REG - Arbuthnot Banking - Half-year Report
19/07/2022 07:00
For best results when printing this announcement, please click on link below:
http://newsfile.refinitiv.com/getnewsfile/v1/story?guid=urn:newsml:reuters.com:20220719:nRSS8883Sa&default-theme=true
RNS Number : 8883S Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC 19 July 2022
19 July 2022
For immediate release
ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC ("Arbuthnot", "the Company", "the Group" or "ABG")
Unaudited results for the six months to 30 June 2022
Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC is pleased to announce a half yearly profit before
tax of £3.4m.
Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC is the holding company for Arbuthnot Latham &
Co., Limited.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
· Profit before tax increased 11% to £3.4m (30 June 2021: £3.0m)
· Underlying profit before tax of £10.7m (30 June 2021: £6.5m)*
· Agreed terms for the sale of King Street property with exchange
expected shortly
· Interim dividend declared of 17p per share (30 June 2021: 16p per
share for the normal interim dividend, 21p for a special dividend)
· CET1 capital ratio of 11.4% (31 December 2021: 12.3%) and total
capital ratio of 14.0% (31 December 2021: 14.9%)
· Earnings per share of 17.8p (30 June 2021: 27.2p)
· Net assets per share of £13.00 (30 June 2021: £12.92; 31
December 2021: £13.15)
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
· Customer loans of £2.1bn (30 June 2021: £1.9bn; 31 December
2021: £2.0bn)** increased by 5% in the first half of the year
· Customer deposits of £2.8bn (30 June 2021: £2.6bn; 31 December
2021: £2.8bn) remained stable from the end of 2021
· Assets under management of £1.30bn (30 June 2021: £1.22bn; 31
December 2021: £1.36bn) - a decrease of 4% in the first half of the year as
investment markets declined
*Details of the calculation of underlying profit before tax can be found in
note 6
**Customer loans also includes Leased Asset balances
Commenting on the results, Sir Henry Angest, Chairman and Chief Executive of
Arbuthnot, said: "During the first half of 2022 the Group has seen a marked
improvement in underlying profitability as a result of the rising interest
rate environment. Given our low cost and stable relationship-based deposits,
the Group is well positioned to continue to fund the diverse lending
businesses and maintain good margins as it builds towards delivering our
"future state" plan."
Interim Dividend
The interim dividend of 17p per share will be paid on 23 September 2022 to
shareholders on the register at the close of business on 26 August 2022.
The full set of interim results are available at http://www.arbuthnotgroup.com
(http://www.arbuthnotgroup.com) .
The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this
announcement.
The information contained within this announcement is deemed to constitute
inside information as stipulated under the retained EU law version of the
Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 (the "UK MAR") which is part of UK
law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. The information is
disclosed in accordance with the Company's obligations under Article 17 of the
UK MAR. Upon the publication of this announcement, this inside information is
now considered to be in the public domain.
ENQUIRIES:
Arbuthnot Banking Group 020 7012 2400
Sir Henry Angest, Chairman and Chief Executive
Andrew Salmon, Group Chief Operating Officer
James Cobb, Group Finance Director
Grant Thornton UK LLP (Nominated Adviser and AQSE Corporate Adviser) 020 7383 5100
Colin Aaronson
Samantha Harrison
George Grainger
Ciara Donnelly
Shore Capital (Joint 020 7408 4090
Broker)
Daniel Bush
Tom Knibbs
Maitland/AMO (Financial PR) 020 7379 5151
Neil Bennett
Sam Cartwright
Chairman's Statement
I am pleased to be able to report that the Group has made a good start to the
year. The profit before tax for the first six months is recorded as £3.4m
compared to £3.0m in the comparable period in the prior year.
The underlying profit before tax for the period is £10.7m, after adjusting
for the change in net realisable value of the property in King Street (£4.0m)
resulting from the agreement to sell the property. Terms for sale have been
agreed and exchange of contracts is expected shortly. Additionally, the profit
needs to be adjusted for the forgone profit on the sale of trucks generated by
Asset Alliance (£3.3m), which is required from the acquisition accounting in
the prior year.
The improvement in the profitability comes from continued growth and
diversification of our lending balances and now also significantly from the
increase in base rates. In the months of May and June the Group achieved
underlying profitability of more than £2.0m per month.
It should be noted that given the delay in the repricing of deposits compared
to the immediate impact of the base rate increases on lending rates, the Group
is enjoying abnormally wide interest margins. These may narrow as the fixed
rate deposit balances reprice when they mature and are renewed at higher
rates.
The business model of funding our specialist lending divisions by attracting
cheaper but sticky balances from our relationship driven deposit account
clients was always dependant on a "normal" interest rate environment. The
average cost of deposits in 2021 was 39 bps and it is currently running at 37
bps. The upward pressure on this rate has been reduced, as we took a strategic
decision not to compete for deposits on the non-relationship aggregator
platforms. In fact, we have allowed £100m of deposits to mature without
competing to retain them in our book. These have been replaced by direct
relationship balances as the deposit book remained flat at £2.8bn from the
end of 2021.
Overall demand for lending products has continued across our divisions with
balances (including lease assets) growing to £2.1bn, an increase of £112m
from the year end 2021.
As the business model has benefitted from improved conditions given the base
rate increases, the major headwind on the horizon will be the upward pressure
on our cost base. Competition in the employment market is starting to result
in accelerating increases in salaries in the market, as the cost-of-living
crisis starts to interact with full employment. To this end, the Board decided
at its recent meeting in July to award a one-off payment to all employees of
£1,500 payable in September. This will total approximately £1m.
The Board has also noted the recent decision by the Financial Policy Committee
("FPC") of the Bank of England to press on with its plans to introduce the
second increase of 1% in the countercyclical capital buffer, effective in July
2023. Confusingly, at the same time the committee encouraged banks to continue
to lend into a possible recessionary economy.
As previously noted, the Board has a number of options available to manage the
capital resources of the Group, without slowing our lending plans as the
divisions build towards the "future state" strategy that was set out in the
Investor presentation associated with the Annual Report and Accounts for 2021.
One of these options is to allocate capital away from non-core assets and
accordingly we have agreed terms to sell our grade A, long leasehold property
situated in the West End, at 20 King Street. The property had been recently
fully refurbished and the agreed headline price is £60m or a yield of 3.75%.
The adjustments for letting incentives and voids will reduce the total
receipts to an estimated £56.6m compared to the carrying value of the asset
at £60.6m. Once exchange has taken place, completion of the sale will be
dependent on receiving approval from the owner of the freehold, the Crown
Estate.
Given the removal of restrictions on the ability of banks to pay dividends,
the Board intends to return to its progressive dividend policy. Accordingly,
an interim dividend of 17p per share will be paid on 23 September 2022 to
shareholders on the register at the close of business on 26 August 2022. This
is an increase of 1p per share from the normal interim dividend paid in 2021.
Banking
The Banking division has reported a profit before tax of £6.6m (30 June 2021:
profit of £0.1m), with lending balances totalling £1.46bn and deposits of
£2.61bn (30 June 2021: lending of £1.28bn; deposits of £2.43bn). The
increase in profitability is primarily due to increased interest income from
lending balances repricing up as a result of successive increases in the Bank
of England base rate, with the average cost of deposits remaining stable over
the period.
The Bank continues to maintain strong levels of liquidity reserves without
competing for higher priced "best buy table" deposits, which have experienced
a material uplift in interest rates following the successive base rate rises.
Where deposits have matured and not been retained, a significant portion have
been from aggregator and platform channels where the Bank does not have a
direct relationship with the underlying client. There was continued focus on
targeting clients who value the Bank's quality service led proposition.
Going into 2022, the Bank had a strong lending pipeline that has resulted in
drawdowns being broadly on plan. Net loan growth has been tempered by
repayments ahead of expectations as the result of a number of watchlist
lending cases being resolved. Despite this, the Banking loan book has grown by
3% in the 6 months to June 2022 and 14% since the end of June 2021.
The Bank of England base rate rises had a positive effect on the Bank's
revenue for the year. There has been a strong preference from clients for
fixed rate lending outside the Bank's targeted return on capital. This had
presented a barrier to growth with an adverse impact on the pipeline, however,
enquiries have started to return to expected levels towards the end of the
period.
During 2021, the Bank announced a three-year strategic "originate to sell"
agreement with a third party to build a Commercial Real Estate Loan portfolio.
Transactions totalling £20.4m have been completed to date with a strong
pipeline in development. Additionally, there is a large volume of capital
intensive Commercial Real Estate loans maturing in the second half 2022,
outside of the Bank's current appetite, to which it will be able to provide
support via this agreement.
Wealth Management
In the first half of 2022, Assets under Management ("AuM") fell 4% to £1,303m
as a result of turbulence across most markets. This was despite gross client
inflows of £128.1m, which were 32% higher than the prior year. AUM however
showed 6.5% growth year on year.
Account closures were 33% lower year on year and client attrition associated
with last year's closure of the Dubai office has remained within expectations.
Mortgage Portfolios
The Group's acquired mortgage portfolio is currently operating in line with
expectations with balances of £171.2m compared to £191.1m as at 30 June 2021
and £178.1m at the year end.
Renaissance Asset Finance ("RAF")
RAF has reported a profit before tax of £0.2m (30 June 2021: £1.0m), with
customer loan balances of £102.6m (30 June 2021: £93.0m). The reduced profit
is due to the increase in the intercompany funding charge, which is linked to
the BoE base rate.
The RAF loan book has grown 11% year on year, and 5% in the first half of the
year. The business continues to experience strong demand for its asset finance
facilities with the current pipeline of new business proposals and acceptances
above pre-pandemic levels. RAF however continues to experience delays in deal
originations as a result of supply chain challenges.
Loans under forbearance measures following the pandemic continue to be
confined to the London purpose-built taxi market but have shown significant
recovery as London and the economy returns to normality.
Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending ("ACABL")
ACABL has reported a profit before tax of £2.9m (30 June 2021: £1.8m), with
a loan book of £238.8m (30 June 2021: £147.9m).
Despite the challenging markets, the business has been presented with a number
of transactions suiting ACABL's lending approach. The business completed its
largest deal to date in January with facilities written in excess of £20m,
comprising both traditional asset-based lending as well as a Recovery Loan
Scheme ("RLS") facility.
The ACABL loan book has continued to increase at a good rate with 32% growth
in the 6 months to 30 June 2022 and a 61% increase year on year. The loan book
growth was marginally offset by the repayment of some of the business's
earlier written facilities where ACABL has supported the client successfully
through their growth phase.
Where appropriate, RLS products have continued to be utilised in deal
structuring over the period. This government backed scheme has now closed.
As at 30 June 2022 ACABL had an RLS exposure totalling £39.6m across 23
loans.
Arbuthnot Specialist Finance Limited ("ASFL")
ASFL has made a loss before tax of £0.6m (30 June 2021: loss of £0.6m).
Customer loan balances were £9.6m at the half year (30 June 2021: £7.5m).
ASFL continues to make progress on implementing its new business plan. The
loan book remains in line with the prior year end with a steady pipeline.
Asset Alliance Group ("AAG")
AAG reported a loss of £1.1m for the six months to 30 June 2022 (excluding
the bargain purchase of £8.7m, AAG reported a loss of £0.8m for the three
months ended 30 June 2021), with assets available to lease of £115.1m
compared to £132.3m for the same period in the prior year and £121.6m at the
year end. This loss is after paying intercompany interest of £1.8m (30 June
2021: £0.7m).
The global supply chain issues previously affecting AAG's ability to source
new trucks has started to show signs of improvement with orders placed prior
to the COVID pandemic starting to be fulfilled. The business has continued to
maintain a steady order book with forward orders of new trucks increasing in
term and volume. The business remains behind the original lending growth plan
due to delays experienced in prior periods. However, the business is well
positioned for possible economic headwinds with a significant portfolio of
assets leased to essential service sectors.
Used truck sales continue to be supported by an ongoing strong demand in the
second-hand market, achieving higher than budgeted margins which is supporting
underlying profitability. The business continues to develop its Bus and Coach
lending business and focus on the stronger urban markets which remain robust
with regular asset replacement cycles in place.
Owned Properties
As mentioned above, the Group has agreed, subject to contract, to sell its
King Street property. Furthermore, after the completion of the sale process
for two of the Bank's overseas properties acquired as a result of bad debts,
the Bank now only holds one overseas property.
Operations
The Bank continues to observe increased client banking activity as economic
activity continues to gain pace after the previous year's lockdowns, with a
40% increase of outbound payments against the prior year, including outward
Faster Payments increasing 54%. Digital wallet transactions (Apple and Google
Pay), launched during the prior year, are trending up with a steady increase
in client usage month on month.
Outlook
The macro-economic environment appears increasingly uncertain with inflation
predicted to reach double figures and interest rates set to rise further.
However, the bank is positively positioned for the upward trend in interest
rates whilst remaining alert to the risks that may arise to borrowers if the
economy worsens.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Six months ended 30 June Six months ended 30 June
2022 2021
Note £000 £000
Income from banking activities
Interest income 49,088 36,723
Interest expense (6,552) (6,784)
Net interest income 42,536 29,939
Fee and commission income 10,099 8,782
Fee and commission expense (59) (177)
Net fee and commission income 10,040 8,605
Operating income from banking activities 52,576 38,544
Income from leasing activities
Revenue 48,851 22,533
Cost of goods sold (40,538) (19,689)
Gross profit from leasing activities 8,313 2,844
Total group operating income 60,889 41,388
Net impairment loss on financial assets (1,201) (865)
Other income 7 610 2,889
Profit from bargain purchase 9 - 8,656
Operating expenses (56,923) (49,030)
Profit before income tax 3,375 3,038
Income tax (expense) / credit (705) 1,054
Profit for the period 2,670 4,092
Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Changes in fair value of equity investments at fair value through other 462 9,096
comprehensive income
Tax on other comprehensive income (88) (17)
Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax 374 9,079
Total comprehensive income for the period 3,044 13,171
Earnings per share for profit attributable to the equity holders of the
Company during the period (expressed in pence per share):
Basic earnings per share 8 17.8 27.2
Diluted earnings per share 8 17.8 27.2
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
At 30 June At 30 June At 31 December
2022 2021 2021
£000 £000 £000
ASSETS
Cash and balances at central banks 512,837 616,004 814,692
Loans and advances to banks 125,839 104,904 73,444
Debt securities at amortised cost 386,880 391,987 301,052
Assets classified as held for sale 3,220 3,183 3,136
Derivative financial instruments 4,165 850 1,753
Loans and advances to customers 1,989,867 1,726,471 1,870,962
Current tax asset - 17 -
Other assets 110,188 110,044 110,119
Financial investments 2,970 11,407 3,169
Deferred tax asset 3,233 420 2,562
Intangible assets 30,853 27,794 29,864
Property, plant and equipment 118,551 140,465 125,890
Right-of-use assets 14,663 16,306 15,674
Investment properties 6,550 6,550 6,550
Total assets 3,309,816 3,156,402 3,358,867
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Share capital 154 154 154
Retained earnings 200,785 204,165 201,026
Other reserves (321) (4,891) (301)
Total equity 200,618 199,428 200,879
LIABILITIES
Deposits from banks 230,110 230,106 240,333
Derivative financial instruments 162 286 171
Deposits from customers 2,801,530 2,642,761 2,837,869
Current tax liability 1,877 - 413
Other liabilities 23,092 29,820 26,216
Lease liabilities 15,269 16,912 16,214
Debt securities in issue 37,158 37,089 36,772
Total liabilities 3,109,198 2,956,974 3,157,988
Total equity and liabilities 3,309,816 3,156,402 3,358,867
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
Attributable to equity holders of the Group
Share capital Revaluation reserve Capital redemption reserve Fair value reserve Treasury shares Retained earnings Total
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Balance at 1 January 2022 154 - 19 979 (1,299) 201,026 200,879
Total comprehensive income for the period
Profit for the six months ended 30 June 2022 - - - - - 2,670 2,670
Other comprehensive income, net of income tax
Changes in the fair value of financial assets at FVOCI - - - 462 - - 462
Tax on other comprehensive income - - - (88) - - (88)
Total other comprehensive income - - - 374 - - 374
Total comprehensive income for the period - - - 374 - 2,670 3,044
Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Contributions by and distributions to owners
Sale of financial assets carried at FVOCI - - - (394) - 394 -
Final dividend relating to 2021 - - - - - (3,305) (3,305)
Total contributions by and distributions to owners - - - (394) - (2,911) (3,305)
Balance at 30 June 2022 154 - 19 959 (1,299) 200,785 200,618
Attributable to equity holders of the Group
Share capital Revaluation reserve Capital redemption reserve Fair value reserve Treasury shares Retained earnings Total
£000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Balance at 1 January 2021 154 - 19 (12,690) (1,299) 207,839 194,023
Total comprehensive income for the period
Profit for the six months ended 30 June 2021 - - - - - 4,092 4,092
Other comprehensive income, net of income tax
Changes in the fair value of financial assets at FVOCI* - - - 4,485 - - 4,485
Tax on other comprehensive income - - - (17) - - (17)
Total other comprehensive income - - - 4,468 - - 4,468
Total comprehensive income for the period - - - 4,468 - 4,092 8,560
Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Contributions by and distributions to owners
Sale of Secure Trust Bank Shares - - - 4,611 - (4,611) -
Special dividend relating to 2019** - - - - - (3,155) (3,155)
Total contributions by and distributions to owners - - - 4,611 - (7,766) (3,155)
Balance at 30 June 2021 154 - 19 (3,611) (1,299) 204,165 199,428
* The change in fair value of financial investments of £4.5m is due to the
movement in the value of the investment in Secure Trust Bank, as the share
price increased from £8.75 at 31 December 2020 to £10.58 at 30 June 2021.
**On 19 March 2021 the Group paid a special dividend of 21p per share to
replace the dividend that was withdrawn at the request of the regulators at
the outset of the pandemic.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Six months ended 30 June Six months ended 30 June
2022 2021
£000 £000
Cash flows from operating activities
Interest received 47,590 37,476
Interest paid (6,669) (7,162)
Fees and commissions received 10,680 6,397
Net trading and other income 610 2,889
Cash payments to employees and suppliers (44,754) (33,949)
Cash flows from operating profits before changes in operating assets and 7,457 5,651
liabilities
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
- net decrease in derivative financial instruments (2,421) 630
- net increase in loans and advances to customers (115,156) (134,441)
- net decrease in other assets 858 179
- net increase/increase in deposits from banks - 16
- net (decrease)/increase in amounts due to customers (36,339) 277,554
- net increase / (decrease) in other liabilities (10,076) 6,815
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities (155,677) 156,404
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of financial investments (4) (94)
Disposal of financial investments 536 11,650
Purchase of computer software (2,840) (2,227)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (35,822) (13,575)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 23,668 7,219
Purchase of Asset Alliance Group Holdings Limited - (9,998)
Cash balance acquired through Asset Alliance Group Holdings Limited - 3,883
acquisition
Purchases of debt securities (286,424) (343,137)
Proceeds from redemption of debt securities 210,408 294,790
Net cash outflow from investing activities (90,478) (51,489)
Cash flows from financing activities
Decrease in borrowings - (127,918)
Dividends paid (3,305) (3,155)
Net cash used in financing activities (3,305) (131,073)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (249,460) (26,158)
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 888,136 747,066
Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June 638,676 720,908
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Basis of preparation
The interim financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting
policies set out in the Group's 2021 statutory accounts as amended by
UK-adopted standards and interpretations effective during 2022 as set out
below and in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted
for use in the UK. The directors do not consider the fair value of the assets
and liabilities presented in these financial statements to be materially
different from their carrying value.
The statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 18 July 2022 and are
unaudited. The interim financial statements will be available on the Group
website (www.arbuthnotgroup.com) from 20 July 2022.
2. Risks and Uncertainties
The Group regards the monitoring and controlling of risks and uncertainties as
a fundamental part of the management process. Consequently, senior
management are involved in the development of risk management policies and in
monitoring their application. A detailed description of the risk management
framework and associated policies is set out in note 4.
The principal risks inherent in the Group's business are reputational,
macroeconomic and competitive environment, strategic, credit, market,
liquidity, operational, cyber, conduct and, regulatory and capital.
Reputational risk
Reputational risk is the risk to the Group from a failure to meet reasonable
stakeholder expectations as a result of any event, behaviour, action or
inaction by ABG itself, its employees or those with whom it is associated.
This includes the associated risk to earnings, capital or liquidity.
ABG seeks to ensure that all of it businesses act consistently with the seven
corporate principles as laid out on page 1 of the Annual Report and Accounts.
This is achieved through a central Risk Management framework and supporting
policies, the application of a three-lines of defence model across the Group
and oversight by various committees. Employees are supported in training,
studies and other ways and encouraged to live out the cultural values within
the Group of integrity, energy and drive, respect, collaboration and
empowerment. In applying the seven corporate principles, the risk of
reputational damage is minimised as the Group serves its shareholders,
customers and employees with integrity and high ethical standards.
Macroeconomic and competitive environment
The Group is exposed to indirect risks that may arise from the macroeconomic
and competitive environment.
Russia Ukraine Conflict
On 24 February 2022 Russia initiated an invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. The
global community reacted with a series of severe sanctions against Russia. As
a global supplier of commodities the effects of the sanctions and war in the
region is undetermined, however, it is likely to have a knock-on effect on
global economies and specifically European nations with a reliance on Russian
exports. Global financial markets have reacted with falling stock markets
along with significant rises in oil and gas prices. Inflation is currently
forecast to be significantly higher than recent history. The situation could
have significant geopolitical implications, including economic, social and
political repercussions on a number of regions that may impact the Group and
its customers.
Arbuthnot Latham has always had very limited appetite to have clients with
high risk factors, and this includes Russian clients, whether based in or
outside of Russia. Well before the invasion of Ukraine, we had classified
Russia as a high risk country and we would only take on clients with any links
to Russia in exceptional circumstances and where their financial activities
were straightforward. We have also never operated a Russian desk. This
longstanding approach means our exposure to Russian clients of any description
is limited to only seven out of our total client base of six thousand.
For the avoidance of doubt, we have no clients that have been included or
mentioned in any of the Government sanctions, and we do not and will not work
with individuals or entities that could reasonably be seen to be controlled
by, under the influence of, or connected with the Russian regime.
Coronavirus
Uncertainty remains around the impact of possible future COVID-19 variants on
both domestic and global economies. The global economic impact from COVID-19
has improved, with developed economies in recovery. The strength of further
recovery depends crucially on the degree to which COVID-19 vaccines and
treatments allow a return to pre-pandemic levels of economic activity.
Brexit
The Brexit transition period came to an end on 31 December 2020 and the EU and
UK agreed the Trade and Cooperation Agreement on 24 December 2020. There is
still some uncertainty around the long term consequences of Brexit. Following
the closure of the Dubai office during the year, all the Group's income and
expenditure is now based in the UK.
Climate change
Climate change presents financial and reputational risks for the banking
industry. The Board consider Climate change a material risk as per the Board
approved risk appetite framework which provides a structured approach to risk
taking within agreed boundaries. The assessment is proportional at present but
will develop over time as the Group generates further resources and industry
consensus emerges. The assessment is maintained by the Chief Risk officer and
has been informed by the ICAAP review and workshops for employees.
Whilst it is difficult to assess how climate change will unfold, the Group is
continually assessing various risk exposures. The UK has a legally binding
target to cut its greenhouse gas emissions to "net-zero" by 2050. There is
growing consensus that an orderly transition to a low-carbon economy will
bring substantial adjustments to the global economy which will have financial
implications while bringing risks and opportunities.
The risk assessment process has been integrated into existing risk frameworks
and will be governed through the various risk governance structures including
review and recommendations by the Arbuthnot Latham Risk Committee. Arbuthnot
Latham has been assessed against the Task Force on Climate-related Financial
Disclosures' ("TCFD") recommended disclosures and where appropriate the
FCA/PRA guidance as per the Supervisory Statements.
In accordance with the requirements of the PRA's Supervisory Statement
'Enhancing banks' and insurers' approaches to managing the financial risks
from climate change', the Group has allocated responsibility for identifying
and managing the risks from climate change to the relevant existing Senior
Management Function. The Bank is continuously developing a suitable strategic
approach to climate change and the unique challenges it poses.
The FCA have issued 'Climate Change and Green Finance: summary of responses
and next steps'. In addition to the modelling of various scenarios and various
governance reviews, the Group will continue to monitor requirements through
the relationship with UK Finance.
Strategic risk
Strategic risk is the risk that the Group's ability to achieve its corporate
and strategic objectives may be compromised. This risk is particularly
important to the Group as it continues its growth strategy. However, the Group
seeks to mitigate strategic risk by focusing on a sustainable business model
which is aligned to the Group's business strategy. Also, the Directors
normally meet once a year outside a formal Board setting to ensure that the
Group's strategy is appropriate for the market and economy.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty (borrower) will be unable to pay
amounts in full when due. This risk exists in Arbuthnot Latham, which
currently has a loan book of £1,990m (30 June 2021: £1,726m). The lending
portfolio in Arbuthnot Latham is extended to clients, the majority of which is
secured against cash, property or other high quality assets. Credit risk is
managed through the Credit Committee of Arbuthnot Latham.
Market risk
Market risk arises in relation to movements in interest rates, currencies,
property and equity markets. The Group's treasury function operates mainly to
provide a service to clients and does not take significant unmatched positions
in any market for its own account. As a result, the Group's exposure to
adverse movements in interest rates and currencies is limited to interest
earnings on its free cash and interest rate re-pricing mismatches. The Group
actively monitors its exposure to future changes in interest rates.
The Group is exposed to changes in the market value of its properties. The
current carrying value of Investment Property is £6.6m (31 December 2021:
£6.6m) and properties classified as inventory are carried at £81.2m (31
December 2021: £87.1m). Any changes in the market value of the property will
be accounted for in the Income Statement for the Investment Property and could
also impact the carrying value of inventory, which is at the lower of cost and
net realisable value. As a result, it could have a significant impact on the
profit or loss of the Group.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group, although solvent, either does not
have sufficient financial resources to enable it to meet its obligations as
they fall due, or can only secure such resources at an excessive cost. The
Group takes a conservative approach to managing its liquidity profile. Retail
client deposits and drawings from the Bank of England Term Funding Scheme fund
the Bank. The loan to deposit ratio is maintained at a prudent level, and
consequently the Group maintains a high level of liquidity. The Arbuthnot
Latham Board annually approves the Internal Liquidity Adequacy Assessment
Process ("ILAAP"). The Directors model various stress scenarios and assess the
resultant cash flows in order to evaluate the Group's potential liquidity
requirements. The Directors firmly believe that sufficient liquid assets are
held to enable the Group to meet its liabilities in a stressed environment.
Operational risk
Operational risk is the risk that the Group may be exposed to financial losses
from conducting its business. The Group's exposures to operational risk
include its Information Technology ("IT") and Operations platforms. There are
additional internal controls in these processes that are designed to protect
the Group from these risks. The Group's overall approach to managing internal
control and financial reporting is described in the Corporate Governance
section of the Annual Report.
In line with further guidance issued by the Regulator, the Bank has continued
to focus on ensuring that the design of systems and operational plans are
robust to maintain operational resilience in the face of unexpected incidents.
During 2021 and 2022 the Bank continued to review these plans and undertook
tests to ensure backup and recovery processes were effective even when working
in a hybrid working model.
During 2021 the FCA, PRA and BoE published their final policy papers on
building operational resilience. The Group complied with the initial
requirements prior to the implementation date of 31 March 2022.
Cyber risk
Cyber risk is an increasing risk for the Group within its operational
processes. It is the risk that the Group is subject to some form of disruption
arising from an interruption to its IT and data infrastructure. The Group
regularly tests the infrastructure to ensure that it remains robust to a range
of threats and has continuity of business plans in place including a disaster
recovery plan.
Conduct risk
As a financial services provider we face conduct risk, including selling
products to customers which do not meet their needs, failing to deal with
clients' complaints effectively, not meeting clients' expectations, and
exhibiting behaviours which do not meet market or regulatory standards.
The Group adopts a low risk appetite for any unfair customer outcomes. It
maintains clear compliance guidelines and provides ongoing training to all
employees. Periodic spot checks, compliance monitoring and internal audits
are performed to ensure these guidelines are followed. The Group also has
insurance policies in place to provide some cover for any claims that may
arise.
Regulatory and capital risk
Regulatory and capital risk includes the risk that the Group will have
insufficient capital resources to support the business and/or does not comply
with regulatory requirements. The Group adopts a conservative approach to
managing its capital. The Board of Arbuthnot Latham approves an ICAAP
annually, which includes the performance of stringent stress tests to ensure
that capital resources are adequate over a three year horizon. Capital and
liquidity ratios are regularly monitored against the Board's approved risk
appetite as part of the risk management framework.
Regulatory change also exists as a risk to the Group's business.
Notwithstanding the assessments carried out by the Group to manage regulatory
risk, it is not possible to predict how regulatory and legislative changes may
alter and impact the business. Significant and unforeseen regulatory changes
may reduce the Group's competitive situation and lower its profitability.
3. Critical accounting estimates and judgements in applying accounting
policies
The Group makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities within the next financial year. Estimates and
judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience
and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed
to be reasonable under the circumstances. For a full list of critical
accounting estimates and judgements, please refer back to the Annual Report
and Accounts for 2021. Assumptions surrounding credit losses are discussed in
more detail below, while other critical accounting estimates and judgements
have remained unchanged from what was previously reported.
Estimation uncertainty - Expected credit losses ("ECL") on financial assets
The Group reviews its loan portfolios and debt security investments to assess
impairment at least on a quarterly basis. The measurement of ECL required by
IFRS 9, necessitates a number of significant judgements. Specifically,
judgements and estimation uncertainties relate to assessment of whether credit
risk on the financial asset has increased significantly since initial
recognition, incorporation of forward-looking information ("FLI") in the
measurement of ECLs and key assumptions used in estimating recoverable cash
flows. These estimates are driven by a number of factors that are subject to
change which may result in different levels of ECL allowances.
The Group incorporates FLI into the assessment of whether there has been a
significant increase in credit risk. Forecasts for key macroeconomic variables
that most closely correlate with the Bank's portfolio are used to produce five
economic scenarios, comprising of a Baseline, which is the central scenario,
developed internally based on public consensus forecasts, and four less likely
scenarios, one upside and three downside scenarios (Downside 1, Downside 2 and
Extreme Downside), and the impacts of these scenarios are then probability
weighted. The estimation and application of this FLI will require significant
judgement supported by the use of external information.
12-month ECLs on loans and advances (loans within Stage 1) are calculated
using a statistical model on a collective basis, grouped together by product
and geographical location. The key assumptions are the probability of default,
the economic scenarios and loss given default ("LGD") having consideration for
collateral. Lifetime ECLs on loans and advances (loans within Stage 2 and 3)
are calculated based on an individual valuation of the underlying asset and
other expected cash flows.
For financial assets in Stage 2 and 3, ECL is calculated on an individual
basis and all relevant factors that have a bearing on the expected future cash
flows are taken into account. These factors can be subjective and can include
the individual circumstances of the borrower, the realisable value of
collateral, the Group's position relative to other claimants, and the likely
cost to sell and duration of the time to collect. The level of ECL is the
difference between the value of the recoverable amount (which is equal to the
expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's original effective
interest rate), and its carrying amount.
The Group considered the impact of various assumptions on the calculation of
ECL (changes in GDP, unemployment rates, inflation, exchange rates, equity
prices, wages and collateral values/property prices) and concluded that
collateral values/property prices, UK GDP and UK unemployment rate are key
drivers of credit risk and credit losses for each portfolio of financial
instruments.
The five macroeconomic scenarios modelled on future property prices were as
follows:
• Baseline
• Upside
• Downside 1 (2021: Decline)
• Downside 2 (2021: Moderate decline)
• Extreme downside (2021: Severe decline)
The tables below therefore reflect the expected probability weightings applied
for each macroeconomic scenario:
Probability weighting
Jun-22 Dec-21
Economic Scenarios
Baseline 53.0% 52.0%
Upside 18.0% 25.0%
Downside 1 (2021: Decline) 20.0% 16.0%
Downside 2 (2021: Moderate decline) 7.0% 5.0%
Extreme downside (2021: Severe decline) 2.0% 2.0%
Due to changes in the UK economic outlook the baseline (central) scenario used
at 30 June 2022 is less optimistic than the baseline scenario at 31 December
2021. The tables below show the five-year forecasted average for property
prices growth, UK unemployment rate and UK real GDP growth:
30 June 2022
Base Upside Downside 1 Downside 2 Extreme downside
Five-year summary
UK House price index - average growth 2.5% 6.0% (0.3%) (2.3%) (4.4%)
UK Commercial real estate price - average growth (0.4%) 3.5% (2.6%) (2.9%) (3.2%)
UK Unemployment rate - average 4.1% 3.8% 5.5% 7.4% 9.2%
UK GDP - average growth 1.9% 3.5% 0.9% 0.2% (0.6%)
31 December 2021
Base Upside Decline Moderate Decline Severe Decline
Five-year summary
UK House price index - average growth 2.0% 5.6% (0.7%) (2.8%) (4.8%)
UK Commercial real estate price - average growth 1.4% 5.1% (1.2%) (1.8%) (2.4%)
UK Unemployment rate - average 4.2% 3.8% 5.7% 7.5% 9.4%
UK GDP - average growth 2.3% 3.9% 1.3% 0.6% (0.1%)
The tables below list the macroeconomic assumptions at 30 June 2022 used in
the base, upside and downside scenarios over the five-year forecast period.
The assumptions represent the absolute percentage unemployment rates and
year-on-year percentage change for GDP and property prices.
UK House price index - four quarter growth
Year Baseline Upside Downside 1 Downside 2 Extreme downside
2022 5.1% 8.8% (2.8%) (7.2%) (11.7%)
2023 1.9% 5.6% (4.5%) (10.8%) (17.2%)
2024 2.0% 5.4% (0.9%) (3.8%) (6.8%)
5 year average 2.5% 6.0% (0.3%) (2.3%) (4.4%)
UK Commercial real estate price - four quarter growth
Year Baseline Upside Downside 1 Downside 2 Extreme downside
2022 (0.2%) 4.2% (14.5%) (19.1%) (23.7%)
2023 (1.0%) 3.9% (3.4%) (5.9%) (8.4%)
2024 (0.2%) 3.5% 1.9% 4.0% 6.0%
5 year average (0.4%) 3.5% (2.6%) (2.9%) (3.2%)
UK Unemployment rate - annual average
Year Baseline Upside Downside 1 Downside 2 Extreme downside
2022 4.0% 3.4% 4.6% 7.4% 10.2%
2023 4.1% 3.6% 6.4% 8.7% 11.0%
2024 4.1% 3.8% 6.0% 7.8% 9.7%
5 year average 4.1% 3.8% 5.5% 7.4% 9.2%
UK GDP - annual growth
Year Baseline Upside Downside 1 Downside 2 Extreme downside
2022 3.8% 7.2% (0.1%) (2.8%) (5.6%)
2023 1.0% 1.9% 0.5% 0.0% (0.5%)
2024 1.6% 3.0% 1.4% 1.2% 0.9%
5 year average 1.9% 3.5% 0.9% 0.2% (0.6%)
The graphs below plot the historical data for HPI, Commercial real estate
price, unemployment rate and GDP growth rate in the UK as well as the
forecasted data under each of the five scenarios.
Management have assessed the impact of assigning a 100% probability to each of
the economic scenarios, which would have the following impact on the Profit or
Loss of the Group:
Arbuthnot Latham
Jun 2022 Dec 2021
Impact of 100% scenario probability £m £m
Baseline 0.2 0.1
Upside 0.3 0.1
Downside 1 (2021: Decline) (1.0) (0.8)
Downside 2 (2021: Moderate decline) (6.8) (4.0)
Extreme downside (2021: Severe decline) (28.7) (13.6)
4. Financial risk management
Strategy
By their nature, the Group's activities are principally related to the use of
financial instruments. The Directors and senior management of the Group have
formally adopted a Group Risk and Controls Policy which sets out the Board's
attitude to risk and internal controls. Key risks identified by the
Directors are formally reviewed and assessed at least once a year by the
Board, in addition to which key business risks are identified, evaluated and
managed by operating management on an ongoing basis by means of procedures
such as physical controls, credit and other authorisation limits and
segregation of duties. The Board also receives regular reports on any risk
matters that need to be brought to its attention. Significant risks identified
in connection with the development of new activities are subject to
consideration by the Board. There are budgeting procedures in place and
reports are presented regularly to the Board detailing the results of each
principal business unit, variances against budget and prior year, and other
performance data.
The principal non-operational risks inherent in the Group's business are
credit, macroeconomic, market, liquidity and capital.
Credit risk
The Company and Group take on exposure to credit risk, which is the risk that
a counterparty will be unable to pay amounts in full when due. Significant
changes in the economy, or in the health of a particular industry segment that
represents a concentration in the Company and Group's portfolio, could result
in losses that are different from those provided for at the balance sheet
date. Credit risk is managed through the Credit Committee of the banking
subsidiary.
The Committee regularly reviews the credit risk profile of the Group, with a
clear focus on performance against risk appetite statements and risk metrics.
The Committee considered credit conditions during the period.
The Company and Group structure the levels of credit risk it undertakes by
placing limits on the amount of risk accepted in relation to products, and one
borrower or groups of borrowers. Such risks are monitored on a revolving basis
and subject to an annual or more frequent review. The limits are approved
periodically by the Board of Directors and actual exposures against limits are
monitored daily.
Exposure to credit risk is managed through regular analysis of the ability of
borrowers and potential borrowers to meet interest and capital repayment
obligations and by changing these lending limits where appropriate. Exposure
to credit risk is also managed in part by obtaining collateral, and corporate
and personal guarantees.
The Group has attempted to leverage stress test modelling insights to inform
ECL model refinements to enable reasonable estimates. Management review of
modelling approaches and outcomes continues to inform any necessary
adjustments to the ECL estimates through the form of in-model adjustments,
based on expert judgement including the use of available information.
Management considerations included the potential severity and duration of the
economic shock, including the mitigating effects of government support
actions, as well the potential trajectory of the subsequent recovery.
The Group employs a range of policies and practices to mitigate credit risk.
The most traditional of these is the taking of collateral to secure advances,
which is common practice. The principal collateral types for loans and
advances include, but are not limited to:
• Charges over residential and commercial
properties;
• Charges over business assets such as premises,
inventory and accounts receivable;
• Charges over financial instruments such as debt
securities and equities;
• Charges over other chattels; and
• Personal guarantees
Upon initial recognition of loans and advances, the fair value of collateral
is based on valuation techniques commonly used for the corresponding assets.
In order to minimise any potential credit loss the Group will seek additional
collateral from the counterparty as soon as impairment indicators are noticed
for the relevant individual loans and advances. Repossessed collateral, not
readily convertible into cash, is made available for sale in an orderly
fashion, with the proceeds used to reduce or repay the outstanding
indebtedness, or held as inventory where the Group intends to develop and sell
in the future. Where excess funds are available after the debt has been
repaid, they are available either for other secured lenders with lower
priority or are returned to the customer.
Commitments to extend credit represent unused portions of authorisations to
extend credit in the form of loans, guarantees or letters of credit. With
respect to credit risk on commitments to extend credit, the Group is
potentially exposed to loss in an amount equal to the total unused
commitments. However, the likely amount of loss is less than the total unused
commitments, as most commitments to extend credit are contingent upon
customers maintaining specific credit standards.
The Group incorporates forward-looking information into both its assessment of
whether the credit risk of an instrument has increased significantly since its
initial recognition and its measurement of ECL. The key inputs into the
measurement of the ECL are:
• assessment of significant increase in credit
risk
• future economic scenarios
• probability of default
• loss given default
• exposure at default
The IFRS 9 impairment model adopts a three stage approach based on the extent
of credit deterioration since origination.
The Group's maximum exposure to credit risk (net of impairment) before
collateral held or other credit enhancements is as follows:
30 June 2022
Group Banking Mortgage Portfolios RAF ACABL ASFL AAG All Other Divisions Total
Credit risk exposures (all stage 1, unless otherwise stated) £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
On-balance sheet:
Cash and balances at central banks - - - - - - 512,663 512,663
Loans and advances to banks - - - - - - 125,839 125,839
Debt securities at amortised cost - - - - - - 386,880 386,880
Derivative financial instruments - - - - - - 4,165 4,165
Loans and advances to customers at amortised cost 1,448,851 166,168 102,612 238,843 9,590 13,473 - 1,979,537
Stage 1 - Gross amount outstanding 1,359,839 140,170 87,420 238,980 9,053 13,473 - 1,848,935
Stage 1 - Allowance for impairment (229) (15) (90) (137) (42) - - (513)
Stage 2 - Gross amount outstanding 60,041 21,279 12,318 - - - - 93,638
Stage 2 - Allowance for impairment (4) (10) (114) - - - - (128)
Stage 3 - Gross amount outstanding 30,535 4,814 3,571 - 683 - - 39,603
Stage 3 - Allowance for impairment (1,331) (70) (493) - (104) - - (1,998)
Loans and advances to customers at fair value through profit or loss - - - - - - 10,330 10,330
Other assets - - - - - - 12,763 12,763
Financial investments - - - - - - 2,970 2,970
Off-balance sheet:
Guarantees 3,427 - - - - - - 3,427
Loan commitments 282,901 - - 68,880 1,844 - - 353,625
At 30 June 2022 1,735,179 166,168 102,612 307,723 11,434 13,473 1,055,610 3,392,199
30 June 2021
Group Banking Mortgage Portfolios RAF ACABL ASFL AAG All Other Divisions Total
Credit risk exposures (all stage 1, unless otherwise stated) £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
On-balance sheet:
Cash and balances at central banks - - - - - - 615,832 615,832
Loans and advances to banks - - - - - - 104,904 104,904
Debt securities at amortised cost - - - - - - 391,987 391,987
Derivative financial instruments - - - - - - 850 850
Loans and advances to customers 1,278,305 195,108 93,032 147,913 7,530 4,583 - 1,726,471
Stage 1 - Gross amount outstanding 1,194,660 173,299 76,336 147,987 7,547 4,583 - 1,604,412
Stage 1 - Allowance for impairment (384) (8) (223) (74) (17) - - (706)
Stage 2 - Gross amount outstanding 60,472 17,576 15,921 - - - - 93,969
Stage 2 - Allowance for impairment (148) (44) (135) - - - - (327)
Stage 3 - Gross amount outstanding 26,817 4,409 1,537 - - - - 32,763
Stage 3 - Allowance for impairment (3,112) (124) (404) - - - - (3,640)
Other assets - - - - - - 15,827 15,827
Financial investments - - - - - - 11,407 11,407
Off-balance sheet:
Guarantees 3,149 - - - - - - 3,149
Loan commitments 230,876 - - 74,331 1,729 - - 306,936
At 30 June 2021 1,512,330 195,108 93,032 222,244 9,259 4,583 1,140,807 3,177,363
31 December 2021
Group Banking Mortgage Portfolios RAF ACABL ASFL AAG All Other Divisions Total
Credit risk exposures (all stage 1, unless otherwise stated) £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
On-balance sheet:
Cash and balances at central banks - - - - - - 814,499 814,499
Loans and advances to banks - - - - - - 73,444 73,444
Debt securities at amortised cost - - - - - - 301,052 301,052
Derivative financial instruments - - - - - - 1,753 1,753
Loans and advances to customers 1,396,049 178,082 97,112 182,122 10,097 7,500 - 1,870,962
Stage 1 - Gross amount outstanding 1,297,782 157,566 82,952 182,213 9,896 7,500 - 1,737,909
Stage 1 - Allowance for impairment (157) (5) (107) (91) (28) - - (388)
Stage 2 - Gross amount outstanding 70,132 13,728 11,374 - 229 - - 95,463
Stage 2 - Allowance for impairment (32) (9) (36) - - - - (77)
Stage 3 - Gross amount outstanding 31,475 6,859 5,643 - - - - 43,977
Stage 3 - Allowance for impairment (3,151) (57) (2,714) - - - - (5,922)
Other assets - - - - - - 13,098 13,098
Financial investments - - - - - - 3,169 3,169
Off-balance sheet:
Guarantees 2,931 - - - - 1,629 - 4,560
Loan commitments 261,797 - - 200,478 2,115 - - 464,390
At 31 December 2021 1,660,777 178,082 97,112 382,600 12,212 9,129 1,207,015 3,546,927
Market risk
Market risk arises in relation to movements in interest rates, currencies,
property and equity markets. The Group's treasury function operates mainly to
provide a service to clients and does not take significant unmatched positions
in any market for its own account. As a result, the Group's exposure to
adverse movements in interest rates and currencies is limited to interest
earnings on its free cash and interest rate re-pricing mismatches. The Group
actively monitors its exposure to future changes in interest rates.
The Group is exposed to changes in the market value of its properties. The
current carrying value of Investment Property is £6.6m (31 December 2021:
£6.6m) and properties classified as inventory are carried at £81.2m (31
December 2021: £87.1m). Any changes in the market value of the property will
be accounted for in the Income Statement for the Investment Property and could
also impact the carrying value of inventory, which is at the lower of cost and
net realisable value. As a result, it could have a significant impact on the
profit or loss of the Group.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group, although solvent, either does not
have sufficient financial resources to enable it to meet its obligations as
they fall due, or can only secure such resources at an excessive cost. The
Group takes a conservative approach to managing its liquidity profile. Retail
client deposits and drawings from the Bank of England Term Funding Scheme fund
the Bank. The loan to deposit ratio is maintained at a prudent level, and
consequently the Group maintains a high level of liquidity. The Arbuthnot
Latham Board annually approves the Internal Liquidity Adequacy Assessment
Process ("ILAAP"). The Directors model various stress scenarios and assess the
resultant cash flows in order to evaluate the Group's potential liquidity
requirements. The Directors firmly believe that sufficient liquid assets are
held to enable the Group to meet its liabilities in a stressed environment.
Capital management
During the period all regulated entities have complied with all of the
externally imposed capital requirements to which they are subject. The capital
position of the Group remains strong. The Total Capital Requirement Ratio
("TCR") is 8.32% (31 December 2021: 8.69%), while the CET1 capital ratio is
11.4% (31 December 2021: 12.3%) and the total capital ratio is 14.0% (31
December 2021: 14.9%).
Valuation of financial instruments
The Group measures the fair value of an instrument using quoted prices in an
active market for that instrument. A market is regarded as active if quoted
prices are readily and regularly available and represent actual and regularly
occurring market transactions. If a market for a financial instrument is not
active, the Group establishes fair value using a valuation technique. These
include the use of recent arm's length transactions, reference to other
instruments that are substantially the same for which market observable prices
exist, net present value and discounted cash flow analysis. The objective of
valuation techniques is to determine the fair value of the financial
instrument at the reporting date as the price that would be received to sell
an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between
market participants. In the event that fair values of assets and liabilities
cannot be reliably measured, they are carried at cost.
The Group measures fair value using the following fair value hierarchy that
reflects the significance of the inputs used in making measurements:
• Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or
liabilities.
• Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are
observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e.as prices) or
indirectly (i.e. derived from prices). This category includes instruments
valued using: quoted market prices in active markets for similar instruments;
quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are
considered less than active;or other valuation techniques in which all
significant inputs are directly or indirectly observable from market data.
• Level 3: Inputs that are unobservable. This category includes all
instruments for which the valuation technique includes inputs not based on
observable data and the unobservable inputs have a significant effect on the
instrument's valuation. This category includes instruments that are valued
based on quoted prices for similar instruments for which significant
unobservable adjustments or assumptions are required to reflect differences
between the instruments.
The consideration of factors such as the magnitude and frequency of trading
activity, the availability of prices and the size of bid/offer spreads assists
in the judgement as to whether a market is active. If in the opinion of
management, a significant proportion of the instrument's carrying amount is
driven by unobservable inputs, the instrument in its entirety is classified as
valued using significant unobservable inputs. 'Unobservable' in this context
means that there is little or no current market data available from which to
determine the level at which an arm's length transaction would be likely to
occur. It generally does not mean that there is no market data available at
all upon which to base a determination of fair value (consensus pricing data
may, for example, be used).
The tables below analyse financial instruments measured at fair value by the
level in the fair value hierarchy into which the measurement is categorised:
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
At 30 June 2022 £000 £000 £000 £000
ASSETS
Derivative financial instruments - 4,165 - 4,165
Loans and advances to customers at fair value through profit or loss - - 10,330 10,330
Financial investments - - 2,970 2,970
Investment properties - - 6,550 6,550
- 4,165 19,850 24,015
LIABILITIES
Derivative financial instruments - 162 - 162
- 162 - 162
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
At 30 June 2021 £000 £000 £000 £000
ASSETS
Derivative financial instruments - 850 - 850
Financial investments 8,671 - 2,736 11,407
Investment properties - - 6,550 6,550
8,671 850 9,286 18,807
LIABILITIES
Derivative financial instruments - 286 - 286
- 286 - 286
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
At 31 December 2021 £000 £000 £000 £000
ASSETS
Derivative financial instruments - 1,753 - 1,753
Financial investments - - 3,169 3,169
Investment properties - - 6,550 6,550
- 1,753 9,719 11,472
LIABILITIES
Derivative financial instruments - 171 - 171
- 171 - 171
There were no transfers between level 1 and level 2 during the year.
The following table reconciles the movement in level 3 financial instruments
measured at fair value (financial investments) during the year:
At 30 June At 30 June At 31 December
2022 2021 2021
Movement in level 3 £000 £000 £000
At 1 January 9,719 9,120 9,120
Acquisitions 10,334 89 670
Disposals (536) - -
Movements recognised in Other Comprehensive Income 333 89 (57)
Movements recognised in the Income Statement - (12) (14)
At 30 June / 31 December 19,850 9,286 9,719
The tables below analyse financial instruments not measured at fair value by
the level in the fair value hierarchy:
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
At 30 June 2022 £000 £000 £000 £000
ASSETS
Cash and balances at central banks - 512,837 - 512,837
Loans and advances to banks - 125,839 - 125,839
Debt securities at amortised cost - 386,880 - 386,880
Loans and advances to customers - - 1,989,867 1,989,867
Other assets - - 12,989 12,989
- 1,025,556 2,002,856 3,028,412
LIABILITIES
Deposits from banks - 230,110 - 230,110
Deposits from customers - 2,801,530 - 2,801,530
Other liabilities - - 24,634 24,634
Debt securities in issue - - 37,158 37,158
- 3,031,640 61,792 3,093,432
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
At 30 June 2021 £000 £000 £000 £000
ASSETS
Cash and balances at central banks - 616,004 - 616,004
Loans and advances to banks - 104,904 - 104,904
Debt securities at amortised cost - 391,987 - 391,987
Loans and advances to customers - - 1,726,471 1,726,471
Other assets - - 16,058 16,058
- 1,112,895 1,742,529 2,855,424
LIABILITIES
Deposits from banks - 230,106 - 230,106
Deposits from customers - 2,642,761 - 2,642,761
Other liabilities - - 33,495 33,495
Debt securities in issue - - 37,089 37,089
- 2,872,867 70,584 2,943,451
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
At 31 December 2021 £000 £000 £000 £000
ASSETS
Cash and balances at central banks - 814,692 - 814,692
Loans and advances to banks - 73,444 - 73,444
Debt securities at amortised cost - 301,052 - 301,052
Loans and advances to customers - - 1,870,962 1,870,962
Other assets - - 11,375 11,375
- 1,189,188 1,882,337 3,071,525
LIABILITIES
Deposits from banks - 240,333 - 240,333
Deposits from customers - 2,837,869 - 2,837,869
Other liabilities - - 7,106 7,106
Debt securities in issue - - 36,772 36,772
- 3,078,202 43,878 3,122,080
All above assets and liabilities are carried at amortised cost. Therefore for
these assets, the fair value hierarchy noted above relates to the disclosure
in this note only.
Cash and balances at central banks
The fair value of cash and balances at central banks was calculated based upon
the present value of the expected future principal and interest cash flows.
The rate used to discount the cash flows was the market rate of interest at
the balance sheet date.
At the end of each year, the fair value of cash and balances at central banks
was calculated to be equivalent to their carrying value.
Loans and advances to banks
The fair value of loans and advances to banks was calculated based upon the
present value of the expected future principal and interest cash flows. The
rate used to discount the cash flows was the market rate of interest at the
balance sheet date.
Loans and advances to customers
The fair value of loans and advances to customers was calculated based upon
the present value of the expected future principal and interest cash flows.
The rate used to discount the cash flows was the market rate of interest at
the balance sheet date, and the same assumptions regarding the risk of default
were applied as those used to derive the carrying value.
The Group provides loans and advances to commercial, corporate and personal
customers at both fixed and variable rates. To determine the fair value of
loans and advances to customers, loans are segregated into portfolios of
similar characteristics. A number of techniques are used to estimate the fair
value of fixed rate lending; these take account of expected credit losses
based on historic trends and expected future cash flows.
For the acquired loan book, the discount on acquisition is used to determine
the fair value in addition to the expected credit losses and expected future
cash flows.
Debt securities
The fair value of debt securities is based on the quoted mid-market share
price.
Derivatives
Where derivatives are traded on an exchange, the fair value is based on prices
from the exchange.
Deposits from banks
The fair value of amounts due to banks was calculated based upon the present
value of the expected future principal and interest cash flows. The rate used
to discount the cash flows was the market rate of interest at the balance
sheet date.
At the end of each year, the fair value of amounts due to banks was calculated
to be equivalent to their carrying value due to the short maturity term of the
amounts due.
Deposits from customers
The fair value of deposits from customers was calculated based upon the
present value of the expected future principal and interest cash flows. The
rate used to discount the cash flows was the market rate of interest at the
balance sheet date for the notice deposits and deposit bonds. The fair value
of instant access deposits is equal to book value as they are repayable on
demand.
Financial liabilities
The fair value of other financial liabilities was calculated based upon the
present value of the expected future principal cash flows.
At the end of each year, the fair value of other financial liabilities was
calculated to be equivalent to their carrying value due to their short
maturity. The other financial liabilities include all other liabilities other
than non-interest accruals.
Subordinated liabilities
The fair value of subordinated liabilities was calculated based upon the
present value of the expected future principal cash flows.
5. Operating segments
The Group is organised into eight operating segments as disclosed below:
1) Banking - Includes Private and Commercial Banking. Private Banking -
Provides traditional private banking services.
Commercial Banking - Provides bespoke commercial banking services and
tailored secured lending against property
investments and other assets.
2) Wealth Management - Offering financial planning and investment management
services.
3) Mortgage Portfolios - Acquired mortgage portfolios.
4) RAF - Specialist asset finance lender mainly in high value cars but also
business assets.
5) ACABL - Provides finance secured on either invoices, assets or stock of the
borrower.
6) ASFL - Provides short term secured lending solutions to professional and
entrepreneurial property investors.
7) AAG - Provides vehicle finance and related services, predominantly in the
truck & trailer and bus & coach markets.
8) All Other Divisions - All other smaller divisions and central costs in
Arbuthnot Latham & Co., Ltd (Investment property and Central costs).
9) Group Centre - ABG Group management.
Transactions between the operating segments are on normal commercial terms.
Centrally incurred expenses are charged to operating segments on an
appropriate pro-rata basis. Segment assets and liabilities comprise loans and
advances to customers and customer deposits, being the majority of the balance
sheet.
Banking Wealth Management Mortgage Portfolios RAF ACABL ASFL AAG All Other Divisions Group Centre Total
Six months ended 30 June 2022 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Interest revenue 29,635 - 3,250 4,086 5,818 463 253 5,583 2 49,090
Inter-segment revenue - - - - - - - - (2) (2)
Interest revenue from external customers 29,635 - 3,250 4,086 5,818 463 253 5,583 - 49,088
Fee and commission income 1,564 5,332 - 138 2,670 5 - 390 - 10,099
Revenue - - - - - - 48,851 - - 48,851
Revenue from external customers 31,199 5,332 3,250 4,224 8,488 468 49,104 5,973 - 108,038
Interest expense (1,613) - (882) (1,547) (2,696) (170) (1,994) 3,746 (1,398) (6,554)
Cost of goods sold - - - - - - (40,538) - - (40,538)
Add back inter-segment revenue - - - - - - - - 2 2
Fee and commission expense 14 - - - (73) - - - - (59)
Segment operating income 29,600 5,332 2,368 2,677 5,719 298 6,572 9,719 (1,396) 60,889
Impairment losses (221) - (49) (465) (46) (117) (303) - - (1,201)
Other income - - - 69 - - (182) 723 - 610
Operating expenses (22,804) (7,171) (481) (2,124) (2,790) (751) (7,155) (9,198) (4,449) (56,923)
Segment profit / (loss) before tax 6,575 (1,839) 1,838 157 2,883 (570) (1,068) 1,244 (5,845) 3,375
Income tax (expense) / income - - - - - - - 624 (1,329) (705)
Segment profit / (loss) after tax 6,575 (1,839) 1,838 157 2,883 (570) (1,068) 1,868 (7,174) 2,670
Loans and advances to customers 1,459,182 - 166,168 102,612 238,843 9,590 13,473 11,500 (11,501) 1,989,867
Assets available for lease - - - - - - 115,133 - - 115,133
Other assets - - - - - - - 1,206,288 (1,472) 1,204,816
Segment total assets 1,459,182 - 166,168 102,612 238,843 9,590 128,606 1,217,788 (12,973) 3,309,816
Customer deposits 2,611,542 - - - - - - 207,735 (17,747) 2,801,530
Other liabilities - - - - - - - 292,414 15,254 307,668
Segment total liabilities 2,611,542 - - - - - - 500,149 (2,493) 3,109,198
Other segment items:
Capital expenditure - - - (5) - - (35,612) (205) - (35,822)
Depreciation and amortisation - - - (3) - (25) (15,015) (2,480) (8) (17,531)
The "Group Centre" segment above includes the parent entity and all
intercompany eliminations.
Banking Wealth Management Mortgage Portfolios RAF ACABL ASFL AAG All Other Divisions Group Centre Total
Six months ended 30 June 2021 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000
Interest revenue 22,634 - 3,732 4,049 3,471 293 70 2,474 9 36,732
Inter-segment revenue - - - - - - - - (9) (9)
Interest revenue from external customers 22,634 - 3,732 4,049 3,471 293 70 2,474 - 36,723
Fee and commission income 1,178 5,080 - 26 2,043 5 - 450 - 8,782
Revenue - - - - - - 23,190 - - 23,190
Revenue from external customers 23,812 5,080 3,732 4,075 5,514 298 23,260 2,924 - 68,695
Interest expense (2,086) - (1,104) (1,123) (1,148) (94) (891) 977 (964) (6,433)
Cost of goods sold - - - - - - (20,346) - - (20,346)
Add back inter-segment revenue - - - - - - - - 9 9
Subordinated loan note interest - - - - - - - - (360) (360)
Fee and commission expense (158) - - - (19) - - - - (177)
Segment operating income 21,568 5,080 2,628 2,952 4,347 204 2,023 3,901 (1,315) 41,388
Impairment losses (42) - (289) (92) (33) (9) (400) - - (865)
Gain from a bargain purchase - - - - - - 8,656 - - 8,656
Other income - - 2,239 43 - - - 754 (147) 2,889
Operating expenses (21,433) (6,512) (673) (1,923) (2,519) (765) (2,393) (8,126) (4,686) (49,030)
Segment profit / (loss) before tax 93 (1,432) 3,905 980 1,795 (570) 7,886 (3,471) (6,148) 3,038
Income tax (expense) / income - - - (186) - - - 1,240 - 1,054
Segment profit / (loss) after tax 93 (1,432) 3,905 794 1,795 (570) 7,886 (2,231) (6,148) 4,092
Loans and advances to customers 1,279,747 - 195,108 93,033 147,913 7,530 - 11,500 (8,360) 1,726,471
Other assets - - - - - - - 1,427,285 2,226 1,429,511
Segment total assets 1,279,747 - 195,108 93,033 147,913 7,530 - 1,438,785 (6,134) 3,155,982
Customer deposits 2,427,066 - - - - - - 251,119 (35,424) 2,642,761
Other liabilities - - - - - - - 300,310 14,296 314,606
Segment total liabilities 2,427,066 - - - - - - 551,429 (21,128) 2,957,367
Other segment items:
Capital expenditure - - - (5) - - (12,557) (131) - (12,693)
Depreciation and amortisation - - - (5) (11) (6) - (880) (13) (915)
Segment profit is shown prior to any intra-group eliminations.
6. Underlying Profit
The Group has reported a profit before tax of £3.4m (2021 H1: £3.0m). The
underlying profit before tax was £10.7m (2021 H1: profit of £6.5m). There
are a number of specific one-off items which are included in the results that
should be noted. These are detailed in the table below.
30 June 2022 30 June 2021
Underlying profit reconciliation £000 £000
Profit before tax and group recharges 3,375 3,038
Exceptional reduction in BoE Base Rate - 5,746
Write down of repossessed property in Majorca - 3,835
Gain on sale of Tay mortgage portfolio - (2,239)
Gain from bargain purchase - (8,626)
Profits earned on sale of trucks included in bargain purchase 3,328 1,547
Full year discretionary bonus accrual in first half of the year - 3,240
Write down of King Street property 3,977 -
Underlying profit 10,680 6,541
The Bank of England Base Rate which was at 0.1% for most of 2021 was estimated
to have cost the Group £5.7m of interest earnings in H1 2021, compared to
when the base rate was at 75 basis points, which is where it was prior to the
onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. No pro-rata adjustment was made for lost
interest income in H1 2022. The base rate started to increase during the
period and has now moved past the pre-pandemic level.
Included in H1 2021 was a write down of £3.8m relating to a property owned in
Majorca, following an agreement to sell.
During H1 2021 the Group completed the sale of one of its residential mortgage
portfolios known as Tay Mortgages to 5D Finance Limited, a subsidiary of
OneSavings Bank plc. The portfolio consisted of the remaining mortgage
accounts from the acquisition made in December 2014 related to the Dunfermline
Building Society administration. At the time of sale customer loan balances
totalled £54.9m, which were sold for £53.8m, representing 97.9% of the
outstanding loans. Upon sale the Group released a credit to the profit and
loss account for the remaining original discount resulting in a gain on sale
of £2.2m.
During the prior year the Group acquired Asset Alliance Group Holdings
Limited, which completed on 1 April 2021. The business was acquired at a
discount to its fair valued net assets resulting in a bargain purchase of
£8.7m in the first half of 2021.
The forgone profit on the sale of trucks generated by Asset Alliance was
£3.3m in the period (30 June 2021: £1.5m), which is required from the
acquisition accounting in the prior year. The fair value adjustments to
individual assets at acquisition are reversed through profit or loss at the
point of sale.
In 2020, as a result of the Group reporting a loss, no discretionary bonuses
were awarded to staff. However, in H1 2021 with a return to profitability, the
annual equivalent of £6.5m was accrued. Under normal circumstances bonuses
would be accrued over a twelve-month period, thereby increasing reported
profit by £3.2m.
The net realisable value of the property in King Street was reduced by £4.0m
resulting from the agreement, subject to contract, to sell the property.
7. Other income
In H1 2021, other income mainly includes the profit on sale of the Tay
Mortgage portfolio of £2.2m. Other income also includes rental income
received from properties of £0.7m (2021: £0.2m).
8. Earnings per ordinary share
Basic
Basic earnings per ordinary share are calculated by dividing the profit after
tax attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted average
number of ordinary shares 15,022,629 (2021: 15,022,629) in issue during the
period.
Diluted
Diluted earnings per ordinary share are calculated by dividing the dilutive
profit after tax attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted
average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period, as well as the
number of dilutive share options in issue during the period. There were no
dilutive share options in issue at the end of June (2021: nil).
Six months ended 30 June Six months ended 30 June
2022 2021
Profit attributable £000 £000
Total profit after tax attributable to equity holders of the Company 2,670 4,092
Six months ended 30 June Six months ended 30 June
2022 2021
Basic Earnings per share p p
Total Basic Earnings per share 17.8 27.2
9. Acquisition of Asset Alliance Group Holdings Limited
On 31 March 2021, following receipt of regulatory approval, Arbuthnot Latham
completed the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of AAG from its former
owners made up of institutional investors and the key management team.
AAG provides vehicle finance and related services, predominantly in the truck
& trailer and bus & coach markets. Operating from five locations, it
is the UK's leading independent end-to-end specialist in commercial vehicle
financing and has over 4000 vehicles under management.
The acquisition supported AL's continued strategy to diversify its proposition
within the specialist financial services sector.
The consideration was paid in full in cash following completion. AL has also
provided an intercompany loan to AAG at completion of £127.9m to re-finance
its existing finance liabilities. The consideration and the refinancing of
AAG's funding liabilities have been satisfied from the Group's current cash
resources.
The share capital was acquired at a discount to the fair value of net assets
resulting in a bargain purchase gain recognised in the Statement of
Comprehensive Income on acquisition as set out in the table on the next page.
The fair value of intangibles acquired include £3.5m for the brand.
The acquisition contributed £0.1m to interest income and £8.6m to profit
before tax in the prior period.
Acquired assets/ liabilities Fair value adjustments Recognised values on acquisition
£000 £000 £000
Loans and advances to banks 3,883 - 3,883
Loans and advances to customers 4,226 - 4,226
Other assets 12,159 - 12,159
Deferred tax assets - 2,111 2,111
Intangible assets 1,583 2,837 4,420
Property, plant and equipment 120,631 17,057 137,688
Total assets 142,482 22,005 164,487
Deposits from banks 127,918 - 127,918
Deferred tax liabilities - 3,906 3,906
Corporation tax liability - 2 2
Other liabilities 14,007 - 14,007
Total liabilities 141,925 3,908 145,833
Net identifiable (liabilities) / assets 557 18,097 18,654
Consideration 9,998
Negative Goodwill / Bargain Purchase (8,656)
10. Events after the balance sheet date
There were no material post balance sheet events to report.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact
rns@lseg.com (mailto:rns@lseg.com)
or visit
www.rns.com (http://www.rns.com/)
.
RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our
Privacy Policy (https://www.lseg.com/privacy-and-cookie-policy)
. END IR SFLESAEESESWRecent news on Arbuthnot Banking
See all newsREG - Arbuthnot Banking - Audited Final Results
AnnouncementREG - Arbuthnot Banking - Pre Close Trading Update
AnnouncementREG - Arbuthnot Banking - Director/PDMR Shareholding
AnnouncementREG - Arbuthnot Banking - Renewal of Tier 2 Regulatory Capital Loan facility
AnnouncementREG - Arbuthnot Banking - Director/PDMR Shareholding
Announcement