hsba201308056k2.htm
FORM 6-K
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
 
Pursuant to Rule 13a - 16 or 15d - 16 of
 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
 
 
For the month of August
HSBC Holdings plc
 
42nd Floor, 8 Canada Square, London E14 5HQ, England
 
 
 
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F).
 
Form 20-F   X              Form 40-F ......
 
(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).
 
Yes.......          No    X
 
(If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- ..............).
 
 

    
 


 
HANG SENG BANK LIMITED
2013 INTERIM RESULTS - HIGHLIGHTS
 
 
·    Attributable profit up 100% to HK$18,468m (HK$9,253m for the first half of 2012). Excluding the Industrial Bank reclassification, attributable profit up 27%.
 
 
·    Profit before tax up 77% to HK$18,773m (HK$10,600m for the first half of 2012). Excluding the Industrial Bank reclassification, profit before tax up 25%.
 
 ·    Operating profit up 12% to HK$8,934m (HK$7,975m for the first half of 2012).
 
 
 ·    Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges up 11% to HK$9,132m (HK$8,224m for the first half of 2012).
 
 
·    Return on average shareholders' funds of 35.9% (22.8% for the first half of 2012). Excluding the Industrial Bank reclassification, return on average shareholders' funds of 19.0% (17.4% for the first half of 2012). 
 
 
·    Earnings per share up 100% to HK$9.66 per share (HK$4.84 per share for the first half of 2012).
 
 
·    Second interim dividend of HK$1.10 per share; total dividends of HK$2.20 per share for the first half of 2013 (HK$2.20 per share for the first half of 2012).
 
 
·    Total capital ratio of 15.8%, both Common Equity Tier 1 ('CET1') and Tier 1 capital ratios of 13.6% at 30 June 2013 under Basel III; (capital adequacy ratio of 14.0% and core capital ratio of 12.2% at 31 December 2012 under Basel II).
 
 
·    Cost efficiency ratio of 32.2% (33.5% for the first half of 2012).
 
Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. ('Industrial Bank') reclassification
 
Reported results for the first half of 2013 include a non-distributable accounting gain on reclassification of Industrial Bank from an associate to a financial investmentof HK$8,454m before tax, HK$9,517m attributable profit. Reported results for the first half of 2012, when the investment in Industrial Bank was equity accounted for, include HK$2,364m before tax and HK$2,209m attributable profit respectively. Amounts quoted 'excluding the Industrial Bank reclassification' adjust for the above items.
 
Comparative figures have been restated to reflect the adoption of the Hong Kong Accounting Standard 19 'Employee Benefits', details of which are set out on page 67.
 
Within this document, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China has been referred to as 'Hong Kong'.
 
The abbreviations 'HK$m' and 'HK$bn' represent millions and billions of Hong Kong dollars respectively.
 
 
 
Contents
 
The financial information in this news release is based on the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Hang Seng Bank Limited ('the bank') and its subsidiaries ('the group') for the six months ended 30 June 2013.
 
            Highlights of Results
            Contents
            Chairman's Comment
            Chief Executive's Review
            Results Summary
            Segmental Analysis
            Consolidated Income Statement
            Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
            Consolidated Balance Sheet
            Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
            Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
            Financial Review
            Net interest income
            Net fee income
            Trading income
            Net income/(loss) from financial instruments designated at fair value
            Other operating income
            Analysis of income from wealth management business
            Analysis of insurance business income
            Loan impairment charges
            Operating expenses
            Gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets
            Gain on reclassification of Industrial Bank
            Gain on disposal of a subsidiary
            Tax expense
            Earnings per share
            Dividends per share
            Segmental analysis
            Cash and balances with banks
            Placings with and advances to banks
            Trading assets
            Financial assets designated at fair value
            Loans and advances to customers
            Loan impairment allowances against loans and advances to customers
            Impaired loans and advances to customers and allowances
            Overdue loans and advances to customers
            Rescheduled loans and advances to customers
                            Segmental analysis of loans and advances to customers by geographical area
                            Gross loans and advances to customers by industry sector
            Financial investments
 
             Interest in associates
 
             Intangible assets
 
             Other assets
            Current, savings and other deposit accounts
            Certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue
            Trading liabilities
            Other liabilities
            Subordinated liabilities
            Shareholders' funds
            Capital management
            Liquidity ratio
            Reconciliation of cash flow statement
            Contingent liabilities, commitments and derivatives
 
             Statutory accounts and accounting policies
 
             Comparative figures
 
             Change in accounting treatment for Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. ('Industrial Bank')
            Property revaluation
            Foreign currency positions
            Ultimate holding company
            Register of shareholders
            Proposed timetable for the remaining 2013 quarterly dividends
            Code on corporate governance practices
            Board of Directors
            News release
 
 
 
Comment by Raymond Ch'ien, Chairman
 
With global economic uncertainty creating ongoing challenges in the first half of 2013, Hang Seng Bank's focus on delivering service excellence helped us maintain good growth momentum to return solid first-half results.
 
Leveraging the trusted Hang Seng brand, we expanded our range of products and services, enhanced our extensive cross-border distribution network and took further steps to improve efficiency and manage risk.
 
Profit attributable to shareholders was HK$18,468m - double that at the same period last year. Earnings per share rose by 100% to HK$9.66. Excluding the Industrial Bank reclassification, profit attributable to shareholders was up 27% at HK$8,951m and earnings per share increased by 27% to HK$4.68.
 
Return on average shareholders' funds was 35.9%, compared with 22.8% in the first half of 2012. Excluding the Industrial Bank reclassification, return on average shareholders' funds was 19.0%, compared with 17.4% in the first half of last year.
 
The Directors have declared a second interim dividend of HK$1.10 per share, bringing the total distribution for the first half of 2013 to HK$2.20 per share, the same as in the first half of 2012.
 
Economic Environment
 
Investment sentiment improved during the early part of 2013 - as reflected in the movements of major stock indices and the stabilisation of European sovereign bond yields - but economic fundamentals remained mixed. The US economy expanded at a moderate pace due to further recovery in labour and housing markets, but the eurozone remained in recession as governments continued with austerity measures designed to restore fiscal discipline.
 
Rises in employment and wages in Hong Kong sustained robust consumer spending, underpinning the 2.8% expansion in the local economy in the first quarter of the year. However, weak external demand continued to put downward pressure on overall growth. Private consumption will remain the key economic driver and we expect real GDP to expand by 3.0% for the year - up 1.5 percentage points compared with 2012.
 
Subdued export activity will also continue to constrain the mainland China economy, which grew by 7.6% in the first half, down from 7.8% in 2012. Nevertheless, domestic consumption and investment have remained resilient and should support solid economic growth to generate a full-year GDP growth rate of 7.5%.
 
With the US set to roll back quantitative easing measures, the economic outlook for the rest of 2013 remains uncertain. Interest rates are likely to remain low until 2015. However, Hong Kong's ongoing development as a leading centre for offshore renminbi financial services and primary gateway for cross-border trade will generate new opportunities for business expansion.
 
We will enhance our market position in key areas of business by continuing with strategic initiatives in line with our competitive strengths as well as through more effective resource allocation and enhancing efficiency. We remain firmly committed to our core values of service excellence and generating increasing value for customers and shareholders.
 
 
 
 
Review by Rose Lee, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive
 
Hang Seng Bank achieved encouraging results for the first half of 2013 - recording growth in income and profit across all business segments.
 
With an economic slowdown in mainland China, greater market volatility and keen competition, the operating environment remained challenging.
 
Profit attributable to shareholders was HK$18,468m - double that for the same period last year - and a return on average shareholders' funds of 35.9% was achieved. Excluding the impact of the Industrial Bank reclassification, attributable profit was up 27% and return on average shareholders' funds rose by 1.6 percentage points to 19.0%.
 
Leveraging our brand and network, we continued to implement strategic initiatives that reinforce our position as the leading domestic bank in Hong Kong to drive sustainable growth in our core business.
 
Success in income diversification resulted in balanced growth of 8% in net interest income and 11% in non-funds income. Implementation of customer-focused initiatives drove wealth management income growth by 10%.
 
Hang Seng Bank (China) Limited ('Hang Seng China') enhanced its product suite and continued to invest in service delivery infrastructure and brand building. Our strong network in the Yangtze Delta Region and southern China placed us well to capture opportunities generated by increasing cross-border economic integration and renminbi internationalisation.
 
Our wholly owned subsidiary, Hang Seng Investment Management Limited, was the first non-mainland financial institution in Hong Kong to be granted RMB Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor status, enabling us to invest in mainland securities with renminbi raised in Hong Kong. We expect to launch an A-share exchange-traded fund in the second half of this year.
 
Profit before tax was up 77% at HK$18,773m. Excluding the Industrial Bank reclassification, profit before tax increased by 25% to HK$10,319m.
 
Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges rose by 11% to HK$9,132m. Operating profit grew by 12% to HK$8,934m. Compared with the second half of last year, operating profit excluding loan impairment charges and operating profit were both up 19%.
 
With the 9% growth in net operating income before loan impairment charges outpacing the 5% rise in operating expenses, our cost efficiency ratio improved to 32.2% - down 1.3 percentage points and 4.2 percentage points compared with the first and second halves of 2012 respectively.
 
Net interest income grew by HK$683m to HK$8,969m. Our in-depth knowledge of local markets and effective balance sheet management enabled us to expand lending by 8% while maintaining a high level of credit quality. Customer deposits increased by 2%.
 
Despite challenging conditions for the Treasury portfolio, we achieved a net interest margin of 1.84% - one basis point down and unchanged compared with the first and second halves of 2012 respectively.
 
Non-interest income was up by HK$434m at HK$4,508m.
 
Under the new Basel III rules, our total capital ratio at 30 June 2013 was 15.8% and our Common Equity Tier 1 ('CET1') and Tier 1 capital ratios were both 13.6%.
 
A Strategy for Sustainable Growth
 
Our business is rooted in an economically dynamic region that offers exciting opportunities for growth. At the same time, a rapidly changing regulatory environment and volatile market conditions prevail. We must remain proactive in building for long-term success, reinforce our status as Hong Kong's leading domestic bank and further enhance our strong cross-border capabilities to benefit from increasing economic integration.
 
We will continue to drive a customer need-focused strategy, further enhance efficiency and strategically deploy capital and other resources to develop our core business and maintain balanced growth. Our commitment to the personal and professional development of our staff saw us recognised as Hong Kong's most attractive employer in the banking and financial services sector in the 2013 Randstad Award. 
 
We will maintain high standards of risk management and corporate governance. We remain committed to fulfilling our corporate social responsibility to promote the well-being of the communities to which we owe much of Hang Seng's success.
 
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff for their loyalty and dedication and our customers and shareholders for their unwavering support.
 
 
 
 
Results summary
 
Hang Seng Bank Limited ('the bank') and its subsidiaries ('the group') reported an unaudited profit attributable to shareholders of HK$18,468m for the first half of 2013, up 99.6% compared with the first half of 2012. Earnings per share were up 99.6% at HK$9.66. The profit for the first half of 2013 included the HK$9,517m non-distributable accounting gain on the reclassification of Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. ('Industrial Bank').
 
Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges grew by HK$908m, or 11.0%, to HK$9,132m, with encouraging growth in both net interest income and non-interest income. The bank's investment in its core business continued to generate good growth momentum to generate solid first-half results in an increasingly challenging market environment.
 
Net interest income rose by HK$683m, or 8.2%, to HK$8,969m compared with the first half of 2012, supported by the 11.7% growth in average customer advances and the 9.0% rise in average customer deposits. The insurance business also contributed to the rise in net interest income as the group continued to grow its life insurance investment portfolios. Net interest margin narrowed by one basis point to 1.84% while net interest spread was down to 1.73%. The compression of spreads on the Treasury Balance Sheet Management portfolio and deposits under the mainland China business segment outweighed the widening of loan spreads and stable deposit spread in Hong Kong created by the bank's effective funding cost management. Net interest income also registered an increase compared with the second half of 2012, supported by higher average interest-earning assets. The net interest margin compared with the second half of last year was unchanged at 1.84%.
 
Net fees and commissions increased across core business lines, up HK$528m, or 21.9%, to HK$2,936m. With increased retail investor activity early in the year, the bank generated a 70.7% rise in income related to the sale of retail investment funds. Income from stockbroking and related services grew by 15.3%, benefitting from the increase in stock market trading turnover. Insurance agency-related fee income grew by 65.2%, reflecting an increase in non-life insurance products distribution commission, with a decrease in non-life insurance underwriting profit, following the disposal of the general insurance manufacturing business in the second half of last year. The credit card business and trade services also performed well and their fees and commissions grew by 13.6% and 15.9% respectively.
 
Trading income increased by HK$34m, or 2.9%, to HK$1,204m. Foreign exchange income was broadly in line with the first half of 2012. Increased revenue from increased customer activity and higher customer demand for foreign exchange-linked structured treasury products was largely offset by the fall in net interest income from funding swap activities. Compared with the same period last year, income from securities, derivatives and other trading activities recorded a gain of HK$14m compared with a loss of HK$23m, reflecting higher income from interest rate-related derivatives and linked structured products which benefitted from a more favourable market interest rate environment. This was partly offset by the revaluation loss on equity options backing a life endowment product, arising from an unfavourable movement in the underlying equity indices.
 
Income from insurance business (included under 'net interest income', 'net fee income', 'trading income', 'net income/(loss) from financial instruments designated at fair value', 'net earned insurance premiums', 'movement in present value of in-force long-term insurance business and other' within 'other operating income', 'share of profits from associates' and after deducting 'net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholders' liabilities') fell by HK$48m, or 2.6%, to HK$1,827m. Net interest income and fee income from the life insurance business grew by 9.3%, reflecting the increase in the size of the life insurance funds investment portfolio. The investment return on life insurance funds was adversely affected by the unfavourable movement in equity markets though this was partly offset by property revaluation gains. General insurance income decreased by 41%, due mainly to the disposal of the bank's general insurance business in the second half of 2012.
 
Operating expenses rose by HK$209m, or 5.1%, to HK$4,345m, compared with the first half of 2012, reflecting the bank's continued investment in new business platforms and mainland operations to support long-term growth. Staff costs increased by 3.4% as a result of the annual salary increment and an increase in headcount. General and administrative expenses rose by 9.1% as a result of an increase in rental expenses, marketing expenditure and processing charges. mainland-related operating expenses increased by 5.6%, reflecting the network expansion of Hang Seng China.
 
The cost efficiency ratio improved when compared with the first and second halves of 2012, as a result of the bank's effort to improve operational efficiency and maintain cost controls. With total operating income growing at a faster pace than operating expenses, the cost efficiency ratio improved to 32.2%.
 
Operating profit grew by HK$959m, or 12.0%, to HK$8,934m, due to the reduction of HK$51m in loan impairment charges.
 
Profit before tax increased by 77.1% to HK$18,773m after taking the following key items into account:
 
 
·    Anaccounting gain on reclassification of Industrial Bank of HK$8,454m arising from the reclassification of Industrial Bank as a financial investment on 7 January 2013;
 
·    An increase of HK$761m (or 319.7%) in net surplus on property revaluation, reflecting mainly the improved commercial property market in the first half of 2013;
 
·    An increase of HK$173m in net gains from financial investments and fixed assets, due mainly to property disposals; and
 
·    A decrease of HK$2,174m (or 91.1%) in share of profits from associates, mainly reflecting the reclassification of Industrial Bank as a financial investment.
 
 
Consolidated balance sheet and key ratios
 
Total assets rose by HK$29.6bn, or 2.7%, compared with last year-end to HK$1,106.7bn. The group continued to pursue a balanced growth strategy in managing its assets and liabilities and achieved solid increases in both loans and deposits. Customer loans and advances grew by HK$43.5bn, or 8.1%, to HK$579.7bn, driven by growth in lending to corporate and commercial and mainland China customers. Residential mortgage lending also increased, helped by the bank's diverse range of mortgage products, including an enhanced fixed-rate mortgage plan launched in April 2013. The increase in cross-border trade between Hong Kong and the Mainland supported a solid recovery in trade finance lending. Hang Seng China lending portfolios also increased, underpinned by the expansion of renminbi lending to corporate customers. Customer deposits, including certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue, rose by HK$13.4bn, or 1.6%, to HK$832.2bn. At 30 June 2013, the advances-to-deposits ratio was 69.7%, compared with 65.5% at 31 December 2012.
 
At 30 June 2013, shareholders' funds (excluding proposed dividends) were HK$100.0bn, an increase of HK$11.5bn, or 13.0%, against last year-end. Retained profits grew by HK$17.0bn as a result of the growth in attributable profit (including the accounting gain on reclassification of Industrial Bank) after the appropriation of interim dividends. The premises revaluation reserve increased by HK$838m, or 6.1%, reflecting the increase in the fair value of the bank's premises. The available-for-sale investment reserve recorded a deficit of HK$2,884m, compared with a surplus of HK$227m at the end of 2012, primarily reflecting the unrealised revaluation deficit on the bank's investment in Industrial Bank. 
 
The return on average total assets was 3.4%, compared with 1.9% for both the first and second halves of 2012. The return on average shareholders' funds was 35.9%, compared with 22.8% in the first half of 2012 and 22.9% in the second half. Excluding the Industrial Bank reclassification, return on average total assets was 1.7%, compared with 1.4% for the first half of 2012. On the same basis, return on average shareholders' funds was 19.0%, compared with 17.4% for the first half of last year.
 
On 1 January 2013, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority ('HKMA') implemented the first phase of the Basel III capital framework in Hong Kong. The capital disclosures for June 2013 under Basel III are, therefore, not directly comparable with the disclosure for December 2012 which was prepared on Basel II basis. Under Basel III, the total capital ratio was 15.8% at 30 June 2013 and both Common Equity Tier 1 and Tier 1 capital ratios stood at 13.6%. For the year ended 31 December 2012, the total capital adequacy ratio and core capital ratio were 14.0% and 12.2% respectively calculated on Basel II basis.
 
The bank has been maintaining liquidity at a comfortable level. The average liquidity ratio for the first half of 2013 was 35.8% (calculated in accordance with the Fourth Schedule of the Hong Kong Banking Ordinance) compared with 36.9% for the first half of 2012.
 
Dividends
 
The Directors have declared a second interim dividend of HK$1.10 per share, which will be payable on 5 September 2013 to shareholders on the register of shareholders as of 21 August 2013. Together with the first interim dividend, the total distribution for the first half of 2013 will amount to HK$2.20 per share, the same as in the first half of 2012.
 
 
 
 
 
Segmental analysis
 
 
Hong Kong & other businesses
                 
                     
 
Retail Banking 
 
Corporate and 
           
Mainland
 
Inter-
     
 
and Wealth
Commercial
           
China
segment
     
Figures in HK$m
Management
 
Banking
 
Treasury
 
Other
 
Total
 
business
elimination
 
Total
 
                                 
Half-year ended
                               
30 June 2013
                               
                                 
Net interest income/(expense)
4,917
 
2,722
 
794
 
(113
)
8,320
 
649
 
__
 
8,969
 
Net fee income/(expense)
1,955
 
889
 
(13
)
66
 
2,897
 
39
 
__
 
2,936
 
Trading income/(loss)
89
 
326
 
690
 
(9
)
1,096
 
108
 
__
 
1,204
 
Net income/(loss) from financial
                               
  instruments designated at fair
                               
  value
(108
)
(3
)
__
 
__
 
(111
)
__
 
__
 
(111
)
Dividend income
__
 
__
 
__
 
4
 
4
 
__
 
__
 
4
 
Net earned insurance premiums
5,761
 
39
 
__
 
__
 
5,800
 
__
 
__
 
5,800
 
Other operating income
956
 
25
 
__
 
140
 
1,121
 
__
 
(26
)
1,095
 
Total operating income
13,570
 
3,998
 
1,471
 
88
 
19,127
 
796
 
(26
)
19,897
 
Net insurance claims
                               
  incurred and movement
                               
  in policyholders' liabilities
(6,381
)
(39
)
__
 
__
 
(6,420
)
__
 
__
 
(6,420
)
Net operating income before
                               
  loan impairment charges
7,189
 
3,959
 
1,471
 
88
 
12,707
 
796
 
(26
)
13,477
 
Loan impairment (charges)/
                               
  releases
(280
)
65
 
__
 
__
 
(215
)
17
 
__
 
(198
)
Net operating income
6,909
 
4,024
 
1,471
 
88
 
12,492
 
813
 
(26
)
13,279
 
Operating expenses W
(2,615
)
(886
)
(151
)
(35
)
(3,687
)
(684
)
26
 
(4,345
)
Operating profit
4,294
 
3,138
 
1,320
 
53
 
8,805
 
129
 
__
 
8,934
 
Gains less losses from financial
                               
  investments and fixed assets
(1
)
1
 
__
 
173
 
173
 
__
 
__
 
173
 
Gain on reclassification of Industrial Bank
__
 
__
 
__
 
__
 
__
 
8,454
 
__
 
8,454
 
Net surplus on property
                               
  revaluation
__
 
__
 
__
 
999
 
999
 
__
 
__
 
999
 
Share of profits from associates
162
 
1
 
__
 
__
 
163
 
50
 
__
 
213
 
Profit before tax
4,455
 
3,140
 
1,320
 
1,225
 
10,140
 
8,633
 
__
 
18,773
 
Share of profit before tax
23.8
%
16.7
%
7.0
%
6.5
%
54.0
%
46.0
%
__
 
100.0
%
Share of profit before tax as a % of
  Hong Kong & other businesses
43.9
%
31.0
%
13.0
%
12.1
%
100.0
%
           
                                 
Operating profit excluding loan
                               
  impairment charges
4,574
 
3,073
 
1,320
 
53
 
9,020
 
112
 
__
 
9,132
 
                                 
W  Depreciation/amortisation
                               
    included in operating
                               
    expenses
(24
)
(13
)
(1
)
(345
)
(383
)
(50
)
__
 
(433
)
                                 
                                 
At 30 June 2013
                               
                                 
Total assets
307,081
 
324,547
 
283,618
 
98,429
 
1,013,675
 
118,176
 
(25,194
)
1,106,657
 
Total liabilities
621,704
 
213,303
 
33,203
 
46,569
 
914,779
 
109,913
 
(20,116
)
1,004,576
 
Interest in associates
1,769
 
9
 
__
 
__
 
1,778
 
975
 
__
 
2,753
 
                                 
                                 
 
 
 
 
Hong Kong & other businesses
                 
                     
 
Retail Banking 
 
Corporate and 
           
Mainland
 
Inter-
     
 
and Wealth
Commercial
           
China
segment
     
Figures in HK$m
Management
 
Banking
 
Treasury
 
Other
 
Total
 
business
elimination
 
Total
 
                                 
Half-year ended
                               
30 June 2012 (restated)
                               
                                 
Net interest income/(expense)
4,232
 
2,479
 
852
 
(105
)
7,458
 
828
 
__
 
8,286
 
Net fee income/(expense)
1,545
 
770
 
(15
)
59
 
2,359
 
49
 
__
 
2,408
 
Trading income
216
 
278
 
609
 
4
 
1,107
 
63
 
__
 
1,170
 
Net income/(loss) from financial
                               
  instruments designated at fair
                               
  value
106
 
(4
)
__
 
__
 
102
 
__
 
__
 
102
 
Dividend income
__
 
__
 
__
 
4
 
4
 
__
 
__
 
4
 
Net earned insurance premiums
6,488
 
123
 
__
 
__
 
6,611
 
__
 
__
 
6,611
 
Other operating income
683
 
12
 
__
 
113
 
808
 
__
 
(24
)
784
 
Total operating income
13,270
 
3,658
 
1,446
 
75
 
18,449
 
940
 
(24
)
19,365
 
Net insurance claims
                               
  incurred and movement
                               
  in policyholders' liabilities
(6,931
)
(74
)
__
 
__
 
(7,005
)
__
 
__
 
(7,005
)
Net operating income before
                               
  loan impairment charges
6,339
 
3,584
 
1,446
 
75
 
11,444
 
940
 
(24
)
12,360
 
Loan impairment (charges)/
                               
  releases
(189
)
33
 
__
 
__
 
(156
)
(93
)
__
 
(249
)
Net operating income
6,150
 
3,617
 
1,446
 
75
 
11,288
 
847
 
(24
)
12,111
 
Operating expenses W
(2,373
)
(857
)
(135
)
(147
)
(3,512
)
(648
)
24
 
(4,136
)
Operating profit
3,777
 
2,760
 
1,311
 
(72
)
7,776
 
199
 
__
 
7,975
 
Gains less losses from financial
                               
  investments and fixed assets
__
 
__
 
__
 
1
 
1
 
(1
)
__
 
__
 
Gain on disposal of a subsidiary
__
 
__
 
__
 
__
 
__
 
__
 
__
 
__
 
Net surplus on property
                               
  revaluation
__
 
__
 
__
 
238
 
238
 
__
 
__
 
238
 
Share of profits from associates
119
 
1
 
__
 
__
 
120
 
2,267
 
__
 
2,387
 
Profit before tax
3,896
 
2,761
 
1,311
 
167
 
8,135
 
2,465
 
__
 
10,600
 
Share of profit before tax
36.7
%
26.0
%
12.4
%
1.6
%
76.7
%
23.3
%
__
 
100.0
%
Share of profit before tax as a % of
  Hong Kong & other businesses
47.9
%
33.9
%
16.1
%
2.1
%
100.0
%
           
                                 
Operating profit excluding loan
                               
  impairment charges
3,966
 
2,727
 
1,311
 
(72
)
7,932
 
292
 
__
 
8,224
 
                                 
W  Depreciation/amortisation
                               
    included in operating
                               
    expenses
(24
)
(13
)
(2
)
(347
)
(386
)
(56
)
__
 
(442
)
                                 
                                 
At 30 June 2012
                               
                                 
Total assets
275,221
 
286,112
 
286,974
 
63,050
 
911,357
 
116,278
 
(21,767
)
1,005,868
 
Total liabilities
579,005
 
194,085
 
41,060
 
35,053
 
849,203
 
89,178
 
(16,758
)
921,623
 
Interest in associates
1,499
 
7
 
__
 
__
 
1,506
 
20,091
 
__
 
21,597
 
                                 
 
 
 
 
Hong Kong & other businesses
                 
                     
 
Retail Banking 
 
Corporate and 
           
Mainland
 
Inter-
     
 
and Wealth
Commercial
           
China
segment
     
Figures in HK$m
Management
 
Banking
 
Treasury
 
Other
 
Total
 
business
elimination
 
Total
 
                                 
Half-year ended
                               
31 December 2012 (restated)
                               
                                 
Net interest income/(expense)
4,529
 
2,810
 
824
 
(223
)
7,940
 
720
 
__
 
8,660
 
Net fee income/(expense)
1,765
 
796
 
(13
)
82
 
2,630
 
48
 
__
 
2,678
 
Trading income/(loss)
311
 
168
 
379
 
(16
)
842
 
51
 
__
 
893
 
Net income/(loss) from financial
                               
  instruments designated at fair
                               
  value
275
 
(1
)
__
 
__
 
274
 
__
 
__
 
274
 
Dividend income
__
 
7
 
__
 
6
 
13
 
__
 
__
 
13
 
Net earned insurance premiums
4,288
 
48
 
__
 
__
 
4,336
 
__
 
__
 
4,336
 
Other operating income
265
 
19
 
__
 
126
 
410
 
15
 
(28
)
397
 
Total operating income
11,433
 
3,847
 
1,190
 
(25
)
16,445
 
834
 
(28
)
17,251
 
Net insurance claims
                               
  incurred and movement
                               
  in policyholders' liabilities
(5,189
)
(41
)
__
 
__
 
(5,230
)
__
 
__
 
(5,230
)
Net operating income before
                               
  loan impairment charges
6,244
 
3,806
 
1,190
 
(25
)
11,215
 
834
 
(28
)
12,021
 
Loan impairment (charges)/
                               
  releases
(186
)
18
 
1
 
__
 
(167
)
30
 
__
 
(137
)
Net operating income
6,058
 
3,824
 
1,191
 
(25
)
11,048
 
864
 
(28
)
11,884
 
Operating expenses W
(2,462
)
(901
)
(141
)
(169
)
(3,673
)
(727
)
28
 
(4,372
)
Operating profit
3,596
 
2,923
 
1,050
 
(194
)
7,375
 
137
 
__
 
7,512
 
Gains less losses from financial
                               
  investments and fixed assets
__
 
(3
)
__
 
(2
)
(5
)
__
 
__
 
(5
)
Gain on disposal of a subsidiary
187
 
168
 
__
 
__
 
355
 
__
 
__
 
355
 
Net surplus on property
                               
  revaluation
__
 
__
 
__
 
538
 
538
 
__
 
__
 
538
 
Share of profits from associates
172
 
1
 
__
 
__
 
173
 
2,821
 
__
 
2,994
 
Profit before tax
3,955
 
3,089
 
1,050
 
342
 
8,436
 
2,958
 
__
 
11,394
 
Share of profit before tax
34.7
%
27.1
%
9.2
%
3.0
%
74.0
%
26.0
%
__
 
100.0
%
Share of profit before tax as a % of
  Hong Kong & other businesses
46.9
%
36.6
%
12.4
%
4.1
%
100.0
%
           
                                 
Operating profit excluding loan
                               
  impairment charges
3,782
 
2,905
 
1,049
 
(194
)
7,542
 
107
 
__
 
7,649
 
                                 
W Depreciation/amortisation
                               
    included in operating
                               
    expenses
(21
)
(13
)
(2
)
(344
)
(380
)
(55
)
__
 
(435
)
                                 
                                 
At 31 December 2012
                               
                                 
Total assets
292,217
 
289,667
 
326,257
 
63,480
 
971,621
 
125,232
 
(19,757
)
1,077,096
 
Total liabilities
621,266
 
197,590
 
47,163
 
38,295
 
904,314
 
95,146
 
(14,687
)
984,773
 
Interest in associates
1,644
 
8
 
__
 
__
 
1,652
 
23,003
 
__
 
24,655
 
                                 
                                 
                                     
 
 
 
Hong Kong and other businesses segment
 
Retail Banking and Wealth Management ('RBWM') in Hong Kong reported profit before tax of HK$4,455m in the first half of 2013, representing a 14.3% year-on-year increase. Operating profit excluding loan impairment charges grew by 15.3% to HK$4,574m.
 
We achieved good results by leveraging the trusted Hang Seng brand and employing a competitive pricing strategy. We continued to expand the affluent customer base in attracting new sources of funds to sustain our business growth. Along with solid growth in unsecured lending businesses, this helped support a 16.2% increase in net interest income to HK$4,917m.
 
Non-interest income rose by 7.8% year-on-year to HK$2,272m. With our continued focus on wealth management, net fee income increased by 26.5% to HK$1,955m. Overall wealth management income grew by 12.6% to HK$3,169m.
 
Mortgage business remained an important source of income growth. We expanded our range of products with the launch of an enhanced fixed-rate mortgage plan in April that is designed to help customers guard against fluctuations in market interest rates. Despite keen competition, we sustained good business momentum with a market share of 15.6% in terms of new mortgage registrations in the first half of 2013. The mortgage loans portfolio grew by 3.0% compared to 31 December 2012 with an improvement in yield.
 
Supported by effective marketing campaigns and our quality credit card customer base, card spending achieved double digit growth of 11.3% compared with same period last year. Total cards in circulation rose by 5.8% to 2.4m year-on-year and we were the third-largest card issuer of VISA and MasterCard in Hong Kong. The personal loan portfolio grew by 8.5% compared to 31 December 2012, with a total loan balance of HK$6,373m.
 
With improved investor sentiment in the early months of the year, total operating income from investment service business increased by 37.2% year-on-year, with sales of retail investment funds as the major growth driver. Retail investment funds turnover and income increased by 102.9% and 69.1% respectively. Securities turnover rose by 22.6% and related income grew by 13.4%. We broadened our product suite to capture market trends by launching the Hang Seng China A-Share FlexiPower Fund and the Hang Seng 'God of Wealth' gold bar.
 
Total operating income from insurance business decreased by 3.2% year-on-year. Leveraging our extensive distribution network and timely promotion offers, annualised new life insurance premiums grew by 8.5% year-on-year and total life insurance policies in-force rose by 8.1% compared with the same period last year. The good sales results were, however, offset by the lower returns on our investment portfolio as the investment climate changed towards the end of the second quarter.
 
We took additional steps to acquire new quality customers with wealth management needs to successfully increase the number of Prestige and Preferred Banking customers compared with the same time last year. We invested in the development of our Prestige and Preferred Banking Centres to enhance the customer experience. As at the end of June, we had nine such centres in strategic locations, with plans to open more in the pipeline. We expanded our team of relationship managers and put additional resources into their professional development so as to better serve our customers.
 
We invested in new technology to improve and upgrade our online and mobile wealth management channels to provide customers with fast, convenient and secure access to financial services. Our new online 'iPower' platform, launched in April, allows customers to manage their investment funds portfolio online and offers the option of a lower minimum subscription amount than traditional funds account services. With the introduction of our contactless mobile payment service in June 2013, customers who hold Hang Seng MasterCard credit cards can now link their compatible smartphone SIM to their credit card account to enjoy the convenience of using their mobile phones to make payments in a growing network of retail outlets in Hong Kong.
 
Corporate and Commercial Banking ('CNC') in Hong Kong achieved a 13.7% increase in profit before tax to HK$3,140m.
 
We have achieved a balanced growth in both customer advances and deposits, which increased by 10.6% and 8.4% respectively during the first half of 2013. Net interest income grew by 9.8% to HK$2,722m compared with the prior year.
 
We have stepped up portfolio management and increased the return on risk-weighted assets with more proactive cross-selling of non-interest income products and tailor-made propositions. Non-interest income was up 11.9% at HK$1,237m, underpinned by satisfactory growth on sales of investment funds, FX structured products and securities trading. Renminbi investment and hedging products were well-received by our corporate and commercial customers.
 
The credit portfolio remained healthy with HK$65m of net loan impairment released in the first half of 2013.
 
We have continued to attract and retain quality SME customers through our expanded network, enhanced mobile banking platform and new product offering. Two new Business Banking Centres were opened in Sheung Shui and Kwun Tong to enhance accessibility and services. Our Business Mobile Banking platform was upgraded in April 2013 with payment authorisation and fund transfer capability to registered third parties. We launched the 'UpBiz Integrated Account' supporting high-value customers with designated relationship managers and Trade Advisory Team. We continued to be one of the major market participants in the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation's SME Financing Guarantee Scheme ('SFGS') and approved over HK$4.5bn of loan facilities since June 2012 when SFGS was enhanced with an 80% guarantee. We won the 'SME's Best Partner Award' from the Hong Kong General Chamber of Small and Medium Business for the eighth consecutive year in May 2013.
 
We have introduced innovative supply chain solutions to customers in the first half of 2013, including pre-delivery receivable financing under the vendor-managed inventory model. We were awarded 'Trade Finance Domestic Bank - Hong Kong' by the Asian Banking & Finance Magazine for the second consecutive year in June 2013. We shall continue to strengthen transaction banking (trade and cash management) core product capabilities and infrastructure to meet customers' needs in the fast-changing international trade landscape.
 
Treasury ('TRY')in Hong Kong recorded a 0.7% increase in profit before tax to HK$1,320m.
 
Net interest income declined by 6.8% to HK$794m, reflecting the reduction in the commercial surplus available for deployment, as well as the low interest rate environment and flattened yield curves - which limited opportunities for yield enhancement. The prevailing low interest rates also had an unfavourable impact on the reinvestment of funds arising from the maturing of debt securities in the balance sheet management portfolio.
 
Total trading income increased by HK$81m, or 13.3%, to HK$690m. Option income from foreign exchange structured products registered encouraging growth, boosted in part by rising demand for renminbi-denominated products following the further development of renminbi business in Hong Kong. An increase in trading activity, particularly during the second quarter of the year, helped drive a 77.1% year-on-year rise in foreign exchange trading income.
 
Front-line channels (including e-Banking) and trading systems were enhanced to facilitate straight-through processing, enabling better position management.
 
To enhance our strong position as a provider of physical gold and gold-related investment products, we collaborated with Retail Banking and Wealth Management to launch the Hang Seng 'God of Wealth' gold bar and a structured investment deposit linked to gold during the first half of the year.
 
To further diversify our revenue base, we increased the provision of treasury products to RBWM and CNC customers through closer collaboration and a segmentation study to identify potential new opportunities for fulfilling customer needs.
 
 
Mainland China business
 
Mainland China's economic growth momentum slowed during the first half of 2013, reflecting the effects of structural reforms introduced under the '12th Five-Year Plan' in 2011, the slowing of domestic investment and consumption and subdued external demand. Keen competition for deposits and volatility in the interbank market continued to put pressure on interest margins.
 
Hang Seng China continued with the development of its distribution and service platforms, including the commencement of operations at the Qianhai sub-branch in Shenzhen, to capture new cross-border business opportunities arising from the establishment of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone. Shantou sub-branch is scheduled to open in the second half of 2013 to further strengthen Hang Seng China's foothold in the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement ('CEPA') catchment area.
 
To further diversify the income base and in preparation for further liberalisation in the financial sector, Hang Seng China made additional investments in its people, e-banking platform, and product and service propositions. Close cooperation between the bank and its mainland subsidiary is enabling us to further leverage our unique strengths in serving customers who require seamless and sophisticated cross-border financial solutions and enhance awareness of the Hang Seng brand - particularly in the southern region of the Mainland.
 
Driven by an expansion in the customer base, overall advances to customers rose by 16.8%. Customer deposits were up 11.6%, compared with last year-end.
 
Total operating income was 15.3% lower than the first half of 2012, affected by a 21.6% decrease in net interest income. Operating profit fell by 35.2% compared with the same period last year, taking into account the 5.6% increase in operating expenses relating to further investment in future business development and a net release in loan impairment charges, compared with a net charge in the first half of 2012.
 
 
 
As reported
   
Constant currencyW
 
Half-year ended 30 June 2013
compared with 30 June 2012
   
             
Total operating income
 
-15.3
%
 
-15.9
%
Operating profit
 
-35.2
%
 
-36.7
%
 
At 30 June 2013
compared with 31 December 2012
 
           
Gross advances to customers
 
16.8
%
 
14.7
%
Customer deposits
 
11.6
%
 
9.6
%
 
The group has continued to cooperate closely with Industrial Bank as a strategic business partner in various business areas, including trade finance and retail banking business. Business collaboration between Hang Seng China and Industrial Bank has also been stepped up.
 
 
W Constant currency comparatives for 2012 referred to in the tables above are computed by translating into Hong Kong dollars the functional currency (renminbi) of Hang Seng's mainland China business:
- the income statement for the half year to 30 June 2012 at the average rates of exchange for the half year to 30 June 2013;and
- the balance sheet at 31 December 2012 at the prevailing rates of exchange on 30 June 2013.
 
 
 
Consolidated Income Statement (unaudited)
 
 
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
 
30 June
 
30 June
 
31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
         
(restated)
   
(restated)
 
                   
                   
Interest income
 
11,459
   
10,780
   
11,081
 
Interest expense
 
(2,490)
)
 
(2,494)
)
 
       (2,421)
)
Net interest income
 
8,969
   
8,286
   
8,660
 
Fee income
 
3,637
   
2,977
   
3,321
 
Fee expense
 
(701)
)
 
(569)
)
 
              (643)
)
Net fee income
 
2,936
   
2,408
   
2,678
 
Trading income
 
1,204
   
1,170
   
893
 
Net income/(loss) from financial
                 
  instruments designated at fair value 
 
(111)
)
 
102
   
274
 
Dividend income
 
4
   
4
   
13
 
Net earned insurance premiums
 
5,800
   
6,611
   
4,336
 
Other operating income
 
1,095
   
784
   
397
 
Total operating income
 
19,897
   
19,365
   
17,251
 
Net insurance claims incurred and
                 
  movement in policyholders' liabilities
 
(6,420)
)
 
(7,005)
)
 
            (5,230)
)
Net operating income before loan
                 
  impairment charges
 
13,477
   
12,360
   
12,021
 
Loan impairment charges
 
(198)
)
 
(249)
)
 
              (137)
)
Net operating income
 
13,279
   
12,111
   
11,884
 
Employee compensation and benefits
 
(2,170)
)
 
(2,098)
)
 
            (2,158)
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(1,742)
)
 
(1,596)
)
 
            (1,779)
)
Depreciation of premises, plant
             
             
 
  and equipment
 
(376)
)
 
(381)
)
 
(381)
)
Amortisation of intangible assets
 
(57)
)
 
(61)
)
 
                (54)
)
Operating expenses
 
(4,345)
)
 
(4,136)
)
 
          (4,372)
)
Operating profit
 
8,934
   
7,975
   
7,512
 
Gains less losses from financial investments
                 
  and fixed assets
 
173
   
__
   
(5
)
Gain on reclassification of Industrial Bank
 
8,454
   
__
   
__
 
Gain on disposal of a subsidiary
 
__
   
__
   
355
 
Net surplus on property revaluation
 
999
   
238
   
538
 
Share of profits from associates 
 
213
   
2,387
   
2,994
 
Profit before tax
 
18,773
   
10,600
   
11,394
 
Tax expense
 
(305)
)
 
(1,347)
)
 
            (1,320)
)
Profit for the period
 
18,468
   
9,253
   
10,074
 
                   
Profit attributable to shareholders
 
18,468
   
9,253
   
10,074
 
                   
Earnings per share (in HK$)
 
9.66
   
4.84
   
5.27
 
 
Details of dividends payable to shareholders of the bank attributable to the profit for the half year are set out on page 37.
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)
 
 
 
Half-year ended
   
Half-year ended
   
Half-year ended
 
 
30 June
   
30 June
   
31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
       
(restated)
   
(restated)
 
                 
Profit for the period
18,468
   
9,253
   
10,074
 
                 
Other comprehensive income
               
                 
Items that will be reclassified subsequently       
  to the income statement when specific
  conditions are met:
               
Available-for-sale investment reserve:
               
- fair value changes taken to equity:
           
             
 
  -- on debt securities
(685
)
 
326
   
54
 
  -- on equity shares
(3,458
)
 
54
   
36
 
- fair value changes transferred
               
  to income statement:
               
  -- on hedged items
461
   
(62
)
 
84
 
  -- on disposal
__
   
(1
)
 
__
 
- share of changes in equity of associates:
               
  -- fair value changes
4
   
471
   
(12
)
  -- fair value changes transferred to income statement on reclassification of Industrial Bank
94
   
__
   
__
 
- deferred taxes
42
   
(156
)
 
(1
)
- exchange difference
431
   
__
   
(1
)
Cash flow hedging reserve:
               
- fair value changes taken to equity
498
   
33
   
308
 
- fair value changes transferred to
               
  income statement
(516
)
 
(30
)
 
(298
)
- deferred taxes
3
   
__
   
(2
)
Exchange differences on translation of:
               
- financial statements of overseas
           
              
 
  branches, subsidiaries and associates
338
   
(136
)
 
164
 
- cumulative foreign exchange reserve transferred to income statement on reclassification of Industrial Bank
(2,039
)
 
__
   
__
 
- retained profits
(3
)
 
1
   
(1
)
Share-based payments
(1
)
 
(7
)
 
__
 
Others
30
   
(25
)
 
(10
)
                 
Items that will not be reclassified
  subsequently to the income statement:
               
Premises:
               
- unrealised surplus on revaluation of
               
  premises
1,526
   
839
   
1,383
 
- deferred taxes
(241
)
 
(128
)
 
(230
)
- exchange difference
2
   
(1
)
 
1
 
Defined benefit plans:
               
- actuarial gains/(losses) on defined
               
  benefit plans
855
   
(137
)
 
861
 
- deferred taxes
(141
)
 
22
   
(142
)
Other comprehensive income for the
               
  period, net of tax
(2,800
)
 
1,063
   
2,194
 
Total comprehensive income
               
  for the period
15,668
   
10,316
   
12,268
 
                 
Total comprehensive income
               
  for the period attributable to
               
  shareholders
15,668
   
10,316
   
12,268
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet (unaudited)
 
 
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
                   
ASSETS
                 
Cash and balances with banks
 
19,190
   
18,272
   
27,082
 
Placings with and advances to banks
 
135,999
   
137,948
   
 140,382
 
Trading assets
 
34,509
   
41,037
   
34,399
 
Financial assets designated at fair value
 
10,150
   
7,708
   
8,343
 
Derivative financial instruments
 
4,752
   
4,063
   
5,179
 
Loans and advances to customers
 
579,705
   
504,902
   
536,162
 
Financial investments
 
263,369
   
224,385
   
253,408
 
Interest in associates
 
2,753
   
21,597
   
24,655
 
Investment properties
 
10,547
   
4,583
   
4,860
 
Premises, plant and equipment
 
20,690
   
18,250
   
19,262
 
Intangible assets
 
7,403
   
6,603
   
6,783
 
Other assets
 
17,590
   
16,520
   
16,581
 
Total assets
 
1,106,657
   
1,005,868
   
1,077,096
 
                   
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
                 
                   
Liabilities
                 
Current, savings and other deposit accounts
 
779,884
   
720,397
   
769,147
 
Deposits from banks
 
15,790
   
11,284
   
19,845
 
Trading liabilities
 
67,749
   
57,364
   
59,853
 
Financial liabilities designated at fair value
 
466
   
443
   
464
 
Derivative financial instruments
 
4,817
   
4,759
   
4,118
 
Certificates of deposit and other
                 
  debt securities in issue
 
11,022
   
12,662
   
11,291
 
Other liabilities
 
20,874
   
20,469
   
21,653
 
Liabilities to customers under
                 
  insurance contracts
 
86,584
   
77,347
   
81,670
 
Current tax liabilities
 
1,928
   
1,420
   
588
 
Deferred tax liabilities
 
3,633
   
3,651
   
4,323
 
Subordinated liabilities
 
11,829
   
11,827
   
11,821
 
Total liabilities
 
1,004,576
   
921,623
   
984,773
 
                   
Equity
                 
Share capital
 
9,559
   
9,559
   
9,559
 
Retained profits
 
76,633
   
54,623
   
59,683
 
Other reserves
 
13,786
   
17,960
   
19,257
 
Proposed dividends
 
2,103
   
2,103
   
3,824
 
Shareholders' funds
 
102,081
   
84,245
   
92,323
 
Total equity and liabilities
 
1,106,657
   
1,005,868
   
1,077,096
 
                   
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (unaudited)
 
 
   
Half-year ended 
 
Half-year ended 
 
Half-year ended  
 
 
Figures in HK$m
 
30 June 
 2013 
 
30 June 
 2012 
 
31 December 2012  
 
               
               
Share capital
             
  At beginning and end of period
 
9,559  
 
9,559  
 
9,559   
 
               
Retained profits (including
  proposed dividends)
             
  At beginning of period
 
63,507  
 
53,152  
 
56,726   
 
  Dividends to shareholders
             
  - dividends approved in respect of the 
    previous year
 
(3,824  
)
(3,633  
)
__  
    
  - dividends declared in respect of the 
    current period
 
(2,103  
)
(2,103  
)
(4,2066
)
  Transfer
 
1,978  
 
178  
    
195   
 
  Total comprehensive income
    for the period
 
19,178  
 
9,132  
 
10,792   
 
   
78,736  
 
56,726  
 
63,507   
 
               
Other reserves
             
Premises revaluation reserve
             
  At beginning of period
 
13,790  
 
12,280  
    
12,811   
 
  Transfer
 
(449  
)
(179  
)
(1755
)
  Total comprehensive income
    for the period
 
1,287  
 
710  
 
1,154   
 
   
14,628  
 
12,811  
 
13,790   
 
               
Available-for-sale investment reserve
             
  At beginning of period
 
227  
 
(561  
)
71   
 
  Transfer
 
_  _
 
__  
 
(44
)
  Total comprehensive income
    for the period
 
(3,111  
)
632  
   
160   
 
   
(2,884  
)
71  
 
227   
 
               
Cash flow hedging reserve
             
  At beginning of period
 
17  
 
6   
 
99
 
  Total comprehensive income
    for the period
 
(15  
)
  3 3
 
88
 
   
2  
 
9   
 
17   
 
               
Foreign exchange reserve
             
  At beginning of period
 
3,0711
 
3,043   
 
2,907   
 
  Transfer
 
(64  
)
_   _
 
__      
   
  Total comprehensive income
  for the period
 
(1,701  
)
(136   
)
164   
 
   
1,306   
 
2,907   
 
3,071   
 
               
               
 
 
 
   
Half-year ended  
 
Half-year ended  
 
Half-year ended 
 
Figures in HK$m
 
30 June 
2013 
 
30 June  
 2012 
 
31 December 2012 
 
               
               
Other reserves
             
  At beginning of period
 
2,152  
 
2,155   
 
2,162   
 
Cost of share-based payment
    arrangements
 
17   
 
31  
 
16   
 
  Transfer
 
(1,465   
)
1   
 
(16   
)
  Total comprehensive income
    for the period
 
30  
 
(25   
)
(10   
)
   
734   
    
2,162  
 
2,152   
 
               
Total equity
             
  At beginning of period
 
92,323   
 
79,634  
 
84,245   
 
  Dividends to shareholders
 
(5,927  
)
(5,736  
)
(4,206   
)
  Cost of share-based payment 
    arrangements
 
17   
 
31  
 
16   
 
  Total comprehensive income
    for the period
 
15,668   
 
10,316   
 
12,268   
 
   
102,081  
 
84,245   
 
92,323   
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement (unaudited)
 
 
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
   
   
30 June
   
30 June
   
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
               
Net cash inflow from operating activities
 
1,393
   
3,078
   
               
Cash flows from investing activities
             
               
Dividends received from associates
 
__
   
660
   
Purchase of an interest in an associate
 
__
   
(18)
 
 
Purchase of available-for-sale investments
 
(23,729)
    
 
(20,545)
 
 
Purchase of held-to-maturity debt securities
 
(953)
)   
 
(502)
 
 
Proceeds from sale or redemption of
             
  available-for-sale investments
 
16,177
   
40,153
   
Proceeds from redemption of held-to-maturity
             
  debt securities
 
55
   
305
   
Purchase of fixed assets and intangible assets
 
(3,229)
   )
 
(178)
 
 
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets and
  assets held for sale
 
910
   
26
   
Interest received from available-for-sale investments
 
826
   
1,272
   
Dividends received from available-for-sale investments
 
5
     
4
   
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities
 
(9,938)
   
 
21,177
   
               
Cash flows from financing activities
             
               
Dividends paid
 
(5,927)
   
 
(5,736)
 
 
Interest paid for subordinated liabilities
 
(155)
   
 
(126)
 
 
Net cash outflow from financing activities
 
(6,082)
   
 
(5,862
)
 
               
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
(14,627)
    
 
18,393
   
               
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January
 
125,034
   
120,469
   
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
 
(2,557)
   
 
(784)
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June
 
107,850
   
138,078
   
               
 
 
 
 
Financial Review
 
Net interest income
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
 
30 June
   
30 June
   
31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                 
Net interest income/(expense) arising from:
             
- financial assets and liabilities that are
               
  not at fair value through profit and loss
9,705
   
8,918
   
9,244
 
- trading assets and liabilities  
(770
)
 
(656
)
 
(612
)
- financial instruments designated
               
  at fair value
34
   
24
   
28
 
 
8,969
   
8,286
   
8,660
 
                 
Average interest-earning assets
981,814
   
898,862
   
935,411
 
                 
Net interest spread
1.73
%
 
1.74
%
 
1.73
%
Net interest margin
1.84
%
 
1.85
%
 
1.84
%
 
 
Net interest income rose by HK$683m, or 8.2%, to HK$8,969m, driven in part by the 9.2% increase in average interest-earning assets. The insurance business also contributed to the rise in net interest income, with the group recording solid growth in its life insurance investment portfolio.
 
Net interest margin and net interest spread both fell slightly by one basis point to 1.84% and 1.73% respectively compared with the same period last year. Income from the Treasury Balance Sheet Management portfolio declined, as yield curves continued to flatten and maturing available-for-sale debt securities were re-invested at prevailing lower interest rates. In mainland China, interbank market volatility and increasing competition for deposits placed significant downward pressure on spreads. These adverse factors were largely offset by the improved lending margins and the stable deposit spread in Hong Kong. The contribution from net free funds remained the same at 0.11%.
 
Compared with the second half of 2012, net interest income grew by HK$309m, or 3.6%, supported by higher average interest-earning assets, despite fewer days in the period. Net interest margin compared with the second half of 2012 was unchanged at 1.84%.
 
The HSBC Group reports interest income and interest expense arising from financial assets and financial liabilities held for trading as 'Net trading income', while that arising from financial instruments designated at fair value through profit and loss is reported as 'Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value' (other than for debt securities in issue and subordinated liabilities, together with derivatives managed in conjunction with them).
 
The table below presents the net interest income of Hang Seng, as included in the HSBC Group accounts:
 
 
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
 
30 June
 
30 June
 
31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
- Net interest income and     expense reported as 'Net     interest income'
                 
Interest income
 
11,334
   
10,602
   
10,935
 
Interest expense
 
(1,629
)
 
(1,684
)
 
(1,691
)
Net interest income
 
9,705
   
8,918
   
9,244
 
                   
- Net interest income and expense reported as 'Net trading income'
 
(770
)
 
(656
)
 
(612
)
                   
- Net interest income and expense reported as 'Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value'
 
34
   
24
   
28
 
                   
Average interest-earning assets
 
944,273
   
835,783
   
895,641
 
                   
Net interest spread
 
1.98
%
 
2.06
%
 
1.96
%
Net interest margin
 
2.07
%
 
2.15
%
 
2.05
%

 
 
 
 
 
Net fee income
 
Half-year ended
   
Half-year ended
   
Half-year ended
 
 
30 June
   
30 June
   
31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
     
2012
     
2012
 
                       
- Stockbroking and related services
 
535
     
464
     
477
 
- Retail investment funds
 
845
     
495
     
635
 
- Insurance agency
 
223
     
135
     
232
 
- Account services
 
179
     
177
     
176
 
- Private banking service fee
 
53
     
54
     
39
 
- Remittances
 
158
     
144
     
157
 
- Cards
 
1,016
     
894
     
971
 
- Credit facilities
 
163
     
194
     
162
 
- Trade services
 
284
     
245
     
299
 
- Other
 
181
     
175
     
173
 
Fee income
 
3,637
     
2,977
     
3,321
 
Fee expense
 
(701)
)
   
(569)
)
   
  (643)
 )
   
2,936
     
2,408
     
2,678
 
                       
 
Net fee income increased by HK$528m, or 21.9%, to HK$2,936m compared with the first half of 2012.
 
With the improved investor sentiment in the early part of the year, the bank used its strong wealth management platform to capture new business opportunities, driving a 70.7% increase in retail investment funds income. Stockbroking and related services income increased by 15.3%, due to higher transaction volumes in the more favourable market conditions.
 
Insurance-related fee income rose by 65.2%, benefitting from the increase in non-life insurance products distribution commission since the second half of last year as a result of the disposal of the bank's general insurance manufacturing business in the second half of 2012. This increase was offset by a corresponding fall in non-life insurance underwriting profit.
 
Supported by effective marketing campaigns, the credit card business sustained its growth momentum in the first half of 2013 in terms of card income and average card balances. Credit card income increased by 13.6%, underpinned by the 11.4% rise in cardholder spending and the 2.6% increase in the number of cards in circulation.
 
Fees from remittances and trade-related service income rose by 9.7% and 15.9% respectively, reflecting an increase in trade activity and the expansion of renminbi cross-border trade settlement volumes.   
 
Compared with the second half of 2012, net fee income increased by 9.6%, mainly reflecting higher income from retail investment funds and stockbroking and related services.
 
 
 
Trading income
 
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
 
30 June
 
30 June
 
31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Trading income:
                 
- foreign exchange
 
1,190
   
1,193
   
793
 
- securities, derivatives and
                 
  other trading activities
 
14
   
(23
)
 
100
 
   
1,204
   
1,170
   
893
 
 
Trading income grew by HK$34m, or 2.9%, to HK$1,204m compared with the first half of 2012. Foreign exchange income remained broadly unchanged when compared with the first half of 2012. Increased customer-driven business and higher customer demand for foreign exchange option-linked structured products, notably in renminbi, has resulted in an improvement in foreign exchange revenues. However, these favourable factors were offset by lower net interest income from funding swapsWactivities.
 
Income from securities, derivatives and other trading activities recorded a net gain of HK$14m, compared with a net loss of HK$23m for the same period last year, reflecting higher income on interest rate derivatives and linked structured products, caused by market interest rate movement, partly offset by the revaluation loss on equity options backing a life endowment product.
 
 
 
W Treasury from time to time employs foreign exchange swaps for its funding activities, which in essence involve swapping a currency ('original currency') into another currency ('swap currency') at the spot exchange rate for short-term placement and simultaneously entering into a forward exchange contract to convert the funds back to the original currency on maturity of the placement. In accordance with HKAS 39, the exchange difference of the spot and forward contracts is required to be recognised as a foreign exchange gain/loss, while the corresponding interest differential between the original and swap funding is reflected in net interest income.
 
 
 
Net income/(loss) from financial instruments designated at fair value
 
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
 
30 June
 
30 June
 
31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Net income/(loss) on assets
  designated at fair value which
  back insurance and
  investment contracts
 
(111)
)
 
102
   
274
 
 
 
Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value recorded a net loss of HK$111m compared with a net income of HK$102m for the first half of 2012, mainly due to unfavourable equity movements during the first half of 2013. To the extent that the investment return is attributable to policyholders, there is an offsetting movement reported under 'net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholders' liabilities' or 'movement in present value of in-force long-term insurance business ('PVIF')'.
 
 
 
Other operating income
 
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
 
30 June
 
30 June
 
31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Rental income from
                 
  investment properties
 
106
   
94
   
103
 
Movement in present value
                 
  of in-force long-term 
                 
  insurance business
 
622
   
614
   
201
 
Other
 
367
   
76
   
93
 
   
1,095
   
784
   
397
 
 
Other operating income rose by HK$311m, or 39.7% compared with the first half of 2012, driven by a gain on a property held by the insurance business.
 
 
 
Analysis of income from wealth management business
 
Half-year ended
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
 
30 June
   
30 June
   
31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
     
2012
     
2012
 
         
(restated)
   
(restated)
 
                       
Investment income:
                     
- retail investment funds
 
845
     
495
     
635
 
- structured investment productsW
 
667
     
653
     
299
 
- private banking service feeWW
 
65
     
72
     
51
 
- stockbroking and related services
 
535
     
464
     
477
 
- margin trading and others
 
68
     
71
     
71
 
   
2,180
     
1,755
     
1,533
 
Insurance income:
                     
- life insurance
 
1,722
     
1,697
     
1,319
 
- general insurance and others
 
105
     
178
     
132
 
   
1,827
     
1,875
     
1,451
 
Total
 
4,007
     
3,630
     
2,984
 
                         
 
W Income from structured investment products includes income reported under net fee income on the sales of structured investment products issued by other providers. It also includes profit generated from the selling of structured investment products in issue, reported under trading income.
 
W W Income from private banking includes income reported under net fee income on investment services and profit generated from selling of structured investment products in issue, reported under trading income.
 
 
Wealth management business income recorded growth of 10.4% compared with the first half of 2012. Investment income increased by 24.2%, driven by strong retail investment fund sales and a higher level of stock market trading activity. Insurance business income decreased slightly by 2.6%, mainly due to the fall in non-life insurance income.
 
 
 
Analysis of insurance business income
 
 
Half-year ended
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
 
30 June
   
30 June
   
31 December
   
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
     
2012
     
2012
   
                         
Life insurance:
                       
- net interest income and fee income
 
1,509
     
1,381
     
1,464
   
- investment returns on life insurance
                       
  funds/share of associate's profit/surplus
  on property revaluation backing
  insurance contract
 
 
 
211
     
 
 
210
     
 
 
551
   
- net earned insurance premiums
 
5,800
     
6,446
     
4,328
   
- net insurance claims incurred and
                       
  movement in policyholders' liabilities
 
(6,420)
 
   
(6,954)
 
   
(5,225)
 
 
- movement in present value of in-force
                       
  long-term insurance business
 
622
     
614
     
201
   
   
1,722
     
1,697
     
1,319
   
General insurance and others
 
105
     
178
     
132
   
Total
 
1,827
     
1,875
     
1,451
   
 
 
Life insurance income rose by HK$25m, or 1.5%, to HK$1,722m. Supported by our comprehensive range of life insurance products, the bank achieved an 8.5% increase in new annualised life insurance premiums when compared with the first half of 2012. The bank continued to enhance its strong position in providing retirement savings and protection products to its customers. In response to the low interest rate environment and to achieve stable growth in life insurance business income, part of the life insurance funds investment portfolio has been invested in commercial property, which recorded a revaluation gain during the first half of 2013.
 
Net interest income and fee income from the life insurance investment portfolio grew by 9.3%, as a result of the growth in the size of the portfolio. Investment returns on life insurance funds remained broadly unchanged. This reflected the net effect of the unfavourable movement in equity markets partly offset by the property revaluation gains on the assets portfolio supporting insurance contracts and reported under 'trading income', 'net income/(loss) from financial instruments designated at fair value' and 'other operating income'. To the extent that the investment return is attributable to policyholders, there is an offsetting movement reported under 'net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholders' liabilities' or 'movement in present value of in-force long-term insurance business ('PVIF')'. The movement in PVIF was broadly the same as last year.
 
General insurance income decreased by 41.0% to HK$105m, mainly due to the disposal of the bank's general insurance subsidiary in the second half of 2012. The decrease in non-life insurance underwriting profit was offset by a corresponding increase in non-life insurance products distribution commission reported under 'Net fee income'.
 
 
 
Loan impairment charges
 
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
 
30 June
 
30 June
 
31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Net charge for impairment of loans
  and advances to customers:
                 
Individually assessed impairment
  allowances:
                 
- new allowances
 
(61
)
 
(213
)
 
(81)
)))
- releases
 
57
   
81
   
143
 
- recoveries
 
7
   
4
   
9
 
   
3
   
(128)
  ))
 
71
 
Net charge for collectively assessed
  impairment allowances
 
(201
)
 
(121)
  ))
 
(208)
))
Net charge for loan impairment
 
(198
)
 
(249)
  ))
 
(137)
))
                   
 
Loan impairment charges fell by HK$51m, or 20.5%, year-on-year to HK$198m. Overall credit quality was relatively stable with loan impairment ratios remaining at a low level. We remain cautious on our credit outlook.
 
Individually assessed impairment charges recorded a net release of HK$3m compared with a net charge of HK$128m for the first half of 2012 due to lower impairment charges on corporate and commercial banking customers during the first half of 2013.
 
Collectively assessed charges increased by HK$80m, largely due to the increase in impairment charges for credit card and personal loan portfolios, reflecting a revision to collective impairment models. Impairment allowances for loans not individually identified as impaired recorded a higher release compared with the first half of 2012 as a result of improved average historical loss rate.
 
 
 
Operating expenses
 
 
Half-year ended
Half-year ended
Half-year ended
 
 
30 June
 
30 June
 
31 December
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
Figures in HK$m
       
(restated)
   
(restated)
 
                   
Employee compensation and benefits:
                 
- salaries and other costs
 
1,953
   
1,871
   
1,929
 
- retirement benefit costs
 
217
   
227
   
229
 
   
2,170
   
2,098
   
2,158
 
General and administrative expenses:
                 
- rental expenses
 
315
   
275
   
284
 
- other premises and equipment
 
519
   
449
   
515
 
- marketing and advertising expenses
 
322
   
272
   
345
 
- other operating expenses
 
586
   
600
   
635
 
   
1,742
   
1,596
   
1,779
 
Depreciation of premises, plant
                 
  and equipment
 
376
   
381
   
381
 
Amortisation of intangible assets
 
57
   
61
   
54
 
   
4,345
   
4,136
   
4,372
 
                   
Cost efficiency ratio
 
32.2
%
 
33.5
%
 
36.4
%
                   
Full-time equivalent staff numbers
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
At 31 December
 
  by region
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
Hong Kong and others
 
8,014
   
7,863
   
7,797
 
Mainland
 
1,820
   
1,785
   
1,883
 
Total
 
9,834
   
9,648
   
9,680
 
 
 
Operating expenses rose by HK$209m, or 5.1%, compared with the first half of 2012, reflecting the bank's continued investment in new business platforms and mainland operations to support long-term business growth while continuing carefully to manage costs. Compared with the second half of 2012, operating expenses were broadly unchanged.
 
Compared with the first half of 2012, employee compensation and benefits increased by HK$72m, or 3.4%. Salaries and other costs rose by 4.4%, reflecting the annual salary increment and increased staff numbers. General and administrative expenses were up 9.1%, due to the increase in marketing expenditure as more branding and promotional activities were conducted to support business growth. Rental expenses rose due to higher rents for branches in Hong Kong. Other premises and equipment expenses also increased as a result of continued investment in information technology infrastructure.
 
At 30 June 2013, the group's number of full-time equivalent staff rose by 154 compared with the 2012 year-end.
 
With the increase in net operating income before loan impairment charges outpacing the growth in operating expenses, the cost efficiency ratio for the first half of 2013 reduced by 1.3 percentage points to 32.2%, compared with 33.5% for the first half of 2012. Compared with the second half of 2012, the cost efficiency ratio fell by 4.2 percentage points.
 
 
 
Gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets
 
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
 
30 June
 
30 June
 
31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Net gains from disposal of 
                 
  available-for-sale equity securities
 
__
   
1
   
__
 
Gains less losses on disposal of
                 
  assets held for sale
 
175
   
__
   
__
 
Gains less losses on disposal of loans
                 
  and advances
 
1
   
__
   
(4
)
Losses on disposal of fixed assets
 
(3
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
   
173
   
__
   
(5
)
 
Gains less losses from financial investments and fixed assets rose by HK$173m compared with the first half of 2012. The HK$175m net gain on disposal of assets held for sale was from the disposal of certain properties.
 
 
 
Gain on reclassification of Industrial Bank
 
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
 
30 June
 
30 June
 
31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Gain on reclassification of
  Industrial Bank
 
8,454
   
__
   
__
 
                   
 
 
On 7 January 2013, Industrial Bank completed a private placement of additional share capital to a number of third parties, thereby diluting the group's equity holding from 12.8% to 10.9%. As a result of this and other factors, the group considers it is no longer in a position to exercise significant influence over Industrial Bank and ceased to account for the investment as an associate from that date, giving rise to an accounting gain of HK$8,454m.
 
 
 
Gain on disposal of a subsidiary
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
 
30 June
 
30 June
 
31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Net gains from disposal of a
                 
  subsidiary
 
__
   
__
   
355
 
 
 
 
The HK$355m gain from disposal of a subsidiary in the second half of 2012 represented the disposal of the group's general insurance business in the second half of 2012. 
 
 
 
Tax expense
 
Taxation in the consolidated income statement represents:
 
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
 
30 June
 
30 June
 
31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
(restated)
   
2012
(restated)
 
               
                   
Current tax - provision for
                 
  Hong Kong profits tax
                 
Tax for the period
 
1,298
   
1,104
   
1,121
 
Adjustment in respect of
                 
  prior periods
 
__
   
18
   
(93
)
                   
Current tax - taxation outside
                 
  Hong Kong
                 
Tax for the period
 
52
   
92
   
__
 
Adjustment in respect of
                 
  prior periods
 
7
   
__
   
(2
)
                   
Deferred tax
                 
Origination and reversal of
                 
  temporary differences
 
(1,052)
)
 
133
   
294
 
Total tax expense
 
305
   
1,347
   
1,320
 
                   
                       
 
The current tax provision is based on the estimated assessable profit for the first half of 2013, and is determined for the bank and its subsidiaries operating in Hong Kong by using the Hong Kong profits tax rate of 16.5% (the same as in 2012). For subsidiaries and branches operating in other jurisdictions, the appropriate tax rates prevailing in the relevant countries are used. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. The release in deferred tax was mainly related to the reclassification of Industrial Bank as a financial investment in the first half of 2013.
 
 
 
Earnings per share
 
The calculation of earnings per share for the first half of 2013 is based on earnings of HK$18,468m (HK$9,253m and HK$10,074m for the first and second halves of 2012 respectively) and on the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue of 1,911,842,736 shares (unchanged from the first and second halves of 2012).
 
 
 
Dividends per share
 
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
   
   
30 June
   
30 June
 
31 December
   
   
2013
   
2012
   
2012
   
 
HK$
HK$m
 
HK$
HK$m
 
HK$
HK$m
 
 
per share
   
per share
   
per share
   
                   
First interim
1.10
2,103
 
1.10
2,103
 
__
__
 
Second interim
1.10
2,103
 
1.10
2,103
 
__
__
 
Third interim
__
__
 
__
__
 
1.10
2,103
 
Fourth interim
__
__
 
__
__
 
2.00
3,824
 
 
2.20
4,206
 
2.20
4,206
 
3.10
5,927
   
 
 
 
Segmental analysis
 
Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standard 8 ('HKFRS 8') requires segmental disclosure to be based on the way that the group's chief operating decision maker regards and manages the group, with the amounts reported for each reportable segment being the measures reported to the group's chief operating decision maker for the purpose of assessing segmental performance and making decisions about operating matters. To align with the information reported internally to the group's most senior executive management for the purposes of resources allocation and performance assessment, the group has presented the following five reportable segments. Consolidation adjustments made in preparing the group's financial statements and inter-segment elimination of income or expenses upon consolidation are included in the 'Inter-segment elimination'.
 
Hong Kong and other businesses segment
 
·    Retail Banking and Wealth Management activities offer a broad range of products and services to meet the personal banking, consumer lending and wealth management needs of individual customers. Personal banking products typically include current and savings accounts, mortgages and personal loans, credit cards, insurance and wealth management;
 
·    Corporate and Commercial Bankingactivities include the provision of financial services, payments and cash management, international trade finance, insurance, wealth management and tailored financial solutions to corporate and commercial customers;
 
·    Treasury activities are mainly the provision of treasury operation services in credit, interest rates, foreign exchange, money markets and securities services. Treasury also manages the funding and liquidity positions of the group and other market risk positions arising from banking activities;
 
·    Other mainly represents management of shareholders' funds and investments in premises, investment properties, equity shares and subordinated debt funding;
 
Mainland China business segment
 
·    Mainland China business segment comprises the business of Hang Seng Bank (China) Limited and our share of profits from mainland associates.
 
(a) Segmental result
 
For the purpose of segmental analysis, the allocation of revenue reflects the benefits of capital and other funding resources allocated to the business segments by way of internal capital allocation and fund transfer-pricing mechanisms. Cost allocation is based on the direct costs incurred by the respective business segments and apportionment of management overheads. Bank-owned premises are reported under Other segment. When these premises are utilised by Global Businesses, notional rent will be charged to respective business segments based on the market rate.
 
Profit before tax contributed by the business segments for the periods stated is set out in the table below. More business segment analysis and discussion is set out in the 'Segmental analysis' section on page 11.
 
 
Hong Kong & other businesses
               
                             
 
Retail Banking 
 
Corporate and 
           
Mainland
       
 
and Wealth
Commercial
         
China
       
Figures in HK$m
Management
 
Banking
 
Treasury
 
Other
 
Total
business
 
Total
   
                               
Half-year ended
30 June 2013
                             
                               
Profit before tax
4,455
 
3,140
 
1,320
 
1,225
 
10,140
 
8,633
 
18,773
   
Share of profit before tax
23.8
%
16.7
%
7.0
%
6.5
%
54.0
%
46.0
%
100.0
%
 
Share of profit before tax as a
  % of Hong Kong & other
  businesses
 43.9
%
31.0
%
13.0
%
12.1
%
100.0
%
         
                           
Half-year ended
30 June 2012 (restated)
                         
                               
Profit before tax
3,896
 
2,761
 
1,311
 
167
 
8,135
 
2,465
 
10,600
   
Share of profit before tax
36.7
%
26.0
%
12.4
%
1.6
%
76.7
%
23.3
%
100.0
%
 
Share of profit before tax as a
  % of Hong Kong & other
  businesses
47.9
%
33.9
%
16.1
%
2.1
%
100.0
%
       
                           
Half-year ended
31 December 2012 (restated)
                       
                                                                                                     

                             
Profit before tax
3,955
 
3,089
 
1,050
 
342
 
8,436
 
2,958
 
11,394
 
Share of profit before tax
34.7
%
27.1
%
9.2
%
3.0
%
74.0
%
26.0
%
100.0
%
Share of profit before tax as a
  % of Hong Kong & other
  businesses
46.9
%
36.6
%
12.4
%
4.1
%
100.0
%
       
                               
 
 
 
 (b) Geographic information
 
The geographical regions in this analysis are classified by the location of the principal operations of the subsidiary companies or, in the case of the bank itself, by the location of the branches responsible for reporting the results or advancing the funds.
 
                   
Inter-segment
   
Figures in HK$m
Hong Kong
Mainland
 
Americas
 
Others
 
elimination
 
Total
                         
Half-year ended 30 June 2013
                       
                         
Income and expense
                       
Total operating income
 
18,640
 
796
 
421
 
81
 
(41
)
19,897
Profit before tax
 
9,683
 
8,633
 
404
 
53
 
__
 
18,773
 
At 30 June 2013
                       
                         
Total assets
 
1,008,809
 
118,176
 
57,583
 
10,996
 
(88,907
)
1,106,657
Total liabilities
 
911,782
 
109,913
 
56,008
 
10,703
 
(83,830
)
1,004,576
Interest in associates
 
1,778
 
975
 
__
 
__
 
__
 
2,753
Non-current assetsW
 
37,556
 
1,083
 
__
 
1
 
__
 
38,640
                           
 
Half-year ended 30 June 2012 (restated)
               
                         
Income and expense
                       
Total operating income
 
17,801
 
940
 
595
 
69
 
(40
)
19,365
Profit before tax
 
7,512
 
2,465
 
579
 
44
 
__
 
10,600
 
At 30 June 2012 (restated)
                       
                         
Total assets
 
905,808
 
116,278
 
60,163
 
11,393
 
(87,774
)
1,005,868
Total liabilities
 
844,866
 
89,178
 
59,086
 
11,182
 
(82,689
)
921,623
Interest in associates
 
1,506
 
20,091
 
__
 
__
 
__
 
21,597
Non-current assetsW
 
28,384
 
1,051
 
__
 
1
 
__
 
29,436
 
Half-year ended 31 December 2012 (restated)
               
                         
Income and expense
                       
Total operating income
 
15,881
 
834
 
502
 
75
 
(41
)
17,251
Profit before tax
 
7,916
 
2,958
 
468
 
52
 
__
 
11,394
 
At 31 December 2012
                       
                         
Total assets
 
967,288
 
125,232
 
61,296
 
11,768
 
(88,488
)
1,077,096
Total liabilities
 
901,369
 
95,146
 
60,129
 
11,523
 
(83,394
)
984,773
Interest in associates
 
1,652
 
23,003
 
__
 
__
 
__
 
24,655
Non-current assetsW
 
29,872
 
1,032
 
__
 
1
 
__
 
30,905
 
W  Non-current assets consist of properties, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.
 
 
 
Cash and balances with banks
 
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Cash in hand
 
10,161
   
9,933
   
11,041
 
Balances with central banks
 
4,016
   
1,523
   
8,973
 
Balances with banks
 
5,013
   
6,816
   
7,068
 
   
19,190
   
18,272
   
27,082
 
                   
 
 
 
Placings with and advances to banks
 
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Placings with and advances to banks
                 
  maturing within one month
 
80,620
   
63,727
   
77,367
 
Placings with and advances to banks
                 
  maturing after one month
                 
  but less than one year
 
53,392
   
72,558
   
61,316
 
Placings with and advances to banks
                 
  maturing after one year
 
1,987
   
1,663
   
1,699
 
   
135,999
   
137,948
   
140,382
 
 
 
 
Trading assets
 
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Treasury bills
 
28,206
   
33,972
   
26,808
 
Certificates of deposit
 
__
   
430
   
400
 
Other debt securities
 
5,935
   
5,815
   
6,106
 
Debt securities
 
34,141
   
40,217
   
33,314
 
Investment funds
 
25
   
22
   
30
 
Total trading securities
 
34,166
   
40,239
   
33,344
 
OtherW
 
343
   
798
   
1,055
 
Total trading assets
 
34,509
   
41,037
   
34,399
 
                   
Debt securities:
                 
- listed in Hong Kong
 
4,322
   
3,330
   
3,046
 
- listed outside Hong Kong
 
232
   
262
   
238
 
   
4,554
   
3,592
   
3,284
 
- unlisted
 
29,587
   
36,625
   
30,030
 
   
34,141
   
40,217
   
33,314
 
Investment funds:
                 
- listed in Hong Kong
 
25
   
22
   
30
 
                   
Total trading securities
 
34,166
   
40,239
   
33,344
 
                   
Debt securities:
                 
Issued by public bodies:
                 
- central governments and central banks
 
33,077
   
38,016
   
31,105
 
- other public sector entities
 
69
   
81
   
80
 
   
33,146
   
38,097
   
31,185
 
Issued by other bodies:
                 
- banks
 
581
   
909
   
934
 
- corporate entities
 
414
   
1,211
   
1,195
 
   
995
   
2,120
   
2,129
 
   
34,141
   
40,217
   
33,314
 
Investment funds:
                 
Issued by corporate entities
 
25
   
22
   
30
 
Total trading securities
 
34,166
   
40,239
   
33,344
 
                   
W  This represents the amount receivable from counterparties on trading transactions not yet settled.
 
 
Trading assets remained broadly at the same level as at the end of 2012. The trading securities currently held by the bank are mostly Hong Kong Exchange Fund bills with short tenors.
 
 
 
Financial assets designated at fair value 
 
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Certificates of deposit
 
__
   
1
   
__
 
Other debt securities
 
4,228
   
3,831
   
4,047
 
Debt securities
 
4,228
   
3,832
   
4,047
 
Equity shares
 
2,990
   
1,356
   
1,632
 
Investment funds
 
2,932
   
2,520
   
2,664
 
   
10,150
   
7,708
   
8,343
 
                   
Debt securities:
                 
- listed in Hong Kong
 
87
   
15
   
38
 
- listed outside Hong Kong
 
465
   
44
   
336
 
   
552
   
59
   
374
 
- unlisted
 
3,676
   
3,773
   
3,673
 
   
4,228
   
3,832
   
4,047
 
                   
Equity shares:
                 
- listed in Hong Kong
 
1,554
   
1,356
   
1,632
 
- listed outside Hong Kong
 
1,408
   
__
   
__
 
   
2,962
   
1,356
   
1,632
 
- unlisted
 
28
   
__
   
__
 
   
2,990
   
1,356
   
1,632
 
                   
Investment funds:
                 
- listed in Hong Kong
 
27
   
24
   
30
 
- listed outside Hong Kong
 
741
   
476
   
599
 
   
768
   
500
   
629
 
- unlisted
 
2,164
   
2,020
   
2,035
 
   
2,932
   
2,520
   
2,664
 
   
10,150
   
7,708
   
8,343
 
                   
Debt securities:
                 
Issued by public bodies:
                 
- central governments and central banks
 
313
   
__
   
181
 
- other public sector entities
 
46
   
4
   
1
 
   
359
   
4
   
182
 
Issued by other bodies:
                 
- banks
 
3,664
   
3,745
   
3,687
 
- corporate entities
 
205
   
83
   
178
 
   
3,869
   
3,828
   
3,865
 
   
4,228
   
3,832
   
4,047
 
                   
Equity shares:
                 
Issued by banks
 
499
   
265
   
370
 
Issued by public sector entities
 
12
   
__
   
13
 
Issued by corporate entities
 
2,479
   
1,091
   
1,249
 
   
2,990
   
1,356
   
1,632
 
Investment funds:
                 
Issued by banks
 
__
   
341
   
400
 
Issued by corporate entities
 
2,932
   
2,179
   
2,264
 
   
2,932
   
2,520
   
2,664
 
   
10,150
   
7,708
   
8,343
 
 
 
 
Loans and advances to customers
 
 
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Gross loans and advances to
  customers
 
581,080
   
506,583
   
537,571
 
Less:
                 
Loan impairment allowances:
                 
- individually assessed
 
(666
)
 
(966
)
 
(681
)
- collectively assessed
 
(709
)
 
(715
)
 
(728
)
   
579,705
   
504,902
   
536,162
 
 
 
 
Loan impairment allowances against loans and advances to customers
 
   
Individually
 
Collectively
         
Figures in HK$m
 
assessed
 
assessed
   
Total
   
                     
At 1 January 2013
 
681
   
728
   
1,409
   
Amounts written off
 
(18
)
 
(246
)
 
(264
)
 
Recoveries of loans and advances
                 
  written off in previous years
 
7
   
24
   
31
   
New impairment allowances
                   
  charged to income statement
 
61
   
324
   
385
   
Impairment allowances released
                   
  to income statement
 
(64
)
 
(123
)
 
(187
)
 
Unwinding of discount of loan
                   
  impairment allowances
                   
  recognised as 'interest income'
 
(3
)
 
(1
)
 
(4
)
 
Exchange
 
2
   
3
   
5
   
At 30 June 2013
 
666
   
709
   
1,375
   
 
Total loan impairment allowances as a percentage of gross loans and advances to customers are as follows:
 
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
   
%
   
%
   
%
 
                   
Loan impairment allowances:
                 
- individually assessed
 
0.11
   
0.19
   
0.13
 
- collectively assessed
 
0.12
   
0.14
   
0.13
 
Total loan impairment allowances
 
0.23
   
0.33
   
0.26
 
                   
 
Total loan impairment allowances as a percentage of gross loans and advances to customers was 0.23% at 30 June 2013 compared with 0.26% at the end of 2012. Individually assessed allowances as a percentage of gross loans and advances improved by two basis points to 0.11% as overall asset quality remained sound. Collectively assessed allowances as a percentage of gross loans and advances fell by one basis point to 0.12%.
 
 
 
Impaired loans and advances to customers and allowances
 
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Gross impaired loans and
  advances
 
1,289
   
1,691
   
1,340
 
Individually assessed allowances
 
(666)
)
 
(966)
)
 
(681
)
   
623
   
725
   
659
 
                   
Individually assessed allowances
  as a percentage of gross
  impaired loans and advances
 
51.7
%
 
57.1
%
 
50.8
%
                   
Gross impaired loans and 
  advances as a percentage of  
  gross loans and advances to
  customers
 
0.22
%
 
0.33
%
 
0.25
%
                   
 
Impaired loans and advances to customers are those loans and advances where objective evidence exists that full repayment of principal or interest is considered unlikely.
 
Gross impaired loans and advances decreased by HK$51m, or 3.8%, to HK$1,289m compared with the year-end of 2012, due to repayments by corporate and commercial banking customers. Gross impaired loans and advances as a percentage of gross loans and advances to customers stood at 0.22% compared with 0.25% at the year-end of 2012.
 
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Gross individually assessed
                 
  impaired loans and advances
 
1,131
   
1,568
   
1,190
 
Individually assessed allowances
 
(666)
)
 
(966)
)
 
(681
)
   
465
   
602
   
509
 
                   
Gross individually assessed
                 
  impaired loans and advances
                 
  as a percentage of
                 
  gross loans and advances to
                 
  customers
 
0.19
%
 
0.31
%
 
0.22
%
                   
Amount of collateral which
                 
  has been taken into account
                 
  in respect of individually assessed
                 
  impaired loans and advances to
                 
  customers
 
407
   
569
   
498
 
                   
 
Collateral includes any tangible security that carries a fair market value and is readily marketable. This includes (but is not limited to) cash and deposits, stocks and bonds, mortgages over properties and charges over other fixed assets such as plant and equipment. Where collateral values are greater than gross loans and advances to customers, only the amount of collateral up to the gross loans and advances is included.
 
 
 
Overdue loans and advances to customers
 
Loans and advances that are more than three months overdue and their expression as a percentage of gross loans and advances to customers are as follows:
 
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
     
2013
     
2012
     
2012
 
 
HK$m
 
%
 
HK$m
 
%
 
HK$m
 
%
 
                         
Gross loans and advances which
  have been overdue with respect
  to either principal or interest
  for periods of:
- more than three months but
  not more than six months
- more than six months but
  not more than one year
- more than one year
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
140
 
__
 
200
 
__
 
114
 
__
 
                       
50
 
__
 
252
 
0.1
 
143
 
__
 
681
 
0.1
 
700
 
0.1
 
662
 
0.2
 
 
871
 
0.1
 
1,152
 
0.2
 
919
 
0.2
 
 
Loans and advances with a specific repayment date are classified as overdue when the principal or interest is overdue and remains unpaid at the period-end. Loans and advances repayable by regular instalments are treated as overdue when an instalment payment is overdue and remains unpaid at the period-end. Loans and advances repayable on demand are classified as overdue either when a demand for repayment has been served on the borrower but repayment has not been made in accordance with the demand notice or when the loans and advances have remained continuously outside the approved limit advised to the borrower for more than the overdue period in question.
 
Overdue loans and advances decreased by HK$48m, or 5.2%, to HK$871m compared with the last year-end. Overdue loans and advances as a percentage of gross loans and advances to customers stood at 0.1%.
 
 
 
Rescheduled loans and advances to customers
 
Rescheduled loans and advances to customers and their expression as a percentage of gross loans and advances to customers are as follows:
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
     
2013
     
2012
     
2012
 
 
HK$m
 
%
 
HK$m
 
%
 
HK$m
 
%
 
Rescheduled loans and
                       
  advances to customers
167
 
__
 
161
 
__
 
196
 
__
 
                         
 
Rescheduled loans and advances to customers are those loans and advances that have been rescheduled or renegotiated for reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties. This will normally involve the granting of concessionary terms and resetting the overdue account to non-overdue status. A rescheduled loan and advance will continue to be disclosed as such unless the debt has been performing in accordance with the rescheduled terms for a period of six to 12 months. Rescheduled loans and advances to customers which have been overdue for more than three months under the rescheduled terms are reported as overdue loans and advances.
 
Rescheduled loans and advances stood at HK$167m at 30 June 2013, a fall of HK$29m, or 14.8% compared with last year-end, representing 0.03% of gross loans and advances to customers. 
 
 
 
Segmental analysis of loans and advances to customers by geographical area
 
Loans and advances to customers by geographical area are classified according to the location of the counterparties after taking into account the transfer of risk. In general, risk transfer applies when a loan is guaranteed by a party located in an area that is different from that of the counterparty.
 
Figures in HK$m
At 30 June 2013
 
 
Gross loans and advances
Individually
 impaired
loans and advances
Overdue
loans and advances
Individually assessed allowances
Collectively assessed allowances
                       
Hong Kong
 
467,327
 
886
 
715
 
498
 
545
 
Rest of Asia-Pacific
 
106,461
 
212
 
150
 
163
 
153
 
Others
 
7,292
 
33
 
6
 
5
 
11
 
   
581,080
 
1,131
 
871
 
666
 
709
 
 
Figures in HK$m
At 30 June 2012 (restated)
 
Gross loans and advances
Individually
 impaired
loans and advances
Overdue loans and
advances
Individually assessed allowances
Collectively assessed allowances
                       
Hong Kong
 
428,752
 
1,292
 
973
 
752
 
560
 
Rest of Asia-Pacific
 
72,304
 
252
 
133
 
211
 
144
 
Others
 
5,527
 
24
 
46
 
3
 
11
 
   
506,583
 
1,568
 
1,152
 
966
 
715
 
 
Figures in HK$m
At 31 December 2012
 
Gross loans and advances
Individually
impaired
loans and advances
Overdue loans and
advances
Individually assessed allowances
Collectively assessed allowances
                       
Hong Kong
 
447,310
 
948
 
718
 
503
 
561
 
Rest of Asia-Pacific
 
84,428
 
218
 
201
 
177
 
156
 
Others
 
5,833
 
24
 
-
 
1
 
11
 
   
537,571
 
1,190
 
919
 
681
 
728
 
 
 
 
Gross loans and advances to customers by industry sector
 
The analysis of gross loans and advances to customers by industry sector based on categories and definitions used by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority ('HKMA') is as follows:
 
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
Figures in HK$m
             
                   
Gross loans and advances to
  customers for use in Hong Kong
                 
                   
Industrial, commercial and
                 
  financial sectors
                 
Property development
 
28,551
   
27,927
   
29,771
 
Property investment
 
99,722
   
103,178
   
103,675
 
Financial concerns
 
4,566
   
3,944
   
3,595
 
Stockbrokers
 
402
   
227
   
325
 
Wholesale and retail trade
 
19,850
   
15,952
   
16,445
 
Manufacturing
 
17,252
   
13,792
   
15,212
 
Transport and transport equipment
 
6,072
   
6,082
   
5,774
 
Recreational activities
 
224
   
233
   
244
 
Information technology
 
1,968
   
1,680
   
1,430
 
Other
 
32,751
   
23,102
   
26,766
 
   
211,358
   
196,117
   
203,237
 
Individuals
                 
Loans and advances for the purchase of
  flats under the Government Home
  Ownership Scheme, Private Sector
  Participation Scheme and Tenants
  Purchase Scheme
                 
                 
                 
 
13,619
   
13,962
   
13,886
 
Loans and advances for the purchase of
  other residential properties
                 
 
129,733
   
115,731
   
125,176
 
Credit card advances
 
20,081
   
18,392
   
20,389
 
Other
 
14,333
   
13,814
   
13,514
 
   
177,766
   
161,899
   
172,965
 
Total gross loans and
  advances for use in Hong Kong
                 
 
389,124
   
358,016
   
376,202
 
Trade finance
 
62,892
   
42,917
   
47,555
 
Gross loans and advances
  for use outside Hong Kong
                 
 
129,064
   
105,650
   
113,814
 
Gross loans and advances
  to customers
 
581,080
   
506,583
   
537,571
 
                   
 
 
Gross loans and advances to customers grew by HK$43.5bn, or 8.1%, to HK$581.1bn compared with the end of 2012.
 
Loans and advances for use in Hong Kong increased by HK$12.9bn, or 3.4%. Lending to the industrial, commercial and financial sectors grew by 4.0%. Lending to property development and property investment declined by 4.1% and 3.8% respectively, due mainly to repayments of certain existing loans. Lending to financial concerns remained active and grew by 27.0%. The bank remained major market participant in the Hong Kong Government-organised schemes to support SMEs, and recorded growth of 20.7% in the wholesale and retail trade sector and 13.4% in the manufacturing sector. Growth in lending to 'Other' was mainly due to certain new working capital financing facilities for large corporate customers.
 
Lending to individuals increased by 2.8% compared with the last year-end. The property market remained fairly active early this year but began to slow after the government implemented new prudential measures. The bank was able to sustain a leading position for the mortgage business based on diversified mortgage products, a competitive pricing strategy and premium service. Residential mortgage lending to individuals rose by 3.6% compared with the end of 2012. Credit card advances were broadly the same level as last year-end. Other loans to individuals grew by 6.1%, reflecting the success of the group in expanding its consumer finance business. 
 
Trade finance regained momentum and recorded strong growth against last year, reflecting Corporate and Commercial Banking's achievement in expanding trade finance business by maintaining close relationship with its business partners to support cross-border renminbi trade business on the Mainland.
 
Loans and advances for use outside Hong Kong rose by 13.4%, compared with the end of 2012, driven largely by lending on the Mainland. The mainland loan portfolio increased by 16.8% to HK$60.2bn, underpinned by the expansion of renminbi lending to corporate and commercial customers. The group employed a cautious approach to lending on the Mainland and will continue to strengthen its prudent credit policies in light of the more difficult operating conditions for mainland businesses. 
 
 
 
Financial investments
 
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Available-for-sale at fair value:
                 
- debt securities
 
166,288
   
159,231
   
185,443
 
- equity shares
 
26,103
   
255
   
295
 
- investment funds
 
43
   
42
   
39
 
Held-to-maturity debt securities
                 
  at amortised cost
 
70,935
   
64,857
   
67,631
 
   
263,369
   
224,385
   
253,408
 
                   
Fair value of held-to-maturity debt securities
 
72,386
   
68,931
   
72,716
 
                   
Treasury bills
 
75,014
   
72,101
   
98,262
 
Certificates of deposit
 
10,980
   
12,425
   
11,228
 
Other debt securities
 
151,229
   
139,562
   
143,584
 
Debt securities
 
237,223
   
224,088
   
253,074
 
Equity shares
 
26,103
   
255
   
295
 
Investment funds
 
43
   
42
   
39
 
   
263,369
   
224,385
   
253,408
 
Debt securities:
                 
- listed in Hong Kong
 
12,676
   
19,127
   
16,625
 
- listed outside Hong Kong
 
46,430
   
37,866
   
48,166
 
   
59,106
   
56,993
   
64,791
 
- unlisted
 
178,117
   
167,095
   
188,283
 
   
237,223
   
224,088
   
253,074
 
Equity shares:
                 
- listed in Hong Kong
 
65
   
52
   
65
 
- listed outside Hong Kong
 
25,753
   
5
   
6
 
   
25,818
   
57
   
71
 
- unlisted
 
285
   
198
   
224
 
   
26,103
   
255
   
295
 
Investment funds:
                 
- unlisted
 
43
   
42
   
39
 
   
263,369
   
224,385
   
253,408
 
                   
Fair value of listed financial investments
 
85,235
   
58,105
   
66,270
 
                   
Debt securities:
                 
Issued by public bodies:
                 
- central governments and central banks
 
110,094
   
102,507
   
128,587
 
- other public sector entities
 
27,655
   
22,157
   
23,638
 
   
137,749
   
124,664
   
152,225
 
Issued by other bodies:
                 
- banks
 
70,860
   
77,433
   
76,854
 
- corporate entities
 
28,614
   
21,991
   
23,995
 
   
99,474
   
99,424
   
100,849
 
   
237,223
   
224,088
   
253,074
 
Equity shares:
                 
Issued by banks
 
25,753
   
5
   
6
 
Issued by corporate entities
 
350
   
250
   
289
 
   
26,103
   
255
   
295
 
Investment funds:
                 
Issued by corporate entities
 
43
   
42
   
39
 
   
263,369
   
224,385
   
253,408
 
 
 
 
Debt securities by rating agency designation
 
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
                 
AA- to AAA
 
184,183
   
170,992
   
183,420
A- to A+
 
43,799
   
43,052
   
61,001
B+ to BBB+
 
6,872
   
7,571
   
6,161
Unrated
 
2,369
   
2,473
   
2,492
   
237,223
   
224,088
   
253,074
 
 
Financial investments include treasury bills, certificates of deposit, other debt securities and equity shares intended to be held for an indefinite period of time.
 
Available-for-sale financial investments may be sold in response to needs for liquidity or changes in the market environment, and are carried at fair value with the gains and losses from changes in fair value recognised through equity reserves. Held-to-maturity debt securities are stated at amortised cost. Where debt securities have been purchased at premiums or discounts, the carrying value of the securities are adjusted to reflect the effective interest rate of the debt securities taking into account such premiums and discounts.
 
Financial investments rose by HK$10.0bn, or 3.9%, compared with the last year-end. Debt securities investment decreased by HK$15.9bn while equity shares increased by HK$25.8bn due to the reclassification of the bank's investment in Industrial Bank from associated company to available-for-sale financial investment.
 
Investments were primarily in high-quality debt securities or debt securities guaranteed by governments, reflecting the bank's strategy of identifying quality investment opportunities that enable it to optimise returns while prudently managing risk. At 30 June 2013, about 99% of the group's holdings of debt securities were assigned investment grade ratings by rating agencies. The unrated debt securities were issued by subsidiaries of investment-grade banks and are guaranteed by their corresponding holding companies. These notes rank equally with all of the respective guarantors' other senior debt obligations. The group did not hold any investments in structured investment vehicles or any sub-prime related assets such as collateralised debt obligations, mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities.
 
 
 
Interest in associates
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Share of net assets
 
2,597
   
21,082
   
24,151
 
Intangible assets
 
15
   
43
   
29
 
Goodwill
 
141
   
472
   
475
 
   
2,753
   
21,597
   
24,655
 
 
Interest in associates fell by HK$21,902m compared with last year-end, mainly due to the reclassification of Industrial Bank as a financial investment on 7 January 2013.
 
 
 
Intangible assets
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Present value of in-force long-term  
                 
  insurance business
 
6,625
   
5,802
   
6,003
 
Internally developed software
 
390
   
426
   
400
 
Acquired software
 
59
   
46
   
51
 
Goodwill
 
329
   
329
   
329
 
   
7,403
   
6,603
   
6,783
 
 
 
 
Other assets
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Items in the course of collection
                 
  from other banks
 
5,540
   
5,333
   
5,642
 
Prepayments and accrued income
 
3,245
   
2,975
   
2,999
 
Assets held for sale
                 
- repossessed assets
 
4
   
23
   
16
 
- assets of disposal groups held for sale
 
__
   
686
   
__
 
- other assets held for sale
 
__
   
250
   
593
 
Acceptances and endorsements
 
6,057
   
5,076
   
5,264
 
Retirement benefit assets
 
42
   
30
   
31
 
Other accounts
 
2,702
   
2,147
   
2,036
 
   
17,590
   
16,520
   
16,581
 
 
 
 
Current, savings and other deposit accounts
 
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Current, savings and
                 
  other deposit accounts:
                 
- as stated in consolidated
                 
  balance sheet
 
779,884
   
720,397
   
769,147
 
- structured deposits reported as
                 
  trading liabilities
 
39,990
   
37,764
   
38,113
 
   
819,874
   
758,161
   
807,260
 
By type:
                 
- demand and current accounts
 
68,142
   
59,187
   
68,071
 
- savings accounts
 
483,341
   
453,716
   
495,880
 
- time and other deposits
 
268,391
   
245,258
   
243,309
 
   
819,874
   
758,161
   
807,260
 
 
 
 
Certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue
 
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Certificates of deposit and 
                 
  other debt securities in issue:
                 
- as stated in consolidated
                 
  balance sheet
 
11,022
   
12,662
   
11,291
 
- structured certificates of deposit
                 
  and other debt securities in issue
                 
  reported as trading liabilities
 
1,312
   
1,009
   
248
 
   
12,334
   
13,671
   
11,539
 
                   
By type:
                 
- certificates of deposit in issue
 
11,022
   
12,662
   
11,291
 
- other debt securities in issue
 
1,312
   
1,009
   
248
 
   
12,334
   
13,671
   
11,539
 
                   
Customer deposits, including current, savings and other deposits accounts, certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue stood at HK$832.2bn at 30 June 2013 - a rise of 1.6% from the end of 2012. Structured deposits, certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue increased as instruments with yield enhancement features gained popularity. Deposits with Hang Seng China also rose by 11.6%, driven mainly by renminbi deposits.
 
At 30 June 2013, the advances-to-deposits ratio was 69.7%, compared with 65.5% at 31 December 2012.
 
 
 
Trading liabilities
 
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Structured certificates of deposit and
                 
  other debt securities in issue
 
1,312
   
1,009
   
248
 
Structured deposits
 
39,990
   
37,764
   
38,113
 
Short positions in securities and others
 
26,447
   
18,591
   
21,492
 
   
67,749
   
57,364
   
59,853
 
                   
 
 
 
Other liabilities
 
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Items in the course of transmission
                 
  to other banks
 
8,034
   
6,538
   
8,153
 
Accruals
 
3,052
   
2,404
   
3,248
 
Acceptances and endorsements
 
6,057
   
5,076
   
5,264
 
Retirement benefit liabilities
 
1,682
   
3,494
   
2,449
 
Liabilities of disposal groups held for sale
 
__
   
646
   
__
 
Other
 
2,049
   
2,311
   
2,539
 
   
20,874
   
20,469
   
21,653
 
                   
                     
 
 
 
Subordinated liabilities
 
     
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
   
 
Figures in HK$m
   
2013
   
2012
   
2012
   
                         
 
Nominal value
Description
                   
                         
Amount owed to third parties
           
                       
 
US$300m
Callable floating rate
                   
   
  subordinated notes
                   
   
  due July 2017W
 
__
   
2,326
   
__
   
                         
 
Amount owed to HSBC Group undertakings
                   
                         
 
US$775m
Floating rate
                   
   
  subordinated loan debt
 
6,011
   
6,011
   
6,007
   
   
  due December 2020
                   
                         
 
US$450m
Floating rate
                   
   
  subordinated loan debt
                   
   
  due July 2021
 
3,491
   
3,490
   
3,488
   
                         
 
US$300m
Floating rate
                   
   
  subordinated loan debt
                   
   
  due July 2022W
 
2,327
   
__
   
2,326
   
       
11,829
   
11,827
   
11,821
   
                         
 
Representing:
                     
 
- measured at amortised cost
 
11,829
   
11,827
   
11,821
   
                         
                                     
W  The bank exercised its option to redeem these subordinated notes at par of US$300m and replenished them with a new issue of US$300m subordinated loan debt in July 2012.
 
The outstanding subordinated loan debt, which qualifies as supplementary capital, serves to help the bank maintain a balanced capital structure and support business growth.
 
 
 
Shareholders' funds
 
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
At 31 December
   
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
   
2012
   
                     
Share capital
 
9,559
   
9,559
   
9,559
   
Retained profits
 
76,633
   
54,623
   
59,683
   
Premises revaluation reserve
 
14,628
   
12,811
   
13,790
   
Cash flow hedging reserve
 
2
   
9
   
17
   
Available-for-sale investment reserve
                   
- on debt securities
 
(141)
 
 
(176
)
 
(57
)
 
- on equity securities
 
(2,743)
 
 
247
   
284
   
Capital redemption reserve
 
99
   
99
   
99
   
Other reserves
 
1,941
   
4,970
   
5,124
   
Total reserves
 
90,419
   
72,583
   
78,940
   
   
99,978
   
82,142
   
88,499
   
Proposed dividends
 
2,103
   
2,103
   
3,824
   
Shareholders' funds
 
102,081
   
84,245
   
92,323
   
                     
Return on average shareholders' funds
 
35.9
%
22.8
%
22.9
%
                     
                           
 
Shareholders' funds (excluding proposed dividends) grew by HK$11,479m, or 13.0%, to HK$99,978m at 30 June 2013. Retained profits rose by HK$16,950m, mainly reflecting the growth in attributable profit (including the accounting gain on Industrial Bank) after the appropriation of interim dividends during the period.
 
The premises revaluation reserve increased by HK$838m, reflecting mainly the improved commercial property market during the first half of 2013.
 
The available-for-sale investment reserve for equity securities recorded a deficit of HK$2,743m compared with a surplus of HK$284m at year-end 2012, mainly caused by the share price of Industrial Bank being lower at 30 June 2013 than on reclassification as a financial investment on 7 January 2013. Changes in the fair value of the bank's investment in Industrial Bank are recognised in the available-for-sale investment reserve unless the investment becomes impaired. If the investment becomes impaired, the cumulative revaluation deficit would be reclassified from the available-for-sale investment reserve to the income statement. The group will continue to perform an impairment review of its investment in Industrial Bank at each balance sheet date in accordance with the group's accounting policy on impairment of available-for-sale financial assets.
 
Other reserves decreased by HK$3,183m compared with last year-end, reflecting the recycling of the Industrial Bank-related cumulative foreign exchange and other reserves to retained profits as a result of the reclassification. 
 
The return on average shareholders' funds was 35.9%, compared with 22.8% for the first half of 2012. Excluding the Industrial Bank reclassification, the return on average shareholders' funds was 19.0%, compared with 17.4% for the first half of 2012.
 
There was no purchase, sale or redemption by the bank, or any of its subsidiaries, of the bank's securities during the first half of 2013.
 
 
 
Capital management
 
The Banking (Capital) (Amendment) Rules 2012, effective on 1 January 2013, signified the first phase of Basel III requirements in Hong Kong. The definition of regulatory capital under Basel III is different from that under Basel II which was used at 31 December 2012. The capital disclosures for June 2013 under Basel III are, therefore, not directly comparable with the disclosures for December 2012 prepared under Basel II basis. Certain comparative figures have not been provided where the current year is the first year of disclosure.
 
The group uses the advanced internal ratings-based approach to calculate its credit risk for the majority of its non-securitisation exposures. For market risk, the group uses an internal models approach to calculate its general market risk for the risk categories of interest rate and foreign exchange (including gold) exposures and the standardised (market risk) approach for calculating other market risk positions. For operational risk, the group uses the standardised (operational risk) approach to calculate its operational risk.
 
The basis of consolidation for the calculation of capital ratios under the Banking (Capital) Rules follows the basis of consolidation for financial reporting with the exclusion of subsidiaries which are 'regulated financial entities' (e.g. insurance and securities companies) as defined by the Banking (Capital) Rules. Accordingly, the investment cost of these unconsolidated regulated financial entities is deducted from the capital base.
 
The tables overleaf show the capital ratios, risk-weighted assets and capital base as contained in the 'Capital Adequacy Ratio' return required to be submitted to the HKMA by Hang Seng Bank on a consolidated basis as specified by the HKMA under the requirements of section 3C(1) of the Banking (Capital) Rules.
 
The bank and its subsidiaries maintain a regulatory reserve to satisfy the provisions of the Banking Ordinance and local regulatory requirements for prudential supervision purposes.
At 30 June 2013, the effect of this requirement is to restrict the amount of reserves which can be distributed to shareholders by HK$5,213m (31 December 2012: HK$4,866m).
 
There are no relevant capital shortfalls in any of the group's subsidiaries as at 30 June 2013
(31 December 2012: nil) which are not included in the group's consolidation for regulatory purposes.
 
 
 
(a) Capital structure
 
Figures in HK$m
At 30 June 2013
 
Common Equity Tier 1 ('CET1') Capital
   
Shareholders' equity
93,464
 
- Shareholders' equity per balance sheet
102,081
 
- Unconsolidated subsidiaries
(8,617
)
     
Regulatory deductions to CET1 capital
(40,027
)
- Cash flow hedging reserve
(3
)
- Changes in own credit risk on fair valued liabilities
(109
)
- Goodwill and intangible assets
(565
)
- Regulatory reserve
(5,213
)
- Reserves arising from revaluation of property1
(20,019
)
- Valuation adjustments
(219
)
- Excess AT1 deductions
(13,899
)
     
Total CET1 Capital
53,437
 
     
Additional Tier 1 ('AT1') Capital
   
Total AT1 capital before regulatory deductions
__
 
     
Regulatory deductions to AT1 capital
__
 
- Significant capital investments in unconsolidated financial sector entities
(13,899
)
- Excess AT1 deductions
13,899
 
     
Total AT1 Capital
__
 
     
Total Tier 1 ('T1') Capital
53,437
 
     
Tier 2 ('T2') Capital
   
Total T2 capital before regulatory deductions
22,344
 
- Term subordinated debt
10,880
 
- Property revaluation reserves1
9,009
 
- Impairment allowances and regulatory reserve eligible for inclusion in T2 capital
2,455
 
     
Regulatory deductions to T2 capital
(13,899
)
- Significant capital investments in unconsolidated financial sector entities
(13,899
)
     
Total T2 Capital
8,445
 
     
Total Capital
61,882
 
 
1Includes the revaluation surplus on investment properties which is reported as part of retained profits and related adjustments made in accordance with the Banking (Capital) Rules issued by the HKMA.
 
 
(b) Risk-weighted assets by risk type 
 
Figures in HK$m
At 30 June 2013
 
     
Credit risk
350,616
 
Market risk
2,534
 
Operational risk
39,361
 
Total
392,511
 
 
 
(c) Capital ratios (as a percentage of risk-weighted assets) 
 
The capital ratios on consolidated basis calculated in accordance with the Banking (Capital) Rules are as follows:
 
At 30 June 2013
 
CET1 capital ratio
13.6%
 
Tier 1 capital ratio
13.6%
 
Total capital ratio
15.8%
 
 
 
(d) Capital instruments
 
The following is a summary of the group's CET1 and Tier 2 capital instruments:
 
     
 
At 30 June 2013
 
CET1 capital instruments issued by the bank
   
Ordinary shares:
   
1,911,842,736 issued and fully paid ordinary shares of HK$5 each
HK$9,559m
     
Tier 2 capital instruments
   
Issued by the bank:
   
Subordinated loan due 2020 (nominal value: US$775m)
HK$6,011m
Subordinated loan due 2021 (nominal value: US$450m)
HK$3,491m
Subordinated loan due 2022 (nominal value: US$300m)
HK$2,327m
 
 
(e) Additional information
 
To comply with the Banking (Disclosure) Rules ('BDR'), the group will establish a new section 'Regulatory Disclosure' on its website to house all the information relating to the disclosure of regulatory capital instruments and the reconciliation to the group's published financial statements.
 
The disclosure will be published before 30 September 2013 according to the BDR and will include the following information:
 
 
·      A description of the main features and the full terms and conditions of the group's capital instruments can be viewed on our website: www.hangseng.com .
 
 
·      A detailed breakdown of the group's CET1 capital, AT1 capital, T2 capital and regulatory deductions, using the standard template as specified by the HKMA, can be viewed on our website: www.hangseng.com .
 
 
·      A full reconciliation between the group's accounting and regulatory balance sheets, using the standard template as specified by the HKMA, can be viewed on our website: www.hangseng.com .
 
 
 
Capital base and risk-weighted assets
 
     
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
   
Figures in HK$m
       
2012
   
2012
 
                     
Core capital:
                   
Paid-up ordinary share capital
       
9,559
   
9,559
   
                     
- Reserves per balance sheet
       
72,583
   
78,940
   
- Unconsolidated subsidiaries
       
(8,359
)
 
(8,872
)
 
- Cash flow hedging reserve
       
(9
)
 
(17
)
 
- Regulatory reserve
       
(4,639
)
 
(4,866
)
 
- Reserves arising from revaluation of
                   
  property and unrealised gains on
                   
  available-for-sale equities and debt securities
       
(17,347
)
 
(18,936
)
 
Total reserves included in core capital
       
42,229
   
46,249
   
                     
- Goodwill and intangible assets
       
(987
)
 
(965
)
 
- 50% of unconsolidated investments
       
(12,395
)
 
(13,683
)
 
- 50% of securitisation positions and
                   
  other deductions
       
(158
)
 
(158
)
 
Deductions
       
(13,540
)
 
(14,806
)
 
                     
Total core capital
       
38,248
   
41,002
   
                     
Supplementary capital:
                   
- Term subordinated debt
       
11,827
   
11,821
   
- Property revaluation reserves 1
       
5,894
   
5,894
   
- Available-for-sale investments
                   
  revaluation reserves 2
       
155
   
183
   
- Regulatory reserve 3
       
325
   
303
   
- Collective impairment allowances 3
       
50
   
46
   
- Excess impairment allowances over
                   
  expected losses 4
       
1,651
   
1,727
   
Supplementary capital before deductions
       
19,902
   
19,974
   
                     
- 50% of unconsolidated investments
       
(12,395
)
 
(13,683
)
 
- 50% of securitisation positions and
                   
  other deductions
       
(158
)
 
(158
)
 
Deductions
       
(12,553
)
 
(13,841
)
 
                     
Total supplementary capital
       
7,349
   
6,133
   
                     
Capital base
       
45,597
   
47,135
   
                     
Risk-weighted assets
                   
- Credit risk
       
286,786
   
295,743
   
- Market risk
       
4,003
   
2,447
   
- Operational risk
       
36,502
   
37,827
   
         
327,291
   
336,017
   
                   
Capital adequacy ratio
     
13.9
%
14.0
%
Core capital ratio
     
11.7
%
12.2
%
 
Reserves and deductible items
     
At 30 June
 
At 31 December
 
Figures in HK$m
       
2012
   
2012
 
                   
Published reserves
       
38,275
   
39,152
 
Profit and loss account
       
3,954
   
7,097
 
Total reserves included in core capital
       
42,229
   
46,249
 
                   
Total of items deductible 50% from core capital
                 
  and 50% from supplementary capital
       
25,106
   
27,682
 
 
1 Includes the revaluation surplus on investment properties which is reported as part of retained profits and adjustments made in accordance with the Banking (Capital) rules.
2 Includes adjustments made in accordance with the Banking (Capital) rules.
3 Total regulatory reserve and collective impairment allowances are apportioned between the standardised approach and internal ratings-based approach in accordance with the Banking (Capital) rules. Those apportioned to the standardised approach are included in supplementary capital. Those apportioned to the internal ratings-based approach are excluded from supplementary capital.
4 Excess impairment allowances over expected losses are applicable to non-securitisation exposures calculated by using the internal ratings-based approach.
 
Capital ratios at 30 June 2012 and 31 December 2012 on Basel II basis were compiled in accordance with the Banking (Capital) Rules under the Hong Kong Banking Ordinance.
 
 
 
Liquidity ratio
 
The average liquidity ratio for the periods indicated, calculated in accordance with the Fourth Schedule of the Hong Kong Banking Ordinance, is as follows:
 
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
   
30 June
   
30 June
 
31 December
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2012
 
The bank and its subsidiaries
                 
  designated by the HKMA
 
35.8
%
 
36.9
%
 
36.8
%
 
 
 
Reconciliation of cash flow statement
 
(a) Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash flow from operating activities
 
 
Half-year ended
 
Half-year ended
 
   
30 June
   
30 June
 
Figures in HK$m      
 
2013
   
2012
 
         
(restated)
 
             
Operating profit
 
8,934
   
7,975
 
Net interest income
 
(8,969
)
 
(8,286
)
Dividend income
 
(4
)
 
(4
)
Loan impairment charges
 
198
   
249
 
Depreciation
 
376
   
381
 
Amortisation of intangible assets
 
57
   
61
 
Amortisation of available-for-sale investments
 
49
   
(23
)
Loans and advances written off net of recoveries
 
(233
)
 
(228
)
Movement in present value of in-force long-term insurance
           
  business
 
(622
)
 
(614
))
Interest received
 
10,794
   
9,553
 
Interest paid
 
(2,306
)
 
(2,128
)
Operating profit before changes in working capital
 
8,274
   
6,936
 
Change in treasury bills and certificates of deposit
           
  with original maturity more than three months
 
7,728
   
8,317
 
Change in placings with and advances to banks
           
  maturing after one month
 
7,923
   
(23,232
)
Change in trading assets
 
2,537
   
15,510
 
Change in financial assets designated at fair value
 
__
   
140
 
Change in derivative financial instruments
 
1,126
   
558
 
Change in loans and advances to customers
 
(43,428
)
 
(24,345
)
Change in other assets
 
(6,020
)
 
(5,583
)
Change in current, savings and other deposit accounts
 
10,737
   
20,540
 
Change in deposits from banks
 
(4,101
)
 
(3,123
)
Change in trading liabilities
 
7,896
   
(2,348
)
Change in certificates of deposit and other debt securities in issue
(269
)
 
3,378
 
Change in other liabilities
 
3,541
   
5,109
 
Elimination of exchange differences and other non-cash items
 
5,444
   
1,294
 
Cash generated from operating activities
 
1,388
   
3,151
 
Taxation recovered/(paid)
 
5
   
(73
)
Net cash inflow from operating activities
 
1,393
   
3,078
 
 
 
(b) Analysis of the balances of cash and cash equivalents
 
 
At 30 June
 
At 30 June
 
Figures in HK$m
 
2013
   
2012
 
             
Cash and balances with banks
 
19,190
   
18,272
 
Placings with and advances to banks
           
  maturing within one month
 
78,729
   
61,347
 
Treasury bills
 
9,931
   
57,494
 
Certificates of deposit
 
__
   
965
 
   
107,850
   
138,078
 
 
 
 
Contingent liabilities, commitments and derivatives
 
       
Credit
 
Risk-
 
 
Contract
equivalent
weighted
 
Figures in HK$m
amounts
amounts
amounts
 
               
At 30 June 2013
             
               
Direct credit substitutes
 
6,973
 
6,747
 
3,253
 
Transaction-related contingencies
 
1,546
 
156
 
58
 
Trade-related contingencies
 
14,443
 
1,514
 
796
 
Forward asset purchases
 
32
 
32
 
32
 
Undrawn formal standby facilities, credit lines
             
  and other commitments to lend:
             
- not unconditionally cancellable W
 
34,121
 
15,346
 
6,489
 
- unconditionally cancellable
 
247,537
 
81,705
 
22,708
 
   
304,652
 
105,500
 
33,336
 
Exchange rate contracts:
             
Spot and forward foreign exchange
 
449,358
 
2,740
 
777
 
Other exchange rate contracts
 
177,483
 
6,718
 
5,654
 
   
626,841
 
9,458
 
6,431
 
Interest rate contracts:
             
Interest rate swaps
 
251,150
 
1,802
 
555
 
Other interest rate contracts
 
194
 
__
 
__
 
   
251,344
 
1,802
 
555
 
               
Other derivative contracts
 
5,198
 
391
 
182
 
 
 
W  The contract amounts for undrawn formal standby facilities, credit lines and other commitments to lend with original maturity of 'up to one year' and 'over one year' were HK$6,652m and HK$27,469m respectively.
 
 
 
       
Credit
 
Risk-
 
 
Contract
equivalent
weighted
 
Figures in HK$m
amounts
amounts
amounts
 
               
At 30 June 2012
             
               
Direct credit substitutes
 
6,548
 
6,390
 
3,858
 
Transaction-related contingencies
 
1,402
 
140
 
57
 
Trade-related contingencies
 
11,339
 
1,136
 
677
 
Forward asset purchases
 
27
 
27
 
27
 
Undrawn formal standby facilities, credit lines
             
  and other commitments to lend:
             
- not unconditionally cancellable
 
36,652
 
16,448
 
7,233
 
- unconditionally cancellable
 
251,487
 
81,094
 
25,160
 
   
307,455
 
105,235
 
37,012
 
Exchange rate contracts:
             
Spot and forward foreign exchange
 
565,496
 
2,376
 
651
 
Other exchange rate contracts
 
136,220
 
3,303
 
2,576
 
   
701,716
 
5,679
 
3,227
 
Interest rate contracts:
             
Interest rate swaps
 
267,734
 
2,378
 
529
 
   
267,734
 
2,378
 
529
 
               
Other derivative contracts
 
5,488
 
375
 
121
 
               
 
 
 
       
Credit
 
Risk-
 
 
Contract
equivalent
weighted
 
Figures in HK$m
amounts
amounts
amounts
 
               
At 31 December 2012
             
               
Direct credit substitutes
 
7,259
 
7,041
 
3,805
 
Transaction-related contingencies
 
1,250
 
128
 
54
 
Trade-related contingencies
 
11,548
 
1,181
 
696
 
Forward asset purchases
 
51
 
51
 
51
 
Undrawn formal standby facilities, credit lines
             
  and other commitments to lend:
             
- not unconditionally cancellable
 
33,261
 
15,258
 
6,189
 
- unconditionally cancellable
 
247,891
 
82,049
 
24,909
 
   
301,260
 
105,708
 
35,704
 
Exchange rate contracts:
             
Spot and forward foreign exchange
 
544,790
 
4,197
 
728
 
Other exchange rate contracts
 
111,945
 
2,355
 
1,545
 
   
656,735
 
6,552
 
2,273
 
Interest rate contracts:
             
Interest rate swaps
 
230,032
 
2,121
 
472
 
   
230,032
 
2,121
 
472
 
               
Other derivative contracts
 
4,856
 
452
 
143
 
               
 
The tables above give the nominal contract, credit equivalent and risk-weighted amounts of off-balance-sheet transactions. The credit equivalent amounts are calculated for the purpose of deriving the risk-weighted amounts. The nominal contract amounts, credit equivalent amounts, risk-weighted amounts and the consolidation basis for the periods indicated were calculated in accordance with the Banking (Capital) Rules issued by the HKMA.
 
For the above analysis, contingent liabilities and commitments are credit-related instruments that include acceptances and endorsements, letters of credit, guarantees and commitments to extend credit. The risk involved is essentially the same as the credit risk involved in extending loan facilities to customers. These transactions are, therefore, subject to the same credit origination, portfolio management and collateral requirements as for customers applying for loans. As the facilities may expire without being drawn upon, the total of the contract amounts is not representative of future liquidity requirements.
 
Derivative financial instruments are held for trading, or financial instruments designated at fair value, or designated as either fair value hedges or cash flow hedges. The following table shows the nominal contract amounts and marked-to-market value of assets and liabilities by class of derivatives.
 
 
At 30 June 2013
 
At 30 June 2012
 
At 31 December 2012
Figures in HK$m
Trading
 
Hedging
 
Trading
 
Hedging
 
Trading
 
Hedging
                       
Contract amounts:
                     
Interest rate contracts
215,933
 
35,799
 
211,899
 
55,836
 
192,421
 
37,739
Exchange rate contracts
888,359
 
4,992
 
927,014
 
3,276
 
826,210
 
4,263
Other derivative contracts
15,617
 
-
 
18,054
 
-
 
17,614
 
-
 
1,119,909
 
40,791
 
1,156,967
 
59,112
 
1,036,245
 
42,002
                       
Derivative assets:
                     
Interest rate contracts
1,257
 
94
 
1,688
 
116
 
1,438
 
59
Exchange rate contracts
2,505
 
793
 
2,095
 
-
 
3,024
 
280
Other derivative contracts
103
 
-
 
164
 
-
 
378
 
-
 
3,865
 
887
 
3,947
 
116
 
4,840
 
339
                       
Derivative liabilities:
                     
Interest rate contracts
1,061
 
956
 
1,525
 
1,448
 
1,292
 
1,352
Exchange rate contracts
2,451
 
38
 
1,647
 
3
 
1,419
 
3
Other derivative contracts
311
 
-
 
136
 
-
 
52
 
-
 
3,823
 
994
 
3,308
 
1,451
 
2,763
 
1,355
                       
 
 
The above derivative assets and liabilities, being the positive or negative marked-to-market value of the respective derivative contracts, represent gross replacement costs.
 
 
 
Additional information
 
 
1. Statutory accounts and accounting policies
 
The information in this news release is not audited and does not constitute statutory accounts.
 
Certain financial information in this news release is extracted from the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2012 ('2012 accounts'), which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and the HKMA. The auditors expressed an unqualified opinion on those statutory accounts in their report dated 4 March 2013.
 
Disclosures required by the Banking (Disclosure) Rules issued by the HKMA are contained in the bank's Interim Report which will be published on the websites of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and the bank on the date of the issue of this news release.
 
Except as described below, the accounting policies and methods of computation adopted by the group for this news release are consistent with those described on pages 84 to 103 of the 2012 accounts.
 
During the period, the group has adopted the following new standards and amendments to standards which had insignificant or no effect on the consolidated financial statements:
 
-        HKAS 27 (2011) 'Separate Financial Statements'
-        HKAS 28 (2011) 'Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures'
-        HKFRS 10 'Consolidated Financial Statements'
-        HKFRS 11 'Joint Arrangements'
-        HKFRS 12 'Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities'
 
-        Amendments to HKFRS 7 'Disclosures - Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities'
-        Annual Improvements to HKFRSs 2009-2011 Cycle
 
The impact of the rest of the newly adopted standard and amendments is illustrated below.
 
Amendments to HKAS 1 'Presentation of financial statements' require grouping of items presented in other comprehensive income on the basis of whether they are potentially reclassifiable to profit or loss subsequently. The group's presentation of other comprehensive income has been modified accordingly with comparative information re-presented.
 
Since the amendments to HKAS 19 'Employee Benefits' became effective, the group has replaced the interest cost and expected return on plan assets by a finance cost component comprising the net interest on the net defined benefit liability or asset. This finance cost component is determined by applying the same discount rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation to the net defined benefit liability or asset. The difference between the actual return on plan assets and the return included in the finance cost component in the income statement will be presented in other comprehensive income. The amendments have been applied retrospectively with comparative figures adjusted accordingly.
 
The major lines of the financial statements that have been affected are as follows:
 
Figures in HK$m                                                                     As reported         Adjustment          Restated
 
Half-year ended 30 June 2012
   Consolidated income statement:                                                                                                   
   Employee compensation and benefits                                   (2,039)                     (59)             (2,098)
   Profit before tax                                                                          10,659                     (59)             10,600
   Tax expense                                                                                (1,357)                       10             (1,347)
   Profit attributable to shareholders                                            9,302                     (49)               9,253
   Earnings per share (HK$)                                                             4.87                  (0.03)                 4.84
   Return on average shareholders' funds (%)                             22.9                    (0.1)                 22.8
 
   Consolidated statement of comprehensive income:                                                                     
   Defined benefit plans:                                                               
   - actuarial losses on defined benefit plans                             (196)                       59                (137)
   - deferred taxes                                                                               32                     (10)                    22
   Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax      1,014                       49               1,063
 
Certain key ratios for comparative periods have also been restated to conform with the current period presentation.
 
In addition, Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standard ('HKFRS') 13 'Fair Value Measurement' establishes a single source of guidance for all fair value measurements required or permitted by HKFRSs and with prospective application. It clarifies the definition of fair value as an exit price - a price at which an orderly transaction to sell the asset or to transfer the liability would take place between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. It also contains extensive disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. Some of the disclosures are specifically required for financial instruments in the interim financial reports. The group has adopted the new standard this year and provided those disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. Comparative disclosures are not required in the first period of adoption of the standard.
 
 
 

 
 
2. Comparative figures
 
As a result of the adoption of the amendments to HKAS 19 'Employee Benefits', certain comparative figures have been adjusted to conform with the current year's presentation and to provide comparative amounts in respect of items disclosed for the first time in 2013.
 
 
 
 
3. Change in accounting treatment for Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. ('Industrial Bank')
 
On 7 January 2013, Industrial Bank completed a private placement of additional share capital to a number of third parties, thereby diluting the group's equity holding from 12.8% to 10.9%. As a result of this and other factors, the group considered it was no longer in a position to exercise significant influence over Industrial Bank and ceased to account for the investment as an associate from that date, giving rise to an accounting gain on reclassification of Industrial Bank of HK$9,517m for the first half of 2013. The accounting gain included the deemed disposal profit on reclassification of Industrial Bank of HK$8,454m and the release of deferred tax amounted to HK$1,063m.
 
Thereafter, the holding in Industrial Bank is being recognised as a financial investment in the balance sheet of the group with any subsequent movement in its fair value reflected in accordance with current applicable Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards. At 30 June 2013, there was a revaluation deficit on the investment in Industrial Bank  recorded in the 'available-for-sale investment reserve', reflecting the decline in its fair value below the deemed cost upon reclassification based on the share price on 4 January 2013. The change in fair value of the bank's investment in Industrial Bank is recognised in the available-for-sale investment reserve unless the investment becomes impaired. If the investment becomes impaired, the cumulative revaluation deficit would be reclassified from the available-for-sale investment reserve to the income statement.
 
The group will continue to perform an impairment review of its investment in Industrial Bank at each balance sheet date in accordance with the group's accounting policy on impairment of available-for-sale financial assets. Dividends from Industrial Bank are recognised in the group's consolidated income statement. This change has been incorporated and reflected in the group's 2013 interim results.
 
Financial implication of change in accounting treatment on Industrial Bank:
 
From 2013 onwards, the reclassification of Industrial Bank and the change in accounting treatment will result in an increase in the group's dividend income, subject to the amount of dividend to be declared by Industrial Bank and a decrease in the share of profit from associates. The share of profit from Industrial Bank was HK$2,364m in the first half of 2012.
 
Since there are significant financial implications as a result of the change in accounting treatment for Industrial Bank, the key financial results and performance metrics are not directly comparable when comparing the first half of 2013 with 2012. For the sake of comparison, we have prepared the following key financial results and performance metrics by excluding the non-distributable accounting gain in the first half of 2013 and the share of Industrial Bank's profit in the first half of 2012.
 
 
 
 
As reported
Excluding Industrial Bank reclassification
 
Half-year ended 30 June 2013
Half-year ended 30 June 2012
ChangeW
Half-year ended 30 June 2013
Half-year ended 30 June 2012
ChangeW
             
Attributable profit
18,468
9,253
99.6%
8,951
7,044
27.1%
Profit before tax
18,773
10,600
77.1%
10,319
8,236
25.3%
Return on average
  shareholders' funds (%)
35.9
22.8
13.1pp
19.0
17.4
1.6pp
Return on average total
  assets (%)
3.4
1.9
1.5pp
1.7
1.4
0.3pp
Earnings per share (HK$)
9.66
4.84
99.6%
4.68
3.68
27.2%
             
               
W Change in 'pp' represents change in percentage points.

 
 
4. Property revaluation
 
The group's premises and investment properties were revalued at 30 June 2013 by DTZ Debenham Tie Leung Limited. The valuation was carried out by qualified persons who are members of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors. The basis of the valuation of property was market value which is consistent with the definition of fair value under HKFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement and taken into account the highest and best use of the property from the perspective of market participants. The highest and best use takes into account the use of the property that is physically possible, legally permissible and financially feasible as described in HKFRS 13. The net revaluation surplus for group premises amounted to HK$1,523m, of which HK$1,526m was credited to the premises revaluation reserve and HK$3m was debited to the income statement. Revaluation gains of HK$1,147m on investment properties were recognised through the income statement. The related deferred tax provisions for group premises was HK$253m.
 
The revaluation exercise also covered business premises and investment properties reclassified as properties held for sale. The revaluation gain of HK$136m was recognised through the income statement.
 
 
5. Foreign currency positions
 
The group's foreign exchange exposures mainly comprise foreign exchange dealing by Treasury and currency exposures originated by its banking business. The latter are transferred to Treasury where they are centrally managed within foreign exchange position limits approved by the Risk Management Committee. The net options position is calculated on the basis of delta-weighted positions of all foreign exchange options contracts. Structural foreign exchange positions arising from capital investment in associates, subsidiaries and branches and the fair value of the group's long-term foreign currency equity investment, mainly in US dollar and Chinese renminbi as set out below, are managed by the Asset and Liability Management Committee ('ALCO').
 
At 30 June 2013, the US dollar ('US$'), Chinese renminbi ('RMB'), Australian dollar ('AUD') and Japanese Yen ('JPY') were the currencies in which the group had non-structural foreign currency positions that were not less than 10% of the total net position in all foreign currencies. The group also had a RMB structural foreign currency position, which was not less than 10% of the total net structural position in all foreign currencies.
 
Figures in HK$m
US$
 
RMB
   
AUD
 
JPY
 
Other foreign currencies
 
Total foreign currencies
 
                           
At 30 June 2013
                         
                           
Non-structural position
                         
Spot assets
  173,526
 
 147,750
   
 44,328
 
 6,417
 
51,559
 
423,580
 
Spot liabilities
(154,308
)
(128,555
)
 
(49,486
)
(3,194
)
(55,661
)
(391,204
)
Forward purchases
271,887
 
113,794
   
10,107
 
11,096
 
20,646
 
427,530
 
Forward sales
(292,423
)
(129,830
)
 
(5,115
)
(13,937
)
(16,482
)
(457,787
)
Net options position
753
 
(156
)
 
(209
)
(48
)
  (375
)
(35
)
Net long/(short)
                         
  non-structural position
  (565
)
3,003
   
  (375
)
334
 
  (313
)
2,084
 
                           
Structural position
205
 
34,011
   
__
 
__
 
478
 
34,694
 
 
 
 
 
Figures in HK$m
US$
 
RMB
   
AUD
 
JPY
 
Other foreign currencies
 
Total foreign currencies
   
                               
 
At 30 June 2012
                           
                               
 
Non-structural position
                           
 
Spot assets
169,003 
 
102,668 
   
47,817 
   
40,998 
 
56,680 
 
417,166 
   
 
Spot liabilities
(136,120 
)
(104,599 
)
 
(51,536 
)
(5,404 
)
(58,663 
)
(356,322 
)
 
 
Forward purchases
319,178 
 
87,915 
   
10,458 
 
15,039 
 
21,044 
 
453,634 
   
 
Forward sales
(351,333 
)
(84,961 
)
 
(6,601 
)
(50,658 
)
(19,078 
)
(512,631 
)
 
 
Net options position
142 
 
(114 
)
 
(24 
)
__
 
(7 
)
(3 
)
 
 
Net long/(short)
                           
 
  non-structural position
870 
 
909 
   
114 
 
(25 
)
(24 
)
1,844 
   
                               
 
Structural position
205
 
26,935 
   
__
   
__
 
387 
  
27,527 
     
                               
 
Figures in HK$m
US$
 
RMB
   
AUD
 
JPY
 
Other foreign currencies
 
Total foreign currencies
   
                               
 
At 31 December 2012
                           
                               
 
Non-structural position
                           
 
Spot assets
160,217 
 
119,957 
   
50,739 
 
23,957 
 
69,491
 
424,361
   
 
Spot liabilities
(144,015 
)
(112,827 
)
 
(50,157 
)
(2,141
)
(56,493
)
(365,633
)
 
 
Forward purchases
301,222 
 
83,737 
   
8,503 
 
11,182 
 
14,889
 
419,533
   
 
Forward sales
(313,787 
)
(90,096 
)
 
(9,028 
)
(33,069 
)
(27,827
)
(473,807
)
 
 
Net options position
160 
 
(142 
)
 
82 
 
(19 
)
(55
)
26
   
 
Net long/(short)
                           
 
  non-structural position
3,797 
 
629 
   
139 
 
(90 
)
5
 
4,480
   
                               
 
Structural position
205 
   
30,375 
   
__
 
__
 
434
 
31,014
   
                                                                               
 
 
 
6. Ultimate holding company
 
Hang Seng Bank is an indirectly held, 62.14%-owned, subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc.
 
 
 
7. Register of shareholders
 
The register of shareholders of the bank will be closed on Wednesday, 21 August 2013, during which time no transfer of shares can be registered. In order to qualify for the second interim dividend, all transfers, accompanied by the relevant share certificates, must be lodged with the bank's registrar, Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited, at Shops 1712-1716, 17th Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen's Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong, for registration no later than 4:30 pm on Tuesday, 20 August 2013. The second interim dividend will be payable on Thursday, 5 September 2013, to shareholders whose names appear on the register of shareholders of the bank on Wednesday, 21 August 2013. Shares of the bank will be traded ex-dividend as from Monday, 19 August 2013.
 
 
 
8. Proposed timetable for the remaining 2013 quarterly dividends
 
 
Third
Fourth
 
interim dividend
interim dividend
     
Announcement
7 October 2013
24 February 2014
Book close and record date
24 October 2013
12 March 2014
Payment date
7 November 2013
27 March 2014
 
 
 
9. Code on corporate governance practices
 
The bank is committed to high standards of corporate governance with a view to safeguarding the interests of shareholders, customers, staff and other stakeholders. The bank has followed the module on 'Corporate Governance of Locally Incorporated Authorised Institutions' under the Supervisory Policy Manual issued by the HKMA and has fully complied with all the code provisions and most of the recommended best practices as set out in the Corporate Governance Code contained in Appendix 14 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited throughout the six months ended 30 June 2013.
 
The Audit Committee of the bank has reviewed the results of the bank for the six months ended 30 June 2013.
 
 
 
10. Board of Directors
 
At 5 August 2013 , the Board of Directors of the bank comprises Dr Raymond K F Ch'ien* (Chairman), Ms Rose W M Lee (Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive), Dr John C C Chan*, Dr Marvin K T Cheung*, Ms L Y Chiang*, Mr Andrew H C Fung, Ms Anita Y M Fung#, Dr Fred Zuliu Hu*, Ms Sarah C Legg#, Dr Eric K C Li*, Dr Vincent H S Lo#, Mrs Dorothy K Y P Sit#, Mr Richard Y S Tang*, Mr Peter T S Wong# and Mr Michael W K Wu*.
 
 
*   Independent non-executive Directors
 
#   Non-executive Directors
 
 
 
11. News release
 
This news release is available on the bank's website www.hangseng.com.
 
The Interim Report 2013, which contains all disclosures required by the Banking (Disclosure) Rules issued by the HKMA, will be published on the websites of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and the bank on the date of the issue of this news release. Printed copies of the Interim Report 2013 will be sent to shareholders in late August 2013.
 
Media enquiries to:
Walter Cheung                           Telephone: (852) 2198 4020
Ruby Chan                                  Telephone: (852) 2198 4236
 
 
 
 

This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
END


 
 
SIGNATURE
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 HSBC Holdings plc
 
 
 
                                                       By:
 
                                                                                      Name: Ben J S Mathews
 
                                                                                                Title: Group Company Secretary
                     
                                                                                  Date: 05 August 2013