TIDMHSD
RNS Number : 6792M
Hansard Global plc
23 September 2021
23 September 2021
Hansard Global plc
Results for the year ended 30 June 2021
Profit and earnings per share up 9% and 13% respectively,
dividend maintained
Hansard Global plc ("Hansard" or "the Group"), the specialist
long-term savings provider, issues its results for the year ended
30 June 2021 ("FY 2021").
Summary
FY 2021 FY 2020 % Change
---------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
New business sales - PVNBP
(1) basis GBP173.0m GBP159.8m +8%
IFRS profit before tax GBP5.1m GBP4.7m +9%
Underlying profit GBP6.8m GBP6.2m +10%
Recommended final dividend
per share (2) 2.65p 2.65p Unchanged
IFRS earnings per share 3.6p 3.2p +13%
---------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
As at 30 June 30 June
2021 2020
----------------------------- ----------- ----------- -----
Assets under Administration GBP1.22bn GBP1.08bn +13%
Value of In-Force GBP145.8m GBP147.9m -1%
----------------------------- ----------- ----------- -----
(1) Present Value of New Business Premiums
(2) Subject to approval at the AGM
Graham Sheward, Group Chief Executive Officer, commented:
"I am pleased to present Hansard's full year results for the
2021 financial year. O ur new business, profit before tax and
assets under administration were all up compared to FY 2020 despite
the on-going challenges presented by Covid-19. I would like to
thank all our employees and distribution partners for their hard
work and resilience in delivering this result.
We have continued to make progress with our strategic
initiatives although the launch of our proposition in Japan is
subject to the lifting of the current Covid-related restrictions.
Once these are lifted, we believe this initiative can deliver
significant growth for the Group.
Given these results and our current financial outlook, we are
delighted to be in a position to maintain our dividend in line with
last year."
As previously announced, our new business levels were GBP173.0m
on a Present Value of New Business Premiums ("PVNBP") basis, 8.3%
higher than FY 2020. Each of our regions achieved positive growth
as we saw increased levels of high net worth contributions being
made.
TRADING RESULTS
IFRS profit before tax for the year was GBP5.1m, up 8.5% from
GBP4.7m in FY 2020. Excluding litigation defence costs and other
non-recurring provisions, underlying profit was GBP6.8m compared
with GBP6.2m in FY 2020.
Fee and commission income was GBP50.5m for the year (FY 2020:
GBP49.5m) as increased fee income in Hansard International offset
lower fee income in Hansard Europe which continues to run-off since
closing to new business in 2013.
Administrative expenses, exclusive of litigation and
non-recurring items, were GBP22.5m (FY 2020: GBP23.0m). Investment
in our Japanese branch was offset by prudent cost management across
a range of areas.
VIF represents the present value of expected future shareholder
profits less the present value cost of holding capital required to
support the in-force business. VIF totalled GBP145.8m as at 30 June
2021 compared to GBP147.9m at 30 June 2020.
While positive on a marginal cost basis, New Business Margin
calculated on an EEV basis was negative 0.5% for the year as
compared to negative 0.1% in FY 2020. This was primarily due to
business mix and changes in economic and operating assumptions. We
expect the primary drivers for margin improvement to be a
successful launch of our new product into the Japanese market and
the cost savings that will follow the implementation of our new IT
systems.
Strategy IMPLEMENTATION
During the past financial year, the primary focus has continued
to be on our two most significant near-term strategic initiatives
:
-- Bringing to market our locally-licensed investment product in Japan; and
-- Upgrading and streamlining our administration systems and IT infrastructure.
We have completed the internal development of our Japanese
product. In order to launch with our first distribution partner, we
are dependent on the Covid-19 restrictions in Japan being lifted.
It is our strong intention to go to market before the end of 2021.
We continue to expect this initiative to deliver significant growth
in the 2022 financial year.
Our new systems are ready to on-board new business from the
Japanese product and we continue to work on enabling it for our
existing products and ultimately for a full migration by the end of
2022.
DIVIDS
The Board has proposed a final dividend of 2.65p per share, the
same level as last year. The Board considers this a prudent
decision in the current environment.
This dividend, if approved by the shareholders at the Annual
General Meeting on 3 November 2021, represents a total dividend of
4.45p (2020: 4.45p) per share in respect of the financial year.
Such dividend will be paid on 11 November 2021 to shareholders on
the register on 1 October 2021. The associated ex-dividend date is
30 September 2021.
policyholder LITIGATION
The Group continues to manage carefully its litigation exposures
relating to the legacy operations of Hansard Europe. We continue to
believe we have strong defences against the claims being made.
Exposures from o utstanding writs were GBP22.7m at 30 June 2021
compared to GBP23.4m at 30 June 2020. Settlement provisions of
GBP0.4m (2020: GBP0.1m) have been made as at 30 June 2021 where we
expect to make settlements for lower value cases.
During the year, the Group successfully defended sixteen cases
with net exposures of approximately GBP1.6m (2020: nine cases with
net exposures of approximately GBP0.6m), ten of which have been
appealed by the plaintiffs. These successes affirm confidence in
the Group's legal arguments. Our policy is to maintain contingent
liabilities even where we win cases in the court of first instance
if such cases have been subsequently appealed.
CURRENT TRADING
New business levels to date in Q1 FY 2022 are broadly in line
with those of the prior year . There have been no significant post
balance sheet events to report.
NEXT TRADING UPDATE
The first trading update in respect of the year ending 30 June
2022 is expected to be published on 4 November 2021.
For further information:
Hansard Global plc +44 (0) 1624 688 000
Graham Sheward, Group Chief Executive Officer
Tim Davies, Chief Financial Officer
Email: investor-relations@hansard.com
Camarco +44 (0) 7990 653 341
Ben Woodford, Hugo Liddy
Notes to editors:
-- Hansard Global plc is the holding company of the Hansard
Group of companies. The Company was listed on the London Stock
Exchange in December 2006. The Group is a specialist long-term
savings provider, based in the Isle of Man.
-- The Group offers a range of flexible and tax-efficient
investment products within a life assurance policy wrapper,
designed to appeal to affluent, international investors.
-- The Group utilises a controlled cost distribution model via a
network of independent financial advisors, and the retail
operations of certain financial institutions who provide access to
their clients in more than 170 countries. The Group's distribution
model is supported by Hansard OnLine, a multi-language internet
platform, and is scalable.
-- The principal geographic markets in which the Group currently
services contract holders and financial advisors are the Middle
East & Africa, the Far East and Latin America. These markets
are served by Hansard International Limited and Hansard Worldwide
Limited.
-- Hansard Europe dac previously operated in Western Europe but
closed to new business with effect from 30 June 2013.
-- The Group's objective is to grow by attracting new business
and positioning itself to adapt rapidly to market trends and
conditions. The scalability and flexibility of the Group's
operations allow it to enter or develop new geographic markets and
exploit growth opportunities within existing markets often without
the need for significant further investment.
Forward-looking statements:
This announcement may contain certain forward-looking statements
with respect to certain of Hansard Global plc's plans and its
current goals and expectations relating to future financial
condition, performance and results. By their nature forward-looking
statements involve risk and uncertainties because they relate to
future events and circumstances which are beyond Hansard Global
plc's control. As a result, Hansard Global plc's actual future
condition, performance and results may differ materially from the
plans, goals and expectations set out in Hansard Global plc's
forward-looking statements. Hansard Global plc does not undertake
to update forward-looking statements contained in this announcement
or any other forward-looking statement it may make. No statement in
this announcement is intended to be a profit forecast or be relied
upon as a guide for future performance.
This announcement contains inside information which is disclosed
in accordance with the Market Abuse Regime.
Legal Entity Identifier: 213800ZJ9F2EA3Q24K05
Chairman's Statement
I am delighted to present to you my first annual report as
Chairman of Hansard Global plc ("Hansard" or "Group"). As mentioned
at the half year, I wish to formally thank Philip Gregory for his
previous chairmanship, leadership and guidance provided to the
Group over the past 9 years.
In March our CEO, Gordon Marr, decided he wished to retire after
a 33-year career with Hansard. I would like to similarly thank
Gordon for his many years' service and commitment to the Group.
Having overseen the successful acquisition of our licence in Japan,
Gordon leaves Hansard well-positioned for the future. Our new CEO,
Graham Sheward, joined us in May and is working well with me and
the whole Board to build on Hansard's long-term legacy and deliver
the next phase of the Group's development and growth.
I also welcome David Peach to our Board as an additional
independent non-executive director and Chairman of our Audit
Committee.
New business
New business for the 2021 financial year ("FY 2021") improved to
GBP173.0m (in Present Value of New Business Premiums ("PVNBP")
terms), up 8.3% from the FY 2020 figure of GBP159.8m.
This was a significant success given the continuing challenges
of Covid-19 and associated restrictions on travel and meeting with
customers and distribution partners. W e have seen Hansard's
on-line model and ability to accept business electronically as a
strong factor in maintaining new business levels .
Financial performance
Our IFRS profit before tax for the year was GBP5.1m, up from
GBP4.7m in 2020.
Fees and commissions were up GBP1.0m to GBP50.5m for the year
(2020: GBP49.5m), reflecting a number of factors, including strong
growth in assets under management.
Origination costs to acquire new business were down GBP1.6m to
GBP16.4m, reflecting strong cost control over our new business
activities while significant uncertainty existed around the impact
of Covid-19.
Administration costs were up GBP0.2m to GBP29.5m. This reflects
our continued investment in our Japanese branch and in our project
to replace our policy administration systems. We have sought to
offset these additional costs by prudent cost control and savings
in other areas.
Litigation defence activity continued to be active with
significant costs incurred during the year, primarily in Italy,
Belgium and Germany. These costs, together with provisions for
future settlements, totalled GBP1.9m compared to GBP1.3m in
2020.
Further detail and analysis is contained in the Business and
Financial Review.
Japan
As noted in our 2020 Annual Report, the key to significantly
increased new business lies in our ability to take advantage of the
opportunity we have developed in Japan.
During the 2021 financial year we concluded the development of
our innovative new product for the Japanese market. This is ready
to launch on our newly implemented administration system, bringing
a highly-advanced platform that will benefit our customers, our
distribution partners and our own operational efficiency.
The product launch timing currently rests with our first
distribution partner who has placed new product launches on hold
until Covid-19 challenges in Japan have abated. We will announce
any material progress in this area as details emerge.
Capitalisation and solvency
The Group remains well capitalised to meet the requirements of
regulators, contract holders, intermediaries and other
stakeholders. We have not required any government-backed financial
support as a result of Covid-19, nor placed any staff on
furlough.
On a risk-based capital basis, total Group Free Assets in excess
of the Solvency Capital Requirements of the Group were GBP58.7m
(2020: GBP66.5m), a coverage of 168% (2020: 180%). We have
maintained our prudent investment policy for shareholder assets,
which minimises market risk and has provided a stable and resilient
solvency position over many years and economic cycles.
Dividends
The Board has resolved to pay a final dividend of 2.65p per
share (2020: 2.65p). In making this decision, the Board has
carefully considered its current and future cash flows, the risks
and potential variabilities introduced by Covid-19, the outlook for
future growth and profitability and the views of key stakeholders,
including regulators and shareholders.
The dividend is subject to approval at the Annual General
Meeting. If approved, this will represent total dividends for the
financial year of 4.45p per share (2020: 4.45p). Upon approval, the
final dividend will be paid on 11 November 2021. The ex-dividend
date will be 30 September 2021 and the record date will be 1
October 2021.
Graeme Easton
Chairman
22 September 2021
GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S OVERVIEW
I was delighted to join Hansard in May of this year as Group
Chief Executive Officer. In the past four months I have spent time
getting to know and understand the current business, and the future
opportunities that exist. I have enjoyed getting to know my new
colleagues to understand their roles and contribution to the
Company. In essence, the core product and distribution
diversification strategy remains critical, whilst near and
short-term organisation improvement initiatives are already
underway. The key strategic projects the Group has already embarked
upon will continue at pace and with significant focus on completion
and execution, namely:
-- launching our new locally-licenced investment product in Japan, and;
-- replacing our policy administration systems to support our
next generation of products and to secure significant cost and
efficiency gains.
These projects will improve financial performance by growing
revenues while at the same time reducing the cost of administering
the business. Both of these projects have made positive progress
during the past financial year despite the challenging operational
environment.
Our new investment product has been operationally ready to
launch in the Japanese market for some time with its launch
currently delayed by virtue of the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions
in force in Japan, which are outside of our control. We are
therefore reliant on an improvement in the Coronavirus environment
in Japan to go to market before the end of 2021, which is our
strong intention.
Our new operating systems are in place to administer our
Japanese product and we have moved on to the next stage of the
project to migrate our existing products onto the new platform. We
expect this Phase Two project to complete by the end of 2022.
RESULTS FOR THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW
We believe that the following areas are the fundamental factors
for the success of the Group:
-- Diversification of our product and distribution channels to
enable origination of significant flows of new business from
identified target markets;
-- Managing our exposure to business risks;
-- Positioning ourselves to incorporate ever-increasing levels
of regulation into our business model;
-- Leveraging our market-leading technology and systems; and
-- Managing our cash flows through the cycle to fund the
appropriate balance of investment in new business and
dividends.
I would draw your attention to the following items below.
Additional information is contained in the Business and Financial
Review.
1. New business distribution
Despite a challenging year due to Covid-19, the level of new
business earned during the full year was GBP173.0m (using the PVNBP
metric), up 8.3% from GBP159.8m in FY 2020.
Our largest region, Middle East & Africa, proved resilient
despite the challenges of Covid-19 with new business up 7.9%. Our
Far East region was the fastest growing region, up 28% albeit from
a smaller base.
In general, we have seen lower case volumes but of higher value
being sold, particularly single premium products. This likely
reflects the fact that higher net worth individuals have saved
funds during the pandemic and continue to have investment and
wealth management needs.
2. Operational, Business and Financial Risks
Our business model involves the acceptance of a number of risks
on a managed and controlled basis. The Group's Enterprise Risk
Management ("ERM") Framework provides for the identification,
assessment, management, monitoring and control of current and
emerging risks, recognising that systems of internal control can
only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material
misstatement or loss. The Group's internal control and risk
management processes have operated satisfactorily throughout the
year under review.
2.1 Litigation Risk
As explained more fully in the Business and Financial Review, we
continue to manage complaints and litigation arising from our
closed-book, Hansard Europe, where the performance of assets linked
to a particular contract have suffered or become illiquid. We
continue to maintain that we do not give investment advice and are
not party to the selection of assets and therefore believe that
such claims have no merit.
As at 30 June 2021, the Group had been served with cumulative
writs with a net exposure totalling GBP22.7m (2020: GBP23.4m),
arising from contract holder complaints and other asset
performance-related issues.
During the year, the Group successfully defended sixteen cases
with net exposures of approximately GBP1.6m, ten of which have been
appealed by the plaintiffs. These successes continue to affirm
confidence in the Group's legal stance.
We have previously noted that we expect a number of larger
claims to be covered by our Group insurance policy. During FY 2021
we recorded GBP0.5m in insurance recoveries. We expect such
reimbursement to continue for these claims.
We continue to estimate overall insurance coverage to be in the
range of GBP6m to GBP13m should those large cases be ruled against
us.
3. Hansard OnLine
Our award-winning IT systems and online customer platform are
key aspects of our proposition. Hansard OnLine is a powerful sales
and business administration tool that is used by independent
financial advisors ("IFAs") and clients the world over. It is an
integral part of the Group's operating model and allows us to
better service IFAs and clients, embed process efficiencies and be
flexible in operational deployment.
Hansard OnLine provides IFAs and clients with a reliable online
self-service model which they can access 24/7 from anywhere around
the world with an internet connection. It provides an important
foundation to our strategic goal of delivery of excellent customer
service.
As noted in previous reports, we have embarked on a project to
replace our core administration systems and ensure our
infrastructure is future-proofed for our next generation of
products and strategic development. Phase One of this project has
been completed and delivered operational readiness for our Japanese
product. The migration of our existing products is scheduled for
completion by the end of 2022.
Additional information concerning Hansard OnLine is set out in
the Business and Financial Review.
4. Operating cash flows and dividends
The Group generates operating cash flows to fund investment in
new business and support dividend payments.
As outlined in the Cash Flow analysis section of the Business
and Financial Review, t he Group generated GBP3.6m in overall net
cash inflows before dividends (2020: inflows of GBP2.1m), after the
investment of GBP16.5m (2020: GBP19.1m) in acquiring new business
and GBP3.8m (2020: GBP3.0m) in IT software and equipment
expenditure. Dividends of GBP6.1m were paid in the financial year
(2020: GBP6.0m).
A final dividend of 2.65p per share has been proposed by the
Board and will be considered at the Annual General Meeting on 3
November 2021. When the final dividend is paid at this level,
dividends will total 4.45p per share in respect of the full 2021
financial year.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Results for the year
Financial performance is summarised as follows. A detailed
review of performance is set out in the Business and Financial
Review that follows this report.
FY 2021 FY 2020
GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------------- -------- --------
New business sales - PVNBP 173.0 159.8
IFRS profit before tax 5.1 4.7
Underlying IFRS profit 6.8 6.2
Assets under Administration 1,224.2 1,080.5
Value of In-Force (regulatory basis) 145.8 147.9
-------------------------------------- -------- --------
IFRS results
IFRS profit before tax for the year was GBP5.1m, up from GBP4.7m
in 2020. After eliminating litigation and non-recurring items, the
underlying IFRS profit (a non-GAAP metric used by management) was
GBP6.8m, up from GBP6.2m in 2020.
Fees and commissions were GBP50.5m for the year (2020:
GBP49.5m). Fees from Hansard International were up GBP1.3m to
GBP47.5m from 2020, reflecting a number of factors, including
strong growth in assets under management. Income from our closed
book, Hansard Europe, has continued to fall, as expected, and is
GBP0.3m down on the prior year.
Administrative and other expenses were GBP29.5m for the year,
slightly up on the 2020 level of GBP29.3m. This reflects our
continued investment in our Japanese branch and in our project to
replace our policy administration systems. We have sought to offset
these additional costs by prudent cost control and savings in other
areas.
Origination costs to acquire new business were down GBP1.6m to
GBP16.4m, reflecting strong cost control over our new business
activities while significant uncertainty existed around the impact
of Covid-19.
Further detail and analysis is contained in the Business and
Financial Review.
Capitalisation and solvency
Our key financial objective is to ensure that the Group's
solvency is managed safely through the economic cycle to meet the
requirements of regulators, contract holders, intermediaries and
shareholders. The Group continues to be well capitalised.
Under risk-based capital methodologies, total Group Free Assets
in excess of the Solvency Capital Requirements of our insurance
subsidiaries were GBP59.2m (2020: GBP66.5m), a coverage of 168%
(2020: 180%). Shareholder assets are typically held in a wide range
of deposit institutions and in highly-rated money market liquidity
funds. This prudent investment policy for shareholder assets
minimises market risk and has provided a stable and resilient
solvency position over recent years.
our people
Our people are critical to our success. We have a dedicated
dynamic workforce across a number of locations around the world. I
would like to recognise and thank them for their continued
commitment, flexibility and resilience in managing both our
on-going day-to-day operations and our key strategic projects
throughout the challenges of the Covid-19 environment.
We have a commitment to quality at the highest level in relation
to servicing contract holders and intermediaries. It was therefore
pleasing to have again been recognised externally in this area. In
October 2020, Hansard was awarded "Excellence in Client Service -
Industry" from International Investor for both the Asian region and
as overall global winner. We also maintained our five-star rating
for customer service by AKG Financial Analytics in their 2020
review.
Covid-19
Our business has continued to operate during the Covid-19
pandemic without any significant disruption to our corporate
systems or customer service provision.
Our technology and effective business continuity plans have
allowed us to switch seamlessly to working remotely whenever
required, both at our head office in the Isle of Man and our
subsidiary and branch offices around the world.
For our Independent Financial Advisor ("IFA") network around the
world, the difficulties in meeting clients, providing advice and
concluding sales remain challenging. We have implemented a number
of key actions to facilitate the on-boarding of new business, for
example rolling out additional tools to allow customers and IFAs to
provide and sign documentation electronically.
We noted in our 2020 Annual Report and Accounts that we were
supporting and working with our customers where they may be
experiencing personal financial difficulties, for example by
allowing for premium holidays without incurring any additional
charges or penalties. We have concluded that temporary
concessionary period and while we saw some additional contracts
lapsing, the overall impact was not material.
We have also not encountered any material financial concerns
with our IFA relationships and have therefore been in a position to
write back the GBP0.2m provision we made at 30 June 2020.
Graham Sheward
Group Chief Executive Officer
22 September 2021
Our Business Model and Strategy
Hansard is a specialist long-term savings provider that has been
providing innovative financial solutions for international clients
since 1987 . We focus on helping financial advisors and
institutions to provide their clients (individual and corporate
investors) with savings and investment products in secure life
assurance wrappers to meet long-term savings and investment
objectives.
We administer assets in excess of GBP1 billion for just under
40,000 client accounts around the world.
Business Model
The Company's head office is in Douglas, Isle of Man, and its
principal subsidiaries operate from the Isle of Man, The Bahamas
and the Republic of Ireland.
Hansard International is regulated by the Isle of Man Financial
Services Authority and has a branch in Malaysia, regulated by the
Labuan Financial Services Authority, to support business flows from
Asian growth economies. Through its relationship with a local
insurer in the UAE, Hansard International reinsures business
written in the UAE.
Launched in 2019, Hansard Worldwide underwrites international
and expatriate business around the world. It is regulated by the
Insurance Commission of The Bahamas.
Hansard Europe is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Hansard Europe ceased accepting new business with effect from 30
June 2013.
Our products are designed to appeal to affluent international
investors, institutions and wealth-management groups. They are
distributed exclusively through IFAs and the retail operations of
financial institutions.
Our network of Account Executives provide local language-based
support services to financial advisors in key territories around
the world, supported by our multi-language online platform, Hansard
OnLine.
Vision and Strategy
Our vision for the Hansard Group is:
"to share success with our clients by providing simple,
understandable and innovative financial solutions" .
To deliver this vision, client outcomes will be the central
focus within our business and, consequently, we will seek to evolve
all aspects of our products, processes and distribution in order to
constantly improve.
Our talented people are the foundation of our business. We have
created an empowering culture, which values innovation, quality,
integrity and respect.
Our strategy to improve, grow and future-proof our business will
be delivered through three key areas of strategic focus:
i. Improve our business: We will improve customer outcomes
through the introduction of new disclosures, the provision of new
products and services, focusing on the quality of our IFAs with
whom we work with and continuing to drive up the engagement of our
people within our business.
ii. Grow our business: In recent years we established a new life
company in The Bahamas and entered into a strategic alliance with
Union Insurance in the UAE. We have acquired the necessary licence
and approvals to access the Japanese market. We will continue to
seek out opportunities for locally licenced business in other
targeted jurisdictions over the coming years.
iii. Future-proof our business: We actively consider new and
innovative technologies, propositions and business models. It
remains critical to support the online and digital needs of our
clients alongside improving organisational efficiency and
scalability.
Strategy DEVELOPMENT
Our strategy team, led by Ollie Byrne our Commercial Director,
has three main aims:
i) to capitalise on near term strategic opportunities;
ii) to ensure the Group is correctly positioned for future
regulatory developments and change; and
iii) to consider and plan for longer term industry and technological evolution.
During the past financial year the primary focus has been on
delivering our two most significant near-term strategic
initiatives:
-- bringing to market our locally-licensed investment product in Japan; and
-- upgrading and streamlining our systems and IT infrastructure.
We are operationally ready with our Japanese product. We intend
to launch with our first distribution partner on our new policy
administration system when Covid-19 restrictions in Japan are
relaxed. Completion of the IT implementation and migration is
scheduled by the end of 2022.
Regulatory change
The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority (the "Authority")
remains committed to maintaining a robust and up to date insurance
supervisory framework appropriate to the Island's insurance
businesses.
The Island's reputation as a well-regulated and internationally
responsible jurisdiction is of vital importance to maintaining
consumer confidence and therefore market share. The international
standards applicable to effective insurance supervision are the
Insurance Core Principles (ICPs), issued by the International
Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS). The ICPs emphasise the
need for insurers and regulators to understand the nature and
degree of risks assumed and provide for them appropriately thus
addressing financial stability risks with the ultimate aim of
protecting the interests of consumers and wider stakeholders.
The Authority has continued its work to revise the framework for
insurance regulation and supervision and maintain a high level of
observance with the IAIS Insurance Core Principles. The Authority
has sought to develop and implement these revisions in a way which
is appropriate and proportionate for the Isle of Man's diverse
insurance sector whilst promoting regulatory best practice and
preserving the continued reputation of the Isle of Man as a stable
and well-regulated jurisdiction.
Major milestones have already been enacted with the
implementation of new risk-based capital corporate governance,
enterprise risk management, conduct of business requirements and a
Group Supervision regime.
We have continued our work to adapt the Hansard model and our
strategic and business plans in line with the intent and objectives
of the regulatory changes, working transparently with our
regulators to shape the practical implementation of the Authority's
roadmap and embed associated changes. The Group continues to
monitor developments in our other regulatory jurisdictions.
Products
The Group's products are unit-linked regular or single premium
life assurance and investment contracts which offer access to a
wide range of investment assets. The contracts are flexible, secure
and held within "wrappers" allowing life assurance cover or other
features depending upon the needs of the client. The contract
benefits are directly linked to the value of those assets that are
selected by, or on behalf of, the client and held within the
wrapper. The Group does not offer investment advice. Contract
holders bear the investment risk.
The Group's products do not include any contracts with financial
options and/or guarantees regarding investment performance and,
hence, unlike the situation faced by some other life assurers, the
Group carries no guarantee risk that can cause capital strain.
As a result of high levels of service, the nature of the Group's
products, the functionality of Hansard OnLine, and the ability of
the contract holder to reposition assets within a contract, we aim
to retain the contract holder relationship over the long term.
Contract holder servicing and related activities are performed
by Hansard Administration Services Limited, which is authorised by
the Financial Services Authority of the Isle of Man Government to
act as an Insurance Manager to insurance subsidiaries of the
Group.
Revenues
The main sources of income for the Group are the fees earned
from the administration of insurance contracts. These fees are
largely fixed in nature and amount. Approximately 30% of the
Group's revenues, under IFRS, are based upon the value of assets
under administration. The new business generated in a particular
year is expected to earn income for an average period of 14 years.
Our business is therefore long term in nature both from a contract
holder perspective and with regards to the income that is
generated.
From this income we meet the overheads of the business, invest
in our business, remunerate our distribution network and pay
dividends.
Managing Risk
Risk can arise from a combination of macro events and company
specific matters. On the macro side, events such as the UK exit
from the EU, terrorist attacks, pandemics and geo-political
tensions can cause significant volatility to stock markets and
foreign exchange markets. We therefore continue to maintain a
robust, low risk balance sheet. We believe this prudent approach to
be appropriate to meet the requirements of regulators, contract
holders, intermediaries and shareholders.
We are conscious that managing operational risk is critical to
our business and we are continuously developing our enterprise risk
management system and controls. Further details of our approach to
risk management and the principal risks facing the Group are
outlined in the Risk Management and Internal Control Section.
Hansard OnLine
Hansard OnLine is a powerful and secure tool that is used by our
IFAs around the world. Available in multiple languages, it allows
them to access information about their clients, to generate reports
for their clients, to submit new business applications online, to
place dealing and switch instructions online, to access all client
correspondence and to access a library of forms and literature.
Almost all investment transactions are processed electronically
by intermediaries, on behalf of their clients, using Hansard OnLine
and over 90% of all new business applications are submitted via the
platform.
The straight-through processing of contract holder instructions
(whether received directly or through their appointed agents)
reduces the Group's operational risk exposures, as does the ability
of the Group to communicate electronically with contract holders
and intermediaries, irrespective of geographical boundaries. Data
validation happens in real-time to ensure there are no delays to
the investment of client funds.
Hansard OnLine Lite provides prospective IFAs with easy access
to a subset of the online system. Its purpose is to showcase our
online proposition to prospective and new IFAs and to allow easy
access to non-sensitive documents and functionality. Users can
access our online document library, the Unit Fund Centre, company
news and submit new business online.
The benefit of Hansard OnLine is recognised by many IFAs as
market leading and our online proposition has been nominated for
and won a number of independent industry awards in recent years.
Most recently this included winning International Investment's
'Excellence in Fintech' award in October 2020.
Online Accounts
Whilst many of our IFAs are technologically sophisticated and
have been utilising our online offering for years, our client base
has typically lagged behind. However, we are now observing a
growing trend amongst our clients to take more control of their
financial wellbeing by embracing mobile technology to better
monitor and manage their finances.
To support our commitment to delivering 'excellent customer
service', we believe it is vital to provide our clients with a
modern and secure online platform that allows them to access their
finances easily and comprehensively, 24/7. We provide this through
our client-facing version of Hansard OnLine, called Online
Accounts.
Similar to our IFA-facing online platform, the client's Online
Account allows them to access all their policy information,
valuation statements, transaction history, premium reports, switch
funds online, access all correspondence, access a library of forms
and literature, and more.
A large and increasing number of clients have signed up for this
service which allows them to view all documentation and
communications relating to their contracts via their Online Account
as well as choosing to receive post electronically, rather than in
hard-copy form. This not only provides a more secure, more
efficient and cost-effective means of communication with clients
but also the convenience to manage their own contract within a
timeframe which is more suitable. This has gained further traction
during the restrictions encountered during the Covid-19
pandemic.
Continuous Improvements to our Online Proposition
When it comes to improving how we operate and the proposition we
offer, we value the views of our clients and IFAs. This means that
we regularly seek feedback through surveys and office visits in
order to identify ways in which we can improve our systems and
processes to best meet their needs. However, it is not just
functionality that is important, we also have a continuous
programme to enhance the overall user experience, for both IFA's
and our clients.
Cyber Security
As cyber crime continues to increase and target commercial and
public enterprises alike, Hansard has continued to invest in its
cyber security. This includes continuous upgrades to our firewall
protection, encryption of data, tokenisation of sensitive data and
annual external review and testing.
Excellent Customer Service
We strive to provide excellent customer service and turn-around
times to our clients and our IFA community. We have won a number of
external awards in this area over the years, most recently i n
October 2020 when we won 'Excellence in Client Service - Industry'
from International Investor for both the Asian region and as
overall global winner. We also maintained our five-star rating for
customer service by AKG Financial Analytics in their 2020
review.
Key performance indicators
The Group's senior management team monitors a wide range of Key
Performance Indicators, both financial and non-financial, that are
designed to ensure that performance against targets and
expectations across significant areas of activity are monitored and
variances explained.
The following is a summary of the key indicators that were
monitored during the financial year under review.
New Business - The Group's internal indicator of calculating
new business production, Compensation Credit ("CC") reflects
the amount of base commission payable to intermediaries. Incentive
arrangements for intermediaries and the Group's Account Executives
incorporate targets based on CC (weighted where appropriate).
New business levels are reported daily and monitored weekly against
target levels. Compensation credit was down GBP0.7m compared
to 2020 due to the impact of Covid-19 on sales activity. Growth
i nitiatives in 2022 will focus on commercialising the opportunity
in Japan where significant upside exists.
Administrative Expenses (excl. litigation and non-recurring
items) - The Group maintains a rigorous focus on expense levels
and the value gained from such expenditure. The objective is
to develop processes to restrain increases in administrative
expenses to the rates of inflation assumed in the charging structure
of the Group's policies.
The Group's administrative and other expenses for the year (excl.
litigation and non-recurring items) were GBP22.5m compared to
GBP23.0m in the previous year.
Cash - Bank balances and significant movements on balances are
reported monthly. The Group's cash and deposits at the balance
sheet date were GBP63.5m (2020: GBP60.8m). Movements are reflective
of cash earned from new and existing business, commissions and
expenses paid and the level of dividends paid to shareholders.
Business continuity - Maintenance of continual access to data
is critical to the Group's operations. This has been achieved
throughout the year through a robust infrastructure. The Group
is pro-active in its consideration of threats to data, data security
and data integrity. Business continuity and penetration testing
is carried out regularly by internal and external parties. Business
continuity was further evidenced by successful switches to remote-working
at various points throughout the financial year due to the Covid-19
pandemic.
Risk profile - The factors impacting on the Group's risk profile
are kept under continual review. Senior management review operational
risk issues at least monthly. The significant risks faced by
the Group are summarised later in this Strategic Report.
business AND FINANCIAL REVIEW
NEW BUSINESS PERFORMANCE FOR THE YEARED 30 JUNE 2021
The Group continues to focus on the distribution of regular and
single premium products in a range of jurisdictions around the
world, achieving well diversified new business growth.
New business performance for the year is summarised in the table
below:
2021 2020 %
Basis GBPm GBPm change
------------------------------- ------ ------ -------
Present Value of New Business
Premiums 173.0 159.8 8.3%
Annualised Premium Equivalent 23.1 24.0 (3.7%)
------------------------------- ------ ------ -------
In Present Value of New Business Premiums ("PVNBP") terms, new
business for the year to 30 June 2021 was GBP173.0m, 8.3% up on the
prior year.
The Annualised Premium Equivalent ("APE") measure shows a
decline of 3.7% from 2020. The year on year change for APE is lower
than PVNBP as it does not take into account the more detailed
experience assumptions for regular premiums that are accounted for
within the PVNBP methodology.
In general we have seen lower case count levels but higher value
cases being sold, particularly single premiums. This likely
reflects the fact that higher net worth individuals have saved
funds during the pandemic and continue to have investment and
wealth management needs.
Present Value of New Business Premiums ("PVNBP")
New business flows on the PVNBP basis for the Group are further
analysed as follows:
2021 2020 %
PVNBP by product type GBPm GBPm change
------------------------ ------ ------ -------
Regular premium 109.6 102.0 7.5%
Single premium 63.4 57.8 9.7%
------------------------ ------ ------ -------
Total 173.0 159.8 8.3%
------------------------ ------ ------ -------
2021 2020 %
PVNBP by region GBPm GBPm change
------------------------ ------ ------ -------
Middle East and Africa 68.3 63.3 7.9%
Rest of World 50.7 48.5 4.5%
Latin America 40.3 37.3 8.0%
Far East 13.7 10.7 28.0%
------------------------ ------ ------ -------
Total 173.0 159.8 8.3%
------------------------ ------ ------ -------
Our largest region, Middle East and Africa, rose 7.9% for the
year. This is reflective of the Middle East emerging comparatively
well from Covid-19 and the successful acquisition of a number of
high net worth single premium policies.
The level of new business from the Rest of World region was up
4.5%, supported by higher value regular premium policies.
New business in Latin America rose by 8.0% despite experiencing
some of the most challenging global Covid-19 conditions. Again,
this was driven by higher value single and regular premium
policies.
New business in the Far East rebounded significantly from the
lower levels seen last year and the earlier part of this financial
year.
The currencies premiums were received in remained relatively
consistent, with the predominant currency being US Dollars:
2021 2020
Currency denominations (as a percentage of % %
PVNBP)
-------------------------------------------- ----- -----
US dollar 81 82
Sterling 15 15
Euro 4 2
Other 0 1
-------------------------------------------- ----- -----
100 100
-------------------------------------------- ----- -----
New business margins
New business margins (calculated on a PVNBP basis) are sensitive
to sales levels and product mix (regular premium products and
smaller single premium sizes typically have a higher margin). While
positive on a marginal cost basis, our new business margin was a
negative 0.5% for the year (2020: negative 0.1%) . The
deterioration was primarily due to changes in business mix, changes
in economic assumptions and changes in operating assumptions. We
expect the primary catalyst for margin improvement to be a
successful launch of our new product into the Japanese market in
the 2022 financial year.
Presentation of financial results
Our business is long term in nature. The nature of the Group's
products means that new business flows have a limited immediate
impact on current earnings reported under International Financial
Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union ("IFRS"), as
initial fees and acquisition costs from the contracts sold are
mostly deferred and amortised over the life of the contract. The
benefit of sales to fee income levels are felt in future financial
periods, noting also that our newer products have a longer earning
period than our older products.
Results for the year
The following is a summary of key items to allow readers to
better understand the results for the year. IFRS profit before tax
for the year was GBP5.1m, up from GBP4.7m in 2020.
Operating profit prior to litigation and non-recurring items was
GBP6.8m in 2021, up from GBP6.2m in 2020.
Abridged consolidated income statement
The consolidated statement of comprehensive income presented
under IFRS reflects the financial results of the Group's activities
during the year. This income statement however, as a result of its
method of presentation, incorporates a number of features that
might affect an understanding of the results of the Group's
underlying transactions. These relate principally to:
-- Investment gains attributable to contract holder assets were
GBP163.8m (2020: GBP0.1m). These assets are selected by the
contract holder or an authorised intermediary and the contract
holder bears the investment risk. They are also reflected within
'Change in provisions for investment contract liabilities'.
-- Third party fund management fees collected and paid onwards
by the Group to third parties having a relationship with the
underlying contract. In 2021 these were GBP5.3m (2020: GBP4.8m).
These are reflected on a gross basis in both income and expenses
under the IFRS presentation.
An abridged non-GAAP consolidated income statement in relation
to the Group's own activities is presented below, excluding the
items of income and expenditure indicated above.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Fees and commissions attributable to Group
activities 45.2 44.7
Investment and other income 0.5 2.5
------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
45.7 47.2
Origination costs (16.4) (18.0)
Administrative and other expenses attributable
to the Group, before
litigation and non-recurring items (22.5) (23.0)
------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Operating profit for the year before litigation
and non-recurring items 6.8 6.2
Litigation and non-recurring expense items (1.7) (1.5)
------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Profit for the year before taxation 5.1 4.7
Taxation (0.2) (0.2)
------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Profit for the year after taxation 4.9 4.5
------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Fees and commissions
Fees and commissions for the year attributable to Group
activities were GBP45.2m, up 1.3% on the 2020 total of
GBP44.7m.
Contract fee income totalled GBP32.2m for the year (2020:
GBP32.2m). C ontract fee income includes the amortised element of
up-front income deferred under IFRS and contract-servicing charges.
Amortisation of deferred income was broadly similar to the prior
year, whilst immediately recognised fees, including surrender
charges, have increased compared to the prior year. The continuing
run-off of Hansard Europe which closed to new business in 2013
resulted in lower contract fee income of GBP0.3m compared to
2020.
Fund management fees accruing to the Group and commissions
receivable from third parties totalling GBP8.3m (2020: GBP7.9m) are
related directly to the value of assets under administration and
are therefore exposed to market movements, currency rates and
valuation judgements. With positive performance from global stock
markets, average assets under management for 2021 were higher than
2020.
A summary of fees and commissions is set out below:
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------------------- --------------- -----
Contract fee income 32.2 32.2
Fund management fees accruing to the Group 8.3 7.9
Commissions receivable 4.7 4.6
-------------------------------------------- --------------- -----
45.2 44.7
-------------------------------------------- --------------- -----
Included in contract fee income is GBP16.7m (2020: GBP17.0m)
representing the amortisation of fees prepaid in previous years, as
can be seen in the analysis set out below:
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------------- ----- -----
Amortisation of deferred income 16.7 17.0
Income generated and earned during the year 15.5 15.2
--------------------------------------------- ----- -----
Contract fee income 32.2 32.2
--------------------------------------------- ----- -----
Investment and other income
Historically low UK and US interest rates continue to result in
modest levels of interest income earned on the Group's deposits and
money market funds.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------------ ------ -----
Bank interest and other income receivable 1.4 2.3
Foreign exchange (losses)/gains on revaluation
of net operating assets (0.9) 0.2
------------------------------------------------ ------ -----
0.5 2.5
------------------------------------------------ ------ -----
Origination costs
Under IFRS, new business commissions paid, together with the
directly attributable incremental costs incurred on the issue of a
contract, are deferred and amortised over the anticipated life of
that contract to match the longer-term income streams expected to
accrue from the contracts issued this year. Typical terms range
between 6 years and 16 years, depending on the nature of the
product. Other elements of the Group's new business costs, for
example recruitment costs, which reflect investment in distribution
resources in line with our strategy, are expensed as incurred.
Origination costs incurred in 2021 have decreased as a result of
less business being reinsured from the UAE which incurs a higher
cost of acquisition and the cancellation of the majority of
sales-related travel and promotional events due to Covid-19.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
---------------------------------------------- ------ ------
Origination costs - deferred to match future
income streams 16.9 18.9
Origination costs - expensed as incurred 2.3 3.4
---------------------------------------------- ------ ------
Investment in new business in year 19.2 22.3
Net amortisation of deferred origination
costs (2.8) (4.3)
---------------------------------------------- ------ ------
16.4 18.0
---------------------------------------------- ------ ------
Amounts totaling GBP14.1m (2020: GBP14.6m) have been expensed to
match contract fee income earned this year from contracts issued in
previous financial years, as can be seen in the analysis below.
Summarised origination costs for the year were:
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------
Amortisation of deferred origination costs 14.1 14.6
Other origination costs incurred during the
year 2.3 3.4
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------
16.4 18.0
--------------------------------------------- ----- ------
Administrative and other expenses
We continue to manage our expense base robustly to control
administrative expenses while supporting our strategic developments
and other new business growth activities with targeted
expenditure.
An analysis of administrative and other expenses is set out in
notes 8 and 9 to the consolidated financial statements under IFRS.
The following summarises some of the expenses attributable to the
Group's own activities.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
---------------------------------------------- ------ -----
Administrative salaries and other employment
costs 11.0 10.6
Other administrative expenses 8.0 7.7
Professional fees, including audit 2.6 2.9
---------------------------------------------- ------ -----
Recurring administrative and other expenses 21.6 21.2
Growth investment spend 0.9 1.8
---------------------------------------------- ------ -----
Administrative and other expenses, excl.
litigation and non-recurring expense items 22.5 23.0
Litigation defence and settlement costs 1.9 1.3
Provision for doubtful debts in respect
of broker balances (0.2) 0.2
Total administrative and other expenses 24.2 24.5
---------------------------------------------- ------ -----
Salaries and other employment costs have increased by GBP0.4m or
4% to GBP11.0m, reflecting the expansion of headcount in our Japan
branch and the costs of short-term contractors supporting our
systems project. Cost inflation was contained by not awarding any
inflation-based salary increases during the year.
The average Group headcount for the 2021 financial year was 191
people (2020: 192 people).
Other administrative expenses increased from GBP7.7m to GBP8.0m.
During the year there were additional lease costs arising from our
move of head office premises and non-capitalised IT expenditure
associated with our systems project.
Professional fees including audit are down a further GBP0.3m
(2020: GBP0.3m) as a result of a savings programme which was
commenced in 2019. These costs include amounts totalling GBP0.4m
paid to the Group's auditor (2020: GBP0.5m); GBP0.5m (2020:
GBP0.6m) for administration, custody, dealing and other charges
paid under the terms of the investment processing outsourcing
arrangements; recruitment costs of GBP0.1m (2020: GBP0.2m), costs
of investor relations activities of GBP0.2m (2020: GBP0.2m) and
general legal and professional fees of GBP1.4m (2020: GBP1.3m).
Growth investment spend represents internal and external
strategic costs to generate opportunities for growth. This includes
the costs of our strategy team and costs associated with developing
our Japanese proposition which have reduced in the current year as
the project has neared conclusion
Litigation defence and settlement costs represent those costs
(net of insurance recoveries) incurred in defending Hansard Europe
against writs taken against it, as described more fully in note 25
to the consolidated financial statements. At 30 June 2021, a
provision of GBP0.4m has been made for expected future
settlements.
Provision for doubtful debts relate to amounts due from brokers
which are deemed to be irrecoverable. The GBP0.2m provided for in
2020 represented an estimate due to increased risk perceived for
brokers who may not be in a financial position to repay upfront
commissions on lapsed business due to Covid-19. This risk did not
crystalise in 2021 and therefore has been released.
Cash Flow ANALYSIS
The operational cash surplus (fees deducted from contracts and
commissions received, less operational expenses paid) for the year
was GBP23.8m (2020: GBP22.7m). Operating cash flows have increased
this year as a result of the increase in fee income levels and
lower acquisition costs.
Writing new business, particularly regular premium business,
produces a short-term cash strain as a result of the commission and
other costs incurred at the inception of a contract. Annual
management charges offset this strain and produce a positive return
over time.
Future increases in new business levels can be funded where
necessary by the Group's significant cash resources, but over time
as the level of contract holder assets is built up, the annual
management charges that are earned from the Group's newer products
will become sufficient to sustain new business growth and
dividends.
During 2021, the Group invested GBP3.3m (2020: GBP2.9m) as part
of a project to replace its administration systems. These costs are
capitalised as computer software on the Group's consolidated
balance sheet. In addition, GBP0.5m was incurred as part of the
Group's move to its new head office.
The following non-GAAP tables summarise the Group's own cash
flows in the year. Overall Group cash and deposits have increased
from GBP60.8m at 30 June 2020 to GBP63.5m at 30 June 2021.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Net cash surplus from operating activities 23.8 22.7
Interest received 0.4 1.6
--------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Net cash inflow from operations 24.2 24.3
Net cash investment in new business (16.5) (19.1)
Purchase of property and computer equipment (3.8) (3.0)
Corporation tax paid (0.3) (0.1)
Net cash inflow before dividends 3.6 2.1
Dividends paid (6.1) (6.0)
--------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Net cash outflow after dividends (2.5) (3.9)
--------------------------------------------- ------- -------
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
Net cash outflow after dividends (2.5) (3.9)
Increase/(decrease) in amounts due to contract
holders 3.6 (0.2)
------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
Net Group cash movements 1.1 (4.1)
Group cash and deposits - opening position 60.8 65.3
Effect of exchange rate movements 1.6 (0.4)
Group cash and deposits - closing position 63.5 60.8
------------------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
Group bank deposits and money market funds
The Group holds its liquid assets in highly-rated money market
liquidity funds and with a wide range of deposit institutions to
minimise market risk. Deposits totalling GBP6.8m (2020: GBP21.2m)
have original maturity dates typically greater than 3 months and
are therefore excluded from the definition of "cash and cash
equivalents" under IFRS and are instead included within 'Deposits
and money market funds' in the consolidated balance sheet. The
following table summarises the total shareholder cash and deposits
at the balance sheet date.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
----------------------------------------------- ----- -----
Money market funds and immediately available
cash 52.6 35.0
Short-term deposits with credit institutions 4.1 4.6
----------------------------------------------- ----- -----
Cash and cash equivalents under IFRS 56.7 39.6
Longer-term deposits with credit institutions 6.8 21.2
Group cash and deposits 63.5 60.8
----------------------------------------------- ----- -----
Abridged consolidated balance sheet
The consolidated balance sheet presented under IFRS reflects the
financial position of the Group at 30 June 2021. As a result of its
method of presentation, the consolidated balance sheet incorporates
the financial assets held to back the Group's liability to contract
holders, and also incorporates the net liability to those contract
holders of GBP1,224.2m (2020: GBP1,080.5m). Additionally, that
portion of the Group's capital that is held in bank deposits is
disclosed in "cash and cash equivalents" based on original maturity
terms, as noted above.
The abridged consolidated balance sheet presented below,
adjusted for those differences in disclosure, allows a better
understanding of the Group's own capital position.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------------- ------ ------
Assets
Deferred origination costs 125.1 122.3
Other assets 15.2 15.0
Bank deposits and money market funds 63.5 60.8
-------------------------------------- ------ ------
203.8 198.1
-------------------------------------- ------ ------
Liabilities
Deferred income 142.5 137.8
Other payables 36.6 34.4
-------------------------------------- ------ ------
179.1 172.2
-------------------------------------- ------ ------
Net assets 24.7 25.9
-------------------------------------- ------ ------
Shareholders' equity
Share capital and reserves 24.7 25.9
-------------------------------------- ------ ------
Deferred origination costs
The deferral of origination costs reflects that the Group will
earn fees over the long-term from contracts issued in a given
financial year. These costs are recoverable out of future net
income from the relevant contract and are charged to the
consolidated statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line
basis over the life of each contract.
The movement in value over the financial year is summarised
below.
2021 2020
Carrying value GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------------- ------- -------
At beginning of financial year 122.3 118.0
Origination costs deferred during the year 16.9 18.9
Origination costs amortised during the year (14.1) (14.6)
--------------------------------------------- ------- -------
125.1 122.3
--------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Deferred income
The treatment of deferred income ensures that contract fees are
taken to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in
equal instalments over the longer-term, reflecting the services to
be provided over the period of the contract. This is consistent
with the treatment of deferred origination costs. Deferred income
at the balance sheet date is the unamortised balance of accumulated
initial amounts received on new business.
The proportion of income deferred in any one year is dependent
upon the mix and volume of new business flows in previous years.
The Group's focus on regular premium business means that these fees
are received over the initial period of the contract, rather than
being received up front, as is often the case with single premium
contracts.
The majority of initial fees collected during the year relates
to charges taken from contracts issued in prior financial years
demonstrating the cash generative nature of the business. Regular
premium contracts issued in this financial year will generate the
majority of their initial fees over the next 18 months on
average.
The movement in value of deferred income over the financial year
is summarised below.
2021 2020
Carrying value GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------ ------- -------
At beginning of financial year 137.8 133.2
Initial fees collected in the year and
deferred 21.4 21.6
Income amortised during the year to fees
income (16.7) (17.0)
------------------------------------------ ------- -------
142.5 137.8
------------------------------------------ ------- -------
CONTRACT HOLDER Assets under administration
In the following paragraphs, contract holder assets under
administration ("AuA"), refers to net assets held to cover
financial liabilities, as analysed in note 17 to the consolidated
financial statements presented under IFRS. Such assets are selected
by or on behalf of contract holders to meet their investment
needs.
The Group receives investment inflows to its AuA from single and
regular premium contracts which are offset by withdrawals, charges,
premium holidays affecting regular premium policies and by market
valuation movements.
The majority of premium contributions are designated in
currencies other than sterling, reflecting the wide geographical
spread of those contact holders. The currency composition of AuA at
the balance sheet date is similar to that as at 30 June 2020, with
68% of AuA designated in US dollar (2020: 67%) and 10% in euro
(2020: 11%).
Certain collective investment schemes linked to customers'
contracts can from time to time become illiquid, suspended or be
put into liquidation. In such cases, the Directors are required to
exercise their judgement in relation to the fair value of these
assets. The cumulative impact on the balance sheet is not
material.
The value of AuA at 30 June 2021 was GBP1,224.2m, up 13.3% from
30 June 2020. During 2021, significant gains were achieved as a
result of positive global stock markets, offset by a weaker US
dollar versus sterling. The following table summarises the
movements in the year:
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------- --------
Deposits to investment contracts -
regular premiums 84.7 85.8
Deposits to investment contracts -
single premiums 64.1 57.2
Withdrawals from contracts and charges (167.2) (142.3)
Effect of market and currency movements 162.1 0.1
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------- --------
Movement in year 143.7 0.8
Opening balance 1,080.5 1,079.7
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------- --------
Closing balance 1,224.2 1,080.5
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------- --------
The analysis of AuA held by each Group subsidiary to cover
financial liabilities is as follows:
2021 2020
Fair value of AuA at 30 June GBPm GBPm
------------------------------ -------- --------
Hansard International 1,134.8 986.5
Hansard Europe 89.4 94.0
------------------------------ -------- --------
1,224.2 1,080.5
------------------------------ -------- --------
Assets acquired by Hansard Worldwide are administered by Hansard
International and therefore are included within Hansard
International's total AuA.
Since it closed to new business in 2013, Hansard Europe's AuA
has been declining broadly in line with expectations as contracts
are surrendered or mature.
DIVIDS
An interim dividend of 1.8p per share was paid in April 2021.
This amounted to GBP2.5m.
The Board has considered the results for the full year ended 30
June 2021, the Group's continued cash flow generation and its
future expectations and has resolved to pay a final dividend of
2.65p per share (2020: 2.65p). Subject to approval at the AGM, this
dividend will be paid on 11 November 2021.
complaints and litigation
In valuation issues such as those referred to above, financial
services institutions can be drawn into disputes in cases where the
performance of assets selected directly by or on behalf of contract
holders through their advisors fails to meet their expectations.
This is particularly relevant in the case of more complex products
distributed throughout Europe.
Even though the Group does not give any investment advice, as
this is left to the contract holder directly or through an agent,
advisor or an entity appointed at their request or preference, the
Group has been subject to a number of complaints in relation to the
performance of assets linked to contracts.
As at 30 June 2021, the Group had been served with cumulative
writs with a net exposure totalling EUR26.5m, or GBP22.7m in
sterling terms (30 June 2020: EUR25.8m / GBP23.4m) arising from
contract holder complaints and other asset performance-related
issues. All such writs relate to historic business written by
Hansard Europe prior to its closure to new business in 2013. The
increased exposure since 30 June 2020 was driven by a reduction in
the fair value of investment assets backing the claims.
During the year, the Group successfully defended sixteen cases
with net exposures of approximately GBP1.6m, ten of which have been
appealed by the plaintiffs (2020: successfully defended nine cases
with net exposures of GBP0.6m). These successes continue to affirm
confidence in the Group's legal arguments.
Our policy is to maintain contingent liabilities even where we
win cases in the court of first instance if such cases have been
subsequently appealed. This includes our largest single case in
Belgium.
We have previously noted that we expect a number of our larger
claims to ultimately be covered by our Group insurance cover.
During FY 2021 we recorded GBP0.5m in insurance recoveries. We
expect such reimbursement to continue during the course of those
claims.
As a result we also expect that a significant amount of the
GBP22.7m of contingent liabilities referred to above would be
covered by insurance should those cases be ruled against us. We
continue to estimate insurance coverage to be in the range of GBP6m
to GBP13m.
While it is not possible to forecast or determine the final
results of such litigation, based on the pleadings and advice
received from the Group's legal representatives and experience with
cases previously successfully defended, we believe we have a strong
chance of success in defending these claims. Other than smaller
cases where based on past experience it is expected a settlement
might be reached, the writs have therefore been treated as
contingent liabilities and are disclosed in note 25 to the
consolidated financial statements. Where there is an established
pattern of settlement for a grouping of claims, a provision has
been made for the remaining exposures and included in note 19
'Other Payables'.
Net asset value per shaRE
The net asset value per share on an IFRS basis at 30 June 2021
is 17.9p (2020: 18.8p) based on the net assets in the Consolidated
Balance Sheet divided by the number of shares in issue, being
137,557,079 ordinary shares (2020: 137,557,079).
Risk management and internal control
The Group is naturally exposed to both existing and emerging
internal and external risks as it pursues its strategic and
business objectives. All such risks, are managed as part of the
corporate model via the governance, risk management and internal
control arrangements which constitute the ERM Framework. This has
never been more clearly demonstrated than via the unprecedented
circumstances and associated challenges presented by the Covid-19
pandemic, which continued to dominate the landscape throughout the
reporting period, presenting societal, economic and corporate level
impacts, which manifested at macro and micro levels around the
world.
The Group ERM Framework has remained central to the Board's
ability to take swift, decisive and informed decisions in response
to the range of possible risks which the pandemic presented to the
Group, its employees, customers and wider stakeholder groups.
Pandemic-specific business resilience planning and the inherent
strength of the Group's systems infrastructure have continued to
support smooth and stable remote working arrangements, which have
remained robust and resilient throughout the various periods of
'lockdown' which have taken effect locally and at international
levels.
Risk metrics and key performance indicators, targeted to
identify and assess both prudential and conduct elements of the
principal and subordinate risk universe, have remained under
scrutiny, together with those via which the broader risk spectrum
is monitored and managed. These metrics have supported continuous
monitoring of operational resilience, stakeholder impacts and the
potential consequences of market volatilities, together with
related stresses to global economies. Operational and Executive
Risk Committee Meetings have maintained close scrutiny of these
monitoring activities with formal reporting to both the Board and
the Group's regulators, as necessary and appropriate.
Approach
Having regard to the Financial Reporting Council's 'Guidance on
Risk Management, Internal Control and Related Financial and
Business Reporting', the ERM Framework encompasses the policies,
processes, tasks, behaviours and other aspects of the Group's
environment, which cumulatively:
-- Facilitate the effective and efficient operation of the Group
and its subsidiaries by enabling appropriate responses to be made
to significant business, operational, financial, compliance and
other risks to business objectives, so safeguarding the assets of
the Group;
-- Help to ensure the quality of internal and external
reporting. This requires the maintenance of proper records and
processes that generate a flow of timely, relevant and reliable
information from within and outside the Group;
-- Seek to ensure continuous compliance with applicable laws and
regulations as well as with internal policies governing the conduct
of business; and
-- Drive the cultural tone and expectations of the Board in
respect of governance, risk management and internal control
arrangements and the delegation of associated authorities and
accountabilities.
The Board of Hansard Global plc ("the Board") has overall
responsibility for the effective operation of the ERM Framework and
the Directors retain responsibility for determining, evaluating and
controlling the nature and extent of the risks which the Board is
willing to accept across the spectrum of risk types, taking account
of varying levels of strategic, financial and operational stresses,
potential risk scenarios and emerging as well as existing risk
exposures. This approach ensures that risk appetite remains an
integral element of decision-making by both the Board and the
Executive Management Team, including in the setting of strategy,
ongoing business planning and business change initiatives.
The ERM Framework has been designed to be appropriate to the
nature, scale and complexity of the Group's business at both
corporate and subsidiary level. The Framework components are
reviewed on at least an annual basis and refined, if necessary, to
ensure they remain fit for purpose in substance and form and
continue to support the Directors' assessment of the adequacy and
effectiveness of the Group's risk management and internal control
systems. Such assessment depends upon the Board maintaining a
thorough understanding of the Group's risk profile, including the
types, characteristics, interdependencies, sources and potential
impact of both existing and emerging risks on an individual and
aggregate basis. The disciplines of the ERM Framework seek to
coordinate risk management in respect of the Group as a whole,
including for the purpose of ensuring compliance with capital
adequacy requirements, liquidity adequacy requirements and
regulatory capital requirements, in line with the Isle of Man
Financial Services Authority's risk-based capital regime.
Governance, risk management and internal control protocols
remain structured upon a 'three lines' model, which determines how
specific duties and responsibilities are assigned and coordinated.
Front line management are responsible for identifying risks,
executing effective controls and escalating risk issues and events
to the Group's Control Functions. The Group Risk and Compliance
teams oversee and work in collaboration with the First Line,
ensuring that functions and operations are consistent with rules,
limits and risk appetite constraints. The Group Internal Audit
Department provides independent assurance services to the Board and
Executive Management Team on the adequacy and effectiveness of the
Group's governance, risk management and internal control
arrangements.
The ERM Framework seeks to add value through embedding risk
management and effective internal control systems as continuous and
developing processes within strategy setting, programme level
functions and day-to-day operating activities. The ERM Framework
also acknowledges the significance of organisational culture and
values in relation to risk management and their impact on the
overall effectiveness of the internal control framework.
Emerging Risks
The ERM Framework promotes the pursuit of its overarching
performance, information and compliance objectives through focus on
five interrelated elements, which enable the management of risk at
strategic, programme and operational level to be integrated, so
that layers of activity support each other. The five interrelated
elements are defined as: -
-- Management oversight and the control culture
-- Risk recognition and assessment
-- Control activities and segregation of duties
-- Information and communication
-- Monitoring activities and correcting deficiencies
Risk management processes are undertaken on both a top-down and
bottom-up basis. The top-down aspect involves the Board assessing,
analysing and evaluating what it believes to be the principal
existing and emerging risks facing the Group. The bottom-up
approach involves the identification, review and monitoring of
current and forward-looking risks on a continuous basis at
functional and divisional levels, with analysis and formal
reporting to the Executive Risk Committee, established by the
Board, on a quarterly basis and onward analytical reporting to the
Board. The terms of reference of the Committee are published on the
Company's website.
Stress and scenario testing is used to identify emerging risks
as well as to analyse and assess any changes in existing aspects of
the 'Risk Universe', which are monitored via the ERM Framework.
Such analyses use both quantitative tests and qualitative
assessments to consider reasonably plausible risk events, including
those stresses and scenarios that could lead to failure of the
business, approximated to the range of impact types which can be
envisaged. The results of the stress and scenario testing are
considered and explored by the Operational and Executive Risk
Committees, the Audit and Risk Committee and the Board, as
necessary and appropriate.
The system of internal control is designed to understand and
manage rather than eliminate risk of failure to achieve business
objectives and can only provide reasonable, rather than absolute
assurance against material misstatement or loss.
Review of risk management and internal control systems
The results of the risk management processes combine to
facilitate identification of the principal business, financial,
operational and compliance risks and any associated key risks at a
subordinate level. Established reporting cycles enable the Board to
maintain oversight of the quality and effectiveness of risk
management and internal control activities throughout the year and
ensure that the entirety of the governance, risk management and
internal control frameworks, which constitute the ERM Framework,
are operating as intended. These processes have been in place
throughout the year under review and up to the date of this
report.
Independently of its quarterly and ad hoc risk reporting
arrangements the Board has conducted its annual review of the
effectiveness of the Company's risk management and internal control
systems including financial, operational and compliance controls.
This review is undertaken in collaboration with the Audit Committee
and is based upon analysis and evaluation of:
-- Attestation reporting from the key subsidiary companies of
the Group as to the effective functioning of the risk management
and internal control frameworks and the ongoing identification and
evaluation of risk within each key subsidiary.
-- Formal compliance declarations from senior managers at
divisional level that key risks are being managed appropriately
within the functional and operational areas falling under their
span of control and that controls have been examined and are
effective.
-- The cumulative results of cyclical risk reporting by senior
and executive management via the Operational Risk Committee and the
Executive Risk Committee, covering financial, operational and
compliance controls.
-- Independent assurance work by the Group Internal Audit
Department to identify any areas for enhancements to internal
controls and work with management to define associated action plans
to deliver them.
The Board has determined that there were no areas for
enhancement which constituted a significant weakness for the year
under review and they are satisfied that the Group's governance,
risk management and internal control systems are operating
effectively and as intended, having particular regard to the
disruptions and risks arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Financial reporting process
Integral to ERM monitoring and reporting arrangements are the
conventions which ensure that the Board maintains a continuous
understanding of the financial impacts of the Group failing to meet
its objectives, due to crystallisation of an actual or emerging
risk, or via the stress and scenario events, which the Board
considers to be reasonably plausible. This includes those stresses
and scenarios that could lead to a failure of the business.
Planning and sensitivity analyses incorporate Board approval of
forecast financial and other information. The Board receives
regular representations from the senior executives in this
regard.
Performance against targets is reported to the Board quarterly
through a review of Group and subsidiary company results based on
accounting policies that are applied consistently throughout the
Group. Financial and management information is prepared quarterly
by the Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") and presented to the Board
and Audit Committee. The members of the Audit Committee review the
financial statements for the half year ended 31 December and for
the full financial year and meet with the CFO to discuss and
challenge the presentation and disclosures therein. Once the draft
document is approved by the Audit Committee, it is reviewed by the
Board before final approval at a Board meeting.
Outsourcing
The majority of investment dealing and custody processes in
relation to contract holder assets are outsourced to Capital
International Limited ("CIL"), a company authorised by the Isle of
Man Financial Services Authority and a member of the London Stock
Exchange.
These processes are detailed in a formal contract that
incorporates notice periods and a full exit management plan.
Delivery of services under the contract is monitored by a dedicated
Relationship Manager against a documented Service Level Agreement,
which includes Key Performance Indicators.
CIL is required to confirm on a monthly basis that no material
control weaknesses have been identified in their operations; this
is overseen via service delivery monitoring performed by the
Relationship Manager. Each year CIL are required to confirm and
evidence the adequacy and effectiveness of their internal control
framework through a formal Assurance Report on Internal Controls.
An external independent review has also been completed during the
year ended 30 June 2021. The review did not reveal any material
control deficiencies in the period.
Risks relating to the Group's financial and other exposures
Hansard's business model involves the controlled acceptance and
management of risk exposures. Under the terms of the unit-linked
investment contracts issued by the Group, the contract holder bears
the investment risk on the assets in the unit-linked funds, as the
policy benefits are directly linked to the value of the assets in
the funds. These assets are administered in a manner consistent
with the expectations of the contract holders. By definition, there
is a match between the investment assets and the contract holder
liabilities, and so the market risk and credit risk lie with
contract holders.
The Group's exposure on this unit-linked business is limited to
the extent that income arising from asset management charges and
commissions is generally based on the value of assets in the funds,
and any sustained falls in value will reduce earnings. In addition,
there are certain financial risks (credit, market and liquidity
risks) in relation to the investment of shareholders' funds. The
Group's exposure to financial risks is explained in note 3 to the
consolidated financial statements.
The Board believes that the principal risks facing the Group's
earnings and financial position are those risks which are inherent
to the Group's business model and operating environment. The
regulatory landscape continues to evolve at both a local and
international level and the risk management and internal control
frameworks of the Group must remain responsive to developments
which may change the nature, impact or likelihood of such
risks.
Principal Risks
The following table sets out the principal inherent risks that
may impact the Group's strategic objectives, profitability or
capital and provides an overview of how such risks are managed or
mitigated. The Board robustly reviews and considers its principal
risks on at least an annual basis and for the year ended 30 June
2021 have continued to specifically consider the impacts,
uncertainties and any emerging risks (see also Risk Management and
Internal Control section).
Risk Risk Factors and management
-------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Market Risk: While the Group does not invest shareholder
funds in assets subject to any significant
Arising from major market risk, the Group's earnings and profitability
market stresses, or are influenced by the performance of contract
fluctuation in market holder assets and the fees derived from their
variables, resulting value. Significant changes in equity markets
in falls in equity and interest rates can adversely affect fee
or other asset values, income earned.
currency movements In addition, the Group operates internationally
or a combined scenario and earns income in a range of different currencies,
manifesting the most significant being US dollars. The
vast majority of its operational cost base
is denominated in Sterling. A significant
adverse currency movement over a sustained
period would present an exposure to reported
income levels.
Extreme market conditions also have the capacity
to influence the selection and purchase of
financial services products and the period
over which business is retained.
How we manage the risk:
* The Board recognise that market volatilities and
currency movements are unpredictable and driven by a
diverse range of factors and these risks are inherent
in the provision of investment-linked products.
* Business plans are modelled across a broad range of
market and economic scenarios and take account of
alternative commercial outlooks within overall
business strategy. This promotes a greater
understanding of market and currency risk, the limits
of the Company's resilience and the range of possible
mitigating options.
* Stress testing performed during the year-ended 30
June 2021 assessed the impacts of reasonably
plausible market risk events and scenarios, including
those resulting from macroeconomic environmental
triggers, such as that experienced via the Covid-19
pandemic.
* The long-term nature of the Group's products serves
to smooth currency movements over time reducing the
need for active hedging policies. However, long term
trends are monitored and considered in pricing
models.
-------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Credit Risk: In dealing with third party financial institutions,
including banking, money market and settlement,
Arising from the failure custody and other counterparties, the Group
of a counterparty is exposed to the risk of financial loss and
potential disruption of core business functional
and operational processes.
How we manage the risk:
* The Group seeks to limit exposure to loss or
detriment via counterparty failure through robust
selection criteria, minimum rating agency limits,
pre-defined risk-based limits on concentrations of
exposures and continuous review of positions to
identify, evaluate, restrict and monitor various
forms of exposure on an individual and aggregate
basis.
* During the reporting period we have closely monitored
credit exposures with counterparties and have not
identified any material change in risk exposure
arising out of the Covid-19 environment.
-------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquidity Risk: If the Group does not have sufficient levels
of liquid assets to support business activities
Arising from a failure or settle its obligations as they fall due,
to maintain an adequate the Group may be in default of its obligations
level of liquidity and may incur significant sanction, loss or
to meet financial obligations cost to rectify the position.
under both planned How we manage the risk:
and stressed conditions * The Group maintains highly prudent positions in
accordance with its risk appetite and investment
policies which ensures a high level of liquidity is
available in the short term at all times. Generally,
shareholder assets are invested in cash or money
market instruments with highly rated counterparties.
* During the reporting period we have maintained a
prudent approach to the availability of short-term
cash but have not identified any material change in
risk exposure arising out of the Covid-19
environment.
-------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Legal and Regulatory The scale and pace of change in regulatory
Risk: and supervisory environments, including the
continued emergence of new and/or updated
Arising from changes compliance obligations and data submissions
in the regulatory landscape, pre-date the pandemic environment. Changes
which adversely impact to rule sets and supervisory expectations
the Group's business have gathered pace with the easing of pandemic
model, or from a failure related restrictions, requiring efficient
by the Group, or one and effective ways to evidence and demonstrate
of its subsidiary entities, how compliance obligations are met, whilst
to meet its legal, compliance analytics and high-quality data
regulatory or contractual driven insights are becoming increasingly
obligations, resulting important.
in the risk of loss The direction of regulatory travel and the
or the imposition of bridges now firmly established between prudential
penalties, damages and conduct risk demand renewed attention
or fines to the capacity, competence and capability
of resourcing across all business areas, having
particular regard to the extent of risk interdependencies
and the embedding of personal accountability
regimes.
The interpretation or application of regulation
over time may impact market accessibility,
broker relationships and / or competitive
viability. If the Group fails to monitor the
regulatory environment or adequately integrate
the management of associated obligations within
strategic, business model or business planning
processes there may be material risk to the
achievement of strategic objectives both in
the short and longer term.
How we manage the risk:
* Robust strategic planning processes informed by
analytical review of the external environment and
consideration of associated risk in the short and
longer term.
* Continuous monitoring and review of developments in
international law and regulation and proactive
management of how such developments might shape
jurisdictional specific reaction.
* Active and transparent engagement with regulatory
authorities and industry bodies on a
multi-jurisdictional basis, including active
engagement in and responding to regulatory
consultation exercises.
* Maintenance of robust governance, risk management and
internal control arrangements to ensure that legal
and regulatory obligations are substantively met on a
continuing basis.
* Active engagement with professional advisors to
address specific risks and issues that arise.
-------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fraud and Financial The Board has remained cognisant of the potential
Crime Risk: for an increase in fraudulent activity due
to Covid-19, fuelled by the exploitation of
Arising from the potential economic stimulus schemes and any temporary
increase in fraud and adjustment to control environments - contingent
deception activity with industry level transition to and reliance
due to Covid-19 upon remote working arrangements. The recessionary
environment and increased pressures on profitability
are also recognised to present an increased
risk of poor-quality business being written
by market participants and potentially diminishing
third party attention to due diligence procedures
and processes.
How we manage the risk:
* An increasingly holistic approach to mitigating
heightened financial crime risks. Rigorous anti-money
laundering, counter-terrorist financing and
anti-bribery and corruption measures, together with
effective sanctions screening.
* Implementation of controls to identify and mitigate
any emerging risks associated with the exploitation
of economic stimulus schemes, prolonged dependencies
upon remote working or other measures to counteract
the impacts of the pandemic.
* Continuous review of measures to support activity
during the pandemic, including those measures relied
upon by key business partners.
-------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution Risk: The business environment in which the international
insurance industry operates is subject to
Arising from market continuous change as new market and competitor
changes, technological forces come into effect and as technology
advancement, loss of continues to evolve. Hansard may be unable
key intermediary relationships to maintain competitive advantage in commercially
or competitor activity significant jurisdictions, or market segments,
or be unable to build and sustain successful
distribution relationships, particularly in
the event of any prolonged uncertainties consequent
to the pandemic environment.
How we manage the risk:
* Close monitoring of marketplaces and competitor
activity for signs of threats to forecast new
business levels.
* Stress and scenario modelling considers the
consequences of production falling materially above
or below target and enables the Board to ensure that
forecasting and planning activities are sufficiently
robust and revised product and distribution
strategies are designed to add additional scale to
the business, on a more diversified basis, through
organic growth at acceptable levels of risk and
profitability.
* Continuous investment in and development of
technology. During the reporting period we have
continued to maintain close contact with our
distribution partners and deploy technological
solutions, where appropriate, to overcome challenges
presented by the Covid-19 environment.
-------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Conduct Risk: Failure to adequately assess, monitor, manage
and mitigate risks to the delivery of fair
Arising from any failure customer outcomes, or to market integrity,
of governance, risk can be expected to result in material detriment
management and internal to the achievement of strategic objectives
control arrangements, and could incur regulatory censure, financial
via corporate or individual penalty, contract holder litigation and /
actions, leading to or reputational damage.
customer detriment
How we manage the risk:
* Developments in the Group's ERM framework continue to
drive and deliver the integration of conduct risk
management at both a cultural and practical level.
* Business activities designed to manage the volume and
velocity of regulatory change are fundamentally
concerned with ensuring compliance with conduct risk
obligations, managing conflicts of interest,
preventing market abuse and building robust
governance arrangements around new product
development and product suitability processes.
* Forward looking risk indicators and executive
leadership in respect of understanding and addressing
the drivers of conduct risk focus on all core areas
with assessment at strategic, functional and
operational levels.
* The Group maintains regular dialogue with its
regulatory authorities and with its advisors in
relation to developments in the regulatory
environment in which we operate.
-------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Operational Resilience The Covid-19 pandemic has clearly demonstrated
Risk: the scale and speed with which disruptive
(emerging risk) operational risk events might impact the availability
of important business services and cause wide-ranging
Arising from any exposure harm to customers, stakeholders, individual
to risk events with firms, financial market infrastructures and
the capacity to cause the financial sector as a whole.
operational failures
or wide scale disruptions Regulators across the UK, EU and US are moving
in financial markets quickly to finalise new measures which promote
a principles-based approach to improving operational
resilience and strengthen the ability of financial
services firms to withstand operational risk
related events.
How we manage the risk:
* ERM conventions are guiding the identification and
assessment of events or scenarios presenting risk to
operational resilience - typically pandemics, cyber
incidents, technology failures or natural disasters -
as well as supply chain disruption impacts to
critical processes, business continuity and good
governance.
* Impact tolerances, together with mapping and testing
allow the identification of services which could
cause harm, if disrupted and identify any areas of
vulnerability.
* Stress testing and continuity planning provide for
continuous review of the adequacy and effectiveness
with which the business is able to respond to and
recover from disruptions.
-------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Information Systems The mounting sophistication and persistence
and Cyber Risk: of cybercrime and the growing adoption of
highly advanced, nation-state type tools by
Arising from the increased cyber criminals, underscore the challenges
digitalisation of business that both regulators and the industry face
activities and reliance in understanding and anticipating the nature
upon technology of cyber threats they will face next. Simultaneously
the pandemic has served to accelerate the
efforts of organised crime to exploit weaknesses
in cyber defences and explicitly target remote
working vulnerabilities, whilst new technological
capabilities and use of third party platforms
add to the complexity of understanding the
extent of cyber exposures, which may originate
outside the traditional regulatory perimeter.
Building resilience to continuously evolving
cyber risk is a priority for all stakeholders.
Growing levels of regulatory scrutiny, focussed
on three core areas - cyber risk identification,
cyber risk governance and cyber risk resilience
- is clearly foreseeable. Increased pressure
for licence holders to evidence and demonstrate
how they are addressing emerging regulatory
concerns and the timeliness of their actions
can also be expected.
In the event of any material failure in our
core business systems, or business processes,
or if the Group fails to take adequate and
appropriate measures to protect its systems
and data from the inherent risk of attack,
disruption and/or unauthorised access by internal
or external parties, this could result in
confidential data being exposed and/or systems
interruption. A significant cybercrime event
could result in reputational damage, regulatory
censure and financial loss.
How we manage the risk:
* Continuous focus on the maintenance of a robust,
secure and resilient IT environment that protects
customer and corporate data as a core element of our
Operational resilience mapping.
* Control techniques deployed to evaluate the security
of systems and proactively address emerging threats
both internally within the organisation and
externally, through regular engagement with internet
and technology providers and through industry forums.
* Maintenance of detailed and robust Business
Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plans, including
full data replication at an independent recovery
centre, which can be invoked when required.
* Frequent and robust testing of business continuity
and disaster recovery arrangements.
* Horizon scanning to identify and assess supervisory
pilot initiatives advocating and promoting good
practice in cyber resilience and associated industry
developments.
-------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Environmental, Social Climate Change Risk and broader ESG considerations
and Governance (ESG) are well marked on international regulatory
Risk: agendas. The global economy continues to be
(emerging risk) threatened by the impacts of the Covid-19
crisis and the World Economic Forum (WEF)
Arising from a failure anticipates geopolitical stability to remain
to anticipate and respond critically fragile over the next five to ten
to emerging sustainability years. Climate-related issues make up the
risks or successfully bulk of the WEF's 2021 Global Risks Perception
integrate ESG considerations Survey. However, infectious diseases sit at
and policy positions the top of their impact list - recognising
into strategy and business that the immediate human and economic costs
planning of Covid-19 are severe, threatening to scale
back years of progress on reducing global
poverty and inequality, damaging social cohesion
and global cooperation. Wealth inequalities
across the globe have been amplified and the
fight against the pandemic is diverting resources
from other critical health challenges.
* Short term threats sit at a personal level and
include infectious diseases, livelihood crises,
digital inequality and consumer disillusionment.
* Risks over the medium-term sit at a macro level and
extend to asset bubble bursts, IT infrastructure
breakdown, price instability and debt crises.
* Risks in the long-term are flagged as weapons of mass
destruction, state collapse, biodiversity loss and
adverse technological advances.
Simultaneously, advances in regulatory conduct
obligations are converging with stakeholder
interest in and scrutiny of ESG practices,
whilst clear connections are being drawn between
the issues affecting firms' culture and functioning
and lack of progress on diversity and inclusion.
These developments demonstrate the reach of
ESG considerations across the risk portfolio.
How we manage the risk:
* Actively building sustainability considerations into
strategy development and business planning processes
through structured analysis, formal assessment
mechanisms and cross-functional collaboration
* Factoring emerging sustainability risk issues into
key decision-making and understanding the impacts for
the tools and methodologies currently used to manage
risk, including governance structures, risk
ownerships, risk and control self-assessment
principles, regulatory developments, third party
service provisions and effective reporting.
* Developing and updating relevant components in
relation to the sustainability risk domain -
including policies, procedures, risk indicators,
management data and stress testing.
* 'In flight' initiatives addressing cultural alignment
and structural resilience encompass core ESG
considerations.
-------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Employee Engagement Delivery of the Group's strategy has core
and Cultural Risk: dependencies on attracting and retaining experienced
and high-performing management and staff and
Arising from any failure building a strong and sustainable culture,
to drive and support driven by our purpose, our leadership, our
the right corporate performance management regime and our governance
culture and attract, principles and objectives.
develop, engage and
retain key personnel The knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours
of our employees, and the success with which
these shape and define our culture, are central
to our success.
Clear and heightened regulatory expectations
of individual and corporate accountability
continue to connect governance, risk and compliance
obligations directly to cultural imperatives
and the responsibilities assigned to individual
Senior Managers.
How we manage the risk:
* Significant investment in initiatives to address and
support cultural change and development, including
deployment of a 'culture survey' to provide important
culture diagnostics, shape strategy and inform
tactical solutions.
* Forums established for employees to provide feedback
for continuous improvement.
* Group Performance Management regime targets the
measurement of both hard and soft skills.
* Group Training and Development Strategy guides talent
management and promotes the use of staff development
opportunities to support succession planning and
mitigate 'key person' risks.
* Remuneration models and trends monitored closely by
the Group's Human Resources Department and the
Remuneration Committee.
-------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Further detail around financial risks is outlined in note 3
(Financial Risk Management) to the consolidated financial
statements.
Graeme Easton
Chairman
22 September 2021
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
for the year ended 30 June 2021
Year ended Year ended
30 June 30 June
2021 2020
Notes GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------ ------ ----------- -----------
Fees and commissions 5 50.5 49.5
Investment income 6 163.3 1.9
Other operating income 0.9 0.7
214.7 52.1
------------------------------------------ ------ ----------- -----------
Change in provisions for investment
contract liabilities (163.7) (0.1)
Origination costs 7 (16.4) (18.0)
Administrative and other expenses 8 (29.5) (29.3)
------------------------------------------ ------ ----------- -----------
(209.6) (47.4)
------------------------------------------ ------ ----------- -----------
Profit before taxation 5.1 4.7
Taxation 10 (0.2) (0.2)
------------------------------------------ ------ ----------- -----------
Profit and total comprehensive income
for the year
after taxation 4.9 4.5
------------------------------------------ ------ ----------- -----------
Earnings per share
2021 2020
Note (p) (p)
--------- ----- ----- -----
Basic 11 3.6 3.2
Diluted 11 3.6 3.2
----------- ----- ----- -----
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 30 June 2021
Share Other Retained
capital reserves earnings Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------- -------- --------- --------- ------
At 1 July 2019 68.8 (48.5) 6.9 27.2
Profit and total comprehensive
income for the - - 4.5 4.5
year after taxation
Equity settled share based
payments reserve - 0.2 - 0.2
Transactions with owners
Dividends paid - - (6.0) (6.0)
--------------------------------- -------- --------- --------- ------
At 30 June 2020 68.8 (48.3) 5.4 25.9
--------------------------------- -------- --------- --------- ------
Share Other Retained
capital reserves earnings Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------- -------- --------- --------- ------
At 1 July 2020 68.8 (48.3) 5.4 25.9
Profit and total comprehensive
income for the - - 4.9 4.9
year after taxation
Transactions with owners
Dividends paid - - (6.1) (6.1)
--------------------------------- -------- --------- --------- ------
At 30 June 2021 68.8 (48.3) 4.2 24.7
--------------------------------- -------- --------- --------- ------
Consolidated Balance Sheet
As at 30 June 2021
30 June 30 June
2021 2020
Notes GBPm GBPm
---------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
Assets
Intangible assets 13 9.2 5.9
Property, plant and equipment 13 3.3 3.6
Deferred origination costs 14 125.1 122.3
Financial investments
Measured at fair value:
Equity securities 58.0 40.7
Investments in collective investment
schemes 1,033.1 883.5
Fixed income securities
Measured at amortised cost: 57.5 52.6
Deposits and money market funds 84.2 126.6
Other receivables 15 2.7 5.2
Cash and cash equivalents 16 56.7 39.6
------------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
Total assets 1,429.8 1,280.0
------------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
Liabilities
Financial liabilities under investment
contracts 17 1,224.2 1,080.5
Deferred income 18 142.5 137.8
Amounts due to investment contract
holders 17 27.4 23.9
Other payables 19 11.0 11.9
------------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
Total liabilities 1,405.1 1,254.1
------------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
Net assets 24.7 25.9
------------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
Shareholders' equity
Called up share capital 21 68.8 68.8
Other reserves 22 (48.3) (48.3)
Retained earnings 4.2 5.4
------------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
Total shareholders' equity 24.7 25.9
------------------------------------------- -------- -------- --------
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
for the year ended 30 June 2021
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
--- ------------------------------------------------ ----------------- ----------
Cash flow from operating activities
Profit before tax for the year 5.1 4.7
Adjustments for:
Depreciation 0.9 0.7
Dividends receivable (5.7) (4.9)
Interest receivable (0.4) (1.9)
Movement in share based payments reserve - 0.2
Foreign exchange (gains) / losses (1.6) 0.4
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Decrease / (increase) in other receivables 2.5 (0.5)
Dividends received 5.7 4.9
Interest received 0.3 1.6
Increase in deferred origination costs (2.8) (4.3)
Increase in deferred income 4.7 4.6
Increase / (decrease) in creditors 3.1 (0.2)
(Increase) / decrease in financial investments (135.3) 3.1
Increase in financial liabilities 149.6 0.8
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------
Cash flow from operations 26.1 9.2
Corporation tax paid (0.3) (0.1)
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------
Cash flow from operations after taxation 25.8 9.1
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------
Cash flows from investing activities
Investment in property, plant and equipment (3.8) (3.0)
Proceeds from sale of investments 0.1 0.2
Purchase of investments (0.1) -
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------
Cash flows used in investing activities (3.8) (2.8)
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid (6.1) (6.0)
Principal elements of leased liabilities (0.4) (0.5)
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------
Cash flows used in financing activities (6.5) (6.5)
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents 15.5 (0.2)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
year 39.6 40.2
Effect of exchange rate movements 1.6 (0.4)
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at year end 56.7 39.6
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
1 General Information
Hansard Global plc ("the Company") is a limited liability
company, incorporated in the Isle of Man, whose shares are publicly
traded. The principal activity of the Company is to act as the
holding company of the Hansard group of companies. The activities
of the principal operating wholly owned subsidiaries include the
transaction of life assurance business and related activities.
Hansard Europe was closed to new business with effect from 30 June
2013. The principal subsidiaries of the Company are as follows:
Company name Incorporated Activity
Hansard International Limited Isle of Man Life Assurance
Hansard Worldwide Limited The Bahamas Life Assurance
Hansard Europe Designated Activity Company Ireland Life Assurance
Hansard Administration Services Limited Isle of Man
Administration Services
Hansard Development Services Limited Isle of Man Marketing and
Development Services
The registered office of the Company is 55 Athol Street,
Douglas, Isle of Man, IM99 1QL.
The Company has its primary listing on the London Stock
Exchange.
1.1 Principal accounting policies
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of
these consolidated financial statements are set out below or, in
the case of accounting policies that relate to separately disclosed
values in the primary statements, within the relevant note to these
consolidated financial statements. These policies have been
consistently applied, unless otherwise stated.
1.2 Basis of presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as
adopted by the European Union ("IFRSs"), International Financial
Reporting Standards Interpretations Committee ("IFRSIC")
interpretations, and with the Isle of Man Companies Acts 1931 to
2004. The financial statements have been prepared under the
historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of
financial investments and financial liabilities at fair value
through profit or loss. The Group has applied all International
Financial Reporting Standards adopted by the European Union and
effective at 30 June 2021.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS
requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions
that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting
year. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on
historical experience and various other factors that are believed
to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ
from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an
ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in
the year in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects
only that year or in the year of the revision and future years if
the revision affects both current and future years.
The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity,
or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the
consolidated financial statements, are disclosed in note 2.
Except where otherwise stated, the financial statements are
presented in pounds sterling, the functional currency of the
Company, rounded to the nearest one hundred thousand pounds.
The following new standards, amendments and interpretations are
in issue but not yet effective and have not been early adopted by
the Group and are not expected to have a significant impact;
-- 2022 Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018 - 2020 - effective from January 2022
-- Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before Intended Use
(Amendments to IAS 16) - effective from January 2022
-- Amendments to IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and
Contingent Assets effect from January 2022
-- Reference to the Conceptual Framework (Amendments to IFRS 3) - effective from January 2022
-- IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts - effective from January 2023
-- Classification of liabilities as current or non-current
(Amendments to IAS 1) - effective from January 2023
There are no other standards, amendments or interpretations to
existing standards that are not yet effective, that would have a
material impact on the Group's financial statements.
1.3 Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets,
liabilities and the results of the Company and of its subsidiary
undertakings. Subsidiaries are those entities in which the Company
directly or indirectly has the power to govern the financial and
operating policies generally accompanying a shareholding of more
than one half of the voting rights. The financial statements of
subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements
from the date that control commences until the date that control
ceases. Where necessary, accounting policies applied by subsidiary
companies have been adjusted to present consistent disclosures on a
consolidated basis. Intra-group transactions, balances and
unrealised gains and losses arising from intra-group transactions,
are eliminated in preparing these consolidated financial
statements.
1.4 Going concern
The Group's capital position is in excess of regulatory
requirements. The long-term nature of the Group's business results
in considerable recurring cash inflows arising from existing
business. The Directors believe that the Group is well placed to
manage its business risks successfully.
The Directors are satisfied that the Company and the Group have
adequate resources to continue to operate as a going concern for
the foreseeable future and have prepared the consolidated financial
statements on that basis.
In making this statement, the Directors have given specific
consideration to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the
business. They have reviewed financial forecasts that include
plausible downside scenarios as a result of Covid-19 and its impact
on the global economy. These show the Group continuing to generate
profit over the next 12 months and that the Group has sufficient
cash reserves to enable it to meet its obligations as they fall
due.
The Group has not placed any of its staff on furlough schemes
nor taken any other form of government financial assistance.
The Directors expect the acquisition of new business will
continue to be challenging where lock-downs and travel restrictions
exist. The impact of this however is not immediate to the Group's
profit and cash flows and therefore allows for longer term
adjustments to operations and the cost base. Long periods of lower
new business or indeed lower AuA would be addressed by reducing the
cost base and where necessary, the dividend paid.
The following factors are considered as supportive to the
Group's resilience to Covid-19:
-- The Group's business model focuses on long term savings
products, a majority of which are regular premium paying products
which continue to receive cash inflows regardless of the amount of
new business sold.
-- The Group earns approximately a third of its revenues from
asset-based income which is not immediately dependent on sourcing
new business.
-- The Group's products include charges for early surrender,
which protects against a scenario of significant lapses.
-- New business channels are geographically dispersed and
therefore less exposed to specific regional lock-downs.
-- The largest expense associated with new business is
commission expenditure which reduces directly in line with reduced
sales.
-- The Group has, and continues to the date of this report to
have, a strong capital position with significant levels of
liquidity and cash (as outlined in the Business and Financial
Review).
-- The business has demonstrated operational resilience in being
able to operate remotely from its offices during government-imposed
lock-down without any material impact to processing and servicing
levels. Its control environment continued to operate effectively
during this time.
-- The Group places its shareholder assets into conservative,
highly-liquid, highly-rated bank deposits and money market funds.
These are typically not subject to price fluctuation and protect
the Group's assets against potential market volatility.
-- The Group has no borrowings.
2 C ritical a ccounting e stimates and j udgements in a pplying a ccounting p olicies
Estimates, assumptions and judgements are used in the
application of accounting policies in these financial statements.
Critical accounting estimates are those which involve the most
complex or subjective judgements or assessments. Estimates,
assumptions and judgements are evaluated continually and are based
on historical experience and other factors, including expectations
of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances. Actual outcomes may differ from assumptions and
estimates made by management.
2.1 Accounting estimates and assumptions
The principal areas in which the Group applies accounting
estimates and assumptions are in deciding the type of management
expenses that are treated as origination costs to be deferred and
the period and method of amortisation of deferred origination costs
and deferred income. Estimates are also applied in determining the
recoverability of deferred origination costs.
2.1.1 Origination costs
The judgements exercised in the deferral and amortisation of
origination costs affect amounts recognised in the consolidated
financial statements as deferred origination costs and investment
contract benefits.
Additional details of deferred acquisition and origination costs
are provided in notes 7 and 14. Any other expenses are expensed as
incurred.
2.1.2 Amortisation of deferred origination costs and deferred income
Deferred origination costs and deferred income are amortised on
a straight-line basis over the estimated life of the underlying
investment contract.
Additional details of deferred income are provided in note
18.
2.1.3 Recoverability of deferred origination costs
Formal reviews to assess the recoverability of deferred
origination costs on investment contracts are carried out at each
balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication of
impairment based on the estimated future income levels.
If, based upon a review of the remaining contracts, there is any
other indication of irrecoverability or impairment, the contract's
recoverable amount is estimated. Impairment losses are reversed
through the consolidated statement of comprehensive income if there
is a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable
amount. Such losses are reversed only to the extent that the
contract's carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that
would have been determined, net of amortisation where applicable,
if no impairment loss had been recognised.
2.1.4 Fair value of financial investments
Where the Directors determine that there is no active market for
a particular financial instrument, fair value is assessed using
valuation techniques based on available relevant information and an
appraisal of all associated risks.
2.2 Judgements
The primary areas in which the Group has applied judgement in
applying accounting policies are as follows:
-- The classification of contracts between insurance and
investment business. All contracts are treated as investment
contracts as they do not transfer significant insurance risk;
and
-- To determine whether a provision or contingent liability is
required in respect of any pending or threatened litigation, which
is addressed in note 19 and note 25.
3 Financial risk management
Risk management objectives and risk policies
The Group's objective in the management of financial risk is to
minimise, where practicable, its exposure to such risk, except when
necessary to support other objectives. The Group seeks to manage
risk through the operation of unit-linked business whereby the
contract holder bears the financial risk. In addition, shareholder
assets are invested in highly rated investments.
Overall responsibility for the management of the Group's
exposure to risk is vested in the Board. To support it in this
role, an Enterprise Risk Management ("ERM") framework is in place
comprising risk identification, risk assessment, control and
reporting processes. Additionally, the Board and the Boards of
subsidiary companies have established a number of Committees with
defined terms of reference. These are the Audit, Risk, Actuarial
Review, Executive, Investment and Broker Monitoring Committees.
Additional information concerning the operation of the Board
Committees is contained in the Corporate Governance section of this
Annual Report and Accounts.
The more significant financial risks to which the Group is
exposed are set out below. For each category of risk, the Group
determines its risk appetite and sets its investment, treasury and
associated policies accordingly.
3.1 Market risk
This is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a
financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market
prices, analysed between price, interest rate and currency risk.
The Group adopts a risk averse approach to market risk, with a
stated policy of not actively pursuing or accepting market risk
except where necessary to support other objectives. However, the
Group accepts the risk that the fall in equity or other asset
values, whether as a result of price falls or strengthening of
sterling against the currencies in which contract holder assets are
denominated, will reduce the level of annual management charge
income derived from such contract holder assets and the risk of
lower future profits.
Sensitivity analysis to market risk
The Group's business is unit-linked and the direct associated
market risk is therefore borne by contract holders (although there
is a secondary impact as shareholder income is dependent upon the
fair value of contract holder assets). Other financial assets and
liabilities held outside of contract holder unitised funds
primarily consist of units in money market funds, cash and cash
equivalents, and other assets and liabilities. Cash held in
unitised money market funds and at bank is valued at par and is
unaffected by movements in interest rates. Other assets and
liabilities are similarly unaffected by market movements.
As a result of these combined factors, the Group's financial
assets and liabilities held outside unitised funds are not
materially subject to market risk, and movements at the reporting
date in interest rates and equity values have an immaterial impact
on the Group's profit after tax and equity. Future revenues from
annual management charges may be affected by movements in interest
rates, foreign currencies and equity values. The Group does not
control the asset selection strategy as assets are chosen by the
contract holders.
(a) Price risk
Unit linked funds are exposed to securities price risk as the
investments held are subject to prices in the future which are
uncertain. The fair value of financial assets (designated at fair
value through profit or loss) exposed to price risk at 30 June 2021
was GBP1,148.6m (2020: GBP976.8m). In the event that investment
income is affected by price risk then there will be an equal and
opposite impact on the value of the changes in provisions for
investment contract liabilities in the same accounting period. The
impact on the profit or loss before taxation in a given financial
year is negligible.
An overall change in the market value of the unit-linked funds
would affect the annual management charges accruing to the Group
since these charges, which are typically 1% per annum, are based on
the market value of contract holder assets under administration.
The approximate impact on the Group's profits and equity of a 10%
change in fund values, either as a result of price, interest rate
or currency fluctuations, is GBP1.7m (2020: GBP1.2m).
(b) Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the Group is exposed to
lower returns or loss as a direct or indirect result of
fluctuations in the value of, or income from, specific assets
arising from changes in underlying interest rates.
The Group is primarily exposed to interest rate risk on the
balances that it holds with credit institutions and in money market
funds. The Group has mitigated its exposure to cash flow interest
rate risk by placing a proportion of its cash holdings on
longer-term, fixed-rate deposits.
Taking into account the proportion of Group funds held on
longer-term, fixed-rate deposits, a change of 1% per annum in
interest rates will result in an increase or decrease of
approximately GBP0.6m (2020: GBP0.6m) in the Group's annual
investment income and equity.
A summary of the Group's liquid assets at the balance sheet date
is set out in note 3.2.
(c) Currency risk
Currency risk is the risk that the Group is exposed to higher or
lower returns as a direct or indirect result of fluctuations in the
value of, or income from, specific assets and liabilities arising
from changes in underlying exchange rates.
(c)(i) Group foreign currency exposures
The Group is exposed to currency risk on the foreign currency
denominated bank balances, contract fees receivable and other
liquid assets that it holds to the extent that they do not match
liabilities in those currencies. The impact of currency risk is
minimised by regular conversion of excess foreign currency funds to
sterling. The Group does not hedge foreign currency cash flows. At
the balance sheet date the Group had exposures in the following
currencies:
2021 2021 2021 2020 2020 2020
US$m EURm Yen US$m EURm Yen m
m
------------------------------- ------- ------ -------- ------- ------ --------
Gross assets 20.8 6.3 223.7 13.8 5.2 145.8
Matching currency liabilities (17.3) (5.7) (239.9) (13.0) (4.2) (120.2)
------------------------------- ------- ------ -------- ------- ------ --------
Uncovered currency
exposures 3.5 0.6 (16.2) 0.8 1.0 25.6
------------------------------- ------- ------ -------- ------- ------ --------
Sterling equivalent
(GBPm) 2.6 0.5 (0.1) 0.6 0.9 0.2
------------------------------- ------- ------ -------- ------- ------ --------
The approximate effect of a 5% change: in the value of US
dollars to sterling is GBP0.1m (2020: less than GBP0.1m); in the
value of the euro to sterling is less than GBP0.1m (2020: less than
GBP0.1m); and in the value of the yen to sterling is less than
GBP0.1m (2020: less than GBP0.1m).
(c)(ii) Financial investments by currency
Certain fees and commissions are earned in currencies other than
sterling, based on the value of financial investments held in those
currencies from time to time.
The sensitivity of the Group to the currency risk inherent in
investments held to cover financial liabilities under investment
contracts is incorporated within the analysis set out in (a)
above.
At the balance sheet date the analysis of financial investments
by currency denomination is as follows, US dollars: 68% (2020:
67%); euro: 10% (2020: 11%); sterling: 21% (2020: 21%); other: 1%
(2020: 1%).
3.2 Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that the Group is exposed to lower
returns or loss if another party fails to perform its financial
obligations to the Group . The Group has adopted a risk averse
approach to such risk and has a stated policy of not actively
pursuing or accepting credit risk except when necessary to support
other objectives.
The clearing and custody operations for the Group's security
transactions are mainly concentrated with one broker, namely
Capital International Limited, a member of the London Stock
Exchange. At 30 June 2021 and 2020, substantially all contract
holder cash and cash equivalents, balances due from broker and
financial investments are placed in custody with Capital
International Limited. These operations are detailed in a formal
contract that incorporates notice periods and a full exit
management plan. Delivery of services under the contract is
monitored by a dedicated relationship manager against a documented
Service Level Agreement and Key Performance Indicators, and
attested periodically by external advisors. Investment risk is
borne by the contract holder.
The Group has an exposure to credit risk in relation to its
deposits with credit institutions and its investments in unitised
money market funds. To manage these risks; deposits are made, in
accordance with established policy, with credit institutions having
a short-term rating of at least F1 or P1 from Fitch IBCA and
Moody's respectively and a long-term rating of at least A or A3.
Investments in unitised money market funds are made only where such
fund is AAA rated. Additionally, maximum counterparty exposure
limits are set both at an individual subsidiary company level and
on a Group-wide basis.
These assets are considered to have a high degree of credit
worthiness and no assets of a lower credit worthiness are held. The
following table sets out information about the credit quality of
the Group's deposits with credit institutions and its investments
in unitised money market funds.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------------------- ------------ -------
Deposits with credit institutions and investments in unitised
money market funds
(Based on Standards & Poor's
ratings)
AAA 30.1 23.4
AA- to AA+ 2.9 2.0
A- To A+ 9.1 19.2
--------------------------------------------------- ------------ -------
Cash at bank 21.4 16.2
--------------------------------------------------- ------------ -------
Group cash and deposits 63.5 60.8
--------------------------------------------------- ------------ -------
Financial assets held at amortised cost, as disclosed in the
table above, are impaired using an expected credit loss model. The
model splits financial assets into those which are performing,
underperforming and non-performing based on changes in credit
quality since initial recognition. At initial recognition financial
assets are considered to be performing. They become underperforming
where there has been a significant increase in credit risk since
initial recognition, and non-performing when there is objective
evidence of impairment. Twelve months of expected credit losses are
recognised in the statement of comprehensive income and netted
against the financial asset in the statement of financial position
for all performing financial assets, with lifetime expected credit
losses recognised for underperforming and non-performing financial
assets.
Trade receivables are designated as having no significant
financing component. The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified
approach to measuring expected credit losses for trade receivables
by using a lifetime expected loss allowance.
Expected credit losses are based on the historic levels of loss
experienced for the relevant financial assets, with due
consideration given to forward looking information. The group
expected credit loss charged in the year is GBP0.0m (30 June 2020:
GBP0.0m).
There have been no changes in the assets in the year ended 30
June 2021 attributable to changes in credit risk (30 June 2020:
nil).
At the balance sheet date, an analysis of the Group's cash and
deposit balances was as follows:
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
---------------------------------- ----- -----
Longer term deposits with credit
institutions 6.8 21.2
Cash and cash equivalents under
IFRS 56.7 39.6
---------------------------------- ----- -----
Group cash and deposits 63.5 60.8
---------------------------------- ----- -----
3.3 Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group, though solvent, does
not have sufficient financial resources to enable it to meet its
obligations as they fall due, or can only secure them at excessive
cost. The Group is averse to liquidity risk and seeks to minimise
this risk by not actively pursuing it except where necessary to
support other objectives.
The Group's objective is to ensure that it has sufficient
liquidity over short-term (up to one year) and medium-term time
horizons to meet the needs of the business. This includes liquidity
to cover, amongst other things, new business costs, planned
strategic activities, servicing of equity capital as well as
working capital to fund day-to-day cash flow requirements.
Liquidity risk is principally managed in the following ways:
-- Assets of a suitable marketability are held to meet contract
holder liabilities as they fall due.
-- Forecasts are prepared regularly to predict required
liquidity levels over both the short-term and medium-term.
The Group's exposure to liquidity risk is considered to be low
since it maintains a high level of liquid assets to meet its
liabilities.
3.4 Undiscounted contractual maturity analysis
Set out below is a summary of the undiscounted contractual
maturity profile of the Group's assets.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Maturity within 1 year
Deposits and money market funds 63.5 60.8
Other assets 4.2 6.9
-------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
67.7 67.7
-------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Maturity from 1 to 5 years
Other assets - -
-------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
- -
-------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Assets with maturity values 67.7 67.7
Other shareholder assets (no defined maturity
profile) 135.3 130.4
-------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Shareholder assets 203.0 198.1
Gross assets held to cover financial liabilities
under investment contracts 1,226.8 1,081.9
-------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Total assets 1,429.8 1,280.0
-------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
There is no significant difference between the value of the
Group's assets on an undiscounted basis and the balance sheet
values.
Assets held to cover financial liabilities under investment
contracts are deemed to have no fixed maturity since the
corresponding unit-linked liabilities are repayable and
transferable on demand. In certain circumstances the contractual
maturities of a portion of the assets may be longer than one year,
but the majority of assets held within the unit-linked funds are
highly liquid. The Group actively monitors fund liquidity.
Set out below is a summary of the undiscounted contractual
maturity profile of the Group's liabilities.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Maturity within 1 year
Amounts due to investment contract holders 27.4 23.9
Other payables 8.8 9.4
---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
36.2 33.3
---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Maturity from 1 to 5 years
Other payables 2.6 3.2
---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
2.6 3.2
---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Liabilities with maturity values 38.8 36.5
Other shareholder liabilities (no defined maturity
profile) 142.5 137.8
---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Shareholder liabilities 181.3 174.3
Financial liabilities under investment contracts 1,224.2 1,080.5
---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Total liabilities 1,405.5 1,254.8
---------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
The difference between the total liabilities in the above table
and the total liabilities per the consolidated balance sheet
represents the impact of discounting liabilities with a maturity
profile of more than one year.
3.5 Insurance risk
Insurance risk is the risk of loss arising from actual
experience being different than that assumed when an insurance
product was designed and priced. For the Group, the key insurance
risks are lapse risk, expense risk and mortality risk. However, the
size of insurance risk is not deemed to be materially significant.
From an accounting perspective all contracts have been classified
as investment contracts.
3.5.1 Lapse risk
A key risk for investment contracts is policyholder behaviour
risk - in particular the risk that contracts are surrendered or
significant cash withdrawals are made before sufficient fees have
been collected to cover up-front commissions paid by the Group. The
risk is mitigated by charging penalties on the early surrender of
contracts.
3.6 Classification and subsequent measurement of financial assets and liabilities
The Group recognises deposits with financial institutions and
loans and borrowings on the date on which they are originated. All
other financial instruments are recognised on the trade date, which
is the date on which the Group becomes a part to the contractual
provisions of the instrument.
A financial asset or financial liability is initially measured
at fair value plus, for a financial asset or financial liability
not measured at 'fair value through profit and loss' ("FVTPL"),
transaction costs that are directly attributable to its acquisition
or issue.
On initial recognition, a financial asset is classified as
measured at amortised cost, 'fair value through other comprehensive
income' ("FVOCI") or FVTPL.
Financial assets are not reclassified subsequent to their
initial recognition. A financial asset is measured at amortised
cost if it meets both of the following conditions and is not
designated as at FVTPL:
-- It is held within a business model whose objective is to hold
assets to collect contractual cash flows; and
-- Its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash
flows that are solely payments of principal and interest.
A financial asset is measured at FVOCI if it meets both of the
following conditions and is not designated as at FVTPL:
-- It is held within a business model whose objective is
achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling
financial assets; and
-- Its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash
flows that are solely payments of principal and interest.
All financial assets not classified as measured at amortised
cost or FVOCI as described above are measured at FVTPL. The
classification of each financial asset and liability is commented
on within each respective financial statement note. As at 30 June
2021, only financial assets measured at amortised cost and FVTPL
are held.
The subsequent measurement of each class of financial assets is
defined in the below table:
Class of asset Subsequent measurement
Financial assets at FVTPL Measured at fair value. Net gains and
losses, including any interest or dividend
income and foreign exchange gains and
losses, are recognised in profit or
loss.
--------------------------------------------
Financial assets at amortised Measured at amortised cost using the
cost effective interest method. Interest
income, foreign exchange gains and losses
and impairment are recognised in profit
or loss. Any gain or loss on derecognition
is also recognised in profit or loss.
------------------------------ --------------------------------------------
On initial recognition, a financial liability is designated as
amortised cost or FVTPL. The criteria for classification and
subsequent measurement mirrors that of the financial assets, albeit
the classification of 'FVOCI' does not exist for financial
liabilities. Therefore, any liabilities which do not meet the
amortised cost classification criteria, are designated as
FVTPL.
3.7 Fair value of financial assets and liabilities
The Group closely monitors the valuation of assets in markets
that have become less liquid. Determining whether a market is
active requires the exercise of judgement and is determined based
upon the facts and circumstances of the market for the instrument
being measured . Where the Directors determine that there is no
active market for a particular financial instrument, for example
where a particular collective investment scheme is suspended from
trading, fair value is assessed using valuation techniques based on
available, relevant, information and an appraisal of all associated
risks. When a collective investment scheme recommences regular
trading, the value would be transferred back to Level 1. This
process requires the exercise of significant judgement on the part
of Directors.
Due to the linked nature of the contracts administered by the
Group's insurance undertakings, any change in the value of
financial assets held to cover financial liabilities under those
contracts will result in an equal and opposite change in the value
of contract liabilities. The separate effect on financial assets
and financial liabilities is included in investment income and
investment contract benefits, respectively, in the consolidated
statement of comprehensive income.
IFRS 13 requires the Group to classify fair value measurements
into a fair value hierarchy by reference to the observability and
significance of the inputs used in measuring that fair value. The
hierarchy is as follows:
-- Level 1: fair value is determined using quoted prices
(unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets.
-- Level 2: fair value is determined using inputs other than
quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the
asset either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived
from prices).
-- Level 3: fair value is determined using inputs for the asset
that are not based on observable market data (unobservable
inputs).
The following table analyses the Group's financial assets and
liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, at 30 June
2021:
Level 1 Level Level Total
2 3
Financial assets at fair value GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
through profit or loss
-------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ --------
Equity securities 58.0 - - 58.0
Collective investment schemes 1,026.1 - 7.0 1,033.1
Fixed income securities, bonds
and structured notes - 52.3 5.2 57.5
Total financial assets at fair
value through profit or loss 1,084.1 52.3 12.2 1,148.6
-------------------------------- -------- ------ ------ --------
All other financial assets and liabilities are designated as
held at amortised cost which approximates to fair value.
During the period under review, GBP52.3m of fixed income
securities, bonds and structured notes were transferred from Level
1 to Level 2 following a review of their classification. A further
GBP5.2m of similar assets were reclassified from Level 1 to Level 3
as a result of the same classification review, reflecting that the
value of these assets are not based on observable market data.
Level Level Level Total
1 2 3
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------- ------- -------- ------ --------
Financial liabilities at fair
value through profit or loss - 1,224.2 - 1,224.2
-------------------------------- ------ -------- ------ --------
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are
classified as level 2 on the basis that they relate to policies
investing in financial assets at fair value through profit and
loss.
The following tables analyse the Group's financial assets and
liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, at 30 June 2020.
The classification of fixed income securities, bonds and structured
notes has been restated to be presented on a consistent basis to
the current period:
Level Level Level Total
1 2 3
Financial assets at fair value through GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
profit or loss
---------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------
Equity securities 40.7 - - 40.7
Collective investment schemes 866.9 - 16.6 883.5
Fixed income securities, bonds and
structured notes - 52.6 - 52.6
Total financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss 907.6 52.6 16.6 976.8
---------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------
During the year ended 30 June 2020, no assets were transferred
from Level 1 to Level 2, other than the restatement noted
above.
Level Level Level Total
1 2 3
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------- ------- -------- ------ --------
Financial liabilities at fair value
through profit or loss - 1,080.5 - 1,080.5
------------------------------------- ------- -------- ------ --------
Valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs
The following tables show the valuation techniques used in
measuring Level 2 and Level 3 fair values for financial instruments
in the statement of financial position, as well as the significant
unobservable inputs used.
Type Valuation technique Significant Sensitivity
unobservable to changes
input in unobservable
inputs
Suspended Latest available information Discount factor If the NAV
assets GBP7m including or such as net and NAV was higher/lower,
(2020: GBP16.6m) asset values (NAV) or the fair value
other communication received would be higher/lower.
If the discount
factor was
higher/lower,
the fair value
would be lower/higher.
------------------------------------ ---------------- ------------------------
Bonds and Market comparison/ discounted Not applicable Not applicable
structured cash flow: The fair value (Level 2)
notes GBP52.3m is estimated considering:
(2020: GBP52.6m) (i) current or recent
quoted prices for identical
securities in markets
that are not active; and
(ii) a net present value
calculated using discount
rates which are determined
with reference to observable
market transactions in
instruments with substantially
the same terms and characteristics
including credit quality,
the remaining term to
repayments of the principal
and the currency in which
the payments are made.
------------------------------------ ---------------- ------------------------
Level 3 sensitivity to changes in unobservable measurements
For financial assets assessed as Level 3, based on its review of
the prices used, the Company believes that any reasonable change to
the unobservable inputs used to measure fair value would not result
in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement at year
end, and therefore would not have a material impact on its reported
results.
The reconciliation between opening and closing balances of Level
3 assets are presented in the table below:
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
---------------------------- ---- ------- -------
Opening balance 16.6 26.8
Unrealised gains /(losses) (1.7) (14.3)
Transfers in to level 3 5.4 4.7
Transfers out of level 3 (0.3) -
Purchases, sales, issues (7.8) (0.6)
and settlements
---------------------------- ---- ------- -------
Closing balance 12.2 16.6
---------------------------------- --- ------- -------
4 Segmental information
Disclosure of operating segments in these financial statements
is consistent with reports provided to the Chief Operating Decision
Maker ("CODM") which, in the case of the Group, has been identified
as the Executive Committee of Hansard Global plc.
In the opinion of the CODM, the Group operates in a single
reportable segment, that of the distribution and servicing of
long-term investment products. New business development,
distribution and associated activities undertaken by its Irish
subsidiary, Hansard Europe Designated Activity Company, ceased with
effect from 30 June 2013. All other activities of the Group are
continuing.
The Group's Executive Committee uses two principal measures when
appraising the performance of the business: Net Issued Compensation
Credit ("NICC") (weighted where appropriate by product line) and
expenses. NI CC is the amount of basic initial commission payable
to intermediaries for business sold in a period and is calculated
on each piece of new business. It excludes override commission paid
to intermediaries over and above the basic level of commission.
The following table analyses NICC geographically and reconciles
NICC to direct origination costs incurred during the year as set
out in the Business and Operating Review section of this Annual
Report and Accounts.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
----------------------------------- ----- -----
Middle East and Africa 4.7 5.1
Latin America 3.8 4.3
Rest of World 1.4 1.6
Far East 0.8 0.8
Net Issued Compensation Credit 10.7 11.8
Other commission costs paid to
third parties 5.3 6.6
Enhanced unit allocations 1.7 1.5
------------------------------------ ----- -----
Direct origination costs incurred
during the year 17.7 19.9
------------------------------------ ----- -----
Revenues and expenses allocated to geographical locations
contained in sections 4.1 to 4.4 below reflect the revenues and
expenses generated in or incurred by the legal entities in those
locations.
4.1 Geographical analysis of fees and commissions by origin
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
--------------------- ----- -----
Isle of Man 46.8 45.5
Republic of Ireland 3.0 3.3
The Bahamas* 0.7 0.7
---------------------- ----- -----
50.5 49.5
--------------------- ----- -----
* Hansard Worldwide, which is based in the Bahamas, fully
reinsures its business to Hansard International. All external fees
and commissions for Hansard Worldwide are therefore presented
within the Isle of Man category. Fees shown in respect of Hansard
Worldwide represent fees received from Hansard International.
4.2 Geographical analysis of profit before taxation
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
--------------------- ------ ------
Isle of Man 5.5 5.0
Republic of Ireland (1.0) (0.9)
The Bahamas 0.6 0.6
---------------------- ------ ------
5.1 4.7
--------------------- ------ ------
4.3 Geographical analysis of gross assets
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
--------------------- -------- --------
Isle of Man* 1,314.1 1,158.7
Republic of Ireland 114.0 120.0
The Bahamas 1.7 1.3
---------------------- -------- --------
1,429.8 1,280.0
--------------------- -------- --------
* Includes assets held in the Isle of Man in connection with
policies written in The Bahamas. As at 30 June 2021 these amounted
to GBP111.6m (30 June 2020: GBP51.2m).
4.4 Geographical analysis of gross liabilities
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
--------------------- -------- --------
Isle of Man 1,194.5 1,100.3
Republic of Ireland 98.2 102.6
The Bahamas 112.4 51.2
---------------------- -------- --------
1,405.1 1,254.1
--------------------- -------- --------
5 Fees and commissions
Fees are charged to the contract holders of investment contracts
for contract administration services, investment management
services, payment of benefits and other services related to the
administration of investment contracts. Fees may be chargeable on
either a fixed fee basis, a fee per transaction or as a percentage
of assets under administration. Fees are recognised as revenue as
the services are provided. Initial fees that exceed the level of
recurring fees and relate to the future provision of services are
deferred in the balance sheet and amortised on a straight-line
basis over the life of the relevant contract. These fees are
accounted for on the issue of a contract and on receipt of
incremental premiums on existing single premium contracts.
Regular fees charged to contracts are recognised on a
straight-line basis over the period in which the service is
provided. Transactional fees are recorded when the required action
is complete.
Commissions receivable arise principally from fund houses with
which investments are held. Commissions are recognised on an
accruals basis in accordance with the relevant agreement.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
------------------------- ----- -----
Contract fee income 32.2 32.2
Fund management charges 13.6 12.7
Commissions receivable 4.7 4.6
------------------------- ----- -----
50.5 49.5
------------------------- ----- -----
6 Investment income
Investment income comprises dividends, interest and other income
receivable, realised and unrealised gains and losses on
investments. Movements are recognised in the consolidated statement
of comprehensive income in the period in which they arise.
Dividends are accrued on the date notified. Interest is accounted
for on a time proportion basis using the effective interest
method.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------- ------ -------
Interest income 0.1 1.3
Dividend income 5.7 4.9
Gains on realisation of investments 9.8 25.7
Movement in unrealised gains/(losses) 147.7 (30.0)
--------------------------------------- ------ -------
163.3 1.9
--------------------------------------- ------ -------
7 Origination costs
Origination costs include commissions, intermediary incentives
and other distribution-related expenditure. Origination costs which
vary with, and are directly related to, securing new contracts and
incremental premiums on existing single premium contracts are
deferred to the extent that they are recoverable out of future net
income from the relevant contract. Deferred origination costs are
amortised on a straight-line basis over the life of the relevant
contracts. Origination costs that do not meet the criteria for
deferral are expensed as incurred.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------------- ----- -----
Amortisation of deferred origination
costs 14.1 14.6
Other origination costs 2.3 3.4
---------------------------------------- ----- -----
16.4 18.0
---------------------------------------- ----- -----
8 Administrative and other expenses
Included in administrative and other expenses are the
following:
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
---------------------------------------------------- ----- -----
Auditors' remuneration:
- Fees payable for the audit of the
Company's annual accounts 0.1 0.1
* Fees payable for the audit of the Company's
subsidiaries
pursuant to legislation 0.3 0.4
- Other services provided to the Group - 0.1
Employee costs (see note 9) 11.4 11.1
Directors' fees 0.4 0.4
Fund management fees 4.9 4.8
Renewal and other commission 0.3 1.7
Professional and other fees 3.8 2.8
Litigation fees and settlements 1.9 1.3
Licences and maintenance fees 2.0 1.7
Insurance costs 1.0 1.4
Depreciation of property, plant and
equipment 0.9 0.7
Communications 0.4 0.3
----------------------------------------------------- ----- -----
9 Employee costs
The Group provides a range of benefits to employees, including
annual bonus arrangements, paid holiday arrangements and defined
contribution pension plans.
Short term benefits, including holiday pay and other similar
non-monetary benefits, are recognised as an expense in the period
in which the service is received.
The Group pays fixed pension contributions on behalf of its
employees (defined contribution plans). Once the contributions have
been paid the Group has no further payment obligations. The
contributions are recognised as an expense when they are due.
Amounts not paid are shown in accruals in the balance sheet. The
assets of the plan are held separately from the Group in
independently administered funds.
The Group operates an annual bonus plan for employees. An
expense is recognised in the consolidated statement of
comprehensive income when the Group has a legal or constructive
obligation to make payments under the plan as a result of past
events and a reliable estimate of the obligation can be made.
9 .1 The aggregate remuneration in respect of employees
(including sales staff and executive Directors) was as follows:
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
-------------------------- ----- -----
Wages and salaries 10.6 10.7
Social security costs 1.1 1.0
Contributions to pension
plans 0.9 1.0
12.6 12.7
-------------------------- ----- -----
Total salary and other staff costs for the year are incorporated
within the following classifications:
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
----------------------------------- ----- -----
Administrative and other expenses 11.3 11.1
Origination costs 1.3 1.6
12.6 12.7
----------------------------------- ----- -----
The above information includes Directors' remuneration
(excluding non-executive Directors' fees). Details of the
Directors' remuneration, share options, pension entitlements and
interests in shares are disclosed in the Report of the Remuneration
Committee.
9.2 The average number of employees during the year was as follows:
2021 2020
No. No.
---------------------------- ----- -----
Administration 133 144
Distribution and marketing 16 15
IT development 42 33
191 192
---------------------------- ----- -----
10 Taxation
Taxation is based on profits and income for the period as
determined with reference to the relevant tax legislation in the
countries in which the Company and its subsidiaries operate. Tax
payable is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or
substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Tax is recognised
in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income except to the
extent that it relates to items recognised in equity. Tax on items
relating to equity is recognised in equity.
The corporation tax expense for the Group for 2021 was GBP0.2m
(2020: GBP0.2m). Corporation tax is charged on any profits arising
at the following rates depending on location of the company or
branch:
Isle of Man 0% (2020: 0%)
Republic of Ireland 12.5% (2020: 12.5%)
Japan branch 23.4% (2020: 23.4%)
Labuan 24% (2020: 24%)
The Bahamas 0% (2020: 0%)
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
---- ----------------------------------------- ----- -----
Current year tax provisions 0.2 0.1
Adjustment to prior year tax provisions - 0.1
----------------------------------------------- ----- -----
0.2 0.2
---------------------------------------------- ----- -----
No deferred tax asset is currently being recorded in relation to
losses arising in Hansard Europe.
There is no material difference between the current tax charge
in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and the
current tax charge that would result from applying standard rates
of tax to the profit before tax.
11 Earnings per share
2021 2020
----------------------------------------- ------ ------
Profit after tax (GBPm) 4.9 4.5
Weighted average number of shares
in issue (millions) 137.6 137.6
------------------------------------------ ------ ------
Basic and diluted earnings per share
in pence 3.6 3.2
------------------------------------------ ------ ------
The Directors believe that there is no material difference
between the weighted average number of shares in issue for the
purposes of calculating either basic or diluted earnings per share.
Earnings under either measure is 3.6p per share (2020: 3.2p).
12 Dividends
Interim dividends payable to shareholders are recognised in the
year in which the dividends are paid. Final dividends payable are
recognised as liabilities when approved by the shareholders at the
Annual General Meeting.
The following dividends have been paid by the Group during the
year:
Per share Total Per share Total
2021 2021 2020 2020
p GBPm p GBPm
-------------------------------- ---------- ------ ---------- ------
Final dividend in respect
of previous
financial year 2.65 3.6 2.65 3.6
Interim dividend in respect
of current
financial year 1.80 2.5 1.80 2.4
4.45 6.1 4.45 6.0
-------------------------------- ---------- ------ ---------- ------
The Board has resolved to pay a final dividend of 2.65p per
share on 11 November 2021, subject to approval at the Annual
General Meeting, based on shareholders on the register on 1 October
2021.
13 Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment
Intangible Assets
The historical cost of computer software is the purchase cost
and the direct cost of internal development. Computer software is
recognised as an intangible asset.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
------------------- ----- -----
Intangible assets 9.2 5.9
------------------- ----- -----
Amortisation is calculated so as to amortise the cost of
intangible assets, less their estimated residual values, on a
straight-line basis over the expected useful economic lives of the
assets concerned and is included in administration and other
expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
The carrying amount, residual value and useful life of the
Group's computer software is reviewed annually to determine whether
there is any indication of impairment, or a change in residual
value or expected useful life. If there is any indication of
impairment, the asset's carrying value is revised.
The economic lives used for this purpose are:
Computer software 3 to 15 years
------------------ --------------
The increase in intangible assets relates to capitalised costs
associated with the development of a replacement policy
administration system. This development is expected to be completed
and put into use during 2022, at which point amortisation will
commence over an expected life of 15 years.
The cost of computer software at 30 June 2021 is GBP9.9m (2020:
GBP6.6m), with a net book value of GBP9.2m (2020: GBP5.9m).
Accumulated amortisation at 30 June 2021 is GBP0.7m (2020:
GBP0.7m). All amortisation relates to externally generated
costs.
The cost of computer software includes GBP5.7m of externally
generated costs (2020: GBP4.1m) and GBP4.2m of internally generated
costs (2020: GBP2.5m).
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment includes both tangible fixed
assets and 'right of use assets' recognised in accordance with IFRS
16 'Leases'.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
------------------------------- ----- -----
Property, plant and equipment 0.9 0.6
Right of use assets 2.4 3.0
3.3 3.6
------------------------------- ----- -----
Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less
depreciation and any impairment. The historical cost of property,
plant and equipment is the purchase cost, together with any
incremental costs directly attributable to the acquisition.
Depreciation is calculated so as to amortise the cost of
tangible assets, less their estimated residual values, on a
straight-line basis over the expected useful economic lives of the
assets concerned and is included in administration and other
expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
The carrying amount, residual value and useful life of the
Group's plant and equipment is reviewed annually to determine
whether there is any indication of impairment, or a change in
residual value or expected useful life. If there is any indication
of impairment, the asset's carrying value is revised.
The economic lives used for this purpose are:
Freehold property 50 years
Computer equipment 3 to 5 years
Fixtures & fittings 4 years
-------------------- -------------
Right of use assets are depreciated over the useful life of the
lease.
The cost of property, plant and equipment at 30 June 2021 is
GBP10.6m (2020: GBP10.1m), with a net book value of GBP0.9m (2020:
GBP0.6m). Additions during 30 June 2021 total GBP0.5m (2020:
GBP0.1m). Disposals during the year were negligible.
Accumulated depreciation at 30 June 2021 is GBP9.7m (2020:
GBP9.5m). The depreciation charge for the year ending 30 June 2021
is GBP0.2m (2020: GBP0.3m).
IFRS 16 - Leases
The right-of-use assets for property leases are measured at an
amount equal to the lease liability adjusted by the amount of any
prepaid or accrued lease payments recognised immediately before the
date of initial application, being the commencement date. The
liabilities are measured at the present value of the remaining
lease payments, discounted using an incremental borrowing rate. The
weighted average incremental borrowing rate applied to the lease
liabilities on 30 June 2020 was 4%.
The Group leases various offices around the world to service its
clients and operations. Rental contracts are typically made for
periods of 1 to 10 years, incorporating break clauses where
applicable. Lease terms are negotiated on an individual basis and
contain differing terms and conditions. The lease agreements do not
impose any covenants.
In determining the lease terms utilised in assessing the
position under IFRS 16, management considers break clauses in
leases, where appropriate. Potential future outflows exist on two
leases beyond break clauses of GBP3.3m. These have not been
included in the lease liability but would be payable in the event
that the relevant lease clauses were not exercised. The current
position assumes that these break clauses will be exercised.
Leases (other than those classified as short-term leases or
leases of low-value assets) are recognised as a right-of-use asset
and a corresponding liability at the date at which the leased asset
is available for use by the Group. Each lease payment is allocated
between the liability and a finance cost. The finance cost is
charged over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic
rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each
period. The right-of-use asset is depreciated over the shorter of
the asset's useful life and the lease term on a straight-line
basis.
Short-term leases (those with a lease term or useful life of
less than 12 months at inception) and leases of low value assets
(comprising IT-equipment and small items of office furniture) are
recognised on a straight-line basis as an expense in administration
and other expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive
income.
During the year to 30 June 2021, the Group entered into
extensions to existing leases and recognised these under IFRS 16
accordingly. The weighted average borrowing rate applied to the
lease liabilities at 30 June 2021 was 4%.
The recognition of the right-of-use asset represents an increase
in the property, plant and equipment figure of GBP2.4m (30 June
2020: GBP3.0m). Lease liabilities relating to the right-of-use
asset are included within other payables. The interest recognised
on the lease liabilities in respect of the right of use asset was
less than GBP0.1m (30 June 2020: less than GBP0.1m).
During 2021, the Group has entered into a sub-lease for part of
a building that is reported as a right-of-use asset. The group has
classified the sub-lease as an operating lease, as it does not
transfer substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to
the ownership of the sub-let asset. During the year ending 30 June
2021, the Group recognised rental income of less than GBP0.1m
(2020: nil).
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------ ---- ------------- --------
Right of use asset recognised 1 July 3.0 0.9
Additions during the period 0.1 2.6
Depreciation (0.7) (0.5)
-------------------------------------------- --- ------------- --------
Net book value of right of use asset
as at 30 June 2.4 3.0
------------------------------------------- ---- ------------- --------
Lease liability recognised 1 July 3.0 0.9
Additions during the period 0.1 2.6
Lease payments made during the period (0.4) (0.5)
------------------------------------------------- ------------- --------
Lease liability recognised as at 30
June 2.7 3.0
------------------------------------------------- ------------- --------
Of which are:
Current lease liabilities 0.5 0.4
Non-current lease liabilities 2.2 2.6
------------------------------------------------- ------------- --------
14 Deferred origination costs
Amortisation of deferred origination costs is charged within the
origination costs line in the consolidated statement of
comprehensive income.
Formal reviews to assess the recoverability of deferred
origination costs on investment contracts are carried out at each
balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication of
impairment. If there is any indication of irrecoverability or
impairment, the asset's recoverable amount is estimated. Impairment
losses are reversed through the consolidated statement of
comprehensive income if there is a change in the estimates used to
determine the recoverable amount. Such losses are reversed only to
the extent that the asset's carrying amount does not exceed the
carrying amount that would have been determined, net of
amortisation where applicable, if no impairment loss had been
recognised.
The movement in value over the financial year is summarised
below.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------------- ------- -------
At beginning of financial year 122.3 118.0
Origination costs incurred and deferred
during the year 16.9 18.9
Origination costs amortised during the year (14.1) (14.6)
--------------------------------------------- ------- -------
125.1 122.3
--------------------------------------------- ------- -------
2021 2020
Carrying value GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------ ------ ------
Expected to be amortised within one year 11.8 11.4
Expected to be amortised after one year 113.3 110.9
------------------------------------------ ------ ------
125.1 122.3
------------------------------------------ ------ ------
15 Other receivables
Other receivables are initially recognised at fair value and
subsequently measured at amortised cost, less any provision for
impairment.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
----------------------- ----- -----
Commission receivable 1.4 1.7
Other debtors 0.1 2.3
Prepayments 1.2 1.2
2.7 5.2
------------------------ ----- -----
Estimated to be settled within
12 months 2.7 5.2
Estimated to be settled after 12 - -
months
----------------------------------- ---- ----
2.7 5.2
---------------------------------- ---- ----
There are no receivables overdue but not impaired (2020:
GBPnil). Due to the short-term nature of these assets the carrying
value is considered to reflect fair value.
16 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at
call with banks, and other short-term highly liquid investments
with a minimal cost to be converted to cash, typically with
original maturities of three months or less, net of short-term
overdraft positions where a right of set-off exists. In the below
table, money market funds includes all immediately available cash,
other than specific short term deposits.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------- ----- -----
Money market funds 51.4 35.0
Short-term deposits with credit
institutions 5.3 4.6
--------------------------------- ----- -----
56.7 39.6
--------------------------------- ----- -----
17 Financial liabilities under investment contracts
17.1 Investment contract liabilities, premiums and benefits
paid
17.1.1 Investment contract liabilities
Investment contracts consist of unit-linked contracts written
through subsidiary companies in the Group. Unit-linked liabilities
are measured at fair value by reference to the underlying net asset
value of the Group's unitised investment funds, determined on a bid
basis, at the balance sheet date.
The decision by the Group to designate its unit-linked
liabilities at fair value through profit or loss reflects the fact
that the liabilities are calculated with reference to the value of
the underlying assets.
17.1.2 Investment contract premiums
Investment contract premiums are not included in the
consolidated statement of comprehensive income but are reported as
deposits to investment contracts and are included in financial
liabilities in the balance sheet. On existing business, a liability
is recognised at the point the premium falls due. The liability for
premiums received on new business is deemed to commence at the
acceptance of risk.
17.1.3 Benefits paid
Withdrawals from policy contracts and other benefits paid are
not included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income
but are deducted from financial liabilities under investment
contracts in the balance sheet. Benefits are deducted from
financial liabilities and transferred to amounts due to investment
contract holders on the basis of notifications received, when the
benefit falls due for payment or, on the earlier of the date when
paid or when the contract ceases to be included within those
liabilities.
17.2 Movement in financial liabilities under investment
contracts
The following table summarises the movement in liabilities under
investment contracts during the year:
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
---------------------------------------- -------- --------
Deposits to investment contracts 148.8 143.0
Withdrawals from contracts and charges (167.2) (142.3)
Change in provisions for investment
contract liabilities 162.1 0.1
----------------------------------------- -------- --------
Movement in year 143.7 0.8
At beginning of year 1,080.5 1,079.7
----------------------------------------- -------- --------
1,224.2 1,080.5
----------------------------------------- -------- --------
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------------- -------- --------
Contractually expected to be settled
within 12 months 40.2 36.7
Contractually expected to be settled
after 12 months 1,184.0 1,043.8
-------------------------------------- -------- --------
1,224.2 1,080.5
-------------------------------------- -------- --------
The change in provisions for investment contract liabilities
includes dividend and interest income and net realised and
unrealised gains and losses on financial investments held to cover
financial liabilities. Dividend income, interest income and gains
and losses are accounted for in accordance with note 6.
17.3 Investments held to cover liabilities under investment
contracts
The Group classifies its financial assets into the following
categories: financial investments and trade receivables. Financial
investments consist of units in collective investment schemes,
equity securities, fixed income securities and deposits with credit
institutions. Collective investment schemes, equity securities and
fixed income securities are designated at fair value through profit
or loss. Deposits with credit institutions are designated at
amortised cost.
The decision by the Group to designate its financial investments
at fair value through profit or loss reflects the fact that the
investment portfolio is managed, and its performance evaluated, on
a fair value basis.
The Group recognises purchases and sales of investments on trade
date. Investment transaction costs are written off in
administration expenses as incurred.
All gains and losses derived from financial investments,
realised or unrealised, are recognised within investment income in
the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in the period in
which they arise.
The value of financial assets at fair value through profit or
loss that are traded in active markets (such as trading securities)
is based on quoted market prices at the balance sheet date. The
quoted market price for financial assets held by the Group is the
current bid price. Investments in funds are valued at the latest
available net asset valuation provided by the administrators or
managers of the funds and companies, unless the Directors are aware
of good reasons why such valuations would not be the most
appropriate or indicative of fair value. Where necessary, the Group
uses other valuation methods to arrive at the stated fair value of
its financial assets, such as recent arms' length transactions or
reference to similar listed investments.
Loans and receivables are financial assets with fixed or
determinable payments that are not quoted on an active market.
Loans and receivables consist, primarily, of contract fees
receivable, long-term cash deposits (i.e. with an original maturity
duration in excess of three months) and cash and cash
equivalents.
The following investments, cash and cash equivalents, other
assets and liabilities are held to cover financial liabilities
under investment contracts. They are included within the relevant
headings on the consolidated balance sheet.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------------- -------- --------
Equity securities 58.0 40.7
Investments in collective investment
schemes 1,033.1 883.5
Fixed income securities, bonds and
structured notes 57.5 52.6
Deposits and money market funds 78.1 105.1
Total assets held to cover financial
liabilities 1,226.7 1,081.9
Other payables (2.5) (1.4)
----------------------------------------- -------- --------
Financial investments held to cover
financial liabilities 1,224.2 1,080.5
----------------------------------------- -------- --------
The other receivables and other payables fair value approximates
amortised cost.
17.4 Amounts due to investment contract holders
Where financial liabilities under investment contracts mature or
are redeemed by contact holders, such amounts payable are recorded
as amounts due to investment contract holders.
18 Deferred income
Fees charged for services related to the management of
investment contracts are recognised as revenue as the services are
provided. Initial fees which exceed the level of recurring fees and
relate to the future provision of services are deferred. These are
amortised over the anticipated period in which services will be
provided. The recognition of balances in the deferred income
reserve is based on actuarial assumptions around future income over
the life of each policy. These actuarial assumptions are complex in
nature and are subject to estimation uncertainty. The actuarial
assumptions are reviewed regularly by the Appointed Actuary.
The movement in value of deferred income over the financial year
is summarised below.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
-------------------------------------- ------- -------
At beginning of financial year 137.8 133.2
Income received and deferred during
the year 21.4 21.6
Income amortised and recognised
in contract fees during the year (16.7) (17.0)
-------------------------------------- ------- -------
142.5 137.8
-------------------------------------- ------- -------
2021 2020
Carrying value GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------- ------ ------
Expected to be amortised within
one year 13.6 13.0
Expected to be amortised after one
year 128.9 124.8
------------------------------------- ------ ------
142.5 137.8
------------------------------------- ------ ------
19 Other payables
Other payables are initially recognised at fair value and
subsequently measured at amortised cost. They are recognised at the
point where service is received but payment is due after the
balance sheet date.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
------------------------------ ---- ----- -----
Commission payable 1.7 1.8
Other creditors and accruals 6.2 7.0
Provisions 0.4 0.1
Lease liabilities 2.7 3.0
11.0 11.9
----------------------------------- ----- -----
Provisions represent amounts to settle a number of the claims
referred to in Note 25 'Contingent Liabilities' where it is
economically beneficial to do so. Such provisions are calculated
where there is an established pattern of settlement for that
grouping of claims. The following table reflects the movement in
the provision during the period under review.
2021
GBPm
Settlement provision as at 1
July 2020 0.1
Additional provisions made in
the period 0.5
Released from the provision for
settlements (0.2)
Settlement provision as at 30
June 2021 0.4
Further information outlined within IAS 37.85 is not disclosed
on the basis that it may prejudice the Company's position.
With the exception of the lease liabilities shown in note 13,
and the provisions referred to above, all other payable balances,
including amounts due to contract holders, are deemed to be
current. Due to the short-term nature of these payables the
carrying value is considered to reflect fair value.
20 Capital management
It is the Group's policy to maintain a strong capital base in
order to:
-- satisfy the requirements of its contract holders, creditors and regulators;
-- maintain financial strength to support new business growth and create shareholder value;
-- match the profile of its assets and liabilities, taking
account of the risks inherent in the business and;
-- generate operating cash flows to meet dividend requirements.
Within the Group each subsidiary company manages its own
capital. Capital generated in excess of planned requirements is
returned to the Company by way of dividends. Group capital
requirements are monitored by the Board.
The Company monitors capital on two bases:
-- the total shareholder's equity, as per the balance sheet
-- the capital requirement of the relevant supervisory bodies,
where subsidiaries are regulated.
The Group's policy is for each company to hold the higher
of:
-- the Company's internal assessment of the capital required; or
-- the capital requirement of the relevant supervisory body, where applicable.
There has been no material change in the Group's management of
capital during the period. The Group continued to perform
additional modelling around risks arising from the Covid-19
pandemic and to give consideration to emerging market practice and
regulatory expectations around capital conservation. All regulated
entities within the Group exceed significantly the minimum solvency
requirements at the balance sheet date.
The Group's lead regulator, Isle of Man FSA, monitors capital
requirements for the Group as a whole. The insurance subsidiaries
are directly supervised by their local regulators. The lead
regulator's approach to the measurement of capital adequacy is
primarily based on monitoring the relationship of the Solvency
Capital Requirement ('SCR') to regulatory capital. All regulated
entities within the Group exceed the minimum solvency requirements
at the balance sheet date. The capital held within Hansard Europe
is considered not to be available for dividend to Hansard Global
plc until such time as the legal cases referred to in note 25 are
resolved.
21 Share capital
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
Authorised:
200,000,000 ordinary shares of 50p 100.0 100.0
------
Issued and fully paid:
137,557,079 (2019: 137,557,079) ordinary
shares of 50p 68.8 68.8
No shares (2020: nil) were issued or bought back in the
year.
22 Other reserves
Other reserves comprise the merger reserve arising on the
acquisition by the Company of its subsidiary companies on 1 July
2005, the share premium account and the share save reserve. The
merger reserve represents the difference between the par value of
shares issued by the Company for the acquisition of those
companies, compared to the par value of the share capital and the
share premium of those companies at the date of acquisition.
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
Merger reserve (48.5) (48.5)
Share premium 0.1 0.1
Share based payments reserve - 0.4
Share save reserve 0.1 0.1
Reserve for own shares held
within EBT - (0.4)
(48.3) (48.3)
At 30 June 2020, included within other reserves was an amount
representing 510,000 ordinary shares held by the Group's employee
benefit trust ('EBT') which were acquired at a cost of GBP0.4m (see
note 23.2). The ordinary shares held by the trustee of the Group's
employee benefit trust are treated as treasury shares in the
consolidated balance sheet in accordance with IAS 32 "Financial
Instruments: Presentation".
This reserve arose when the Group acquired equity share capital
under its EBT, which is held in trust by the trustee of the Group's
employee benefit trust. Treasury shares cease to be accounted for
as such when they are sold outside the Group or the interest is
transferred in full to the employee pursuant to the terms of the
incentive plan. 498,000 shares vested on 1 July 2020 in line with
the terms of the EBT and were subsequently sold or transferred from
the EBT, leaving 12,000 remaining in the EBT. See note 23.2 for
further details.
23 Equity settled share-based payments
The Company has established a number of equity-based payment
programmes for eligible employees. The fair value of expected
equity-settled share-based payments under these programmes is
calculated at date of grant using a standard option-pricing model
and is amortised over the vesting period on a straight-line basis
through the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. A
corresponding amount is credited to equity over the same
period.
At each balance sheet date, the Group reviews its estimate of
the number of options expected to be exercised. The impact of any
revision in the number of such options is recognised in the
consolidated statement of comprehensive income so that the charge
to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income is based on
the number of options that actually vest. A corresponding
adjustment is made to equity.
The estimated fair value of the schemes and the imputed cost for
the period under review is not material to these financial
statements.
23.1 SAYE programme
This is a standard scheme approved by the Revenue authorities in
the Isle of Man that is available to all employees where
individuals may make monthly contributions over three or five years
to purchase shares at a price not less than 80% of the market price
at the date of the invitation to participate.
At the date of this report, the following options remain
outstanding under each tranche:
2021 2020
No. of No. of
Scheme year options Options
2015 - 61,763
2016 - -
2017 20,717 62,730
2018 270,279 384,083
--------
290,996 508,576
--------
A summary of the transactions in the existing SAYE programmes
during the year is as follows:
2021 2020
Weighted Weighted
average Average
No. of exercise No. of Exercise
options price (p) options price (p)
Outstanding at the start
of year 508,576 64 838,196 65
Granted - - - -
Exercised - - - -
Forfeited (217,580) 66 (329,620) 66
---------- --------- ---------- ---------
Outstanding at end of year* 290,996 63 508,576 64
---------- --------- ---------- ---------
*None of these options are exercisable as at 30 June 2021.
There were no new options granted during the current financial
year.
23.2 Incentive Plan Employee Benefit Trust
An Employee Benefit Trust was established in February 2018 to
hold shares awarded to employees as an incentive on a deferred
basis.
Shares awarded under the scheme are purchased by the Trust in
the open market and held until vesting. Awards made under the
scheme would normally vest after three years. There were 498,000
share awards which vested during the year (2020: 75,000
shares).
The Trust was funded with a loan of GBP446,000 during 2018 and
as at 30 June 2021 the Trust held 12,000 shares (2020: 510,000
shares). As at 30 June 2021, the outstanding balance on the loan
was GBP12,000 (30 June 2020: GBP446,000).
24 Related party transactions
24.1 Intra-group transactions
Various subsidiary companies within the Group perform services
for other Group companies in the normal course of business. The
financial results of these activities are eliminated in the
consolidated financial statements.
24.2 Key management personnel compensation
Key management consists of 11 individuals (2020: 10), being
members of the Group's Executive Committee and executive Directors
of direct subsidiaries of the Company.
The aggregate remuneration paid to key management during the
year-ended 30 June was as follows:
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
Short-term employee benefits 1.8 1.9
Post-employment benefits 0.3 0.3
Total 2.1 2.2
There were no outstanding amounts as at 30 June 2021 (2020:
nil).
The total value of investment contracts issued by the Group and
held by key management is zero (2020: zero).
24.3 Transactions with controlling shareholder
Dr L S Polonsky is regarded as the controlling shareholder of
the Group, as defined by the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct
Authority. As at 30 June 2020, Dr Polonsky had an investment
contract issued by the Group on terms available to employees in
general. This contract had a fair value of GBP0.9m as at 30 June
2020. In the year to 30 June 2021, the investment contract was
redeemed by Dr Polonsky resulting in no balances with the Group as
at 30 June 2021 and to the date of this report.
24.4 Incentive Plan Employee Benefit Trust
An Employee Benefit Trust was established in February 2018 to
hold shares awarded to employees as an incentive on a deferred
basis. The Trust was funded with a loan of GBP446,000 during 2018
and as at 30 June 2021 the Trust held 12,000 shares (2020:
510,000). Awards totalling 498,000 shares vested during the year
(2020: 75,000).
25 Contingent liabilities
25.1 Litigation
The Group does not give any investment advice. Investment
decisions are taken either by the contract holder directly or
through a professional intermediary appointed by the contract
holder. Contract holders bear the financial risk relating to the
investments underpinning their contracts, as the policy benefits
are linked to the value of the assets. Notwithstanding the above,
financial services institutions are frequently drawn into disputes
in cases where the value and performance of assets selected by or
on behalf of contract holders fails to meet their expectations. At
the balance sheet date a number of fund structures remain affected
by liquidity or other issues that hinder their sales or redemptions
on normal terms with a consequent adverse impact on policy
transactions.
As reported previously, the Group has been subject to a number
of complaints in relation to the selection and performance of
assets linked to contracts. The Group has been served with a number
of writs arising from such complaints and other asset-related
issues. All such writs relate to historic business written by
Hansard Europe prior to its closure to new business in 2013.
As at 30 June 2021, the Group had been served with cumulative
writs with a net exposure totalling EUR26.5m, or GBP22.7m in
sterling terms (30 June 2020: EUR25.8m / GBP23.4m) arising from
contract holder complaints and other asset performance-related
issues. The increase in euro terms since 30 June 2020 was driven by
a reduction in the fair value of investment assets backing the
claims.
During the year, the Group successfully defended sixteen cases
with net exposures of approximately GBP1.6m, ten of which have been
appealed by the plaintiffs (2020: successfully defended nine cases
with net exposures of GBP0.6m). These successes continue to affirm
confidence in the Group's legal arguments.
Our policy is to maintain contingent liabilities even where we
win cases in the court of first instance if such cases have been
subsequently appealed. This includes our largest single case in
Belgium.
We have previously noted that we expect a number of our larger
claims to ultimately be covered by our Group insurance cover.
During 2021 we recorded GBP0.5m in total recoveries during the
year. We expect such reimbursement to continue during the course of
that litigation.
As a result, we also expect that a significant amount of the
GBP22.7m of contingent liabilities referred to above would be
covered by insurance should those cases be ruled against us. We
continue to estimate insurance coverage to be in the range of GBP6m
to GBP13m.
While it is not possible to forecast or determine the final
results of pending or threatened legal proceedings, based on the
pleadings and advice received from the Group's legal
representatives, the Directors believe that the Group has strong
defences to such claims. Notwithstanding this, there may be
circumstances where in order to avoid the expense and distraction
of protracted litigation the Board may consider it in the best
interests of the Group and its shareholders to reach a commercial
resolution with regard to certain of these claims. Where an
established pattern of settlement is established for any grouping
of claims, a provision for expected future settlements is made in
line with IAS 37. This is outlined in Note 19.
It is not possible at this time to make any further estimates of
liability.
Between 30 June 2021 and the date of this report, there have
been no material developments.
25.2 Isle of Man Policyholders' Compensation Scheme
The Group's principal subsidiary, Hansard International is a
member of the Isle of Man Policyholders' Compensation Scheme
governed by the Life Assurance (Compensation of Policyholders)
Regulations 1991. The objective of the Scheme is to provide
compensation for policyholders should an authorised insurer be
unable to meet its liabilities to policyholders. In the event of a
levy being charged by the Scheme members, Hansard International
would be obliged to meet the liability arising at the time. The
maximum levy payable in accordance with the regulations of the
Scheme in respect of the insolvency of the insurer is 2% of long
term business liabilities. Hansard International's products include
a clause in their terms and conditions permitting it to recover any
monies paid out under the Scheme from contract holders.
26 Foreign exchange rates
The Group's presentational and functional currency is pounds
sterling, being the currency of the primary economic environment in
which the Group operates.
Foreign currency transactions are translated into sterling using
the applicable exchange rate prevailing at the date of the
transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in
foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of
exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date, and the gains or
losses on translation are recognised in the consolidated statement
of comprehensive income.
Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are held at historical
cost are translated using exchange rates prevailing at the date of
transaction; those held at fair value are translated using exchange
rates ruling at the date on which the fair value was
determined.
The closing exchange rates used by the Group for the conversion
of significant consolidated balance sheet items to sterling were as
follows:
2021 2020
US Dollar 1.38 1.24
Japanese Yen 153 134
Euro 1.17 1.10
27 Non statutory accounts
The financial information set out above does not constitute the
Company's statutory accounts for the years ended 30 June 2021 or
2020, but is derived from those accounts. The auditor has reported
on those accounts; their report was (i) unqualified, (ii) did not
include a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew
attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report.
28 Annual report
The Company's annual report and accounts for the year ended 30
June 2020 is expected to be posted to shareholders by 5 October
2021. Copies of both this announcement and the annual report and
accounts will be available to the public at the Company's
registered office at Harbour Court, Lord Street, PO Box 192,
Douglas, Isle of Man, IM99 1QL and through the Company's website at
www.Hansard.com .
Responsibility statement of the directors in respect of the
annual financial report
The Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge that:
-- The financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with International Reporting Financial Standards as adopted by the
EU and give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities,
financial position and profit for the Company and the undertakings
included in the consolidation as a whole as required by the
Disclosure and Transparency Rules Chapter 4.2.4; and
-- Pursuant to Disclosure and Transparency Rules Chapter 4, the
Directors' report of the Company's annual report and accounts
includes a fair review of the development and performance of the
business and the position of the Company and the undertakings
included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a
description of the principal risks and uncertainties faced by the
business.
On behalf of the Board
G Easton T Davies
Director Director
22 September 2021
OTHER INFORMATION
Risk Based Solvency Capital
A) Risk Based Solvency capital position
The Group is subject to the Isle of Man (Insurance (Group)
Supervision) Regulations 2019.
It has adopted the default consolidated accounts method ("Method
1") to calculate the Group Solvency Capital Requirement ("SCR") and
Own Funds as required by these regulations. The solvency position
as 30 June 2021 has been reported below on this basis.
The Group Risk Based Solvency free assets at 30 June 2021 were
GBP58.7m (30 June 2020: GBP66.5m;), before allowing for payment of
the 2021 final ordinary dividend.
All Risk Based Solvency and related data presented in this
section is subject to change prior to submission to regulatory
authorities.
30 June 30 June
Group Risk Based Solvency capital 2021 2020
position Total Total
GBPm GBPm
Own Funds 145.5 149.1
Solvency Capital Requirement 86.8 82.6
Free assets 58.7 66.5
Solvency ratio (%) 168% 180%
All Own Funds are considered Tier 1 capital.
The following compares Own Funds as at 30 June 2021 and 30 June
2020:
30 June 30 June
2021 2020
Own Funds Own Funds
GBPm GBPm
Value of In-Force 145.8 147.9
Risk Margin (29.4) (29.5)
Net Worth 29.1 30.7
Total 145.5 149.1
B) Analysis of movement in Group Solvency surplus
A summary of the movement in Group Solvency surplus from
GBP66.5m at 30 June 2020 to GBP58.7m at 30 June 2021 is set out in
the table below.
GBPm
Risk Based Solvency surplus at 30 June 2020 66.5
Operating experience (3.1)
Investment performance 18.0
Changes in assumptions (4.6)
Impact of dividends paid (5.6)
Foreign exchange (12.5)
Risk Based Solvency surplus at 30 June 2021 58.7
The movement in Group Risk Based Solvency surplus in 2021 was
reduced by dividends paid, operating experience and assumption
changes offset by overall positive market movements.
New business written had a GBP(1.0)m impact on solvency surplus
for the period.
C) Analysis of Group Solvency Capital Requirement
The analysis of the Group's Solvency Capital Requirement ("SCR")
by risk type is as follows:
Split of the Group's Solvency Capital Requirement * 30 June 30 June
2021 2020
Risks % of SCR % of SCR
Market
Equity 52% 48%
Currency 12% 12%
Insurance
Lapse 44% 48%
Expense 20% 21%
Default 2% 1%
Operational 16% 15%
* Figures are the capital requirements prior to diversification
benefits expressed as a percentage of the final diversified
SCR.
D) Reconciliation of IFRS equity to Group Risk Based Solvency
Shareholder Own Funds
30 June 30 June
2021 2020
GBPm GBPm
IFRS shareholders' equity 24.7 25.9
Elimination of DOC (125.1) (122.3)
Elimination of DIR 142.5 137.8
Value of In-Force 145.8 147.9
Liability valuation differences* (3.8) (4.7)
Impact of risk margin (29.4) (29.5)
Other** (9.2) (6.0)
Risk Based Solvency Shareholder Own Funds 145.5 149.1
* Liability valuation differences relate to additional
provisions made for risk-based capital purposes, notably for
contingent liabilities.
** Other is related to Intangible Assets not recognised on the
solvency balance sheet.
E) Sensitivity analysis
The sensitivity of the Own Funds of the Group and of the Group's
life insurance subsidiaries to significant changes in market
conditions is as follows:
30 June 30 June
2021 2020
Group Group
GBPm GBPm
Own Funds 145.5 149.1
Impact of:
10% instantaneous fall in equity markets (10.5) (9.2)
100 basis points decrease in interest rates (2.8) (1.3)
10% increase in expenses (9.3) (9.0)
1% increase in expense inflation (7.1) (6.8)
10% strengthening of sterling (8.0) (9.2)
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