Interim Results

Sancus Lending Group Limited

20 September 2023

 

 

20 September 2023

Sancus Lending Group Limited

("Sancus", the "Company" or "Group")

Interim Results for the six-month period ended 30 June 2023

The Directors are pleased to announce the Company's half-year results for the six months ending 30 June 2023.

HIGHLIGHTS

Rory Mepham, Chief Executive Officer of Sancus Lending Group Limited, commented:

We started 2023 cautiously but with cause for optimism. However the uncertainty in residential real estate markets in the jurisdictions in which we operate, together with the impact of inflation and rising interest rates, has led to a slow down in loan origination in H1 2023 as we became more selective from both a credit and loan pricing perspective.

The refinance and extension of the ZDP share final entitlement to December 2027, and the increase and extension of the Pollen Street Plc facility up to £125m (expiry not before November 2026) at the end of 2022, provide the Company with a more stable base from which to grow when the right opportunities present themselves, in the meantime caution shall prevail. 

Financial Highlights

·      New loan facilities written H1 2023 of £83m (H1 2022: £86m);

·      Group revenue H1 2023 of £5.4m (H1 2022: £4.8m);

·      Group operating loss H1 2023 of £3.8m (H1 2022: loss £2.1m);

·      £3m of ZDP shares held in Treasury were sold to the Group's largest shareholder, Somerston, providing further growth capital;

·      An increase in IFRS 9 provisions H1 2023 of £0.8m (H1 2022: £nil).

Operational Highlights

·      The Company completed its office rationalisation program in H1 2023, and now operates from three locations, Jersey; Dublin and London, to align with its core lending markets and optimise costs.

·      Geographic focus remains unchanged, with three core markets UK, Ireland and Offshore.   Offshore represent 42% of the current loan book, UK 39% and Ireland 19%.  Ireland is the fastest growing market with a 52% increase in loans under management in H1 2023.

·      The Company continues to seek ways to reduce its operational costs. Headcount was further reduced during the period from 39 to 31 FTE.

·      Since onboarding Salesforce software at the end of 2022, significant progress has been made with implementation and use of technology to manage workflows, standardisation of process and controls across the lending life cycle and integration with the Company's propriety loan management system.

·      Focus on maintaining credit discipline has remained.

For further information, please contact:

Sancus Lending Group Limited Rory Mepham	[phone]
Liberum Capital (Nominated Adviser and Corporate Broker) Lauren Kettle Chris Clarke William King	[phone]
Instinctif Partners (PR Adviser) Tim Linacre Victoria Hayns	[phone]
Sanne Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited (Company Secretary) Matt Falla	[phone]

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

Introduction

In the last 12 months the Company has made advances in its structural change program, and whilst operational progress is not reflected in the results for the H1 2023, we expect to see benefits in H2 2023 and beyond.  In H1 2023 the Company reported a loss of £3.3m, and the loan book has remained flat since Dec 2022 at £169m, a reflection of robust credit discipline and a cautious approach to loan deployment, particularly in the UK. The cost of Funding has increased and we are now operating in the highest interest rate environment since 2008.  Careful use of Group capital, and draw-down from our funding sources, is paramount to the successful navigation of a very tough market environment, but in spite of these exacting circumstances demand in our chosen markets remains firm and we believe may present opportunities for the Company to grow in the coming period.

Our People

As noted in our FY22 results, we did not expect to increase headcount in 2023, and we took the opportunity to reduce Group headcount further to 31 as at 30 June 2023 (31 December 2022: 39). 

As detailed in the 2022 Annual Report, Tracy Clarke was appointed as Group CFO on 30 March 2023 and Carlton Management Services Limited was appointed to restructure the Group Finance Function.  The migration of the Group Finance Function under Tracy's leadership was completed in Q2 2023.

Capital Raise

A significant milestone at the end of 2022 was the extension of the ZDP final entitlement date from 5 December 2022 to 5 December 2027.  In addition, £3m of ZDP shares held in Treasury were sold to Somerston, the Company's largest shareholder, in April 2023, providing the company with additional growth capital. I thank our ZDP shareholders for their continued support.

Dividend and Shareholders

It is the Board's intention to reinvest surplus resources for growth. As such, the Group does not intend to declare a dividend for the period. The Board intends to revisit this policy at the appropriate time, should the profitability and cash flow profile support the reinstatement of a dividend.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank shareholders for their continuing support and patience and for the efforts of the management and employees.

As I noted in the Chairman's statement in the 2022 annual report, we do not underestimate the scale and continuing challenges ahead. I remain of the view that we have the right strategy, systems and personnel to put the business onto a firmer footing and return to profitability and I look forward to reporting more positive developments in the coming period. 

Steve Smith

Chairman

Date: 19 September 2023

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REVIEW

Overview

In the first half year of 2023 we have taken a number of steps to position the Company on the road to profitability and to simplify the core business of residential development and bridge financing.  We reduced the number of physical office locations from five to three with the sale of Gibraltar and closure of Guernsey during the period. 

Loan book origination in H1 2023 was £83m versus £86m written in H1 2022. Opportunities to lend more have been considered but rejected where the return to risk ratio was considered inappropriate. The Credit team have adjusted their underwriting approach and attitude to risk accordingly, to ensure optimal use of Group capital, strict loan pricing discipline and  particular focus on valuation assessment in the current uncertain environment.  Despite some headwinds the residential lending market continues to present significant opportunity for Alternative Lenders, including Sancus, in all of our three core geographic markets.

Strategic KPIs

The Board are providing an update to the Strategic KPIs set out in the 2022 Annual report:

·      Revenue growth

o  Revenue is up 12% compared to the same period last year, with new loan origination being almost exclusively being priced using variable interest rates.

·      Growing loans under management

o  Loan book / Assets Under Management remains unchanged from 31 December 2022 to 30 June 2023 at £169m.

·      Reducing cost of funding

o  Reducing cost of Funding remains a priority, but also continues to present a challenge in the current macro-economic environment. It is pleasing to report we saw a modest increase in Funding through the Sancus Loan Note program in H1 2023 of £10m, an increase of 50%.

·      Become a capital efficient business

o  The amount of own capital within loans continues to be maintained at a low level, which at 30 June 2023 represented 4.5% of the total loan book, in comparison to 4.2% at 30 June 2022.

·      Increasing operating profits - by increasing gross margin and reducing costs

o  Gross profit margin in H1 2023 was £0.3m, compared to H1 2022, £1.2m.  The reduction is due to the financing cost of £3m additional ZDPs held by shareholders, an increase in the ZDP coupon from 8% to 9% and the run off of the legacy loan book priced at fixed interest rates whilst the cost of Funding those loans has increased.

o  Operating costs are flat compared to the same period last year at £3.3m and are expected to reduce in the H2 2023 due to the effect of Group cost saving initiatives, in particular, reduction in headcount and premises costs.

·      Return on Equity ("ROE")

o  Going forward we plan to become profitable and increase our ROE.  We are also focused on reducing the need for additional capital to participate in Loan funding to support ROE.

·      Ensuring a risk based approach is taken on all decision making

o  We have imbedded institutional credit processes across the Group.  We continue to increase our technology enablement to streamline processes, improve the delivery and format of management information to aid decision making and improve internal controls.

Origination

We have new loan facilities written during the H1 2023 of £83m compared with £86m in H1 2022 and £156m in FY 2022.

Maintaining a high-quality credit process whilst cautiously scaling the quantity of new loans remains a priority. We expect to see ample opportunities to lend in each of our  markets and are confident that our businesses in these jurisdictions are well placed to execute as  suitable opportunities arise. 

Loan Management

Assets Under Management have not changed since the end of 2022 at £169m. With the number of new facilities written, and as we see funds deployed, we expect to be reporting a moderate increase in our loan book by 31 December 2023.

Continued emphasis has been placed on actively managing loans once the initial drawdown has been made. This has been particularly important during a time when various market related pressures such as cost inflation are impacting our borrowers. Active management is helping us to deal with issues before they become problems and we are pleased to report that the percentage of loan book in recovery continues to reduce.

Funding

We continue to concentrate on growing the funding capacity of the business, on improved terms. This is particularly important in the context of the wider economic climate where we are in a significant inflationary environment. Additionally, we are seeking to work with a diversified mix of funders, both private and institutional, to match funders with loans meeting their varied risk and reward criteria. Currently, the Group is reliant on four funding sources:

·      Co-Funders

·      Loan Note program

·      Institutional funders

·      Proprietary capital

Sancus has an institutional funding line from Pollen Street Plc ("Pollen), that is designed to complement our Co-Funder funding base and Sancus Loan Note program. As at 30 June 2023 the total drawn from the Pollen facility was £77.75m (31 December 2022: £67.75m). The Pollen facility continues to be strategic for the business.

The availability, cost and flexibility of funding is key to achieving our growth ambitions and we are reviewing the capital position of the business with a view to ensuring it is best placed to grow funding capacity on market adjusted improved terms. During the first half of 2023 the loan book funded by institutional funding increased by 5% with the majority of the UK and Irish loan book funded by this channel.

Finance & Operations

An emphasis on operational efficiencies within Finance & Operations, driven by technology where possible, is well underway. We continue to drive improvement in relation to Corporate Governance, Compliance & Risk with the implementation of a developed risk management structure to ensure the business is well set for future growth plans.

Sancus has developed, and continues to evolve, its own proprietary loan management system ("LMS") for the administration of loans and customise the use of Salesforce as the Group's CRM tool.  A comprehensive review of the LMS system and our wider Technology strategy was carried out in 2022, and in 2023 we are focussed on implementation of our Technology strategy with good progress being made.

We have seen our headcount reduce in the first H1 2023 as we look for efficiencies and cost control. At 30 June 2023, the Group headcount was 31 (31 December 2022: 39).  We believe the business is well resourced to meet its objectives and are focussing on continuous improvement and development of our people.

ESG

At Sancus, we are committed to taking Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") factors seriously. We recognise our responsibility to incorporate sustainability throughout the operations of our business, be custodians of the environment and practice good stewardship of our stakeholders' interests. 

In Q1 2023 we present our first Environmental, Social, and Governance report, marking the start of our journey towards greater transparency and sustainability. The report highlights our progress and achievements in the areas of environmental protection, social responsibility and governance, as well as the challenges and opportunities that we face.

It is essential that we understand what ESG factors are most important to internal and external stakeholders, such that we can continue to improve and evolve in line with our ESG strategy principals and are ready to take appropriate action.

Outlook

Whilst the outlook remains unclear, some of uncertainties present at the end of 2022 have now played out to a greater extent. For example, we have seen a series of rate rises from central banks during H1 and whilst some further incremental increases are possible, we are unlikely to see material further increases. In a world of asset price uncertainty the Company remains optimistic that the residential property market will remains resilient, assisted by the perennial imbalance between supply and demand for housing across our target markets.

A challenging dynamic remains but management have a clear plan to navigate the current market, avoid taking undue risks and be ready to take advantage of the opportunities that such times will inevitably present.

Rory Mepham

Chief Executive Officer

19 September 2023

RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES AND RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

Risks and uncertainties

There are a number of potential risks and uncertainties which could have a material impact on the Group's performance over the remainder of the financial year. These include, but are not limited to, Capital and liquidity risk, Regulatory and compliance risk, Market risk, Credit risk with respect to the loan book (primarily bridging loans and, increasingly, development loans), Operational risk and the execution of Sancus strategy. These risks remain unchanged from December 2022 and are not expected to change in the 6 months to the end of the 2023 financial year. Further details on these risks and uncertainties can be found in the December 2022 Annual Report.

Responsibility statement

The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

§  The Interim Report has been prepared in accordance with the AIM rules of the London Stock Exchange;

§  This financial information has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the UK;

§  The interim results include a fair review of the important events during the first half of the financial year and their impact on the financial information as required by DTR 4.2.7R; and

§  The interim results include a fair review of the disclosure of related party transactions as required by DTR 4.2.8R.

Approved and signed on behalf of the Board of Directors

19 September 2023

INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT ON INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Conclusion

We have been engaged by Sancus Lending Group Limited (the 'Company') to review the condensed set of consolidated financial statements in the Interim Report for the six months ended 30 June 2023 which comprises the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the condensed consolidated statement of financial position, the condensed consolidated statement of changes in shareholders' equity, the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows and related Notes 1 to 19.

We have read the other information contained in the Interim Report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of Consolidated Financial Statements.

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of consolidated financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2023 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the UK and the AIM Rules of the London Stock Exchange.

Basis for Conclusion

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK) 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

As disclosed in note 2 of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements, the financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the UK. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with the International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting", as adopted by the UK.

Conclusions Relating to Going Concern

Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than those performed in an audit as described in the Basis of Conclusion section of this report, nothing has come to our attention to suggest that management have inappropriately adopted the going concern basis of accounting or that management have identified material uncertainties relating to going concern that are not appropriately disclosed.

This conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in accordance with this ISRE, however future events or conditions may cause the entity to cease to continue as a going concern.

Responsibilities of directors

The Interim Report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the Directors.  The Directors are responsible for preparing the Interim Report in accordance with the AIM Rules of the London Stock Exchange.

In preparing the half-yearly financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's Responsibilities for the review of the financial information

In reviewing the half-yearly report, we are responsible for expressing to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of consolidated financial statements in the half-yearly financial report. Our conclusion, including our Conclusions Relating to Going Concern, are based on procedures that are less extensive than audit procedures, as described in the Basis for Conclusion paragraph of this report.

Moore Stephens Audit and Assurance (Jersey) Limited

1 Waverley Place,

Union Street,

St. Helier,

JE4 8SG, Jersey

19 September 2023

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)

	Notes	Period ended	Period ended
		30 June 2023 (unaudited) £'000	30 June 2022 (unaudited) £'000
Revenue	4	5,407	4,823
Cost of sales	5	(5,105)	(3,560)
Gross profit		302	1,263
Operating expenses	6	(3,318)	(3,350)
Changes in expected credit losses	17	(799)	-
Operating loss		(3,815)	(2,087)
FinTech Ventures fair value movement	17	362	114
Other net gains/(losses)		37	(9)
Loss on disposal of subsidiary	19	(202)	-
Profit on disposal of other assets	12	303	-
Loss for the period before tax		(3,315)	(1,982)
Income tax expense		2	-
Loss for the period after tax		(3,313)	(1,982)
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss
Foreign exchange arising on consolidation		(20)	10
Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the period after tax		(20)	10
Total comprehensive loss for the period		(3,333)	(1,972)
Basic loss per Ordinary Share	7	(0.57)p	(0.41)p
Diluted loss per Ordinary Share		(0.57)p	(0.41)p

The accompanying Notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Unaudited)

		30 June 2023 (unaudited)	31 December 2022 (audited)
ASSETS	Notes	£'000	£'000
Non-current assets
Fixed assets	8	211	425
Goodwill	9	14,255	14,255
Other intangible assets	10	-	-
Sancus loans and loan equivalents	17	20,733	23,864
FinTech Ventures investments	17	237	-
Investments in joint ventures and associates		-	-
Other investments		100	100
Total non-current assets		35,536	38,644
Current assets
Other assets	12	-	706
Sancus loans and loan equivalents	17	64,209	52,261
Trade and other receivables	11	7,097	5,806
Cash and cash equivalents		4,293	4,134
Total current assets		75,599	62,907
Total assets		111,135	101,551
EQUITY
Share premium	13	118,340	118,340
Treasury shares	13	(1,172)	(1,172)
Other reserves		(113,327)	(109,994)
Total Equity		3,841	7,174
LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings		105,202	90,868
Other liabilities		-	152
Total non-current liabilities	14	105,202	91,020
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables	14	611	1,708
Tax liabilities	14	169	145
Provisions	14	649	413
Other liabilities	14	663	1,091
Total current liabilities		2,092	3,357
Total liabilities		107,294	94,377
Total equity and liabilities		111,135	101,551

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 19 September 2023 and were signed on its behalf by:

Director: John Whittle

The accompanying Notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)

				Share  Premium	Treasury Shares	Warrants Outstanding	Foreign Exchange Reserve	Retained Earnings/ (Losses)	207BTotal 208BEquity
				0B£'000	1B£'000	2B£'000	3B£'000	4B£'000	£'000
Balance at 31 December 2022 (audited)				118,340	(1,172)	-	31	(110,025)	7,174
Transactions with owners				5B-	6B-	7B-	8B-	9B-	-
Total comprehensive loss for the period				10B-	11B-	12B-	13B(20)	14B(3,313)	(3,333)
Balance at 30 June 2023 (unaudited)				15B118,340	16B(1,172)	17B-	18B11	19B(113,338)	3,841
Balance at 31 December 2021 (audited)				20B116,218	21B(1,172)	22B385	23B11	24B(96,348)	19,094
Fair value of warrants				25B-	26B-	27B(385)	28B-	29B385	-
Transactions with owners				30B-	31B-	32B(385)	33B-	34B385	-
Total comprehensive profit/(loss) for the period				35B-	36B-	37B-	38B10	39B(1,982)	(1,972)
Balance at 30 June 2022 (unaudited)				40B116,218	41B(1,172)	42B-	43B21	44B(97,945)	17,122

The accompanying Notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

		Period ended	Period ended
		30 June 2023 (unaudited)	30 June 2022 (unaudited)
	Notes	£'000	£'000
Cash outflow from operations, excluding loan movements	15	(4,374)	(626)
(Increase) / Decrease in Sancus loans		(211)	195
Increase in loans through the Pollen facility		(9,237)	(5,840)
Net cash outflow from operating activities		(13,822)	(6,271)
Cash inflows from investing activities
Divestment in IOM Preference Shares		-	516
Net Repayments / (Investments) in FinTech Ventures		125	(236)
Investment in joint ventures		(50)	(50)
Expenditure on Properties	12	-	(178)
Sale of Properties		1,008	-
Expenditure on fixed assets and intangibles		(5)	(14)
Net cash inflow from investing activities		1,078	38
Cash inflows from financing activities
Draw down of Pollen facility	15	10,000	2,500
Capital element of lease payments	15	(109)	(104)
Debt issue costs		32	-
Sale of ZDPs	15	3,000	-
Net cash inflow from financing activities		12,923	2,396
Effects of Foreign Exchange		(20)	10
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		159	(3,827)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		4,134	12,436
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		4,293	8,609

£2.2m of the £4.3m cash held at 30 June 2023 is for the exclusive use of Sancus Loans Limited (June 2022: £3.2m of the £8.6m)

The accompanying Notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.      GENERAL INFORMATION

Sancus Lending Group Limited (the "Company"), together with its subsidiaries, (the "Group") was incorporated, and domiciled in Guernsey, Channel Islands, as a company limited by shares and with limited liability, on 9 June 2005 in accordance with The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 1994 (since superseded by The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008). Until 25 March 2015, the Company was an Authorised Closed-ended Investment Scheme and was subject to the Authorised Closed-ended Investment Scheme Rules 2008 issued by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission ("GFSC"). On 25 March 2015, the Company was registered with the GFSC as a Non-Regulated Financial Services Business ("NRFSB"), at which point the Company's authorised fund status was revoked. The Company's Ordinary Shares were admitted to trading on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange on 5 August 2005 and its issued zero dividend preference shares were listed and traded on the Standard listing Segment of the main market of the London Stock Exchange with effect from 5 October 2015.  The Company changed where its business is managed and controlled, from Guernsey to Jersey, effective 1 April 2023. The Board agreed that the Company should revoke its NRFSB status, which was completed on 23 June 2023.

The Company does not have a fixed life and the Company's Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation (the "Articles") do not contain any trigger events for a voluntary liquidation of the Company. The Company is an operating company for the purpose of the AIM rules. The Executive Team is responsible for the management of the Company.

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption conferred by the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008, Section 244, not to prepare company only financial statements which is consistent with the 2022 Annual Report.

2.      ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a)           Basis of preparation

These condensed consolidated financial statements ("financial statements") have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standard (IAS) 34 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the United Kingdom and all applicable requirements of Guernsey Company Law.  They do not include all the information and disclosures required in annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company's annual audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the United Kingdom.

The Group does not operate in an industry where significant or cyclical variations, as a result of seasonal activity, are experienced during any particular financial period.

These financial statements were authorised for issue by the Company Directors on 19 September 2023.

(b)           Principal accounting policies

The same accounting policies and methods of computation are followed in these financial statements as in the last annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022.

(c)         Going Concern

The Directors have considered the going concern basis in the preparation of the financial statements as supported by the Director's assessment of the Company's and Group's ability to pay its debts as they fall due and have assessed the current position and the principal risks facing the business with a view to assessing the prospects of the Company. Following the extension of the ZDPs at the end of 2022, for a further 5 years to 5 December 2027 and with the Bonds maturity date not until 31 December 2025, the Company does not have any debt liabilities that fall due within the next 12 months.  Based on this, the Directors are of the opinion that the Company has adequate financial resources to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due for the foreseeable future.  

It is however expected, whereby equity is required to facilitate an increase in drawdown from institutional funding lines, that the Company will require growth capital to fund the continued growth of the loan book. The Company's largest shareholder, Somerston, has indicated their willingness to support the Company's growth plans. The Company will be looking at options available to raise additional growth capital over the course of the year, which may include a form of equity raise or sale by the Company of ZDP shares held in treasury.

The Directors therefore believe it is appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

(d)           Critical accounting estimates and judgements in applying accounting policies

The critical accounting estimates and judgements are as outlined in the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022.

3.     SEGMENTAL REPORTING

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the manner in which the Executive Team reports to the Board, which is regarded to be the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) as defined under IFRS 8. The main focus of the Group is Sancus. Bearing this in mind the Executive team have identified 4 segments based on operations and geography.

Finance costs and Head Office costs are not allocated to segments as such costs are driven by central teams who provide, amongst other services, finance, treasury, secretarial and other administrative functions based on need. The Group's borrowings are not allocated to segments as these are managed by the Central team. Segment assets and liabilities are measured in the same way as in these financial statements and are allocated to segments based on the operations of the segment and the physical location of those assets and liabilities.

The four segments based on geography, whose operations are identical (within reason), are listed below. Note that Sancus Loans Limited, although based in the UK, is reported separately as a stand-alone entity to the Board and as such is considered to be a segment in its own right.

1.             Offshore

 

Contains the operations of Sancus Lending (Jersey) Limited, Sancus Lending (Guernsey) Limited, Sancus Properties Limited, Sancus Group Holdings Limited and Sancus Lending (Gibraltar) Limited up to the date of its sale, 15 March 2023.

2.             United Kingdom (UK)

Contains the operations of Sancus Lending (UK) Limited and Sancus Holdings (UK) Limited.

3.             Ireland

Contains the operations of Sancus Lending (Ireland) Limited.

4.             Sancus Loans Limited

Contains the operations of Sancus Loans Limited.

								Reconciliation to Consolidated Financial Statements
Six months to 30 June 2023	Offshore	UK	Ireland	Sancus Loans Limited (SLL)	Sancus Debt Costs	Total Sancus		Head Office	SLL Debt Costs	FinTech Ventures Fair Value & Forex	Other		Consolidated Financial Statements
	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000		£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000		£'000
Revenue	721	1,131	886	(603)	-	2,135		-	3,272	-	-		5,407
Operating Profit/(loss) *	(228)	(160)	320	(625)	-	(693)		(662)	-	-	(9)		(1,364)
Credit Losses	(122)	(29)	-	(648)	-	(799)		-	-	-	-		(799)
Debt Costs	-	-	-	-	(1,652)	(1,652)		-	-	-	-		(1,652)
Other Gains/(losses)	101	-	8	84	-	193		-	-	362	(5)		550
Loss on JVs and associates	-	-	-	-	-	-		-	-	-	(50)		(50)
Taxation	2	-	-	-	-	2		-	-	-	-		2
Profit After Tax	(247)	(189)	328	(1,189)	(1,652)	(2,949)		(662)	-	362	(64)		(3,313)

Six months to 30 June 2022
Revenue	658	1,386	752	(251)	-	2,545		-	2,278	-	-		4,823
Operating Profit/(loss) *	(481)	(319)	467	(259)	-	(592)		(618)	-	-	(17)		(1,227)
Credit Losses	191	-	-	(191)	-	-		-	-	-	-		-
Debt Costs	-	-	-	-	(860)	(860)		-	-	-	-		(860)
Other Gains/(losses)	24	-	5	(34)	-	(5)		5	-	155	-		155
Loss on JVs and associates	-	-	-	-	-	-		-	-	-	(50)		(50)
Taxation	-	-	-	-	-	-		-	-	-	-		-
Profit After Tax	(266)	(319)	472	(484)	(860)	(1,457)		(613)	-	155	(67)		(1,982)

* Operating Profit/(loss) before credit losses and debt costs

Sancus Loans Limited is consolidated into the Group's results as it is a 100% owned subsidiary of the Group. Sancus Loans Limited is considered a Co-Funder, the same as any other Co-Funder. As a result the Board reviews the economic performance of Sancus Loans Limited in the same way as any other Co-Funder, with revenue being stated net of debt costs. Operating expenses include recharges from UK to Offshore £244,000, Offshore to Ireland £37,000, Head Office to Offshore £68,000 and UK to Head Office £96,000. "Other" includes FinTech (excluding fair value and forex).

						Reconciliation to Financial Statements
At 30 June 2023	Offshore	UK	Ireland	Sancus Loans Limited (SLL)	Total Sancus		Head Office	Fintech Portfolio	Other	Inter Company Balances		Consolidated Financial Statements
	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000		£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000		£'000
Total Assets	33,797	16,660	1,105	88,899	140,461		60,132	237	87	(89,782)		111,135
Total Liabilities	(54,839)	(18,516)	(317)	(94,738)	(168,410)		(28,342)	-	(324)	89,782		(107,294)
Net Assets/(liabilities)	(21,042)	(1,856)	788	(5,839)	(27,949)		31,790	237	(237)	-		3,841

At 31 December 2022
Total Assets	37,724	14,855	1,133	78,952	132,664		44,214		-	93	(75,420)		101,551
Total Liabilities	(44,250)	(16,528)	(653)	(83,205)	(144,636)		(25,068)		-	(93)	75,420		(94,377)
Net Assets/(liabilities)	(6,526)	(1,673)	480	(4,253)	(11,972)		19,146		-	-	-		7,174

Head Office liabilities include borrowings £28.2m (December 2022: £24.0m).  Other FinTech assets and liabilities are included within "Other"

4.     REVENUE

	30 June 2023 (unaudited)	30 June 2022 (unaudited)
	45B£'000	46B£'000
Co-Funder fees	47B1,228	48B767
Earn out (exit) fees	49B394	50B260
Transaction fees	51B1,024	52B1,711
Total revenue from contracts with customers	53B2,646	54B2,738
Interest on loans	55B86	56B58
Sancus Loans Limited interest income	57B2,669	58B2,027
Other income	59B6	60B-
Total Revenue	61B5,407	62B4,823

5.      COST OF SALES

	30 June 2023 (unaudited)	30 June 2022 (unaudited)
	63B£'000	64B£'000
Interest cost	65B1,664	66B881
Sancus Loans Limited interest cost	67B3,272	68B2,278
Other cost of sales	69B169	70B401
Total cost of sales	71B5,105	72B3,560

6.      OPERATING EXPENSES

	30 June 2023 (unaudited)	30 June 2022 (unaudited)
	73B£'000	74B£'000
Administration and secretarial fees	75B47	76B61
Amortisation and depreciation	77B118	78B157
Audit fees	79B63	80B69
Corporate Insurance	81B4	82B69
Directors Remuneration	83B55	84B64
Employment costs	85B2,157	86B2,201
Investor relations expenses	87B30	88B30
Legal and professional fees	89B185	90B82
Marketing expenses	91B55	92B126
NOMAD fees	93B38	94B38
Other office and administration costs	95B502	96B385
Pension costs	97B46	98B51
Registrar fees	99B15	100B15
Sundry	101B3	102B2
Total operating expenses	103B3,318	104B3,350

7.          LOSS PER ORDINARY SHARE

Consolidated loss per Ordinary Share has been calculated by dividing the consolidated loss attributable to Ordinary Shareholders in the period by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding (excluding treasury shares) during the period.

Note 13 describes the warrants in issue which are currently out of the money, and therefore are not considered to have a dilutive effect on the calculation of Loss per Ordinary Share.

	30 June 2023 (unaudited)	30 June 2022 (unaudited)
Number of shares in issue	105B584,138,346	106B489,843,477
Weighted average number of shares outstanding	107B584,138,346	108B477,990,801
Loss attributable to Ordinary Shareholders in the period	109B£3,333,000	110B£1,982,000
Basic Loss per Ordinary Share	111B(0.57)p	(0.41)p
Diluted Loss per Ordinary Share	113B(0.57)p	114B(0.41)p

8.          FIXED ASSETS

	Right of use assets	Property & Equipment	Total
Cost	£'000	£'000	£'000
At 31 December 2022	1,247	460	1,707
Additions in the period	-	5	5
Disposals in the period	(128)	(44)	(172)
At 30 June 2023	1,119	421	1,540

Accumulated depreciation	£'000	£'000	£'000
At 31 December 2022	883	399	1,282
Charge in the period	92	26	118
Disposals in the period	(29)	(42)	(71)
At 30 June 2023	946	383	1,329
Net book value 30 June 2023	173	38	211
Net book value 31 December 2022	364	61	425

9.         GOODWILL

Goodwill at 30 June 2023 and 31 December 2022 comprises:
		£'000
Sancus Lending (Jersey) Limited		14,255
Total		14,255

Impairment tests

The carrying amount of goodwill arising on the acquisition of certain subsidiaries is assessed by the Board for impairment on an annual basis or sooner if there has been any indication of impairment. The Board last assessed the Goodwill for impairment on the preparation of the 2023 interim accounts, with the next assessment due on the preparation of the 2024 interim accounts, assuming that there having been no indicators of impairment in the interim period. There have been no indicators of impairment relating to the Jersey goodwill so this will next be assessed for impairment in June 2024. 

At 30 June 2023 the value in use of Sancus Jersey was based on an internal Discounted Cash Flow ("DCF") value-in-use analysis using cash flow forecasts for the years 2023/24 to 2026/27. The starting point for each of the cash flows was the revised forecast for 2023 produced by Sancus Lending Jersey management. Management's revenue forecasts applied a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to revenue of 27.9% and a cost of equity discount rate of 14.5%. The resultant valuation indicated that no impairment of goodwill was required. 

Goodwill valuation sensitivities

When the discounted cash flow valuation methodology is utilised as the primary goodwill impairment test, the variables which influence the results most significantly are the discount rates applied to the future cash flows and the revenue forecasts. The table below shows the impact on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income of stress testing the period end goodwill valuation with a decrease in revenues of 10% and an increase in cost of equity discount rate of 3%. These potential changes in key assumptions fall within historic variations experienced by the business (taking other factors into account) and are therefore deemed reasonable. The current model reveals that a sustained decrease in revenue of circa 12% or a sustained increase of circa 8% in the cost of Equity discount rate would remove the headroom.

Sensitivity Applied
				Total £'000
10% decrease in revenue per annum				4,228
3% increase in cost of Equity discount rate				2,093

Neither a 10% decrease in revenue nor a 3% increase in the cost of Equity discount rate implies a reduction of Goodwill in Jersey.

10.       OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

	£'000
Cost
At 30 June 2023 and 31 December 2022	1,584
Amortisation
At 31 December 2022	1,584
Charge for the period	-
At 30 June 2023	1,584
Net book value at 30 June 2023	-
Net book value at 31 December 2022	-

Other Intangible assets comprise capitalised contractors' costs and costs related to core systems development. The assets have been fully amortised.

11.       TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

	115B30 June 2023 (unaudited)	116B31 December 2022 (audited)
Current	117B£'000	118B£'000
Loan fees, interest and similar receivable	119B6,356	120B4,673
Receivable from associated companies	121B-	122B5
Taxation	123B5	124B58
Other trade receivables and prepaid expenses	125B736	126B1,070
	127B7,097	128B5,806

12.        OTHER ASSETS

			Development properties
Cost			£'000
At 31 December 2021			496
Additions			210
Disposals			-
At 31 December 2022			706
Disposals			(706)
At 30 June 2023			-

Other assets are development properties previously held as security against certain loans which have defaulted. Other assets are held at the lower of cost and net realisable value. All  development properties classified as Other Assets were  sold during the period with a profit on disposal of £303k recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

13.       SHARE CAPITAL, SHARE PREMIUM & DISTRIBUTABLE RESERVE

Sancus Lending Group Limited has the power under the Articles to issue an unlimited number of Ordinary Shares of nil par value.

No Ordinary Shares were issued in the period to 30 June 2023 (Period to 30 June 2022: Nil).

Share Capital
Number of Ordinary Shares - nil par value
At 30 June 2023 (unaudited) and 31 December 2022 (audited)	129B584,138,346

Share Premium
Ordinary Shares - nil par value	130B£'000
At 30 June 2023 (unaudited) and 31 December 2022 (audited)	131B118,340

Ordinary shareholders have the right to attend and vote at Annual General Meetings and the right to any dividends or other distributions which the Company may make in relation to that class of share.

Treasury Shares

	132B30 June 2023 (unaudited) Number of shares	133B31 December 2022 (audited) Number of shares
Balance at start and end of period/year	134B11,852,676	135B11,852,676

	136B30 June 2023 (unaudited) £'000	137B31 December 2022 (audited) £'000
Balance at start end of period/year	138B1,172	139B1,172

Warrants in Issue

As at 30 June 2023 there were 89,396,438 Warrants in issue to subscribe for new Ordinary Shares at a subscription price of 2.25 pence per ordinary share.  The Warrants are exercisable on at least 30 days notice within the period ending 31 December 2025.  The Warrants in issue are classified as equity instruments because a fixed amount of cash is exchangeable for a fixed amount of equity, there being no other features which could justify a financial liability classification. The fair value of the warrants at 30 June 2023 is £Nil (31 December 2022: £Nil).

14.   LIABILITIES

Non-current liabilities	30 June 2023 (unaudited)	141B31 December 2022 (audited)
	142B£'000	143B£'000
Corporate bond (1)	144B14,937	145B14,925
Pollen Facility (2)	146B76,997	147B66,826
ZDP shares (3)	148B13,268	149B9,117
Lease Creditor	150B-	151B152
Total non-current liabilities	152B105,202	153B91,020

Current liabilities	30 June 2023 (unaudited)	155B31 December 2022 (audited)
	156B£'000	157B£'000
Accounts payable	158B104	159B224
Accruals and other payables	507	1,472
Taxation	162B169	163B145
Payable to associated companies	164B-	165B12
Interest payable	166B497	167B481
Derivative contracts (note 17)	168B10	169B398
Provisions for financial guarantees	170B649	171B413
Lease creditor	172B156	173B212
Total current liabilities	2,092	174B3,357

Movement on provision for financial guarantees
		175B£'000
At 31 December 2021		176B-
Profit and loss charge in the year		177B413
At 31 December 2022		178B413
Profit and loss charge in the period		179B236
At 30 June 2023		180B649

Provisions for financial guarantees are recognised in relation to Expected Credit Losses ("ECLs") on off-balance sheet loans and debtors where the Company has provided a subordinated position or other guarantee (see Note 18). The fair value is determined using the exact same methodology as that used in determining ECLs (Note 17).

(1)    Corporate Bond

The £15m (31 December 2022: £15m) Corporate bonds bear interest at 7% (2022: 7%). The bonds have a maturity date of 31 December 2025.

(2)    Pollen Facility (previously HIT Facility)

On 28 January 2018, Sancus signed a funding facility with Honeycomb Investment Trust plc (HIT), now Pollen Street PLC ("Pollen"). The funding line initially had a term of 3 years and comprised of a £45m accordion and revolving credit facility. On 3 December 2020 this facility was extended to a 6 year term to end on 28 January 2024 and on 23 November 2022 this was extended further to 23 November 2026. In addition to the extension the facility was increased to £75m in December 2020 and to £125m in November 2022.

The Pollen facility has portfolio performance covenants including that actual loss rates are not to exceed 4% in any twelve month period and underperforming loans are not to exceed 10% of the portfolio. Sancus Group participates 10% on every drawdown with a first loss position on the Pollen facility. Sancus has also provided Pollen with a guarantee, capped at £4m that will continue to ensure the orderly wind down of the loan book, in the event of the insolvency of Sancus Group, given its position as facility and security agent. Refer to Note 18 Commitments and Guarantees.

(3)    ZDPs

The ZDP Shares have a maturity date of 5 December 2027, following a 5 year extension of the final capital repayment approved on 5 December 2022. The final capital entitlement is £2.5332 per ZDP Share.

Under the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 shares in the Company can only be redeemed if the Company can satisfy the solvency test prescribed under that law. Refer to the Company's Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation for full detail of the rights attached to the ZDP Shares. This document can be accessed via the Company's website www.sancus.com.

The ZDP shares bore interest at an average rate of 8% until 5 December 2022. As part of the extension agreement noted above the interest rate increased to an average of 9% per annum with effect from 5 December 2022, through to the final repayment date of 5 December 2027. In accordance with article 7.5.5 of the Company's Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation, the Company may not incur more than £30m of long term debt without prior approval from the ZDP shareholders. The Memorandum and Articles (section 7.6) also specify that two debt cover tests must be met in relation to the ZDPs. At 30 June 2023 the Company was in compliance with these covenants as Cover Test A was 2.24 (minimum of 1.7) and the adjusted Cover Test B was 3.20 (minimum of 2.05). At 30 June 2023 senior debt borrowing capacity amounted to £15m. The Pollen facility does not impact on this capacity as it is non-recourse to Sancus.

On 28 April 2023 the Company sold 2,068,966 ZDP shares, held in Treasury, to Somerston, the Groups largest shareholder, at a price of 145 pence per share being the mid-market closing price of the ZDP shares on 27 April 2023. 

At 30 June 2023 the Company held 10,505,739 ZDP shares in Treasury (31 December 2022: 12,574,705) with an aggregate value of £18,352,475 (31 December 2022: £20,861,686).

15.   NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT

Cash outflow from operations (excluding loan movements)		181B30 June 2023 (unaudited)	182B30 June 2022 (unaudited)
		183B£'000	184B£'000
Loss for the period		185B(3,313)	186B(1,982)
Adjustments for:
Net gain on FinTech Ventures		187B(362)	188B(114)
Other net (gains)/losses		189B(195)	190B417
Loss on disposal of subsidiary		189B202	190B-
Accrued interest on ZDPs		191B1,106	192B400
Impairment of financial assets		193B799	194B-
Taxation		195B45	196B-
Amortisation / depreciation of fixed assets		197B118	198B157
Amortisation of debt issue costs		199B195	200B95
Changes in working capital:
Trade and other receivables		201B(2,133)	202B82
Trade and other payables		203B(836)	319
Cash outflow from operations, excluding loan movements		205B(4,374)	206B(626)

Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities

The table below details changes in the Group's liabilities arising from financing activities, including both cash and non-cash changes. Liabilities arising from financing activities are those for which cash flows were, or future cash flows will be classified in the Group's consolidated cash flow statement as cash flows from financing activities.

	1 January 2023	Financing cash flows1	Amortisation of debt issue costs Non-cash	Other Non-cash	30 June 2023
	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000
ZDPs	9,117	3,000	12	1,1392	13,268
Corporate Bond	14,925	-	12	-	14,937
Pollen Facility	66,826	10,000	171	-	76,997
Lease Liability	364	(109)	-	(99)	156
Total liabilities from financing activities	91,232	12,891	195	1,040	105,358

	1 January 2022	Financing cash flows1	Amortisation of debt issue costs Non-cash	Other Non-cash	30 June 2022
	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000
ZDPs	10,532	-	13	4002	10,944
Corporate Bond	12,474	-	13	-	12,487
Pollen Facility	52,203	2,500	70	-	54,773
Lease Liability	576	(104)	-	-	472
Total liabilities from financing activities	75,785	2,396	95	400	78,676

¹These amounts can be found under financing cash flows in the cash flow statement.

² Interest accruals.

16.       RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Transactions with the Directors/Executive Team

Non-executive Directors

As at 30 June 2023, the non-executive Directors' annualised fees, excluding all reasonable expenses incurred in the course of their duties which were reimbursed by the Company, were as detailed in the table below:

	30 June 2023		30 June 2022
	£		£
Stephen Smith (Chairman)	50,000		50,000
John Whittle	42,500		42,500
Tracy Clarke (stepped down as non-executive director 30 March 2023)	35,000		35,000

Tracy Clarke was appointed Group CFO and joined the Executive Team on 30 March 2023.

Total Directors' fees charged to the Company for the period ended 30 June 2023 were £55,000 (30 June 2022: £63,750).

Executive Team

For the period ended 30 June 2023, the Executive Team members' remuneration from the Company, excluding all reasonable expenses incurred in the course of their duties which were reimbursed by the Company, were as detailed in the table below:

	30 June 2023	30 June 2022
	£'000	£'000
Aggregate remuneration in respect of qualifying service - fixed salary	284	238
Aggregate amounts contributed to Money Purchase pension schemes	10	10
Aggregate bonus paid	-	-

All amounts have been charged to Operating Expenses.

On 30 March 2023, as an interim measure which may become permanent, Carlton Management Services Limited ("Carlton"),  was appointed to manage and develop the Group's finance function, including new technology integrations for forecasting, performance and treasury management under a service agreement which has a three-year term.  The annualised fee for the service is £170k. Furthermore, Carlton sub-lease office space in the Group's offices in Jersey, with a sub lease end date of 31 August 2024,  at an annual cost of c£100k p.a.

On 30 March 2023 Carlton entered into a Director services agreement with Sancus Lending Group Limited for the provision of Tracy Clarke as Interim CFO, with an annual fee of £130k.

Tracy Clarke is Managing Director of Carlton Management Services Limited.

From time to time, the Somerston Group may participate as a Co-Funder in Sancus loans, on the same commercial terms available to other Co-Funders. The Group has not recorded any other transactions with any Somerston Group companies for the period ended 30 June 2023 (30 June 2022: none).

Directors' and Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibilities ("PDMR") shareholdings in the Company

As at 30 June 2023, the Directors had the following beneficial interests in the Ordinary Shares of the Company:

	30 June 2023		31 December 2022
	No. of Ordinary Shares Held	% of total issued Ordinary Shares	No. of Ordinary Shares Held	% of total issued Ordinary Shares
John Whittle	138,052	0.02	138,052	0.03
Emma Stubbs	1,380,940	0.24	1,380,940	0.28
Rory Mepham	1,000,000	0.17	-	-

In the six month period to June 2023 and the year to December 2022, none of the above received any amounts relating to their shareholding.

Emma Stubbs resigned as Executive Director of the Company on 30 March 2023.

Transactions with connected entities

The following significant transactions with connected entities took place during the current period:

Receivable from/(payable to) related parties			30 June 2023	31 December 2022
			£'000	£'000
Amberton Limited			-	(7)

Net Cost recharges
	30 June 2023 £'000		30 June 2022 £'000
Amberton Limited	3		4

There is no ultimate controlling party of the Company.

17.       FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Fair values and risk management

Sancus loans and loan equivalents

	30 June 2023 (unaudited)	31 December 2022 (audited)
Non-current	£'000	£'000
Sancus loans	34	171
Sancus Loans Limited loans	20,699	23,693
Total Non-current Sancus loans and loan equivalents	20,733	23,864
Current
Sancus loans	3,138	2,790
Sancus Loans Limited loans	61,071	49,471
Total Current Sancus loans and loan equivalents	64,209	52,261
Total Sancus loans and loan equivalents	84,942	76,125

Fair Value Estimation

The financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position are grouped into the fair value hierarchy as follows:

	30 June 2023 (unaudited)		31 December 2022 (audited)
	Level 2	Level 3	Level 2	Level 3
	£'000	£'000	£'000	£'000
Fintech Ventures investments	-	237	-	-
Derivative contracts	(10)	-	(398)	-
Total assets / liabilities at fair value	(10)	237	(398)	-

The classification and valuation methodology remains as noted in the 2022 Annual Report.

All of the FinTech Ventures investments are categorised as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. In the past the Directors have estimated the fair value of financial instruments using discounted cash flow methodology, comparable market transactions, recent capital raises and other transactional data including the performance of the respective businesses. Having considered the terms, rights and characteristics of the equity and loan stock held by the Group in the FinTech Ventures investments, the Board's estimate of liquidation value of these assets is £237k at 30 June 2023 (31 December 2022: £Nil) following a recovery on one of the investments post period end. Changes in the performance of these businesses and access to future returns via its current holdings could affect the amounts ultimately realised on the disposal of these investments, which may be greater or less than £Nil. There have been no transfers between levels in the period (2022: None).

Assets at Amortised Cost

	30 June 2023	31 December 2022
	(unaudited)	(audited)
	£'000	£'000
Sancus loans and loan equivalents	84,942	76,125
Trade and other receivables	6,361	4,736
Cash and cash equivalents	4,293	4,134
Total assets at amortised cost	95,596	84,995

Liabilities at Amortised Cost

	30 June 2023	31 December 2022
	(unaudited)	(audited)
	£'000	£'000
ZDPs	13,268	9,117
Corporate Bond	14,937	14,925
Pollen facility	76,997	66,826
Trade and other payables	1,433	2,698
Provisions in respect of guarantees	649	413
Total liabilities at amortised cost	107,284	93,979

Refer to Note 14 for further information on liabilities.

FinTech Ventures Investments	Total Portfolio
30 June 2023	£'000
At 31 December 2022	-
Net new investments / loan repaid	(125)
Realised gain recognised in profit and loss	362
At 30 June 2023	237

		Total Portfolio
31 December 2022		£'000
At 31 December 2021		500
Net new investments / (divestments)		394
Realised losses recognised in profit and loss		(894)
At 31 December 2022		-

Credit Risk

Credit risk is defined as the risk that a borrower/debtor may fail to make required repayments within the contracted timescale. The Group invests in senior debt, senior subordinated debt, junior subordinated debt and secured loans. Credit risk is taken in direct lending to third party borrowers, investing in loan funds, lending to associated platforms and loans arranged by associated platforms. The Group mitigates credit risk by only entering into agreements related to loan instruments in which there is sufficient security held against the loans or where the operating strength of the investee companies is considered sufficient to support the loan amounts outstanding.

Credit risk is determined on initial recognition of each loan and re-assessed at each balance sheet date. It is categorized into Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 with Stage 1 being to recognise 12 month ECLs, Stage 2 being to recognise Lifetime ECLs not credit impaired and Stage 3 being to recognise Lifetime ECLs credit impaired.

Foreign Exchange Risk - Derivative instruments

The Treasury Committee Team monitors the Group's currency position on a regular basis, and the Board of Directors reviews it on a quarterly basis. Loans denominated in Euros which are taken out through the Pollen facility are hedged. Forward contracts to sell Euros at loan maturity dates are entered into when loans are drawn in Euros. At 30 June 2023 the following forward foreign exchange contracts were open:

June 2023

Counterparty

Settlement date

Buy Currency

Buy Amount £'000

Sell currency

Sell amount €'000

Unrealised gain/(loss) £'000

Alpha

Jun 2023 to July 2023

GBP

7,744

Euro

9,000

3

Lumon Risk Management

Jun 2023 to July 2023

GBP

22,439

Euro

26,100

(13)

(10)

December 2022
Counterparty	Settlement date	Buy Currency	Buy Amount £'000	Sell currency	Sell amount €'000	Unrealised loss £'000
EWealthGlobal Group	Jan 2023 to May 2023	GBP	3,565	Euro	4,187	(144)
Liberum Wealth	Jan 2023 to Feb 2023	GBP	3,202	Euro	3,650	(35)
Lumon Risk Management	Jan 2023 to May 2023	GBP	9,259	Euro	10,676	(219)
						(398)

No hedging has been taken out against investments in the FinTech Ventures platforms (2022: £Nil).

Provision for ECL

Provision for ECL is made using the credit risk, the probability of default (PD) and the probability of loss given default (PL) all of which are underpinned by the Loan to Value (LTV), historical position, forward looking considerations and on occasion, subsequent events and the subjective judgement of the Board. Preliminary calculations for ECL are performed on a loan by loan basis using the simple formula: Outstanding Loan Value x PD x PL and are then amended as necessary according to the more subjective measures as noted above.

A probability of default is assigned to each loan. This probability of default is arrived at by reference to historical data and the ongoing status of each loan which is reviewed on a regular basis. The probability of loss is arrived at with reference to the LTV and consideration of cash that can be redeemed on recovery.

Movement of provision for ECL

	Loans  £'000	Trade Debtors £'000	Guarantees £'000	Total  £'000
Loss allowance at 31 December 2021	6,409	7,055	-	13,464
Charge/(credit) for the year 2022	426	(421)	413	418
Utilised in the year 2022	-	(141)	-	(141)
Loss allowance at 31 December 2022	6,835	6,493	413	13,741
Charge for the period to June 2023	44	519	236	799
Disposed in the period to June 2023	(1,200)	(734)	-	(1,934)
Loss allowance at 30 June 2023	5,679	6,278	649	12,606

18.       GUARANTEES

The Group undertakes a number of Guarantees and first loss positions which are not deemed to be contingent liabilities under IAS37 as there is no present obligation for these guarantees and it is considered unlikely that these liabilities will crystallise.  

Pollen Facility

Sancus Group participates 10% on every loan funded by the Pollen facility, taking a first loss position. Sancus Group Lending Limited has provided Pollen with a guarantee capped at £4m following the restructure of the Pollen facility in November 2022 (previously was capped at £2m) and that it will continue to ensure the orderly wind down of the Pollen funded loan book, in the event of the insolvency of Sancus Group, given its position as facility and security agent. No provision has been provided in the financial statements (2022: £Nil). 

Sancus Loan Notes

Sancus Loan Note 7 Limited was launched in May 2021 and currently stands at £17.3m. Sancus Loan Note 7 Limited matures in May 2024 and has a coupon of 7% p.a. (payable quarterly), with Sancus providing a 10% first loss guarantee.

Sancus Loan Note 8 plc was launched in January 2022 and currently stands at £3.0m. Loan Note 8 matures on 1 December 2026 and has a coupon of 8% p.a. (payable quarterly), with Sancus providing a 20% first loss guarantee.

Unfunded Commitments

As at 30 June 2023 the Group has unfunded commitments of £70.0m (31 December 2022: £73.9m). These unfunded commitments primarily represent the undrawn portion of development finance facilities. Drawdowns are conditional on satisfaction of specified conditions precedent, including that the borrower is not in breach of its representations or covenants under the loan or security documents. The figure quoted is the maximum exposure assuming that all such conditions for drawdown are met. Directors expect the majority of these commitments to be filled by Co-Funders and/or by our secured funding lines.

19.       LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF SUBSIDIARY

On 15 March 2023, the Company announced the sale of Sancus Lending (Gibraltar) Limited for £10,000. A loss on disposal of £202k, being the difference between the net assets of Sancus Lending (Gibraltar) and sale proceeds on disposal has been recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

OFFICERS AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS

Directors

Non-executive:                          Steve Smith

                                                     John Richard Whittle

                                                     Tracy Clarke (resigned 30 March 2023)

Executive                                            Rory Mepham

                                                             Emma Stubbs (resigned 30 March 2023)

                                                             Tracy Clarke (appointed 30 March 2023)  

The address of the Directors is the Company's registered office.

Executive Team:

Chief Executive Officer:                  Rory Mepham

Chief Financial Officer:                Tracy Clarke

Chief Investment Officer:               James Waghorn

Registered office:                             Les Vardes House

                                                             La Charroterie

                                                             St Peter Port

                                                             Guernsey, GY1 1EL

                                                             Channel Islands

Nominated Adviser and Broker:   Liberum Capital Limited

                                                  Ropemaker Place

                                                  25 Ropemaker Street

                                                  London, EC2Y 9LY

                                                  United Kingdom

Company Secretary:                        Sanne Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited

                                                               1 Royal Plaza

                                                               Royal Avenue

                                                               St. Peter Port

                                                               Guernsey

                                                               GY1 2HL

Legal Advisers,                                  Carey Olsen

Channel Islands:                               P.O. Box 98

                                                             Carey House

                                                             Les Banques

                                                             St Peter Port

                                                             Guernsey, GY1 4BZ

                                                             Channel Islands

Legal Advisers, UK                           Stephenson Harwood

                                                             1 Finsbury Circus

                                                             London, EC2M 7SH

                                                             United Kingdom

Legal Advisers, US                           Troutman Pepper

                                                             3000 Two Logan Square

                                                             Eighteenth and Arch Streets

                                                             Philadelphia, PA 19103-2799

                                                             United States

Bankers:                                             Barclays International

                                                             1^st Floor, 39041 Broad Street

                                                             St Helier

                                                             Jersey, JE4 8NE

Auditors:                                          Moore Stephens

                                                           1 Waverley Place,

                                                         Union Street,

                                                         St. Helier,

                                                         JE4 8SG, Jersey

Registrar:                                            Link Market Services Limited

                                                               The Registry, 34 Beckenham Road

                                                               Beckenham

                                                               Kent, BR3 4TU

                                                               United Kingdom

Public Relations:                               Instinctif Partners Limited

                                                               65 Gresham Street

                                                               London, EC2V 7NQ

                                                               United Kingdom

 

END