hsba201408046k3.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- ..............).
 

 
 

 
 
THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION LIMITED
2014 INTERIM CONSOLIDATED RESULTS - HIGHLIGHTS
 
 
 
 
 
·     Profit before tax down 38% to HK$59,096m (HK$95,550m in the first half of 2013).
 
 
·     Attributable profit down 42% to HK$46,667m (HK$80,511m in the first half of 2013).
 
 
·      Return on average shareholders' equity of 19.5% (35.5% in the first half of 2013).
 
 
·     Total assets increased by 5% to HK$6,766bn (HK$6,439bn at the end of 2013).
 
 
·     Common equity tier 1 ratio of 13.5% (14.1% at the end of 2013), total capital ratio of 15.2% (15.2% at the end of 2013).
 
 
·     Cost efficiency ratio of 40.3% (27.1% for the first half of 2013).
 
Reported results in the first half of 2013 included a net gain of HK$30,747m on the disposal of our shareholding in Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China Limited and a gain on the reclassification of Industrial Bank Co., Limited of HK$8,454m before tax (HK$5,914m attributable profit). Excluding these two gains:
 
 
 
·     Return on average shareholders' equity of 19.3% for the first half of 2013.
 
 
·     Cost efficiency ratio of 39.9% for the first half of 2013.
 
This document is issued by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited ('the Bank') and its subsidiaries (together 'the group'). References to 'HSBC', 'the Group' or 'the HSBC Group' within this document mean HSBC Holdings plc together with its subsidiaries. Within this document the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China is referred to as 'Hong Kong'. The abbreviations 'HK$m' and 'HK$bn' represent millions and billions (thousands of millions) of Hong Kong dollars respectively.
 
 
Comment by Stuart Gulliver, Chairman
 
Economic growth in a number of Asian markets including mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Singapore slowed during the first half of 2014. In contrast, the pace of economic activity picked up in Japan, Australia, India and Malaysia. In mainland China, measures to maintain stable growth are being implemented, including policy reforms, fiscal spending and monetary easing, and we expect GDP growth for the year of 7.5%. Hong Kong suffered a fall in exports, although private consumption and employment levels both remained strong. In India the decisive election result has created the opportunity for a revival in growth through structural reforms.
 
In the first six months of 2014 The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited recorded profit before tax of HK$59,096m, which included a gain of HK$3,320m on the disposal of our stake in the Bank of Shanghai. This compares with HK$95,550m in the first half of 2013. Excluding the impacts of the sale of our shares in Ping An, and the accounting gain on the reclassification of Industrial Bank in the first half of 2013, profit before tax was relatively unchanged, as revenue growth was offset by increased costs as we continue to invest in the business. Our capital position remains strong with a total capital ratio of 15.2% at 30 June 2014.
 
We continued to support our customers' financing needs, and customer loans grew by 7.3% during the period, notably through increased term lending in Global Banking and Markets (GB&M) and in Commercial Banking (CMB). Residential mortgage and other personal balances in Retail Banking and Wealth Management (RBWM) were also higher. We grew deposits, principally through higher Payments and Cash Management balances in GB&M and CMB. At the period-end the loans to deposits ratio stood at 63.6%. The net interest margin increased slightly, primarily from lower funding costs. Asset quality remained strong and loan impairment charges continued to be low in relation to both assets and revenues. We continued to invest in growth, including recruiting additional headcount to support business growth, while also increasing spending in Risk and Compliance; the cost efficiency ratio for the period was 40.3%.
 
In recognition of our strengths in providing a full suite of banking and markets solutions to our clients, we were very pleased to receive a number of awards for a wide range of products and services across all of our businesses, most notably 'Best Bank in Asia' by Euromoney in July.
 
CMB continued to expand its balance sheet, principally in Hong Kong and mainland China, and to identify and realise collaboration opportunities with GB&M in support of clients, raising significant finance for our clients from debt capital markets. In GB&M we continued to support our clients through our broad and integrated product suite. We maintained our market leadership in Hong Kong dollar bond issuance and Asian local currency bonds, and continued to lead the market in offshore renminbi bond issuance in Hong Kong. In RBWM, the mortgage markets in both Hong Kong and Singapore were subdued by official cooling measures, but we grew mortgage balances and maintained our leading market share in Hong Kong. We implemented the Retail Banking Incentive Framework for relationship managers during the period, removing the formulaic link between sales and remuneration. We invested further in our branch network, and opened our 167th HSBC outlet in mainland China.
 
We expect mainland China to continue its steady progress in leading Asia's economic growth, and we will pursue investment in growing our business in order to capture the opportunities to serve and support our customers. Our strategic priority remains to leverage our international network to connect customers across borders, and with our strong capital and liquidity we are well placed to gain market share as we help our customers to grow and achieve their ambitions.
 
 
Results by Geographic Region
               
 
Geographic region
Hong Kong
 
Rest of Asia-
Pacific
 
Intra-segment elimination
 
Total
 
 
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
                 
Period ended 30 June 2014
               
                 
Net interest income
24,767
 
22,418
 
2
 
47,187
 
                 
Net fee income
15,070
 
7,351
 
-
 
22,421
 
                 
Net trading income
6,027
 
4,209
 
(2)
 
10,234
 
                 
Net income from financial instruments
designated at fair value
2,495
 
453
 
-
 
2,948
 
                 
Gains less losses from financial investments
3,366
 
47
 
-
 
3,413
 
                 
Dividend income
150
 
5
 
-
 
155
 
                 
Net earned insurance premiums
26,406
 
3,336
 
-
 
29,742
 
                 
Other operating income
6,094
 
590
 
(2,076)
 
4,608
 
                 
Total operating income
84,375
 
38,409
 
(2,076)
 
120,708
 
                 
Net insurance claims incurred and movement in
liabilities to policyholders
(28,775)
 
(3,398)
 
-
 
(32,173)
 
                 
Net operating income before loan impairment
charges and other credit risk provisions
55,600
 
35,011
 
(2,076)
 
88,535
 
                 
Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions
(776)
 
(818)
 
-
 
(1,594)
 
                 
Net operating income
54,824
 
34,193
 
(2,076)
 
86,941
 
                 
Operating expenses
(20,659)
 
(17,083)
 
2,076
 
(35,666)
 
                 
Operating profit
34,165
 
17,110
 
-
 
51,275
 
                 
Share of profit in associates and joint ventures
194
 
7,627
 
-
 
7,821
 
                 
Profit before tax
34,359
 
24,737
 
-
 
59,096
 
                 
Share of profit before tax
58.1%
 
41.9%
 
-
 
100.0%
 
                 
Cost efficiency ratio
37.2%
 
48.8%
 
-
 
40.3%
 
                 
Net loans and advances to customers
1,623,743
 
1,185,636
 
-
 
2,809,379
 
                 
Customer accounts
2,953,407
 
1,467,043
 
-
 
4,420,450
 

 
Geographic region
Hong Kong
 
Rest of Asia-
Pacific
 
Intra-segment
elimination
 
Total
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
               
Period ended 30 June 2013
             
               
Net interest income
21,735
 
20,288
 
(18)
 
42,005
               
Net fee income
14,880
 
7,938
 
(78)
 
22,740
               
Net trading income
6,125
 
2,215
 
18
 
8,358
               
Net expense from financial instruments
designated at fair value
(1,985)
 
(14)
 
-
 
(1,999)
               
Gains less losses from financial investments
151
 
21
 
-
 
172
               
Dividend income
123
 
4
 
-
 
127
               
Net earned insurance premiums
24,669
 
3,134
 
-
 
27,803
               
Gain on reclassification of Industrial Bank
-
 
8,454
 
-
 
8,454
               
Gain on sale of Ping An
-
 
34,070
 
-
 
34,070
               
Other operating income
6,713
 
1,494
 
(2,153)
 
6,054
               
Total operating income
72,411
 
77,604
 
(2,231)
 
147,784
               
Net insurance claims incurred and movement
in liabilities to policyholders
(22,826)
 
(2,437)
 
-
 
(25,263)
               
Net operating income before loan impairment charges
and other credit risk provisions
49,585
 
75,167
 
(2,231)
 
122,521
               
Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions
(354)
 
(1,017)
 
-
 
(1,371)
               
Net operating income
49,231
 
74,150
 
(2,231)
 
121,150
               
Operating expenses
(18,643)
 
(16,798)
 
2,231
 
(33,210)
               
Operating profit
30,588
 
57,352
 
-
 
87,940
               
Share of profit in associates and joint ventures
198
 
7,412
 
-
 
7,610
               
Profit before tax
30,786
 
64,764
 
-
 
95,550
               
Share of profit before tax
32.2%
 
67.8%
 
-
 
100.0%
               
Cost efficiency ratio
37.6%
 
22.3%
 
-
 
27.1%
               
Net loans and advances to customers
1,401,621
 
1,062,319
 
-
 
2,463,940
               
Customer accounts
2,506,948
 
1,271,853
 
-
 
3,778,801
               
 

 
 
Results by Geographic Global Business
 
                       
Hong Kong
                         
 
Retail
Banking
and
Wealth
Management
 
Commercial
Banking
 
Global
Banking and
Markets
 
Global Private
Banking
 
Other
 
Intra-
segment
elimination
 
Total
           
           
           
           
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
                           
Period ended 30 June 2014
                       
                           
Net interest income/(expense)
12,433
 
7,233
 
6,037
 
379
 
(1,118)
 
(197)
 
24,767
                           
Net fee income
7,981
 
3,908
 
2,613
 
483
 
85
 
-
 
15,070
                           
Net trading income
463
 
868
 
3,999
 
462
 
38
 
197
 
6,027
                           
Net income/(expense) from financial instruments designated at fair value
2,654
 
(131)
 
16
 
-
 
(44)
 
-
 
2,495
                           
Gains less losses from financial investments
2
 
34
 
16
 
-
 
3,314
 
-
 
3,366
                           
Dividend income
1
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
149
 
-
 
150
                           
Net earned insurance premiums
24,447
 
1,959
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
26,406
                           
Other operating income
2,266
 
272
 
234
 
-
 
4,286
 
(964)
 
6,094
                           
Total operating income
50,247
 
14,143
 
12,915
 
1,324
 
6,710
 
(964)
 
84,375
                           
Net insurance claims incurred and movement in liabilities to policyholders
(26,825)
 
(1,950)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(28,775)
                           
Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions
23,422
 
12,193
 
12,915
 
1,324
 
6,710
 
(964)
 
55,600
                           
Loan impairment (charges)/ releases and other credit risk provisions
(552)
 
(253)
 
 
30
 
-
 
(1)
 
-
 
(776)
                           
Net operating income
22,870
 
11,940
 
12,945
 
1,324
 
6,709
 
(964)
 
54,824
                           
Operating expenses
(8,105)
 
(3,212)
 
(5,395)
 
(659)
 
(4,252)
 
964
 
(20,659)
                           
Operating profit
14,765
 
8,728
 
7,550
 
665
 
2,457
 
-
 
34,165
                           
Share of profit in associates and joint ventures
190
 
1
 
2
 
-
 
1
 
-
 
194
                           
Profit before tax
14,955
 
8,729
 
7,552
 
665
 
2,458
 
-
 
34,359
                           
                           
Share of profit before tax
25.3%
 
14.8%
 
12.8%
 
1.1%
 
4.1%
 
-
 
58.1%
                           
Net loans and advances
to customers
520,855
 
614,189
 
415,952
 
62,086
 
10,661
 
-
 
1,623,743
                           
Customer accounts
1,679,960
 
790,035
 
335,888
 
145,960
 
1,564
 
-
 
2,953,407

 
Hong Kong
                     
 
Retail
Banking
and
Wealth
Management
 
Commercial
Banking
 
Global
Banking
and
Markets
 
Other
 
Intra-
segment
elimination
 
Total
         
         
         
         
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
                       
Period ended 30 June 2013
                     
                       
Net interest income/(expense)
12,139
 
6,415
 
4,729
 
(1,507)
 
(41)
 
21,735
                       
Net fee income
7,981
 
3,840
 
2,981
 
78
 
-
 
14,880
                       
Net trading income/(expense)
361
 
709
 
5,051
 
(35)
 
39
 
6,125
                       
Net income/(expense) from
financial instruments designated
at fair value
(1,872)
 
(98)
 
27
 
(44)
 
2
 
(1,985)
                       
Gains less losses from
financial investments
-
 
-
 
151
 
-
 
-
 
151
                       
Dividend income
1
 
-
 
16
 
106
 
-
 
123
                       
Net earned insurance premiums
22,590
 
2,081
 
-
 
-
 
(2)
 
24,669
                       
Other operating income
2,050
 
210
 
233
 
5,245
 
(1,025)
 
6,713
                       
Total operating income
43,250
 
13,157
 
13,188
 
3,843
 
(1,027)
 
72,411
                       
Net insurance claims incurred and movement in liabilities
to policyholders
(20,792)
 
(2,034)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(22,826)
                       
Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions
22,458
 
11,123
 
13,188
 
3,843
 
(1,027)
 
49,585
                       
Loan impairment (charges)/releases and other credit risk provisions
(580)
 
176
 
49
 
1
 
-
 
(354)
                       
Net operating income
21,878
 
11,299
 
13,237
 
3,844
 
(1,027)
 
49,231
                       
Operating expenses
(7,604)
 
(2,902)
 
(4,929)
 
(4,235)
 
1,027
 
(18,643)
                       
Operating profit/ (loss)
14,274
 
8,397
 
8,308
 
(391)
 
-
 
30,588
                       
Share of profit in associates
and joint ventures
195
 
1
 
2
 
-
 
-
 
198
                       
Profit/ (loss) before tax
14,469
 
8,398
 
8,310
 
(391)
 
-
 
30,786
                       
Share of profit before tax
15.1%
 
8.8%
 
8.7%
 
(0.4)%
 
-
 
32.2%
                       
Net loans and advances to customers
497,269
 
552,922
 
340,707
 
10,723
 
-
 
1,401,621
                       
Customer accounts
1,545,742
 
681,624
 
277,480
 
2,102
 
-
 
2,506,948

 
Rest of Asia-Pacific
                         
 
Retail
Banking
and
Wealth
Management
 
Commercial
Banking
 
Global
Banking and
Markets
 
Global Private
Banking
 
Other
 
Intra-
segment
elimination
 
Total
           
           
           
           
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
                           
Period ended 30 June 2014
                         
                           
Net interest income
6,694
 
5,475
 
8,269
 
292
 
983
 
705
 
22,418
                           
Net fee income/(expense)
2,489
 
2,180
 
2,516
 
208
 
(42)
 
-
 
7,351
                           
Net trading income
294
 
730
 
3,677
 
151
 
62
 
(705)
 
4,209
                           
Net income/(expense) from financial instruments designated at fair value
464
 
1
 
2
 
-
 
(14)
 
-
 
453
                           
Gains less losses from financial investments
-
 
-
 
31
 
-
 
16
 
-
 
47
                           
Dividend income
3
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
2
 
-
 
5
                           
Net earned insurance premiums
2,499
 
844
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(7)
 
3,336
                           
Other operating income
373
 
124
 
226
 
2
 
163
 
(298)
 
590
                           
Total operating income
12,816
 
9,354
 
14,721
 
653
 
1,170
 
(305)
 
38,409
                           
Net insurance claims incurred and movement in liabilities to policyholders
(2,614)
 
(785)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
1
 
(3,398)
                           
Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions
10,202
 
8,569
 
14,721
 
653
 
1,170
 
(304)
 
35,011
                           
Loan impairment (charges)/ releases and other credit risk provisions
(634)
 
(266)
 
80
 
1
 
1
 
-
 
(818)
                           
Net operating income
9,568
 
8,303
 
14,801
 
654
 
1,171
 
(304)
 
34,193
                           
Operating expenses
(7,451)
 
(4,098)
 
(4,781)
 
(430)
 
(627)
 
304
 
(17,083)
                           
Operating profit
2,117
 
4,205
 
10,020
 
224
 
544
 
-
 
17,110
                           
Share of profit in associates and joint ventures
1,031
 
5,459
 
1,137
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
7,627
                           
Profit before tax
3,148
 
9,664
 
11,157
 
224
 
544
 
-
 
24,737
                           
Share of profit before tax
5.3%
 
16.3%
 
18.9%
 
0.4%
 
1.0%
 
-
 
41.9%
                           
Net loans and advances to customers
374,654
 
408,325
 
367,021
 
34,150
 
1,486
 
-
 
1,185,636
                           
Customer accounts
519,131
 
365,940
 
493,847
 
87,635
 
490
 
-
 
1,467,043

 
 
Rest of Asia-Pacific
                         
 
Retail
Banking
and
Wealth
Management
 
Commercial
Banking
 
Global
Banking
and
Markets
 
Global Private
Banking
 
Other
 
Intra-
segment
elimination
 
Total
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
                           
Period ended 30 June 2013
                         
                           
Net interest income
6,681
 
5,242
 
7,628
 
40
 
585
 
112
 
20,288
                           
Net fee income/(expense)
2,898
 
2,209
 
2,862
 
33
 
(64)
 
-
 
7,938
                           
Net trading income/(expense)
311
 
754
 
4,635
 
8
 
(3,381)
 
(112)
 
2,215
                           
Net income/(expense) from financial instruments designated at fair value
(32)
 
1
 
(2)
 
-
 
19
 
-
 
(14)
                           
Gains less losses from financial investments
4
 
2
 
5
 
-
 
10
 
-
 
21
                           
Dividend income
2
 
1
 
-
 
-
 
1
 
-
 
4
                           
Net earned insurance premiums
2,509
 
638
 
-
 
1
 
-
 
(14)
 
3,134
                           
Gain on reclassification of Industrial Bank
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
8,454
 
-
 
8,454
                           
Gain on sale of Ping An
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
34,070
 
-
 
34,070
                           
Other operating income
982
 
(2)
 
322
 
1
 
440
 
(249)
 
1,494
                           
Total operating income
13,355
 
8,845
 
15,450
 
83
 
40,134
 
(263)
 
77,604
                           
Net insurance claims incurred and movement in liabilities to policyholders
(2,004)
 
(441)
 
-
 
(1)
 
-
 
9
 
(2,437)
                           
Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions
11,351
 
8,404
 
15,450
 
82
 
40,134
 
(254)
 
75,167
                           
Loan impairment (charges)/ releases and other credit risk provisions
(782)
 
(322)
 
88
 
-
 
(1)
 
-
 
(1,017)
                           
Net operating income
10,569
 
8,082
 
15,538
 
82
 
40,133
 
(254)
 
74,150
                           
Operating expenses
(8,262)
 
(3,829)
 
(4,653)
 
(72)
 
(236)
 
254
 
(16,798)
                           
Operating profit
2,307
 
4,253
 
10,885
 
10
 
39,897
 
-
 
57,352
                           
Share of profit in associates and joint ventures
1,001
 
5,293
 
1,115
 
-
 
3
 
-
 
7,412
                           
Profit before tax
3,308
 
9,546
 
12,000
 
10
 
39,900
 
-
 
64,764
                           
Share of profit before tax
3.4%
 
10.0%
 
12.6%
 
-
 
41.8%
 
-
 
67.8%
                           
Net loans and advances to customers
350,622
 
375,218
 
332,453
 
2,591
 
1,435
 
-
 
1,062,319
                           
Customer accounts
489,762
 
324,829
 
452,566
 
3,806
 
890
 
-
 
1,271,853
                             
 
 
 
 
Results by Global Business
 
 
Global business
Retail
Banking
and
Wealth
Management
 
Commercial
Banking
 
Global
Banking and
Markets
 
Global Private
Banking
 
Other
 
Intra-
segment
elimination
 
Total
           
           
           
           
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
                           
Period ended 30 June 2014
                         
                           
Net interest income/(expense)
19,127
 
12,708
 
14,306
 
671
 
(135)
 
510
 
47,187
                           
Net fee income
10,470
 
6,088
 
5,129
 
691
 
43
 
-
 
22,421
                           
Net trading income
757
 
1,598
 
7,676
 
613
 
100
 
(510)
 
10,234
                           
Net income/(expense) from financial instruments designated at fair value
3,118
 
(130)
 
18
 
-
 
(58)
 
-
 
2,948
                           
Gains less losses from financial investments
2
 
34
 
47
 
-
 
3,330
 
-
 
3,413
                           
Dividend income
4
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
151
 
-
 
155
                           
Net earned insurance premiums
26,946
 
2,803
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(7)
 
29,742
                           
Other operating income
2,639
 
396
 
417
 
2
 
4,409
 
(3,255)
 
4,608
                           
Total operating income
63,063
 
23,497
 
27,593
 
1,977
 
7,840
 
(3,262)
 
120,708
                           
Net insurance claims incurred and movement in liabilities to policyholders
(29,439)
 
(2,735)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
1
 
(32,173)
                           
Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions
33,624
 
20,762
 
27,593
 
1,977
 
7,840
 
(3,261)
 
88,535
                           
Loan impairment (charges)/ releases and other credit risk provisions
(1,186)
 
(519)
 
110
 
1
 
-
 
-
 
(1,594)
                           
Net operating income
32,438
 
20,243
 
27,703
 
1,978
 
7,840
 
(3,261)
 
86,941
                           
Operating expenses
(15,556)
 
(7,310)
 
(10,133)
 
(1,089)
 
(4,839)
 
3,261
 
(35,666)
                           
Operating profit
16,882
 
12,933
 
17,570
 
889
 
3,001
 
-
 
51,275
                           
Share of profit in associates and joint ventures
1,221
 
5,460
 
1,139
 
-
 
1
 
-
 
7,821
                           
Profit before tax
18,103
 
18,393
 
18,709
 
889
 
3,002
 
-
 
59,096
                           
Share of profit before tax
30.6%
 
31.1%
 
31.7%
 
1.5%
 
5.1%
 
-
 
100.0%
                           
Net loans and advances to customers
895,509
 
1,022,514
 
782,973
 
96,236
 
12,147
 
-
 
2,809,379
                           
Customer accounts
2,199,091
 
1,155,975
 
829,735
 
233,595
 
2,054
 
-
 
4,420,450
 
 
Global business
Retail
Banking
and
Wealth
Management
 
Commercial
Banking
 
Global
Banking
and
Markets
 
Global Private
Banking
 
Other
 
Intra-
segment
elimination
 
Total
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
                           
Period ended 30 June 2013
                         
                           
Net interest income/(expense)
18,820
 
11,657
 
12,343
 
40
 
(908)
 
53
 
42,005
                           
Net fee income/(expense)
10,879
 
6,049
 
5,843
 
33
 
(64)
 
-
 
22,740
                           
Net trading income/(expense)
672
 
1,463
 
9,686
 
8
 
(3,416)
 
(55)
 
8,358
                           
Net income/(expense) from financial instruments designated at fair value
(1,904)
 
(97)
 
25
 
-
 
(25)
 
2
 
(1,999)
                           
Gains less losses from financial investments
4
 
2
 
156
 
-
 
10
 
-
 
172
                           
Dividend income
3
 
1
 
16
 
-
 
107
 
-
 
127
                           
Net earned insurance premiums
25,099
 
2,719
 
-
 
1
 
-
 
(16)
 
27,803
                           
Gain on reclassification of Industrial Bank
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
8,454
 
-
 
8,454
                           
Gain on sale of Ping An
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
34,070
 
-
 
34,070
                           
Other operating income
3,032
 
208
 
495
 
1
 
5,722
 
(3,404)
 
6,054
                           
Total operating income
56,605
 
22,002
 
28,564
 
83
 
43,950
 
(3,420)
 
147,784
                           
Net insurance claims incurred and movement in liabilities to policyholders
(22,796)
 
(2,475)
 
-
 
(1)
 
-
 
9
 
(25,263)
                           
Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions
33,809
 
19,527
 
28,564
 
82
 
43,950
 
(3,411)
 
122,521
                           
Loan impairment (charges)/ releases and other credit risk provisions
(1,362)
 
(146)
 
137
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(1,371)
                           
Net operating income
32,447
 
19,381
 
28,701
 
82
 
43,950
 
(3,411)
 
121,150
                           
Operating expenses
(15,866)
 
(6,731)
 
(9,522)
 
(72)
 
(4,430)
 
3,411
 
(33,210)
                           
Operating profit
16,581
 
12,650
 
19,179
 
10
 
39,520
 
-
 
87,940
                           
Share of profit in associates and joint ventures
1,196
 
5,294
 
1,117
 
-
 
3
 
-
 
7,610
                           
Profit before tax
17,777
 
17,944
 
20,296
 
10
 
39,523
 
-
 
95,550
                           
Share of profit before tax
18.6%
 
18.8%
 
21.2%
 
-
 
41.4%
 
-
 
100.0%
                           
Net loans and advances to customers
847,891
 
928,140
 
673,160
 
2,591
 
12,158
 
-
 
2,463,940
                           
Customer accounts
2,035,504
 
1,006,453
 
730,046
 
3,806
 
2,992
 
-
 
3,778,801
                             

 
Results commentary
 
We reported a pre-tax profit of HK$59,096m compared with HK$95,550m in the first half of 2013. In Hong Kong, profit before tax was HK$34,359m compared with HK$30,786m, while in Rest of Asia-Pacific, profit before tax was HK$24,737m compared with HK$64,764m.
 
The results included the gain on disposal of our investment in Bank of Shanghai of HK$3,320m in the first half of 2014 reported in Hong Kong, and a net gain of HK$30,747m on the sale of our shares in Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Limited ('Ping An') and the accounting gain of HK$8,454m on the reclassification of Industrial Bank Co. Ltd ('Industrial Bank'), both reported in Rest of Asia-Pacific, in the first half of 2013. Excluding these gains, profit before tax was relatively unchanged compared with the first half of 2013, as revenue growth was offset by increased costs as we continued to invest in the business.
 
We continued to focus on our strategic priorities for Asia, using our international network to connect customers across borders. We progressed with the closure of non-core operations, completed the sale of our investment in Bank of Shanghai and implemented the Retail Banking Incentive Framework that removes the formulaic link between product sales and remuneration.
 
In Hong Kong, we grew our average mortgage balances in RBWM by 2%, while activity levels in the property market were subdued, with average loan-to-value ratios of 47% on new mortgage drawdowns and an estimated 32% on the portfolio as a whole. We saw continued adoption of our mobile banking applications, extended the contactless payments system to Android phones and were awarded 'International Retail Bank of the Year' by Asian Banking and Finance and 'Best Regional Retail Bank' by The Asian Banker.
 
The collaboration between CMB and GB&M continued to strengthen, raising significant finance for our clients from debt capital markets. Our ongoing collaboration efforts were a key factor in being named as the 'Best Bank in Asia' by The Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2014. In addition, we were awarded 'Best Trade Finance Bank in Hong Kong' by both The Asian Banker and The Corporate Treasurer.
 
In GB&M, we maintained our market leadership in Hong Kong dollar bond issuance and also led the market in Asia ex-Japan G3 currency bonds and Asian local currency bonds, demonstrating the strength of our network and capabilities. We were involved in three of the five largest equity capital markets transactions in Hong Kong during the period.
 
We continued to lead the market in offshore renminbi ('RMB') bond issuance in Hong Kong and were one of the first foreign banks to announce RMB cross-border pooling capability in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone. We completed Japan's first RMB-denominated import transaction, were the first foreign custodian bank in mainland China to service a Singaporean RMB qualified foreign institutional investor and won 'Best Overall Offshore RMB Products and Services' in the AsiaMoney Offshore RMB Poll 2014.
 
In mainland China, we continued to expand our branch network with 167 HSBC outlets, 24 HSBC rural bank outlets and 50 Hang Seng Bank outlets at the end of June 2014. We streamlined the mortgage application process in mainland China and were awarded 'Best Foreign Retail Bank' by The Asian Banker for the sixth consecutive year. In Payments and Cash Management, we launched the Global Payments System which supports all cross-border payments in and out of mainland China in all currencies, including RMB. In M&A, we were adviser to a number of state-owned enterprises on significant overseas investments and acquisitions.
 
In India, we were adviser on two of the largest mergers and acquisitions transactions in the first half of 2014, assisting UK corporations investing in India, and in Wealth Management we launched Managed Solutions, a multi-asset fund series. In Australia, we were mandated lead arranger for the largest mining project financing deal and were awarded 'Best Project Finance House in Asia' by The Asset AAA Award 2013.
 
Net interest income rose by HK$5,182m compared with the first half of 2013, primarily in Hong Kong and mainland China from growth in Balance Sheet Management income, increased term lending and growth in customer deposits.
 
The rise in Balance Sheet Management income reflected portfolio growth and higher reinvestment rates. Average term lending balances increased, driven by strong loan growth to GB&M clients in Hong Kong and mainland China, and in CMB from property-related, commercial and industrial lending. The benefit of this growth was partly offset by lending spread compression compared with the first half of 2013, although spreads in CMB in the first half of 2014 were broadly unchanged from the end of 2013.
 
Deposit balances increased in Payments and Cash Management in GB&M and CMB, notably in Hong Kong, as well as in Taiwan, mainland China and Singapore. Deposit balances in RBWM also increased, mainly in Hong Kong, in part from new Premier customers, while net interest income growth in mainland China reflected a widening of deposit spreads as market interest rates rose in the first half of 2014.
 
Additionally, in RBWM, higher net interest income reflected growth in the debt securities portfolio of our insurance business in Hong Kong reflecting a rise in premium income, while increased mortgage lending across the region was offset by asset spread compression.
 
Net fee income decreased by HK$319m, mainly in GB&M, due to a reduction in fees received from other regions reflecting lower activity in markets. In addition, fees from debt underwriting and corporate finance activity decreased due to reduced issuance volumes and the non-recurrence of significant transaction fees in the first half of 2013. These factors were partly offset by the impact of the acquisition of the Hong Kong and Singapore Global Private Banking ('GPB') businesses of HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA in late 2013 and higher equity underwriting fees in Hong Kong.
 
Net trading income was HK$1,876m higher due to the non-recurrence of adverse fair value movements on the Ping An contingent forward sale contract of HK$3,323m, partly offset by an adverse Debit Valuation Adjustment ('DVA') compared with a favourable DVA in the first half of 2013. Excluding these items, net trading income fell, mainly on structured deposits in mainland China from both revaluation losses as yield curves fell and increased interest expense from volume growth where the related income is included in Net interest income.
 
Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value was HK$2,948m in the first half of 2014 compared with a net loss of HK$1,999m a year earlier, primarily due to higher investment returns on assets held by the insurance business in Hong Kong reflecting improved equity market performance. To the extent that these investment returns were attributed to policyholders holding unit-linked insurance policies and insurance contracts with discretionary participation features ('DPF'), there was a corresponding movement in Net insurance claims incurred and movement in liabilities to policyholders.
 
Gains less losses from financial investments were HK$3,413m compared with HK$172m, primarily reflecting the gain on disposal of our investment in Bank of Shanghai of HK$3,320m in the first half of 2014.
 
Net earned insurance premiums grew by 7%, mainly in Hong Kong, due to increased new business from deferred annuity, universal life and endowment contracts, coupled with higher renewals. This was partly offset by lower new business from unit-linked contracts. The growth in premiums resulted in a corresponding increase in Net insurance claims incurred and movement in liabilities to policyholders.
 
Other operating income decreased by HK$1,446m, as the comparable period in 2013 included a gain on the disposal of our investment in Bao Viet Holdings of HK$810m, while 2014 included lower revaluation and disposal gains on investment properties and a loss on the reclassification of our banking associate in Vietnam of HK$251m, partly offset by an increase in PVIF assets due to favourable market conditions and a rise in the value of new business.
 
LICs increased by HK$223m, primarily in CMB in Hong Kong due to a rise in individually assessed impairment charges and the non-recurrence of collective impairment releases. This was partly offset by lower collective impairment charges in RBWM in Malaysia reflecting reduced delinquencies, and the non-recurrence of individually assessed impairments on a few corporate exposures in Australia.
 
Operating expenses rose by HK$2,456m, reflecting investment in the region, notably in risk and compliance initiatives such as Global Standards as well as increased utilisation of Global Services Centres. Staff costs rose from inflationary pressures and additional headcount, notably in Hong Kong to support business growth. Higher costs also reflected higher property costs in Hong Kong from rent inflation and refurbishments, ongoing branch expansion in mainland China and the impact of the acquisition of the Hong Kong and Singapore GPB businesses from HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA in late 2013.
 
Share of profit from associates and joint ventures rose, primarily from Bank of Communications, reflecting higher fees and trade revenues, along with increased net interest income from balance sheet growth, partly offset by higher operating expenses and increased loan impairment charges. 
 

Consolidated Income Statement
 
 
 
Half-year
ended
30 June
2014
 
Half-year
ended
30 June
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
Interest income
62,621
 
57,059
Interest expense
(15,434)
 
(15,054)
       
Net interest income
47,187
 
42,005
       
Fee income
25,324
 
25,984
Fee expense
(2,903)
 
(3,244)
       
Net fee income
22,421
 
22,740
       
Net trading income
10,234
 
8,358
Net income/(expense) from financial instruments designated at fair value
2,948
 
(1,999)
Gains less losses from financial investments
3,413
 
172
Dividend income
155
 
127
Net earned insurance premiums
29,742
 
27,803
Gain on reclassification of Industrial Bank
-
 
8,454
Gain on sale of Ping An
-
 
34,070
Other operating income
4,608
 
6,054
       
Total operating income
120,708
 
147,784
       
Net insurance claims incurred and movement in liabilities to policyholders
(32,173)
 
(25,263)
       
Net operating income before loan impairment charges
     
and other credit risk provisions
88,535
 
122,521
       
Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions
(1,594)
 
(1,371)
       
Net operating income
86,941
 
121,150
       
Employee compensation and benefits
(19,285)
 
(18,182)
General and administrative expenses
(13,548)
 
(12,241)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
(2,026)
 
(1,986)
Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets
(807)
 
(801)
       
Total operating expenses
(35,666)
 
(33,210)
       
Operating profit
51,275
 
87,940
       
Share of profit in associates and joint ventures
7,821
 
7,610
       
Profit before tax
59,096
 
95,550
       
Tax expense
(9,192)
 
(8,047)
       
Profit for the period
49,904
 
87,503
       
Profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company
46,667
 
80,511
Profit attributable to non-controlling interests
3,237
 
6,992

 
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
     
 
Half-year
ended
30 June
2014
 
Half-year
ended
30 June
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
Profit for the period
49,904
 
87,503
       
Other comprehensive income/(expense)
 
- Items that will be reclassified subsequently to the income statement when specific conditions are met:
     
       
Available-for-sale investments:
     
- fair value changes taken to equity
4,485
 
(5,685)
- fair value changes transferred to the income statement on disposal
(3,407)
 
(34,280)
- amounts transferred to the income statement on impairment
(21)
 
-
- fair value changes transferred to the income statement on hedged items
(310)
 
946
- income taxes
(870)
 
555
       
Cash flow hedges:
     
- fair value changes taken to equity
(1,515)
 
4,273
- fair value changes transferred to the income statement
1,337
 
(4,346)
- income taxes
46
 
9
       
Share of changes in equity of associates and joint ventures
(277)
 
16
       
Exchange differences
(776)
 
(4,983)
       
- Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to the income statement:
     
       
Property revaluation:
     
- fair value changes taken to equity
1,768
 
3,439
- income taxes
(278)
 
(570)
       
Remeasurement of defined benefit:
     
- before income taxes
(250)
 
1,948
- income taxes
6
 
(327)
       
Other comprehensive expense for the period, net of tax
(62)
 
(39,005)
       
Total comprehensive income for the period, net of tax
49,842
 
48,498
       
Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to:
     
- shareholders of the parent company
46,748
 
42,650
- non-controlling interests
3,094
 
5,848
       
 
49,842
 
48,498

 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet
     
 
At
30 June
2014
 
At
31 December
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
Assets
     
Cash and balances at central banks
130,527
 
158,879
Items in the course of collection from other banks
31,798
 
16,346
Hong Kong Government certificates of indebtedness
206,474
 
195,554
Trading assets
396,954
 
311,400
Financial assets designated at fair value
96,311
 
90,146
Derivatives
303,891
 
388,727
Reverse repurchase agreements - non-trading
229,899
 
150,584
Placings with and advances to banks
559,664
 
564,521
Loans and advances to customers
2,809,379
 
2,619,245
Financial investments
1,375,495
 
1,379,771
Amounts due from Group companies
200,126
 
161,975
Interests in associates and joint ventures
112,828
 
107,852
Goodwill and intangible assets
44,444
 
41,882
Property, plant and equipment
102,158
 
101,240
Deferred tax assets
2,015
 
2,294
Other assets
163,700
 
148,939
       
Total assets
6,765,663
 
6,439,355
       
Liabilities
     
Hong Kong currency notes in circulation
206,474
 
195,554
Items in the course of transmission to other banks
52,655
 
34,240
Repurchase agreements - non-trading
31,147
 
6,312
Deposits by banks
229,642
 
231,358
Customer accounts
4,420,450
 
4,253,698
Trading liabilities
241,399
 
195,032
Financial liabilities designated at fair value
48,197
 
41,715
Derivatives
292,965
 
365,052
Debt securities in issue
49,710
 
52,334
Retirement benefit liabilities
5,290
 
4,856
Amounts due to Group companies
172,464
 
91,797
Other liabilities and provisions
91,050
 
88,809
Liabilities under insurance contracts issued
295,279
 
276,180
Current tax liabilities
6,556
 
3,722
Deferred tax liabilities
16,872
 
16,051
Subordinated liabilities
13,217
 
13,107
Preference shares
36,564
 
47,314
       
Total liabilities
6,209,931
 
5,917,131
       
Equity
     
Share capital
96,052
 
85,319
Other reserves
91,699
 
89,564
Retained profits
316,785
 
290,926
Proposed dividend
9,250
 
15,000
       
Total shareholders' equity
513,786
 
480,809
Non-controlling interests
41,946
 
41,415
       
Total equity
555,732
 
522,224
       
Total equity and liabilities
6,765,663
 
6,439,355
 
December 2013 comparatives have been re-presented to conform to the current period's presentation. For details of the changes in presentation, see note 24.
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
         
 
Half-year
ended
30 June
2014
 
Half-year
ended
31 December
2013
 
Half-year
ended
30 June
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
           
Share capital
         
At beginning of period
85,319
 
58,969
 
58,969
Shares issued
10,733
 
26,350
 
-
           
 
96,052
 
85,319
 
58,969
           
Retained profits and proposed dividend
         
At beginning of period
305,926
 
296,493
 
244,640
Dividends paid
(24,250)
 
(18,000)
 
(29,000)
Movement in respect of share-based payment arrangements
(126)
 
(105)
 
(250)
Other movements
(10)
 
(30)
 
37
Transfers
(1,811)
 
(11,129)
 
(697)
Total comprehensive income for the period
46,306
 
38,697
 
81,763
           
 
326,035
 
305,926
 
296,493
           
Other reserves
         
Property revaluation reserve
         
At beginning of period
46,336
 
45,170
 
43,451
Transfers
(723)
 
(626)
 
(761)
Total comprehensive income for the period
1,404
 
1,792
 
2,480
           
 
47,017
 
46,336
 
45,170
           
Available-for-sale investment reserve
         
At beginning of period
3,280
 
3,506
 
40,580
Other movements
(307)
 
(24)
 
17
Total comprehensive expense for the period
(367)
 
(202)
 
(37,091)
           
 
2,606
 
3,280
 
3,506
           
Cash flow hedge reserve
         
At beginning of period
197
 
153
 
210
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the period
(131)
 
44
 
(57)
           
 
66
 
197
 
153
           
Foreign exchange reserve
         
At beginning of period
9,619
 
10,745
 
15,193
Total comprehensive expense for the period
(469)
 
(1,126)
 
(4,448)
           
 
9,150
 
9,619
 
10,745
           
Other reserves
         
At beginning of period
30,132
 
35,946
 
34,356
Movement in respect of share-based payment arrangements
189
 
79
 
161
Other movements
-
 
(17,482)
 
(32)
Transfers
2,534
 
11,755
 
1,458
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the period
5
 
(166)
 
3
           
 
32,860
 
30,132
 
35,946

 
 
 
Half-year
ended
30 June
2014
 
Half-year
ended
31 December
2013
 
Half-year
ended
30 June
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
           
Total shareholders' equity
         
At beginning of period
480,809
 
450,982
 
437,399
Shares issued
10,733
 
26,350
 
-
Dividends paid
(24,250)
 
(18,000)
 
(29,000)
Movement in respect of share-based payment arrangements
63
 
(26)
 
(89)
Other movements
(317)
 
(17,536)
 
22
Total comprehensive income for the period
46,748
 
39,039
 
42,650
           
 
513,786
 
480,809
 
450,982
           
Non-controlling interests
         
At beginning of period
41,415
 
39,359
 
35,679
Dividends paid
(2,388)
 
(1,592)
 
(2,244)
Movement in respect of share-based payment arrangements
3
 
5
 
6
Other movements
(178)
 
(1)
 
70
Total comprehensive income for the period
3,094
 
3,644
 
5,848
           
 
41,946
 
41,415
 
39,359
           
Total equity
         
At beginning of period
522,224
 
490,341
 
473,078
Shares issued
10,733
 
26,350
 
-
Dividends paid
(26,638)
 
(19,592)
 
(31,244)
Movement in respect of share-based payment arrangements
66
 
(21)
 
(83)
Other movements
(495)
 
(17,537)
 
92
Total comprehensive income for the period
49,842
 
42,683
 
48,498
           
 
555,732
 
522,224
 
490,341
 
4,293,500,000 additional shares were issued on 27 June 2014 (31 December 2013: 10,540,000,000; 30 June 2013: nil) for a consideration of HK$10,733m (31 December 2013: HK$26,350m; 30 June 2013: nil) as we continue to convert preference share capital to equity share capital to assist in meeting Basel III capital requirements.
 
 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
     
 
Half-year
ended
30 June
2014
 
Half-year
ended
30 June
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
Operating activities
     
       
Cash generated from/(used in) operations
29,841
 
(25,471)
Interest received on financial investments
7,477
 
6,415
Dividends received on financial investments
85
 
137
Dividends received from associates
70
 
142
Taxation paid
(4,739)
 
(4,714)
       
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities
32,734
 
(23,491)
       
Investing activities
     
       
Purchase of financial investments
(186,839)
 
(136,433)
Proceeds from sale or redemption of financial investments
204,118
 
145,245
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(917)
 
(6,325)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and assets held for sale
153
 
968
Purchase of other intangible assets
(678)
 
(634)
Proceeds from the sale of interests in associates and joint ventures
-
 
2,847
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from the sale of interests in business portfolios
2,953
 
(3,281)
       
Net cash inflow from investing activities
18,790
 
2,387
       
Net cash inflow/(outflow) before financing activities
51,524
 
(21,104)
       
Financing activities
     
       
Issue of ordinary share capital
10,733
 
-
Redemption of preference shares
(10,736)
 
(29,065)
Repayment of subordinated liabilities
-
 
(338)
Issue of subordinated liabilities
12,402
 
-
Ordinary dividends paid
(24,250)
 
(29,000)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
(2,388)
 
(2,244)
Interest paid on preference shares
(790)
 
(1,664)
Interest paid on subordinated liabilities
(462)
 
(415)
       
Net cash outflow from financing activities
(15,491)
 
(62,726)
       
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
36,033
 
(83,830)
 
 
Changes in cash and cash equivalents
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
At 1 January
687,596
 
707,186
Net cash inflow/(outflow) before the effect of foreign exchange movements
36,033
 
(83,830)
Effect of foreign exchange movements
4,590
 
(16,823)
       
At 30 June
728,219
 
606,533
 
 

Additional Information
 
1. Net interest income
 
 
 
Half-year
ended
30 June
2014
 
Half-year
ended
30 June
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
Net interest income
47,187
 
42,005
Average interest-earning assets
4,893,026
 
4,407,701
Net interest spread
1.83%
 
1.80%
Net interest margin
1.94%
 
1.92%
 
 
Net interest income rose by HK$5,182m, or 12% compared with the first half of 2013, primarily in Balance Sheet Management in Hong Kong and mainland China, increased customer lending and growth in customer deposits, as well as an improved net interest margin.
 
Average interest-earning assets increased by HK$485bn or 11% compared with the first half of 2013. Average customer lending increased by 13%, with notable growth in term lending, trade-related lending and mortgages, while financial investments increased by 4%.
 
Net interest margin increased by two basis points to 1.94% compared with the first half of 2013. The net interest spread increased by three basis points, while the contribution from net free funds decreased by one basis point. The increase in net interest margin resulted from lower funding costs as short-term interest rates reduced, partly offset by compressed spreads on customer lending and an increase in the commercial surplus deployed in lower yielding assets following the purchase of the Hong Kong and Singapore GPB businesses from HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA in late-2013.
 
In Hong Kong, the Bank recorded a decrease in net interest margin of 15 basis points to 1.21% mainly due to the inclusion of the Hong Kong GPB business. Excluding this, the net interest margin decreased from reduced asset spreads on customer lending, notably on term and trade-related lending, partly offset by reduced funding costs on customer deposits as short-term interest rates reduced.
 
At Hang Seng Bank, the net interest margin increased by 13 basis points to 2.20% and the net interest spread increased by 11 basis points to 2.09%. The spread on customer lending improved, notably on term lending, partly offset by narrower deposit spreads in Hong Kong in a competitive deposit market.
 
In the Rest of Asia-Pacific, the net interest margin was 1.98%, seven basis points lower than the first half of 2013 due to the inclusion of the Singapore GPB business. Excluding this, the net interest margin decreased slightly from central bank rate cuts and reduced deposit spreads, while competitive pressures and our focus on secured lending reduced asset spreads.
 
 
2. Net fee income
 
 
 
Half-year ended
30 June
2014
 
Half-year ended
30 June
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
Account services
1,439
 
1,373
Credit facilities
1,643
 
1,498
Import/export
2,391
 
2,473
Remittances
1,710
 
1,625
Securities/broking
3,618
 
3,822
Cards
3,451
 
3,471
Insurance
723
 
693
Unit trusts
3,372
 
3,121
Funds under management
1,919
 
2,174
Underwriting
1,185
 
1,184
Other
3,873
 
4,550
       
Fee income
25,324
 
25,984
Fee expense
(2,903)
 
(3,244)
       
 
22,421
 
22,740
 
 
3. Net trading income
 
 
 
Half-year ended
30 June
2014
 
Half-year ended
30 June
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
Ping An contingent forward sale contract
-
 
(3,323)
Dealing profits
7,769
 
8,693
Net interest income on trading assets and liabilities
1,951
 
2,431
Dividend income from trading securities
523
 
562
Net loss from hedging activities
(9)
 
(5)
       
 
10,234
 
8,358
 
 
4. Gains less losses from financial investments
 
 
Half-year ended
30 June
2014
 
Half-year ended
30 June
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
Gain on sale of Ping An
-
 
34,070
       
       
       
Gain on sale of Bank of Shanghai
3,320
 
-
Gains on disposal of available-for-sale securities
102
 
200
Impairment of available-for-sale equity investments
(9)
 
(28)
       
 
3,413
 
172
 
In 2013, we recorded a gross gain on the sale of our shareholding in Ping An of HK$34,070m, which was partly offset by the adverse fair value movement of HK$3,323m on the contingent forward sale contract included in 'Net trading income', leading to a net gain for the period of HK$30,747m.
 
For the group's accounting policy on the impairment of available-for-sale equity investments and how this specifically applies to Industrial Bank, please see note 25.
 
 
5. Other operating income
 
 
Half-year ended
30 June
2014
 
Half-year ended
30 June
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
Gain on reclassification of Industrial Bank
-
 
8,454
       
       
       
Movement in present value of in-force insurance business
2,416
 
1,745
Gain on investment properties
319
 
1,186
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment, and assets held for sale
48
 
306
Gain on disposal of subsidiaries, associates, joint ventures and business portfolios
88
 
829
Loss on reclassification of TechCom Bank
(251)
 
-
Other
1,988
 
1,988
       
 
4,608
 
6,054
 
 
6. Insurance income
 
Included in the consolidated income statement are the following revenues earned by the insurance business:
 
 
 
Half-year ended
30 June
2014
 
Half-year ended
30 June
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
Net interest income
4,552
 
4,234
Net fee income
1,102
 
905
Net trading loss
(91)
 
(393)
Net income/(expense) from financial instruments designated at fair value
2,988
 
(2,001)
Net earned insurance premiums
29,742
 
27,803
Movement in present value of in-force business
2,416
 
1,745
Other operating income
126
 
1,095
       
 
40,835
 
33,388
Net insurance claims incurred and movement in liabilities to policyholders
(32,173)
 
(25,263)
       
Net operating income
8,662
 
8,125
 
Net interest income increased by 8%, driven by growth of the debt securities portfolio in our insurance business, reflecting net inflows from new and renewal insurance premiums.
 
Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value was HK$2,988m compared with a loss of HK$2,001m in the first half of 2013, reflecting improved equity market performance and increased bond prices. To the extent that revaluation is attributed to policyholders, there is an offsetting movement reported under 'Net insurance claims incurred and movement in liabilities to policyholders'.
 
Net earned insurance premiums grew by 7%, mainly in Hong Kong, due to increased new business from deferred annuity, universal life and endowment contracts, coupled with higher renewals. This was partly offset by lower new business from unit-linked contracts. The growth in premiums resulted in a corresponding increase in 'Net insurance claims incurred and movement in liabilities to policyholders'.
 
The movement in present value of in-force business increased by HK$671m, largely due to a favourable market conditions update, as well as an increase in the value of new business compared with the first half of 2013.
 
Other operating income in the first half of 2013 included the gains on sale of our interests in Bao Viet Holdings and Hana HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited of HK$810m and HK$214m respectively, offset by the disposal loss on the life insurance business in Taiwan of HK$276m.
 
 
7. Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions
 
 
 
Half-year ended
30 June
2014
 
Half-year ended
30 June
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
       
Individually assessed impairment charges:
     
    New charges
1,138
 
915
    Releases
(759)
 
(684)
    Recoveries
(70)
 
(124)
       
 
309
 
107
       
Collectively assessed impairment charges
1,285
 
1,114
       
Other credit risk provisions
-
 
150
       
Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions
1,594
 
1,371
 
There were no impairment losses or provisions against held-to-maturity or available-for-sale debt investments (2013: nil).
 
 
8. Employee compensation and benefits
 
 
 
Half-year ended
30 June
2014
 
Half-year ended
30 June
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
Wages and salaries
17,616
 
16,605
Social security costs
513
 
479
Retirement benefit costs
1,156
 
1,098
       
 
19,285
 
18,182
       
 
At
30 June
2014
 
At
31 December
2013
Staff numbers by region - full-time equivalent
     
       
Hong Kong
28,421
 
28,134
Rest of Asia-Pacific
38,685
 
38,887
       
Total
67,106
 
67,021
       
       
 

 
9. General and administrative expenses
 
 
 
Half-year ended
30 June
2014
 
Half-year ended
30 June
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
Premises and equipment
     
-. Rental expenses
1,777
 
1,696
-. Other premises and equipment
1,921
 
1,805
       
 
3,698
 
3,501
Marketing and advertising expenses
1,858
 
1,674
Other administrative expenses
7,992
 
7,066
       
 
13,548
 
12,241
 
 
10. Share of profit in associates and joint ventures
 
Share of profit in associates and joint ventures principally represents the group's share of post-tax profits from Bank of Communications. See note 16 for further information on our interests in associates.
 
 
11. Tax expense
 
The tax expense in the consolidated income statement comprises:
 
 
 
Half-year ended
30 June
2014
 
Half-year ended
30 June
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
Current income tax
     
-  Hong Kong profits tax
4,547
 
4,536
-  Overseas taxation
4,553
 
4,510
Deferred taxation
92  
 
(999)
       
 
9,192
 
8,047
 
The effective tax rate for the first half of 2014 was 15.5%, compared with 8.4% for the first half of 2013 as non-taxable gains from disposals and reclassifications were significantly higher in 2013.
 
 
12. Dividends
 
 
 
Half-year ended
30 June 2014
 
Half-year ended
30 June 2013
 
               HK$
     
               HK$
   
 
       per share
 
            HK$m
 
         per share
 
            HK$m
               
Ordinary dividends paid
             
-  fourth interim dividend in respect of the
previous financial year approved and paid
during the year
0.44
 
15,000
 
0.85
 
20,000
-  first interim dividend paid
0.27
 
9,250
 
0.38
 
9,000
               
 
0.71
 
24,250
 
1.23
 
29,000
 
 
The Directors have declared a second interim dividend in respect of the half-year ended 30 June 2014 of HK$0.24 per ordinary share (HK$9,250m).
 
 
13. Loans and advances to customers
 
 
 
At
30 June
2014
 
At
31 December
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
     
(Re-presented)
       
Gross loans and advances to customers
2,818,972
 
2,628,746
       
Impairment allowances:
     
-. Individually assessed
(5,051)
 
(5,007)
-. Collectively assessed
(4,542)
 
(4,494)
       
 
(9,593)
 
(9,501)
       
Net loans and advances to customers
2,809,379
 
2,619,245
       
Allowances as a percentage of gross loans and advances to customers:
     
-. Individually assessed
0.18%
 
0.19%
-. Collectively assessed
0.16%
 
0.17%
       
Total allowances
0.34%
 
0.36%
 
 
14. Impairment allowances against loans and advances to customers
 
 
Individually
assessed
 
 
Collectively
assessed
 
Total
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
           
At 1 January 2014
5,007
 
4,494
 
9,501
Amounts written off
(399)
 
(1,709)
 
(2,108)
Recoveries of loans and advances written off in previous years
70
 
514
 
584
Net charge to income statement
309
 
1,285
 
1,594
Unwinding of discount of loan impairment
(64)
 
(42)
 
(106)
Exchange and other adjustments
128
 
-
 
128
           
At 30 June 2014
5,051
 
4,542
 
9,593
 
 
 

 
15. Analysis of loans and advances to customers based on categories used by the HSBC Group
 
The following analysis of loans and advances to customers is based on categories used by the HSBC Group, including The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and its subsidiaries, to manage associated risks.
 
 
     
Rest of
   
 
Hong Kong
 
Asia-Pacific
 
Total
At 30 June 2014
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
           
Residential mortgages
426,191
 
313,903
 
740,094
Credit card advances
48,311
 
26,723
 
75,034
Other personal
120,476
 
69,487
 
189,963
           
Total personal
594,978
 
410,113
 
1,005,091
           
Commercial, industrial and international trade
446,636
 
450,813
 
897,449
Commercial real estate
194,436
 
74,717
 
269,153
Other property-related lending
186,957
 
66,718
 
253,675
Government
6,498
 
1,885
 
8,383
Other commercial
138,214
 
152,804
 
291,018
           
Total corporate and commercial
972,741
 
746,937
 
1,719,678
           
Non-bank financial institutions
57,537
 
33,526
 
91,063
Settlement accounts
2,172
 
968
 
3,140
           
Total financial
59,709
 
34,494
 
94,203
           
Gross loans and advances to customers
1,627,428
 
1,191,544
 
2,818,972
           
Individually assessed impairment allowances
(1,519)
 
(3,532)
 
(5,051)
Collectively assessed impairment allowances
(2,166)
 
(2,376)
 
(4,542)
           
Net loans and advances to customers
1,623,743
 
1,185,636
 
2,809,379
           
At 31 December 2013 (Re-presented)
         
           
Residential mortgages
416,857
 
296,860
 
713,717
Credit card advances
49,843
 
29,824
 
79,667
Other personal
103,593
 
68,558
 
172,151
           
Total personal
570,293
 
395,242
 
965,535
           
Commercial, industrial and international trade
423,536
 
432,984
 
856,520
Commercial real estate
196,621
 
71,348
 
267,969
Other property-related lending
151,554
 
58,937
 
210,491
Government
5,728
 
2,190
 
7,918
Other commercial
112,939
 
131,788
 
244,727
           
Total corporate and commercial
890,378
 
697,247
 
1,587,625
           
Non-bank financial institutions
41,578
 
31,460
 
73,038
Settlement accounts
1,989
 
559
 
2,548
           
Total financial
43,567
 
32,019
 
75,586
           
Gross loans and advances to customers
1,504,238
 
1,124,508
 
2,628,746
Individually assessed impairment allowances
(1,349)
 
(3,658)
 
(5,007)
Collectively assessed impairment allowances
(2,131)
 
(2,363)
 
(4,494)
           
Net loans and advances to customers
1,500,758
 
1,118,487
 
2,619,245

Loans and advances to customers in Hong Kong increased by HK$123bn, or 8%, during the first half of 2014 largely from growth in corporate and commercial lending of HK$82bn, reflecting higher demand primarily in other property-related and utilities lending. Other personal lending balances increased by HK$17bn and residential mortgage lending increased by HK$9bn.
 
In the Rest of Asia-Pacific, loans and advances to customers increased by HK$67bn, or 6%, including favourable foreign exchange translation effects of HK$14bn. The underlying increase of HK$53bn was mainly from growth in corporate and commercial lending of HK$43bn from business growth in mainland China and Taiwan. Residential mortgage lending increased by HK$11bn, notably in mainland China and Taiwan.
 
 
 
16.  Interests in associates and joint ventures
 
Bank of Communications Co., Limited ('BoCom')
 
For the period ended 30 June 2014, the group included BoCom's results on the basis of financial statements prepared for the 6 months to 31 March 2014, taking into account the financial effect of significant transactions or events in the subsequent period from 1 April 2014 to 30 June 2014.
 
Impairment testing
 
At 30 June 2014, the fair value of the group's investment in BoCom had been below the carrying amount for approximately 26 months, apart from a short period in 2013. As a result, the group performed an impairment test on the carrying amount of the investment in BoCom. The test confirmed that there was no impairment at 30 June 2014.
 
 
 
At 30 June 2014
 
At 31 December 2013
 
VIU
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair
Value
 
VIU
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair
Value
 
HK$bn
 
HK$bn
 
HK$bn
 
HK$bn
 
HK$bn
 
HK$bn
                       
BoCom
112.8
 
110.0
 
75.6
 
108.9
 
104.6
 
77.2
 
Basis of recoverable amount
 
The impairment test was performed by comparing the recoverable amount of BoCom, determined by a value-in-use ('VIU') calculation, with its carrying amount. The VIU calculation uses discounted cash flow projections based on management's estimates. Cash flows beyond the short to medium-term are then extrapolated in perpetuity using a long-term growth rate. An imputed capital maintenance charge ('CMC') is calculated as a deduction from forecast cash flows. The principal inputs to the CMC calculation include estimates of asset growth, the ratio of risk-weighted assets to total assets, and the expected regulatory capital requirements. Management judgement is required in estimating the future cash flows of BoCom.
 
During 2014, the ratio of risk-weighted assets to total assets and the cost-income ratio were further identified as key assumptions to which the VIU is sensitive.
 
Key assumptions in VIU calculation
 
Long-term growth rate: the growth rate used was 5% (2013: 5%) for periods after 2018 and does not exceed forecast GDP growth in China.
 
Discount rate: the discount rate of 13% (2013: 13%) was based on an internal cost of capital rate used to evaluate investments in mainland China and was adjusted upwards to reflect a degree of risk and uncertainty. We corroborated this against a range of rates derived by applying a Capital Asset Pricing Model ('CAPM') calculation for BoCom, using market data inputs. These data inputs consist of a number of financial and economic variables including the risk-free rate and a market premium to reflect the inherent risk of BoCom. The discount rate of 13% was further benchmarked against a range of estimates made by external analysts. The discount rate used was within the range of 11.2% to 15.3% (2013: 10.5% to 15.0%) indicated by the CAPM and external sources.
 
Loan impairment charge as a percentage of customer advances: the ratio increased from 0.63% to 1% (2013: 0.64% to 1%) in the short to medium-term. The long-term ratio was assumed to revert to a historical rate of 0.65% (2013: 0.64%). The rates were within the short to medium-term range forecasts of 0.52% to 1.11% (2013: 0.55% to 1.20%) disclosed by external analysts.
 
Risk-weighted assets as a percentage of total assets: the ratio used was 70.2% for periods from 2014 onwards to perpetuity (2013: 68.7%).
 
Cost-income ratio: the ratio used increased from 40.8% to 43.0% (2013: 39.7% to 43.2%) in the short to medium-term. The ratios were within the short to medium-term range forecasts of 39.8% to 44.3% (2013: 38.0% to 44.2%) disclosed by external analysts.
 
Sensitivity analyses were performed on each key assumption to ascertain the impact of reasonably possible changes in assumptions. The following changes to the key assumptions used in the VIU calculation would be necessary to reduce headroom to nil:
 
 
Key assumption
Changes to key assumption to reduce headroom to nil
·  Long-term growth rate
·  Discount rate
·  Loan impairment charge as a percentage of customer advances
·  Risk-weighted assets as a percentage of total assets
·  Cost-income ratio
·  Decrease by 13 basis points
·  Increase by 12 basis points
·  Increase by 2.5 basis points
·  Increase by 1%
·  Increase by 55 basis points
 
 
The following table further illustrates the impact on the VIU of reasonably possible changes to key assumptions. This reflects the sensitivity of the VIU to each key assumption on its own, but it is possible that more than one favourable and/or unfavourable change will occur at the same time.
 
 
At 30 June 2014
HK$bn
Carrying value: 110.0
Favourable
change
 
 
Current model
 
Unfavourable
change
                   
Long-term growth rate
+50bp
 
+100bp
 
5.00%
 
-50bp
 
-100bp
VIU
124.3
 
137.3
 
112.8
 
102.8
 
93.7
Increase/(decrease) in VIU
11.5
 
24.5
     
(10.0)
 
(19.1)
                   
Discount rate
-50bp
 
-100bp
 
13.00%
 
+50bp
 
+100bp
VIU
125.4
 
139.9
 
112.8
 
101.9
 
92.3
Increase/(decrease) in VIU
12.6
 
27.1
     
(10.9)
 
(20.5)
                   
Loan impairment charge as a percentage of customer advances
0.65% throughout
 
2014 - 2018: 0.63% to 1.00%
2019 onwards: 0.65%
 
1.00% from 2014 to 2018
VIU
116.1
 
112.8
 
105.5
Increase/(decrease) in VIU
3.3
     
(7.3)
                   
Risk-weighted assets as a percentage of total assets
-100bp
 
-200bp
 
 
70.2% throughout
 
+100bp
 
+200bp
VIU
115.6
 
118.4
 
112.8
 
110.0
 
107.1
Increase/(decrease) in VIU
2.8
 
5.6
     
(2.8)
 
(5.7)
                   
Cost-income ratio
-50bp
 
-100bp
 
2013 - 2018: 40.8% to 40.3%
2019 onwards: 43.0%
 
+50bp
 
+100bp
VIU
115.3
 
117.9
 
112.8
 
110.3
 
107.7
Increase/(decrease) in VIU
2.5
 
5.1
     
(2.5)
 
(5.1)
           
           
           
At 31 December 2013
HK$bn
Carrying value: 104.6
Favourable
change
 
 
Current model
 
Unfavourable
change
                   
Long-term growth rate
+50bp
 
+100bp
 
5.00%
 
-50bp
 
-100bp
VIU
119.3
 
131.3
 
108.9
 
99.7
 
91.5
Increase/(decrease) in VIU
10.4
 
22.4
     
(9.2)
 
(17.4)
                   
Discount rate
-50bp
 
-100bp
 
13.00%
 
+50bp
 
+100bp
VIU
120.7
 
134.4
 
108.9
 
98.7
 
89.8
Increase/(decrease) in VIU
11.8
 
25.5
     
(10.2)
 
(19.1)
                   
Loan impairment charge as a percentage of customer advances
0.64% throughout
 
2013 - 2018: 0.64% to 1.00%
2019 onwards: 0.64%
 
1.00% from 2014 to 2018
VIU
114.5
 
108.9
 
103.9
Increase/(decrease) in VIU
5.6
     
(5.0)
           
Risk-weighted assets as a percentage of total assets
-100bp
 
-200bp
 
 
68.7% throughout
 
+100bp
 
+200bp
VIU
111.4
 
114.0
 
108.9
 
106.2
 
103.6
Increase/(decrease) in VIU
2.5
 
5.1
     
(2.7)
 
(5.3)
                   
Cost-income ratio
-50bp
 
-100bp
 
2013 - 2018: 39.7% to 43.2%
2019 onwards: 43.2%
 
+50bp
 
+100bp
VIU
111.2
 
113.8
 
108.9
 
106.4
 
103.9
Increase/(decrease) in VIU
2.3
 
4.9
     
(2.5)
 
(5.0)
                   
 
 
Vietnam Technological & Commercial Joint Stock Bank ('TechCom Bank')
 
The group currently owns 19.41% of TechCom Bank. This investment was equity-accounted from October 2007 due to the group's representation on the Board of Directors and involvement in the Technical Support and Assistance Agreement. The terms of the group's nominated directors expired in April 2014 and the Technical Support and Assistance Agreement expired at the end of June 2014. As a result of these and other factors, the group considers that it is no longer in a position to exercise significant influence over TechCom Bank and ceased to account for the investment as an associate from that date. Thereafter, the holding in TechCom Bank is classified as an available-for-sale financial investment. The loss arising from this reclassification was HK$251m.
 
 
 
17. Other assets
 
 
 
At
 
At
 
30 June
 
31 December
 
2014
 
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
Current taxation recoverable
659
 
2,034
Assets held for sale
171
 
4,476
Prepayments and accrued income
4,527
 
3,578
Accrued interest receivable
17,347
 
15,898
Acceptances and endorsements
33,788
 
34,239
Bullion
72,437
 
58,548
Other
34,771
 
30,166
       
 
163,700
 
148,939
 
 
18. Customer accounts
 
 
 
At
30 June
2014
 
At
31 December
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
Current accounts
903,937
 
862,138
Savings accounts
2,302,829
 
2,246,618
Other deposit accounts
1,213,684
 
1,144,942
       
 
4,420,450
 
4,253,698
 
 
 
19.  Other liabilities and provisions
 
 
 
At
 
At
 
30 June
 
31 December
 
2014
 
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
Accruals and deferred income
22,950
 
26,021
Provisions for liabilities and charges
989
 
1,723
Acceptances and endorsements
33,817
 
34,239
Share-based payment liability to HSBC Holdings plc
1,684
 
2,303
Other liabilities
31,610
 
24,523
       
 
91,050
 
88,809
 
 
20. Contingent liabilities and commitments
 
 
 
At
 30 June
2014
 
At
31 December
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
Contract amount:
     
       
Contingent liabilities
286,487
 
254,799
Commitments
1,813,457
 
1,701,733
       
 
2,099,944
 
1,956,532
 
 
21. Capital adequacy
 
The following tables show the capital ratios, risk-weighted assets and capital base as contained in the 'Capital Adequacy Ratio' return required to be submitted to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority ('HKMA') by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited on a consolidated basis that is specified by the HKMA under the requirements of section 3C(1) of the Banking (Capital) Rules.
 
The group uses the advanced internal ratings-based approach to calculate its credit risk for the majority of its non-securitisation exposures and the internal ratings-based (securitisation) approach to determine credit risk for its banking book 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 exposures, foreign exchange (including gold) exposures, and equity exposures. The group also uses an internal models approach to calculate its market risk in respect of specific risk for interest rate exposures and equity exposures. The group uses the standardised (market risk) approach for calculating other market risk positions as well as trading book securitisation exposures, and the standardised (operational risk) approach to calculate its operational risk.
 
The Bank and its banking subsidiaries maintain a regulatory reserve to satisfy the provisions of the Banking Ordinance and local regulatory requirements for prudential supervision purposes. At 30 June 2014, the effect of this requirement is to restrict the amount of reserves which can be distributed to shareholders by HK$25,280m (31 December 2013: HK$22,563m). There are no relevant capital shortfalls in any of the group's subsidiaries at 30 June 2014 (31 December 2013: Nil) which are not included in its consolidation group for regulatory purposes.
 
The basis of consolidation for the calculation of capital ratios for regulatory purposes is different from that for accounting purposes. Further information on the regulatory consolidation basis is set out in the Supplementary Notes that will be posted in the Regulatory Disclosures section of our website www.hsbc.com.hk.
 
A detailed breakdown of the group's common equity tier 1 ('CET1') capital, additional tier 1 ('AT1') capital, tier 2 capital and regulatory deductions and a full reconciliation between the group's accounting and regulatory balance sheets can be viewed in the Supplementary Notes Appendices that will be posted in the Regulatory Disclosures section of our website www.hsbc.com.hk.
 
 
 
At 30 June
2014
 
At 31 December 2013
 
%
 
%
Capital ratios
     
       
CET1 capital
13.5
 
14.1
Tier 1 capital
13.5
 
14.1
Total capital
15.2
 
15.2
       
Risk weighted assets by risk type
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
Credit risk
2,103,877
 
1,978,266
Counterparty credit risk
118,408
 
95,603
Market risk
166,582
 
134,035
Operational risk
282,525
 
274,450
       
 
2,671,392
 
2,482,354
 
Risk-weighted assets for credit risk increased during the first half of 2014, mainly due to loan growth together with the application of a 45% floor for loss-given-default estimates for unsecured bank exposures. Market risk also increased in the same period due to a higher incremental risk charge from increased trading positions and longer bond maturities.
 
The following table sets out the composition of the group's capital base under Basel III at 30 June 2014. The position at 30 June 2014 benefits from transitional arrangements which will be phased out.
 
 
Capital base
 
 
 
At 30 June 2014
 
At 31 December 2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
Common equity tier 1 ('CET1') capital
     
Shareholders' equity
464,759
 
436,529
Shareholders' equity per balance sheet
513,786
 
480,809
Revaluation reserve capitalisation issue
(1,454)
 
(1,454)
Unconsolidated subsidiaries
(47,573)
 
(42,826)
       
Non-controlling interests
26,680
 
24,464
Non-controlling interests per balance sheet
41,946
 
41,415
Non-controlling interests in unconsolidated subsidiaries
(4,673)
 
(4,237)
Surplus non-controlling interests disallowed in CET1
(10,593)
 
(12,714)
       
Regulatory deductions to CET1 capital
(130,771)
 
(109,888)
Valuation adjustments
(2,203)
 
(2,473)
Goodwill and intangible assets
(15,245)
 
(15,943)
Deferred tax assets net of deferred tax liabilities
(2,028)
 
(2,350)
Cash flow hedging reserve
24
 
(197)
Changes in own credit risk on fair valued liabilities
(736)
 
(1,117)
Defined benefit pension fund assets
(101)
 
(110)
Significant capital investments in unconsolidated financial sector entities
(22,710)
 
(875)
Property revaluation reserves 1
 
(50,955)
 
(50,073)
Regulatory reserve
(25,280)
 
(22,563)
Excess AT1 deductions
(11,537)
 
(14,187)
       
Total CET1 capital
360,668
 
351,105
       
Additional tier 1 ('AT1') capital
     
Total AT1 capital before regulatory deductions
31,732
 
38,866
Perpetual non-cumulative preference shares
25,213
 
30,651
Allowable non-controlling interests in AT1 capital
6,519
 
8,215
       
Regulatory deductions to AT1 capital
(31,732)
 
(38,866)
Significant capital investments in unconsolidated financial sector entities
(43,269)
 
(53,053)
Excess AT1 deductions
11,537
 
14,187
       
Total AT1 capital
-
 
-
       
Total tier 1 capital
360,668
 
351,105
       
Tier 2 capital
     
Total Tier 2 capital before regulatory deductions
90,392
 
82,915
Perpetual cumulative preference shares
3,100
 
8,413
Cumulative term preferences shares
8,138
 
8,141
Perpetual subordinated debt
9,337
 
9,346
Term subordinated debt
31,727
 
19,463
Property revaluation reserves 1
 
23,584
 
23,187
Impairment allowances and regulatory reserve eligible for inclusion in Tier 2 capital
14,506
 
13,519
Allowable non-controlling interests in Tier 2 capital
-
 
846
       
Regulatory deductions to Tier 2 capital
(46,125)
 
(55,910)
Significant capital investments in unconsolidated financial sector entities
(46,125)
 
(55,910)
       
Total tier 2 capital
44,267
 
27,005
       
Total capital
404,935
 
378,110
 
 
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 issued by the HKMA.
 
 
The following table shows the pro-forma Basel III end point basis position once all transitional arrangements have been phased out based on the Transition Disclosures Template. It should be noted that the pro-forma Basel III end point basis position takes no account of, for example, any future profits or management actions. In addition, the current regulations or their application may change before full implementation. Given this, the final impact on the group's capital ratios may differ from the pro-forma position, which is a mechanical application of the current rules to the balance sheet at 30 June 2014; it is not a projection. On this pro-forma basis, the group's CET1 ratio is 10.7%, which is above the Basel III minimum requirement, including the capital conservation buffer.
 
Reconciliation of regulatory capital from transitional basis to a pro-forma Basel III end point basis
 
 
 
At 30 June
2014
 
At 31 December
2013
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
CET1 capital on a transitional basis
360,668
 
351,105
Transitional provisions:
     
Significant capital investments in unconsolidated financial sector entities
(86,538)
 
(106,106)
Excess AT1 deductions
11,537
 
14,187
       
CET1 capital end point basis
285,667
 
259,186
       
AT1 capital on a transitional basis
-
 
-
Grandfathered instruments:
     
Perpetual Non-cumulative preference shares
(25,213)
 
(30,651)
Transitional provisions:
     
Allowable non-controlling interests in AT1 capital
(3,925)
 
(5,884)
Significant capital investments in unconsolidated financial sector entities
43,269
 
53,053
Excess AT1 deductions
(11,537)
 
(14,187)
       
AT1 capital end point basis
2,594
 
2,331
       
Tier 2 capital on a transitional basis
44,267
 
27,005
Grandfathered instruments:
     
Perpetual cumulative preference shares
(3,100)
 
(8,413)
Cumulative term preference shares
(8,138)
 
(8,141)
Perpetual subordinated debt
(9,337)
 
(9,346)
Term subordinated debt
(13,125)
 
(13,260)
Transitional provisions:
     
Significant capital investments in unconsolidated financial sector entities
43,269
 
53,053
       
Tier 2 capital end point basis
53,836
 
40,898
       

22. Fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value
 
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.
 
The following table provides an analysis of the basis for the valuation of financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value in the consolidated financial statements:
 
 
 
     
Valuation techniques
       
 
Quoted market price
Level 1
 
Using observable inputs
Level 2
 
With significant unobservable
inputs
Level 3
 
Third
party
total
 
Amounts with HSBC entities
 
Total
At 30 June 2014
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
                       
                       
Assets
                     
 
Trading assets
190,747
 
205,666
 
541
 
396,954
 
-
 
396,954
 
Financial assets designated
at fair value
72,438
 
22,267
 
1,606
 
96,311
 
-
 
96,311
 
Derivatives
7,535
 
217,440
 
706
 
225,681
 
78,210
 
303,891
 
Financial investments: available- for-sale
705,739
 
478,729
 
9,688
 
1,194,156
 
-
 
1,194,156
                       
 
976,459
 
924,102
 
12,541
 
1,913,102
 
78,210
 
1,991,312
                       
Liabilities
                     
Trading liabilities
69,544
 
152,967
 
18,888
 
241,399
 
-
 
241,399
Financial liabilities designated
at fair value
-
 
48,197
 
-
 
48,197
 
-
 
48,197
Derivatives
9,033
 
198,698
 
1,270
 
209,001
 
83,964
 
292,965
                       
 
78,577
 
399,862
 
20,158
 
498,597
 
83,964
 
582,561
                       
At 31 December 2013
                     
                       
                       
Assets
                     
 
Trading assets
145,520
 
165,216
 
664
 
311,400
 
-
 
311,400
 
Financial assets designated at fair value
63,781
 
25,012
 
1,353
 
90,146
 
-
 
90,146
 
Derivatives
14,295
 
284,970
 
1,112
 
300,377
 
88,350
 
388,727
 
Financial investments: available-
for-sale
739,792
 
449,296
 
11,218
 
1,200,306
 
-
 
1,200,306
Assets held for sale
-
 
-
 
4,295
 
4,295
 
-
 
4,295
                       
 
963,388
 
924,494
 
18,642
 
1,906,524
 
88,350
 
1,994,874
                       
Liabilities
                     
Trading liabilities
53,138
 
124,065
 
17,829
 
195,032
 
-
 
195,032
Financial liabilities designated at fair value
-
 
41,715
 
-
 
41,715
 
-
 
41,715
Derivatives
15,125
 
252,279
 
1,445
 
268,849
 
96,203
 
365,052
                       
 
68,263
 
418,059
 
19,274
 
505,596
 
96,203
 
601,799
 
Details of the control framework, fair values determined using valuation techniques, fair value adjustments, and the approach used to calculate the fair value of each type of financial instrument are included in note 51 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2013.
 
The table below sets out quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used in measuring financial instruments with Level 3 valuations.
 
 
     
Assets-
 
Liabilities-
 
Range of inputs
Valuation technique
Key unobservable inputs
 
fair value
 
fair value
 
Lower
 
Higher
     
HK$m
 
HK$m
       
                   
At 30 June 2014
                 
Structured notes and deposits
                 
Option model
Equity correlation
 
-
 
8,438
 
0.27
 
0.94
Option model
Equity volatility
 
-
 
7,523
 
7%
 
60%
Option model
Foreign exchange volatility
 
-
 
1,891
 
2%
 
18%
                   
Corporate bonds
                 
Market comparable approach
Bid quotes
 
1,406
 
-
 
100.46
 
101.08
                   
Private equity including strategic investments
                 
Market comparable approach
Equity Spot
 
3,257
 
-
 
n/a
 
n/a
Net asset value
Equity Spot
 
750
 
-
 
n/a
 
n/a
Net asset value
Fund valuation
 
4,470
 
-
 
n/a
 
n/a
                   
Other
   
2,658
 
2,306
       
                   
                   
     
12,541
 
20,158
       
                   
At 31 December 2013
                 
Structured notes and deposits
                 
Option model
Equity correlation
 
-
 
8,155
 
0.51
 
0.59
Option model
Equity volatility
 
-
 
4,783
 
7%
 
73%
Option model
Fund volatility
 
-
 
1,568
 
7%
 
73%
Option model
Foreign exchange volatility
 
-
 
2,200
 
2%
 
25%
                   
Corporate bonds
                 
Market comparable approach
Bid quotes
 
3,797
 
-
 
100.05
 
100.62
                   
Private equity including strategic investments
                 
Market comparable approach
Equity Spot
 
2,775
 
-
 
n/a
 
n/a
Net asset value
Equity Spot
 
686
 
-
 
n/a
 
n/a
Net asset value
Fund valuation
 
4,441
 
-
 
n/a
 
n/a
                   
Other
   
6,943
 
2,568
       
                   
                   
     
18,642
 
19,274
       
 
For descriptions of the key unobservable inputs and the inter-relationships between key unobservable inputs used in fair value measurement, please refer to note 51 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2013.
 
 
 
Movement in Level 3 financial instruments
 
                   
         
Assets
         
Liabilities
 
Available-
for-sale
 
Held for
trading
 
Designated
at fair value
through
profit
or loss
 
Derivatives
 
Assets held for sale
 
Held for trading
 
Derivatives
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
                           
At 1 January 2014
11,218
 
664
 
1,353
 
1,112
 
4,295
 
17,829
 
1,445
Total gains/(losses) recognised in profit or loss
                         
-. Trading income excluding net interest income
 
-
 
1
 
-
 
16
 
-
 
(242)
 
(185)
-. Net income from other financial instruments designated at fair value
 
 
-
 
-
 
177
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
-. Gains less losses from financial investments
 
91
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
3,332
 
-
 
-
                           
Total gains/(losses) recognised in other comprehensive income1
                         
-. Available-for-sale investments
 
305
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(3,458)
 
-
 
-
-. Exchange differences
(12)
 
-
 
-
 
3
 
-
 
(6)
 
(4)
                           
Purchases
1,359
 
379
 
292
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Net issuances
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
2,971
 
-
Sales
(38)
 
(412)
 
(21)
 
-
 
(4,169)
 
-
 
-
Settlements/maturity
(3,235)
 
-
 
(221)
 
(84)
 
-
 
307
 
155
Transfers out
-
 
(91)
 
-
 
(348)
 
-
 
(1,971)
 
(233)
Transfers in
-
 
-
 
26
 
7
 
-
 
-
 
92
                           
At 30 June 2014
9,688
 
541
 
1,606
 
706
 
-
 
18,888
 
1,270
                           
Unrealised gains/(losses) recognised in profit or loss relating to assets and liabilities held at 30 June 20142
 
                         
-. Trading income excluding net interest income
-
 
1
 
-
 
24
 
-
 
(10)
 
(136)
-. Net income from other financial instruments designated at fair value
-
 
-
 
178
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
- Impairment charges
(3)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
 
1    Included in 'Available-for-sale investments: Fair value changes taken to equity' and 'Exchange differences' in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
 
 
 
2    The amount has been reported on a net basis, after taking into consideration the total gains or losses arising from those transactions where the risk has been backed out to other HSBC entities.
 
 
 
 
                   
         
Assets
         
Liabilities
 
Available-
for-sale
 
Held for
trading
 
Designated
at fair value
through
profit
or loss
 
Derivatives
 
Assets held for sale
 
Held for trading
 
Derivatives
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
                           
At 1 January 2013
11,712
 
232
 
1,549
 
825
 
3,878
 
11,091
 
3,659
Total gains/(losses) recognised in profit or loss
                         
-. Trading income excluding net interest income
 
-
 
37
 
-
 
653
 
-
 
(802)
 
3,996
-. Net income from other financial instruments designated at fair value
 
 
-
 
-
 
65
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
-. Gains less losses from financial investments
 
134
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
                           
Total gains/(losses) recognised in other comprehensive income1
                         
-. Available-for-sale investments
 
1,304
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
-. Exchange differences
(9)
 
-
 
-
 
(5)
 
-
 
(255)
 
(1)
                           
Purchases
557
 
854
 
402
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Net issuances
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
7,114
 
-
Sales
(33)
 
(248)
 
(35)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Settlements/maturity
(2,704)
 
(31)
 
(209)
 
(65)
 
-
 
2,883
 
(5,839)
Transfers out
(4,295)
 
(195)
 
(530)
 
(616)
 
(3,878)
 
(2,273)
 
(426)
Transfers in
4,552
 
15
 
111
 
320
 
4,295
 
71
 
56
                           
At 31 December 2013
11,218
 
664
 
1,353
 
1,112
 
4,295
 
17,829
 
1,445
                           
Unrealised gains/(losses) recognised in profit or loss relating to assets and liabilities held at 31 December 20132
 
                         
-. Trading income excluding net interest income
-
 
93
 
-
 
583
 
-
 
18
 
(279-)
-. Net income from other financial instruments designated at fair value
-
 
-
 
65
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
 
1    Included in 'Available-for-sale investments: Fair value changes taken to equity' and 'Exchange differences' in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
 
 
2    The amount has been reported on a net basis, after taking into consideration the total gains or losses arising from those transactions where the risk has been backed out to other HSBC entities.
 
The fair values of financial instruments are, in certain circumstances, measured using valuation techniques that incorporate assumptions that are not evidenced by prices from observable current market transactions in the same instrument or observable market data. The following table shows the sensitivity of these fair values to reasonably possible alternative assumptions:
 
 
 
 
Reflected in income statement
 
Reflected in other comprehensive income
 
Favourable changes
 
Unfavourable changes
 
Favourable changes
 
Unfavourable changes
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
At 30 June 2014
             
Derivatives, trading assets and trading liabilities1
314
 
(302)
 
-
 
-
Financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value
161
 
(161)
 
-
 
-
Financial investments: available-for-sale
-
 
-
 
823
 
(1,096)
               
 
475
 
(463)
 
823
 
(1,096)
               
At 31 December 2013
             
Derivatives, trading assets and trading liabilities1
287
 
(281)
 
-
 
-
Financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value
135
 
(135)
 
-
 
-
Financial investments: available-for-sale
-
 
-
 
827
 
(1,186)
               
 
422
 
(416)
 
827
 
(1,186)
 
 
1    Derivatives, trading assets and trading liabilities are presented as one category to reflect the manner in which these financial instruments are risk-managed.
 
Details of the sensitivity of fair values to reasonably possible alternative assumptions, by Level 3 instrument type, are included in note 51 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2013.
 
 
23. Fair values of financial instruments not carried at fair value
 
The accounting policies which determine the classification of financial instruments, and the use of assumptions and estimation in valuing them, are described in note 3 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2013.
 
 
     
At 30 June 2014
 
At 31 December 2013
     
Carrying amount
 
 
Fair value
 
Carrying amount
 
 
Fair value
     
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
Assets
                 
Placings with and advances to banks
   
559,664
 
560,053
 
564,521
 
564,427
Loans and advances to customers
   
2,809,379
 
2,797,771
 
2,619,245
 
2,605,652
Reverse repurchase agreements - non-trading
   
229,899
 
229,789
 
150,584
 
150,514
Debt securities
   
181,339
 
186,449
 
179,465
 
180,115
                   
Liabilities
                 
Deposits by banks
   
229,642
 
229,666
 
231,358
 
231,358
Customer accounts
   
4,420,450
 
4,420,337
 
4,253,698
 
4,253,339
Repurchase agreements - non-trading
   
31,147
 
31,147
 
6,312
 
6,320
Debt securities in issue
   
49,710
 
50,017
 
52,334
 
52,452
Subordinated liabilities
   
13,217
 
12,383
 
13,107
 
12,286
Preference shares
   
36,564
 
32,200
 
47,314
 
41,500
                   
 
Details of how the fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value on the balance sheet are calculated are included in note 51 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2013.
 
 
24. Changes in presentation
 
In the second half of 2013, GB&M changed the way it managed repo and reverse repo activities in the Credit and Rates businesses. Previously, they were managed in the trading environment; during the second half of 2013, they were organised into trading and non-trading portfolios, with separate risk management procedures. This resulted in an increase in the amount of 'Non-trading reverse repos' and a decline in the amount classified as 'Trading assets', and an increase in the amount of 'Non-trading repos' and a decline in the amount classified as 'Trading liabilities' at 31 December 2013 compared with previous period-ends.
 
From 1 January 2014, non-trading reverse repos and repos are presented as separate lines in the balance sheet to align disclosure with market practice and provide more meaningful information in relation to loans and advances. Previously, non-trading reverse repos were included within 'Loans and advances to customers' and 'Placings with and advances to banks' and non-trading repos were included within 'Customers accounts' and 'Deposits by banks'.
 
The group has also changed the balance sheet line item, 'Cash and short-term funds' to 'Cash and balances at central banks'. Short term funds included 'Treasury and other eligible bills' and 'Placings with banks with remaining maturity of one month or less', which are now included within 'Financial investments' and 'Placings with and advances to banks' respectively.
 
'Placings with and advances to banks' is a new category and includes 'Placings with banks maturing after one month' and 'Placings with banks with remaining maturity of one month or less'. 'Certificates of deposit' are now included within 'Financial investments' rather than being shown separately on the face of the balance sheet.
 
Comparative figures have been re-presented accordingly and the affected lines are shown below. There are no other effects of this change in presentation.
 
31 December 2013 consolidated balance sheet items
 
 
 
As previously disclosed
 
Adjustments
 
 
As
re-presented
Assets
HK$m
 
HK$m
 
HK$m
           
Cash and short-term funds
1,132,719
 
(1,132,719)
 
-
Cash and balances at central banks
-
 
158,879
 
158,879
Reverse repurchase agreements - non-trading
-
 
150,584
 
150,584
Placings with banks maturing after one month
216,970
 
(216,970)
 
-
Placings with and advances to banks
-
 
564,521
 
564,521
Certificates of Deposit
88,207
 
(88,207)
 
-
Loans and advances to customers
2,669,238
 
(49,993)
 
2,619,245
Financial investments
765,866
 
613,905
 
1,379,771
           
     
-
   
           
Liabilities
         
           
Repurchase agreements - non-trading
-
 
6,312
 
6,312
Deposits by banks
236,616
 
(5,258)
 
231,358
Customer accounts
4,254,752
 
(1,054)
 
4,253,698
           
     
-
   
           
 
 
25. Accounting policies
 
The accounting policies and methods of computation adopted by the group for this document are consistent with those described in note 3 of the Annual Report and Accounts 2013.
 
On 1 January 2014, the group adopted the following new and revised Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards ('HKFRS') and Hong Kong Accounting Standards ('HKAS'), issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants:
 
 
·    Amendments to HKFRS 10, HKFRS 12 and HKAS 27 'Investment Entities'
 
·    Amendments to HKAS 32 'Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities'
 
·    Amendments to HKAS 36 'Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets'
 
·    Amendments to HKAS 39 'Novation of Derivatives and Continuation of Hedge Accounting'
 
·    HK(IFRIC) Interpretation 21 'Levies'
 
Application of these standards has had no material impact on these interim consolidated financial statements.
 
The new Hong Kong Companies Ordinance (Cap 622) came into operation on 3 March 2014. As a result, the concept of authorised share capital no longer exists and the Bank's ordinary and preference shares no longer have par or nominal values with effect from 3 March 2014. There was no impact on the Bank's share capital or the number of shares in issue as a result of this transition.
 
Impairment of financial investments
 
Available-for-sale financial investments are tested for impairment when there is an indication that the investment may be impaired. The group's policy is to recognise an impairment loss where there is a 'significant' or 'prolonged' decline in the fair value of an equity investment.
 
At 30 June 2014, the fair value of Hang Seng Bank's investment in Industrial Bank, an 'available-for-sale' financial investment, was HK$25,946m, 10% below the deemed cost of HK$28,838m. In accordance with the group's policy, no impairment loss has been recognised at 30 June 2014.
 
If the fair value remains below the deemed cost in the second half of 2014, an impairment loss may be recognised in the income statement. In subsequent periods any further declines in fair value below the level at which an initial impairment loss is recognised, will be reflected in the income statement for the relevant period as an additional impairment loss.
 
 
26. Legal and regulatory matters
 
Anti-money laundering and sanctions-related
 
In October 2010, HSBC Bank USA ('HBUS') entered into a consent cease and desist order with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ('OCC'), and HSBC North America Holdings Inc. ('HNAH') entered into a consent cease and desist order with the Federal Reserve Board (the 'Orders'). These Orders required improvements to establish an effective compliance risk management programme across HSBC's US businesses, including risk management related to US Bank Secrecy Act ('BSA') and anti-money laundering ('AML') compliance. Steps continue to be taken to address the requirements of the Orders to ensure compliance, and that effective policies and procedures are maintained.
 
In addition, in December 2012, HSBC Holdings plc ('HSBC Holdings'), HNAH and HBUS entered into agreements with US and UK government agencies regarding past inadequate compliance with the BSA and AML and sanctions laws. Among those agreements, HSBC Holdings and HBUS entered into a five-year deferred prosecution agreement with the US Department of Justice ('DoJ'), the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, and the US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of West Virginia (the 'US DPA'), HSBC Holdings entered into a two-year deferred prosecution agreement with the New York County District Attorney (the 'DANY DPA'), and HSBC Holdings consented to a cease and desist order and HSBC Holdings and HNAH consented to a civil money penalty order with the Federal Reserve Board ('FRB'). In addition, HBUS entered into a civil money penalty order with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network ('FinCEN') and a separate civil money penalty order with the OCC. HSBC Holdings also entered into an agreement with the Office of Foreign Assets Control ('OFAC') regarding historical transactions involving parties subject to OFAC sanctions and an undertaking with the UK Financial Conduct Authority ('FCA'), to comply with certain forward-looking AML- and sanctions-related obligations.
 
Under these agreements, HSBC Holdings and HBUS made payments totalling US$1,921m to US authorities and are continuing to comply with ongoing obligations. On 1 July 2013, the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York approved the US DPA and retained authority to oversee implementation of that agreement. Under the agreements with the DoJ, FCA, and FRB, an independent monitor (who is, for FCA purposes, a 'skilled person' under Section 166 of the Financial Services and Markets Act) will evaluate and regularly assess the effectiveness of HSBC's AML and sanctions compliance function and HSBC's progress in implementing its remedial obligations under the agreements. The monitorship, which began on 22 July 2013, is proceeding as anticipated.
 
If HSBC Holdings and HBUS fulfil all of the requirements imposed by the US DPA, the DoJ's charges against those entities will be dismissed at the end of the five-year period of that agreement. Similarly, if HSBC Holdings fulfils all of the requirements imposed by the DANY DPA, DANY's charges against it will be dismissed at the end of the two-year period of that agreement. The DoJ may prosecute HSBC Holdings or HBUS in relation to the matters that are the subject of the US DPA if HSBC Holdings or HBUS breaches the terms of the US DPA, and DANY may prosecute HSBC Holdings in relation to the matters which are subject of the DANY DPA if HSBC Holdings violates the terms of the DANY DPA.
 
HBUS also entered into a separate consent order with the OCC requiring it to correct the circumstances and conditions as noted in the OCC's then most recent report of examination and imposing certain restrictions on HBUS directly or indirectly acquiring control of, or holding an interest in, any new financial subsidiary, or commencing a new activity in its existing financial subsidiary, unless it receives prior approval from the OCC. HBUS also entered into a separate consent order with the OCC requiring it to adopt an enterprise wide compliance programme.
 
The settlement with US and UK authorities does not preclude private litigation relating to, among other things, HSBC's compliance with applicable AML, BSA and sanctions laws or other regulatory or law enforcement actions for AML, BSA or sanctions matters not covered by the various agreements.
 
US Tax investigation
 
As at 30 June 2014, the Bank is cooperating with US authorities in connection with an investigation regarding whether the Bank in India and certain employees acted appropriately in relation to certain US-based clients who had US tax reporting requirements. Based on the facts currently known with respect to this investigation, there is a high degree of uncertainty as to the terms on which the ongoing investigation will be resolved and the timing of such resolution, including the amounts of fines and/or penalties. As matters progress, it is possible that the fines and/or penalties imposed could be significant.
 
Investigations and reviews into the setting of benchmark rates
 
The group has been cooperating with authorities in a number of jurisdictions including Thailand, South Korea and Australia in relation to investigations into the setting of benchmark interest rates. Based on the facts currently known with respect to each of these ongoing regulatory investigations, there is a high degree of uncertainty as to the terms on which the ongoing investigation will be resolved and the timing of such resolution, including the amounts of fines and/or penalties. As matters progress, it is possible that the fines and/or penalties imposed could be significant.
 
Foreign exchange rate investigations
 
Various regulators and law enforcement authorities around the world including Hong Kong are conducting investigations and reviews into a number of firms, including the Bank, related to trading on the foreign exchange markets. The Bank is cooperating with these investigations and reviews. These investigations and reviews are ongoing and based on the facts currently known, there is a high degree of uncertainty as to the terms on which they will be resolved and the timing of such resolutions, including the amounts of fines and/or penalties. As matters progress, it is possible that the fines and/or penalties imposed could be significant.
 
Other matters
 
The group is party to legal proceedings, investigations and regulatory matters in a number of jurisdictions arising out of its normal business operations. Apart from the matters described above, the Bank considers that none of these matters is material, either individually or in the aggregate. The Bank recognises a provision for a liability in relation to these matters when it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle an obligation which has arisen as a result of past events, and for which a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Any provision recognised does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing or legal liability. While the outcome of these matters is inherently uncertain, management believes that, based on the information available to it, appropriate provisions have been made in respect of legal proceedings and regulatory matters as at 30 June 2014.
 
 
27. Additional information
 
Additional financial information relating to the period ended 30 June 2014, prepared in accordance with the Banking (Disclosure) Rules made under section 60A of the Banking Ordinance, will be made available on our website: www.hsbc.com.hk . A press release will be issued to announce the availability of this information.
 
 
28. Statutory accounts
 
The information in this document is not audited and does not constitute statutory accounts.
 
Certain financial information in this document is extracted from the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2013 which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. The auditors expressed an unqualified opinion on those statutory accounts in their report dated 24 February 2014. The Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2013, which include the statutory accounts, can be obtained on request from Communications (Asia), The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, 1 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong, and may be viewed on our website: www.hsbc.com.hk .
 
 
29.Ultimate holding company
 
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited is an indirectly-held, wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc.
 
 
30. Statement of compliance
 
The information in this document for the half-year ended 30 June 2014 complies with HKAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting'.
 
 
Media enquiries to:   Malcolm Wallis                 Telephone no: + 852 2822 1268
                                      Gareth Hewett                    Telephone no: + 852 2822 4929
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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: 04 August 2014