REG - Hansard Global plc - Results for the six months ended 31 December 2021
03/03/2022 07:00
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RNS Number : 4302D Hansard Global plc 03 March 2022
3 March 2022
Hansard Global plc
Results for the six months ended 31 December 2021
Hansard Global plc ("Hansard" or "the Group"), the specialist long-term
savings provider, issues its results for the six months ended 31 December
2021. All figures refer to the six months ended 31 December 2021 ("H1 2022"),
except where indicated.
· New business levels for the Group on a Present Value of New
Business Premiums ("PVNBP") basis were £64.9m for H1 2022 (H1 2021: £76.3m);
· IFRS profit before tax was £1.9m for the period, down from £2.9m
in H1 2021. This was primarily as a result of a £1.0m provision against
fees and other receivables following fair value impairments to a specific
range of funds in liquidation. The impairment of fair value has reduced the
likelihood of liquidation proceeds and therefore the recovery of amounts due
to the Group. There are no further financial exposures relating to this fund
range and any fees recoverable out of any future liquidation proceeds received
will be recorded on a cash received basis;
· Fees and commissions earned totalled £25.2m for H1 2022 compared
to £25.6m in H1 2021;
· Assets under administration were £1.23 billion as at 31 December
2021 (30 June 2021: £1.22 billion);
· Value of in-force as at 31 December 2021 was £140.6m (30 June
2021: £145.8m);
· Contingent liabilities arising out of litigation in Hansard Europe
were down 9% to £22.4m since 31 December 2021;
· The Board has declared an interim dividend of 1.8p per share (H1
2021: 1.8p);
· The Group has continued its investment in future growth initiatives
across its product proposition and systems environment;
· The Group continues to work with its prospective Japanese distribution
partner towards a suitable launch date, against the current challenging
background of Covid-19 in Japan.
H1 2022 H1 2021
New business sales - PVNBP £64.9m £76.3m
IFRS profit before tax £1.9m £2.9m
IFRS basic earnings per share 1.3p 2.0p
Interim dividend - to be paid on 21 April 2022 1.8p 1.8p
As at 31 December 30 June
2021 2021
Assets under Administration £1.23b £1.22b
Value of In-Force (regulatory basis) £140.6m £145.8m
Outlook
The external global environment and the ability for our Independent Financial
Advisor ("IFA") distribution channel to grow new long-term savings business
continues to be challenging as Covid-19 related restrictions and economic
confidence fluctuate. We therefore expect IFA sales for FY 2022 to be lower
than FY 2021 but note that will not have a material impact to our profit under
International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). This is because
initial income and origination costs are deferred at point of sale and
recognised over the lifetime of contracts sold. The £1.0m impact to our IFRS
profit from provisions against fees and other receivables is not expected to
be made up elsewhere in H2 of our financial year and if no related recovery is
achieved prior to 30 June 2022 we expect our full year profit to be lower than
planned by that amount. The provision does not otherwise reflect on our
expectations for future trading results.
We remain confident that our Japanese product will successfully launch when
the environment improves in Japan and that it will produce long-term business
growth for the Group.
NEXT TRADING UPDATE
The next trading update in respect of our financial year ending 30 June 2022
is expected to be published on 5 May 2022.
Graham Sheward, Group Chief Executive Officer, commented:
"Covid-19 continues to provide a challenging backdrop for our business and in
particular for launching our new product in Japan, where new States of
Emergency were declared in several regions in January. We continue to work
with our prospective distribution partner towards a suitable launch date in a
positive and engaged manner.
We are also taking a number of actions to improve new business levels both
with respect to our traditional business and by progressing opportunities to
deploy new products more widely in Japan and in other suitable territories
around the world."
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
LLP
+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 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 pleased to present to you our financial results for the first six months
of our 2022 financial year ("H1 2022").
Hansard Global plc ("Hansard"), like many other businesses, has continued to
experience a challenging external environment as we navigated our way through
the constraints arising from the Covid-19 global pandemic. While new
business was lower than the prior year comparative, the business has remained
resilient, with our award-winning systems and customer service operations
fully operational at all times.
The Board and I remain confident in the future opportunities for the
business. We are operationally ready to launch our innovative new product in
Japan and will move forward when our distribution partner is in a position to
launch following an improvement in local Covid-related restrictions. The
product will 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.
New business
New business for H1 2022 was £64.9m on a Present Value of New Business
Premiums ("PVNBP") basis, down 14.9% over the comparative period ("H1 2021"),
reflecting the continuing challenges of Covid-19 restrictions around the world
and a general hesitancy by clients to commit to long-term savings products.
Financial performance
The Group's profit before tax under International Financial Reporting
Standards ("IFRS") of £1.9m for the period was £1.0m lower than the
comparative period profit of £2.9m.
The primary driver of this decrease arose from provisions made in full against
fees and other receivables totalling £1.0m following fair value impairments
to a range of funds currently in liquidation.
Consolidated fees and commissions were down marginally to £25.2m (H1 2021:
£25.6m). Costs were managed robustly during the period with administrative
costs excluding legal and bad debt provisions down £0.2m from H1 2021.
Capitalisation and solvency
The Group continues to be well capitalised to meet the requirements of
regulators, contract holders, intermediaries and other stakeholders. Free
assets in excess of the Solvency Capital Requirements of the Group were
£55.8m (166% coverage) (30 June 2021: £58.7m and 168%). We have maintained
our prudent investment policy for shareholder assets, which minimises market
risk and has provided a stable and resilient solvency position over recent
years.
Dividends
Taking into account the current financial position and future outlook, the
Board has resolved to maintain its interim dividend at 1.8p per share (H1
2021: 1.8p per share). This will be paid on 21 April 2022 with an
ex-dividend date of 10 March 2022.
Graeme Easton
Chairman
2 March 2022
INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT
REPORT OF THE GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
GRAHAM SHEWARD
Strategy implementation and new business distribution
The Group provides regular and single premium savings products to expatriate
and local clients around the world seeking access to a range of international
investments from a safe-haven jurisdiction where the product can typically
provide additional tax and inheritance planning advantages.
We continue to pursue our strategy of growing our business organically through
Independent Financial Advisor ("IFA") relationships and the pursuit of
targeted opportunities to improve our scale, either through new licences or
via new institutional strategic partnerships.
Our strategic focus for 2022 remains the delivery of two significant projects:
· Launching our new locally-licenced investment product in Japan
via regional banks, and
· Replacing our policy administration systems to support our next
generation of products whilst realising associated cost and efficiency gains.
Both of these projects are on track internally, although the challenges of the
Omicron Covid-19 variant, now prevalent, have delayed our new product launch
in Japan where travel and face-to-face contact have been constrained.
Covid-19
As reported in our 2021 Annual Report and Accounts, our business has operated
throughout the pandemic without any significant disruption to our corporate
systems or service.
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.
We have supported our IFA network by implementing 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.
In light of lower levels of new business being written by IFAs this year, a
number of actions are being taken. These include a targeted product campaign
initiated in December, the approval of a number of new brokers to add to our
distribution coverage, re-commencement of international travel to a number of
our key IFAs by our relationship managers and further leveraging of fintech
and automation initiatives.
Results for the period
IFRS profit for the period was £1.9m before tax (H1 2021: £2.9m). The
decrease in profit was primarily as a result of provisions made in full
against fees and other balances considered unlikely to be recoverable
following fair value impairments to a range of funds currently in liquidation.
A summary of the results for H1 2022 are as follows:
H1 2022 H1 2021
IFRS profit before tax £1.9m £2.9m
IFRS basic earnings per share 1.3p 2.0p
Interim dividend - to be paid on 21 April 2022 1.8p 1.8p
As at 31 December 2021 30 June 2021
Assets under Administration £1,230.2m £1,224.2m
Value of In-Force (regulatory basis) £140.6m £145.8m
The Value of In-Force ("VIF") on a regulatory basis at 31 December 2021 was
£140.6m as compared to £145.8m at 30 June 2021. VIF has decreased due to
dividend payments and lower new business volumes, offset by positive market
movements.
Details of the results for the period are contained in the Business and
Financial Review.
Capitalisation and solvency
A 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 remains well
capitalised.
The Group's Solvency Capital Requirements under risk based solvency
regulations basis have a coverage ratio of 166%, slightly down from the 30
June 2021 level of 168%. The Group's capital is typically held in a wide
range of deposit institutions and in highly-rated money market liquidity
funds.
Hansard Europe dac's ("Hansard Europe") capital is considered not available
for distribution until there is better clarity over the expected outcome of
the litigation against the company.
Hansard Europe dac ("Hansard Europe")
Hansard Europe was closed to new business in 2013 and the Group's objective is
to run the business off in an efficient and well managed manner. We continue
to meet the requirements of the company's policyholders, regulators and
stakeholders while utilising operational efficiencies through the use of
Hansard OnLine. The servicing of policy contracts and other administrative
operations are performed at the Group's head office on the Isle of Man.
Regulatory control and management of outsourced activities are exercised from
the company's offices in Dublin. The company remains strongly capitalised
with net assets of £16.8m.
We continue to deal with complaints in circumstances where a policyholder
believes that the performance of an asset linked to a particular contract is
not satisfactory. We do not give investment advice and are not party to the
selection of the asset and therefore we feel that we are justified in robustly
defending each complaint. Sometimes these complaints progress to threatened or
actual litigation with the resulting increase in cost and resource to the
Group. In many cases the litigation relates to decisions taken by individuals
during, or as a result of, the global financial crisis in 2007/2008.
We reported in our 2021 Annual Report that Hansard Europe was facing
litigation based on writs totalling £22.7m as a result of these and related
complaints. As at 31 December 2021, total writs were £22.4m.
We will continue to defend ourselves from all claims, considering early
settlement (without admission of liability) only where there is a clear
economic benefit. During the period cases totalling less than £0.1m were
settled.
We have previously noted that we expect a number of our larger claims to
ultimately be covered by our Group insurance cover. As a result, we expect
that a significant amount of the 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 £6m to £13m.
We also continue to pursue recovery of litigation defence costs attaching to
such cases.
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 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. It has been a strong factor in
facilitating the continued smooth operation of the business during the
Covid-19 pandemic. We were delighted to see this recognised as part of
winning International Investment's "Excellence in Fintech" award in October
2021.
As noted in our 2021 Annual Report, we continue to make good progress with our
project to replace our administration systems and ensure our infrastructure
remains fit for purpose for our next generation of products and strategic
development. Phase One of this project has delivered the functionality for
our Japanese product that is due to be launched. We expect the migration of
our existing business to the new system to take place on 1 January 2023.
Regulation and risk management
The pace, scale, and complexity of regulatory developments continues to evolve
and the Group devotes significant resources in this area to meet these
challenges.
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 period under review.
Dividend
The Board has resolved to pay an interim dividend of 1.8p per share (H1 2021:
1.8p). This dividend will be paid on 21 April 2022.
Our people
Our people are critical to our success. We have a dedicated dynamic
workforce across a number of locations around the world. During the past 12
months we have dedicated significant resources on culture and engagement and I
expect to see this position us positively for the future. I would like to
thank all of my colleagues for their continued commitment, flexibility and
resilience in a challenging environment.
We have a commitment to service and 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 2021 we won
"Excellence in Client Service - Industry" from International Investment for
the Asian region. We also maintained our five-star rating for customer
service by AKG Financial Analytics in their 2021 review.
Graham Sheward
Chief Executive Officer
2 March 2022
BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL REVIEW
1. BUSINESS MODEL
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
within secure insurance wrappers to meet long-term savings and investment
objectives. We administer assets in excess of £1 billion for just under
40,000 client accounts around the world.
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 Limited ("Hansard International") is regulated by the
Financial Services Authority of the Isle of Man Government. It has a branch in
Malaysia, regulated by the Labuan Financial Services Authority, and one in
Japan to support its Japanese proposition, regulated by the Japanese Financial
Services Agency.
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 provides local language-based support
services to financial advisors in key territories around the world, supported
by our multi-language online platform, Hansard OnLine.
2. 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 are actively testing
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.
3. 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 2021.
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, faster and more cost efficient 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.
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.
4. New business
PROPOSITION
The Group's proposition is to develop and enhance relationships with contract
holders and intermediaries through the use of our people, products and
technology in a way that meets shared objectives.
The results of activities in each region in H1 2022 are reported in the table
below.
New business performance for the six months ended 31 December 2021
New business for the first six months of our 2022 financial year ("H1 2022")
was £64.9m on a PVNBP basis, down 14.9% from the comparative period ("H1
2021"), reflecting the continuing challenges of Covid-19 restrictions around
the world and a hesitancy by clients to commit to long-term savings products.
New business flows for H1 2022 are summarised as follows:
Year
Six months ended ended
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Present value of New Business Premiums 64.9 76.3 173.0
Annualised Premium Equivalent 8.8 10.9 23.1
The following tables show the breakdown of new business flows calculated on
the basis of PVNBP:
Year ended
Six months ended
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
By type of contract £m £m £m
Regular premium 40.6 49.6 109.6
Single premium 24.3 26.7 63.4
64.9 76.3 173.0
Year ended
Six months ended
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
By geographical area £m £m £m
Middle East and Africa 22.6 28.6 68.3
Rest of World 20.6 24.3 50.7
Latin America 14.4 18.5 40.3
Far East 7.3 4.9 13.7
Total 64.9 76.3 173.0
PVNBP and other terms are defined in the Glossary contained within the Group's
annual financial statements, which are available from the Group's website
(www.hansard.com).
We continue to receive new business from a diverse range of financial advisors
around the world. The majority of new business premiums are denominated in US
dollars at approximately 81% (H1 2021: 78%), with approximately 15%
denominated in sterling (H1 2021: 17%), and the remainder in euro or other
currencies.
While the second quarter of the financial year saw an increase in new business
of 6.7% from the first quarter, the overall environment remained challenging
for investment and long-term savings plans, with new business for H1 2022 down
14.9% from H1 2021. Regular premium new business fell 18.1%, with single
premiums falling 9.0%.
The general experience across each region saw a reduction both in the number
of cases sold and in the quantity of high-value cases sold. New business in
Latin America was additionally impacted by a tightening of our business
acceptance criteria in parts of the region to better control the quality of
new business submissions.
The exception to the above was our Far East region which continued to show
recovery from a low base in 2021. As outlined in previous reports, our main
strategic focus in the Far East is to bring our new Japanese proposition to
market.
In light of the above experience, a number of actions are being taken to
improve new business levels, including a product campaign initiated with a
number of key brokers in December, the approval of a number of new brokers to
add to our distribution coverage, re-commencement of international travel to a
number of our key brokers by our relationship managers and further leveraging
of fintech and automation initiatives.
5. IFRS RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
The Group administers, and earns fees from, a portfolio of unit-linked
investment contracts distributed to contract holders around the world.
The nature of the Group's products means that new business flows have a
limited immediate impact on current earnings reported under 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.
The Group also continues to invest strategically for the future, particularly
in relation to new markets and new licensing opportunities.
Results under IFRS
Consolidated profit before taxation for the period was £1.9m (H1 2021:
£2.9m), with the reduction primarily arising from the provision in full of
fees and other balances likely to be irrecoverable from a set of funds which
are in the process of liquidation.
The following is a summary of key items to allow readers to better understand
the results of the period.
Abridged income STATEMENT
The condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income which is
presented within these half-year results reflects the financial results of the
Group's activities during the period under IFRS. This statement however, as a
result of its method of presentation, incorporates a number of features that
might affect a clearer understanding of the results of the Group's underlying
transactions. This relates principally to:
· Investment gains attributable to contract holder assets were
£22.4m (H1 2021: £98.0m). These assets are selected by the contract holder
or an authorised intermediary and the contract holder bears the investment
risk and 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 H1 2022 these were £2.9m (H1 2021: £2.7m). These are reflected on a gross
basis in both income and expenses under IFRS.
An abridged consolidated income statement is presented below, excluding the
items of income and expenditure indicated above.
Year
Six months ended ended
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Fees and commissions 22.4 22.9 45.2
Investment and other income 0.3 0.5 0.5
22.7 23.4 45.7
Origination costs (8.2) (8.4) (16.4)
Administrative and other expenses attributable to the
Group (11.2) (11.4) (22.5)
Operating profit for the period before litigation and non-recurring expense 3.3 3.6 6.8
items
Net litigation and non-recurring expense items (1.4) (0.7) (1.7)
Profit for the period before taxation 1.9 2.9 5.1
Taxation (0.1) (0.1) (0.2)
Profit for the period after taxation 1.8 2.8 4.9
Fees and commissions
Fees and commissions attributable to Group operations for H1 2022 were
£22.4m, marginally lower than £22.9m in H1 2021. A summary of fees and
commissions attributable to Group activities is set out below:
Six months Year ended
Ended
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Contract fee income 15.6 16.3 32.2
Fund management fees 4.2 4.2 8.3
Commissions receivable 2.6 2.4 4.7
22.4 22.9 45.2
Included in contract fee income is £8.3m (H1 2021: £8.6m) representing the
amounts prepaid in previous years and amortised to the income statement, as
can be seen in section 7 in the reconciliation of deferred income.
Net fund management fees, together with commissions receivable, totalling
£6.8m (H1 2021: £6.6m), are related to the value of contract holder Assets
under Administration ("AuA") but also have elements amortised from previous
periods.
Fees and commissions relating to Hansard Europe were £0.2m lower than the
prior period, reflecting its on-going run-off having closed to new business in
2013.
Investment and other income
Six months Year ended
Ended
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Bank interest and other income receivable 0.5 0.8 1.4
Foreign exchange losses on revaluation
of net operating assets (0.2) (0.3) (0.9)
0.3 0.5 0.5
The Group's own liquid assets are held predominantly in sterling and invested
in highly-rated money market funds and bank deposits.
Further information about the Group's foreign currency exposures is disclosed
in note 4.1 to these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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 life of that contract to match the longer-term
income streams expected to accrue from it. Typical terms range between 6 and
16 years, depending on the nature of the product. Other elements of the
Group's new business costs, which reflect investment in distribution resources
in line with our strategy, are expensed as incurred.
This accounting policy reflects that the Group will continue to earn income
over the long-term from contracts issued in a given financial year.
Origination costs in the period were:
Six months Year
Ended ended
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Origination costs - deferred to match future
income streams 6.3 8.6 16.9
Origination costs - expensed as incurred 1.1 1.2 2.3
Investment in new business in period 7.4 9.8 19.2
Net amortisation of deferred origination costs 0.8 (1.4) (2.8)
8.2 8.4 16.4
Reflecting the long-term nature of the Group's income streams, amounts
totaling £7.1m (H1 2021: £7.2m) have been expensed to match contract fee
income of £8.3m (H1 2021: £8.6m) earned in H1 2022 from contracts issued in
previous financial years. This reflects the profitability of the existing
book.
Origination costs incurred in H1 2021 have decreased as a result of lower
levels of new business.
Summarised origination costs for the period were:
Six months Year ended
Ended
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Amortisation of deferred origination costs 7.1 7.2 14.1
Other origination costs incurred during the period 1.1 1.2 2.3
8.2 8.4 16.4
Administrative and other expenses
We continue to manage our expense base robustly to control administrative
expenses while investing strategically in our systems infrastructure and our
Japanese proposition.
A summary of administrative and other expenses attributable to the Group is
set out below:
Six months Year
Ended Ended
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Salaries and other employment costs 5.7 5.6 11.0
Other administrative expenses 4.0 4.3 8.0
Professional fees, including audit 1.2 1.1 2.6
Recurring administrative and other expenses 10.9 11.0 21.6
Growth investment spend 0.3 0.4 0.9
Administrative and other expenses,
excl. litigation and non-recurring expense items 11.2 11.4 22.5
Net litigation defence and settlement costs 0.6 0.9 1.9
Provision for doubtful debts 0.8 (0.2) (0.2)
Total administrative and other expenses 12.6 12.1 24.2
Salaries and other employment costs have increased marginally by £0.1m over
the comparative period to £5.7m. The average Group headcount for H1 2022 was
189 compared to 191 for the full 2021 financial year. Headcount at 31
December 2021 was 187.
Other administrative expenses have decreased by £0.3m over the comparative
period to £4.0m. The decrease is driven by a number of general cost control
savings implemented across recurring administration expenses, together with a
credit of £0.2m relating to credit card subsidy costs.
Professional fees including audit (excluding litigation defence costs) have
increased marginally by £0.1m over the comparative period to £1.2m.
Growth investment spend of £0.3m represents internal and external costs to
generate opportunities for growth. This includes the costs of our head office
strategy team and development costs associated with our Japanese proposition.
Litigation costs in defending claims against Hansard Europe of £0.6m for the
period were lower than H1 2021 as a provision of £0.3m was made at 31
December 2020 for expected future settlements. No further strengthening of
this provision was required in H1 2022.
Provision for doubtful debts primarily reflects the provision in full for fees
and other balances considered unlikely to be recoverable following fair value
impairments to a range of funds currently in liquidation.
6. CASH FLOW ANALYSIS
The sale of the Group's products typically produces an initial cash strain as
a result of the commission and other costs incurred at inception of a
contract.
The following summarises the Group's own cash flows in the period:
Six months Year ended
Ended
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Net cash surplus from operating activities 11.5 11.5 23.8
Interest received 0.1 0.2 0.4
Net cash inflow from operations 11.6 11.7 24.2
Net cash investment in new business (6.4) (8.3) (16.5)
Purchase of software, computer equipment and property (1.6) (1.9) (3.8)
Corporation tax paid (0.1) (0.1) (0.3)
Net cash inflow before dividends 3.5 1.4 3.6
Dividends paid (3.6) (3.6) (6.1)
Net cash outflow after dividends (0.1) (2.2) (2.5)
Cash flows from operating activities was consistent with H1 2022. Initial
new business cash strain is shown within "net cash investment in new business"
and varies depending on the level and type of new business written. £1.6m
was spent during the period primarily on the project to upgrade the Group's IT
infrastructure.
The factors described above, together with the payment of our final dividend
for 2021, led to a net cash outflow of £0.1m (H1 2021: £2.2m outflow) in the
Group's own cash resources since 1 July 2021. The Group continues to
maintain significant cash reserves to cover short-term outflows during this
period of strategic investment.
Six months ended Year ended
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Net cash outflow after dividends (0.1) (2.2) (2.5)
Increase/ (decrease) in amounts due to contract holders 8.8 (0.7) 3.6
Net Group cash movements 8.7 (2.9) 1.1
Group cash - opening position 63.5 60.8 60.8
Effect of exchange rate movements (0.2) 1.1 1.6
Group cash - closing position 72.0 59.0 63.5
Bank deposits and money market funds
The Group's liquid assets at the balance sheet date are held in highly-rated
money market liquidity funds and with a wide range of deposit institutions,
predominantly in sterling. This approach protects the Group's capital base
from stock market falls.
Deposits totalling £6.8m (H1 2021: £12.2m) have original maturity dates
greater than 3 months and are therefore excluded from the definition of "cash
and cash equivalents" under IFRS.
The following table summarises the total shareholder cash and deposits at the
balance sheet date.
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Money market funds 61.7 38.0 52.6
Short-term deposits with credit institutions 3.5 8.8 4.1
Cash and cash equivalents under IFRS 65.2 46.8 56.7
Longer-term deposits with credit institutions 6.8 12.2 6.8
Group cash and deposits 72.0 59.0 63.5
7. Abridged consolidated balance sheet
The condensed consolidated balance sheet presented under IFRS reflects the
financial position of the Group at 31 December 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 £1,230.2m
(31 December 2020: £1,167.0m). 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. Additional factors impacting upon the Group's capital
position at the balance sheet date are summarised in section 8 of this Review.
As at 31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Assets
Deferred origination costs 124.3 123.7 125.1
Other assets 16.3 15.6 15.2
Bank deposits and money market funds 72.0 59.0 63.5
212.6 198.3 203.8
Liabilities
Deferred income 144.5 139.7 142.5
Other payables 45.2 33.5 36.6
189.7 173.2 179.1
Net assets 22.9 25.1 24.7
Shareholders' equity
Share capital and reserves 22.9 25.1 24.7
Deferred origination costs
The deferral of origination costs ("DOC") 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 table below shows lower origination costs deferred during the period as a
result of lower levels of new business sold compared to last year.
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
At beginning of financial year 125.1 122.3 122.3
Origination costs deferred during the period 6.3 8.6 16.9
Origination costs amortised during the period (7.1) (7.2) (14.1)
124.3 123.7 125.1
Deferred income
The treatment of deferred income ensures that initial 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 period relate 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 period is summarised below.
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
At beginning of financial year 142.5 137.8 137.8
Initial fees collected in the period and deferred 10.3 10.5 21.4
Income amortised during the period to fee income (8.3) (8.6) (16.7)
144.5 139.7 142.5
8. Assets under administration
In the following paragraphs, AuA refers to net assets held to cover financial
liabilities as analysed in note 13 to the condensed 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 charges, withdrawals, premium holidays
affecting regular premium policies and by market valuation movements.
The majority of premium contributions and AuA are designated in currencies
other than sterling, reflecting the wide geographical spread of those contract
holders. The currency denomination of AuA at 31 December 2021 is similar to
that of 31 December 2020 and consists of approximately 68% denominated in US
dollars, 21% in sterling and 9% denominated in euro, as reflected in note 4.1
to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
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 following table summarises Group AuA movements for H1 2022:
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Deposits to investment contracts - regular premiums 43.3 42.3 84.7
Deposits to investment contracts - single premiums 24.6 26.7 64.1
Withdrawals from contracts and charges (83.7) (78.2) (167.2)
Effect of market and currency movements 21.8 95.7 162.1
Movement in period 6.0 86.5 143.7
Opening balance 1,224.2 1,080.5 1,080.5
Closing balance 1,230.2 1,167.0 1,224.2
Group AuA increased to £1,230.2m during H1 2022, an increase of £6.0m from
the position at 30 June 2021, reflective of positive global stock markets
during the period.
The analysis of AuA held by each Group subsidiary to cover financial
liabilities is as follows:
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Hansard International 1,146.1 1,074.2 1,134.8
Hansard Europe 84.1 92.8 89.4
1,230.2 1,167.0 1,224.2
Premiums acquired by Hansard Worldwide are reinsured to 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 withdrawals are made or
contracts mature.
9. CAPITALISATION AND SOLVENCY
The Group's life insurance subsidiaries continue to be well capitalised with
free assets in excess of the regulatory requirements in each relevant
jurisdiction. There has been no material change in the Group's management of
capital during the period.
Solvency capital is a combination of future margins, where permitted by
regulation, and capital. Where future margins are denominated in non-sterling
currencies, it is vulnerable to the weakening of those currencies relative to
sterling. All of the Group's excess capital is invested in a wide range of
deposit institutions and highly-rated money market liquidity funds,
predominantly in sterling. This approach protects the Group's capital base
from stock market falls.
The in-force portfolio has no material investment options or guarantees that
could cause capital strain and retains very little of the mortality risk that
it has accepted (the balance being reinsured with premium reinsurers). There
is no longevity risk exposure.
Policy on capital maintenance
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;
· generate operating cash flows; and
· fund 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
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 section 11 below are substantially resolved.
10. DIVIDENDS
A final dividend of 2.65p per share in relation to the previous financial year
was paid in November 2021. This amounted to £3.6m.
The Board has considered the results for H1 2022, the Group's continued cash
flow generation and its future expectations and has resolved to pay an interim
dividend of 1.8p per share (H1 2021: 1.8p). This dividend will be paid on 21
April 2022.
11. complaints and potential litigation
The Group continues to deal with contract holder complaints, principally in
relation to asset performance issues arising from contract holders resident in
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.
Some of these complaints escalate into litigation. As at the date of the 2021
Annual Report, the Group faced litigation based on writs totalling €26.5m or
£22.7m. The corresponding figure as at 31 December 2021 was €26.7m or
£22.4m (31 December 2020: €27.4m or £24.6m). The increase since 30 June
2021 was driven primarily by a reduction in the fair value of investment
assets backing the claims. Between 31 December 2021 and the date of this
report, there have been no material changes.
We expect that a significant amount of the £22.4m of contingent liabilities
referred to above would be covered by insurance should those cases be ruled
against us. As of 31 December 2021, we continue to estimate coverage to be
in the range of £6m to £13m.
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 18 to the condensed consolidated
financial statements.
12. Net asset value per shaRE
The net asset value per share on an IFRS basis at 31 December 2021 is 16.7p
(31 December 2020: 18.2p) based on the net assets in the consolidated balance
sheet divided by the number of shares in issue, being 137,557,079 ordinary
shares (31 December 2020: 137,557,079).
13. Risk Management
As with all businesses, the Group is exposed to risk in pursuit of its
objectives. The Board has overall responsibility for the Group's system of
risk management and internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness. The
schedule of powers reserved to the Board ensures that the Directors are
responsible for determining, evaluating and controlling the nature and extent
of the principal risks which the Board is willing to take in achieving its
strategic objectives and the Board oversees the strategies for principal risks
that have been identified.
The Executive Management Team works within the risk appetite established by
the Board and the governance, risk management and internal control
arrangements which constitute the Group Enterprise Risk Management ("ERM")
Programme.
Having regard to the Financial Reporting Council's 'Guidance on Risk
Management, Internal Control and Related Financial and Business Reporting',
the ERM Programme 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 compliance with applicable laws and regulations
and also with internal policies with respect to 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.
Risk management processes are undertaken on both a bottom-up and top-down
basis. The top-down aspect involves the Board assessing, analysing and
evaluating what it believes to be the principal 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. A review of the Group ERM Framework has
been completed during H1 of the 2022 Financial Year. The primary objectives of
the review have been:
· To update and enhance the evidencing and demonstration of risk
ownerships, ensuring responsibilities and accountabilities for risk management
and risk-based decision making are further embedded within working practices
· To identify opportunities for additional refinement of the
mechanics of the ERM Framework
· To update Management Risk Committee structures, building on core
aspects of the Group Culture Programme and its alignment with the objectives
and principles of effective risk management
· To understand the impacts of changes in the internal and external
environments, which might contribute to the need for change
· To create clearer and more dynamic interfaces between the
governance, risk management and internal control conventions of the ERM
Framework and those constituting the Group and subsidiary Own Risk and
Solvency Assessment cycles
· To support Board oversight of the effective operation of the ERM
Framework and its embedding across the Business
The resultant changes will take effect from 1 January 2022 and include the
establishment of a 'Group Risk Forum', which replaces the pre-existing
Executive Risk Committee.
The system of internal control is designed to manage rather than eliminate
risk of failure to achieve business objectives and can only provide reasonable
and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.
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 contract 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 precise 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 4 to the
condensed consolidated financial statements.
A comprehensive review of risk management and internal control, including the
principal risks and uncertainties facing the business and the Group's approach
to managing these risks and uncertainties, is outlined on pages 20 to 27 of
the 2021 Annual Report. These principal risks and uncertainties have not
changed materially since the 2021 Annual Report was published.
In relation to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Group ERM Framework has continued to
enable the Board to take decisive and informed decisions in response to the
risks presented to the Group, its employees, customers and wider stakeholder
groups. Pandemic-specific business continuity planning and the inherent
strength of the Group's systems infrastructure have remained robust and
resilient throughout the residual uncertainties inherent in the Pandemic
environment at local and international levels.
Established ERM protocols have supported continuous monitoring of operational
performance, customer and intermediary impacts and the potential consequences
of market volatilities and related stresses to global economies. Operational
and Executive Risk Committee Meetings have maintained close scrutiny of these
monitoring activities during H1 of the Financial Year with formal reporting to
the Group and subsidiary Boards.
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 period ended 31 December 2021 have continued to specifically consider the
impacts, uncertainties and any emerging risks.
Risk Risk Factors and management
Market Risk: While the Group does not invest shareholder funds in assets subject to any
significant market risk, the Group's earnings and profitability are influenced
by the performance of contract holder assets and the fees derived from their
value. Significant changes in equity markets and interest rates can adversely
Arising from major market stresses, or fluctuation in market variables, affect fee income earned.
resulting in falls in equity or other asset values, currency movements or a
combined scenario manifesting In addition, the Group operates internationally and earns income in a range of
different currencies, 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, custody and other counterparties, the Group is exposed
to the risk of financial loss and potential disruption of core business
functional and operational processes.
Arising from the failure of a counterparty
Financial loss can also arise when the funds invested in by contract holders
become illiquid resulting in past and future fee income not being received.
The failure of Independent Financial Agents (IFAs) can also result in loss
where unearned commissions can be due back to the Group.
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 or settle its obligations as they fall due, the Group may
be in default of its obligations and may incur significant sanction, loss or
cost to rectify the position.
Arising from a failure to maintain an adequate level of liquidity to meet
financial obligations under both planned and stressed conditions How we manage the risk:
· 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 Risk: The scale and pace of change in regulatory and supervisory environments,
including the continued emergence of new and/or updated compliance obligations
and data submissions pre-date the pandemic environment. Changes to rule sets
and supervisory expectations have gathered pace with the easing of pandemic
Arising from changes in the regulatory landscape, which adversely impact the related restrictions, requiring efficient and effective ways to evidence and
Group's business model, or from a failure by the Group, or one of its demonstrate how compliance obligations are met, whilst compliance analytics
subsidiary entities, to meet its legal, regulatory or contractual obligations, and high-quality data driven insights are becoming increasingly important.
resulting in the risk of loss or the imposition of penalties, damages or fines
The direction of regulatory travel and the bridges now firmly established
between prudential and conduct risk demand renewed attention 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 Crime Risk: The Board has remained cognisant of the potential for an increase in
fraudulent activity due to Covid-19, fuelled by the exploitation of economic
stimulus schemes and any temporary adjustment to control environments -
contingent with industry level transition to and reliance upon remote working
Arising from the potential increase in fraud and deception activity due to arrangements. The recessionary environment and increased pressures on
Covid-19 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 continuous change as new market and competitor forces
come into effect and as technology continues to evolve. Hansard may be unable
to maintain competitive advantage in commercially significant jurisdictions,
Arising from market changes, technological advancement, loss of key or market segments, or be unable to build and sustain successful distribution
intermediary relationships or competitor activity 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 customer outcomes, or to market integrity, can be expected to
result in material detriment to the achievement of strategic objectives and
could incur regulatory censure, financial penalty, contract holder litigation
Arising from any failure of governance, risk management and internal control and / or reputational damage.
arrangements, via corporate or individual actions, leading to customer
detriment
How we manage the risk:
· Enhancements to 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 Risk: The Covid-19 pandemic has clearly demonstrated the scale and speed with which
disruptive operational risk events might impact the availability of important
(emerging risk) business services and cause wide-ranging harm to customers, stakeholders,
individual firms, financial market infrastructures and the financial sector as
a whole.
Arising from any exposure to risk events with the capacity to cause
operational failures or wide scale disruptions in financial markets
Regulators across the UK, EU and US are moving 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 and Cyber Risk: The mounting sophistication and persistence of cybercrime and the growing
adoption of highly advanced, nation-state type tools by cyber criminals,
underscore the challenges that both regulators and the industry face in
understanding and anticipating the nature of cyber threats they will face
Arising from the increased digitalisation of business activities and reliance next. Simultaneously the pandemic has served to accelerate the efforts of
upon technology 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 and Governance (ESG) Risk: Climate Change Risk and broader ESG considerations are well marked on
international regulatory agendas. The global economy continues to be
(emerging risk) threatened by the impacts of the Covid-19 crisis and the World Economic Forum
(WEF) anticipates geopolitical stability to remain critically fragile over the
next five to ten years. Climate-related issues make up the bulk of the WEF's
2021 Global Risks Perception Survey. However, infectious diseases sit at the
Arising from a failure to anticipate and respond to emerging sustainability top of their impact list - recognising that the immediate human and economic
risks or successfully integrate ESG considerations and policy positions into costs of Covid-19 are severe, threatening to scale back years of progress on
strategy and business planning 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 and Cultural Risk: Delivery of the Group's strategy has core dependencies on attracting and
retaining experienced and high-performing management and staff and building a
strong and sustainable culture, driven by our purpose, our leadership, our
performance management regime and our governance principles and objectives.
Arising from any failure to drive and support the right corporate culture and
attract, 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, shape strategy and inform tactical solutions.
· Establishment of a 'Culture Programme' with clearly defined
workstreams and timebound deliveries targeting business fundamentals including
learning and innovation, leadership and communication and performance
management. These are in active progress led by the Executive Management Team
with oversight by the HG plc Board
Further detail around financial risks is outlined in note 4 (Financial Risk
Management) to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Statement of Directors' responsibilities
The Directors, whose names are reflected on the Company's website,
www.hansard.com, confirm that, to the best of their knowledge, this condensed
set of consolidated interim financial statements has been prepared in
accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the United Kingdom and that the interim
management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR
4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8, namely:
• An indication of important events that have occurred during the
first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed
consolidated financial statements, and a description of the principal risks
and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year; and
• Material related party transactions in the first six months and
any material changes in the related party transactions described in the last
annual report.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the
corporate and financial information included on the Company's
website. Legislation in the Isle of Man governing the preparation and
dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other
jurisdictions.
By order of the Board
G M Easton G Sheward
Non-executive Chief Executive Officer
Chairman
2 March 2022
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Year
Six months ended ended
31 December 31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
Notes £m £m £m
Fees and commissions 6 25.2 25.6 50.5
Investment and other operating income 22.7 98.5 164.2
47.9 124.1 214.7
Change in provisions for investment contract liabilities (22.4) (98.0) (163.7)
Origination costs (8.2) (8.4) (16.4)
Administrative and other expenses 7 (15.4) (14.8) (29.5)
(46.0) (121.2) (209.6)
Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 1.9 2.9 5.1
Taxation on profit on ordinary activities 8 (0.1) (0.1) (0.2)
Profit and total comprehensive income for
the period after taxation 1.8 2.8 4.9
Earnings Per Share
Year
Six months ended ended
31 December 31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
Note (p) (p) (p)
Basic 9 1.3 2.0 3.6
Diluted 9 1.3 2.0 3.6
The notes on pages 30 to 47 form an integral part of these condensed financial
statements.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
Share Other Retained
Capital reserves earnings Total
Note £m £m £m £m
Shareholders' equity at 1 July 2020 68.8 (48.3) 5.4 25.9
Profit and total comprehensive income
for the period after taxation - - 2.8 2.8
Transactions with owners
Dividends 10 - - (3.6) (3.6)
Shareholders' equity at 31 December 2020 68.8 (48.3) 4.6 25.1
Share Other Retained
Capital reserves earnings Total
Note £m £m £m £m
Shareholders' equity at 1 July 2021 68.8 (48.3) 4.2 24.7
Profit and total comprehensive income
for the period after taxation - - 1.8 1.8
Transactions with owners
Dividends 10 - - (3.6) (3.6)
Shareholders' equity at 31 December 2021 68.8 (48.3) 2.4 22.9
The notes on pages 30 to 47 form an integral part of these condensed financial
statements.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
31 December 31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
Notes £m £m £m
Assets
Intangible assets 11 10.7 7.8 9.2
Property, plant and equipment 11 3.0 3.2 3.3
Deferred origination costs 12 124.3 123.7 125.1
Financial investments
Measured at fair value:
Equity securities 66.4 50.8 58.0
Collective investment schemes 1,028.3 972.2 1,033.1
Fixed income securities 50.4 56.6 57.5
Measured at amortised cost:
Deposits and money market funds 93.6 101.1 84.2
Other receivables 2.3 4.6 2.7
Cash and cash equivalents 65.2 46.8 56.7
Total assets 1,444.2 1,366.8 1,429.8
Liabilities
Financial liabilities under investment contracts 13 1,230.2 1,167.0 1,224.2
Deferred income 14 144.5 139.7 142.5
Amounts due to investment contract holders 36.4 23.2 27.4
Other payables 15 10.2 11.8 11.0
Total liabilities 1,421.3 1,341.7 1,405.1
Net assets 22.9 25.1 24.7
Shareholders' equity
Called up share capital 16 68.8 68.8 68.8
Other reserves (48.3) (48.3) (48.3)
Retained earnings 2.4 4.6 4.2
Total shareholders' equity 22.9 25.1 24.7
The notes on pages 30 to 47 form an integral part of these condensed financial
statements.
The condensed financial statements on pages 26 to 47 were approved by the
Board on 2 March 2022 and signed on its behalf by:
G
Sheward
T N Davies
Director
Director
Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
Year ended
Six months ended
31 December 31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Cash flow from operating activities
Profit before tax for the period 1.9 2.9 5.1
Adjustments for:
Depreciation 0.3 0.4 0.9
Dividends receivable (2.9) (2.5) (5.7)
Interest receivable (0.1) (0.2) (0.4)
Foreign exchange losses/(gains) 0.2 (1.1) (1.6)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Decrease in other receivables 0.4 0.6 2.5
Dividends received 2.9 2.5 5.7
Interest received 0.1 0.1 0.3
Decrease/(increase) in deferred origination costs 0.8 (1.4) (2.8)
Increase in deferred income 2.0 1.9 4.7
Increase/(decrease) in creditors 8.4 (0.5) 3.1
Increase in financial investments (5.9) (77.4) (135.3)
Increase in financial liabilities 6.0 86.5 149.6
Cash flow from operations 14.1 11.8 26.1
Corporation tax paid (0.1) (0.1) (0.3)
Net cash from operations after taxation 14.0 11.7 25.8
Cash flows from investing activities
Investment in intangible assets (1.6) (1.9) (3.8)
Proceeds from sale of investments 0.1 0.1 0.1
Purchase of investments - - (0.1)
Cash flows used in investing activities (1.5) (1.8) (3.8)
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid (3.6) (3.6) (6.1)
Principal elements of lease liabilities (0.2) (0.2) (0.4)
Cash flows used in financing activities (3.8) (3.8) (6.5)
Net increase in cash and cash
equivalents 8.7 6.1 15.5
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 56.7 39.6 39.6
Effect of exchange rate changes (0.2) 1.1 1.6
Cash and cash equivalents at period end 65.2 46.8 56.7
The notes on pages 30 to 47 form an integral part of these condensed financial
statements.
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
1 General information
Hansard Global plc ("the Company") is a limited liability company,
incorporated in the Isle of Man, who 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 subsidiaries include
the transaction of life assurance business and related activities.
The Company has its primary listing on the London Stock Exchange.
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements are unaudited and do
not include all of the information required for a complete set of financial
statements prepared in accordance with IFRS Standards. Selected explanatory
notes are included to explain events and transactions that are significant to
an understanding of the changes in the Group's financial position and
performance since the last annual financial statements. The condensed
consolidated interim financial statements were approved by the Board of
Directors on 2 March 2022.
The Board of Directors approved the Group's statutory financial statements for
the year ended 30 June 2021 on 22 September 2021. The report of the
independent auditor on those financial statements was unmodified and did not
contain an emphasis of matter paragraph.
2 Basis of presentation
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the half-year
ended 31 December 2021 have been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure
and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority ("DTR") and with IAS
34 "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted by the United Kingdom ("UK"). The
condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended 30 June
2021, which were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards as adopted by the UK.
The condensed consolidated interim 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.
Except where otherwise stated, all figures included in the condensed
consolidated interim financial statements are stated in pounds sterling, which
is also the functional currency of the Company, rounded to the nearest hundred
thousand pounds.
The following new standards, amendments and interpretations are in issue but
not yet effective for these financial statements and have not been early
adopted by the Group. The following amended standards are not expected to have
a material impact on the Group's reported results:
• Onerous Contracts - Cost of Fulfilling a Contract (Amendments to IAS
37) - effective from January 2022
• 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
• 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
• Amendments to IFRS17 - effective from January 2023
• Disclosure of Accounting Policies (Amendments to IAS1 and IFRS
Practice Statement 2) - effective from January 2023
• Definition of Accounting Estimate (Amendments to IAS 8)
• Deferred Tax related Asset and Liabilities Arising from a Single
Transaction - Amendments to IAS 12 Income Taxes - effective 1 January 2023
• Sale or Contribution of Assets between and Investor and its
Associate or Joint Ventures (Amendments to FRS 10 and IAS 28)
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 reported results.
Going Concern
As shown within the Business and Financial Review, the Group's capital
position is strong and well 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 condensed 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 Directors expect the acquisition of new business will continue to be
challenging throughout the remainder of the financial year. 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.
· 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.
3 Principal accounting policies
As required by the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct
Authority, this condensed set of consolidated financial statements has been
prepared applying the accounting policies and standards that were applied, and
the critical accounting estimates and judgements in applying them, in the
preparation of the Group's published consolidated financial statements for the
year ended 30 June 2021, except as disclosed in note 4.2. The published
consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2021 can be
accessed on the Company's website: www.hansard.com (http://www.hansard.com) .
4 Financial risk management
Risk management objectives and risk policies
The Group's operations expose it to a variety of financial risks. 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. The
Group's exposure is limited to the extent that certain fees and commission
income are based on the value of assets in the unit-linked funds. 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. Information concerning the operation of the
ERM framework to manage financial and other risks is contained within the
Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2021, and particularly in note
3 thereto, "Financial risk management".
The more significant financial risks to which the Group is exposed, and an
estimate of the potential financial impact of each on the Group's IFRS
earnings, are set out below. For each category of risk, the Group determines
its risk appetite and sets its investment, treasury and associated policies
accordingly.
4.1 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 markets, as mentioned above).
Financial assets and liabilities to support Group capital resources held
outside 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 movement
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
policyholders.
(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 31 December 2021 was £1,145.1m (31 December 2020: £1,079.6m).
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 annual 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 £1.7m (H1 2021: £1.7m).
(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.
Taking into account the proportion of Group funds held on longer-term,
fixed-rate deposits, a change of 1% p.a. in interest rates will result in an
increase or decrease of approximately £0.7m (H1 2021: £0.6m) 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 4.3.
(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 frequent repatriation 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:
31 December
2021 2021 2021 2020 2020 2020
US$m €m ¥m US$m €m ¥m
Gross assets 21.0 11.5 226.3 16.6 5.3 190.6
Matching currency liabilities (18.6) (10.1) (186.6) (13.1) (4.5) (130.9)
Uncovered currency
Exposures 2.4 1.4 39.7 3.5 0.8 59.6
Sterling equivalent of
exposures (£m) 1.7 1.2 0.3 2.8 0.8 0.4
The approximate effect of a 5% change in the value of US dollars to sterling
is £0.1m (H1 2021: £0.1m); in the value of the euro to sterling is £0.1m
(H1 2021: less than £0.1m); and in the value of the yen to sterling is less
than £0.1m (H1 2021: less than £0.1m).
(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% (H1 2021: 68%); sterling: 21% (H1
2021: 21%); euro: 9% (H1 2021: 10%); other: 2% (H1 2021: 1%).
4.2 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 the balance sheet date, 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.
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
respectively. 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.
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Deposits with credit institutions and investments in unitised money market
funds
(Based on Standards & Poor's ratings)
AAA 34.2 18.2 30.1
AA- to AA+ 3.0 - 2.9
A- To A+ 8.0 19.4 9.1
Cash at bank 26.8 21.4 21.4
Group cash and deposits 72.0 59.0 63.5
Financial assets held at amortised cost, 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 period is
less than £0.1m (H1 2021: less than £0.1m).
There have been no changes in the assets in the period ended 31 December 2021
attributable to changes in credit risk (31 December 2020: nil).
At the balance sheet date, an analysis of the Group's shareholder cash
balances was as follows:
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Longer term deposits with credit institutions 6.8 12.2 6.8
Cash and cash equivalents under IFRS 65.2 46.8 56.7
72.0 59.0 63.5
The increase in cash and cash equivalents is as a result of the Group changing
its accounting policy with regards to the recognition of cash and cash
equivalents to better present its financial position. Cash and cash
equivalents are now recognised on receipt prior to investment to contract
holder funds. There is an equal increase recorded within contract holder
amounts payable.
4.3 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's objective is to ensure that it has sufficient liquidity over short
(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 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.
4.4 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.
4.4.1 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.
4.5 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 the Directors.
Due to the linked nature of the contracts administered by the Group's
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 condensed 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 tables analyse the Group's financial assets and liabilities at
fair value through profit or loss, at 31 December 2021:
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss £m £m £m £m
Equity securities 66.4 - - 66.4
Collective investment schemes 1,023.7 - 4.6 1,028.3
Fixed income securities, bonds and structured notes - 43.3 7.1 50.4
1,090.1 43.3 11.7 1,145.1
All other financial assets and liabilities are designated as held at amortised
cost which approximates to fair value.
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
£m £m £m £m
Financial liabilities at fair value
through profit or loss - 1,230.2 - 1,230.2
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 or loss.
The following tables analyse the Group's financial assets and liabilities at
fair value through profit or loss, at 30 June 2021:
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss £m £m £m £m
Equity securities 50.8 - - 50.8
Collective investment schemes 1,026.1 - 7.0 1,033.1
Fixed income securities, bonds and structured notes - 52.3 5.2 57.5
1,084.1 52.3 12.2 1,148.6
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
£m £m £m £m
Financial liabilities at fair value
through profit or loss - 1,224.2 - 1,224.2
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 unobservable input Sensitivity to changes in unobservable inputs
Suspended assets £4.6m (30 June 2021: £7.0m) Latest available information including or such as net asset values (NAV) or Discount factor and NAV. If the NAV was higher/lower, the fair value would be higher/lower.
other communication received
If the discount factor was higher/lower, the fair value would be lower/higher.
Bonds and structured notes £43.3m (30 June 2021: £52.3m) Market comparison/ discounted cash flow: The fair value is estimated Not applicable Not applicable.
considering:
(Level 2).
(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.
A reconciliation between opening and closing balances of Level 3 assets is
presented in the table below:
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Opening balance 12.2 18.8 16.6
Unrealised losses (1.9) (5.0) (1.7)
Transfers in to level 3 2.3 - 2.3
Transfers out of level 3 (0.3) - (0.3)
Purchases, sales, issues and settlements (0.6) (2.9) (7.8)
Closing balance 11.7 10.9 12.2
During the period under review, £2.3m of assets were transferred into Level
3, reflecting that the value of these assets were no longer based on
observable market data or inputs. Separately £0.3m of assets were transferred
out of Level 3 as they were again able to be valued based on observable market
data or inputs. Unrealised losses include additional fair value impairments
to a range of assets in liquidation which have resulted in £1.0m of bad debt
provisions being made to fees and other receivables as shown in note 7.
5 Segmental information
Disclosure of operating segments in these condensed consolidated 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 in relation to
the Republic of Ireland 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. NICC is a measure
of the value of new in-force business and top-ups on existing single premium
contracts. NICC is the total 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 during the period as set out in section 5 of the Business
and Financial Review.
Six months ended Year ended
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Middle East and Africa 1.3 2.2 4.7
Latin America 1.6 2.1 3.8
Rest of World 0.9 0.7 1.4
Far East 0.3 0.3 0.8
Net issued compensation credit 4.1 5.3 10.7
Other commission costs paid to third parties 1.9 2.7 5.3
Enhanced unit allocations 0.7 0.9 1.7
Direct origination costs during the period 6.7 8.9 17.7
Revenues and expenses allocated to geographical locations contained in
sections 5.1 to 5.4 below, reflect the revenues and expenses generated in or
incurred by the legal entities in those locations.
5.1 Geographical analysis of fees and commissions by origin
Six months ended Year ended
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Isle of Man 23.5 23.7 46.8
Republic of Ireland 1.4 1.6 3.0
The Bahamas * 0.3 0.3 0.7
25.2 25.6 50.5
* 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.
5.2 Geographical analysis of profit/(loss) before taxation
Six months ended Year ended
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Isle of Man 1.7 3.0 5.5
Republic of Ireland (0.1) (0.4) (1.0)
The Bahamas 0.3 0.3 0.6
1.9 2.9 5.1
5.3 Geographical analysis of gross assets
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Isle of Man * 1,329.2 1,247.3 1,314.1
Republic of Ireland 112.3 118.2 114.0
The Bahamas 2.7 1.3 1.7
1,444.2 1,366.8 1,429.8
* Includes assets held in the Isle of Man in connection with policies
written in The Bahamas. As at 31 December 2021 these amounted to £131.3m (31
December 2020: £78.4m).
5.4 Geographical analysis of gross liabilities
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Isle of Man 1,192.1 1,161.1 1,194.5
Republic of Ireland 96.7 101.7 98.2
The Bahamas 132.5 78.9 112.4
1,421.3 1,341.7 1,405.1
6 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.
Six months ended Year ended
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Contract fee income 15.6 16.4 32.2
Fund management fees 7.0 6.8 13.6
Commission receivable 2.6 2.4 4.7
25.2 25.6 50.5
7 Administrative and other expenses
Included in Administrative and other expenses are the following:
Year ended
Six months ended
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Auditors' remuneration
- Fees payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of the Company's 0.1 0.1 0.1
annual accounts
- Fees payable for the audit of the Company's subsidiaries pursuant to 0.2 0.2 0.3
legislation
- Other services provided to the Group - 0.1 -
Employee costs 5.7 5.8 11.4
Directors' fees 0.2 0.2 0.4
Fund management fees 2.9 2.7 4.9
Renewal and other commission 0.4 0.4 0.3
Professional and other fees 1.6 1.5 3.8
Litigation defence and settlement costs 0.6 0.9 1.9
Provisions for doubtful debts 1.0 0.3 0.5
Licences and maintenance fees 1.1 1.0 2.0
Insurance costs 0.5 0.6 1.0
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 0.3 0.4 0.9
Communications 0.1 0.2 0.4
8 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 H1 2022 was £0.1m (H1 2021:
£0.1m). Corporation tax is charged on any profits arising at the following
rates depending on location of the company or branch:
Isle of Man 0% (2021: 0%)
Republic of Ireland 12.5% (2021: 12.5%)
Japan 23.2% (2021: 23.2%)
Labuan 24% (2021: 24%)
The Bahamas 0% (2021: 0%)
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.
9 Earnings per share
Six months ended Year ended
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
Profit after tax (£m) 1.8 2.8 4.9
Weighted average number of shares in issue (millions) 137.6 137.6 137.6
Earnings per share in pence 1.3p 2.0p 3.6p
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
1.3 pence per share (H1 2021: 2.0p).
10 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
period:
Year ended
Six months ended 31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
Per share Total Per share Total Per share Total
p £m p £m p £m
Final dividend paid 2.65 3.6 2.65 3.6 2.65 3.6
Interim dividend paid - - - - 1.80 2.5
2.65 3.6 2.65 3.6 4.45 6.1
The Board have resolved to pay an interim dividend of 1.8p per share. This
amounts to £2.4m and will be paid on 21 April 2022 to shareholders on the
register at 11 March 2022.
11 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.
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Intangible assets 10.7 7.8 9.2
The increase in computer software relates to capitalised costs associated with
the development of a replacement policy administration system. The first
segment of this development is expected to be put into use during 2022, at
which point amortisation will commence over its estimated expected life.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment includes both tangible fixed assets and 'right
of use assets' recognised in accordance with IFRS 16.
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Property, plant and equipment 0.9 0.6 0.9
Right of use assets 2.1 2.6 2.4
3.0 3.2 3.3
IFRS 16 - Leases
During the period to 31 December 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 31 December 2021
was 4%.
The recognition of the right-of-use asset represents an increase in the
property, plant and equipment figure of £2.1m (31 Dec 2020: £2.6m). Lease
liabilities relating to the right-of-use asset are included within other
payables.
During the year ended 30 June 2021, the Group 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 period ending 31 December 2021, the Group recognised
rental income of less than £0.1m (31 Dec 2020: nil).
31 December 30June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Right of use asset recognised b/f 2.4 3.0 3.0
Additions during the period 0.1 - 0.1
Depreciation (0.4) (0.4) (0.7)
Net book value of right of use asset c/f 2.1 2.6 2.4
Lease liability recognised b/f 2.7 3.0 3.0
Additions during the period 0.1 - 0.1
Lease payments made during the period (0.3) (0.2) (0.4)
Lease liability recognised c/f 2.5 2.8 2.7
31 December 30June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Of which are:
Current lease liabilities 0.3 0.5 0.5
Non-current lease liabilities 2.2 2.3 2.2
12 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 period under review is summarised below.
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
At beginning of financial year 125.1 122.3 122.3
Origination costs incurred during the period 6.3 8.6 16.9
Origination costs amortised during the period (7.1) (7.2) (14.1)
124.3 123.7 125.1
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
Carrying value £m £m £m
Expected to be amortised within one year 12.1 11.5 11.8
Expected to be amortised after one year 112.2 112.2 113.3
124.3 123.7 125.1
13 Financial 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, other assets and liabilities are held to cover
financial liabilities under investment contracts. They are included within the
relevant headings on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Equity securities 66.4 50.8 58.0
Investment in collective investment schemes 1,028.3 972.2 1,033.1
Fixed income securities, bonds and structured notes 50.4 56.6 57.5
Deposits and money market funds 86.3 89.3 78.1
Total assets 1,231.4 1,168.9 1,226.7
Other payables (1.2) (1.9) (2.5)
Financial investments held to cover
liabilities 1,230.2 1,167.0 1,224.2
The other receivables and other payables fair value approximates amortised
cost.
14 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 period is summarised below:
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
At beginning of financial year 142.5 137.8 137.8
Income received and deferred in period 10.3 10.5 21.4
Income recognised in contract fees in the period (8.3) (8.6) (16.7)
144.5 139.7 142.5
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
Carrying value £m £m £m
Expected to be amortised within one year 14.2 13.1 13.6
Expected to be amortised after one year 130.3 126.6 128.9
144.5 139.7 142.5
15 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.
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Commission payable 2.0 1.8 1.7
Other creditors and accruals 5.4 7.0 5.8
Provisions 0.3 0.2 0.4
Lease liabilities of which:
Current lease liabilities 0.3 0.5 0.4
Non-current lease liabilities 2.2 2.3 2.7
10.2 11.8 11.0
Provisions represent amounts to settle a number of the claims referred to in
Note 18 '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.
31 December 2021
£m
Settlement provision as at 1 July 2021 0.4
Additional provisions made in the period -
Released from the provision for settlement (0.1)
Settlement provision as at 31 December 2021 0.3
16 Called up share capital
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
£m £m £m
Authorised:
200,000,000 ordinary shares of 50p 100.0 100.0 100.0
Issued and fully paid:
137,557,079 ordinary shares of 50p
(30 June 2021: 137,557,079 ordinary shares) 68.8 68.8 68.8
17 Related party transactions
Intra-group transactions are eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed
separately here.
There have been no significant related party transactions in the period, nor
changes to related parties. Related party transactions affecting the results
of previous periods and an understanding of the Group's financial position at
previous balance sheet dates are as disclosed in the Annual Report &
Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2021.
There have been no awards during the period under the Save As You Earn (SAYE)
share-save programme for employees. The estimated fair value of the schemes
and the imputed cost for the period under review is not material to these
financial statements.
18 Contingent liabilities
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 the date of the 2021 Annual Report and Accounts, the Group had been
served with cumulative writs with a net exposure totalling €26.5m or £22.7m
in sterling terms arising from contract holder complaints and other asset
performance-related issues. The corresponding figure as at 31 December 2021
was €26.7m or £22.4m (31 December 2020: €27.4m or £24.6m). The
increase since 30 June 2021 was driven primarily by a reduction in the fair
value of investment assets backing the claims.
We have previously reported that we expect a number of our larger claims to
ultimately be covered by our Group insurance cover. During the six months
ended 31 December 2021, recoveries of £0.4m (H1 2021 less than £0.1m) were
received or receivable. We expect such reimbursement to continue during the
course of that litigation.
As a result, we also expect that a significant amount of the £22.4m of
contingent liabilities referred to above would be covered by insurance should
those cases be ruled against us. As of 31 December 2021, we continue to
estimate coverage to be in the range of £6m to £13m.
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 to be in the best interests
of the Group and its shareholders to reach a commercial resolution with regard
to certain of these claims. Such cases totalled less than £0.1m (H1 2021:
less than £0.1m) during the period. A provision of £0.3m has been
established where based on past experience it is expected that future
settlements may be reached.
It is not possible at this time to make any further estimates of liability.
Between 31 December 2021 and the date of this report, there have been no
material developments.
19 Foreign exchange rates
The closing exchange rates used by the Group for the translation of balance
sheet items to sterling were as follows:
31 December 30 June
2021 2020 2021
US Dollar 1.35 1.36 1.38
Japanese Yen 155 141 153
Euro 1.19 1.11 1.17
20 Events after the reporting period
This report for the period ended 31 December 2021 was approved for issue on 2
March 2022. No material events have occurred between the reporting date and
the issue date that require disclosure under IAS 10.
INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO HANSARD GLOBAL PLC
Conclusion
We have been engaged by Hansard Global plc (the "Company") to review the
condensed set of consolidated financial statements in the half-yearly
financial report for the six months ended 31 December 2021 which comprises the
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Statement of
Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Cash Flow
Statement and the related explanatory notes.
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to
believe that the condensed set of consolidated financial statements in the
half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 31 December 2021 is not
prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 Interim
Financial Reporting and the Disclosure and Guidance and Transparency Rules
("the DTR") of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority ("the UK FCA").
Scope of review
We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review
Engagements (UK) 2410 Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the
Independent Auditor of the Entity issued by the Financial Reporting Council
for use in the UK. A review of interim financial information consists of
making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and
accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. We
read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and
consider whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material
inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of consolidated
financial statements.
A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance
with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable
us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters
that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit
opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than those performed
in an audit as described in the Conclusion section of this report, nothing has
come to our attention to suggest that the directors have inappropriately
adopted the going concern basis of accounting or that the directors have
identified material uncertainties relating to going concern that are not
appropriately disclosed.
This conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in accordance with
this ISRE, however future events or conditions may cause the entity to cease
to continue as a going concern.
Directors' responsibilities
The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been
approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the
interim financial report in accordance with the DTR of the UK FCA.
As disclosed in note 2, the annual consolidated financial statements of
the Group are prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting
standards. The directors are responsible for preparing the condensed set
of consolidated financial statements included in the half-yearly financial
report in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting.
In preparing the half-yearly financial report, the directors are responsible
for assessing the Company's ability to continue as a going concern,
disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the
going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to
liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative
but to do so.
Our responsibility
Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed
set of consolidated financial statements in the half-yearly financial report
based on our review. Our conclusion, including our conclusions relating to
going concern, are based on procedures that are less extensive than audit
procedures, as described in the scope of review paragraph of this report.
The purpose of our review work and to whom we owe our responsibilities
This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with the terms of our
engagement letter to assist the Company in meeting the requirements of the DTR
of the UK FCA. Our review has been undertaken so that we might state to the
Company those matters we are required to state to it in this report and for no
other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or
assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company for our review work,
for this report, or for the conclusions we have reached.
KPMG Audit LLC
Chartered Accountants
Heritage Court
41 Athol Street
Douglas
Isle of Man
IM1 1LA
Risk Based Solvency Capital
A) Risk Based Solvency capital position at 31 December 2021
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 Group shareholder Risk Based Solvency surplus at 31 December 2021 was
£55.8m (30 June 2021: £58.7m), before allowing for payment of the 2021
interim dividend. All Risk Based Solvency and related data presented in this
section is subject to change prior to submission to regulatory authorities.
31 Dec 30 June 31 Dec
Group Risk Based Solvency capital position 2021 2021 2020
Total Total Total
£m £m £m
Own Funds 140.8 145.5 149.4
Solvency Capital Requirement 85.0 86.8 85.6
Surplus 55.8 58.7 63.8
Solvency ratio (%) 166% 168% 175%
Totals may differ due to rounding
All Own Funds are considered Tier 1 capital.
The following table analyses the components of Own Funds:
31 Dec 30 June 31 Dec
2021 2021 2020
Own Funds Own Funds Own Funds
£m £m £m
Value of In-Force 140.6 145.8 149.9
Risk Margin (28.6) (29.4) (29.7)
Net Worth 28.8 29.1 29.2
Total 140.8 145.5 149.4
Own Funds decreased due to dividend payments and low new business volumes,
offset by positive market movements.
B) Analysis of movement in Group capital position
A summary of the movement in Group Risk Based Solvency surplus from £58.7 at
30 June 2021 to £55.8m at 31 December 2021 is set out in the table below.
Analysis of movement in Group shareholder surplus £m
Risk Based Solvency surplus at 30 June 2021 58.7
Operating experience (2.3)
Investment performance 0.7
Changes in assumptions 0.9
Dividends paid (3.3)
Foreign exchange 1.2
Risk Based Solvency surplus at 31 December 2021 55.8
The movement in Group Risk Based Solvency surplus in the first half of the
2022 financial year was the result of dividends paid and operating experience,
offset by minor changes in assumptions, positive investment market performance
and exchange rate movements.
New business written had a negative £1.4m (H1 2021: positive £0.6m) impact
on Own Funds for the period.
C) Analysis of Group Solvency Capital Requirements
The analysis of the Group's Solvency Capital Requirement by risk type is as
follows:
Split of the Group's Solvency Capital Requirement* 31 Dec 30 June 31 Dec
2021 2021 2020
Risks % of SCR % of SCR % of SCR
Market
Equity 50% 52% 51%
Currency 11% 12% 12%
Insurance
Lapse 45% 44% 45%
Expense 21% 20% 21%
Default 2% 2% 1%
Operational 16% 16% 14%
* 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
31 Dec 30 June 31 Dec
2021 2021 2020
£m £m £m
IFRS shareholders' equity 22.9 24.7 25.1
Elimination of DOC (124.3) (125.1) (123.7)
Elimination of DIR 144.5 142.5 139.7
Value of In-Force 140.6 145.8 149.9
Liability valuation differences* (3.6) (3.8) (4.6)
Impact of risk margin (28.6) (29.4) (29.7)
Other** (10.7) (9.2) (7.3)
Risk Based Solvency Shareholder Own Funds 140.8 145.5 149.4
* 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 to significant changes in market conditions
is as follows:
Impact of market sensitivities 31 Dec 30 June 31 Dec
2021 2021 2020
Group Group Group
£m £m £m
Own Funds 140.8 145.5 149.4
Impact of:
10% instantaneous fall in equity markets (10.0) (10.5) (10.1)
100 basis points decrease in interest rates (1.9) (2.8) -
10% increase in expenses (9.0) (9.3) (9.1)
1% increase in expense inflation (7.3) (7.1) (7.4)
10% strengthening of sterling (7.5) (8.0) (9.0)
Contacts and Advisors
Registered Office Media Enquiries
55 Athol Street Camarco
107 Cheapside
Douglas
London
Isle of Man
EC2V 6DN
IM99 1QL
Tel: +44 (0)20 3757 4980
Tel: +44 (0)1624 688000
Fax: +44 (0)1624 688008
www.hansard.com
President Broker
Dr L S Polonsky, CBE Panmure Gordon (UK) Limited
Leonard.Polonsky@hansard.com One New Change
London
EC4M 9AF
Tel. +44 (0)20 7886 2500
Non-executive Chairman Registrar
G M Easton Link Market Services (Isle of Man) Limited
Graeme.Easton@hansard.com Clinch's House
Lord Street
Douglas
Isle of Man
IM99 1RZ
Tel (UK): 0871 664 0300*
Tel: +44 (0)20 8639 3399
Financial Advisor
Macquarie Capital (Europe) Limited
28 Ropemaker Street
London
EC2Y 9HD
Tel: +44 (0)20 3037 2000
Independent Auditor UK Transfer Agent
KPMG Audit LLC Link Market Services Trustees Limited
Heritage Court The Registry
41 Athol Street 34 Beckenham Road
Douglas Beckenham
Isle of Man Kent
IM1 1LA BR3 4TU
Tel: +44 (0)1624 681000 Tel (UK): 0871 664 0300*
Tel: +44 (0)20 8639 3399
* NB: 0871 Number - calls cost 12p per minute plus network extras. If you
are outside the United Kingdom, please call +44 371 664 0300. Calls outside
the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international rate. The
helpline is open between 9.00 am - 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday excluding public
holidays in England and Wales.
Financial Calendar
Ex-dividend date for interim dividend 10 March 2022
Record date for interim dividend 11 March 2022
Payment date for interim dividend 21 April 2022
Third quarter trading update 05 May 2022
Announcement of fourth quarter new
business results 21 July 2022
Announcement of full year results 22 September 2022
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