relative economic oasis of opportunity that we have not yet fully tapped. In the short term, we expect the region to continue to weather the financial and economic storms. Our strategy remains intact and our balance sheet remains strong. We continue to manage risk carefully, while seeking profitable avenues to grow assets. We are growing our own operations organically to serve the region's burgeoning wealthy population and its increasingly sophisticated corporates, as well as the international companies coming to Asia. We also will continue to selectively make acquisitions and enter strategic partnerships that give us access to new markets and extensive distribution networks.




The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Results by Customer Group 




 
 
 
 
 
Global
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal
 
 
 
Banking
 
 
 
 
 
Intra-
 
 
 
 
Financial
 
Commercial
 
and 
 
Private
 
 
 
segment
 
 
 
Figures in HK$m
Services
 
Banking
 
Markets
 
Banking
 
Other
 
elimination
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Half-year ended 30 June 2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income/(expense)
15,680
 
6,655
 
11,022
 
(22
)
(2,097
)
(1,127
)
30,111
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net fee income
6,963
 
3,084
 
3,688
 
18
 
137
 
 
13,890
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net trading income/(expense)
855
 
869
 
9,320
 
129
 
(635
)
1,126
 
11,664
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income/(loss) from financial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  instruments designated at 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  fair value
2,727
 
(169
)
211
 
 
115
 
1
 
2,885
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains less losses from
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  financial investments
667
 
155
 
(631
)
 
(433
)
 
(242
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividend income
31
 
4
 
5
 
 
92
 
 
132
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earned insurance premiums
13,629
 
1,744
 
66
 
 
 
 
15,439
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other operating income
1,410
 
521
 
254
 
8
 
3,693
 
(3,212
)
2,674
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total operating income
41,962
 
12,863
 
23,935
 
133
 
872
 
(3,212
)
76,553
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net insurance claims 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  incurred and movement in 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  policyholders' liabilities
(16,291
)
(1,389
)
(48
)
 
 
 
(17,728
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net operating income before 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  loan impairment charges and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  other credit risk provisions
25,671
 
11,474
 
23,887
 
133
 
872
 
(3,212
)
58,825
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan impairment charges and 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  other credit risk provisions
(3,855
)
(2,405
)
(142
)
 
(2
)
 
(6,404
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net operating income
21,816
 
9,069
 
23,745
 
133
 
870
 
(3,212
)
52,421
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses
(12,715
)
(4,411
)
(7,883
)
(183
)
(3,388
)
3,212
 
(25,368
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit
9,101
 
4,658
 
15,862
 
(50
)
(2,518
)
 
27,053
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share of profit in associates
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  and joint ventures
527
 
2,013
 
1,052
 
 
(65
)
 
3,527
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Profit/(loss) before tax
9,628
 
6,671
 
16,914
 
(50
)
(2,583
)
 
30,580
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share of profit before tax
31.5
%
21.8
%
55.3
%
(0.2)
%
(8.4)
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 







 
 
 
 
 
 
Global
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal
 
 
 
 
Banking
 
 
 
 
 
Intra-
 
 
 
 
Financial
 
Commercial
 
 
and
 
Private
 
 
 
segment
 
 
 
Figures in HK$m
Services
 
Banking
 
 
Markets
 
Banking
 
Other
 
elimination
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Half-year ended 30 June 2008
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income/(expense)
19,003
 
9,002
 
11,823
 
34
 
(3,416
)
(2,190
)
34,256
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net fee income
8,905
 
3,413
 
4,502
 
49
 
95
 
 
16,964
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net trading income/(expense)
930
 
774
 
6,547
 
66
 
(1,303
)
2,165
 
9,179
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income/(loss) from financial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  instruments designated at 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  fair value
(4,207
)
109
 
47
 
 
482
 
25
 
(3,544
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains less losses from
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  financial investments
1,245
 
262
 
123
 
 
(2,352
)
 
(722
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividend income
17
 
9
 
58
 
 
452
 
 
536
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earned insurance premiums
12,918
 
811
 
74
 
 
 
 
13,803
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other operating income
976
 
185
 
405
 
11
 
3,659
 
(2,990
)
2,246
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total operating income
39,787
 
14,565
 
23,579
 
160
 
(2,383
)
(2,990
)
72,718
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net insurance claims 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  incurred and movement in 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  policyholders' liabilities
(8,554
)
(557
)
(40
)
 
 
 
(9,151
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net operating income before 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  loan impairment charges and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  other credit risk provisions
31,233
 
14,008
 
23,539
 
160
 
(2,383
)
(2,990
)
63,567
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan impairment charges and 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  other credit risk provisions
(2,491
)
(251
)
(247
)
 
11
 
 
(2,978
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net operating income
28,742
 
13,757
 
23,292
 
160
 
(2,372
)
(2,990
)
60,589
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses
(13,314
)
(4,372
)
(7,864
)
(154
)
(3,307
)
2,990
 
(26,021
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit
15,428
 
9,385
 
15,428
 
6
 
(5,679
)
 
34,568
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share of profit in associates
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  and joint ventures
439
 
2,097
 
1,000
 
 
169
 
 
3,705
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Profit/ (loss) before tax
15,867
 
11,482
 
16,428
 
6
 
(5,510
)
 
38,273
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share of profit before tax
41.5
%
30.0
%
42.9
%
 
(14.4)
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Personal Financial Services reported profit before tax of HK$9,628 million, a decrease of 39.3 per cent over the first half of 2008. Net interest income and net fee income decreased by 17.5 per cent and 21.8 per cent respectively as the difficult economic environment continued to impact the results. In spite of the challenging conditions, HSBC Premier customer numbers continued to grow, up by over 166,000, or 25.3 per cent, over the first half of 2008. Business expansion took place in selected markets and through the integration of acquisitions in TaiwanIndia and Indonesia.


Net interest income decreased by HK$3,323 million, or 17.5 per cent, compared with the first half of 2008. In Hong Kong, net interest income decreased by HK$3,173 million, or 24.0 per cent, despite 6.1 per cent growth in deposit balances. Narrowing interest rate spreads, which followed significant interest rate cuts in the second half of 2008, affected the overall margin, despite repricing of part of the asset book. The mortgage book continues to perform well, with HSBC attaining the number one position in Hong Kong in terms of new business in the first half of 2009 with little in the way of credit impairment. The property market in Hong Kong started to improve towards the end of the half­year.


In the Rest of Asia­Pacific, net interest income decreased by HK$150 million, or 2.6 per cent. The decrease was due to a declining spread on deposit portfolios. However, deposit balances in the region continued to grow in target customer segments. In mainland China, eight HSBC outlets, two rural banks and two Hang Seng Bank outlets were opened in the first half of the year, resulting in a total of 87 HSBC-branded outlets, five rural banks and 36 Hang Seng Bank outlets. The asset portfolios in the region showed limited growth, with reduced demand for lending and tightening of credit.


Net fee income of HK$6,963 million was 21.8 per cent lower than the first half of 2008, as demand for wealth management products was lower than the first half of 2008, reflecting weak investor sentiment in the volatile equity market and the uncertain economic outlook. Fee income from retail securities and investments decreased by 40.8 per cent.


Net fee income from credit cards was broadly in line with the first half of 2008 despite the average size of the card portfolio falling slightly. The group continues to be a market leader in Hong Kong in the credit card market.


Gains less losses from financial investments included a gain of HK$672 million on the sale of Visa shares, which was HK$573 million lower than that in the first half of 2008.


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', the change in present value of in­force business within 'Other operating income', and after deducting 'Net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholders' liabilities') increased by 29.7 per cent compared with the first half of 2008. The insurance business continues to be impacted by the volatility in equity markets; however, the extent was less than in 2008 due to shifts in the portfolio mix away from equities, resulting in an increase in net income from investments measured at fair value. Insurance premiums increased by 5.5 per cent due to the growth in renewal and new business, including the impact of new products released throughout 2008 and 2009. This increase was partly offset by higher claim charges and movements in the policyholders' liabilities. In the first quarter of 2009, HSBC (including Hang Seng Bank) gained the market leadership position with 35.3 per cent market share in individual life new business (regular premium) in Hong Kong.  


The charge for loan impairments increased by HK$1,364 million to HK$3,855 million. In the Rest of Asia-Pacific, loan impairment charges increased by HK$679 million, primarily in India where the unsecured portfolios continued to incur high delinquencies as the economic downturn impacted customers' ability to meet payments. However, the unsecured portfolios in India are being reduced and only selective and limited new business has been added since the end of 2008. With the exception of India, loan impairment charges in the rest of the region have been more modest, rising from a very low base as credit risk management measures taken early in 2008 have been effective. Elsewhere in the region, there were increases in Indonesia and Singapore


In Hong Kong, the loan impairment charge rose by HK$685 million, due to an increase in the collective impairment charges in respect of the unsecured lending portfolios as the number of bankruptcy petitions in the territory increased in the first half of 2009. The mortgage book continues to be very well secured with an average loan­to­value ratio of 40.2 per cent.


Operating expenses were HK$599 million, or 4.5 per cent lower than in the first half of 2008, principally driven by reductions in performance­related pay, marketing spending and active cost management across the region. 


While operating expenses have been managed carefully in the difficult market conditions, HSBC continues to invest in Asia. In mainland China, investment continued to support business expansion and the opening of new branches. In Vietnam, the servicing outlets increased by seven in the first half of 2009, with HSBC being the only foreign bank in Vietnam operating both branches and transaction offices. Costs were also affected by the first-time reporting of IL&FS Investsmart and establishment of the insurance manufacturing joint venture with Canara Bank and Oriental Bank of Commerce in India. In addition, the integration of The Chinese Bank in Taiwan, with six branch renovations, was completed in the first half of 2009. 


Income from associates of HK$527 million primarily includes results from Bank of Communications and Industrial Bank.


Commercial Banking reported profit before tax of HK$6,671 million, a decrease of 41.9 per cent over the first half of 2008, which was largely driven by a decrease in net interest income of HK$2,347 million and an increase in loan impairment charges of HK$2,154 million.


In Hong Kong, net interest income decreased by HK$2,286 million, or 38.1 per cent, compared with the first half of 2008, reflecting the impact of low deposit spreads following successive rate cuts since the end of 2008. This was partly offset by asset repricing and by the growth of deposit balances, with an increase in customer numbers of four per cent. Deposits grew notably by 6.8 per cent, underpinned by the SME segment as a result of acquisition and usage campaigns, especially for mainland China-related customers. 

Customer loans and advances fell as risk appetite in the market reduced. To demonstrate ongoing support for local businesses, HSBC provided access to funds and launched the HK$4 billion SME Fund in December 2008, which was trebled to HK$12 billion in the first half of 2009 and increased by a further HK$4 billion in July. The take-up of the fund was 86 per cent at end-June 2009, benefiting some 4,800 customers. HSBC also introduced a two-month interest refund scheme on loans to customers meeting certain criteria in June. In addition, the group took various steps to capture cross­border business and continued to benefit from HSBCs international business reach.


In the Rest of Asia­Pacific, net interest income fell by 1.8 per cent, which reflected the impact of compressed deposit margins but which was largely offset by asset repricing and the growth in deposit balances. Deposit balances grew notably in Indonesia following the acquisition of Bank Ekonomi, and in Malaysia following the transfer of HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad into the group from a fellow subsidiary. 


Net fee income fell by HK$329 million, a decrease of 9.6 per cent over the first half of 2008. This was largely due to a decline in trade volumes linked to the slowdown in global trade, reduced commodity prices and lower demand for wealth management products. However, fee income benefited from higher cash management and remittance income in Hong Kong and the Rest of Asia­Pacific.


Trading income increased by HK$95 million, reflecting increased foreign exchange income as a result of currency volatility, marketing efforts on back­to­basics products and enhanced Treasury services to meet the risk appetite of the market. 


Insurance premiums continued to grow as sales from life products increased following the launch of new products in late 2008 and early 2009.


Gains less losses from financial investments included a HK$144 million gain on the sale of Visa shares.


The net charge for loan impairment was HK$2,405 million, a significant increase compared to the low levels in the first half of 2008. This reflected a broad deterioration in credit quality, especially amongst those customers heavily reliant on external trade and exposed to the business slowdown, particularly in Hong Kong and India. Overall credit quality is relatively stable but the group remains cautious and constantly monitors portfolios for early signs of weakness.


Operating expenses increased marginally by 0.9 per cent. Staff costs fell by 13.2 per cent largely due to decreased performance-related pay accruals and a small reduction in back-office staff numbers. Growth in online transactions also contributed to sales generation at a lower cost. The number of transactions through direct channels, such as internet banking, phone banking and self-service machines increased and now represent more than 50 per cent of Commercial Banking transactions. 


Mainland China recorded higher costs in support of the branch network expansion and two rural bank openings in 2009. Investment was also undertaken to capture the small business segment in Taiwan, including the opening of three Commercial Banking Centres.  


HSBC's position as a leading commercial bank has been recognised by various awards, including The Best Trade Finance Bank from FinanceAsia for 12 consecutive years, Best Bank for Cash Management in Asia from Global Finance for seven consecutive years, and the SME's Best Partner Award from the Hong Kong Chamber of Small and Medium Business Ltd for four consecutive years. 


Income from associates of HK$2,013 million included results from Bank of Communications and Industrial Bank.


Global Banking and Markets reported profit before tax of HK$16,914 million, 3.0 per cent higher than the first half of 2008, benefiting from a significant increase in trading income of 42.4 per cent.


Net interest income decreased by HK$801 million, or 6.8 per cent, compared with the first half of 2008 as falling interest rates globally in the second half of 2008 and early 2009 impacted the Payments and Cash Management business. This was partly offset by strong Balance Sheet Management revenues as a result of positive positioning in the falling interest rate market.


Net fee income decreased by HK$814 million, or 18.1 per cent, compared with the same period last year as the economic slowdown impacted the demand for new business. Securities Services income was impacted by lower equities volume and reduced asset values across investment markets. Debt capital markets however, performed well as companies started to raise financing upon signs of market recovery and Payments and Cash Management maintained growth in parts of Asia.


Net trading income increased by HK$2,773 million, or 42.4 per cent, compared with the first half of 2008. In Hong Kong, trading income increased by HK$2,591 million or 184.0 per cent, primarily as a result of active trading through highly volatile market movements and an increase in the volume of debt securities trading. In addition, the interest rate cuts in 2008 and the non­recurrence of the write­down of a monoline exposure in 2008 all contributed to the increase.


In the Rest of Asia-Pacific, trading income rose by HK$182 million, or 3.5 per cent, on increasing margins on market making and client hedging-driven activity. SingaporeSouth KoreaJapan and Indonesia all registered higher revenues.


Gains less losses from financial investments decreased by HK$754 million reflecting the write-down of unlisted investments in the region and the loss on disposal of financial investments in Hong Kong.


Loan impairment charges decreased by HK$105 million compared with the same period last year as the impairment recognised on available­for­sale debt securities in 2008 did not recur in 2009.


Operating expenses increased by 0.2 per cent compared with the first six months of 2008. The modest increase was a result of an increase in performance-related pay accruals to reflect improved performance on last year. Also, the first-time reporting of HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad, which transferred to the group from a fellow HSBC subsidiary at the beginning of 2009, contributed to an increase in costs.


Other includes income and expenses relating to certain funding, investment, property and other activities that are not allocated to the customer groups.


The write­down of certain strategic equity investments made in the first half of 2008 were not repeated in the first half of 2009.





The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Consolidated Income Statement





 
Half-year ended
Half-year
 ended
 
 
30 June
30 June
 
Figures in HK$m
2009
2008 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
43,390
 
 
65,121
 
Interest expense
(13,279
)
 
 (30,865
)
Net interest income
30,111
 
 
34,256
 
Fee income
16,220
 
 
20,938
 
Fee expense
(2,330
)
 
(3,974
)
Net fee income
13,890
 
 
16,964
 
Net trading income
11,664
 
 
9,179
 
Net income from financial instruments 
 
 
 
 
 
  designated at fair value
2,885
 
 
(3,544
)
Gains less losses from financial investments
(242
)
 
(722
)
Dividend income
132
 
 
536
 
Net earned insurance premiums
15,439
 
 
13,803
 
Other operating income
2,674
 
 
2,246
 
Total operating income
76,553
 
 
72,718
 
Net insurance claims incurred and 
 
 
 
 
 
  movement in policyholders' liabilities
(17,728
)
 
(9,151
)
Net operating income before loan
 
 
 
 
 
  impairment charges and other credit
 
 
 
 
 
  risk provisions
58,825
 
 
63,567
 
Loan impairment charges and other
 
 
 
 
 
  credit risk provisions
(6,404
)
 
(2,978
)
Net operating income
52,421
 
 
60,589
 
Employee compensation and benefits
(14,550
)
 
(14,629
)
General and administrative expenses
(8,848
)
 
(9,776
)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
(1,424
)
 
(1,231
)
Amortisation of intangible assets
(546
)
 
(385
)
Total operating expenses
(25,368
)
 
(26,021
)
Operating profit
27,053
 
 
34,568
 
Share of profit in associates and joint ventures
3,527
 
 
3,705
 
Profit before tax
30,580
 
 
38,273
 
Tax expense
(6,137
)
 
(7,368
)
Profit for the period
24,443
 
 
30,905
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Profit attributable to shareholders
22,295
 
 
27,697
 
Profit attributable to minority interests
2,148
 
 
3,208
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Consolidated Statement of 


Comprehensive Income





Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June

30 June 


Figures in HK$m

2009 

2008
















Available-for-sale investments:







- fair value changes taken to equity


20,102



(26,493

)

- fair value changes transferred to the income statement







  on disposal


(863

)


(1,538

)

- fair value changes transferred to the income statement







  on impairment


123



499


- fair value changes transferred to the income statement







  on hedged items due to hedged risks


622



755









Cash flow hedges:







- fair value changes taken to equity


618



1,218


- fair value changes transferred to the income statement


(1,740

)


(1,756

)








Property revaluation:







- fair value changes taken to equity


449



2,672









Share of changes in equity of associates and joint ventures


356



103


Exchange differences


1,629



1,489


Actuarial gains/ (losses) on post-employment benefits


3,115



(1,414

)



24,411



(24,465

)

Net deferred tax on items taken directly to equity


(1,273

)


357


Total comprehensive income/ (expense) taken to equity during the period


23,138



(24,108

)

Profit for the period


24,443



30,905


Total comprehensive income for the period


47,581



6,797
















Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to:







- shareholders 


44,206



4,833


- minority interests


3,375



1,964




47,581



6,797




The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Consolidated Statement of


Financial Position





At 30 June 

At 31 December


Figures in HK$m

2009

2008 








ASSETS 






Cash and short-term funds

956,093



597,572


Items in the course of collection from other banks

86,841



13,949


Placings with banks maturing after one month 

57,279



55,569


Certificates of deposit

47,857



57,078


Hong Kong SAR Government certificates 






  of indebtedness

125,214



119,024


Trading assets

314,576



493,670


Financial assets designated at fair value

42,961



40,553


Derivatives

283,614



453,923


Advances to customers

1,290,610



1,286,145


Financial investments

774,383



586,161


Amounts due from Group companies

233,338



378,662


Investments in associates and joint ventures

50,616



48,270


Goodwill and intangible assets

22,256



16,181


Property, plant and equipment

35,626



35,885


Deferred tax assets

2,014



1,699


Retirement benefit assets

201



84


Other assets

61,863



75,931


Total assets

4,385,342



4,260,356








LIABILITIES






Hong Kong SAR currency notes in circulation

125,214



119,024


Items in the course of transmission to other banks

96,499



31,334


Deposits by banks

183,630



196,674


Customer accounts

2,817,432



2,576,084


Trading liabilities

184,962



210,587


Financial liabilities designated at fair value

41,972



39,926


Derivatives

283,492



466,204


Debt securities in issue

40,093



48,800


Retirement benefit liabilities

4,427



7,486


Amounts due to Group companies

49,276



51,244


Other liabilities and provisions

52,138



63,319


Liabilities under insurance contracts issued

128,259



113,431


Current tax liabilities

5,711



3,270


Deferred tax liabilities

6,108



4,433


Subordinated liabilities

21,610



19,184


Preference shares

101,096



92,870


Total liabilities

4,141,919



4,043,870








EQUITY






Share capital

22,494



22,494


Other reserves

56,063



36,863


Retained profits

135,831



123,085


Proposed dividend

5,890



11,170


Total shareholders' equity

220,278



193,612


Minority interests

23,145



22,874



243,423



216,486


Total equity and liabilities

4,385,342



4,260,356










The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Consolidated Statement of  


Changes in Equity






Half­-year to


Half-year to


Half­-year to


Figures in HK$m


30 June 

2009


31 December 2008


30 June 

2008










Share Capital








At beginning and end of period


22,494


22,494


22,494










Retained profits








At beginning of period


123,085


122,191


107,908


Dividends to shareholders


(11,780

)

(18,670

)

(12,500

)

Other movements


203


53


(36

)

Transfers


(1,228

)

1,040


(1,342

)

Total comprehensive income for the period


25,551


18,471


28,161




135,831


123,085


122,191


















Other reserves








Property revaluation reserve








  At beginning of period


8,578


9,292


6,995


  Transfers


(195

)

(246

)

(184

)

Total comprehensive income/ (expense) for the period


332


(468

)

2,481




8,715


8,578


9,292










Available-for-sale investment reserve








  At beginning of period


15,103


33,714


58,757


  Other movements


(8

)

1


28


  Transfers


56


(101

)

(57

)

Total comprehensive income/ (expense) for the period


18,608


(18,511

)

(25,014

)



33,759


15,103


33,714










Cash flow hedging reserve








  At beginning of period


1,833


292


677


  Other movements





  Transfers


3


(6

)

(4

)

Total comprehensive (expense) /income for the period


(821

)

1,547


(381

)



1,015


1,833


292










Foreign exchange reserve








  At beginning of period


1,666


10,143


8,887


  Transfers


1,088


(773

)

2,052


Total comprehensive income/ (expense) for the period


549


(7,704

)

(796

)



3,303


1,666


10,143

















Half-­year to


Half-year to


Half-­year to


Figures in HK$m


30 June

2009


31 December 2008


30 June

2008










Other reserves








  At beginning of period


9,683


9,535


8,636


  Cost of share-based payment arrangements


104


589


40


  Transfers


276


86


(465

)

  Other movements


(779

)

(390

)

941


Total comprehensive (expense)/ income for the period


(13

)

(137

)

383




9,271


9,683


9,535










Total shareholders' equity








At beginning of period


182,442


207,661


214,354


Dividends to shareholders


(11,780

)

(18,670

)

(12,500

)

Cost of share-based payment arrangements


104


589


40


Other movements


(584

)

(336

)

933


Total comprehensive income/ (expense) for the  period


44,206


(6,802

)

4,834




214,388


182,442


207,661










Minority interests








At beginning of period


22,874


25,106


25,080


Dividends to shareholders


(3,117

)

(1,696

)

(2,968

)

Cost of share-based payment arrangements


3


21


19


Other movements


10


465


1,012


Total comprehensive income/ (expense) for the period


3,375


(1,022

)

1,963




23,145


22,874


25,106


















Total equity








At beginning of period


205,316


232,767


239,434


Dividends to shareholders


(14,897

)

(20,366

)

(15,468

)

Cost of share-based payment arrangements


107


610


59


Other movements


(574

)

129


1,945


Total comprehensive income/ (expense) for the period


47,581


(7,824

)

6,797




237,533


205,316


232,767

















The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement







Half-year ended

 Half-year ended




30 June


30 June


Figures in HK$m


2009


2008








Operating activities






Cash generated from/ (used in) operations


298, 653


(47,809

)

Interest received on financial investments


7,560


9,589


Dividends received on financial investments


77


398


Dividends received from associates


1,469


1,849


Taxation paid


(3,539

)

(2,273

)

Net cash inflow/ (outflow) from operating activities


304, 220


(38,246

)







Investing activities






Purchase of financial investments


(333,119

)

(256,294

)

Proceeds from sale or redemption of financial






  investments


203,910


323,738


Purchase of property, plant and equipment


(524

)

(1,101

)

Purchase of other intangible assets


(600

)

(732

)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment


79


48


Net cash inflow in respect of the acquisition of a 






  subsidiary company


15,245



Net cash inflow in respect of the purchase of interests in






  business portfolios



13,992


Net cash outflow in respect of the purchase of interest in 






  associates and joint ventures



(867

)

Net cash inflow/ (outflow) from sale of interest in a business 

  portfolio


251


(1,426

)

Net cash (outflow)/ inflow from investing activities


(114,758

)

77,358








Net cash inflow before financing


189,462


39,112








Financing






Issue of preference shares


8,226


3,113


Change in minority interests


(131

)

1,008


Issue of subordinated liabilities



296


Ordinary dividends paid


(17,060

)

(12,500

)

Dividends paid to minority interests


(3,117

)

(2,968

)

Interest paid on preference shares


(1,838

)

(2,618

)

Interest paid on subordinated liabilities


(389

)

(537

)

Net cash outflow from financing


(14,309

)

(14,206

)







Increase in cash and cash equivalents


175,153


24,906











The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Additional Information






1. Net interest income



Half-year ended

Half-year ended



30 June


30 June


Figures in HK$m

2009



2008








Net interest income

30,111



34,256


Average interest-earning assets

2,969,847



2,901,609


Net interest spread

1.99

%


2.24

%

Net interest margin 

2.04

%


2.37

%


Included in the above is interest income accrued on impaired financial assets of HK$227 million (2008: HK$164 million), including unwinding of discounts on loan impairment losses of HK$152 million (2008: HK$141 million).


Net interest income declined by HK$4,145 million, or 12.1 per cent, compared to the first half of 2008 due to a decline in interest rates globally, reflecting the overall weak global economic sentiment. The weak demand for lending, a result of reduced economic activities in an uncertain market outlook, further contributed to the decrease. Against a backdrop of market uncertainty, funds were redeployed from higher risk to less risky assets with lower rates of return. The switch in asset mix coupled with the repricing of assets as interest rates fell has contributed to the decrease in net interest income.


Average interest-earning assets increased by HK$68,238 million, or 2.4 per cent, compared to 30 June 2008. Average advances to customers increased by HK$6,202 million, primarily due to the increase in mortgages in Hong Kong and the inclusion of HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad. Commercial surplus was redeployed from interbank placements to financial investments. These funds were invested in lower risk treasury bills, government bonds and debt securities which offer relatively better rates of return in the current environment.


Net interest margin decreased by 33 basis points to 2.04 per cent compared to the prior year despite an increase in average interest-earning assets. The narrowing net interest margin reflects the overall decline in interest rates, which has resulted in the repricing of assets off a lower yield curve. Net interest spread declined by 25 basis points to 1.99 per cent, while the contribution of net free funds decreased by eight basis points to 0.05 per cent.


In Hong Kong, the bank recorded a drop in the net interest margin of 64 basis points to 1.67 per cent. Net interest spread decreased by 67 basis points to 1.69 per cent on the back of declining rates. The maturity of some of the higher-yielding securities issued by the Group's Special Investment Vehicles and lower inter-group stock borrowing activities further contributed to this decrease. However, the effect of a compressed interest margin is moderated by an increase in average loans and advances to customers, in particular growth in mortgages and financial investments in treasury bills and debt securities.  


At Hang Seng Bank, net interest margin declined by 34 basis points to 2.29 per cent while net interest spread declined by 10 basis points to 2.23 per cent. The growth in average loans and advances to customers of HK$2,982 million compared to the prior year was driven by the growth in mortgages and credit card advances. Despite the growth in mortgages, the intense competition in the market has adversely impacted net interest margin. Hang Seng Bank grew its insurance business and changed the mix of the assets held in the portfolio into held-to-maturity securities which produced better yields.


As part of its liquidity management, funds from maturing debt securities held for sale and designated at fair value were redeployed to treasury bills. The benefit of net free funds decreased by 23 basis points as a consequence of a low interest rate environment.


In the Rest of Asia-Pacific, net interest margin was 2.23 per cent, five basis points lower than the first half of 2008, due to declining interest rates across the region. The surplus commercial deposits were invested in treasury bills and government bonds, notably in South KoreaIndia and mainland China, for relatively better returns.  





2. Net fee income


 
Half-year
ended
Half-year
 ended
 
 
30 June
 
 
30 June
 
 
Figures in HK$m
2009
 
 
2008
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Account services
1,063
 
 
1,019
 
 
Credit facilities
925
 
 
875
 
 
Import/export
1,822
 
 
1,931
 
 
Remittances
948
 
 
932
 
 
Securities/stockbroking
3,887
 
 
5,662
 
 
Cards
2,699
 
 
2,627
 
 
Insurance
208
 
 
433
 
 
Unit trusts
580
 
 
1,721
 
 
Funds under management
1,374
 
 
2,402
 
 
Other
2,714
 
 
3,336
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fee income
16,220
 
 
20,938
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fee expense
(2,330
)
 
(3,974
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13,890
 
 
16,964
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Net fee income was HK$3,074 million, or 18.1 per cent lower than the first half of 2008.


Unit trusts income declined 66.3 per cent, reflecting a substantial fall in demand for wealth management products against the backdrop of a weak investment climate and volatility in global equity markets. Falling sales of new unit trusts and investment funds, notably in Hong Kong, led to a drop in subscription fees and commissions. In the Rest of Asia-Pacific, TaiwanIndiaSouth Korea and Singapore also reported reduced unit trust income. 


Income from funds under management decreased 42.8 per cent as a result of lower sales in new funds and declining returns, especially in Hong Kong. As a result, a reduction in assets under management held by the group led to lower commissions received. 


Securities and stockbroking income decreased 31.3 per cent, under similar conditions that affected unit trusts and funds under management. In addition to Hong KongSouth Korea and Taiwan also reported lower income from securities services. However, in Hong Kong the broking business reported higher commission on the back of increasing market share in Hong Kong's securities market.


Within 'Other', project finance fee income decreased, particularly in Singapore, as fewer large-scale deals completed in the first half of 2009. This was partly offset by higher underwriting income from equity capital market underwriting participation in Hong Kong, and participation in the government's bond issuance and syndicated loan arrangements in India in 2009. Corporate finance fees also increased on the back of commissions earned from finance advisory services.



3. Gains less losses from financial investments



Half-year ended

Half-year ended



30 June 



30 June 


Figures in HK$m

2009



2008








Gains less losses on available-for-sale financial 

  investments

905



1,591


Impairment of available-for-sale equity investments

(1,147

)


(2,313

)


(242

)


(722

)








During the first half of 2009, the group recognised gains on the disposal of Visa shares. However, this was less than that recognised in 2008, when gains on the sale of MasterCard shares were also recognised. 


Write-downs on certain strategic investments in 2009 amounted to HK$1,147 million. 




4. Other operating income


 
Half-year ended
Half-year
ended
 
 
30 June
30 June
 
Figures in HK$m
2009
2008
 
 
 
 
 
Rental income from investment properties
83 
73
 
Movement in present value of
 
 
 
  in-force insurance business
1,189 
707
 
(Loss)/ profit on disposal of property,
 
 
 
  plant and equipment, and assets held for sale
(18)
13
 
Net gains from the disposal or revaluation of
 
 
 
  investment properties
98 
199
 
Other
1,322 
1,254
 
 
2,674 
2,246
 
 
 
 
 


'Other' largely comprises recoveries of IT and other operating costs from shared services that were incurred on behalf of fellow Group companies. It also included gains on acquired loans from The Chinese Bank following the acquisition of the assets, liabilities and operations in the first half of 2008.


The movement in the present value of in-force insurance business increased 68.2 per cent. More new business sales in the first half of 2009, including the launch of a new high-net-worth product, led to higher embedded income, while growth in the renewal business also contributed to rising projected fee income from unit-linked funds.  



5. Insurance income


Included in the consolidated income statement are the following revenues earned by the insurance business:




Half-year ended



Half-year ended




30 June 



30 June 


Figures in HK$m


2009



2008









Net interest income


2,191



1,462


Net fee income


341



778


Net trading income/ (loss)


60



(8

)

Net income/ (loss) from financial instruments







  designated at fair value


2,558



(4,098

)

Gains less losses from financial investments


(5

)


(1,516

)

Dividend income


27



2


Net earned insurance premiums


15,439



13,803


Movement in present value of in­force business


1,189



707


Other operating (expense)/ income


(15

)


166




21,785



11,296


Net insurance claims incurred and movement







  in policyholders' liabilities


(17,728

)


(9,151

)








Net operating income


4,057



2,145











Gains less losses from financial investments in the insurance business included a non-recurring significant write-down of a strategic investment in 2008. Changes in the fair value of assets supporting linked insurance contracts are reported in 'Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value', but with offsetting movements in the value of those contacts in 'Net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholders' liabilities'.


Net earned insurance premiums increased 11.9 per cent. Improved sales from deferred annuity, traditional life and endowment products, combined with the launch of new high-net­worth business in the first half of 2009, led to higher earned premiums.  

 


6. Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions 


 
Half-year
ended
Half-year
 ended
 
 
30 June
 
 
30 June
 
Figures in HK$m
2009
 
 
2008
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net charge for impairment of customer advances
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- Individually assessed impairment allowances:
 
 
 
 
 
  New allowances
2,882
 
 
518
 
  Releases
(422
)
 
(245
)
  Recoveries
(64
)
 
(108
)
 
2,396
 
 
165
 
- Net charge for collectively assessed
 
 
 
 
 
  impairment allowances
3,917
 
 
2,766
 
 
6,313
 
 
2,931
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net charge for other credit risk provisions
91
 
 
47
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6,404
 
 
2,978
 


 

The net charge for loan impairment and other credit risk provisions increased by HK$3,426 million, or 115.0 per cent, over the first half of 2008. Included in the net charge for other credit risk provisions was an impairment charge of HK$17 million against available­for­sale debt securities (2008: HK$166 million). There were no impairment losses or provisions against held­to­maturity investments.


The charge for individually assessed allowances rose significantly, representing higher charges from Hong KongIndiaBahrain and Australia. This reflected deteriorating economic conditions which adversely impacted corporate customers.


The net charge for collectively assessed impairment allowances also increased, primarily as India continued to experience higher delinquencies against credit cards and other unsecured lending, together with increases in loss rates inherent in the corporate portfolio. Hong Kong also reported higher credit card impairment allowances. In contrast, provisions in mainland China and Singapore reduced marginally, reflecting quality in the loan book and the contraction of these portfolios.




7. Employee compensation and benefits



Half-year ended

Half-year ended



30 June 



30 June 


Figures in HK$m

2009



2008








Wages and salaries 

10,148



9,657


Performance-related pay

3,399



4,051


Social security costs

355



257


Retirement benefit costs

648



664



14,550



14,629








Staff numbers by region^







At 30 June 2009



At 30 June 2008








Hong Kong

26,865



28,130


Rest of Asia-Pacific

43,175



37,102


Total

70,040



65,232








^Full-time equivalent














Staff costs reduced marginally compared to the first half of 2008, down HK$79 million, with performance-related pay decreasing HK$652 million, or 16.1 per cent, due to lower performance-related pay accrued in 2009, predominantly in Personal Financial Services and Commercial Banking. However, performance-related pay accrued in Global Banking and Markets was higher due to favourable business performance in the year-to-date, notably in Hong Kong


However, wages and salaries increased HK$491 million, reflecting higher staff numbers through acquisitions and organic investments for long-term growth across the region. The acquisitions of IL&FS Investsmart in India and Bank Ekonomi Raharja in Indonesia resulted in a year-on-year increase in staff numbers. The first half of 2009 also included the first-time reporting of HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad, while staff growth continued in mainland China to support new branch openings. However, in response to the continuing uncertain outlook for revenues, staff numbers have gradually declined in recent months in some countries and territories.  



8. General and administrative expenses



Half-year ended

Half-year ended



30 June 



30 June 


Figures in HK$m

2009



2008








Premises and equipment






- Rental expenses

1,324



1,137


- Amortisation of prepaid operating lease payments

29



29


- Other premises and equipment

1,454



1,458



2,807



2,624








Marketing and advertising expenses

1,366



1,747








Other administrative expenses

4,732



5,409








Litigation and other provisions

(57

)


(4

)


8,848



9,776










General and administrative expenses decreased by HK$928 million, or 9.5 per cent. 


Other administrative expenses decreased by HK$677 million, reflecting further controls on overhead cost growth across the region, especially in Hong Kong and India. Marketing and advertising expenses declined HK$381 million, primarily due to a reduction in marketing and promotional campaigns in 2009.


Charges in respect of property rental, utilities and depreciation grew in Hong Kong, mainly due to the renewal at higher rates of tenancy agreements and a comparatively higher level of refurbishment projects initiated late in 2008. Costs in mainland China also increased as the branch network expanded.


 

9. Tax expense


The tax expense in the consolidated income statement comprises:



Half-year ended

Half-year ended



30 June 



30 June 


Figures in HK$m

2009



2008








Current income tax






Hong Kong profits tax

3,146



3,981


- Overseas taxation

2,752



2,949


Deferred taxation

239



438



6,137



7,368









The effective rate of tax for the first half of 2009 was 20.1 per cent, compared with 19.3 per cent for the first half of 2008. 




10. Dividends



Half-year ended


Half-year ended



30 June


30 June



2009


2008



HK$


    HK$m


HK$


HK$m



per share




per share













Dividends paid on ordinary share capital









 ­ fourth interim dividend in respect of the 









  previous financial year

1.24


11,170


0.72


6,500


 ­ first interim dividend paid

0.65


5,890


0.67


6,000



1.89


17,060


1.39


12,500












The Directors have declared a second interim dividend in respect of the half-year ended 30 June 2009 of HK$5,890 million (HK$0.65 per ordinary share).




11. Advances to customers



At 30 June

 At 31 December


Figures in HK$m

2009


2008








Gross advances to customers

1,304,935



1,297,103








Impairment allowances:






- Individually assessed 

(7,540

)


(5,033

)

- Collectively assessed 

(6,785

)


(5,925

)


(14,325

)


(10,958

)


1,290,610



1,286,145








Allowances as a percentage of gross advances to customers:






- Individually assessed 

0.58

%


0.39

%

- Collectively assessed 

0.52

%


0.46

%

Total allowances

1.10

%


0.85

%











12. Impairment allowances against advances to customers



Individually


Collectively





assessed


assessed




Figures in HK$m

allowances


allowances


Total









At 1 January 2009

5,033


5,925


10,958


Amounts written off

(402

)

(3,880

)

(4,282

)

Recoveries of advances written off in







  previous years

64


479


543


Net charge to income statement

2,396


3,917


6,313


Unwinding of discount of loan impairment

(45

)

(107

)

(152

)

Exchange and other adjustments

494


451


945









At 30 June 2009

7,540


6,785


14,325










 

13. Impaired advances to customers and allowances


The geographical information shown below, and in note 14, has been classified by location of the principal operations of the subsidiary company or, in the case of the bank, by location of the branch responsible for advancing the funds.



 
 
 
 
Rest of  
 
 
 
Figures in HK$m
 
Hong Kong 
 
Asia-Pacific 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Half-year ended 30 June 2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment charge
 
2,090
 
4,223
 
6,313
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Half-year ended 30 June 2008
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment charge
 
602
 
2,329
 
2,931
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At 30 June 2009
 
 
Advances to customers that are considered to be impaired are as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross impaired advances
 
 
7,530
 
10,836
 
18,366
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually assessed allowances
 
 
(3,819
)
(3,721
)
(7,540
)
 
 
 
3,711
 
7,115
 
10,826
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Individually assessed allowances as a 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  percentage of gross impaired advances
 
 
50.7
%
34.3
%
41.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross impaired advances as a 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  percentage of gross advances to
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  customers
 
 
1.0
%
1.9
%
1.4
%
 








Rest of




Figures in HK$m


Hong Kong 

 Asia-Pacific


Total




At 31 December 2008



Advances to customers that are considered to be impaired are as follows:










Gross impaired advances



6,601


6,479


13,080











Individually assessed allowances



(3,108

)

(1,925

)

(5,033

)




3,493


4,554


8,047











Individually assessed allowances as a









  percentage of gross impaired advances



47.1

%

29.7

%

38.5

%










Gross impaired advances as a









  percentage of gross advances to









  customers



0.9

%

1.2

%

1.0

%











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


Individually assessed allowances are made after taking into account the value of collateral held in respect of such advances.




14. Analysis of advances to customers based on categories used by the HSBC Group


The following analysis of advances to customers is based on categories used by the HSBC Group, including The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and its subsidiaries, for risk management purposes.






Rest of




Figures in HK$m


Hong Kong

Asia-Pacific


Total










At 30 June 2009


















Residential mortgages



231,065


149,470


380,535











Hong Kong SAR Government's Home









  Ownership Scheme, Private Sector









  Participation Scheme and Tenants









  Purchase Scheme mortgages



28,570



28,570











Credit card advances



33,294


30,595


63,889











Other personal



47,682


35,966


83,648


Total personal



340,611


216,031


556,642











Commercial, industrial and international trade 



133,427


199,637


333,064











Commercial real estate



100,675


49,069


149,744











Other property-related lending



72,944


27,909


100,853











Government



6,669


3,983


10,652











Other commercial



52,780


52,947


105,727


Total corporate and commercial 



366,495


333,545


700,040











Non-bank financial institutions



28,545


16,331


44,876











Settlement accounts



2,658


719


3,377


Total financial 



31,203


17,050


48,253











Gross advances to customers



738,309


566,626


1,304,935











Impairment allowances


(6,449

)

(7,876

)

(14,325

)










Net advances to customers



731,860


558,750


1,290,610














 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rest of
 
 
 
Figures in HK$m
 
Hong Kong 
Asia-Pacific
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At 31 December 2008
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgages
 
 
223,066
 
118,737
 
341,803
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hong Kong SAR Government's Home
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Ownership Scheme, Private Sector
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Participation Scheme and Tenants
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Purchase Scheme mortgages
 
 
30,086
 
 
30,086
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card advances
 
 
36,255
 
25,120
 
61,375
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other personal
 
 
41,267
 
37,255
 
78,522
 
Total personal
 
 
330,674
 
181,112
 
511,786
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial, industrial and international trade 
 
 
156,438
 
203,259
 
359,697
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
 
 
109,266
 
50,787
 
160,053
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other property-related lending
 
 
78,757
 
21,653
 
100,410
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Government
 
 
7,367
 
4,386
 
11,753
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other commercial
 
 
50,540
 
52,607
 
103,147
 
Total corporate and commercial 
 
 
402,368
 
332,692
 
735,060
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-bank financial institutions
 
 
18,617
 
29,870
 
48,487
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Settlement accounts
 
 
1,651
 
119
 
1,770
 
Total financial 
 
 
20,268
 
29,989
 
50,257
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross advances to customers
 
 
753,310
 
543,793
 
1,297,103
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment allowances
 
(5,568
)
(5,390
)
(10,958
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net advances to customers
 
 
747,742
 
538,403
 
1,286,145
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




Net advances in Hong Kong decreased by HK$15.9 billion, or 2.1 per cent, since the end of 2008. The decline was largely attributable to a drop in Corporate and Commercial lending (down HK$35.9 billion), with decreases noted in commercial, industrial and international trade, commercial real estate and other property-related sectors. The decrease was partly offset by an increase in advances to personal customers and to non-bank financial institutions, which increased by HK$9.9 billion, or 3.0 per cent, and HK$9.9 billion, or 53.3 per cent, respectively. Residential mortgages increased by HK$8.0 billion, as the property market became more active in the first half of 2009. The increases in other personal lending and advances to non-bank financial institutions were mainly for financing initial public offer subscriptions.


In the Rest of Asia-Pacific, net advances to customers increased by HK$20.3 billion, or 3.8 per cent, mainly due to the inclusion of HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad and the acquisition of Bank Ekonomi in Indonesia. Excluding these new subsidiaries, net advances to customers dropped by HK$49.8 billion, or 9.2 per cent, in line with the subdued global economic environment. Decreases were noted in Corporate and Commercial lending (down HK$35.8 billion), non-bank financial institutions (down HK$14.3 billion), and other personal lending (down HK$8.1 billion), partly offset by an increase in residential mortgages (up HK$9.3 billion).

 

15. Customer accounts



At 30 June

At 31 December

Figures in HK$m

2009


2008





Current accounts 

463,760


408,891

Savings accounts

1,397,590


1,172,406

Other deposit accounts

956,082


994,787


2,817,432


2,576,084






Customer accounts increased by HK$241.3 billion, or 9.4 per cent, since the end of 2008.


In Hong Kong, customer accounts increased by HK$135.6 billion or 7.5 per cent reflecting customers' cautious approach and preference for cash deposits over other investments. Switching from time deposits to savings accounts was noted given the small interest differential in the prevailing low interest rate environment.  


In the Rest of Asia-Pacific, customer accounts increased by HK$105.7 billion, or 13.7 per cent, compared to 2008. This was primarily due to the inclusion of HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad and the acquisition of Bank Ekonomi. Excluding these new subsidiaries, customer accounts increased marginally by HK$0.6 billion. While growth was noted in India as incentive schemes were rolled out to attract new customer deposits, this was mostly offset by a reduction in Japan where balances from fund services declined.

 

16. Business combinations


On 2 January 2009, HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad was transferred to The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited from another Group entity. The transfer was made at net asset value with no resulting goodwill.


On 22 May 2009, the group completed the acquisition of 88.89 per cent of PT Bank Ekonomi Raharja Tbk ("Bank Ekonomi"), in Indonesia, for cash consideration of US$614.6million, paid in US dollars. 


As at 30 June 2009, the initial accounting for the business combination has been determined provisionally because additional time is needed to finalise the fair values of the acquired assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities in accordance with IFRS 3, "Business Combinations".


The provisional fair values recognised in the initial accounting for the business combination are: Advances to customers HK$6,007 million; Financial investments HK$4,202 million; Other assets HK$4,232 million; Customer deposits HK$13,425 million; Other liabilities HK$230 million; and Intangible assets of HK$450 million. Goodwill is provisionally measured at HK$3,747 million.


Following acquisition of the initial stake, the group was required under Indonesian law to make a mandatory tender offer for a further holding of up to 10.11 per cent. The group completed the mandatory tender offer on 23 July 2009. 

 


17. Disclosure for selected exposures


a    Holdings of asset-backed securities


The group has holdings of asset-backed securities (ABSs), including those represented by mortgage-backed securities (MBSs) and by collateralised debt obligations (CDOs). The table below shows the group's exposure to ABSs issued by entities which are not consolidated by any HSBC Group entities. The carrying amounts of these exposures are measured at fair value. 


     Figures in HK$m

Gross principal^


CDS Gross protection^^


Net principal exposure^^^


Carrying amount^^^^

At 30 June 2009








Sub-prime residential mortgage-

  related assets:








MBSs and MBS CDOs








- high grade (AA or AAA rated)

63



63


51

- rated C to A

2,580



2,580


70


2,643



2,643


121

US government-sponsored enterprises' mortgage-related assets:








MBSs








- high grade (AA or AAA rated)

5,634



5,634


5,642









Other residential mortgage-related 

  assets:








MBSs








- high grade (AA or AAA rated)

4,247



4,247


3,796

- rated C to A

1



1


1

- not publicly rated

8



 

8


8


4,256



4,256


3,805

Commercial property








  mortgage­related assets:








MBSs








- high grade (AA or AAA rated)

968



968


707

- rated C to A

552



552


76


1,520



1,520


783

Leverage finance­related assets:








ABSs and ABS CDOs








- high grade (AA or AAA rated)

150



150


112









Student loan-related assets:








ABSs and ABS CDOs








- high grade (AA or AAA rated)

1,780



1,780


1,750









Other assets








ABS and ABS CDOs








- high grade (AA or AAA rated)

1,024



1,024


997

- rated C to A

790


(731

)

59


11

- not publicly rated 

233


(233

)



2,047


(964

)

1,083


1,008










18,030


(964

)

17,066


13,221




    Figures in HK$m

Gross principal^


CDS Gross protection^^


Net principal exposure^^^


Carrying amount^^^^

At 31 December 2008








Sub-prime residential mortgage-

  related assets:








MBSs and MBS CDOs








- high grade (AA or AAA rated)

1,192



1,192


411

- rated C to A

2,439



2,439


36


3,631



3,631


447

US government-sponsored enterprises' mortgage-related assets:








MBSs








- high grade (AA or AAA rated)

6,092



6,092


6,116









Other residential mortgage-related 

  assets:








MBSs








- high grade (AA or AAA rated)

4,770



4,770


4,266

- not publicly rated

13



13



4,783



4,783


4,266

Commercial property








  mortgage­related assets:








MBSs








- high grade (AA or AAA rated)

603



603


595

- rated C to A

25



25


25

- not publicly rated

3



3



631



631


620

Leverage finance­related assets:








ABSs and ABS CDOs








- high grade (AA or AAA rated)

152



152


91









Student loan-related assets:








ABSs and ABS CDOs








- high grade (AA or AAA rated)

2,037



2,037


1,934

- not publicly rated

7



7



2,044



2,044


1,934

Other assets








ABS and ABS CDOs








- high grade (AA or AAA rated)

1,168



1,168


1,116

- rated C to A

1,360


(1,352

)

8


1

- not publicly rated 

280


(232

)

48


­


2,808


(1,584

)

1,224


1,117










20,141


(1,584

)

18,557


14,591



The table below shows the geographical distribution of the group's exposures to ABSs shown above.


 
At 30 June 2009
Figures in HK$m
Gross principal^
 
CDS Gross protection^^
 
Net principal exposure^^^
 
Carrying amount^^^^
US
11,129
 
 
11,129
 
7,776
UK
1,197
 
 
1,197
 
790
Rest of the world
5,704
 
(964
)
4,740
 
4,655
 
18,030
 
(964
)
17,066
 
13,221


 
At 31 December 2008
Figures in HK$m
Gross principal^
 
CDS Gross protection^^
 
Net principal exposure^^^
 
Carrying amount^^^^
US
11,962
 
 
11,962
 
8,539
UK
1,463
 
 
1,463
 
1,022
Rest of the world
6,716
 
(1,584
)
5,132
 
5,030
 
20,141
 
(1,584
)
18,557
 
14,591



^    The gross principal is the redemption amount on maturity or, in the case of an amortising instrument, the sum of the future redemption amounts through the residual life of the security.

^^    A CDS is a credit default swap. CDS gross protection is the gross principal of the underlying instrument that is protected by CDSs.

^^^     Net principal exposure is the gross principal amount of assets that are not protected by CDSs. It includes assets that benefit from monoline protection, except where this protection is purchased with a CDS. 

^^^^    Carrying amount of the net principal exposure.



b    Exposure to derivative transactions entered into with monoline insurers


The group's principal exposure to monoline insurers is through a number of derivative transactions, primarily CDSs. 


The table below sets out the fair value of the monoline derivative contracts at 30 June 2009, and hence the amount at risk, based on 30 June 2009 security prices, if the protection purchased were to be wholly ineffective because, for example, the monoline insurer was unable to meet its obligations. The 'Credit risk adjustment' column indicates the valuation adjustment taken against the fair value exposures, and reflects the estimated deterioration in creditworthiness of a monoline insurer during the first half of 2009. This adjustment has been charged to the income statement.
 



Figures in HK$m


Notional

amount



Net exposure before credit risk adjustment^



Credit risk adjustment^^


Net exposure after credit risk adjustment

At 30 June 2009









Derivative transactions with monolines 









- Investment grade 


731


4


(3

)

1










At 31 December 2008









Derivative transactions with monolines 









- Investment grade


1,352


31


(3

)

28


^    Net exposure after legal netting and any other relevant credit mitigation prior to deduction of credit risk adjustment.

^^    Fair value adjustment recorded against over-the-counter derivative counterparty exposures to reflect the creditworthiness of the counterparty.


c    Special purpose entities (SPEs) consolidated by fellow HSBC Group companies.


The group held commercial paper and medium-term notes issued by SPEs that were established and consolidated by other entities within the HSBC Group. The group no longer holds any such paper. The table below shows the group's holdings of such instruments in 2008. The carrying amounts of these instruments are measured at fair value.  




At 30 June 2009

At 31 December 2008

Figures in HK$m

Gross principal 


Carrying amount



Gross principal


Carrying amount

Medium-term notes








- AAA rated



16,085


15,423









Commercial paper 








- A1 / A1+ rated



57,137


57,129












73,222


72,552




An analysis of the exposures underlying the group's holdings of instruments issued by entities that are consolidated by fellow HSBC Group companies is set out in the tables below.


Composition of underlying asset portfolios:


Figures in HK$m

At 30 June 2009


At 31 December 2008

Structured finance




Residential mortgage-backed securities


21,993





Commercial mortgage-backed securities


10,120





Vehicle finance loan securities


1,858





Student loan securities


9,225





Other asset-backed securities


16,069








59,265





Finance




Commercial banking, investment banking and other finance company securities


10,670

Other


2,617







72,552


Geographical analysis of the underlying asset portfolio: 


    Figures in HK$m
At 30 June
 2009
 
At 31 December 2008
US
 
45,020
UK
 
12,828
Rest of the world
 
14,704
 
 
72,552



Exposure to sub-prime related assets included in the above:


Figures in HK$m

At 30 June 2009


At 31 December 2008



 



Sub-prime residential mortgage-related assets


3,836




d    Leveraged finance transactions


Leveraged finance commitments disclosed below are limited to sub­investment grade acquisition financing. 


Leveraged finance commitments by geographical segment:


Figures in HK$m

Funded commitments^


Unfunded commitments^^


Total commitments


Income statement write-downs









At 30 June 2009








Rest of Asia-Pacific

98


567


665


­









At 31 December 2008








Rest of Asia-Pacific

190


97


287


­


    Funded commitments represent the loan amount advanced to the customer.

^^    Unfunded commitments represent the contractually committed loan facility amount not yet drawn by the customer.

 

e    Other involvement with SPEs


The group enters into certain transactions with customers in the ordinary course of business that involve the establishment of SPEs. The purposes for which the SPEs are established include facilitating the raising of funding for customers' business activities or to effect a lease. The use of SPEs is not a significant part of the group's activities and the group is not reliant on SPEs for any material part of its business operations or profitability.

 

18. Contingent liabilities and commitments



At 30 June

At 31 December

Figures in HK$m

2009


2008





Contract amount: 








Contingent liabilities

144,691


143,962

Commitments

1,108,439


1,150,603


1,253,130


1,294,565





 


19. Segmental analysis

 

The allocation of earnings reflects the benefits of shareholders' funds to the extent that these are actually allocated to businesses in the segment by way of intra-group capital and funding structures. Common costs are included in segments on the basis of the actual recharges made. Geographical information has been classified by the location of the principal operations of the subsidiary company or, in the case of the bank, by the location of the branch responsible for reporting the results or advancing the funds. Due to the nature of the group structure, the analysis of profits shown below includes intra-group items between geographical regions.


Consolidated income statement







Intra-








Rest of


segment




Figures in HK$m


Hong Kong 

Asia-Pacific


elimination


Total













Half-year ended 30 June 2009






















Interest income



21,263


23,467


(1,340

)

43,390


Interest expense



(4,896

)

(9,731

)

1,348


(13,279

)

Net interest income



16,367


13,736


8


30,111


Fee income



10,370


6,629


(779

)

16,220


Fee expense



(1,678

)

(1,431

)

779


(2,330

)

Net trading income



4,802


6,870


(8

)

11,664


Net income from financial instruments











  designated at fair value



2,650


235


-


2,885


Gains less losses from financial investments



(17

)

(225

)

-


(242

)

Dividend income



127


5


-


132


Net earned insurance premiums



14,261


1,178


-


15,439


Other operating income



3,921


872


(2,119

)

2,674


Total operating income



50,803


27,869


(2,119

)

76,553


Net insurance claims incurred and 











  movement in policyholders' liabilities



(16,517

)

(1,211

)

-


(17,728

)

Net operating income before loan











  impairment charges and other 











  credit risk provisions



34,286


26,658


(2,119

)

58,825


Loan impairment charges and other 











  credit risk provisions



(2,115

)

(4,289

)

-


(6,404

)

Net operating income



32,171


22,369


(2,119

)

52,421


Operating expenses



(14,138

)

(13,349

)

2,119


(25,368

)

Operating profit



18,033


9,020


-


27,053


Share of (loss)/ profit in associates and joint ventures



(40

)

3,567


-


3,527


Profit before tax



17,993


12,587


-


30,580


Tax expense



(3,679

)

(2,458

)

-


(6,137

)

Profit for the period



14,314


10,129


-


24,443













Profit attributable to shareholders



12,612


9,683


-


22,295


Profit attributable to minority interests



1,702


446


-


2,148
















Consolidated income statement







Intra-








Rest of


segment




Figures in HK$m


Hong Kong 

Asia-Pacific


elimination


Total













Half-year ended 30 June 2008






















Interest income



36,215


31,808


(2,902

)

65,121


Interest expense



(14,878

)

(18,874

)

2,887


(30,865

)

Net interest income



21,337


12,934


(15

)

34,256


Fee income



12,480


8,928


(470

)

20,938


Fee expense



(2,052

)

(2,392

)

470


(3,974

)

Net trading income



1,614


7,550


15


9,179


Net income from financial instruments 











  designated at fair value



(2,854)


(690)



(3,544

)

Gains less losses from financial investments



(763)


41



(722

)

Dividend income



187


349



536


Net earned insurance premiums



12,916


887



13,803


Other operating income



3,610


312


(1,676

)

2,246


Total operating income



46,475


27,919


(1,676

)

72,718


Net insurance claims incurred and 











  movement in policyholders' liabilities



(9,123

)

(28

)


(9,151

)

Net operating income before loan











  impairment charges and other credit











  risk provisions



37,352


27,891


(1,676

)

63,567


Loan impairment charges and other credit











  risk provisions



(629

)

(2,349

)


(2,978

)

Net operating income



36,723


25,542


(1,676

)

60,589


Operating expenses



(14,435

)

(13,262

)

1,676


(26,021

)

Operating profit



22,288


12,280



34,568


Share of profit in associates



165


3,540



3,705


Profit before tax



22,453


15,820



38,273


Tax expense



(4,075

)

(3,293

)


(7,368

)

Profit for the period



18,378


12,527



30,905













Profit attributable to shareholders



15,461


12,236



27,697


Profit attributable to minority interests



2,917


291



3,208


















20. Accounting policies


The accounting policies and methods of computations adopted by the group for this news release are consistent with those described on pages 31 to 45 of the 2008 Annual Report and Accounts. A number of new and revised Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards have become effective in 2009, but none of these has had a material effect on this news release.



21. Additional information


Additional financial information, including the group's capital ratios, relating to the period ended 30 June 2009, prepared in accordance with the Banking (Disclosure) Rules made under section 60A of the Banking Ordinance, will be made available on our website: www.hsbc.com.hk. A further press release will be issued to announce the availability of this information.



22. Statutory accounts


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


Certain financial information in this news release is extracted from the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2008 which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. The auditors expressed an unqualified opinion on those statutory accounts in their report dated 2 March 2009. The Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2008, which include the statutory accounts, can be obtained on request from Group Communications (Asia), The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, 1 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong, and may be viewed on our website: www.hsbc.com.hk.



23. Ultimate holding company


The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited is an indirectly-held, wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc.



24. Statement of compliance


The information in this news release for the half-year ended 30 June 2009 complies with Hong Kong Accounting Standard 34, Interim Financial Reporting.



Media enquiries to:
David Hall
Telephone no: + 852 2822 1133
 
Gareth Hewett
Telephone no: + 852 2822 4929
 
Richard Beck
Telephone no: + 44 20 7991 0633
 
Richard Lindsay
Telephone no: + 44 20 7992 1555



This information is provided by RNS
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