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AIA Group Limited

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FY2014 Annual Report · AIA Group Limited
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

AIA GROUP LIMITED   

友邦保險控股有限公司

STOCK CODE : 1299

VISION & PURPOSE

Our Vision is to become the pre-eminent life insurance 

provider in the Asia-Pacific region. That is our service to 

our customers and our shareholders.

Our Purpose is to play a leadership role in driving economic 

and social development across the region. That is our service 

to societies and their people.

ABOUT AIA

AIA  Group  Limited  and  its  subsidiaries  (collectively  “AIA”  or  
the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed  
pan-Asian life insurance group. It has operations in 17 markets in 
Asia-Pacific  –  wholly-owned  branches  and  subsidiaries  in  Hong 
Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Korea, the Philippines, 
Australia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, New Zealand, Macau, 
Brunei, a 97 per cent subsidiary in Sri Lanka, a 26 per cent joint 
venture in India and a representative office in Myanmar.

The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai 
over 90 years ago. It is a market leader in the Asia-Pacific region 
(ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading 
positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of 
US$167 billion as of 30 November 2014.

AIA  meets  the  long-term  savings  and  protection  needs  of 
individuals by offering a range of products and services including 
life  insurance,  accident  and  health  insurance  and  savings  plans. 
The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension 
services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of 
agents, partners and employees across Asia-Pacific, AIA serves  
the holders of more than 28 million individual policies and over  
16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.

AIA  Group  Limited  is  listed  on  the  Main  Board  of  The  Stock 
Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock code “1299” 
with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-
the-counter market (ticker symbol: “AAGIY”).

Notes:
(1)  Explanations of certain terms and abbreviations used in this report are set forth in the Glossary.

(2)  Unless otherwise specified, 2013 and 2014 refer to the financial year of the Group, which ends on 30 November of the 

year indicated.

(3)  2013 financial information as well as embedded value (EV) and EV Equity have been adjusted to reflect the adoption 
of new and revised accounting standards by the Group in 2014. For a description of the new and revised accounting 
standards  and  a  reconciliation  of  the  adjustments  made  to  the  2013  financial  information  as  previously  reported, 
please refer to our 2014 audited consolidated financial statements.

AIA AT-A-GLANCE (1)

WE HAVE A DIVERSIFIED 
BUSINESS ACROSS THE ASIA-
PACIFIC REGION. OUR LONG 
EXPERIENCE IN THE REGION 
ALLOWS US TO TAILOR OUR 
STRATEGIES TO THE CULTURE, 
DEMOGRAPHICS AND INSURANCE 
NEEDS OF EACH MARKET IN 
WHICH WE OPERATE.

HISTORY OF OVER 

90 YEARS

IN ASIA-PACIFIC 

SERVING THE HOLDERS OF MORE THAN  

28 MILLION

INDIVIDUAL POLICIES
AND OVER

16 MILLION

PARTICIPATING MEMBERS OF  
GROUP INSURANCE SCHEMES

100% OWNERSHIP IN 15 OUT OF

17 GEOGRAPHICAL 
MARKETS

AIA PROVIDES PROTECTION TO  
PEOPLE ACROSS THE REGION WITH  
TOTAL SUM ASSURED OF  

US$1.17 TRILLION

IN HELPING CUSTOMERS AND THEIR FAMILIES  
TO MEET CHALLENGES AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES  
AT DIFFERENT LIFE STAGES, AIA MADE  

MORE THAN 12 MILLION  
BENEFIT PAYMENTS 

DURING 2014, EQUIVALENT TO  

1 BENEFIT PAYMENT 
EVERY SECOND  

OF EVERY DAY

EV EQUITY OF 

US$39.0 BILLION

TOTAL ASSETS OF

US$167 BILLION 

HONG KONG 

MACAU

THAILAND

SINGAPORE

AUSTRALIA

BRUNEI

INDONESIA

MALAYSIA

NEW ZEALAND

CHINA

KOREA

THE PHILIPPINES

SRI LANKA

TAIWAN

VIETNAM

INDIA

MYANMAR

Note:
(1) All the figures on this page are as of 30 November 2014.

KEY MILESTONES

1919
AIA put down its 
corporate roots  
in Asia when the 
group founder  
Mr. Cornelius Vander 
Starr established an 
insurance agency  
in Shanghai.

1921
Mr. Cornelius Vander 
Starr founded  
Asia Life Insurance 
Company, his first life 
insurance enterprise  
in Shanghai.

1931 
Mr. Cornelius Vander 
Starr founded 
International 
Assurance Company, 
Limited (INTASCO),  
in Shanghai.

INTASCO established 
branch offices in Hong 
Kong and Singapore.

1938
INTASCO entered 
Siam, later renamed 
Thailand.

1947
The Philippine 
American Life and 
General Insurance 
Company (Philam Life) 
was founded in the 
Philippines. 

INTASCO moved its 
head office to Hong 
Kong and changed 
its name to American 
International 
Assurance Company, 
Limited.

1948
We entered Malaysia.

1957
We registered in 
Brunei.

1972
We formed a 
subsidiary in Australia.

1981
Our New Zealand 
operations began as 
a branch of American 
Life Insurance 
Company (ALICO).

1982
We entered Macau.

1984
We entered Indonesia.

1987
Korean operations 
began.

1990
Our operations 
in Taiwan were 
established as a 
branch of ALICO.

1992
We re-established our 
presence in China 
through a branch 
office in Shanghai,  
the first foreign-
owned life business  
to receive a licence in 
the country.

1998
We celebrated the 
return to our former 
headquarters building 
on The Bund in 
Shanghai.

2000
We formed a 
subsidiary in Vietnam.

2001
A joint venture in India 
was established.

2009
ALICO Taiwan became 
our branch office. 

Philam Life became 
our operating 
subsidiary.

We completed the 
reorganisation driven 
by AIG’s liquidity crisis 
in 2008, leading to 
the positioning of the 
Company for a public 
listing.

2010
AIA Group Limited 
successfully listed on 
the Main Board of  
The Stock Exchange  
of Hong Kong Limited, 
the third-largest  
IPO ever globally at 
the time.

2011
AIA Group Limited 
became a constituent 
stock of the Hang 
Seng Index.

We launched a 
sponsored Level 1 
American Depositary 
Receipt programme.

2012
The divestment by 
AIG of its remaining 
shareholding in AIA 
marked the end of our 
association with AIG.

2013
AIA completed the  
full integration of  
the businesses of AIA 
and ING Malaysia.

We commenced 
business in Sri Lanka  
through the 
acquisition of Aviva 
NDB Insurance. 

We opened a 
representative office  
in Myanmar.

2014

EXCLUSIVE LONG-TERM 
BANCASSURANCE 
PARTNERSHIP
AIA and Citibank formed a landmark, long-term 
and exclusive bancassurance partnership that 
encompasses 11 markets in the Asia-Pacific 
region, the widest-reaching bancassurance 
distribution partnership ever in Asia.

EXTENDED PARTNERSHIP 
WITH TOTTENHAM 
HOTSPUR FOOTBALL CLUB
AIA and Tottenham Hotspur Football Club entered 
into a new long-term partnership to promote the 
role of sports in Asia-Pacific as a key element of 
healthy living.

GLOBAL MEDIUM TERM 
NOTE PROGRAMME
We expanded our medium term note programme 
to become a US$3 billion Global Medium Term 
Note Programme.

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OVERVIEW

 CORPOR ATE GOVERNANCE

Financial Highlights ..................................004

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities .....................072

Chairman’s Statement ..............................008

Board of Directors and Executive Committee .............073

Group Chief Executive and  
President’s Report .................................... 010

Report of the Directors .................................................078

Corporate Governance Report .....................................083

 FINANCIAL AND OPER ATING REVIEW

Remuneration Report ...................................................090

Financial Review ....................................... 016

Business Review .......................................032

Risk Management .....................................054

Regulatory Developments ........................063

Our People .................................................064

Corporate Social Responsibility ...............068

002

AIA GROUP LIMITED

THE  
REAL GROWTH  
COMPANY

AIA is exceptionally well-positioned  
for sustainable growth, given the 
power of our franchise, the resilience 
of our operating model, the consistent 
execution of our well-established 
growth strategy and the advantages of 
our exclusive geographical focus on 
the Asia-Pacific region.

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Independent Auditor’s Report ...................................... 101

Information for Shareholders ..................238

Consolidated Income Statement .................................. 103

Corporate Information ..............................240

Glossary ..................................................... 241

Consolidated Statement of  
Comprehensive Income ................................................ 104

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position ............ 105

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity ............ 107

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows ....................... 109

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements  
and Significant Accounting Policies ............................. 111

Financial Statements of the Company ......................... 211

Supplementary Embedded Value Information ............ 214

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

003

OVERVIEW

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

2014 RESULTS AT-A-GLANCE*

VALUE OF  
NEW BUSINESS (VONB)(1)

ANNUALISED  
NEW PREMIUM (ANP)(2)

OPERATING PROFIT  
AFTER TAX (OPAT)(3)

US$ 
millions
2,000

1,600

1,200

800

400

0

1,845

1,490

1,188

932

667

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

US$ 
millions
4,000

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

3,700

3,341

2,696

2,472

2,025

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

US$ 
millions
3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

2,910

2,506

2,159

1,922

1,699

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

+24% 

+11% 

+16% 

TOTAL WEIGHTED  
PREMIUM INCOME (TWPI)(4)

EV EQUITY (5)

TOTAL ASSETS AND  
TOTAL LIABILITIES

US$ 
millions
20,000

16,000

12,000

8,000

4,000

0

19,211

17,808

15,360

14,442

13,013

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

US$ 
millions
40,000

35,000

30,000

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0

39,042

US$ 
billions
180

34,871

31,657

27,464

24,948

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

150

120

90

60

30

0

167

136

147

123

134

108

108

88

114

93

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

+8% 

+12% 

+13% 

+11% 

TOTAL ASSETS

TOTAL LIABILITIES

Note

* Percentages shown indicate changes in 2014 compared with 2013.

004
004

AIA GROUP LIMITED
AIA GROUP LIMITED

2014 BREAKDOWN BY SEGMENT

VALUE OF  
NEW BUSINESS (VONB)(1)(6)

ANNUALISED  
NEW PREMIUM (ANP)(2)

11%

4%

8%

13%

31%

18%

10%

9%

26%

15%

15%

18%

9%

13%

 HONG KONG

 THAILAND

 SINGAPORE

 CHINA

 MALAYSIA

 KOREA

 OTHER MARKETS(7)

OPERATING PROFIT AFTER TAX 
(OPAT)(3)

TOTAL WEIGHTED  
PREMIUM INCOME (TWPI)(4)

11%

6%

9%

10%

31%

15%

18%

16%

23%

12%

11%

17%

9%

12%

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Notes

(1)  Value of new business (VONB) is the present value, measured at the point of sale, 
of projected after-tax statutory profits emerging in the future from new business 
sold  in  the  period  less  the  cost  of  holding  the  required  capital  in  excess  of 
regulatory reserves to support this business.

(5)  Embedded value (EV) is an actuarially determined estimate of the economic value 
of a life insurance business based on a particular set of assumptions as to future 
experience, excluding any economic value attributable to future new business. EV 
Equity is the total of embedded value, goodwill and other intangible assets.

(2)  Annualised  new  premium  (ANP)  is  a  measure  of  new  business  activity  that  is 
calculated as the sum of 100 per cent annualised first year premiums and 10 per 
cent of single premiums, before reinsurance ceded.

(3)  Operating profit after tax (OPAT) is shown after non-controlling interests.

(6)  Based on local statutory basis and before unallocated Group Office expenses, 

VONB by segment includes pension business.

(7)  The  results  of  our  joint  venture  in  India  are  accounted  for  using  the  equity 
method. For clarity, TWPI, ANP and VONB exclude any contribution from India.

(4)  Total  weighted  premium  income  (TWPI)  consists  of  100  per  cent  of  renewal 
premiums,  100  per  cent  of  first  year  premiums  and  10  per  cent  of  single 
premiums, before reinsurance ceded.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
ANNUAL REPORT 2014

005
005

 
 
 
 
 
 
By being directly engaged in the lives of  
millions of policyholders and their families,  
and through the long-term investment of their 
financial resources, AIA is working to bridge  
the vast savings and protection gap in  
Asia-Pacific, helping build capital markets and 
infrastructure and driving economic and  
social development. AIA is making a real 
difference in people’s lives.

006

AIA GROUP LIMITED

EFFECTING 
REAL CHANGE

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

007

OVERVIEW

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

I am pleased to 
report that in 2014, 
AIA has once again 
delivered excellent 
results.

We have maintained the positive 

momentum and track record built 

up since we became an independent 

company in October 2010 with each 

of our main financial performance 

metrics exceeding, by a substantial 

margin, the record results we 

achieved in 2013.

Value of new business (VONB) is 

our main measure of profitable 

growth and we achieved a 24  

per cent increase to US$1,845 

million, compared with 2013.  

IFRS operating profit after tax  

(OPAT) also grew by 16 per cent  

to US$2,910 million. 

AIA has delivered large-scale 

growth, while maintaining our 

disciplined financial management 

Mr. Edmund Sze-Wing Tse 
Non-executive Chairman

and strong capital position. The 

The Board has recommended a final 

rates of return for shareholders and 

solvency ratio for our principal 

dividend of 34.00 Hong Kong cents 

deliver prudent, sustainable and 

regulated operating company  

per share subject to shareholders’ 

progressive shareholder dividends.

AIA Co. as at 30 November 2014 

approval, which represents an 

stood at 427 per cent and our free 

increase of 19 per cent compared 

surplus increased by 16 per cent to 

with the final dividend for 2013. 

US$7.8 billion. 

This brings the total dividend for 

2014 to 50.00 Hong Kong cents per 

share, demonstrating AIA’s ability 

to finance profitable new business 

growth opportunities at attractive 

Since AIA became a listed company, 

I am honoured to have worked 

alongside our committed Board 

members to establish our highest 

standards of corporate governance. 

Such governance is in addition to 

the stringent regulatory controls 

and internal risk management 

008

AIA GROUP LIMITED

discipline that govern the conduct 

customers and their communities 

of our operations and our 

through our products and services. 

relationships with our customers. 

Our customers are at the heart 

During the year, we continued to 

of what we do and our success is 

make every effort to ensure that 

built on sustainable relationships 

we maintain the high standards 

and sustainable business practices. 

appropriate to our business, 

As our 2014 results show, it is this 

including regular external reviews 

commitment that benefits all of our 

of our risk management principles 

stakeholders.

and practices. My reappointment 

as Non-executive Chairman was 

for two years from 1 January 2013. 

The Board has invited me to remain 

as Chairman for another two years 

and I am very pleased to accept.

Edmund Sze-Wing Tse 

Non-executive Chairman 

26 February 2015

We have maintained the positive 
momentum and track record 
built up since we became an 
independent company in 
October 2010 with each of our 
main financial performance 
metrics exceeding, by a 
substantial margin, the record 
results we achieved in 2013.

We are indebted to AIA’s 

employees, agents and partners for 

their commitment and contribution 

to making AIA the leading life 

insurance franchise in the Asia-

Pacific region. Special thanks are 

due to your Group Chief Executive 

and President Mark Tucker and 

his team for the leadership 

they provide in delivering these 

outstanding results. Mark’s 

contribution to the wider success 

of Hong Kong has been recognised 

by him being named as Business 

Person of the Year 2014 in the DHL/ 

SCMP Hong Kong Business Awards. 

I speak for the entire Board in 

conveying my deepest appreciation 

to all of our customers and 

shareholders for their continued 

trust in and support for AIA. AIA 

is focused on building shareholder 

value, and we are also focused on 

building shared values: making a 

difference to the real lives of our 

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

009

 
 
 
 
 
 
OVERVIEW

GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND PRESIDENT’S REPORT

I am pleased to 
report that AIA 
has again achieved 
an excellent set of 
results in 2014.

Value of new business (our main 

performance measure) reached a 

new high, increasing by 24 per cent 

compared with 2013 and continuing 

the pattern of sustained growth that 

AIA has established since our listing 

in 2010. We have also achieved 

strong growth in IFRS operating profit 

and delivered a significant increase in 

shareholder dividends.

Powerful economic and social factors 

are driving growth across our 17 

markets in Asia-Pacific. We continue 

to benefit from significant and 

Mr. Mark Edward Tucker 
Group Chief Executive and President

ongoing urbanisation as well as rising 

distribution reach, a broad product 

strength and relevance of our brand 

wealth and disposable incomes. The 

range, a leading brand built over 

proposition that AIA is The Real 

middle class and active workforce 

many years and unrivalled financial 

Life Company for people to rely on 

are growing rapidly. The inability 

strength. However sustainable 

for support when facing real life 

of state-funded retirement income 

success depends on two additional 

opportunities and challenges. This 

and medical and welfare services to 

elements: the implementation 

clear theme informs every aspect of 

meet demand across much of the 

of a clear strategy focused on 

our development, prompting our 

region combines with these factors to 

profitable growth in each of our 

major focus on simplicity in all that 

provide enormous structural growth 

markets; and strong corporate values 

we do; refining the way we align 

opportunities in our markets.

that emphasise our commitment 

benefits to customers’ needs and 

AIA is in an exceptionally strong 

position to harness these forces to 

to supporting the markets and 

influencing the management and 

communities in which we operate.

training of our agents to enhance the 

help people achieve financial security 

In 2014 our management teams 

quality of our service.

and reduce the social welfare burden 

from across the Group took part in 

As our performance in 2014 

on the state. We have an exceptional 

a major project to assess all aspects 

shows, we are building on a strong 

of our strategy and to ensure that 

foundation to deliver sustainable 

we continue to optimise our business 

growth.

model. The project reinforced the 

010

AIA GROUP LIMITED

We have an exceptional 
distribution reach, a broad 
product range, a leading 
brand built over many years 
and unrivalled financial 
strength.

2014 PERFORMANCE 
HIGHLIGHTS
Value of new business (VONB) 

grew by 24 per cent to US$1,845 

million. This excellent performance 

was achieved by optimising growth 

in new business value rather 

than focusing on market share 

or margin in isolation. Our other 

main performance metrics also 

reported strong growth with IFRS 

operating profit after tax up 16 per 

cent to US$2,910 million and EV 

Equity higher by US$4,171 million 

to US$39,042 million. The strength 

in-force book and our financial 

We are making the most of the pace 

of this financial performance once 

discipline. The continuing low 

of technological change and the 

again demonstrates the immense 

interest rate environment presented 

rapid spread of consumer information 

potential that AIA has to create future 

an opportunity for the Group to 

and product awareness to add 

shareholder value.

issue senior debt of US$1 billion 

innovative features and efficiency 

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China and Hong Kong delivered 

excellent performances with VONB 

up 55 per cent and 32 per cent 

respectively. Malaysia, Thailand 

and Singapore also delivered 

double-digit VONB growth, with 

Malaysia performing strongly as 

we benefited from the integration 

of our acquisition of ING Malaysia 

in 2013. The strength of our 

overall performance once again 

demonstrates the enormous potential 

the Group draws from its broad 

distribution reach and diversification 

across 17 Asia-Pacific markets.

under its Global Medium Term 

improvements to our already highly 

Note programme in March 2014. 

successful distribution channels. We 

This received high levels of investor 

are making a considerable investment 

demand, reflecting the market’s 

in enhancing our interactive point-

appreciation of our financial strength 

of-sale system, iPoS, and our next 

and creditworthiness.

REGIONAL PLATFORM
Distribution
AIA was one of the first insurance 

generation system has already been 

launched across the majority of our 

markets. We are also dedicating 

significant resources to developing 

further the technical skills of our 

companies to use a proprietary 

agency force as well as refining our 

agency network to distribute life 

recruitment and training programmes 

insurance products across Asia. 

to lift productivity and efficiency for 

Agency distribution remains the 

the benefit of both customers and 

cornerstone of our business, 

shareholders.

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generating 72 per cent of our VONB 

The solvency ratio of our main 

in 2014. Distribution through trained 

insurance operating company, AIA 

professional agents provides the most 

Co., measured on the prudent 

effective means of engaging with 

HKICO basis, remained strong 

our customers to offer needs-based 

at 427 per cent as at the end of 

advice across a wide range of Asian 

November 2014. This reflects 

markets, from those purchasing 

high-quality retained earnings from 

their first financial products to more 

the successful management of our 

sophisticated consumer segments.

While agency is our primary 

distribution channel, we have 

extended our market coverage 

and penetration with partnership 

distribution, predominantly through 

exclusive distribution agreements 

with retail banks but also selectively 

through IFA and direct marketing 

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

011

 
 
 
 
 
 
OVERVIEW

GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND PRESIDENT’S REPORT

channels. In all instances, we ensure 

local operations, as well as the calibre 

we promote only those products 

of partners we are able to attract.

that meet our customers’ needs and 

provide appropriate returns both 

consistent with the risks we take 

on the behalf of our shareholders 

and our commitment to supporting 

markets and communities.

As reported last year, in December 

2013 we entered into an exclusive 

15-year strategic partnership 

agreement with Citibank, N.A. 

(Citibank) to provide protection and 

life insurance products to Citibank’s 

AIA derives around 28 per cent 

13 million retail cardholders and 

of VONB from our partnership 

banking customers in 11 Asian 

distribution. Our business model 

markets. 2014 saw the detailed 

combines centralised expertise 

planning of the implementation of 

in developing and managing 

this agreement and its progressive 

relationships and product distribution 

roll-out across each of the markets. 

with collaboration between AIA’s 

We are very excited about the 

local operation and our partners 

prospects of this partnership and its 

in each market. The strong and 

potential to deliver a material source 

Marketing and  
Product Innovation
In 2014, we continued to develop 

The Real Life Company brand 

positioning as the framework for the 

communication of our products and 

services to our customers. During the 

year, we also continued to develop 

our brand awareness by extending 

our relationship with Tottenham 

Hotspur Football Club (Spurs) with 

a comprehensive five-year deal 

to become lead shirt sponsor of 

the club. This is a partnership that 

introduces AIA to new audiences and 

provides us with many opportunities 

to differentiate our brand across Asia.

sustained growth we have achieved 

of additional profitable growth for 

We are always looking to improve 

is a testament to the skill and 

the Group. Initial indications, given 

the experience of our customers 

effectiveness of the partnership 

the performance so far, are highly 

when they engage with AIA, both 

teams at Group Office and in our 

encouraging.

Our life protection, health 
and long-term savings 
products contribute directly 
to the financial security  
of our policyholders and  
their families.

at the point of sale and throughout 

the lifetime of their relationship with 

us. In 2014, we undertook Customer 

Understanding Programmes across 

all our markets that involved 

conversations with customers from 

a wide range of social and economic 

backgrounds. The results were 

incorporated into a Model Customer 

Experience framework to enhance 

our local operations’ understanding 

of the key elements of customer 

satisfaction.

A third major theme in our marketing 

activity is a focus on generating 

new business from existing 

customers through the systematic 

identification of gaps in their in-force 

cover, particularly as we introduce 

innovative new products. This has 

been a particular focus over the last 

two years and, in 2014, we continued 

to deliver additional sources of 

growth with a 39 per cent increase in 

VONB from existing customer-related 

initiatives.

012

AIA GROUP LIMITED

CORPORATE SOCIAL 
RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
AIA’s core business promotes social 

ENGAGEMENT WITH 
PEOPLE
AIA’s success would not be possible 

savings products ensures a measure 

of protection from cyclical economic 

forces. These positive structural 

well-being in the communities we 

without the high levels of expertise, 

trends, together with the investment 

serve. Our life protection, health 

professionalism and commitment 

we are making to upgrade our 

and long-term savings products 

shown by our employees and agents 

distribution and servicing capacity, 

contribute directly to the financial 

across the region. Sustaining this 

mean that AIA is exceptionally well-

security of our policyholders and 

level of motivation depends on a 

positioned to grow our business by 

their families. Our CSR programme 

collective belief in our corporate 

helping our customers meet their 

complements our brand positioning 

operating philosophy of “Doing 

long-term protection needs and 

as The Real Life Company. CSR is led 

the Right Thing, in the Right Way, 

wealth aspirations. We will continue 

by the Group and managed by each 

with the Right People”, confident 

to do this in a way that resonates 

of our local businesses so that it is 

that the right results will follow. 

with our aim of making a difference 

attuned to specific local community 

Our culture is distinctive, bringing 

to the real lives of people and 

priorities.

together empowerment of our local 

their communities and to deliver 

Healthy Living is our main CSR theme. 

The increasing prosperity in Asia is 

raising living standards and improving 

access to medical care but lifestyle 

health risks are also increasing. AIA 

Vitality, a science-backed wellness 

programme, connects our CSR theme 

with our mainstream customer 

proposition by promoting changes 

in diet and lifestyle and encouraging 

people to exercise regularly and work 

towards personal health goals.

businesses with a focused and shared 

long-term sustainable value for our 

commitment to implementing AIA’s 

shareholders.

core strategy. This is supported 

by an undertaking to cultivate all 

aspects of employee engagement, 

performance management and 

personal development to ensure that 

empowerment within an appropriate 

Mark Edward Tucker 

risk management framework remains 

Group Chief Executive and President 

a core strength of the organisation.

26 February 2015

OUTLOOK
The overall long-term economic 

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Alongside our Healthy Living 

outlook for Asia-Pacific ex-Japan 

activities, we encourage our 

remains positive, with a gradual 

employees to take part in 

rebalancing in favour of domestic 

community-based charitable work, 

consumption in emerging markets, 

providing financial resources to 

notably China. While Asia is not 

support their projects. The scale 

isolated from near-term economic 

of these efforts can be substantial, 

factors outside the region such as 

such as in the aftermath of Typhoon 

difficulties in the Eurozone, threats 

Haiyan. Having provided emergency 

to geopolitical stability and a more 

support when the typhoon struck in 

demanding regulatory environment, 

late 2013, we continued our efforts 

the outlook and growth profile for 

in 2014 through fundraising and the 

the markets in which we operate 

provision of medicine and supplies 

remain highly attractive.

to help rebuild communities and 

infrastructure in the Philippines.

AIA benefits from the significant 

long-term economic and 

demographic growth drivers in 

Asia. The substantial and ongoing 

need for healthcare, protection and 

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

013

 
 
 
 
 
 
HOLDING A REAL STAKE
IN THE FUTURE

014

AIA GROUP LIMITED

Rapid urbanisation and a fast-growing  
middle class with rising spending power are 
lifting living standards and people’s  
aspirations. Protecting hard-earned gains 
against mortality and morbidity requires 
resources that will span generations.  
AIA is assuming a vital role in helping 
governments meet society’s future needs,  
while rewarding today’s stakeholders.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

015

FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

FINANCIAL REVIEW 

SUMMARY
AIA has delivered excellent financial results across all of our main 

performance metrics. Our focus on the execution of a clear 

strategy combined with disciplined financial management has 

produced significant and profitable new business growth and a 

strong increase in IFRS operating profits.

Value of new business grew by 24 per cent to US$1,845 million 

and IFRS operating profit after tax increased by 16 per cent to 

US$2,910 million on actual exchange rates. EV Equity was higher 

by US$4,171 million or 12 per cent to US$39,042 million.

These results are reported on actual exchange rates. They were 

achieved despite the depreciation of local currencies against our 

US dollar reporting currency. The strong performance on both 

actual and constant exchange rates demonstrates AIA’s resilience, 

scale and diversification across the region.

We delivered this large-scale new business growth with increased 

capital efficiency and higher returns. The free surplus generation 

from our in-force book has enabled us to maintain our resilient 

solvency position and invest capital in profitable growth at the 

same time as increasing shareholder dividends. Reflecting these 

results and confidence in the future of the business, the Board of 

Directors has recommended a final dividend increase of 19 per 

cent to bring the total dividend for 2014 to 50.00 Hong Kong 

cents per share.

Our financial performance in 2014 has once again demonstrated 

the substantial opportunities that AIA provides to generate 

profitable growth with attractive shareholder returns and 

progressive dividends.

Mr. Garth Jones
Group Chief Financial Officer

EV operating profit was 14 per cent higher at US$4,535 

Value Growth
VONB grew by 24 per cent to US$1,845 million compared with 

million reflecting strong growth in the value of new business, 

overall positive operating experience variances and operating 

2013. China and Hong Kong once again delivered excellent 

assumption changes of US$108 million. Operating return on 

performances and Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore also 

adjusted opening EV increased by 70 basis points compared with 

generated double-digit growth.

2013 to 13.7 per cent.

ANP grew by 11 per cent to US$3,700 million on actual exchange 

EV Equity was higher by US$4,171 million to US$39,042 million at 

rates and VONB margin increased by 5.0 pps to 49.1 per cent 

30 November 2014, with the increase mainly coming from strong 

with the margin increase mainly driven by a positive shift in 

EV operating profit generation less the payment of dividends 

product mix. We do not focus on new business volumes or 

to shareholders. This represents growth of 12 per cent from 

margins in isolation but continue to focus on optimising the mix 

US$34,871 million at 30 November 2013.

to deliver sustainable growth in total new business value.

IFRS Earnings
IFRS operating profit after tax (OPAT) grew by 16 per cent 

compared with 2013 to US$2,910 million. This strong 

performance was the result of underlying business growth and 

scale combined with our focus on improving profitability through 

writing higher-quality savings and protection business.

016

AIA GROUP LIMITED

Our financial performance  
in 2014 has once again 
demonstrated the substantial 
opportunities that AIA 
provides to generate 
profitable growth with 
attractive shareholder 
returns and progressive 
dividends.

US$3,807 million of fair value gains on assets mainly due to the 

IFRS accounting effect of lower interest rates on the treatment of 

debt securities that are classified as available for sale.

Capital and Dividends
At 30 November 2014, the total available capital for AIA Co., our 

main regulated entity, was US$6,730 million as measured under 

the HKICO basis and AIA Co. has a solvency ratio of 427 per cent 

of regulatory minimum capital, compared with 433 per cent at 

the end of November 2013.

The ratio was stable year-on-year from strong retained earnings 

and positive market movements less the US$800 million 

upfront payment (Citibank Upfront Payment) for our long-term 

partnership with Citibank, N.A. (Citibank) in the financial year 

2014, dividends to AIA Group Limited and increased regulatory 

minimum capital due to growth in the business. Our local 

IFRS net profit increased by 22 per cent compared with 2013 

businesses remitted US$1,718 million to the Group Corporate 

to US$3,450 million, reflecting the strong growth in operating 

Centre in 2014.

profit and positive gains from equity markets. AIA’s IFRS net 

profit definition includes mark-to-market movements from our 

equity portfolio.

The Board of Directors has recommended an increase in final 

dividend of 19 per cent to 34.00 Hong Kong cents per share, 

in line with our prudent, sustainable and progressive dividend 

Shareholders’ IFRS equity increased by 25 per cent or US$6,124 

policy and subject to shareholders’ approval at the Company’s 

million to US$30,806 million at 30 November 2014 from 

forthcoming AGM. This brings the total dividend for 2014 to 

US$24,682 million at 30 November 2013. The increase included 

50.00 Hong Kong cents per share, an increase of 18 per cent 

compared with 2013.

NEW BUSINESS GROWTH

Value of New Business (VONB) and Annualised New Premium (ANP) by Segment

US$ millions, unless otherwise stated

Hong Kong

Thailand

Singapore

Malaysia

China

Korea

Other Markets

Subtotal

2014 (1)

VONB
Margin

62.3%

63.2%

61.2%

50.1%

83.1%

21.7%

31.3%

53.1%

VONB

619

361

299

161

258

82

212

1,992

ANP

VONB

952

572

489

320

311

380

676

468

319

269

120

166

91

220

3,700

1,653

2013 (1)

VONB
Margin

57.6%

56.3%

67.3%

37.8%

66.4%

26.8%

32.0%

48.9%

ANP

781

565

400

319

249

338

689

3,341

VONB
Change

ANP
Change

32%

13%

11%

34%

55%

(10)%

(4)%

21%

22%

1%

22%

–

25%

12%

(2)%

11%

Adjustment to reflect additional Hong Kong 

reserving and capital requirements (2)

(50)

n/m

n/m

(67)

n/m

n/m

n/m

n/m

After-tax value of unallocated  

Group Office expenses 

Total

Notes:
(1)  ANP and VONB margin exclude pension business.

(97)

n/m

1,845

49.1%

n/m

3,700

(96)

n/m

1,490

44.1%

n/m

3,341

n/m

24%

n/m

11%

(2)  Adjustment to VONB for the branches of AIA Co. and AIA International, as described in Section 4.4 of the Supplementary Embedded Value Information.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

017

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FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

FINANCIAL REVIEW

VONB grew by 24 per cent to US$1,845 million, an increase of 

delivering VONB growth of 21 per cent to US$1,414 million 

US$355 million compared with 2013.

and partnership distribution VONB growing by 17 per cent to 

China and Hong Kong once again delivered an excellent 

performance with VONB up 55 per cent and 32 per cent 

respectively driven by the execution of our Premier Agency 

and product strategies. Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore also 

delivered strong double-digit VONB growth with Malaysia 

US$551 million compared with 2013. The reported growth 

for partnership distribution was moderated by local currency 

depreciation and the industry-wide suspension of outbound 

telesales in Korea as highlighted above. Underlying partnership 

VONB growth exceeded 30 per cent excluding these effects.

performing well as we benefited from the integration of the ING 

ANP grew by 11 per cent to US$3,700 million compared with 

Malaysia acquisition in 2013.

The industry-wide suspension of outbound telesales in Korea by 

regulators, as previously highlighted in our 2014 interim results 

announcement, affected the performance of AIA’s Korean 

business in 2014. However, the growth in our bancassurance, 

broker and agency channels offset lower direct marketing sales 

and AIA outperformed the Korean life industry as a whole. 

US$3,341 million in 2013, driven by excellent growth in China, 

Hong Kong and Singapore. The reported ANP growth rate for 

Thailand,  Malaysia and our Other Markets were affected by local 

currency depreciation. VONB margin increased by 5.0 pps to 49.1 

per cent compared with 44.1 per cent in 2013. The majority of 

the increase was from product mix improvements with economic 

assumption changes representing 1.2 pps.

Other Markets delivered double-digit VONB growth on constant 

VONB is reported after a deduction of US$147 million for 

exchange rates in the second half of the year, despite the slower 

additional Hong Kong reserving and capital requirements above 

start in the first half of 2014. Reported VONB for the Other 

local statutory requirements and unallocated Group Office 

Markets for the full year was lower than 2013 due in large part 

expenses, representing the expenses incurred by the Group 

to the depreciation of local currencies against our US dollar 

Office which are not allocated by business unit. The deduction 

reporting currency and the effect of liquidity tightening in the 

for additional Hong Kong reserving and capital requirements was 

banking sector, as previously disclosed.

lower compared with 2013 as a result of a focus on products 

We continued to achieve double-digit growth across both agency 

and partnership distribution channels with agency distribution 

with improved capital efficiency and geographical mix.

EMBEDDED VALUE (EV) EQUITY

EV Equity

US$ millions, unless otherwise stated

EV

Goodwill and other intangible assets (1)

EV Equity

As at 
  30 November 
2014

As at 
  30 November 

2013  

Change

37,153

1,889

39,042

33,818

1,053

34,871

10%

79%

12%

Note:
(1)  Consistent with the IFRS financial statements, net of tax, amounts attributable to participating funds and non-controlling interests.

EV Equity grew by US$4,171 million to US$39,042 million at  

EV Equity included goodwill and other intangible assets of 

30 November 2014, an increase of 12 per cent over the year from 

US$1,889 million at 30 November 2014 compared with US$1,053 

US$34,871 million at 30 November 2013, mainly as a result of 

million at 30 November 2013, with the increase arising principally 

strong EV operating profit.

from the Citibank Upfront Payment.

018

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
 
 
Analysis of EV Movement
An analysis of the movements in EV is shown as follows:

US$ millions, unless otherwise stated

Opening EV

Citibank Upfront Payment

Adjusted Opening EV

Value of new business

Expected return on EV

Operating experience variances

Operating assumption changes

Finance costs

EV operating profit

Investment return variances

Effect of changes in economic assumptions

Other non-operating variances

Total EV profit

Dividends

Other capital movements

Effect of changes in exchange rates

Closing EV

US$ millions, unless otherwise stated

Opening EV

Purchase price

Acquired EV

Effect of acquisitions

Adjusted Opening EV

Value of new business

Expected return on EV

Operating experience variances

Operating assumption changes

Finance costs

EV operating profit

Investment return variances

Effect of changes in economic assumptions

Other non-operating variances

Total EV profit

Dividends

Other capital movements

Effect of changes in exchange rates

Closing EV

ANW

13,462

(800)

12,662

(995)

3,531

(126)

(13)

(53)

2,344

610

6

530

3,490

(689)

(14)

(98)

15,351

ANW

13,135

(1,865)

683

(1,182)

11,953

(957)

3,089

(255)

(83)

(26)

1,768

335

–

361

2,464

(595)

11

(371)

13,462

2014

VIF

20,356

–

20,356

2,840

(896)

314

(67)

–

2,191

110

116

(507)

1,910

–

–

(464)

21,802

2013 

VIF

18,238

–

374

374

18,612

2,447

(700)

369

93

–

2,209

10

429

(515)

2,133

–

–

(389)

20,356

EV

33,818

(800)

33,018

1,845

2,635

188

(80)

(53)

4,535

720

122

23

5,400

(689)

(14)

(562)

37,153

EV

31,373

(1,865)

1,057

(808)

30,565

1,490

2,389

114

10

(26)

3,977

345

429

(154)

4,597

(595)

11

(760)

33,818

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

019

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FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

FINANCIAL REVIEW

EV grew to US$37,153 million at 30 November 2014. The growth 

mainly due to lower interest rates; and positive other non-

in EV of US$3,335 million is shown after a deduction for the 

operating variances of US$23 million. This was offset by the 

Citibank Upfront Payment and the payment of shareholder 

payment of shareholder dividends totalling US$689 million, 

dividends. Underlying growth excluding the Citibank Upfront 

negative other capital movements of US$14 million and negative 

Payment was US$4,135 million.

foreign exchange movements of US$562 million.

EV operating profit grew by 14 per cent to US$4,535 million 

EV includes adjusted net worth (ANW) and value of in-force 

compared with 2013. The strong performance reflected 

business (VIF). ANW increased by 14 per cent to US$15,351 

a combination of a higher VONB of US$1,845 million, an 

million at 30 November 2014 from US$13,462 million at 30 

increased expected return on EV of US$2,635 million from a 

November 2013 with the operating increase of US$2,344 million 

higher opening EV and overall positive operating experience 

partially offset by the Citibank Upfront Payment. VIF increased by 

variances and operating assumption changes which totalled 

7 per cent to US$21,802 million at 30 November 2014 compared 

US$108 million, less finance costs of US$53 million on medium 

with US$20,356 million at 30 November 2013 with the operating 

term notes. Operating return on adjusted opening EV after the 

increase of US$2,191 million partially offset by negative other 

Citibank Upfront Payment and including finance costs increased 

non-operating variances of US$507 million and negative foreign 

by 70 basis points compared with 2013 to 13.7 per cent.

exchange movements of US$464 million.

Non-operating EV movements included positive investment 

return variances of US$720 million, largely due to increased 

EV and VONB Sensitivities
Sensitivities to EV and VONB arising from changes to central 

market values of equities and fixed income assets; the positive 

assumptions from equity price and interest rate movements are 

effect of changes in economic assumptions of US$122 million 

shown below:

US$ millions, unless otherwise stated

Central value

Equity price changes

10 per cent increase in equity prices

10 per cent decrease in equity prices

Interest rate changes

50 basis points increase in interest rates

50 basis points decrease in interest rates

EV as at 
  30 November  
2014  

EV as at 
  30 November  
2013  

2014 VONB

2013 VONB

37,153

1,845

33,818

1,490

37,914

36,377

37,232

37,014

n/a

n/a

1,923

1,748

34,455

33,164

34,027

33,414

n/a

n/a

1,564

1,399

Please refer to Section 3 of the Supplementary Embedded Value Information for additional information.

020

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
 
 
IFRS PROFIT

IFRS Operating Profit After Tax (OPAT) (1) by Segment 

US$ millions, unless otherwise stated

2014  

2013  

Hong Kong

Thailand

Singapore

Malaysia

China

Korea

Other Markets

Group Corporate Centre

Total

Note:
(1)  Attributable to shareholders of AIA Group Limited.

905

544

429

280

283

165

314

(10)

2,910

773

528

396

250

205

150

239

(35)

2,506

YoY

17%

3%

8%

12%

38%

10%

31%

n/m

16%

OPAT grew by 16 per cent compared with 2013 to US$2,910 

by the depreciation in the Thai baht by 6 per cent against our US 

million. This strong performance was the result of underlying 

dollar reporting currency and lower investment income following 

business growth and operational efficiency combined with our 

dividends remitted to the Group Corporate Centre.

focus on improving profitability through writing higher-quality 

savings and protection business.

An excellent performance in China was mainly driven by strong 

underlying business growth leading to improvements in scale, 

Each of our market segments delivered positive growth in OPAT. 

increased profitability from changes in product mix and higher 

Hong Kong and Malaysia delivered strong increases as a result of 

investment income. The significant growth in Other Markets was 

underlying business growth and improved product profitability. 

mainly the result of increased scale and growth in Indonesia, the 

Malaysia’s OPAT growth was further supported by a lower 

Philippines and Australia. Group Corporate Centre benefited from 

effective tax rate. The reported increase in Thailand was affected 

higher investment income and a lower effective tax rate.

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Total Weighted Premium Income (TWPI) by Segment

US$ millions, unless otherwise stated

Hong Kong

Thailand

Singapore

Malaysia

China

Korea

Other Markets

Total

TWPI increased by 8 per cent to US$19,211 million with the 

reported growth rate affected by currency depreciation in 

Thailand, Malaysia and Other Markets. Persistency remained 

strong at 94.4 per cent in 2014.

2014  

4,330

3,334

2,339

2,084

1,786

2,205

3,133

2013  

3,770

3,364  

2,150

2,036

1,599

2,049

2,840

19,211

17,808

YoY

15%

(1)%

9%

2%

12%

8%

10%

8%

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

021

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Investment Income (1)

Operating Expenses

US$ millions, unless  
otherwise stated

Interest income

Dividend income

Rental income

Total

Note:
(1)  Excluding unit-linked contracts.

2014  

2013  

4,801

428

123

5,352

4,445

398

115

4,958

YoY

8%

8%

7%

8%

US$ millions, unless  
otherwise stated

Operating expenses

2014  

1,636

2013 (1)  

1,537  

YoY

6%

Note:
(1)  US$37 million expenses have been reclassified from operating expenses to 

investment management expenses for the year ended 30 November 2013 to be 
consistent with current year presentation. Further details are disclosed in note 8 
to the financial statements.

Operating expenses increased by 6 per cent to US$1,636 million 

Investment income increased by 8 per cent to US$5,352 million 

compared with 2013 and the expense ratio decreased to 8.5 per 

compared with 2013, reflecting an increased level of invested 

cent in 2014 from 8.6 per cent in 2013.

assets at the start of 2014.

Net Profit (1)

US$ millions, unless otherwise stated

OPAT

Net gains from equities, net of tax

Other non-operating investment experience and other items, net of tax

Total

Note:
(1)  Attributable to shareholders of AIA Group Limited.

2014  

2,910

508

32

3,450

2013  

2,506

424

(106)

2,824

YoY

16%

20%

n/m

22%

AIA’s IFRS net profit definition includes mark-to-market 

contributed US$508 million in 2014 compared with US$424 

movements from our equity portfolio. Net profit increased by 

million in 2013. Other non-operating investment experience and 

22 per cent compared with 2013 to US$3,450 million from 

other items, net of tax, increased to US$32 million mainly from 

higher equity market gains. Net gains from equities, net of tax, 

net realised gains from debt securities.

022

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
 
EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)
Basic IFRS OPAT earnings per share increased by 16 per cent to 

Basic EPS based on IFRS net profit attributable to shareholders of 

AIA Group Limited increased by 22 per cent to 28.83 US cents in 

24.31 US cents in 2014 from 20.93 US cents in 2013.

2014 from 23.58 US cents in 2013.

Earnings Per Share – Basic

Profit (US$ millions)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions)

Basic earnings per share (US cents)

Note:
(1)  Attributable to shareholders of AIA Group Limited.

Earnings Per Share – Diluted

Profit (US$ millions)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions) (2)

Diluted earnings per share (US cents) (2)

Notes:
(1)  Attributable to shareholders of AIA Group Limited.

Net Profit (1)

OPAT (1)

2014  

2013  

2014  

3,450

11,968

28.83

2,824

11,974

23.58

2,910

11,968

24.31

2013

2,506

11,974

20.93

Net Profit (1)

OPAT (1)

2014  

2013  

2014  

3,450

12,009

28.73

2,824

12,006

23.52

2,910

12,009

24.23

2013

2,506

12,006

20.87

(2)  Diluted earnings per share including the dilutive effects, if any, of the awards of share options, restricted share units, restricted stock purchase units and restricted stock 

subscription units granted to eligible employees, directors, officers and agents under the share-based compensation plans as described in note 40 to the financial 
statements.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

023

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

FINANCIAL REVIEW

BALANCE SHEET

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

US$ millions, unless otherwise stated

Assets

  Financial investments

Investment property

  Cash and cash equivalents

Invested assets

  Deferred acquisition and origination costs

  Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Insurance and investment contract liabilities

  Borrowings

  Other liabilities

Less total liabilities

Equity

  Total equity

  Less non-controlling interests

Total equity attributable to shareholders of AIA Group Limited

As at 
  30 November
2014

As at 
  30 November

2013  

Change

138,809

121,354

1,384

1,835

142,028

16,593

8,298

166,919

121,034

2,934

11,996

135,964

30,955

149

30,806

1,128

2,316  

124,798

15,738

6,866

147,402

112,134

1,950

8,491

122,575

24,827

145

24,682

14%

23%

(21)%

14%

5%

21%

13%

8%

50%

41%

11%

25%

3%

25%

Assets
Total assets grew by 13 per cent to US$166,919 million at 

Liabilities
Total liabilities increased by 11 per cent to US$135,964 million  

30 November 2014 compared with US$147,402 million at 

at 30 November 2014 compared with US$122,575 million at  

30 November 2013 mainly reflecting positive net flows from 

30 November 2013.

underlying growth in the business and fair value gains from debt 

securities.

Insurance and investment contract liabilities grew by 8 per 

cent to US$121,034 million at 30 November 2014 compared 

Cash and cash equivalents decreased to US$1,835 million at 

with US$112,134 million at 30 November 2013, reflecting the 

30 November 2014 compared with US$2,316 million at 30 

underlying growth of the in-force portfolio and new business.

November 2013, reflecting increased investments in financial 

assets and the payment of shareholder dividends totalling 

US$689 million.

Deferred acquisition and origination costs increased to US$16,593 

million at 30 November 2014 compared with US$15,738 million 

at 30 November 2013, reflecting underlying growth in the 

business.

Borrowings increased to US$2,934 million at 30 November 2014 

mainly due to the issue in March 2014 of two medium term notes 

of a combined nominal amount of US$1.0 billion.

Other liabilities increased by 41 per cent to US$11,996 million 

at 30 November 2014 compared with US$8,491 million at 30 

November 2013 mainly from the US$1,864 million increase in 

obligations under repurchase agreements and the US$1,005 

Other assets increased by 21 per cent to US$8,298 million mainly 

million increase in tax liabilities driven by market appreciation 

from the Citibank Upfront Payment of US$800 million, higher 

of available-for-sale debt securities and an increase in deferred 

reinsurance assets of US$278 million and other asset growth of 

acquisition costs.

US$354 million.

024

AIA GROUP LIMITED

Details of commitments and contingencies are included in note 

43 to the financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity – Movement in Shareholders’ Equity

US$ millions, unless otherwise stated

Opening shareholder’s equity

Net profit

Fair value gains/(losses) on assets

Foreign currency translation adjustments

Purchase of shares held by employee share-based trusts

Dividends

Other capital movements

Total movement in shareholders’ equity

Closing shareholders’ equity

2014  

24,682

3,450

3,807

(430)

(91)

(689)

77

6,124

30,806

2013

26,662

2,824

(3,712)

(508)

(87)

(595)

98

(1,980)

24,682

Shareholders’ IFRS equity excluding non-controlling interests 

increased by 25 per cent over the year to US$30,806 million 

INVESTED ASSETS
The carrying value of our invested assets, including financial 

at 30 November 2014 compared with US$24,682 million at 

investments, investment property and cash and cash equivalents, 

30 November 2013. This increase was mainly from net profit 

increased by 14 per cent to US$142,028 million at 30 November 

of US$3,450 million, fair value gains on assets of US$3,807 

2014 compared with US$124,798 million at 30 November 2013. 

million primarily reflecting fair value gains from debt securities, 

The increase was a result of an overall positive movement in the 

a decrease in foreign currency translation reserves of US$430 

market value of the portfolio and the investment of operating 

million less the payment of shareholder dividends totalling 

cash flows arising from the business in 2014.

US$689 million.

Invested assets include total assets held in respect of 

Sensitivities to IFRS profit before tax and net assets arising from 

policyholders and shareholders, and those backing unit-linked 

foreign exchange rate, interest rate and equity price risk are 

contracts as well as assets from consolidated investment funds.

included in note 38 to the financial statements.

Total Invested Assets

US$ millions, unless otherwise stated

Total policyholder and shareholder

Total unit-linked contracts and consolidated investment funds

Total invested assets

As at 
  30 November
2014

Percentage 
of total

As at 
  30 November
2013 

Percentage 
 of total

121,054

20,974

142,028

85%

15%

100%

105,174

19,624

124,798

84%

16%

100%

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025

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Details of the investment mix are as follows:

Policyholder and Shareholder Invested Assets

US$ millions, unless otherwise stated

Participating funds

  Government and government agency bonds

  Corporate bonds and structured securities

  Loans and deposits

  Subtotal – Fixed income investments

  Equities

  Cash and cash equivalents

  Derivatives

Investment property

Subtotal participating funds

Other policyholder and shareholder

  Government and government agency bonds

  Corporate bonds and structured securities

  Loans and deposits

  Subtotal – Fixed income investments

  Equities

  Cash and cash equivalents

  Derivatives

Investment property

Subtotal other policyholder and shareholder

Total policyholder and shareholder

As at 
  30 November
2014

Percentage 
of total

As at 
  30 November
2013

Percentage 
of total

8,271

11,321

2,095

21,687

5,044

292

136

92

7%

9%

2%

18%

4%

–

–

–

7,041

11,150

1,944

20,135

4,569

269

215

95

27,251

22%

25,283

35,983

42,273

5,374

83,630

7,707

1,047

127

1,292

93,803

121,054

30%

35%

4%

69%

7%

1%

–

1%

78%

100%

32,109

33,283

5,393

70,785

6,315

1,531

227

1,033

79,891

105,174

7%

11%

2%

20%

4%

–

–

–

24%

31%

32%

5%

68%

6%

1%

–

1%

76%

100%

Unit-Linked Contracts and Consolidated Investment Funds

US$ millions, unless otherwise stated

Unit-linked contracts and consolidated investment funds

  Debt securities

  Loans and deposits

  Equities

  Cash and cash equivalents

  Derivatives

As at 
  30 November
2014

Percentage 
of total

As at 
  30 November
2013 

Percentage 
of total

4,215

185

16,076

496

2

20%

1%

77%

2%

–

3,740

147

15,218

516

3

19%

–

78%

3%

–

Total unit-linked contracts and consolidated investment funds

20,974

100%

19,624

100%

026

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Invested assets held in respect of policyholders and shareholders 

2014 compared with US$1,800 million at 30 November 2013, 

increased to US$121,054 million at 30 November 2014 compared 

reflecting increased investments in financial assets and the 

with US$105,174 million at 30 November 2013. The increase was 

payment of shareholder dividends totalling US$689 million.

mainly as a result of an overall positive movement in the market 

value of the portfolio and the investment of net operating cash 

flows arising from the business over the year.

Invested assets held in respect of unit-linked contracts and 

consolidated investment funds totalled US$20,974 million at  

30 November 2014 compared with US$19,624 million at  

Fixed income investments, including debt securities, loans and 

30 November 2013.

term deposits, held in respect of policyholders and shareholders, 

totalled US$105,317 million at 30 November 2014 compared with 

US$90,920 million at 30 November 2013.

Government and government agency bonds represented 42 

per cent of our fixed income investments at 30 November 2014 

compared with 43 per cent at 30 November 2013. Corporate 

CAPITAL
Free Surplus Generation
The Group’s free surplus at 30 November 2014 represented the 

excess of adjusted net worth over liabilities and required capital 

calculated on the HKICO basis.

bonds and structured securities accounted for 51 per cent of our 

Free surplus including the Citibank Upfront Payment increased by 

fixed income investments at 30 November 2014 compared with 

US$1,067 million to US$7,794 million at 30 November 2014. Free 

49 per cent at 30 November 2013.

surplus before the Citibank Upfront Payment grew by US$1,867 

Equity securities held in respect of policyholders and shareholders 

million.

totalled US$12,751 million at 30 November 2014 compared with 

Free surplus generated increased by 16 per cent compared with 

US$10,884 million at 30 November 2013. The increase in carrying 

2013 to US$4,397 million from strong growth in our in-force 

value was mainly attributable to new purchases as well as gains 

business, positive market-related and other gains.

in market values. Within this figure, equity securities totalling 

US$5,044 million were held in participating funds.

This was offset by investment in new business of US$1,655 

million, unallocated Group Office expenses including finance 

Cash and cash equivalents held in respect of policyholders 

costs of US$172 million, the payment of shareholder dividends 

and shareholders totalled US$1,339 million at 30 November 

totalling US$689 million and negative other capital movements 

of US$14 million.

The following table shows the change in free surplus:

US$ millions, unless otherwise stated 

Opening free surplus

Citibank Upfront Payment

Effect of acquisitions and others

Free surplus post acquisitions and others

Free surplus generated

Free surplus used to fund new business

Unallocated Group Office expenses (1)

Dividends

Other capital movements

Closing free surplus

2014  

6,727

(800)

–

5,927

4,397

(1,655)

(172)

(689)

(14)

7,794

2013

6,608

–

(1,431)

5,177

3,786

(1,510)

(142)

(595)

11

6,727

Note:
(1)  Unallocated Group Office expenses included finance costs of US$53 million on medium term notes for the year ended 30 November 2014 and finance costs of US$26 

million on medium term notes and an acquisition credit facility for the year ended 30 November 2013.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

027

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FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Net Funds to Group Corporate Centre
Working capital comprises debt and equity securities, deposits 

30 November 2013. The increase was mainly due to net 

remittances from business units of US$1,718 million plus the issue 

and cash and cash equivalents held at the Group Corporate 

of two medium term notes in March 2014 with net proceeds of 

Centre. Working capital, after the Citibank Upfront Payment, 

US$985 million less the Citibank Upfront Payment of US$800 

grew by 19 per cent over the year to US$6,614 million at  

million and the payment of shareholder dividends totalling 

30 November 2014 compared with US$5,556 million at  

US$689 million.

The movements in working capital are summarised as follows:

US$ millions, unless otherwise stated

Opening working capital

Group Corporate Centre net losses

Capital flows from business units

  Hong Kong

  Thailand

  Singapore

  Malaysia

  China

  Korea

  Other Markets

Net funds remitted to Group Corporate Centre

Citibank Upfront Payment

Payment for acquisitions

Increase in borrowings

Purchase of shares held by the employee share-based trusts

Payment of dividends

Change in fair value reserve and others

Closing working capital

2014  

5,556

(63)

752

641

267

112

(100)

24

22

1,718

(800)

–

985

(91)

(689)

(2)

6,614

2013

5,185

(31)

839

700

222

118

(101)

27

(72)

1,733

–

(1,865)

1,441

(87)

(595)

(225)

5,556

REGULATORY CAPITAL
The Group’s lead insurance regulator is the Hong Kong Office of 

basis and AIA Co. has a solvency ratio of 427 per cent of 

regulatory minimum capital. The ratio was stable year-on-year 

the Commissioner of Insurance (HKOCI). The Group’s principal 

from strong retained earnings and positive market movements 

operating company is AIA Co., a Hong Kong-domiciled insurer. 

less the Citibank Upfront Payment, dividends to AIA Group 

At 30 November 2014, the total available capital for AIA Co. 

Limited and increased regulatory minimum capital due to growth 

amounted to US$6,730 million as measured under the HKICO 

in the business.

A summary of the total available capital and solvency ratios of AIA Co. is as follows:

As at 
  30 November
2014

As at 
  30 November
2013

6,730

1,577

427%

6,057

1,399

433%

US$ millions, unless otherwise stated

Total available capital

Regulatory minimum capital (100%)

Solvency ratio (%)

028

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
 
 
 
AIA has given an undertaking to the HKOCI that it will maintain 

a solvency ratio of not less than 150 per cent in each of AIA 

Co. and AIA International. The Group’s individual branches and 

subsidiaries are also subject to supervision in the jurisdictions 

in which they operate. This means that local operating units, 

including branches and subsidiaries, must meet the regulatory 

capital requirements of their local prudential regulators. 

The various regulators overseeing the Group’s branches and 

subsidiaries actively monitor their capital position. The local 

operating units were in compliance with the capital requirements 

of their respective local regulators in each of our geographical 

markets at 30 November 2014.

GLOBAL MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
AIA established a US$2 billion Medium Term Note (MTN) 

programme on 27 February 2013. Subsequently, on 21 February 

2014, we expanded the MTN programme into a US$3 billion 

Global Medium Term Note (GMTN) programme. We issued 

two senior unsecured fixed rate notes under this expanded 

programme in March 2014. The notes are for terms of 5 years 

and 30 years at nominal amounts of US$500 million each and 

bear annual interest of 2.250 per cent and 4.875 per cent 

respectively. At 30 November 2014, the carrying amount of the 

medium term notes was US$2,126 million.

CREDIT RATINGS
At 30 November 2014, AIA Co. has financial strength ratings of 

AA- (Very Strong) and Aa3 (Very Low Credit Risk) with stable 

outlooks from Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s respectively. AIA 

Group Limited has issuer credit ratings of A (Strong) and A3 (Low 

Credit Risk) with stable outlooks from Standard & Poor’s and 

Moody’s respectively.

DIVIDENDS
The Board of Directors has recommended an increase in the final 

dividend of 19 per cent to 34.00 Hong Kong cents per share, 

in line with our prudent, sustainable and progressive dividend 

policy and subject to shareholders’ approval at the Company’s 

forthcoming AGM. This brings the total dividend for 2014 to 

50.00 Hong Kong cents per share, an increase of 18 per cent 

compared with 2013.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

029

 
 
 
 
 
 
AIA’s proprietary agency network is the 
cornerstone of its distribution platform. 
Bancassurance, direct marketing and other 
intermediated channels complementary to AIA’s 
agency distribution are further extending AIA’s 
reach. AIA’s people and its partners provide the 
highest standards of service and advice to 
existing and new customers alike.

REAL 
REACH

FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

BUSINESS REVIEW

DISTRIBUTION 
Agency
AIA’s proprietary tied agency network remains the cornerstone 

of our distribution platform and is a significant competitive 

advantage for AIA allowing us to build and maintain long-

term relationships with our customers by offering advice on 

a broad range of protection and long-term savings products. 

The exceptional scale and quality of our agency operations is 

a fundamental strength and provides an unequalled platform 

for unlocking the enormous market potential across the Asia-

Pacific region.

We made strong progress in executing our Premier Agency 

strategy in 2014, focusing on training, quality recruitment and 

increased efficiency. Our agency business generated 21 per cent 

growth in VONB to US$1,414 million in 2014, accounting for 72 

per cent of the Group’s total VONB. ANP grew by 8 per cent in 

reporting currency and VONB margin increased by 6.9 pps to 

60.8 per cent mainly from a change in product mix.

Our absolute priority is ensuring that our growing agency force 

has all the skills and knowledge our agents need to provide 

sound, professional advice to our customers. Our recruitment 

process has evolved under our Premier Agency strategy to 

introduce greater selection using profiling tools developed 

through our strategic partnership with LIMRA and dedicated 

recruitment teams targeting younger, highly-educated agents 

looking to develop a full-time professional career in the industry. 

As part of our recruitment process, we have upgraded training 

programmes to accelerate the productivity of new agents joining 

AIA and raise their activity levels. Intensive induction training 

periods covering regulations, compliance and technical product 

skills are followed by sales skills training and coaching from 

leaders.

Our agency leaders also have access to best-in-class training 

through our strategic partnership with GAMA International, a 

worldwide association dedicated to supporting the professional 

development of field leaders in the financial services industry. 

In 2014, over one-third of our agency leaders across the 

region had completed the GAMA training courses and we also 

launched new leader training to strengthen the recruitment 

skills of our newly-promoted agency leaders. Selected 

experienced leaders have been certified as trainers so they 

can share invaluable real life experience and perspectives to 

complement our GAMA programmes.

1

Our absolute priority is 
ensuring that our growing 
agency force has all the 
skills and knowledge our 
agents need to provide 
sound, professional advice to 
our customers.

Our strong agency performance is a direct result of this focus 

on recruitment and career development with active new 

agents increasing by 14 per cent compared with 2013. It is also 

reflected in the growth of our Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) 

qualifiers, which is an important external industry benchmark of 

leading financial planners. Overall, the Group’s MDRT qualifiers 

increased by 24 per cent in 2014. AIA is now the second-largest 

insurer for MDRT membership worldwide.

Note:
VONB and VONB margin by distribution channel are based on local statutory reserving and capital requirements and exclude pension business. 

032

AIA GROUP LIMITED

1   AIA and Citibank have 
worked closely to obtain 
regulatory approvals and 
successfully launch the 
partnership in each of the 11 
markets.

2   We continued to take 
advantage of the opportunities 
offered by new technology and 
accelerated the use of our iPoS 
platform across the Group.

3   In 2014, over one-third of 
our agency leaders across the 
region had completed the 
GAMA training courses.

2

3

AIA is committed to investment in technology and innovation to 

support our agents in meeting customer needs while delivering 

the best possible customer experience. Our market-leading 

interactive point-of-sale (iPoS) technology is now available in 11 

of our markets, forming an integral part of our operation with 

broad-based and growing adoption amongst our agency force. 

During 2014, we started to launch a next generation system 

that incorporates iPoS into our new interactive Mobile Office 

(iMO) platform. Expanded functionality allows our agents and 

agency leaders to manage lead generation, sales productivity, 

recruitment activity, development training and customer analytics 

on a mobile device. The new technology is transforming the way 

our agents work, increasing the quality of interactions with our 

customers and helping AIA to sustain our growth.

direct marketing and other intermediated distribution channels 

to deliver 17 per cent VONB growth to US$551 million compared 

with 2013 with ANP up 17 per cent and VONB margin of 40.2 

per cent.

The reported growth in 2014 was moderated by local currency 

depreciation against our US dollar reporting currency and the 

industry-wide suspension of outbound telesales in Korea, which 

affected the growth of our direct marketing business. Underlying 

VONB growth was more than 30 per cent excluding these 

effects. Overall, our partnership distribution continued to deliver 

substantial additional sources of sustainable profitable growth for 

the Group, accounting for 28 per cent of our total VONB in 2014.

Bancassurance
The successful execution of our bancassurance strategy 

generated strong growth in 2014. We continued to maintain the 

momentum in our existing bank partnerships across the region by 

collaborating with our partners in a number of key areas, notably 

the recruitment and training of insurance specialists; enhanced 

customer segmentation; and rigorous activity management 

using our proprietary iPoS platform to improve in-branch sales 

productivity. In addition to expanding our sales from insurance 

specialists in bank branches, we have developed new business 

streams with our bank partners through direct marketing, private 

banking and group insurance.

AIA continued to make good progress in our newly-established 

strategic partnership with Citibank, N.A. (Citibank). Our landmark 

15-year distribution agreement was signed in December 

2013 representing one of the most wide-ranging geographic 

bancassurance partnerships in Asia, covering 11 markets and 

13 million customers across the region. AIA and Citibank have 

worked closely to obtain regulatory approvals and successfully 

launch the partnership in each of the 11 markets: Hong Kong, 

Singapore, Thailand, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, 

Malaysia, Australia, India and Korea. We have established 

a joint partnership management structure and developed 

business plans with the launch of more than 80 products and 

engagement of more than 2,000 salespeople. We have made 

a significant investment in technology to enable cutting-edge 

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Partnerships
Barriers to entry for distribution in Asia are high and our broad 

front-end sales and service solutions for our clients. We have 

also built a new regional sales management programme for 

partnership distribution platform provides a complementary and 

bank relationship managers; organised joint branding campaigns 

material source of competitive advantage by extending our reach 

across the markets; and established telesales call centres for 

in the fast-growing Asian insurance market. We have built on our 

direct marketing of AIA products to Citibank’s retail cardholders. 

strong strategic relationships with our partners in bancassurance, 

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We anticipate a gradual build-up of sustainable profitable growth 

Our multi-channel distribution strategy and leading benefits 

over time as we implement our business plans to significantly 

platform combined with the significant potential in the Asia-

increase the life and health insurance penetration of Citibank’s 

Pacific region provides AIA with the opportunity to deliver further 

large retail and corporate customer base across Asia.

substantial growth in the group insurance market.

Direct Marketing and Other Partnership Channels
As previously highlighted in our 2014 interim results 

announcement, the industry-wide suspension of outbound 

telesales by the Korean financial regulators affected industry 

performance during the year and with it, the performance of our 

direct marketing business. VONB was affected by the additional 

costs of financial support provided to telesales representatives 

and regulatory changes following the industry-wide suspension.

MARKETING
AIA’s brand positioning as The Real Life Company continued 

to play an important role in guiding our brand and marketing 

activities in 2014. It reflects our commitment to providing 

financial solutions for our customers to help them prepare for the 

opportunities and challenges of real life. In addition to serving as 

the foundation for our visual communications and campaigns, it 

also provides a framework for engaging with our stakeholders 

AIA’s intermediated partnership channels, including IFAs, brokers, 

throughout the Asia-Pacific region, including through events 

private banks and specialist advisers, delivered excellent VONB 

such as The Music Run™ in Malaysia and Thailand, The Electric 

growth in 2014, driven by increased sales and higher margins 

Run in Hong Kong, The Real Life Now Music Festival in Korea and 

in IFA and broker channels. Our focus has been on generating 

the Taylor Swift Red Concerts in Malaysia and Singapore.

new sales through targeted product launches and a dedicated 

approach to sales and service support.

An important part of our brand awareness strategy was the 

extension of our partnership with Tottenham Hotspur Football 

Group Insurance
AIA is a leader in the group insurance market across the Asia-

Club (Spurs) announced at the beginning of 2014. AIA became 

the club’s exclusive Official Shirt Partner for five years. Through 

Pacific region, meeting the needs of over 16 million in-force 

our partnership with Spurs, we are not only promoting greater 

insured scheme members and more than 120,000 corporate 

awareness of AIA among the many millions of English Premier 

clients. With our strong multi-channel distribution capabilities 

League supporters throughout the region but also broadening 

and long-standing relationships with corporate clients, we 

continued to hold market-leading positions in Australia, 

Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong and Malaysia, while building 

our presence in other growth markets including China, 

Indonesia and the Philippines.

Our strategy of developing life and health employee benefits 

propositions to companies ranging from small-and-medium 

sized enterprises (SMEs) to large multinational corporations 

through our agency channel and broker relationships delivered 

a solid performance in 2014. Our Premier Agency distribution 

continued to be a major competitive advantage for AIA in the 

SME segment and we provide targeted support and training to 

agents who have pre-existing relationships with small business 

owners and are identified as potential high performers in 

this business segment. We launched the AIA Asia Benefits 

Network in 2014 to allow multinational corporations to 

aggregate their local group insurance contracts with AIA 

into a single, exclusive regional risk pool. We worked closely 

with our broker and human resource consultant partners to 

provide a seamless, integrated service to their domestic and 

multinational clients across the region.

AIA’s brand positioning  
as The Real Life Company 
continued to play an 
important role in guiding 
our brand and marketing 
activities in 2014. 

Note:
VONB and VONB margin by distribution channel are based on local statutory reserving and capital requirements and exclude pension business. 

034

AIA GROUP LIMITED

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1   We extended our 
partnership with Tottenham 
Hotspur Football Club in 2014 
and became the club’s exclusive 
Official Shirt Partner for five 
years.

2-4   AIA’s brand positioning as 
The Real Life Company provides 
a framework for engaging with 
our stakeholders, including 
through events such as The Real 
Life Now Music Festival in Korea 
and the Taylor Swift Red 
Concerts in Malaysia and 
Singapore.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

035

2

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FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

BUSINESS REVIEW

our reach to connect with new audiences. It provides us with 

many opportunities to differentiate our brand and engage with 

our customers, agents, partners and employees, as well as local 

communities.

Customer Engagement
Our aim is to deliver the best possible customer experience 

through a deep understanding of what matters most to our 

customers. In 2014, we spoke to more than 14,000 consumers 

across the region, including path-to-purchase research, as part 

of the ongoing Customer Understanding Programmes that we 

began in 2013. Our detailed knowledge of “how and why” 

customers purchase insurance allows us to better understand 

customer needs and identify critical success factors in product 

and service design. As a result of our research, we have created 

a new framework called Model Customer Experience, launched 

initially in Malaysia, China and the Philippines that reinforces our 

guiding principles of reducing complexity in all of our interactions 

with our customers.

Our in-force customer base of more than 28 million individual 

policies and over 16 million participating members of group 

insurance schemes provides AIA with a significant advantage 

in generating new business and our marketing teams have 

worked alongside our distribution channels to expand sales to 

these customer groups. In addition to running targeted sales 

campaigns, we have expanded our customer reunion programme 

that enables our agents and salespeople to reconnect with 

inactive customers. In 2014 we continued to make strong 

progress in this area with 39 per cent VONB growth from 

existing customer marketing initiatives compared with 2013. 

We also leverage the opportunity for new sources of customer 

1

1-2   We extended  
AIA Vitality, our innovative 
wellness programme, to 
Australia in 2014.

2

engagement through developing social media platforms.

Unit-linked products remain central to our product strategy by 

Product Development
AIA offers an extensive range of products to meet the evolving 

real life protection needs and long-term wealth aspirations of 

our customers. Our products are designed to provide tailored 

benefits to our different customer segments and levels of cover 

aligned with the different stages of our customers’ lives. In 2014 

we extended our popular comprehensive protection product to 

the young family segment in China and launched a new long-

term product specifically designed to meet education-funding 

providing our customers with the flexibility to adjust the balance 

between protection cover and wealth accumulation over the 

lifetime of the product. In Malaysia, we introduced additional 

protection riders for our flagship regular premium unit-linked 

products targeted at women and young adults, which helped 

drive a 38 per cent increase in unit-linked VONB compared with 

2013. We have also expanded our range of riders for our first-of-

its-kind unit-linked product in Thailand, doubling our unit-linked 

VONB as we look to develop this nascent segment of the market.

needs. In Hong Kong, we produced a packaged comprehensive 

Following the initial launch in Singapore, we extended AIA 

retirement solution for our customers to raise awareness 

Vitality, our innovative wellness programme, to Australia in 2014. 

about retirement planning and our operation in Singapore has 

This science-backed programme enables us to offer protection 

also rolled out an affordable critical illness product to senior 

products designed to encourage and reward sustained changes 

customers to meet their specific needs.

in lifestyle that promote healthy living and further differentiate 

AIA’s protection proposition.

036

AIA GROUP LIMITED

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TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS
We have made significant progress in delivering our ongoing 

technology and business process transformation programme. 

Our aim is to increase operational efficiency, simplify 

our interactions with our customers and reinforce AIA’s 

competitive advantages through the innovative use of new 

technologies. The changes we are making to enhance our core 

business operations and technology platform will support AIA 

in delivering sustainable growth.

Improving Efficiency
The modernisation of our data centre made excellent progress 

during the year in providing cost-efficient infrastructure 

services across the Group, while at the same time enhancing 

information security and raising service quality. The changes 

will help increase platform flexibility and improve operating 

costs as the modernisation programme reduces data centre 

infrastructure and decreases data centre office space.

In 2015, we will complete the retirement of our remaining 

mainframe platforms, further reducing operating costs and 

The improved customer 
experience and reduced 
complexity will increase 
customer loyalty and 
operating efficiency – two 
significant drivers of 
financial performance.

increasing administrative flexibility. During the year, we continued 

the roll-out of our expert underwriting systems to automate new 

Promoting Innovation
Through close partnerships with leading global technology 

business issuance in our markets. For example, following the 

providers, we continued to take advantage of the opportunities 

launch in Malaysia, we realised significant efficiency benefits, 

offered by new technology. We accelerated the use of our iPoS 

achieving a straight-through processing rate of approximately 70 

platform across the Group, building on our early adoption of 

per cent of new policy applications submitted through the system 

this integrated mobile technology in our agency and partnership 

during the year.

AIA remains focused on safeguarding our customers, partners, 

employees and shareholders against information security risks. 

distribution channels. We also launched our next generation 

system that incorporates iPoS into our new interactive Mobile 

Office (iMO) platform.

We have implemented a continuous cycle of security upgrades 

2014 also marked the formation of AIA Edge, an internal team 

and initiatives, spanning technology, operations, process and 

mandated to promote business innovation throughout the Group 

education, supplemented with advanced intelligence-gathering 

with a medium-term horizon. AIA Edge goes beyond our regular 

techniques to ensure we stay ahead of the fast-evolving threat 

business plans to explore new sources of competitive advantage 

for AIA. The team has established relationships with a network 

of external partners ranging from start-ups and universities to 

research institutes and government agencies. In its first year of 

inception, AIA Edge has already engaged in projects involving 

commercial opportunities in data analytics and digital health.

from cybercrime.

Reducing Complexity
Following extensive customer research based on our Customer 

Understanding Programmes, we have launched a range of 

initiatives to reduce complexity and make it easier to do business 

with AIA. The core principles include the use of simple language, 

providing a consistent customer experience and integrating 

customer feedback. Our aim is to identify opportunities to 

simplify products and business processes, improving efficiency 

while increasing our understanding of what customers really 

value in their interactions with AIA. The improved customer 

experience and reduced complexity will increase customer 

loyalty and operating efficiency – two significant drivers of 

financial performance.

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GEOGRAPHICAL MARKETS

HONG KONG

Financial Highlights
AIA’s Hong Kong business delivered another year of excellent 

growth with VONB up by 32 per cent compared with 2013 

to US$619 million. The strong performance was driven by a 

combination of sustained improvements in our high-quality 

agency distribution channel through the ongoing execution of 

our Premier Agency strategy, excellent growth in our partnership 

business and positive changes in product mix. ANP grew by 22 

per cent to US$952 million with VONB margin up by 4.7 pps to 

62.3 per cent. IFRS operating profit after tax grew by 17 per cent 

to US$905 million compared with 2013, as a result of growth 

in the underlying business, improved profitability and higher 

investment income.

Group insurance delivered a strong performance, with 26 per 

cent growth in VONB as we reinforced our relationships with 

independent brokers and increased our proprietary agency 

activity within the SME market. In the agency channel, our 

average number of active group insurance producers increased by 

29 per cent, with total cases closed up by 38 per cent compared 

with 2013.

AIA maintained its position as a market leader in protection 

provision in Hong Kong. We expanded our protection range by 

introducing a comprehensive critical illness product for young 

and mature families and the launch of a new disability income 

plan targeted at the middle-class working population. One of 

our main priorities is helping our customers save for retirement. 

Integrated marketing campaigns raised awareness of the 

importance of retirement planning, producing excellent results 

alongside the launch of our regular savings participating products 

at the beginning of the year.

Business Highlights
Our commitment to developing our Premier 

Agents through high-quality recruitment and 

professional career development continued 

to strengthen AIA’s market-leading agency 

distribution in Hong Kong. Our training 

programmes delivered through the AIA 

Premier Academy build on our successful 

“Road to MDRT” and “Executive Development 

Programme” to target a younger generation 

of agents and agency leaders and promote a 

culture of high activity and productivity. Our 

focus on recruiting and developing our new 

generation of high-quality candidates produced 

a 15 per cent increase in active new agents 

compared with 2013. AIA is the market leader 

for MDRT members in Hong Kong and our 

MDRT qualifiers grew by 18 per cent compared 

with 2013 demonstrating the quality and 

professionalism of our agency.

Our partnership distribution channel was an 

important contributor to VONB growth in 2014, 

led by our IFA business. We strengthened our 

IFA proposition during the year through tailored 

long-term protection and savings products and 

our ongoing commitment to high levels of service and support. In 

March 2014, AIA’s Hong Kong business began our exclusive long-

term bancassurance partnership with Citibank. We continued 

to make good progress with the initial roll-out of our product, 

marketing and training plans to support the growth of this 

business and build scale over time.

038

AIA GROUP LIMITED

VONB (1)

2014

619
2013
468

ANP

2014

952
2013
781

YoY
32%

YoY
22%

VONB MARGIN (2)

2014

62.3%
2013
YoY
57.6%
4.7pps

T WPI

2014

4,330
2013
YoY
3,770
15%

OPER ATING PROFIT AF TER TA X

2014

905

2013
773

YoY
17%

US$ MILLIONS, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

  Notes:
(1)  VONB figures shown in the table are based on local statutory 
reserving  and  capital  requirements  and  include  pension 
business.

(2)  VONB margin excludes pension business to be consistent with 

the definition of ANP used within the calculation.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

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THAILAND

Financial Highlights
AIA delivered a strong performance in 2014, 

demonstrating the resilience of our long-

standing business in Thailand. VONB growth 

of 13 per cent to US$361 million was achieved 

despite the 6 per cent depreciation in the Thai 

baht against our US dollar reporting currency. 

VONB margin improved by 6.9 pps to 63.2 per 

cent as a result of improved product mix from 

the launch of new protection riders and the 

positive effect of agency compensation structure 

changes implemented towards the end of 2013.

IFRS operating profit after tax grew by 3 per cent 

to US$544 million. The growth rate in Thailand 

was affected by the depreciation in the Thai 

baht and lower investment income following 

dividends remitted to the Group Corporate 

Centre. We have assumed that the corporate 

tax rate in Thailand will be 20 per cent for 

assessment year 2015 and return to 30 per cent  

from assessment year 2016 onward.

Business Highlights
Our market-leading agency network in Thailand has enabled 

AIA to offer a broad range of long-term savings and life and 

VONB (1)

2014

361

2013
319

ANP

2014

572
2013
565

YoY
13%

YoY
1%

VONB MARGIN (2)

2014

63.2%

2013
56.3%

YoY
6.9pps

T WPI

2014

3,334
2013
(1)%
3,364

YoY

OPER ATING PROFIT AF TER TA X

2014

544
2013
528

YoY
3%

US$ MILLIONS, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

  Notes:
(1)  VONB figures shown in the table are based on local statutory 
reserving  and  capital  requirements  and  include  pension 
business.

(2)  VONB margin excludes pension business to be consistent with 

the definition of ANP used within the calculation.

health protection products to our customers nationwide. We 

While our proprietary agency channel provides AIA with 

have continued to develop the professionalism and breadth of 

significant competitive advantages, the development of our 

knowledge of our proprietary agents through training from 

partnership business continued in 2014, particularly in the direct 

our AIA Premier Academy and the introduction of enhanced 

marketing channel supported by our leading brand awareness.

recruitment policies. VONB from unit-linked products doubled 

compared with 2013 as we focused on training licensed agents 

qualified to sell these products following our launch of Thailand’s 

first-of-its-kind next generation unit-linked product in 2013.

The upmarket health product we launched late last year has 

been a significant contributor to the strong underlying VONB 

growth throughout 2014, and in the second half of the year  

we launched a new product with complementary benefits which 

The 45 per cent increase in MDRT qualifiers during the year 

has been well received by the market. Our flexible and unique 

underscores the quality of AIA’s agency distribution in Thailand. 

product offerings have resulted in a significant increase in the 

The benefits from the modifications to our agency compensation 

attachment of protection riders, a key driver of the increase 

structure implemented towards the end of 2013 also began to 

in VONB margin compared with 2013. These successes are a 

emerge in 2014. The execution of our Premier Agency strategy 

validation of our focus on long-term savings and protection 

has delivered VONB growth of more than 20 per cent in our 

products rather than pursuing headline market share gains 

agency business on constant exchange rates compared with 

without regard to profitability.

2013. The continued investment in our market-leading agency 

distribution network positions AIA extremely well as the Thai 

insurance market continues to grow.

040

AIA GROUP LIMITED

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SINGAPORE

Financial Highlights
AIA’s operation in Singapore delivered an increase in VONB of 

11 per cent to US$299 million building on our sustained growth 

from prior years including a particularly strong performance in 

2013. ANP growth of 22 per cent and VONB margin of 61.2 per 

cent reflected the completion of the HealthShield protection 

plan upgrade running from March 2013 to February 2014 that 

boosted protection sales substantially in 2013. Lower sales of the 

HealthShield plan were offset by strong growth in unit-linked and 

participating business and this more balanced mix of savings and 

protection business was the driver of strong ANP growth over 

the year. IFRS operating profit after tax increased by 8 per cent to 

US$429 million, in line with the underlying business growth.

Business Highlights
The successful execution of our Premier Agency 

strategy continues to strengthen our market-

leading position in the agency channel in 

Singapore in 2014. Our targeted recruitment 

strategy combined with comprehensive 

development programmes to support our new 

recruits has delivered 16 per cent growth in the 

number of active agents. Our new leadership 

career structure has continued to deliver 

strong results with a 23 per cent increase in 

the number of new recruits compared with 

2013. We also benefited from the successful 

completion of our recruitment offer to agents 

from HSBC Insurance Singapore following our 

agreement in November 2013.

We are committed to enhancing the efficiency 

and productivity of our agency force through 

adopting new technology. AIA’s proprietary 

interactive point-of-sale system, iPoS, is now 

established as the primary sales tool for our 

participating savings products for this channel. We produced 

a strong performance in our bancassurance business through 

our consistent execution and collaboration with our existing 

bank partners, while we began the roll-out of our exclusive 

bancassurance partnership with Citibank in March 2014.

AIA is consistently looking for new ways of engaging with our 

customers and further differentiating our products and services. 

The latest addition to our next generation unit-linked range in 

Singapore offers greater flexibility to adjust levels of cover and 

types of benefits as needs change over the lifetime of the policy 

and has driven excellent growth in unit-linked VONB compared 

with 2013. AIA Vitality, our innovative science-backed wellness 

programme, has continued to gain traction in 2014 as we 

further integrated the programme into our protection products 

and reward our customers for sustained changes in behaviour 

towards a healthier lifestyle.

VONB (1)

2014

299
2013
269

ANP

2014

489
2013
400

YoY
11%

YoY
22%

VONB MARGIN (2)

2014

61.2%
2013
67.3%

YoY

(6.1)pps

T WPI

2014

2,339
2013
YoY
2,150
9%

OPER ATING PROFIT AF TER TA X

2014

429

2013
396

YoY
8%

agents in Singapore. Another major milestone 

US$ MILLIONS, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

was the completion of a major system upgrade 

of our policy administration system, adopting 

significantly enhanced technology capabilities to 

allow greater product innovation and flexibility.

Partnership distribution delivered solid growth in VONB 

as we continued to expand our relationships with our IFA 

and bancassurance distribution partners. The IFA channel 

delivered strong growth as we launched new protection and 

042

AIA GROUP LIMITED

  Notes:
(1)  VONB figures shown in the table are based on local statutory 
reserving  and  capital  requirements  and  include  pension 
business.

(2)  VONB margin excludes pension business to be consistent with 

the definition of ANP used within the calculation.

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FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

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044

AIA GROUP LIMITED

MALAYSIA

Financial Highlights
AIA’s Malaysian operation reported another 

year of excellent results with VONB growth 

of 34 per cent to US$161 million. ANP was 

flat in reporting currency with VONB margin 

significantly higher by 12.3 pps to 50.1 per cent 

following a successful move towards regular 

premium protection and unit-linked products. 

The improvement in product mix over the year 

was a direct result of the product and training 

strategy we set out at the time of our acquisition 

of ING Malaysia in December 2012.

IFRS operating profit after tax rose by 12 per 

cent to US$280 million, reflecting positive 

underlying business growth, improved product 

VONB (1)

2014

161

2013
120

ANP

2014

320
2013
319

YoY
–

VONB MARGIN (2)

2014

50.1%

YoY
34%

2013
37.8%

YoY
12.3pps

T WPI

2014

2,084
2013
YoY
2,036
2%

OPER ATING PROFIT AF TER TA X

2014

280
2013
250

YoY
12%

profitability and a lower effective tax rate. This 

US$ MILLIONS, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

was partially offset by the depreciation of the 

Malaysian ringgit against our US dollar reporting 

currency.

Business Highlights
As part of the integration of ING Malaysia, we launched a new, 

unified structure for agency compensation towards the end of 

2013. It is designed to drive quality recruitment and improve 

agency productivity supporting our aim of promoting and 

rewarding full-time agents, who are looking for a professional 

career with AIA. New recruitment programmes are focused on 

the under-35 age group and generated a 29 per cent increase in 

the number of active new agents compared with 2013.

  Notes:
(1)  VONB figures shown in the table are based on local statutory 
reserving  and  capital  requirements  and  include  pension 
business.

(2)  VONB margin excludes pension business to be consistent with 

the definition of ANP used within the calculation.

Our exclusive bancassurance partnership with Public Bank has 

again made a material contribution to VONB, building on its 

successful start in 2013. The broadening of our product offering 

and training of in-branch sales executives have raised productivity 

Our AIA Premier Academy has focused on improving product mix 

and improved the product mix, delivering excellent VONB growth 

and productivity through training aligned with our new product 

compared with 2013. Our market-leading group insurance 

range and integrated with iPoS, our market-leading interactive 

business also performed strongly with new schemes and the 

point-of-sale platform. The take-up of iPoS has continued to be 

successful launch of a portable protection product, delivering  

strong with around 90 per cent of our active agents in Malaysia 

35 per cent VONB growth compared with 2013.

adopting this innovative technology.

We launched new riders during 2014 as part of our expanded 

On 1 March 2014, we completed the consolidation of our single 

product range, offering combinations of protection cover 

Takaful licence and rebranding to AIA PUBLIC Takaful Bhd. 

and benefit levels tailored specifically for different market 

Takaful VONB increased by over 50 per cent compared with 

segments: young adults, young families, mature families, 

2013, as we benefited from the strength of our existing qualified 

women and pre-retirees. The riders have been pre-packaged 

agents and the launch of a comprehensive recruitment strategy 

with unit-linked savings plans and integrated within iPoS, 

that more than doubled our number of new recruits in this 

providing our agents with the flexibility and interactive 

market compared with 2013.

sales tools to shape premiums and benefits to the needs of 

individual customers. The VONB from unit-linked products 

grew by 38 per cent compared with 2013.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

045

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FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

BUSINESS REVIEW

CHINA

Financial Highlights
AIA’s business in China has produced another excellent 

performance in 2014. The disciplined execution of our Premier 

Agency strategy resulted in 55 per cent growth in VONB 

compared with 2013. ANP increased by 25 per cent to US$311 

million reflecting the strong growth in the number of active 

agents and improvements in productivity. New products aimed 

at protecting the financial position of young families made a 

strong contribution to our growth during the year. VONB margin 

reflected our continued positive shift towards longer-term savings 

and protection products.

IFRS operating profit after tax grew by 38 per cent to US$283 

million compared with 2013, building on an increase of 36 per 

cent in the year before. This strong performance was due to 

strong underlying business growth leading to improvements in 

VONB (1)

2014

258
2013
166

ANP

2014

311

2013
249

YoY
55%

YoY
25%

VONB MARGIN (2)

2014

83.1%
2013
66.4%

YoY
16.7pps

T WPI

2014

1,786

2013
1,599

YoY
12%

OPER ATING PROFIT AF TER TA X

2014

283

2013
205

YoY
38%

US$ MILLIONS, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

  Notes:
(1)  VONB figures shown in the table are based on local statutory 
reserving  and  capital  requirements  and  include  pension 
business.

(2)  VONB margin excludes pension business to be consistent with 

the definition of ANP used within the calculation.

046

AIA GROUP LIMITED

scale, increased profitability from changes in product mix and 

higher investment income. Our business in China has achieved a 

compound annual growth rate of 40 per cent over the last four 

years in both VONB and OPAT.

Business Highlights
Our strategy in China is focused on growing AIA’s professional 

agency distribution through superior recruitment, best-in-class 

training and leadership development programmes. Our aim is to 

help our agents and leaders build long-term professional careers 

with AIA, as demonstrated by the 58 per cent growth in MDRT 

qualifiers compared with 2013. We have established a culture 

of rewarding productivity aligned with the long-term interests 

of our customers. This focus has enabled our agents to provide 

better solutions for customers, generate profitable new business 

growth while increasing their average income levels over the year.

The combination of our stringent selection criteria and 

dedicated new joiner programmes has increased the number 

of quality recruits and the activity of our new agents. 

These actions have resulted in a 42 per cent increase in 

our active new agents. Our approach to agency support 

and development backed by the use of our 

interactive point-of-sale technology has also  

increased active agent productivity levels by  

9 per cent compared with 2013.

While agency remained our main source of new 

business, our partnership channel continued 

to deliver strong VONB growth in 2014. We 

launched our exclusive new bancassurance 

partnership with Citibank in April 2014 and 

began the roll-out of our long-term savings and 

protection product range to the branches during 

the year.

Building on our success in the protection market 

in China, AIA continued to focus on rolling 

out products that address customers’ needs 

for protection and long-term savings. The 

launch of two products specifically designed to 

meet the long-term protection and education-

funding needs of young families in this area 

delivered strong results throughout 2014. We 

also expanded our product portfolio with our 

innovative plans that combine the strengths of 

traditional and unit-linked products to meet the 

long-term savings needs of Chinese consumers.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

047

 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

BUSINESS REVIEW

KOREA

Financial Highlights
AIA operates a broad multi-channel distribution 

strategy in Korea. The industry-wide suspension 

of outbound telesales and subsequent 

regulatory changes affected the performance 

of AIA’s direct marketing business in 2014. 

However, the growth in our bancassurance, 

broker and agency channels offset lower 

direct marketing sales and AIA outperformed 

the market with ANP growth of 12 per cent 

to US$380 million set against an overall 

contraction in the Korean life insurance industry.

VONB declined by 10 per cent to US$82 

million compared with 2013, with positive 

growth reported in the second half of 2014. 

This result was due to lower margins in our 

direct marketing business caused by the costs 

of financial support provided to telesales 

VONB MARGIN (2)

2014

21.7%

YoY

(10)%

2013
26.8%

YoY

(5.1)pps

VONB (1)

2014

82

2013
91

ANP

2014

380
2013
338

YoY
12%

T WPI

2014

2,205
2013
YoY
2,049
8%

OPER ATING PROFIT AF TER TA X

2014

165
2013
150

YoY
10%

US$ MILLIONS, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

representatives and regulatory changes following 

the industry-wide suspension. IFRS operating profit after tax 

grew by 10 per cent to US$165 million compared with 2013 

reflecting revenue growth and improved claims experience.

Business Highlights
As noted in our 2014 interim results announcement, the Korean 

financial regulators imposed an industry-wide temporary 

  Notes:
(1)  VONB figures shown in the table are based on local statutory 
reserving  and  capital  requirements  and  include  pension 
business.

(2)  VONB margin excludes pension business to be consistent with 

the definition of ANP used within the calculation.

suspension of outbound telesales in the first half of the year 

We diversified our multi-channel strategy further in Korea during 

and introduced new regulations leading to a lengthier sales 

the year, expanding our successful distribution partnerships in 

process. This was in response to a leak of personal data involving 

the broker channel and launching new health products. Our 

three credit card companies, which was not related to AIA or 

bancassurance business also delivered excellent VONB growth in 

the insurance industry. During the year, we began an extensive 

2014 driven by increased production as we continued to launch 

personal data re-verification process and undertook a number 

new products selectively with our bank partners.

of initiatives to improve sales efficiency as we adapted our 

outbound telesales model to the new regulatory environment.

Our focus in Korea is to provide products that meet customers’ 

protection and long-term savings needs. Our direct marketing 

Our agency force in Korea delivered strong VONB growth in 

simplified issue health product was extended to both agency 

2014, as we continued to reprice key products, drive new training 

and broker channels in 2014 and its popularity continued 

programmes aimed at improving agent productivity and further 

throughout the year. We also concentrated our marketing efforts 

align agency compensation structures to reward an increased 

on increasing AIA’s brand awareness in Korea through a number 

shift towards protection products and health rider attachments. 

of campaigns targeting the young customer segment. We acted 

The systematic implementation of these new product and 

as the title sponsor of the AIA Real Life Now Music Festival in 

sales management programmes improved both margin and 

August, which had over 55,000 attendees, and created a popular 

productivity per active agent compared with 2013.

online video campaign that generated around 6 million views.

048

AIA GROUP LIMITED

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

049

 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

BUSINESS REVIEW

OTHER MARKETS

Other Markets include AIA’s operations in Australia, Indonesia, 

increasing the number of active in-branch sales specialists and we 

New Zealand, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Vietnam. 

also added another new bancassurance partnership with a local 

The financial results from our 26 per cent shareholding in our 

Indonesian bank in the second half of 2014. Quality recruitment 

joint venture with Tata in India is included in IFRS operating profit 

and training remained at the heart of our Premier Agency 

after tax on an equity accounted basis.

strategy to deliver sustainable growth in our agency channel, 

Financial Highlights
Other Markets delivered double-digit VONB growth in the 

second half of 2014 on constant exchange rates and despite 

the slower start in the first half of the year. Reported VONB for 

a strategy that has delivered strong underlying VONB growth 

compared with 2013. Overall, AIA increased its profitable market 

share during the year achieving a top three position by weighted 

new business premium.

the full year was lower than 2013 at US$212 million due in large 

New Zealand: AIA delivered strong VONB growth in New 

part to the depreciation of local currencies against our US dollar 

Zealand in 2014, as a result of the successful delivery of our 

reporting currency and the effect of liquidity tightening in the 

targeted service model for the IFA channel and effective 

banking sector, as previously disclosed. IFRS operating profit 

product portfolio management that improved VONB margin. 

after tax increased significantly by 31 per cent to US$314 million 

In the second half of 2014, we continued to expand our direct 

mainly driven by increased scale and growth in Indonesia, the 

marketing business and build our new proprietary agency force 

Philippines and Australia.

to engage with the fast-growing Asian communities in New 

Business Highlights
Australia: Our strategy in Australia is to use our leading 

Zealand.

Philippines: AIA’s businesses in the Philippines achieved solid 

position as an independent risk specialist to provide protection 

VONB growth with reported results also affected by currency 

insurance that addresses the country’s substantial protection 

depreciation. Our bancassurance channel performed well in 

gap. We continued to expand our market-leading Premier IFA 

the second half of 2014. We worked closely with our joint 

model with the addition of new platform partnerships in 2014, 

venture partner, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), to focus on 

providing access to over 1,100 additional advisers. The launch of 

expanding the footprint of our in-branch insurance specialists 

AIA Vitality, our innovative wellness programme, has reinforced 

and improving their capabilities. This was supported by the 

our protection proposition in the retail market and received 

implementation of a productive lead-generation programme, 

very positive participation during the year. AIA Vitality has also 

focused training and sales activity management. As a result, the 

been made available on wealth management platforms in the 

number of active specialists grew by 49 per cent in 2014. Agency 

second half to provide additional access to protection business 

delivered a solid performance, with growth in active agent 

funded through investment accounts. We consolidated our 

productivity and the number of active agents supported by our 

leading position in the group insurance market as we continued 

ongoing focus on agent recruitment and training.

to review benefit design and proactively manage our claims 

experience through our leading claims assessment process. While 

our Australian business delivered a solid underlying performance 

in 2014, reported VONB growth was affected by significant 

currency depreciation.

Sri Lanka: AIA continued to grow its infrastructure and 

distribution platforms to capture the significant opportunities in 

the emerging Sri Lankan life insurance market. We expanded our 

agency distribution platform with the opening of 31 additional 

new branches across the country and the number of active 

Indonesia: AIA delivered double-digit VONB growth on constant 

agents grew significantly. In addition to our partnership with 

exchange rates in the second half of 2014 with reported results 

National Development Bank PLC (NDB), we entered into new 

affected by a 13 per cent weakening of the Indonesian rupiah 

bancassurance agreements during the year that increased the 

against the US dollar reporting currency compared with 2013. 

number of bank branches selling AIA products by 69 per cent 

We expanded our existing bancassurance partnerships by 

compared with 2013.

050

AIA GROUP LIMITED

Taiwan: Our Taiwanese business delivered excellent VONB 

Vietnam: AIA’s operations in Vietnam once again delivered an 

growth as we continued to make solid progress in developing 

excellent performance with VONB double the amount reported in 

our multi-channel distribution model, using technology to 

2013. AIA continued to take profitable market share and is a top 

deliver increased efficiency and enhanced levels of service to our 

three player in terms of weighted new business premium. Our 

distribution partners and customers. Each of our agency, IFA, 

focus on quality recruitment and training increased the number 

bancassurance and direct marketing businesses delivered positive 

of active agents by 25 per cent compared with 2013 and the 

VONB growth compared with 2013 and we also benefited from 

improvements made to our product range last year have allowed 

an improved product mix as we concentrated on providing stand-

greater flexibility around rider attachments, helping to improve 

alone protection and integrated packaged products.

VONB margin in 2014.

VONB (1)

2014

212
2013
220

ANP

2014

676
2013
689

YoY

(4)%

YoY

(2)%

VONB MARGIN (2)

2014

31.3%
2013
32.0%

YoY

(0.7)pps

T WPI

2014

3,133
2013
YoY
2,840
10%

OPER ATING PROFIT AF TER TA X

2014

314
2013
239

YoY
31%

US$ MILLIONS, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

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  Notes:
(1) VONB  figures  shown  in  the  table  are  based 
on  local  statutory  reserving  and  capital 
requirements and include pension business.

(2) VONB  margin  excludes  pension  business  to 
be consistent with the definition of ANP used 
within the calculation.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

051

 
 
 
 
 
 
GETTING 
REAL RESULTS

052

AIA GROUP LIMITED

Organic growth and new initiatives,  
platform quality and platform scale,  
investment in people and investment in 
technology – AIA is balancing its priorities  
for sustainable growth.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

053

FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

RISK MANAGEMENT

OVERVIEW
AIA recognises the importance of sound risk management in 

This is achieved by clearly defining roles and responsibilities 

for the management of risk between those taking executive 

every aspect of our business and for all our stakeholders. For 

decisions, the Risk functions and Internal Audit, with each 

policyholders it is the security from knowing that we will always 

of these working closely together but ultimately operating 

be there for them. For regulators sound risk management is 

independently from each other.

vital to the stability of the financial system. For investors it is a 

means of protecting and enhancing the long-term value of their 

investment.

The first line of defence (First Line) is made up of the executive 

decision-makers and functions other than Risk, Compliance 

and Internal Audit. Executive management of Group Office, 

At AIA we recognise that strong corporate governance and 

each business unit and the various functions are required to 

sound risk management are at the core of our business 

ensure that risk is being managed in a way consistent with the 

proposition. Indeed, we believe that our focus in these areas 

RMF and that appropriate processes, limits and controls for the 

has been a significant contributor to our performance. As our 

identification, management and mitigation of all relevant risks 

business grows in scale and against a backdrop of political, social 

are in place and effective. In particular, the amount of risk taken 

and economic change, so our approach to risk management is 

at each level of the organisation has to be consistent with both 

constantly evolving.

the Group’s and relevant local business unit’s Risk Appetite.

The Risk Management Framework (RMF) provides the structure 

Unless reserved to the Board, all decisions are made by identified 

for identifying, quantifying and mitigating risk across the 

executives operating in the First Line. These executives have full 

Group. An effective RMF is the key to avoiding the financial and 

accountability for their decisions. Decisions regarding activities 

reputational damage that arises from inadequate or ineffective 

deemed to have significant risks attached or that are materially 

control of the risks in the business.

outside policy will be referred to the Group Chief Executive or, 

AIA’s RMF is built around supporting our business. AIA has 

where appropriate, to the Board.

adopted the “three lines of defence” model for risk management 

The second line of defence (Second Line) at the Group level 

which is described below. Consistent with that approach our risk 

consists of two important functional areas, namely Compliance 

functions provide support to our business with tools, processes 

and Risk. These functions are independent from the First Line 

and capabilities for the identification, quantification and 

but work closely with them to ensure that they are appropriately 

management of risk.

Our risk functions also exercise oversight – objective judgement 

as to the appropriateness, sufficiency and effectiveness of the 

measures taken to manage risk.

supported in meeting their obligations in respect of risk 

management, and to exercise effective oversight of First Line 

activities. It is also the responsibility of the Second Line to give 

assurance to executive management, the Board and the Risk 

Committee that risks are being managed satisfactorily within 

Clarity of responsibility for different aspects of risk management 

AIA’s Risk Appetite.

is fundamental to sound risk management. Responsibility for 

AIA’s RMF starts with the Board who determine AIA’s Risk 

Appetite and retain overall responsibility for the Group’s risk 

management activities. It is the responsibility of Group Risk to 

provide assurance to both executive management and the Board 

that risks are being managed within the Risk Appetite. The local 

Risk functions are expected to provide similar assurance to their 

executive management and Boards.

The Group Risk function manages the RMF, ensuring that 

consistent policies and processes are adopted across the Group 

and that all decisions are made within policies and Risk Appetite 

following a full assessment of all risks associated with a business 

or transaction. Compliance supports these efforts by providing 

oversight of the programmes that ensure adherence to the high 

standards set by the Group in its various policies and procedures, 

as well as the regulatory requirements to which the Group and its 

These themes – support, accountability, oversight and assurance 

constituent businesses are subject.

– are at the foundation of our risk management culture.

THREE LINES OF DEFENCE
The three lines of defence model (Three Lines) for risk 

management is a commonly used approach to managing risk in 

financial institutions globally. The objective of Three Lines is to 

ensure that an appropriate system of checks and balances are in 

place to minimise unexpected losses and reputational damage. 

The third line of defence (Third Line) comprises Group Internal 

Audit, which reports to the Board, through the Audit Committee, 

on the effectiveness of risk controls. The Third Line, amongst 

other things, reviews the RMF, coordinating with Risk and 

Compliance, but acting independently of those functions, to 

ensure that risks and their management processes are being 

identified and monitored on a consistent basis. The Third Line 

also audits the Second Line.

054

AIA GROUP LIMITED

The application of the three lines of defence model in AIA is illustrated below:

AIA Group Limited Board

Risk Committee

Audit Committee

Group Chief Executive

Executive Risk Committees
(Governance)

Executive Committee,  
Local Business Units and 
Group Functions

Group Risk Management 
and Compliance

Group Internal Audit

1st Line of Defence

2nd Line of Defence

3rd Line of Defence

RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
AIA’s RMF has the following components:

RISK GOVERNANCE
AIA’s risk governance is designed to provide for:

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•  Risk Governance;

•  Risk Appetite;

•  Risk Metrics; and

•  Group and Local Risk Functions.

•  Consistent application of the RMF across the Group  

through common committee structures, policies and metrics;

•  Streamlined processes for the early identification and  

swift escalation of risk issues;

•  Objective analysis of risk issues enabling informed decision-

making; and

•  Discussion and challenge in relation to risk issues  

at suitable forums.

AIA’s current committee structure was implemented in 2012 and is set out in the chart below:

AIA Group Limited Board

Audit 
Committee

Risk 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

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Operational Risk 
Committee

Financial Risk 
Committee

Non-Financial Risks
(Operational, Strategic)

Financial Risks 
(Credit, Market, Liquidity) 
and Insurance Risk

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

055

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Board
The Company’s Board retains overall responsibility for oversight 

In 2014 the ORC discussed, amongst other things, a new 

structure for business continuity planning, investment operations 

of the Group’s risk management activities. In this regard the 

in support of unit-linked products, the operational aspects of 

Board sets the Group’s Risk Appetite, agrees the RMF and 

repurchase agreements and derivatives, information security and 

monitors group-wide risks. In fulfilling these responsibilities the 

the impact of big data and social networking on our risk profile.

Board is supported and advised by the Risk Committee.

Risk Committee
The Risk Committee advises the Board on all risk-related 

Financial Risk Committee (FRC)
The FRC provides oversight of financial and insurance risk 

activities within the Group. These include market and insurance 

issues requiring Board attention. The Risk Committee is also 

risks as well as the Group’s balance sheet, liquidity and 

responsible for approving risk metrics used in the context of 

capital position. The FRC approves Group policies, processes 

the Group’s Risk Appetite. The members of the Risk Committee 

and metrics related to the management of these risks, or 

are all Board directors, with the Chairman required to be an 

recommends the same for approval by the Risk Committee. The 

Independent Non-executive Director. The Risk Committee meets 

FRC is chaired by the Group Chief Executive. The members of 

at least four times a year.

The Risk Committee has oversight over all risk management 

activities in the Group. At each meeting it considers the general 

the FRC include the Group Chief Investment Officer, Group Chief 

Financial Officer and Group General Counsel. The FRC meets at 

least four times a year.

risk environment, reviews the activities of the Group’s executive 

At each meeting the Group’s capital and balance sheet position 

risk committees and the Group’s financial and operational 

are reviewed as well as the risks in the Group’s investment 

risk profile. The Risk Committee also conducts more detailed 

portfolio. Risk governance, local business unit reports and watch 

reviews of both financial and operational risks as well as specific 

lists are standing agenda items with issues deemed to have a 

scenarios. In 2014 the Risk Committee reviewed, amongst other 

Group dimension placed on the Group Watch List.

things, the Group’s business continuity planning programme, the 

robustness of the Group’s internal credit rating framework, its 

pension scheme liabilities, the potential impact of various political 

issues and the ebola outbreak.

Operational Risk Committee (ORC)
The ORC provides oversight of non-financial risk activities within 

the Group. These include any activity that has the potential to 

weaken the business and may include issues related to human, 

physical or technology resources. The ORC approves Group 

policies, processes and metrics related to the management of 

Operational Risk, or recommends the same for approval by the 

Where activities, proposals and/or reports are relevant to both 

the FRC and the ORC, the FRC is responsible for coordination.

The FRC has approved policies for key activities and risks. Should 

a transaction or an existing position fall outside the parameters 

described in those policies an exception request is triggered. 

This request is considered by the Second Line who reviews and 

refers the transaction to an appropriate executive in the First Line 

for approval. Transactions deemed to require the Group Chief 

Executive’s approval are considered first by the FRC and, where 

appropriate, the ORC.

Risk Committee. The ORC is chaired by the Group Chief Financial 

In 2014 the FRC discussed, amongst other things, new limits 

Officer. The members of the ORC are predominantly members 

and policies in relation to equity risk, repurchase agreements, 

of the Group Executive Committee. The ORC meets at least four 

subordinated debt, liquidity and foreign exchange rate risk as 

times a year.

well as reviewing the Group’s economic capital models and 

At each meeting the operational risk environment is reviewed 

based on the Group’s defined key operating risks. Emerging risks 

deemed to have a Group dimension from local business unit ORC 

reports are considered for inclusion on the Group Watch List.

their application.

056

AIA GROUP LIMITED

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RISK APPETITE
AIA’s Risk Appetite is the foundation of its RMF. It establishes 

the level and volatility of shareholder returns are in line with a 

broadly-based risk profile appropriate to an Asia-Pacific ex-Japan-

the quantum and nature of risks the Group is prepared to 

focused life insurance company.”

take to achieve its strategic objectives and helps to inform 

stakeholder expectations.

This statement is consistent with AIA’s vision of being the pre-

eminent life insurance provider in the Asia-Pacific ex-Japan region 

Risk Appetite can be presented as a pyramid, with qualitative 

while contributing to the financial security of the people and the 

statements supported by quantitative metrics which are 

economic and social development of the region.

applied at each level within the business, as illustrated in the 

figure below:

AIA supports its RAS with four Risk Principles, each addressing 

one of AIA’s risk and capital management priorities.

Priority

Risk Principle

Regulatory Capital

Financial Strength

Risk 
Appetite 
Statement

Risk  
Tolerances

Risk  
Principles

Risk  
Allocations

Risk  
Preferences

Risk  
Limits

Risk  
Controls

Quantitative Metrics

Qualitative Statements

Liquidity

•  The Risk Appetite Statement (RAS) is an overarching comment 

on the enterprise’s attitude to risk;

Earnings Volatility

•  Risk Principles are qualitative statements that expand the RAS;

•  Risk Tolerances are quantitative metrics that validate the Risk 

Principles and thus the RAS;

•  Risk Allocations reflect the division of the Risk Tolerances 

between specific risks, products and businesses;

•  Risk Preferences define the enterprise’s attitude to specific 

risks; and

“We have no appetite for regulatory 
non-compliance and as such will 
ensure that we hold sufficient capital 
to meet our current statutory minimum 
solvency in all but the most extreme 
market conditions.”

“We will ensure the Group’s ability to 
meet all future commitments to our 
customers, both financial obligations 
and in terms of the promises we make 
to them. We will maintain sufficient 
capital to support a Financial Strength 
Rating that meets our business needs.”

“We will maintain sufficient liquidity 
to meet our expected financial 
commitments as they fall due.”

“We will seek to deliver reported 
operating earnings consistent with 
expectations and will implement 
policies, limits and controls to contain 
operational risks, risk concentrations 
and insurance risks within reasonable 
tolerances.”

Each of these Risk Principles is supported by a Risk Tolerance, 

a measurable financial benchmark that enables AIA to validate 

each of these principles such that assurance can be provided to 

•  Risk Limits and Controls reflect the risk allocations and 

the Board that AIA is operating within its Risk Appetite.

preferences in the business.

AIA’s Risk Appetite Statement, Risk Principles and Risk Tolerances 

AIA has adopted the following Risk Appetite Statement:

have all been approved by the Board and their application is 

“The amount of risk taken by AIA in the ordinary course of its 

business will be sufficient to meet its customers’ reasonable 

requirements for protection and benefits while ensuring that 

monitored by the Risk Committee.

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FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

RISK MANAGEMENT

RISK METRICS
Fundamental to sound risk management is the need to quantify 

LOCAL AND GROUP RISK FUNCTIONS
The role of the risk management functions are as follows:

risks effectively. Group Risk has a dedicated risk modeling 

function that works closely with the Finance, Actuarial and 

Investment functions to assess the various risks in the balance 

•  Provide business managers with the tools, processes and 

capabilities to identify, quantify and manage risk;

sheet. There are four principal risk modeling activities:

•  Exercise oversight and objective judgement as to the 

•  Stress Testing: Stress testing provides assurance that the 

Group and the business units are adequately capitalised to 

appropriateness, sufficiency and effectiveness of the measures 

taken to manage risk; and

maintain regulatory solvency and withstand adverse financial 

•  Provide assurance to both executive management and 

risk events.

  We perform regular stress testing to monitor the potential 

the Board that risks are being managed by the businesses 

appropriately and within Risk Appetite.

impact of the changing investment and economic 

Above all, the objective for all risk officers is to support the 

environment on the regulatory capital position of the Group 

embedding of risk in the Group’s mindset and culture.

and each of the business units. These tests show the financial 

impact the risks identified above are likely to have when 

considered individually and collectively. The ability to diversify 

risk is a key competitive advantage for a financial institution 

operating across a diverse set of economies. Accordingly, 

AIA closely monitors the correlations between risks across 

different countries.

•  Economic Capital: Economic capital is widely used by 

large international financial services groups as a measure of 

financial strength and as a means of comparing the relative 

financial merits of different business strategies regardless of 

varying regulatory capital requirements.

AIA maintains risk teams in all business units, in each case 

supported by risk professionals with experience in all the major 

risk areas. The Group Risk function provides specialist support 

to the local risk teams and oversees their activities. Group Risk is 

also expected to take the lead on specific issues, provide general 

guidance as to best practice and to intervene where significant 

issues may potentially occur.

This year our Group Risk function has worked closely with the 

local risk functions to embed risk and support the development 

of risk culture. A common standard for risk functions has been 

established by the Group with the active sponsorship of the 

Group Chief Executive. The emphasis of this standard has 

  AIA is developing an economic capital model based on best 

been on ensuring that the role of risk management is clearly 

estimates of its liabilities to an agreed confidence level. The 

understood and that our risk functions are supported with 

model draws on global industry best practices and takes 

consistent governance, reporting and measurement.

into account the environment in the Asia-Pacific region, in 

particular in relation to the economic and market-related 

parameters adopted within the model.

The interface between Group and local risk functions is critical to 

ensuring that emerging risks are identified, escalated and dealt 

with in a timely and effective manner. This is achieved through 

•  Market Risk: Group Risk works closely with the Investment 

the following:

Analytics team to develop and implement quantitative 

techniques for measuring AIA’s market risks. For example, 

duration and other related measures are used to quantify 

interest rate risk, peak exposure is used to determine credit 

•  Close oversight of local risk committees whose activities and 

risk watch lists are reviewed by the Group Risk function and 

form standing items on the FRC and ORC agendas;

and liquidity risk, and Value At Risk measures are used to 

• 

Involvement of local risk functions in determining whether 

assess different investment strategies. These measures are 

transactions are “within policy” and preparing checklists and 

used in the regular updates on investments provided to the 

risk assessments as required;

FRC and in setting limits and defining actions to mitigate 

market risk.

•  Regular and consistent consultation among local and Group 

Risk, Group Compliance and Internal Audit functions with 

•  Operational Risk: Where data is scarce, scenario modeling 

regular reporting to Group Executive Committee members to 

techniques are used by the operational risk team to 

identify emerging issues; and

approximate the loss distribution associated with a particular 

event or set of circumstances.

•  Transparency in the conduct of risk management through 

a common portal where relevant documentation is made 

available, risk databases can be accessed, exceptions 

processed and experience shared.

058

AIA GROUP LIMITED

RISK CATEGORISATIONS
Under the RMF, the Group adopts a common language in the 

follow a disciplined budgeting and control process that allows 

for the management of expenses within pricing estimates 

description of risks at both the Group and the local business unit 

based on the Group’s very substantial experience within the 

levels to proactively manage a wide spectrum of financial and 

markets in which we operate.

non-financial risks as summarised in the chart below:

Insurance  
Risk

Financial  
Risks

Non-Financial  
Risks

Credit Risk

Operational  
Risk

Market Risk

Strategic Risk

Liquidity Risk

Principal Risks
The principal risks and the Group’s approach to managing them 

•  Sales Quality: Ensuring customers buy products that meet 

their needs is central to the Group’s operating philosophy. 

Through comprehensive sales training programmes and 

active monitoring and management of sales activities and 

persistency, the Group seeks to ensure that appropriate 

products are sold by sales representatives and that standards 

of service consistently meet or exceed our customers’ 

reasonable expectations. This allows the Group to meet 

customer needs while also delivering sustainable value to 

shareholders through the consistent income derived from a 

large and predictable in-force book of business across a broad 

set of markets.

•  Experience Management: The Group conducts regular 

are discussed below with further information provided in note 38 

experience studies of all the insurance risk factors in its 

to the financial statements.

Insurance Risk
Insurance risk is the potential loss resulting from mortality, 

morbidity, persistency, longevity and adverse expense experience. 

in-force book. These internal studies together with external 

data are used to identify emerging trends which can then be 

used to inform product design, pricing, underwriting, claims 

management and reinsurance needs.

This includes the potential impacts from catastrophic events such 

•  Research: Through monitoring the development of both 

as pandemics and natural disasters.

local and global trends in medical technology, health and 

Note 27 to the financial statements details insurance contract 

liabilities, the nature of insurance products and their principal 

risks.

The Group manages its exposure to insurance risk at each stage 

of the process.

wellness, the impact of legislation and general social, political 

and economic conditions the Group seeks to anticipate and 

respond promptly to potential adverse experience impacts on 

its products.

•  Reinsurance: The Group uses reinsurance solutions to help 

reduce concentration and volatility risk, especially with large 

•  Product Design: The Group manages product design risk 

policies or new risks, and as protection against catastrophic 

through the New Product Approval Process where products 

events such as pandemics or natural disasters.

are reviewed against pricing, design and operational 

risk benchmarks agreed by the FRC. Local business units 

work closely with a number of Group functions including 

product management, actuarial, legal, compliance, risk and 

underwriting. The Group monitors closely the performance of 

new products and focuses on actively managing each part of 

the actuarial control cycle to minimise risk in the in-force book 

as well as for new products.

•  Underwriting, Claims & Expense Discipline: Professional 

underwriting together with active management of expenses 

reduces the risk of actual experience being adverse compared 

with the assumptions used in the pricing of products. We 

adhere to well-defined market-oriented underwriting and 

claims guidelines and practices that have been developed 

based on extensive historical experience. Daily operations also 

Financial Risks
Financial risk is the potential loss resulting from adverse 

movements in financial markets, changes in the financial 

condition of counterparties and in market liquidity to buy and sell 

investments. Financial risk is subdivided into credit risk, market 

risk (which includes interest rate, credit spread, equity price, 

property price and foreign exchange rate risk) and liquidity risk.

The Group manages its exposure to financial risk within 

tolerances agreed by the FRC. Risk metrics such as those 

described above are used to identify exposure to each of the 

major financial risks. First Line management of financial risk is 

primarily conducted by the Investment and Treasury functions 

with oversight provided by a dedicated Investment Risk function 

in Group Risk and financial risk management units in all major 

business units.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

059

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FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Group also manages financial risk by periodically running 

specific scenario modeling exercises to gauge the potential 

Interest Rate Risk
The Group’s exposure to interest rate risk predominantly arises 

impact of macro political, social and economic events on financial 

from any difference between the duration of the Group’s 

strength and profitability.

Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk that third parties fail to meet their 

obligations to the Group when they fall due. Credit risk occurs 

wherever reliance is placed on a third party to satisfy a financial 

obligation. Although the primary source of credit risk is the 

Group’s investment portfolio, such risk can also arise through 

liabilities and assets, in particular in relation to the reinvestment 

of maturing assets to meet the Group’s commitments, 

predominantly its insurance liabilities. In insurance companies this 

is often known as ALM risk. This exposure can be heightened in 

products with inherent options or guarantees. Since the majority 

of the Group’s investments are in fixed income securities interest 

rate risk is the Group’s largest market risk.

reinsurance, procurement and treasury activities.

Exposure to interest rate risk is summarised in note 38 to the 

Note 21 to the financial statements provides further details of 

the Group’s financial investments in debt instruments, the credit 

quality of those instruments and the basis on which they are 

financial statements, which shows the split of financial assets 

and liabilities between variable, fixed and non-interest bearing 

investments.

carried in the Financial Statements.

The Group manages interest rate risk by ensuring appropriate 

The management of all credit risk occurs on two levels within 

AIA. The Credit Research team in the Investment Department 

performs a detailed analysis of individual counterparties and 

recommends a rating within the internal ratings framework. 

The Group Risk function manages the Group’s internal ratings 

framework and reviews these recommendations and, where 

appropriate, makes recommendations for revisions from time 

to time. Agreed internal ratings are then used to determine the 

Group’s appetite for exposure to each counterparty.

A matrix of risk tolerances has been approved by the FRC that 

ensures that credit risk in the investment portfolio is contained 

within AIA’s Risk Appetite. These tolerances cover individual 

counterparty, segmental concentration and cross-border 

exposures. The Investment Department has discretion to shape 

the portfolio within those risk tolerances, seeking further Group 

approvals through the risk governance framework where they 

wish to invest outside those tolerances. If certain investments are 

insurance product design and underlying assumptions as 

part of the product approval process and by matching, to the 

extent possible and appropriate, the duration of investment 

assets with the duration of insurance liabilities. For in-force 

policies, we regularly review the policyholder bonus payout 

and crediting rates applicable to policyholder account 

balances, considering amongst other things bond yields and 

policyholders’ reasonable expectations.

Credit Spread Risk
Credit Spread Risk arises from changes in the market value of 

non-government securities as a result of a change in perception 

as to their likelihood of repayment. These price changes are 

distinct from those resulting from changes in interest rates. 

AIA invests in non-government securities in a number of its 

portfolios. Because these securities are mostly held to maturity, 

Credit Spread Risk is only taken to the extent that the Group may 

be forced to sell those securities before they mature.

technically within risk tolerances but there is a specific concern, 

AIA nonetheless manages its Credit Spread Risk carefully, 

Group Risk brings these to the attention of the FRC for inclusion 

focusing on overall portfolio quality and diversification and 

in the Group Watch List.

seeking to avoid excessive volatility in the mark-to-market value 

Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of financial loss from adverse movements 

in the value of assets owing to market factors, including changes 

of its investment portfolios.

Equity Price Risk
Equity price risk arises from changes in the market value of equity 

in interest and foreign exchange rates, as well as movements in 

securities and equity funds. Investment in equity assets on a 

the spread of credit instruments to corresponding government 

long-term basis is expected to provide diversification benefits and 

bonds, “Credit Spread Risk”, and in equity and property prices. 

enhance returns.

Note 38 to the financial statements provides further detail 

relating to the market risks discussed below.

The extent of exposure to equities at any time is at the discretion 

of the Investment Department operating within the terms of the 

The FRC approves all policies and metrics associated with the 

Group’s and local business units’ strategic asset allocations.

evaluation of market risk exposures.

060

AIA GROUP LIMITED

From a risk perspective, particular emphasis is placed on 

Hong Kong businesses. In this respect cross-currency swaps or 

managing concentrations and volatility in the Group’s equity 

foreign exchange forward contracts are sometimes used.

exposures. The Group’s “Margin of Safety Investment” approach 

is designed to target value in equity selection. Equity exposures 

are also included in the aggregate credit exposure reports on 

individual counterparties to ensure concentrations are avoided. 

Note 21 to the financial statements provides further details of the 

Group’s financial investments in equity securities, including the 

basis on which they are carried in the Financial Statements. Note 

38 to the financial statements indicates the sensitivity of profit 

and net assets to changes in equity prices.

Property Price Risk
Property price risk arises from interests in real estate assets, 

Liquidity Risk
AIA identifies liquidity risk as occurring in two ways, Funding 

Liquidity Risk and Investment Liquidity Risk. Funding Liquidity 

Risk is the risk that insufficient cash is available to meet payment 

obligations to counterparties as they fall due. This covers the 

need to ensure that cash or cash equivalent assets are available 

to cover expected insurance liabilities including any volatility in 

those liabilities arising from experience variance or from insurance 

products that permit surrender, withdrawal or other forms of 

early termination for a cash surrender value. Note 38 to the 

financial statements provides a maturity analysis of the Group’s 

which form part of the Group’s investment portfolios and are 

financial assets and its liabilities and insurance contracts.

subject to market value changes due to general or specific 

factors. A considerable number of such real estate assets are 

self-occupied and used for operating purposes. Real estate assets 

are expected to provide useful diversification benefits and a long-

term return with some inflation protection.

The price risk in property can be driven by broader economic 

and social factors, notably tenant supply and demand, liquidity 

of individual buildings, evolving infrastructure or government 

The local business units seek to manage liquidity risk through 

insurance product design and by matching near-term expected 

cash flows from liabilities and assets. In this respect, the 

positive cash flows from the business provide an important 

source of liquidity.

At the Group level we hold sufficient cash and liquid assets to 

cover expected Group obligations and commitments.

actions that may directly or indirectly influence the market. It can 

In order to maximise returns to policyholders and shareholders 

also be driven by the characteristics of specific holdings: their 

the Group seeks to remain as fully invested as prudent. A US$300 

location within an area, the competitiveness of their facilities and 

million committed bank facility has therefore been put in place 

their physical condition.

Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
At the Group level, foreign exchange rate risk arises mainly from 

the Group’s operations in multiple geographical markets in the 

Asia-Pacific region and the translation of multiple currencies 

and bond repurchase markets are also used to manage short-

term liquidity needs where it is in the Group’s interest to remain 

fully invested. This can be used in conjunction with the Group’s 

Global Medium Term Note programme which provides ready 

access to the capital markets subject to market conditions.

to US dollars for financial reporting purposes. Note 38 to the 

Investment Liquidity Risk occurs in relation to our ability to 

financial statements shows the Group’s currency exposures and 

buy and sell investments. This is a function of the size of the 

the sensitivity of shareholders’ equity and profit to movements in 

Group’s holdings relative to the availability of counterparties 

those currencies.

willing to buy or sell these holdings at any given time. In times 

Foreign exchange rate risk is managed in AlA on various 

levels. The balance sheet values of our operating units and 

the expected cash flows from these are generally not hedged 

to the Group’s reporting currency, US dollar. Local capital 

requirements are generally held in assets of the same currency 

as the corresponding liabilities. Expected capital movements in 

less than one year such as dividends and investments may be 

hedged to or from US dollar at the discretion of the Group’s 

senior management. At a local level, Business Units are generally 

expected to match their assets and liabilities by currency. This 

includes the matching of US$ and HK$ assets and liabilities in the 

of stress, market losses will generally be compounded by 

forced sellers seeking unwilling buyers. While life insurance 

companies benefit from the relatively low need for liquidity 

to cover those of their liabilities which are directly linked to 

mortality and morbidity, this risk is managed by regularly 

assessing the relative liquidity of the Group’s assets and 

managing the size of individual holdings through risk 

tolerances. As disclosed in note 21 to the financial statements, 

most assets are in the form of marketable securities, which can 

typically be converted to cash quickly should the need arise.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

RISK MANAGEMENT

Non-Financial Risks
Non-financial risks cover the potential for AIA’s business to 

The ORC also reviews new activities where there is deemed 

to be the potential for material operational risk. For all new 

suffer through either key control failures, changes in the 

products, derivative instruments, large property projects and 

business environment or inadequate planning or management 

“Restricted Investments” (generally non-generic or illiquid 

of infrastructure. While ultimately all losses are financial, in the 

traded investments such as hedge funds, structured credits or 

case of non-financial risks the loss may initially take the form of 

instruments containing embedded derivatives) an operational 

damage to the Group’s reputation. The risk of such damage, or 

risk checklist is completed including potential reputational issues, 

reputational risk, is that negative publicity regarding a company’s 

operational readiness and technical dependencies.

business practices, whether true or not, could have adverse 

consequences, including but not limited to a loss of customers, 

financial loss, sanction by regulators, damage to the brand and 

litigation.

The Group’s Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) process is 

used to identify and assess the impact of operational risks. The 

RCSA is an exercise whereby management considers possible or 

actual risk events, ascribes likelihood of occurrence and potential 

Consideration of reputational risk is a key element in the Group’s 

severity, and then agrees mitigation strategies to reduce these 

operational risk checklists and is actively monitored by the 

risks. These strategies are then monitored and the exercise 

operational risk teams working closely with Group Law, Group 

repeated, with the results stored in a dedicated operational risk 

Compliance, Group Corporate Communications and business unit 

database.

management.

AIA protects itself against financial losses by purchasing insurance 

The Group’s non-financial risks comprise operational risk and 

coverage against a range of operational loss events including 

strategic risk.

Operational Risk
Operational risk is the risk of direct or indirect loss resulting from 

inadequate or failed internal processes, personnel and systems or 

from external events.

Operational risk is broken down into a common classification 

which is used across the Group. At the Group level, operational 

risk is overseen through 11 defined risk areas or Key Operational 

Risks (KORs). Each KOR is measured using Key Risk Indicators 

(KRIs), with a designated First Line owner for each KOR. The ORC 

reviews these risks regularly, placing items that are seen to have a 

Group dimension on the Group Watch List for further action and 

heightened review.

business disruption, property damage and internal fraud. The 

excess amounts and extent of coverage are determined taking 

into consideration the results of scenario modeling.

Strategic Risk
Strategic risk refers to adverse impacts from unexpected changes 

to the Group’s operating and market environment. Strategic 

risk is addressed as part of the business planning process and 

ongoing monitoring of and response to social, economic, 

political, regulatory, competitive and technical changes that may 

impact AIA’s business.

062

AIA GROUP LIMITED

FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS

The International Association of Insurance Supervisors (“IAIS”) 

has undertaken a number of initiatives toward the stated aim 

of fostering a globally consistent framework for principles-

based insurance regulation. In particular, the IAIS has adopted 

“Insurance Core Principles” to serve as guidance for insurance 

regulators, and proposed the development of a common 

framework (“ComFrame”) to be implemented by 2019 for the 

supervision of internationally active insurance groups (“IAIGs”); 

it is anticipated that the Group will be nominated as an IAIG. As 

part of ComFrame, a risk-based global insurance capital standard 

is also planned to be developed and be applied to IAIGs.

In addition, the insurance regulators in many of our markets, 

including HKOCI, the Group’s lead insurance regulator in 

Hong Kong, have in recent years implemented, or announced 

their intention to implement, enhanced capital and solvency 

frameworks.

The relevant proposals are moving through various 

developmental stages and the Group remains constructively 

engaged in the consultation processes, however the ultimate 

outcomes of these consultations remain uncertain.

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FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

OUR PEOPLE

1

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PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT
Our people are the key to AIA’s success. 

Our agents and employees provide the drive and innovation 

that enable us to deliver on our commitments to our customers, 

support the communities in which we operate, achieve our 

ambitions and sustain our success. 

ENGAGING WITH OUR PEOPLE
We aim to engage, develop and empower our employees and 

agents to share and realise our Vision to become the pre-eminent 

life insurance provider in the Asia-Pacific region. 

Through our continuing and active engagement with our team 

of agents and 20,000 employees, our operating philosophy of 

“Doing the Right Thing, in the Right Way, with the Right People 

… and the results will come” has become deeply embedded. In 

2014, both Group and local leadership have been fully invested 

in promoting our Vision and Purpose to employees and agents 

across the Group.

Initiatives such as our “Inside AIA” online employee publication 

and our internal social network have encouraged meaningful 

and regular interaction for managers and employees at all levels. 

Across all the territories in which we operate and throughout the 

organisation, employees can share ideas, concerns and solutions 

and have a genuine voice in the development of “their AIA”. 

To ensure that this culture continues to be fostered, our annual 

Leadership Conference brings together more than 300 of the 

organisation’s leaders for an intensive and thoughtful review of 

our progress. We also discuss how we move forward to unlock 

the vast potential represented by our people and the markets in 

which we operate.

Our annual employee engagement survey provides feedback 

on all of these efforts. Since inception in 2011, the overall 

participation rate for the survey has improved year-on-year 

reaching 98 per cent in 2014. Engagement scores have also 

improved substantially over the life of the survey and together 

with the almost universal support employees have shown for the 

process, demonstrate the strong connection employees have to 

the Group together with their pride in the organisation and its 

place in our communities. 

064

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secondments (three to six months), business assignments (two 

or more years) as well as permanent inter-entity and intra-entity 

transfers. 

A number of initiatives including the AIA Career website, a job 

mobility guide and a “mobility dashboard” were launched to 

provide greater structure, process and an appropriate platform 

to promote self-help in supporting leadership mobility and 

individual development. Where there have been very specific 

needs within areas of functional specialisation, we have also 

introduced specially-tailored mobility programmes. 

Group leadership also conducts a rigorous annual review of over 

1,100 senior positions across the business units and the Group 

Office. The process includes a review of our organisational 

structure, leadership and technical capabilities, talent pipeline 

and other human capital considerations followed by customised 

action plans for team and individual development.

RECOGNISING PERFORMANCE
We offer employee compensation and benefits packages that 

recognise the importance of creating sustainable value for 

shareholders and policyholders; that are fair and competitive 

within their markets; and that embed delivery firmly within our 

framework of customer-centric values. 

3

1-3   To promote personal and 
career development, in 2014  
we introduced a series of 
bespoke and in-house training 
programmes across all of our 
markets.

PERSONAL AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Harnessing the immense energies of our team and focusing that 

Our total rewards programme is built on the principle of 

providing equitable, motivational and market-competitive 

packages to foster a strong performance culture. The programme 

energy on delivering AIA’s strategies is central to the sustainability 

avoids rewarding short-term success and exposure of the 

of our success. To promote this we have in 2014 continued the 

Group to risks outside its prudent risk appetite. Our incentive 

development and introduction of a series of bespoke and  

programmes are based on a combination of Group, business 

in-house AIA Manager programmes across all of our markets. 

unit and personal performance against predetermined criteria to 

ensure that no single performance metric dominates.

During the year, we introduced a number of new modules to 

the AIA Manager series that placed significant emphasis on the 

“how” of achievement in addition to the “what” and the “why”. 

More than 85 per cent of our management level employees have 

been involved in these leadership programmes since their launch, 

with feedback demonstrating genuine alignment between our 

employees’ interest in personal and career development and the 

Group’s focus on realising the potential of all our people.

With business operations in 16 markets, we have a major 

opportunity to ensure the application of best practice in 

employee and leadership development across our organisation 

through internal promotion and project experience. Over 700 

job moves at all levels took place within the Group, covering 

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINDING 
REAL MEANING

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AIA’s social responsibility ethos finds its  
truest meaning in the diverse charitable 
activities of its employees and agents, who 
connect closely with their local communities. 
AIA’s CSR strategy, recognising the symbiotic 
relationship of its insurance business to its 
markets, is to promote and support Healthy 
Living practices among staff, customers and 
the wider community.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

As a life insurance company our core business is concerned 

with securing the financial well-being of our customers and 

their families throughout their lives. It is therefore appropriate 

PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE TO 
ENGAGE IN HEALTHY ACTIVITIES
Throughout 2014, we supported and funded a wide variety of 

that the dominant theme in our Corporate Social Responsibility 

sports-related family events. 

(CSR) programme should be to promote actively the health and 

well-being of our customers, employees and agents and the 

communities in which they live and work. 

The importance of well-being and health to quality of life is 

now widely recognised and was underscored by our landmark 

Healthy Living Index Surveys conducted in 2011 and 2013 with 

each survey interviewing over 10,000 adults in 15 countries 

across the Asia-Pacific region. These surveys confirmed that 

In Singapore, more than 1,200 AIA employees, agents, customers 

and their families joined 16,000 members of the public to take 

part in the annual Jurong Lake Run 2014. 

In Indonesia, AIA supported “The Color RunTM” – dubbed the 

“Happiest 5k on the Planet” – where in two events over 24,000 

participants were splashed with coloured powder before taking 

to the course.

the overwhelming majority of adults recognise the principle 

Harnessing the power of music to bring fun, social interaction 

that “living a healthy life” is important while acknowledging 

and fitness together for people of all ages and fitness levels, 

that there are many areas in which they as individuals need to 

AIA in April brought 8,000 participants to the streets of Kuala 

do more, whether in terms of diet, physical activity levels or 

Lumpur to walk, run and dance for 5km to their favourite music 

stress management. We have designed our CSR programmes at 

at “The Music Run™”. Our colleagues in Thailand followed this 

both Group and operating company level to focus on “making 

up in November with their own take on “The Music Run™”, 

a difference” in these areas and helping to create a better 

when 10,000 participants brought the party to the streets of 

personal, workplace and community environment for all.

Bangkok.

In 2014, we engaged in a diverse range of Healthy Living-related 

In the spirit of Healthy Living, in 2014, we also organised family 

initiatives across the region in support of these goals. 

days in Vietnam, Taiwan and Malaysia that brought together 

more than 5,000 of our employees to spend quality time with 

family and colleagues.

LEVERAGING OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH 
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Recognising the vital role that active participation in sports plays 

in promoting a healthy lifestyle and the special motivation top-

calibre professional athletes can provide as role models, AIA and 

our English Premier League partner Tottenham Hotspur (Spurs) 

announced a series of activities across our markets.

Throughout the year, Spurs’ legends and coaching teams 

travelled across Asia with AIA representatives. In China, they 

visited schools, running football classes with students, teaching 

the value of teamwork and competition in the context of the 

“beautiful game”.

In May, we announced our sponsorship of the Hong Kong Under 

16 Representative Team (HKRT U16) for a football training camp 

in the United Kingdom with Spurs. The training camp helped 

prepare the youth team players for the finals of the 2014 Asian 

Football Confederation U16 Championship.

AIA sponsored a 12-day football 
training camp for the HKRT U16 
team at the Tottenham Hotspur 
Training Centre in the UK. 

068

AIA GROUP LIMITED

In Sri Lanka, AIA employees 
distributed leaflets to increase 
awareness as part of an effort  
to reduce the threat of  
dengue fever.

PROMOTING GOOD HEALTHCARE HABITS
We never lose sight of the fact that we have a tremendous 

university students in bringing their community projects to life. 

Over 4,000 students from 15 universities in China participated, 

opportunity to play an active role in improving the lives of others 

sending in 310 proposals. 69 of those were shortlisted and 

through encouraging and supporting healthy living habits.

funded, with the participants receiving training from AIA and the 

In Sri Lanka, in an effort to reduce the danger of dengue fever 

China Youth Development Foundation.

that leads to an estimated 500 cases being reported each week 

In Hong Kong, this year marked the 17th year of AIA’s own 

in the country, AIA employees took part in a “Wipeout” clean-

Young Leaders Development Programme. Over the years, 

up project, targeting breeding grounds for mosquitoes, before 

a total of 450 elite university students have been selected 

distributing educational leaflets to increase awareness.

through a stringent evaluation process that takes into account 

In Korea, AIA made a donation of US$200,000 to the EWHA 

Women’s Cancer Centre, to subsidise medical fees for low-

income cancer patients and to provide free cancer screening to 

women.

their academic results, leadership potential, their passion for 

community service and a willingness to give back to society. 

Under this year’s theme, “A Hand to Lead A Vision to Serve”, 

14 selected students completed a series of specially-designed 

training programmes and travelled to Sichuan province to help 

During 2014, employees and agents of AIA in Singapore and 

rebuild homes devastated by the April 2013 earthquake.

Brunei raised over US$100,000 to support the less fortunate and 

elderly.

EXTENDING THE POWER OF EDUCATION
Education has the power to bring about positive change in the 

lives of individuals and their communities. 

In 2014, AIA in Hong Kong participated in “Project WeCan” and 

began a five-year partnership with Concordia Lutheran School 

(CLS) to help inspire close to 400 students to pursue a better 

future. By broadening their horizons, improving their confidence 

and enhancing their communication skills, the goal is to provide 

them with more opportunities to understand the corporate world 

There is also a close association between education and health, 

and help them explore various career options.

and in many of our communities we have launched literacy 

projects like the AIA Young Leaders Development Programme 

in China, which first took place in 2012. In partnership with the 

China Youth Development Foundation, the Programme supports 

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL AND OPERATING REVIEW

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

In Vietnam, every year over 200,000 children drop out of school 

30,000 volunteers from the AIA family, who contributed to a 

primarily because of the long distances they need to travel to 

wide range of activities, including the repair of broken public 

and from school each day. AIA launched “The Real Life Journey” 

facilities, the revamp of a local sports centre, tree planting and 

project – a series of 12 cycling events across Vietnam throughout 

landscaping in public parks, a mobile medical check-up service 

2014 through which the company donated 770 bicycles (valued 

and the donation of sports equipment.

at over US$60,000) to underprivileged children in 22 provinces 

and cities.

Also in Thailand, AIA continued its long-running “AIA 

Operation Smile” initiative. Now in its 11th consecutive year, 

In Thailand, as part of our “AIA School Libraries” project, AIA 

AIA Operation Smile forms an important part of the company’s 

donated funds to establish libraries in schools in three regions of 

CSR commitment, and in 2014, about US$46,000 was donated 

the country.

In Sri Lanka AIA helped to rebuild schools damaged during the 

country’s 30-year civil war.

In Australia, AIA employees took part in “Literacy Buddies®”, 

to provide children with encouragement and support for their 

academic achievements and boost self-esteem at a critical stage 

of their lives.

through the Operation Smile Foundation to help provide surgery 

for 100 children with cleft lips and palates in the north-east of 

the country.

In Indonesia, AIA employees organised a successful fundraising 

event – “Real Action for AIA Village” – to raise capital to upgrade 

facilities in a public primary school in West Java. Employees 

also visited the school to spend a day interacting with students, 

painting classrooms and donating books to the school library.

SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES
In Thailand, AIA successfully established a new milestone in its 

In Australia, we successfully piloted the placement of “AIA 

Vitality Kiosks” to engage people in Healthy Living activities in 

long CSR history of community support with the “AIA Sharing A 

a fun, light-hearted way. The interactive kiosks featured Bike n’ 

Life Day” – an event designed to promote healthy living across 

Blend® smoothies, where participants’ pedal power helped blend 

Thailand through community service activities that took place 

a healthy drink.

simultaneously at 21 different locations. The event involved over 

1

2

070

AIA GROUP LIMITED

Our employees and agents also reached out to their communities 

We also conduct regular energy audits of building equipment to 

through initiatives such as raising money for low-income families, 

improve energy savings and participate in events such as “Earth 

donating blood and fundraising activities for children in Taiwan; 

Hour” to promote environmental awareness.

constructing new sidewalks for schoolchildren and organising a 

charity bazaar in Malaysia; creating, packing and donating moon 

cakes to the elderly in Singapore; and supporting the Prostheses 

PROVIDING AID IN TIMES OF NEED
While Healthy Living is our main focus, AIA’s CSR strategy also 

Foundation in Thailand for the sixth year with a donation to 

includes providing aid in times of crisis and supporting people in 

provide 800 artificial legs to patients in need.

our communities when they need us most.

CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
We are committed to improving our environment and raising 

awareness about sustainability by taking part in activities that 

highlight these issues. 

Relief for flood victims and those affected by Typhoon Haiyan 

continued into 2014 through fundraising and the provision of 

medicine and supplies. AIA also mobilised local and international 

celebrities to raise awareness across the globe, while Philam Life, 

through the Philam Foundation, sponsored the rebuilding of 40 

In 2013, we opened our new AIA Financial Centre in Foshan, 

classrooms in the areas most affected by the typhoon. 

China – the first commercial building in Foshan to be certified 

a “green building” by the recognised green building authority 

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). 

For the 21st consecutive year, AIA conducted its hallmark CSR 

initiative of safeguarding pilgrims visiting the sacred city of 

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka through facilitating the presence of over 

In 2014, we completed construction of our AIA Capital Centre in 

600 lifesavers from the Sri Lanka Police, the Navy and the Life 

Thailand. Using state-of-the-art green technology, the 34-storey 

Saving Association of Sri Lanka.

building is the first office building in the area to secure LEED Gold 

accreditation. In 2015, we expect to complete the AIA Sathorn 

Tower in Bangkok – also designed to meet the standards required 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF OUR CONTRIBUTIONS
We are proud of the work being done by our employees and 

for “green building” certification by LEED.

agents throughout the region, and are touched when their 

efforts are recognised by individuals and institutions alike.

In Hong Kong, we received the “Caring Company Logo” award 

from the Hong Kong Council for Social Service (HKCSS). This is 

the 12th consecutive year we have received this honour.

In March, in Sri Lanka, AIA won the “Social Empowerment” 

award at the Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards 2014 – 

South Asia, and this was followed a short time later by a Silver 

Award for Design at the Spikes Asia Awards 2014, for providing 

people with a simple tool to use at prayer at their temples – 

serving a profound need and providing a real life, meaningful 

solution.

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1-3   AIA encourages its 
employees to support local 
communities through charitable 
work, and provides the resources 
needed to support their  
projects. In Thailand, we held 
the “AIA Sharing A Life Day”.  
In Vietnam, we launched  
“The Real Life Journey” project  
to support underprivileged 
children. 

3

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

071

 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Company’s 

The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting 

consolidated financial statements in accordance with applicable 

records that give a true and fair view of the state of the 

laws and regulations.

Company’s affairs and explain its transactions.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements of the 

The Directors are responsible for taking reasonable steps to 

Company, the Directors are required to:

safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect 

•  Select suitable accounting policies and apply them 

consistently;

•  Make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and 

prudent;

•  State whether the financial statements have been prepared in 

accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 

and Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards; and

fraud and other irregularities. The Directors are also responsible 

for preparing a Report of the Directors and the Corporate 

Governance Report on pages 78 to 89 of this Annual Report.

The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

1.  the consolidated financial statements of the Company, 

prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting 

Standards and Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards, give 

a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position, 

•  Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis, 

cash flows and results of the Company and its undertakings 

unless it is not appropriate to make the presumption that the 

included in the consolidated financial statements taken as a 

Group will continue in business.

whole; and

2.  the section headed “Financial and Operating Review” 

included in this Annual Report presents a fair review of the 

development and performance of the business and the 

position of the Company and the undertakings included in the 

consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, together 

with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties the 

Company faces.

072

AIA GROUP LIMITED

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

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Front row, left to right: Mr. Jack Chak-Kwong So, Mr. Edmund Sze-Wing Tse, Mr. Mark Edward Tucker.
Back row, left to right:  Mr. Mohamed Azman Yahya, Mr. John Barrie Harrison, Professor Lawrence Juen-Yee Lau, Mr. Chung-Kong Chow, Mr. George Yong-Boon Yeo.

NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN AND  
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 
Mr. Edmund Sze-Wing Tse
Aged 77, is the Non-executive Chairman and a Non-executive 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mr. Mark Edward Tucker
Aged 57, is an Executive Director and the Group Chief Executive 

and President of the Company with responsibility for building on 

Director of the Company. He was appointed Non-executive 

and expanding AIA’s unparalleled platform as the pre-eminent 

Director of the Company on 27 September 2010 and was elected 

life insurance provider in Asia Pacific region. Mr. Tucker joined 

Non-executive Chairman on 1 January 2011. He is also the 

the Group in July 2010 and is also Chairman and Chief Executive 

Chairman of The Philippine American Life and General Insurance 

Officer of AIA Co. and AIA International. From 12 October 2010 

Company and AIA Foundation. Amongst Mr. Tse’s appointments 

to 31 December 2010, he served as Group Executive Chairman 

during more than 50 years with the Group and its predecessor 

and Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company. In addition to 

AIG Group, include serving as Honorary Chairman of AIA Co., 

his responsibilities with AIA, Mr. Tucker has been an Independent 

a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, from July 2009 to 

Director of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. since November 2012. 

December 2010, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AIA Co. 

Prior to joining the Group, Mr. Tucker served as Group Chief 

from 2000 to June 2009 and its President and Chief Executive 

Executive of Prudential plc from 2005 to 2009, first joining that 

Officer from 1983 to 2000. Mr. Tse is a non-executive director 

group in 1986. Amongst the leadership positions that  

of PCCW Limited and a director of Bridge Holdings Company 

Mr. Tucker held during his time at Prudential, he was the founder 

Limited. He served as a non-executive director of PineBridge 

and Chief Executive of Prudential Corporation Asia Limited  

Investments Limited from 2012 to 2014 and a non-executive 

from 1994 to 2003 and an Executive Director of Prudential plc 

director of PICC Property and Casualty Company Limited from 

from 1999 to 2003. During the period from 2004 to 2005,  

2004 to July 2014. In recognition of his outstanding contributions 

Mr. Tucker was Group Finance Director of HBOS plc. Mr. Tucker 

to the development of Hong Kong’s insurance industry, Mr. Tse 

was a non-executive director of the Court of The Bank of England 

was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star by the HKSAR Government 

from June 2009 to May 2012, also serving as a member of its 

in 2001. Mr. Tse received an honorary fellowship and an honorary 

Financial Stability Committee and Audit and Risk Committee. 

degree of Doctor of Social Sciences from The University of Hong 

Mr. Tucker qualified as an Associate of the Institute of Chartered 

Kong in 1998 and 2002 respectively. In 2003, he was elected to 

Accountants in England and Wales (ACA) in 1985.

the prestigious Insurance Hall of Fame. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Mr. Jack Chak-Kwong So
Aged 69, is an Independent Non-executive Director of the 

Mr. John Barrie Harrison
Aged 58, is an Independent Non-executive Director of the 

Company having first been appointed on 1 July 2011.  

Company. He was appointed as a Non-executive Director of 

Mr. Harrison is currently an independent non-executive director 

the Company on 28 September 2010 and re-designated as an 

of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, The London 

Independent Non-executive Director of the Company on 26 

Metal Exchange Limited and LME Clear Limited. He is also an 

September 2012. From August 2007 to September 2010,  

independent non-executive director of BW Group Limited and 

Mr. So served as an Independent Non-executive Director of 

has been appointed Vice Chairman of BW LPG Limited since 

AIA Co. He is currently an independent non-executive director 

2013. He is a member of the Asian Advisory Committee of 

of Cathay Pacific Airways Limited and China Resources Power 

AustralianSuper Pty Ltd since 2012. Mr. Harrison is a council 

Holdings Co. Ltd. and is also an independent senior advisor to 

member, standing committee member and honorary treasurer 

Credit Suisse, Greater China. He was appointed as Chairman 

of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. From 

of the Consultative Committee on Economic and Trade Co-

2008 to 2010, Mr. Harrison was Deputy Chairman of KPMG 

operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland in October 

International. In 2003, he was elected Chairman and Chief 

2013 and has been a member of the Chinese People’s Political 

Executive Officer of KPMG, China and Hong Kong and Chairman 

Consultative Conference since 2008. Mr. So was awarded the 

of KPMG Asia Pacific. Mr. Harrison began his career with KPMG 

Gold Bauhinia Star by the HKSAR Government in 2011. He is an 

in London in 1977 and was made a partner of KPMG Hong Kong 

International Business Advisor to the Mayor of Beijing and the 

in 1987. Mr. Harrison is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered 

Honorary Consultant to the Mayor of San Francisco. From 1985 

Accountants in England and Wales and a member of the Hong 

to 1992, Mr. So served as an executive director of the Hong Kong 

Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. 

Trade Development Council and was appointed as its Chairman 

in October 2007. He also served as the Chairman of the Hong 

Kong Film Development Council from April 2007 to March 2013. 

Mr. George Yong-Boon Yeo
Aged 60, is an Independent Non-executive Director of the 

Company dating to his initial appointment on 2 November 

Mr. Chung-Kong Chow
Aged 64, is an Independent Non-executive Director of the 

2012. Mr. Yeo is currently the Vice-chairman of Kerry Group 

Limited and the Chairman of Kerry Logistics Network Limited. 

Company having first been appointed on 28 September 2010. 

He has been a member of International Advisory Committee of 

Mr. Chow is the Chairman of Hong Kong Exchanges and 

Mitsubushi Corporation since June 2014 and a non-executive 

Clearing Limited. He was appointed as a non-official member 

director of Wilmar International Limited since November 2014. 

of the Executive Council of Hong Kong from 1 July 2012 and 

He is a member of the Foundation Board of the World Economic 

the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Corruption of 

Forum and the Berggruen Institute on Governance. In 2013, 

Independent Commission Against Corruption from 1 January 

he was appointed a member of the Pontifical Commission for 

2013. He has also been a Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey 

Reference on the Economic-Administrative Structure of the 

Club since March 2011. In 2000, Mr. Chow was knighted in the 

Holy See. From February 2014, he became a member of the 

United Kingdom for his contribution to industry. Mr. Chow was 

Vatican Council for the Economy and is also a member of the 

Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation Limited from 2003 

Vatican Media Committee from July 2014. In 2012, Mr. Yeo 

to 2011, Chief Executive Officer of Brambles Industries plc, a 

was presented with the Order of Sikatuna by the Philippines 

global support services company from 2001 to 2003, and Chief 

Government and the Padma Bhushan by the Indian Government, 

Executive of GKN plc, a leading engineering company based in 

and became an Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia. 

the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2001. He was an independent 

From 1988 to 2011, Mr. Yeo was a member of the Singapore 

non-executive director of Anglo American plc from 2008 to 

Parliament and held various Cabinet positions, including Minister 

2014, independent non-executive director of Standard Chartered 

for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Trade and Industry, Minister 

plc from 1997 to 2008 and the Chairman of the Hong Kong 

for Health, Minister for Information and the Arts and Minister 

General Chamber of Commerce from 2012 to June 2014. 

of State for Finance. From 1972 to 1988, Mr. Yeo served in the 

Singapore Armed Forces and attained the rank of Brigadier-

General in 1988 when he was Director of Joint Operations and 

Planning in the Ministry of Defence. 

074

AIA GROUP LIMITED

Mr. Mohamed Azman Yahya
Aged 51, is an Independent Non-executive Director of the 

Professor Lawrence Juen-Yee Lau
Aged 70, is an Independent Non-executive Director of the 

Company having been appointed on 24 February 2014.  

Company having been appointed on 18 September 2014. 

Mr. Yahya is the Executive Chairman of Symphony Life Berhad 

Professor Lau currently serves as an independent non-

and Symphony House Berhad; both listed entities on the Main 

executive director of CNOOC Limited and Hysan Development 

Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (Bursa Malaysia). 

Company Limited and an independent director of Far EasTone 

He is an independent non-executive director of Scomi Group 

Telecommunications Company Limited which is listed on the 

Berhad which is also listed on Bursa Malaysia and a director of 

Taiwan Stock Exchange. He has been serving as Ralph and 

various companies including PLUS Expressways International 

Claire Landau Professor of Economics at The Chinese University 

Berhad. Mr. Yahya is active in public service and sits on the 

of Hong Kong (CUHK) since 2007. He currently also serves as 

boards of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, the Malaysian government 

a member of the Exchange Fund Advisory Committee of the 

investment arm and Ekuiti Nasional Berhad, a government 

HKSAR and Chairman of its Governance Sub-committee and 

linked private equity fund management company. He is also a 

Member of its Currency Board Sub-committee. He was awarded 

member of the Financial Reporting Foundation, the trustee body 

the Gold Bauhinia Star by the HKSAR Government in 2011. From 

that oversees the Malaysian Accounting Standards Board and 

2004 to 2010, Professor Lau served as Vice-Chancellor (President) 

a member of the Capital Market Advisory Group of Malaysian 

of the CUHK. He was appointed Chairman of CIC International 

Securities Commission. He is a member of The Institute of 

(Hong Kong) Co., Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of 

Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, the Malaysian 

China Investment Corporation, in September 2010 and retired 

Institute of Accountants and a fellow of the Institute of Bankers 

from the same in September 2014. He also served as a non-

Malaysia. Mr. Yahya was a director of Malaysian Airline System 

executive director of Semiconductor Manufacturing International 

Berhad and AirAsia Berhad until May 2013 and April 2012 

Corporation from 2011 to 2014. He is a member of the 12th 

respectively. He started his career at KPMG in London and 

National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative 

worked in a variety of roles in investment banking, ultimately 

Conference and the Vice-Chairman of its Sub-committee of 

being named chief executive of Amanah Merchant Bank. In 

Economics. He received his B.S. degree (with Great Distinction) 

1998, he was tasked by the Malaysian Government to set-up 

in Physics from Stanford University in 1964 and his M.A. and 

and head Danaharta, the national asset management company. 

Ph.D. degrees in Economics from the University of California at 

He was also the Chairman of the Corporate Debt Restructuring 

Berkeley in 1966 and 1969 respectively. He joined the faculty of 

Committee, set up by Bank Negara Malaysia, to mediate and 

the Department of Economics at Stanford University in 1966, 

assist in debt restructuring programmes of viable companies. 

becoming its Professor of Economics in 1976 and the first  

Kwoh-Ting Li Professor in Economic Development in 1992. From 

1992 to 1996, he served as a Co-Director of the Asia-Pacific 

Research Center at Stanford University, and from 1997 to 1999 

as the Director of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy 

Research. He became its Kwoh-Ting Li Professor in Economic 

Development, Emeritus, upon his retirement from Stanford 

University in 2006. 

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075

 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

From left to right: Mark Saunders, John Tai-Wo Chu, Simeon Preston, Garth Jones, Shulamite Khoo, Mark Edward Tucker, Gordon Watson, Mitchell New, Ng Keng Hooi.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Mr. Mark Edward Tucker
Mr. Tucker’s biography is set out above.

Mr. Garth Jones
Aged 52, is the Group Chief Financial Officer, responsible for 

leading the Group in all aspects of finance and risk management 

and oversight of the Group’s actuarial function as well as 

managing relationships with key external stakeholders, including 

regulators and rating agencies and the Annual Business Planning 

and Budgeting process. He is a director of various companies 

within the Group including AIA Co. and AIA International. He 

joined the Group in April 2011. Prior to joining the Group,  

Mr. Jones was the Executive Vice President of CPIC Life, the life 

insurance arm of China Pacific Insurance (Group) Co., Ltd. (CPIC). 

He also held a number of senior management positions during  

12 years with Prudential Corporation Asia Limited, including 

Mr. Ng Keng Hooi
Aged 60, is the Regional Chief Executive responsible for the 

Group’s businesses operating in Thailand, China, Indonesia, 

Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan as well as Group 

Agency. He is a director of various companies within the Group 

including AIA Co. and AIA International. He joined the Group 

in October 2010. Prior to joining the Group, Mr. Ng was Group 

Chief Executive Officer and Director of Great Eastern Holdings 

Limited from December 2008. Mr. Ng worked for Prudential plc 

from 1989 to 2008, serving as a Managing Director of Insurance 

of Prudential Corporation Asia Limited from 2005 to 2008 

responsible for its operations in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia 

and the Philippines. He has been a Fellow of the Society of 

Actuaries (U.S.) since 1985.

Mr. Gordon Watson
Aged 51, is the Regional Chief Executive responsible for the 

Chief Financial Officer of the Asian life insurance operations. Prior 

Group’s businesses operating in Hong Kong, Korea, Australia, 

to joining Prudential, Mr. Jones led the development of reinsurer 

the Philippines, Vietnam, New Zealand, Macau, Sri Lanka and 

Swiss Re’s Asia life business. Mr. Jones is a Fellow of the Institute 

India as well as the Group Corporate Solutions business, Group 

of Actuaries in the United Kingdom. He has been appointed 

Partnership Distribution and the AIA Vitality initiative. He is a 

a member of the Insurance Advisory Committee which is a 

director of various companies within the Group including AIA Co. 

statutory committee established under the HKICO since  

and AIA International. Mr. Watson rejoined the Group in January 

1 October 2014.

076

AIA GROUP LIMITED

2011. He worked in various parts of AIG (including within AIA) 

for over 29 years, during which time he served as Global Vice 

Chairman of ALICO and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 

of ALICO Asia. He also served as Global Chief Operating Officer 

and as Chairman of ALICO Japan. He is a Fellow of the Chartered 

Insurance Institute and Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Mr. John Tai-Wo Chu
Aged 75, is the Group Chief Investment Officer responsible 

Mr. Mark Saunders
Aged 51, is the Group Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, 

for providing oversight to the management of the investment 

responsible for the Group’s strategy including corporate and 

portfolios of the Group. He is a director of various companies 

product development. He also leads the Group Marketing 

within the Group. Mr. Chu joined the Group in June 1993 as 

function providing support and leadership on marketing 

Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of AIA Co. 

initiatives at the Group level and in the country operations. He 

Prior to joining the Group, Mr. Chu spent 19 years with Bank 

joined the Group in April 2014. Prior to joining AIA, Mr. Saunders 

of America in various senior management positions, including 

was Managing Director of Towers Watson for the Asia-Pacific 

Country Senior Credit Officer, Head of Corporate Banking in 

Insurance Sector, as well as Managing Director for the firm’s 

Hong Kong and Country Manager of Bank of America in China.

Hong Kong office. Before joining Towers Watson, he was 

Asian Regional Leader, Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer, and 

Executive Director and Board Member of the Isle of Man-based 

international life insurance operations of Clerical Medical and its 

joint venture life insurer in Korea (Coryo-CM). Mr. Saunders has 

been involved in the insurance industry in Asia since 1989. He is a 

Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and Fellow of five 

other professional actuarial bodies.

Mr. Simeon Preston
Aged 44, is the Group Chief Operations Officer responsible at 

the Group level for technology and operations. He is a director 

of various companies within the Group. He joined the Group in 

September 2010. Prior to joining the Group, Mr. Preston served 

as a senior partner in the financial services practice of global 

management consultants Bain & Company, where he specialised 

in the Asia life insurance sector. He previously spent almost nine 

years with consulting firm Marakon Associates and was named a 

partner in 2006.

Ms. Shulamite Khoo
Aged 53, is the Group Chief Human Resources Officer 

responsible for the development of overall human capital 

strategies and their implementation across the Group as well as 

leading and providing support to the human resources functions 

in country market operations. She is also responsible for the 

Group Corporate Security function. She joined the Group in 

January 2011. Prior to joining the Group, Ms. Khoo was Group 

Executive Vice President, Global Head of Human Resources and 

Group Executive Management of the AXA Group, based in Paris. 

Prior to AXA, she was Regional Head of Human Resources for 

Prudential Corporation Asia Limited based in Hong Kong. She is 

a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and 

Development.

Mr. Mitchell New
Aged 51, is the Group General Counsel, responsible for the 

provision of legal services and company secretarial services 

for the Group and providing leadership to legal and corporate 

governance functions within country operations. He is a director 

of various companies within the Group. He joined the Group in 

April 2011. Prior to joining the Group, Mr. New occupied various 

senior roles with Manulife Financial where he was most recently 

Senior Vice President & Chief Legal Officer for Asia, based in 

Hong Kong. He was also previously Senior Vice President and 

General Counsel to Manulife’s Canadian division.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

077

 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

The Board is pleased to present this Annual Report and the 

audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the 

DIRECTORS
The Directors of the Company during the year and up to the date 

year ended 30 November 2014.

of this Annual Report are as follows:

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
The Company is an investment holding company. The principal 

activities of the Group are the provision of products and services 

to individuals and businesses for their insurance, protection, 

savings, investment and retirement needs.

Details of the activities and other particulars of the Company’s 

principal subsidiaries are set out in note 44 to the financial 

statements.

Non-executive Chairman and Non-executive Director

Mr. Edmund Sze-Wing Tse

Executive Director

Mr. Mark Edward Tucker
(Group Chief Executive and President)

Independent Non-executive Directors

Mr. Jack Chak-Kwong So

Mr. Chung-Kong Chow

Mr. John Barrie Harrison

RESULTS
The results of the Group for the year ended 30 November 2014 

Mr. George Yong-Boon Yeo

Mr. Mohamed Azman Yahya

and the state of the Group’s affairs at that date are set out in the 

Professor Lawrence Juen-Yee Lau

financial statements on pages 101 to 213 of this Annual Report. 

Dr. Qin Xiao (Note)

DIVIDEND
An interim dividend of 16.00 Hong Kong cents per share (2013: 

13.93 Hong Kong cents per share) was paid on 29 August 2014. 

The Board has recommended a final dividend of 34.00 Hong 

Kong cents per share (2013: 28.62 Hong Kong cents per share) in 

respect of the year ended 30 November 2014. Together with the 

interim dividend already paid, this will result in a total dividend of 

50.00 Hong Kong cents per share (2013: 42.55 Hong Kong cents 

per share) for the year ended 30 November 2014.

Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee (Note)

Note:
Dr. Qin and Dr. Narongchai resigned as Independent Non-executive Directors of the 
Company with effect from 30 May 2014 and 1 September 2014 respectively .

Mr. Mohamed Azman Yahya and Professor Lawrence Juen-Yee 

Lau were appointed as Independent Non-executive Directors 

of the Company on 24 February 2014 and 18 September 

2014 respectively. Mr. Yahya was re-elected as Independent 

Non-executive Director of the Company by the shareholders 

Under the Trust Deed of the Company’s Restricted Share Unit 

at the 2014 Annual General Meeting of the Company held 

Scheme (RSU Scheme), shares of the Company are held by the 

on 9 May 2014. Professor Lau will retire from office at the 

trustee in either of two trust funds. These shares are held against 

forthcoming annual general meeting pursuant to Article 104 

the future entitlements of scheme participants. Provided the 

of the Company’s Articles of Association and offers himself for 

shares of the Company are held by the trustee and no beneficial 

re-election.

interest in those shares has been vested in any beneficiary, the 

trustee shall waive any right to dividend payments or other 

distributions in respect of those shares (unless the Company 

determines otherwise). 

In accordance with Article 100 of the Company’s Articles 

of Association and Code Provision A.4.2 of the Corporate 

Governance Code, Mr. Chung-Kong Chow and Mr. John Barrie 

Harrison will retire from office by rotation at the forthcoming 

As of 29 August 2014 (being the payment date of the interim 

annual general meeting and offer themselves for re-election.

dividend), 72,345,029 shares were held by the trustee. The 

amount of interim dividend waived was US$1 million. Pursuant to 

the Trust Deed, the trustee will waive the right to final dividend if 

it is declared. 

Subject to shareholders’ approval at the AGM, the final dividend 

will be payable on Friday, 29 May 2015 to shareholders whose 

names appear on the register of members of the Company at the 

close of business on Wednesday, 13 May 2015.

BIOGRAPHIES OF DIRECTORS AND MEMBERS OF 
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Biographies of Directors and members of the Executive 

Committee are set out on pages 73 to 77 of this Annual Report.

SHARE CAPITAL
Details of movements in share capital of the Company are set out 

in note 35 to the financial statements.

078

AIA GROUP LIMITED

INTERESTS AND SHORT POSITIONS IN SHARES AND UNDERLYING SHARES
As of 30 November 2014, the following are the persons, other than the Directors or Chief Executive of the Company, who had 

interests or short positions in the shares or underlying shares of the Company as recorded in the register of interests required to be 

kept by the Company pursuant to Section 336 of Part XV of the SFO:

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Name of Shareholder

Citigroup Inc.

Citigroup Financial Products Inc.

Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.

Citigroup Global Markets

(International) Finance AG

Number of shares  
  or underlying shares 
(Note 5) 
Long Position (L)
Short Position (S)
Lending Pool (P)

1,083,128,432(L) 
6,083,940(S) 
3,703,592(P)

1,074,197,000(L) 
856,100(S)

1,074,197,000(L) 
856,100(S)

1,074,077,000(L) 
856,100(S)

Class

Ordinary  

Ordinary  

Ordinary  

Ordinary  

Citigroup Global Markets Asia Limited

1,054,334,400(L)

Ordinary  

Percentage of the  
total number of  
shares in issue
(Note 6)
Long Position (L)
Short Position (S)
Lending Pool (P)

8.99(L)
0.05(S)
0.03(P)

8.92(L)
0.01(S)

8.92(L)
0.01(S)

8.92(L)
0.01(S)

8.75(L)

Citigroup Global Markets Hong Kong
  Holdings Limited

Citigroup Global Markets Overseas 
  Finance Limited

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

1,054,334,400(L)

Ordinary  

8.75(L)

1,054,334,400(L)

Ordinary  

8.75(L)

1,033,775,430(L)
61,283,066(S)
734,949,361(P)

Ordinary  

The Capital Group Companies, Inc.

848,133,207(L)

Ordinary  

BlackRock, Inc.

722,290,170(L) 
2,592,600(S)

Ordinary  

Aberdeen Asset Management Plc and 

701,120,884(L)   

Ordinary  

its associates

Notes:
(1)  The interests held by Citigroup Inc. were held in the following capacities:

8.58(L)
0.51(S)
6.10(P)

7.04(L)

6.00(L)
0.02(S)

5.82(L)

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Capacity 

Note 1

Note 2

Note 2

Note 3

Interest of  
controlled  

corporation

Interest of  
controlled  

corporation

Interest of  
controlled  

corporation

Note 4

Interest of  
controlled  

corporation

Interest of  
controlled  

corporation

Investment  
manager

Capacity

Interests held jointly with another person

Interest of controlled corporation

Custodian corporation/approved lending agent

Security interest in shares

Number of shares

Number of shares

(Long position)

(Short position)

1,054,334,400  

10,009,240  

3,703,592  

15,081,200  

–

6,083,940

–

–

(2)  The interests held by each of Citigroup Financial Products Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. were held in the following capacities:

Capacity

Interest of controlled corporation

Security interest in shares

Number of shares

Number of shares

(Long position)

(Short position)

1,059,115,800  

15,081,200  

856,100

–

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

079

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

(3)  The interests held by Citigroup Global Markets (International) Finance AG were held in the following capacities:

Capacity

Interest of controlled corporation

Security interest in shares

(4)  The interests held by JPMorgan Chase & Co. were held in the following capacities:

Capacity

Beneficial owner

Investment manager

Trustee (other than a bare trustee)

Custodian corporation/approved lending agent

(5)  The interests or short positions include underlying shares as follows:

Number of shares

Number of shares

(Long position)

(Short position)

1,058,995,800  

15,081,200  

856,100

–

Number of shares

Number of shares

(Long position)

(Short position)

84,700,733  

61,283,066

213,946,428  

178,908  

734,949,361  

–

–

–

Long position

Short position

Physically  
settled  
  equity listed  
  derivatives

Cash
settled 
  equity listed 
  derivatives

Physically  
  settled equity 
unlisted 
derivatives

Cash 
 settled equity 
unlisted 
  derivatives

Physically  
settled  
  equity listed  
  derivatives

Cash
settled 
  equity listed 
  derivatives

Physically  
  settled equity 
unlisted 
derivatives

Cash 
 settled equity 
unlisted 
  derivatives

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

– 1,059,562,240 

–  1,054,334,400   

–  1,054,334,400   

–  1,054,334,400   

–  1,054,334,400   

–  1,054,334,400   

–  1,054,334,400   

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

5,227,840   

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Name of Shareholder

Citigroup Inc.

Citigroup Financial  

Products Inc.

Citigroup Global Markets 

Holdings Inc.

Citigroup Global Markets 

(International) Finance AG  

Citigroup Global Markets 

Asia Limited

Citigroup Global Markets 

Hong Kong Holdings 

Limited

Citigroup Global Markets 

Overseas Finance Limited

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

9,026,032   

1,147,200  

3,349,132   12,339,830

4,786,000  

4,598,200  

384,832   50,072,334

BlackRock, Inc.

–  

800  

–  

–

2,583,000   

9,600   

–  

–

(6)  Based on 12,045,117,225 shares in issue as at 30 November 2014.

Save as disclosed above, as at 30 November 2014, no person, 

other than the Directors and Chief Executive of the Company, 

whose interests are set out in the section entitled “Directors’ 

and Chief Executive’s Interests and Short Positions in Shares and 

DIRECTORS’ AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S INTERESTS 
AND SHORT POSITIONS IN SHARES AND 
UNDERLYING SHARES
As of 30 November 2014, the Directors’ and Chief Executive’s 

Underlying Shares”, holds any interests or short positions in the 

interests and short positions in the shares, underlying shares or 

shares or underlying shares of the Company as recorded in the 

debentures of the Company and its associated corporations as 

register required to be kept by the Company pursuant to Section 

recorded in the register required to be kept by the Company 

336 of Part XV of the SFO.

under Section 352 of Part XV of the SFO, or as otherwise notified 

to the Company pursuant to the Model Code, are as follows:

080

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(i)  Interests and short positions in the shares and underlying shares of the Company:

  Number of shares or  

Name of Director

underlying shares  

Class

Mr. Mark Edward Tucker

Mr. Edmund Sze-Wing Tse 

18,777,152(L) (1)  

Ordinary  

3,560,400(L) (2)  

Ordinary   

Mr. Chung-Kong Chow

86,000(L) (2) 

Ordinary  

Percentage of the total  
number of shares in issue 

(3) 

Capacity 

0.16  

0.03 

Beneficial owner

Interest of controlled 
corporation

< 0.01  

Beneficial owner

Notes:
(1)  The interests include 3,151,767 shares of the Company, 11,072,844 share options under the Share Option Scheme, 4,549,021 restricted share units under the 

Restricted Share Unit Scheme and 3,520 matching restricted stock purchase units under the Employee Share Purchase Plan.

(2)  The interests are ordinary shares of the Company.

(3)  Based on 12,045,117,225 shares in issue as at 30 November 2014.

(ii) Interests and short positions in the shares of associated corporation:

Name of Director

Associated  
Corporation 

Number of  
shares  

  Percentage of the  
total number of  

Class

shares in issue  

Mr. Edmund Sze-Wing Tse

Philam Life  

1(L)   

Ordinary  

< 0.01  

Capacity 

Trustee

Save as disclosed above, as at 30 November 2014, none of the 

Directors or Chief Executive of the Company holds any interests 

RESERVES 
As at 30 November 2014, the aggregate amount of reserves 

or short positions in the shares, underlying shares or debentures 

available for distribution to shareholders of the Company, as 

of the Company and its associated corporations as recorded in 

calculated under the provisions of Part 6 of the Companies 

the register required to be kept by the Company under Section 

Ordinance was US$2,102 million (2013: US$1,652 million).

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352 of Part XV of the SFO, or as otherwise notified to the 

Company pursuant to the Model Code.

DIRECTORS’ BENEFITS FROM RIGHTS TO 
ACQUIRE SHARES OR DEBENTURES 
Under his service contract, Mr. Mark Edward Tucker (by virtue 

of his role as Group Chief Executive and President) is entitled to 

an annual discretionary earned incentive award, which includes 

payment in the form of shares of the Company. Details of  

Mr. Tucker’s incentive award are set out in the Remuneration 

Report.

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN CONTRACTS
No contracts of significance to which the Company or any of 

its subsidiaries was a party, and in which any Director of the 

Company had a material interest, subsisted at 30 November 2014 

or at any time during the year.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 
Details of acquisitions and other movements in property, plant 

and equipment are set out in note 16 to the financial statements. 

Details of the movements in the reserves of the Group for the 

year ended 30 November 2014 are set out in the Consolidated 

Statement of Changes in Equity on pages 107 to 108 of this 

Annual Report. 

BANK LOANS AND OTHER BORROWINGS 
Bank loans and other borrowings of the Group as at  

30 November 2014 amounted to US$2,934 million (2013 as 

adjusted: US$1,950 million). Particulars of the borrowings are set 

out in note 30 to the financial statements. 

CHARITABLE DONATIONS
Charitable donations made by the Group during the year 

amounted to US$2 million (2013: US$2 million). 

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SUBSIDIARIES AND ASSOCIATED COMPANIES
Details of the Company’s principal subsidiaries and associated 

companies as at 30 November 2014 are set out in note 44 and 

note 15 to the financial statements respectively. 

CHANGES IN EQUITY 
Details of changes in equity of the Group during the year ended 

30 November 2014 are set out in the Consolidated Statement of 

Changes in Equity on pages 107 to 108 of this Annual Report. 

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

081

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS

MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS 
During the year ended 30 November 2014, the percentage of 

the aggregate purchases attributable to the Group’s five largest 

PURCHASE, SALE AND REDEMPTION OF THE 
SECURITIES OF THE COMPANY
Save for the purchase of 19,404,804 shares and sale of 320,390 

suppliers was less than 30 per cent of the Group’s total value of 

forfeited shares of the Company under the Restricted Share 

purchases and the percentage of the aggregate sales attributable 

Unit Scheme and the Employee Share Purchase Plan at a total 

to the Group’s five largest customers was less than 30 per cent of 

consideration of approximately US$93 million and US$2 million 

the Group’s total value of sales.

RETIREMENT SCHEMES 
The Group operates a number of defined benefit plans and 

respectively, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries 

purchased, sold or redeemed any of the Company’s listed 

securities during the year ended 30 November 2014. These 

purchases and sales were made by the relevant scheme trustees 

defined contribution plans. Particulars of these plans are set out 

on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. These shares are held on 

in note 39 to the financial statements. 

trust for participants of the relevant schemes and therefore were 

not cancelled. Please refer to note 40 to the financial statements 

EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD
Details of significant events after the year ended 30 November 

for details.

2014 are set out in note 45 to the financial statements. 

SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE SCHEMES
Restricted Share Unit Scheme 
During the year ended 30 November 2014, 19,086,387  

PUBLIC FLOAT
Based on information that is publicly available to the Company 

and within the knowledge of the Directors, the Company has 

maintained the amount of public float as approved by the Hong 

Kong Stock Exchange and as permitted under the Listing Rules as 

restricted share units were awarded by the Company under the 

at the date of this Annual Report. 

Restricted Share Unit Scheme adopted by the Company on  

28 September 2010 (as amended). Details of the awards are set 

out in the Remuneration Report. 

Share Option Scheme
During the year ended 30 November 2014, 6,678,445 share 

options were awarded by the Company under the Share Option 

Scheme adopted by the Company on 28 September 2010 (as 

amended). 1,117,224 share options were exercised during the 

year and the Company issued 1,117,224 new shares accordingly. 

The proceeds received amounted to approximately US$4 

million. Details of the Share Option Scheme are set out in the 

Remuneration Report. 

NON-EXEMPT CONNECTED TRANSACTIONS
During the year ended 30 November 2014, the Group had not 

COMPLIANCE WITH THE CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE CODE
Details of the compliance by the Company with the Corporate 

Governance Code are set out in the Corporate Governance 

Report on page 83 of this Annual Report. 

MODEL CODE
Details of the compliance by the Company with the Model Code 

are set out in the Corporate Governance Report on page 83 of 

this Annual Report. 

AUDITOR
PricewaterhouseCoopers was re-appointed as auditor of the 

Company in 2014. 

entered into any connected transactions which are not exempt 

PricewaterhouseCoopers will retire and, being eligible, offer 

from annual reporting requirement in Chapter 14A of the Listing 

themselves for re-appointment. A resolution for the re-

Rules.

appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers as auditor of the 

Company is to be proposed at the forthcoming annual general 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Details of the related party transactions undertaken by the Group 

meeting. 

during the year ended 30 November 2014 in the ordinary course 

of business are set out in note 42 to the financial statements. 

Such related party transactions are all exempt connected 

By Order of the Board

transactions.

Edmund Sze-Wing Tse

Non-executive Chairman

26 February 2015

082

AIA GROUP LIMITED

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

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CORE PRINCIPLES
The Board believes that strong corporate governance is essential 

for delivering sustainable value, enhancing a culture of business 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Roles and Responsibilities
The Board is accountable to shareholders for the affairs of 

integrity and maintaining investor confidence. The Board is 

the Company. It meets these obligations by ensuring the 

ultimately responsible for the performance of the Group, 

maintenance of high standards of governance in all aspects of 

including the consistent achievement of business plans and 

the Company’s business, setting the strategic direction for the 

compliance with statutory as well as corporate obligations. 

Group and maintaining appropriate levels of review, challenge 

The Board is also responsible for the development and 

and guidance in its relationship with Group management. It is 

implementation of the Group’s corporate governance practices. 

also the ultimate decision-making body for all matters considered 

This Corporate Governance Report explains the Company’s 

material to the Group and is responsible for ensuring that, as 

corporate governance principles and practices, including how the 

a collective body, it has the appropriate skills, knowledge and 

Board manages the business to deliver long-term shareholder 

experience to perform its role effectively.

value and to promote the development of the Group.

In these matters, the Board provides leadership to the Company 

As a company listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong 

in respect of operational issues through the Group Chief 

Stock Exchange, the Company is committed to high standards 

Executive, who is authorised to act on behalf of the Board in the 

of corporate governance and sees the maintenance of good 

day-to-day management of the Company. Any responsibilities 

corporate governance practices as essential to its sustainable 

not so delegated by the Board to the Group Chief Executive 

growth. It is vital that Board members, in aggregate, have 

remain the responsibility of the Board.

their requisite skills and expertise supported by a structure that 

enables delegation, where appropriate, between the Board, its 

committees and management, whilst ensuring that the Board 

retains overall control. To promote effective governance across 

all of its operations, the Board has approved a governance 

framework, which maps out internal approval processes including 

those matters which may be delegated.

During the period under review, the Board updated the terms 

of reference of the Risk Committee to reflect best practice 

and reviewed the Company’s compliance with the Corporate 

Governance Code including the necessary disclosures in its 

reports to shareholders. The Board also adopted various audit-

related policies as recommended by the Audit Committee. The 

Board was recognised for its ongoing efforts by The Hong Kong 

Throughout the year ended 30 November 2014, the Company 

Institute of Directors in the form of a Directors of the Year Award 

complied with all the applicable code provisions set out in the 

for 2014. 

Corporate Governance Code except for Code Provision F.1.3. 

Code Provision F.1.3 provides that the company secretary 

should report to the chairman of the board and/or the chief 

executive. The Company operates under a variant of this model 

whereby the Group Company Secretary reports to the Group 

General Counsel who is ultimately accountable for the company 

secretarial function and who in turn reports directly to the Group 

Chief Executive.

The Company has also adopted its own Directors’ and Chief 

Executives’ Dealing Policy on terms no less exacting than 

those set out in the Model Code in respect of dealings by the 

Directors in the securities of the Company. All of the Directors 

confirmed, following specific enquiry by the Company, that they 

have complied with the required standards set out in the Model 

Code and the Directors’ and Chief Executives’ Dealing Policy 

Board Composition
As of the end of the financial period, the Board consists of eight 

members, comprising one Executive Director and seven Non-

executive Directors, six of whom are Independent Non-executive 

Directors. All Directors are expressly identified by reference to 

such categories in all corporate communications that disclose 

their names.

The composition of the Board is well balanced with each Director 

having sound board level experience and expertise relevant to the 

business operations and development of the Group. The Board 

is comprised of members with extensive business, government, 

regulatory and policy experience from a variety of backgrounds. 

There is diversity of nationality, ethnicity, educational 

background, functional expertise and experience.

throughout the year ended 30 November 2014. 

A Board Diversity Policy was adopted by the Board in 2013 and is 

available on the Company’s website at www.aia.com.

Biographies of the Directors are set out on pages 73 to 75 of this 

Annual Report.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

Board Independence
Each of the Independent Non-executive Directors of the 

plans as well as interim and annual results and to consider other 

significant matters. At these meetings, senior management 

Company meets the independence guidelines set out in Rule 

also provides regular updates to the Board with respect to the 

3.13 of the Listing Rules and has provided to the Company the 

business activities and development of the Group. 

requisite annual confirmation as to his independence. None of 

the Independent Non-executive Directors of the Company has 

any business with or significant financial interests in the Company 

or its subsidiaries and therefore all the Independent Non-

executive Directors continue to be considered by the Company to 

be independent. 

Board Process
Board meetings are held at least four times a year to determine 

overall strategies, receive management updates, approve business 

During the period under review, there were five scheduled 

Board meetings, all of which were convened in accordance with 

the Articles of Association of the Company and attended by 

the Directors either in person or through electronic means of 

communication.

Details of the attendance of individual Directors at the Board 

meetings, Committees meetings and 2014 AGM during the 

period under review are as follows:

Name of Director

Board

Committee

Committee

Committee

Audit  

  Nomination  

 Remuneration  

Risk  
Committee  

2014 AGM

No. of Meetings Attended / Required Meetings to Attend

Non-executive Chairman and 
Non-executive Director

Mr. Edmund Sze-Wing Tse 

5/5  

4/4  

1/1  

–  

3/4  

Executive Director, Group Chief 
Executive and President  

Mr. Mark Edward Tucker

5/5  

–  

–  

3/3  

4/4  

Independent Non-executive 
Directors

Mr. Jack Chak-Kwong So

Mr. Chung-Kong Chow

Mr. John Barrie Harrison 

Mr. George Yong-Boon Yeo (1)

Mr. Mohamed Azman Yahya (2)

Professor Lawrence Juen-Yee Lau (2)

Dr. Qin Xiao (3)

Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee (3)

5/5  

5/5  

5/5  

5/5  

4/4  

1/1  

2/2  

4/4  

4/4  

–  

4/4  

4/4  

–  

–  

–  

–  

1/1  

1/1  

1/1  

1/1  

n/a  

n/a  

1/1  

1/1  

3/3  

–  

–  

3/3  

2/2  

–  

1/1  

–  

–  

4/4  

4/4  

–  

–  

1/1  

–  

3/3  

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

n/a

1

1

Notes:
(1)  Mr. Yeo was appointed as a member of the Remuneration Committee with effect from 17 January 2014.

(2)  Mr. Yahya and Professor Lau were appointed as Independent Non-executive Directors with effect from 24 February 2014 and 18 September 2014 respectively. Both of 

them attended all meetings held from their respective dates of appointment to 30 November 2014. 

(3)  Dr. Qin and Dr. Narongchai resigned as Independent Non-executive Directors with effect from 30 May 2014 and 1 September 2014 respectively. Both of them attended 

all meetings held from 1 December 2013 to their respective dates of resignation. 

084

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During the year ended 30 November 2014, the Board conducted 

The term of Mr. Tse as Non-executive Chairman expired on 

an evaluation survey of the Board’s performance including the 

31 December 2014. Mr. Tse was re-elected as Non-executive 

structure and operation of its committees.

Chairman for a further term of two years from 1 January 2015 by 

Minutes of the meetings of the Board and all committees are 

the Board.

kept by the Company Secretary. Such minutes are open for 

The Board approved the appointment of Mr. Yahya and Professor 

inspection on reasonable notice by any Director.

Lau as Independent Non-executive Directors of the Company for 

Chairman and Group Chief Executive
Mr. Edmund Sze-Wing Tse, Non-executive Chairman of the 

Company, plays the critical role of leading the Board in its 

responsibilities. With the support of the Group Chief Executive 

and President and senior management, Mr. Tse seeks to ensure 

that all Directors are properly briefed on issues arising at Board 

meetings and that they receive adequate and reliable information 

a term of three years commencing on 24 February 2014 and 18 

September 2014 respectively. Mr. Yahya retired from office and 

was re-elected by the shareholders at the 2014 annual general 

meeting of the Company. Professor Lau will retire from office at 

the forthcoming annual general meeting pursuant to Article 104 

of the Company’s Articles of Association and offers himself for 

re-election.

in a timely manner. He is also responsible for making sure 

that good corporate governance practices and procedures are 

Induction and Ongoing Development
The Company provides each Director with personalised induction, 

followed.

Mr. Mark Edward Tucker, Group Chief Executive and President 

of the Company, reports to the Board and is responsible for the 

overall leadership, strategic and executive management and profit 

performance of the Group, including all day-to-day operations 

training and development. On appointment, each Director 

receives a comprehensive and tailored induction covering, 

amongst other things, the principal basis of accounting for the 

Group’s results, the role of the Board and its key committees, and 

the ambit of the internal audit and risk management functions.

and administration. Mr. Tucker attends Board meetings as the 

Each Director receives detailed briefings on the Group’s principal 

sole Executive Director and, in his capacity as Group Chief 

businesses, the markets in which it operates and the overall 

Executive and President, ensures that the Board is updated at 

competitive environment. Other areas addressed include legal 

least monthly in respect of material aspects of the Company’s 

and compliance issues affecting directors of financial services 

performance. Mr. Tucker discharges his responsibilities within 

companies, the Group’s governance arrangements, its investor 

the framework of the Company’s policies, reserved powers and 

relations programme and remuneration policies. The Directors 

routine reporting requirements and is advised and assisted by the 

are continually updated on the Group’s business and the latest 

senior executive management of the Group.

developments to the Listing Rules and other applicable statutory 

The roles and responsibilities of the Board, the Chairman of the 

Board and the Group Chief Executive are set out in the Board 

requirements to ensure compliance and continuous good 

corporate governance practice.

Charter of the Company which is available on the Company’s 

During the year, the Company organised a Board Strategy Day 

website at www.aia.com.

Appointment of Directors
The Company uses a formal and transparent procedure for 

the appointment of new Directors. Recommendations for the 

appointment of new Directors are received by the Board from the 

Nomination Committee. The Board then deliberates over such 

recommendations prior to approval.

and provided a number of briefings to the Directors to update 

them on the latest developments in the Group’s principal 

businesses and major products as well as the new Companies 

Ordinance which came into force in March 2014. The overseas 

Board visit in 2014 was to Shanghai, where Directors received 

an in-depth review of our operations in China. The visit also 

provided an opportunity for the Directors to gain new insights 

into the life insurance sector in China and its prospects for 

The Non-executive Director and Independent Non-executive 

continued growth.

Directors have been appointed for a specific term of three years, 

subject to re-nomination and re-election as required by the 

Articles of Association of the Company or pursuant to the Listing 

Rules at the general meetings of the Company.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

All Directors are encouraged to participate in continuous professional development to extend and refresh their knowledge and skills, 

and are required to provide their training records to the Company. The training received by the Directors during the period under 

review is summarised as follows: 

Name of Director

Non-executive Chairman and Non-executive Director

Mr. Edmund Sze-Wing Tse

Executive Director, Group Chief Executive and President 

Mr. Mark Edward Tucker

Independent Non-executive Directors 

Mr. Jack Chak-Kwong So

Mr. Chung-Kong Chow

Mr. John Barrie Harrison

Mr. George Yong-Boon Yeo

Mr. Mohamed Azman Yahya 

Professor Lawrence Juen-Yee Lau

Dr. Qin Xiao (Note)

Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee (Note)

Types of Training 

Reading or attending  
briefings / seminars /  
conferences relevant  
to regulatory and  
governance updates 

 Attending corporate events /
Board visits / executive 
briefings relevant to
the Group’s business 

√  

√  

√  

√  

√  

√  

√  

√  

–  

√  

√

√

√

√

√

√

√

√

–

√

Note:
Dr. Qin and Dr. Narongchai resigned as Independent Non-executive Directors of the Company with effect from 30 May 2014 and 1 September 2014 respectively.

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
The Company’s corporate governance is implemented through a 

the Company’s financial information including quarterly business 

highlights, interim and annual results of the Group, reviewing 

structured hierarchy, which includes the Board of Directors and 

the Group’s financial and accounting policies and practices as 

four committees of the Board established by resolutions of the 

well as its whistle-blowing arrangements and monitoring the 

Board, namely the Audit Committee, the Nomination Committee, 

effectiveness of the internal audit function. The Committee also 

the Remuneration Committee and the Risk Committee. The 

provided oversight for and management of the relationship with 

Terms of Reference of the Board committees are available on 

the Group’s external auditor, including reviewing and monitoring 

the websites of both the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the 

in accordance with applicable standards the external auditor’s 

Company. In addition, the Group Chief Executive has established 

independence and objectivity and the effectiveness of the audit 

a number of management committees including, among others, 

process.

an Executive Committee and Operational and Financial Risk 

Committees.

Four meetings were held by the Audit Committee during the 

year ended 30 November 2014. The attendance records of the 

Further details of the roles and functions and the composition of 

Audit Committee members are set out on page 84 of this Annual 

the Board committees are set out below.

Report. 

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee consists of four members. This includes 

Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee consists of seven members. This 

three Independent Non-executive Directors: Mr. Harrison, who 

includes the Non-executive Chairman, Mr. Tse, who serves as 

serves as chairman of the Committee, Mr. So and Mr. Yeo as 

chairman of the Committee, and the six Independent Non-

well as the Non-executive Chairman Mr. Tse. The primary duties 

executive Directors. Mr. Yahya and Professor Lau have been 

performed by the Audit Committee during the year were the 

members of the Committee since 24 February 2014 and 18 

oversight of the Group’s financial reporting system and internal 

September 2014 respectively. Dr. Qin and Dr. Narongchai were 

control procedures, monitoring the integrity of preparation of 

members of the Committee until their respective dates of 

resignation from the Board. The primary duties performed by 

086

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
the Nomination Committee during the year included reviewing 

of the Committee until the date of his resignation from the 

and making recommendations to the Board on the structure, size 

Board. The duties performed by the Risk Committee during the 

and composition of the Board, including the skill, knowledge, 

year included provision of advice to the Board on the risk profile 

experience and diversity of background of its membership, 

and risk management strategy of the Group, considering and 

overseeing the identification and assessment of potential 

reviewing disclosures in interim / annual report, risk management 

board candidates, providing oversight and direction in respect 

related policies and guidelines and statutory solvency positions, 

of the succession planning for directors and determining the 

risk appetite and metrics, overseeing the risk management 

composition of the Board committees.

framework and considering and endorsing the Company’s risk 

The Committee’s processes and criteria for selecting and making 

governance structure and major risks.  

recommendations for appointment of Board members are 

During the year ended 30 November 2014, four meetings were 

designed to satisfy high standards of corporate governance. 

held by the Risk Committee. The attendance records of the Risk 

These processes meet or exceed the Hong Kong Stock Exchange 

Committee members are set out on page 84 of this Annual 

requirements to ensure that every director of the Company has 

Report. 

the requisite character, experience and integrity and is able to 

demonstrate a standard of competence, commensurate with 

his position as a director of a listed issuer, and that where the 

EXTERNAL AUDITOR
The external auditor of the Company is PricewaterhouseCoopers. 

nomination of Independent Non-executive Directors is under 

The Audit Committee is responsible for making recommendations 

consideration the requirements of Rule 3.13 of the Listing Rules 

to the Board as to the appointment, re-appointment and 

are satisfied.

One meeting was held by the Nomination Committee during the 

year ended 30 November 2014. The attendance records of the 

Nomination Committee members are set out on page 84 of this 

Annual Report. 

removal of the external auditor, which is subject to the approval 

by the Board and at the general meetings of the Company 

by its shareholders. In assessing the external auditor, the 

Audit Committee will take into account relevant experience, 

performance, objectivity and independence of the external 

auditor. During the year, the Board has reviewed, updated and 

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee consists of four members. This 

adopted policies on nomination and appointment of and services 

performed by the external auditor to enhance related governance 

includes three Independent Non-executive Directors: Mr. So,  

practices. 

the Committee chairman, Mr. Yeo who became a member on  

17 January 2014 and Mr. Yahya who became a member on  

24 February 2014 as well as the Executive Director, Mr. Tucker.  

Dr. Qin was a member of the Committee until the date 

of his resignation from the Board. The primary duties of 

the Remuneration Committee are to evaluate and make 

recommendations to the Board on the remuneration policy 

covering the Directors and senior management of the Group. 

Mr. Tucker is not present at or involved in discussion of his own 

remuneration. 

Three meetings were held by the Remuneration Committee 

during the year ended 30 November 2014. Details of the 

attendance records are set out on page 84 of this Annual Report 

and key activities performed by the Remuneration Committee 

during the year have been set out in the Remuneration Report, 

which forms part of this Corporate Governance Report.

Risk Committee
The Risk Committee consists of five members, three of whom are 

Independent Non-executive Directors including the Committee 

The Audit Committee also reviews the non-audit services 

provided by the external auditor and its remuneration on 

a regular basis. For the year ended 30 November 2014, 

the total estimated remuneration payable by the Group to 

PricewaterhouseCoopers is US$14.6 million (2013: US$12.5 

million), an analysis of which is set out below:

US$ millions

Audit services

Non-audit services, including:

Audit related services

Tax services

Other services

Total

2014 (1)  

11.1

2013 

10.7 (2)

1.2

1.8

0.5

14.6

0.7

0.9

0.2

12.5

Notes:
(1)  2014 is based upon estimated fees for 2014 audit services and non-audit 

services through 30 November 2014.

(2)  Audit services include US$0.2 million in 2013 services related to 2012 services. 

chairman Mr. Chow, Mr. Harrison and Professor Lau who became 

In addition to those fees disclosed above, audit fees of 

a member on 18 September 2014. Also included on the Risk 

US$0.6 million (2013: US$0.6 million) were payable to 

Committee are the Non-executive Chairman Mr. Tse; and the 

PricewaterhouseCoopers by funds for which the Group is the 

Executive Director, Mr. Tucker. Dr. Narongchai was a member 

investment adviser, manager or administrator.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

ACCOUNTABILITY AND AUDIT
Financial Report
The annual results of the Company and other financial 

range of brokerage houses. An active and open dialogue with 

institutional investors is maintained through regular investor 

interactions, including meetings, investment conferences 

information were published in accordance with the requirements 

and roadshows. Investor feedback and analysts’ reports on 

of the Listing Rules and other applicable regulations and 

the Company are circulated to the Board and the Executive 

industry best practice. When preparing the Company’s financial 

Committee of the Group on a regular and systematic basis to 

reports, the Board of Directors has endeavoured to present such 

promote an understanding of external views on the Group’s 

information in a comprehensible, informative and user-friendly 

performance. 

manner.

A Shareholders’ Communication Policy was adopted by the Board 

The Directors acknowledge their responsibility for preparing 

in 2013 and such policy will be reviewed on a regular basis to 

the Company’s consolidated financial statements and ensuring 

ensure its effectiveness and the Board welcomes views, questions 

that the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial 

and concerns from shareholders and stakeholders. Shareholders 

statements is in accordance with the relevant requirements and 

and stakeholders may at any time send their enquiries and 

applicable standards.

concerns to the Board. The contact details are set out on pages 

The statement of the Company’s auditor concerning its reporting 

238 to 239 of this Annual Report. 

responsibilities on the Company’s consolidated financial 

statements is set out in the Independent Auditor’s Report on 

2014 Annual General Meeting
The most recent general meeting of the Company was the 2014 

pages 101 and 102 of this Annual Report.

Annual General Meeting of the Company (2014 AGM) held at 

Internal Control
Throughout this Corporate Governance Report, the Board of 

Directors seeks to set out the Company’s corporate governance 

structure and policies, inform shareholders of the corporate 

governance undertakings of the Company and demonstrate to 

shareholders the value of such practices.

The Board of Directors has, through the Audit Committee, 

reviewed and is generally satisfied with the effectiveness of 

the Group’s internal control systems, including the adequacy 

of resources, qualifications and experience of staff, training 

the Grand Ballroom, 2/F, Hotel Nikko Hongkong, 72 Mody Road, 

Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong on 9 May 2014 at  

11:00 a.m. The Chairman and all other members of the Board, 

together with the Group’s senior management and external 

auditor, attended the 2014 AGM. The poll voting results are 

available on the Company’s website. The matters resolved thereat 

are summarised below.

•  Receipt of the audited consolidated financial statements of the 

Company, the Report of the Directors and the Independent 

Auditor’s Report for the year ended 30 November 2013;

programmes and budget of the Company’s accounting and 

•  Declaration of a final dividend of 28.62 Hong Kong cents per 

financial reporting function.

share for the year ended 30 November 2013;

ENGAGEMENT WITH SHAREHOLDERS
The Board recognises the importance of communication 

and undertakes to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the 

•  Re-election of Mr. Yahya and Mr. So as Independent Non-

executive Directors and Mr. Tse as Non-executive Director of 

the Company;

shareholders of the Company through general meetings, 

•  Re-appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers as auditor of the 

releases, announcements and corporate communications such 

Company until the conclusion of next annual general meeting 

as the annual report, interim report and circulars. The Board is 

and authorised the Board to fix its remuneration;

committed to the timely disclosure of information. The latest 

information regarding the Group’s activities, announcements, 

results presentation, webcasts and corporate communications is 

made available on the Company’s website at www.aia.com in a 

timely manner. The financial calendar highlighting the key dates 

for shareholders is set out on page 238 of this Annual Report.

The Group’s Investor Relations function oversees the Company’s 

engagement with investors. The Company’s institutional 

shareholder base is geographically diversified and the Company 

is also extensively covered by research analysts from a wide 

•  General mandate to Directors to cause the Company to issue 

additional shares of the Company, not exceeding 10 per cent 

of the aggregate number of shares in the Company at the 

date of the 2014 AGM and the discount for any shares to be 

issued not to exceed 10 per cent of the benchmarked price;

•  General mandate to Directors to cause the Company to 

repurchase shares of the Company, not exceeding 10 per cent 

of the aggregate number of shares in the Company at the 

date of the 2014 AGM;

088

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•  General mandate to Directors to cause the Company to issue 

the time at which notice is given of that meeting. The request 

additional shares of the Company, not exceeding 2.5 per cent 

must be deposited at the registered office of the Company at 

of the aggregate number of shares in the Company at the 

35/F, AIA Central, No. 1 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong 

date of the 2014 AGM under the restricted share unit scheme; 

or sent by email to ir@aia.com for the attention of the Company 

and

•  Adoption of the new Articles of Association of the Company 

in response to the introduction of the new Companies 

Ordinance.

The forthcoming annual general meeting of the Company will be 

held on Friday, 8 May 2015. Further details will be set out in the 

circular to the shareholders of the Company to be sent together 

with this Annual Report.

SHAREHOLDERS’ RIGHTS
General Meeting
Shareholder(s) of the Company may request to call a general 

meeting. If such request is made by Shareholder(s) of the 

Company representing at least 5 per cent of the total voting 

rights of all the Shareholders of the Company having a right to 

vote at general meetings, such general meeting must be called. 

Such request, either in hard copy form or in electronic form and 

being authenticated by the person or persons making it, must 

be deposited at the registered office of the Company at 35/F, 

AIA Central, No. 1 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong or 

sent by email to ir@aia.com for the attention of the Company 

Secretary. Shareholder(s) of the Company should make reference 

to the provisions under sections 566 to 568 of the Companies 

Ordinance for calling a general meeting.

Moving a Resolution at an Annual General Meeting
Shareholder(s) of the Company may request the Company to 

Secretary. Shareholders of the Company should make reference 

to sections 615 and 616 of the Companies Ordinance for the 

relevant procedures to move a resolution at an annual general 

meeting.

Proposing a Person for Election as a Director 
Shareholders can propose a person (other than a retiring Director 

or himself / herself) for election as a director at a general meeting 

of the Company. Relevant procedures are available on the 

Company’s website at www.aia.com.

CONSTITUTIONAL DOCUMENTS
Shareholders of the Company approved adoption of new Articles 

of Association of the Company in response to the introduction  

of the new Companies Ordinance at the 2014 AGM. Details of 

the amendments were set out in the 2014 AGM notice and  

the accompanied circular to the Shareholders of the Company 

dated 25 March 2014. The latest version of the Company’s 

Articles of Association is available on the Company’s website at 

www.aia.com. 

By Order of the Board

give notice of a resolution and move such resolution at an annual 

Lai Wing Nga

general meeting. Such notice of resolution must be given by the 

Company Secretary

Company if it has received such requests from:

26 February 2015

(a) Shareholder(s) of the Company representing at least 2.5 per 

cent of the total voting rights of all the shareholders of the 

Company who have a right to vote on the resolution at the 

annual general meeting to which the request relates; or

(b) at least 50 Shareholders of the Company who have the right 

to vote on the resolution at the annual general meeting to 

which the request relates.

Such a request must identify the resolution of which notice is 

to be given, be either in hard copy form or in electronic form 

and authenticated by the person or persons making it, and be 

received by the Company not later than six weeks before the 

annual general meeting to which the request relates or, if later, 

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

089

 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

REMUNERATION REPORT

Dear Shareholders,

I am pleased to present the Report on Remuneration for Directors 

and Key Management Personnel (the Report) for the year ended 

30 November 2014. 

The structure of executive remuneration at the Group consists of 

four broad elements: basic salary, short-term incentive, long-

term incentive and benefits, with a significant proportion of total 

remuneration awarded subject to multi-year performance-based 

vesting conditions. Payments under our short-term incentive 

At the outset, I am very pleased to note the addition of 

plan are capped, and the maximum number of restricted share 

Mr. George Yeo and Mr. Mohamed Azman Yahya to the 

units and share options in our long-term incentive plan is also 

Remuneration Committee from 17 January 2014 and 24 February 

determined at the outset. 

2014 respectively. Dr. Qin Xiao ceased to be a member of 

the Remuneration Committee on 30 May 2014 following his 

resignation as Independent Non-executive Director, and I would 

like to express my gratitude for his contribution.

The payout of short-term incentives and the vesting of long-

term incentives are subject to the Remuneration Committee’s 

approval. In early 2014, the Remuneration Committee approved 

the full vesting of the first long-term incentive award after the 

This Report provides an overview of the objectives of our 

Group’s initial public offering, which reflects explicitly the strong 

remuneration policy and the main components of the 

performance of the Group over the first three years post listing.

remuneration structure. It demonstrates that our approach to 

remuneration links pay with performance and rewards executives 

for sustainable value creation. 

Remuneration for our Non-executive Directors is provided solely 

through fees which are not linked to corporate performance, 

with decisions on Non-executive Director remuneration made at 

The determination of executive remuneration at the Group 

the full Board level. 

follows a rigorous process that takes into consideration 

market practice and the evolving regulatory framework. The 

Remuneration Committee is updated during the year on trends 

in executive remuneration and governance by an external 

remuneration consultant which the Remuneration Committee 

The Committee believes that our processes and structures ensure 

that remuneration arrangements operate within our governance 

standards, and align with the risk appetite of the Group as well 

as our shareholders’ interests. 

uses as a source for independent professional advice. The Group 

I trust that you will find the Report clear and informative.

Chief Executive and President is not present at or involved in 

discussion of his own remuneration.

In line with our Terms of Reference, the Remuneration 

Committee provided the Risk Committee with an overview of 

the remuneration arrangements at the Group, covering the 

process of determining executive remuneration, the structure of 

executive remuneration, as well as the Non-executive Director 

remuneration. Our coordinated approach to remuneration helps 

ensure that the Group’s remuneration arrangements provide 

appropriate incentives for the creation of sustainable value while 

discouraging excessive risk-taking.

Jack Chak-Kwong So

Chairman, Remuneration Committee

26 February 2015

090

AIA GROUP LIMITED

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
The Remuneration Committee is responsible for determining 

During the year ended 30 November 2014, three meetings were 

held by the Remuneration Committee. The attendance records of 

the specific remuneration packages of the Executive Director 

the Remuneration Committee members are set out on page 84 

and Key Management Personnel (senior executives who, by 

of this Annual Report.

the nature and accountabilities of their respective positions, 

participate directly in the development, monitoring and reporting 

of the overall business strategies of the Group) and making 

recommendations to the Board on the remuneration policy and 

structure to be applied for the Chairman and Non-executive 

During the year, major activities performed by the Remuneration 

Committee in relation to the remuneration of the Executive 

Director, Key Management Personnel, Chairman and Non-

executive Directors were as follows:

Directors. 

•  Reviewed the executive benchmark results and approved 

The Remuneration Committee is also responsible for 

establishing formal and transparent procedures for developing 

such remuneration policies and structures. In making its 

determinations and recommendations, the Remuneration 

Committee considers such factors as the responsibilities of 

the Executive Director and Key Management Personnel, the 

the 2014 remuneration packages for the Executive Director 

and Key Management Personnel (the Executive Director was 

not involved in discussion of his own remuneration and the 

long-term incentive awards for the Executive Director were 

subsequently approved by the Independent Non-executive 

Directors);

remuneration paid by comparable companies, remuneration 

•  Provided the Risk Committee with an updated summary of 

levels within the Group and the application of performance-

considerations undertaken by the Remuneration Committee 

based remuneration programmes. The Remuneration Committee 

in ensuring that the Group’s compensation and benefits 

also oversees the operation of the Company’s share option 

arrangements align with stakeholders’ interests and avoid 

scheme and other incentive schemes, recommending share-

excessive risk-taking;

based employee awards to the Board for approval as well as 

reviewing and, where appropriate, amending the terms of the 

schemes as may be required. 

The Remuneration Committee is authorised by the Board to 

•  Reviewed and approved the 2013 short-term incentive plan 

payout and the vesting of the 2011 long-term incentive award;

•  Reviewed and approved the 2014 long-term incentive award;

discharge its duties as outlined in its Terms of Reference. It is also 

•  Reviewed and approved the performance measures to be 

authorised to seek any remuneration information it requires from 

used in the 2015 short-term incentive plan(1) and the 2015 

the Executive Director and/or Key Management Personnel and 

long-term incentive award;

may obtain external independent professional advice if necessary.

•  Reviewed and approved the peer group for benchmarking the 

The full Terms of Reference of the Remuneration Committee can 

compensation of the Group Chief Executive and President; 

be accessed at www.aia.com.

and

Meetings in 2014
As at 30 November 2014, the Committee consisted of four 

members: three Independent Non-executive Directors, being  

Mr. Jack Chak-Kwong So, who is the Chairman of the Committee, 

Mr. George Yong-Boon Yeo, and Mr. Mohamed Azman Yahya; 

and one Executive Director, being Mr. Mark Edward Tucker.  

Dr. Qin Xiao was a member of the Committee until 29 May 2014. 

•  Reviewed and approved the 2013 Remuneration Report.

Note:
(1)  The performance measures used in the 2014 short-term incentive plan were 

approved in November 2013.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

091

 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

REMUNERATION REPORT

REMUNERATION POLICY
Objectives
The Company’s executive remuneration policy is based on the 

and the overall performance of the Group. The compensation 

and benefits arrangements designed under the policy provide 

incentives that are consistent with the interests of the Company’s 

principle of providing an equitable, motivating and competitive 

stakeholders and do not encourage executives to take excessive 

remuneration package to foster a strong performance-

risks that may threaten the value of the Group.

oriented culture within an appropriate overall risk management 

framework.

Main Components of Remuneration
The table below summarises the Company’s remuneration 

The policy aims to ensure that rewards and incentives relate 

policies regarding the elements of the remuneration structure 

directly to the performance of individuals, the operations and 

as it applied to the Executive Director and Key Management 

functions in which they work or for which they are responsible, 

Personnel during the year.

Element

Purpose

Basis of determination

Notes on practices

Basic salary

Fixed cash element of remuneration 
to recruit and retain talent

Short-term 
incentive

Long-term 
incentive

Benefits

Short-term incentives are delivered 
in the form of a performance-based 
cash award to recognise and reward 
achievement of the Group’s objectives 
and individual contribution

Long-term incentive plan focuses key 
contributors on the long-term success 
of the Group and is used to align the 
interests of executives with those of 
shareholders using a combination 
of share-based awards and share 
options to deliver a balanced mix of 
ownership and incentives

Benefits form part of the long-
term employment relationship and 
contribute to the value of total 
remuneration provided at market 
competitive levels

Basic salary is determined with 
reference to the specific roles and 
responsibilities of the position, 
internal relativities, market practice, 
individual experience, performance 
and other factors to attract and retain 
employees with required capabilities 
to achieve the Group’s business 
objectives

Short-term incentive target and 
maximum opportunities are 
determined with reference to the 
market appropriateness of total 
compensation and the roles and 
responsibilities of the individual

Long-term incentive target awards 
are determined with reference to 
the competitiveness of the total 
compensation package and the roles 
and responsibilities of the individual

The benefits programme is 
determined such that it is market 
competitive. It remains fully compliant 
with local regulations

Employee share 
purchase plan 
(ESPP)

Share purchase plan with matching 
offer to facilitate and encourage 
AIA share ownership by employees, 
and provide a long-term retention 
mechanism

The ESPP is open to all employees 
who have completed probation and 
subject to a maximum contribution 
indicated as a percentage of basic 
salary or the plan maximum limit

The Remuneration Committee 
reviews salaries annually for the 
Executive Director against a peer 
group of publicly listed insurance 
companies and Key Management 
Personnel against relevant industry 
survey sources

Salary increases, where applicable, 
typically take effect from 1 March

Annual short-term incentive based 
on the achievement of financial 
performance measures and relevant 
strategic objectives, as well as 
individual contribution

Awards are discretionary and 
determined on an annual basis

Awards are made in restricted share 
units and/or share options, and 
generally vest after a three-year 
period, with the restricted share units 
subject to pre-defined performance 
requirements

The Executive Director and Key 
Management Personnel receive 
certain benefits, for example, 
participation in pension schemes, 
medical and life insurance, use of 
company car and/or driver 

Participants receive matching 
shares for shares purchased at a 
rate approved by the Remuneration 
Committee

Matching shares vest after three years

092

AIA GROUP LIMITED

SHORT-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
For 2014, short-term incentive targets were determined and 

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE (LTI) PLAN
The Restricted Share Unit Scheme and the Share Option Scheme 

communicated to the Executive Director and Key Management 

were adopted on 28 September 2010 and are effective for a 

Personnel at the beginning of the financial year. The performance 

period of 10 years from the date of adoption. Summary details 

measures for 2014 short-term incentives were:

are provided in the pages that follow and in detail in note 40 to 

•  Value of new business;

•  Excess embedded value growth; and

•  Operating profit after tax.

the financial statements.

These schemes are designed to motivate and reward participants 

who have not only made an important contribution to AIA’s 

success but are expected to play a significant role in the future.

Value of new business (VONB) is an estimate of the economic 

Awards made under these schemes are discretionary and are 

value of one year’s sales as published by the Company.

determined on an annual basis with reference to the magnitude 

Excess embedded value growth (EEV Growth) is the sum of the 

operating experience variances (current year performance against 

the operating assumptions for calculating embedded value or 

of overall variable remuneration, the competitiveness of the total 

remuneration package, the roles, responsibilities, performance 

and potential of the individual.

EV) and operating assumption changes (value of future operating 

The schemes operate through the award of restricted share units 

outperformance considered permanent enough for recognition in 

and share options to deliver a balanced mix of incentives and 

the current year) in the EV operating profit.

ownership. The awards made are subject to eligibility criteria and 

Operating profit after tax (OPAT) is the IFRS operating profit after 

generally vest after a three-year period.

tax based on the IFRS results published by the Company.

As applicable to other remuneration payments, long-term 

The weighting of the three performance measures described 

above is 60 per cent, 10 per cent and 30 per cent for VONB, 

incentive vesting is subject to the Remuneration Committee’s 

approval and is in compliance with all relevant Group policies.

EEV Growth and OPAT respectively. Based on the level of 

The schemes are reviewed regularly to ensure that the design, 

achievement of the performance measures, short-term incentive 

process, structure and governance work together to balance risk 

awards in respect of 2014 will be paid to the Executive Director 

and incentives.

and Key Management Personnel in March 2015. The total value 

of short-term incentive awards accrued for the Executive Director 

and Key Management Personnel for the financial year ended 

30 November 2014 is US$12,045,400. Such amount is included 

in note 41 to the financial statements as the Bonuses to the 

Executive Director and as part of the “Salaries and other short-

term employee benefits” to the Key Management Personnel.

Restricted Share Unit Scheme 
Under the Restricted Share Unit Scheme, the Company may 

award restricted share units to employees, Directors (excluding 

Independent Non-executive Directors) or officers of the Company 

or any of its subsidiaries. The objectives of the Restricted Share 

Unit Scheme are to retain participants, align their interests 

with those of the Company’s investors and reward the creation 

of sustainable value for shareholders through the award of 

restricted share units to participants. 

During the year ended 30 November 2014, 19,086,387 restricted 

share units were awarded by the Company under the Restricted 

Share Unit Scheme.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

093

 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

REMUNERATION REPORT

Performance Measures and Vesting
Vesting of performance-based restricted share unit awards 

In early 2014, after assessing the performance of the Company 

over the period from 1 December 2010 to 30 November 2013, 

will be contingent on the extent of achievement of three-year 

the Remuneration Committee approved the vesting of the 

performance targets as outlined below for the following metrics:

2011 restricted share unit awards at the maximum level based 

•  Value of new business;

•  Equity attributable to shareholders of the Company on the 

embedded value basis; and

•  Total shareholder return.

Value of new business (VONB) is an estimate of the economic 

value of one year’s sales.

on the strong overall performance of the Company against its 

challenging performance targets.

The 2012 restricted share unit awards will vest on 15 March 2015. 

The chart below shows AIA’s TSR compared with the DJTINN 

during the period from 1 December 2011 to 30 November 2014, 

which is the same period that the performance is measured for 

the purpose of the 2012 restricted share unit awards. The Hang 

Seng Index (HSI) performance for the same period is also shown 

Equity attributable to shareholders of the Company on the 

for reference as it is a recognised Hong Kong equity market index 

embedded value basis (EV Equity) is the total of embedded 

of which AIA is a constituent.

value, goodwill and other intangible assets. Embedded value 

is an estimate of the economic value of in-force life insurance 

AIA TSR Performance Against DJTINN and HSI

business, including the net worth on the Group’s balance sheet 

100%

but excluding any economic value attributable to future new 

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%

-20%
1 Dec 2011

1 Jun 2012

1 Dec 2012

1 Jun 2013

1 Dec 2013

1 Jun 2014

1 Dec 2014

AIA

DJTINN

HSI

business.

The VONB and EV Equity performance considered in determining 

incentive awards are based on the Group VONB and Group EV 

Equity results published by the Group.

Total shareholder return (TSR) is the compound annual return 

from the ownership of a share over a period of time, measured 

by calculating the change in the share price and the gross value 

of dividends received (and reinvested) during that period. AIA‘s 

TSR will be calculated in the same way and compared with the 

TSR of the peer companies in the Dow Jones Insurance Titans 30 

Index (DJTINN) over the performance period.

The three performance measures are equally weighted. 

Achievement of each performance measure will independently 

determine the vesting of one-third of the award. Threshold 

performance levels are required for restricted share units to 

vest; at target performance levels (for TSR, median relative 

performance measured against the TSR of the peer companies 

in the DJTINN) 50 per cent of the restricted share units will vest; 

and at maximum performance levels (for TSR, top quartile relative 

performance measured against the TSR of the peer companies in 

the DJTINN) the full allocation of restricted share units will vest.

094

AIA GROUP LIMITED

The table below summarises the movements in restricted share unit awards.

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Executive Director,  
Key Management 
Personnel and other 
eligible employees

Executive Director
Mr. Mark Edward Tucker

  Date of grant  
(day / 
month / 

year) (1)

1/6/2011 

1/6/2011

1/6/2011

Key Management 
Personnel (excluding 
Executive Director)

Other eligible employees  

15/3/2012

11/3/2013

5/3/2014

1/6/2011

1/6/2011

15/3/2012

11/3/2013

5/3/2014

14/4/2014

14/4/2014

1/6/2011

1/6/2011

18/10/2011

18/10/2011

18/10/2011

15/3/2012

15/3/2012

6/9/2012

11/3/2013

1/8/2013

1/8/2013

5/3/2014

11/9/2014

11/9/2014

Restricted  
share units  
  outstanding  
as at  
1 December  

Restricted  
share units  
awarded  
during the  
year ended

  30 November  

Restricted  
share units  
  vested during  
 the year ended
  30 November  

Restricted  
share units  
cancelled /  
  lapsed during  
 the year ended  
  30 November 

Restricted  
share units  
  outstanding  
as at  
  30 November  

2014

2014

2014 (7)

 2014

Vesting  
date(s)  
(day / 
month /  
year)

See note (2)

1/4/2014 (3)

See note (4)

15/3/2015 (3)

11/3/2016 (3)

5/3/2017 (3)

1/4/2014 (3)

See note (4)

15/3/2015 (3)

11/3/2016 (3)

5/3/2017 (3)

14/4/2017 (3)

See note (6)

See note (4)

2013

492,045

1,433,149

806,147

1,434,842

1,314,873

–

1,261,874

2,253,565

3,729,321

1,949,178

1,779,549

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,546,053

203,016

487,238

2,626,073

1/4/2014 (3)

12,770,760

1/8/2014 (3)

146,193

18/10/2014 (3)

1,031,469

18/10/2014 (5)

59,581

15/3/2015 (3)

15,543,206

15/3/2015 (5)

6/9/2015 (3)

81,831

218,664

11/3/2016 (3)

15,990,781

264,994

75,865

1/8/2016 (3)

11/3/2016 (3)

5/3/2017 (3)

11/9/2017 (3)

5/3/2017 (3)

–

–

–

15,535,289

48,724

4,193

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(492,045)

(1,433,149)

(268,715)

–

–

–

(2,253,565)

(1,243,104)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

537,432

1,434,842

1,314,873

1,261,874

–

2,486,217

1,949,178

1,779,549

1,546,053

203,016

487,238

(851,615)

(71,214)

1,703,244

(12,256,123)

(514,637)

–

(185,775)

(32,427)

–

–

–

–

(1,609,772)

13,863,942

(81,831)

–

–

218,664

(25,758)

(1,530,911)

14,434,112

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

264,994

75,865

(558,880)

14,976,409

–

–

48,724

4,193

(146,193)

(845,694)

(27,154)

(69,492)

–

–

Notes:
(1)  The measurement dates (i.e. the dates used to determine the value of the awards for accounting purposes) for awards made in 2011 were determined to be 15 June 

2011 and 2 November 2011. The measurement dates for awards made in 2012 were determined to be 15 March 2012 and 6 September 2012. The measurement dates 
for awards made in 2013 were determined to be 11 March 2013 and 1 August 2013. The measurement dates for awards made in 2014 were determined to be 5 March 
2014, 14 April 2014 and 11 September 2014. The measurement dates were determined in accordance with IFRS 2.

(2)  The vesting of these restricted share units is service-based only (meaning there are no further performance conditions attached). 25 per cent of the restricted share units 
(246,021 restricted share units) vested on 1 June 2012; 25 per cent (246,021 restricted share units) vested on 1 June 2013; and 50 per cent (492,045 restricted share 
units) vested on 1 June 2014.

(3)  The vesting of these restricted share units is subject to the achievement of performance conditions shown on the preceding page.

(4)  The vesting of these restricted share units is service-based only. One-third of restricted share units vested on 1 April 2014; one-third vest on 1 April 2015; and one-third 

vest on 1 April 2016.

(5)  The vesting of these restricted share units is service-based only.

(6)  The vesting of these restricted share units is service-based only. One-half of restricted share units vest on 14 April 2015; and one-half vest on 14 April 2016.

(7)  There were no cancelled restricted share units during the year ended 30 November 2014.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

095

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

REMUNERATION REPORT

Share Option Scheme
The objective of the Share Option Scheme is to align the 

Performance Measures and Vesting
Share options awarded under the Share Option Scheme 

interests of Scheme participants with those of the Company’s 

have a life of 10 years before expiry. Generally, share options 

shareholders. Under the Share Option Scheme, the Company 

become exercisable three years after the grant date and remain 

may award share options to employees, Directors (excluding 

exercisable for another seven years, subject to participants’ 

Independent Non-executive Directors) or officers of the Company 

continued employment in good standing. There are no 

or any of its subsidiaries. No amount is payable by the eligible 

performance conditions attached to the vesting of share options. 

participants on the acceptance of a share option.

Each share option entitles the eligible participant to subscribe for 

During the year ended 30 November 2014, 6,678,445 share 

options were awarded by the Company under the Share 

one ordinary share. Benefits are realised only to the extent that 

share price exceeds exercise price.

Option Scheme to employees and officers of the Company and 

The majority of the share options awarded in 2011 became 

employees, officers and directors of a number of its subsidiaries. 

exercisable on 1 April 2014. The share options awarded in 2014 

The exercise price of such share options was determined by 

will vest in 2017. Details of the valuation of the share options are 

applying the highest of (i) the closing price of the shares on the 

set out in note 40 to the financial statements.

date of grant, (ii) the average closing price of the shares for the 

five business days immediately preceding the date of grant and 

(iii) the nominal value of a share. 

The total number of share options that can be awarded under 

the scheme is 301,100,000, representing approximately  

2.5 per cent of the number of shares in issue as at the date of 

this Annual Report. Unless shareholders’ approval is obtained in 

accordance with the relevant procedural requirements under the 

Listing Rules, the maximum number of shares under options that 

may be awarded to any employee in any 12-month period up to 

and including a proposed date of grant is 0.25 per cent of the 

number of shares in issue as of the proposed date of grant. No 

share options have been awarded to substantial shareholders, or 

in excess of the individual limit. 

096

AIA GROUP LIMITED

The table below summarises the movements in share option awards.

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Executive Director, 
Key Management 
Personnel and other 
eligible employees

  Date of  
grant  
(day /  
  month /  

year) (1)

Period during  
  which share options  
exercisable (day /  
month / year)

Share 
options  
 outstanding  

as at

 1 December  

Share 
options  
awarded  
during the  
year ended
  30 November  

Share 
options 
vested 
during the 
year ended
  30 November  

Share  
options  
cancelled /  
lapsed  
during the  
year ended  
  30 November 

Share  
options  
exercised  
during the  
year ended

  30 November  

Share 
options  
  outstanding  
as at   
 30 November  

 Exercise 
price  
(HK$)

2013

2014

2014

2014 (8) 

2014

2014

(HK$)

  Weighted  
average  
  closing price  
of shares  
  immediately  
  before the  
dates on  
  which share  
 options were  
exercised  

Executive Director
Mr. Mark Edward 
Tucker

  1/6/2011

1/4/2014 - 31/5/2021 (2)

2,149,724

  1/6/2011 

1/4/2014 - 31/5/2021 (3)

2,418,439

 15/3/2012

  15/3/2015 - 14/3/2022 (4)

2,152,263

 11/3/2013

  11/3/2016 - 10/3/2023 (5)

2,183,144

–

–

–

–

  5/3/2014

  5/3/2017 -   4/3/2024 (6)

–

2,169,274

Key Management 
Personnel (excluding 
Executive Director)

  1/6/2011

  1/6/2011

1/4/2014 - 31/5/2021 (2)

3,380,346

1/4/2014 - 31/5/2021 (3)

4,919,047

 15/3/2012

  15/3/2015 - 14/3/2022 (4)

2,923,765

 11/3/2013

  11/3/2016 - 10/3/2023 (5)

2,954,666

–

–

–

–

  5/3/2014

  5/3/2017 -   4/3/2024 (6)

 14/4/2014

  14/4/2017 - 13/4/2024 (7)

–

–

2,657,795

332,282

2,149,724

806,146

–

–

–

3,380,346

1,639,679

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–  

27.35

2,149,724  

–  

27.35

2,418,439  

–  

28.40

2,152,263  

–  

34.35

2,183,144  

–  

37.56

2,169,274  

–  

27.35

3,380,346   

–  

27.35

4,919,047  

–  

28.40

2,923,765   

–  

34.35

2,954,666  

–  

37.56

2,657,795  

–  

39.45

332,282   

Other eligible 
employees

  1/6/2011

1/4/2014 - 31/5/2021 (2)

1,744,437

  1/6/2011

1/4/2014 - 31/5/2021 (3)

3,695,966

 15/3/2012

  15/3/2015 - 14/3/2022 (4)

1,987,840

 11/3/2013

  11/3/2016 - 10/3/2023 (5)

1,781,484

–

–

–

–

1,624,407

(120,030)

(725,558)  

27.35

898,849   

1,160,768

(213,640)

(391,666)  

27.35

3,090,660  

13,114

(236,292)

–  

28.40

1,751,548   

6,918

(176,461)

–  

34.35

1,605,023   

  5/3/2014

  5/3/2017 -   4/3/2024 (6)

–

1,519,094

–

–

–  

37.56

1,519,094  

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

40.13

40.05

n/a

n/a

n/a

Notes:
(1)  The measurement date (i.e. the date used to determine the value of the awards for accounting purposes) for awards made in 2011 was determined to be 15 June 2011. 
The measurement date for awards made in 2012 was determined to be 15 March 2012. The measurement date for awards made in 2013 was determined to be 11 
March 2013. The measurement dates for awards made in 2014 were determined to be 5 March 2014 and 14 April 2014. The measurement dates were determined in 
accordance with IFRS 2.

(2)  The vesting of share options is service-based only and has no further performance conditions. All share options vested on 1 April 2014.

(3)  The vesting of share options is service-based only and has no further performance conditions. One-third of share options vested on 1 April 2014; one-third vest on 1 April 

2015; and one-third vest on 1 April 2016.

(4)  The vesting of share options is service-based only and has no further performance conditions. All share options vest on 15 March 2015.

(5)  The vesting of share options is service-based only and has no further performance conditions. All share options vest on 11 March 2016.

(6)  The closing price of the Company’s shares immediately before the date on which share options were awarded is HK$37.35. The vesting of share options is service-based 

only and has no further performance conditions. All share options vest on 5 March 2017.

(7)  The closing price of the Company’s shares immediately before the date on which share options were awarded is HK$39.65. The vesting of share options is service-based 

only and has no further performance conditions. All share options vest on 14 April 2017.

(8)  There were no cancelled share options during the year ended 30 November 2014.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

097

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

REMUNERATION REPORT

DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGEMENT 
PERSONNEL EMOLUMENTS 
Executive Director
The Group Chief Executive and President, Mr. Mark Edward 

Tucker, is the sole Executive Director on the Company’s Board. He 

receives his remuneration exclusively for his role as Group Chief 

Executive and receives no separate fees for his role as a Board 

Director or for acting as a director of any subsidiary companies.

The table below provides details of target remuneration for the 

Group Chief Executive during the years 2013 and 2014. Details 

of remuneration cost incurred by the Company during the period 

from 1 December 2013 to 30 November 2014 are included in 

note 41 to the financial statements.

US$

Executive Director

Mr. Mark Edward Tucker

Year 2014

Year 2013

Target Pay Opportunity

Target

short-term  
incentive

Target

long-term  
incentive  

Total

Basic salary

1,414,800

1,347,300

2,122,200

2,021,000

6,012,900

5,389,400

9,549,900

8,757,700

Non-executive Directors 
The remuneration of the Non-executive Director and 

Independent Non-executive Directors of the Company during the  

year ended 30 November 2014 is included in the table on the 

right. 

Remuneration for the Non-executive Director and Independent 

Non-executive Directors was paid in respect of the period from 

1 December 2013 to 30 November 2014 and included the fees 

for their services provided to the Board Committees. Dr. Qin Xiao 

US$

Non-executive Chairman and 
Non-executive Director

Mr. Edmund Sze-Wing Tse (1)

Independent Non-executive Directors

Mr. Jack Chak-Kwong So 

Mr. Chung-Kong Chow 

Mr. John Barrie Harrison 

resigned as Independent Non-executive Director of the Company 

Mr. George Yong-Boon Yeo (2)

with effect from 30 May 2014 and his remuneration was paid 

Mr. Mohamed Azman Yahya (3)

in respect of the period between 1 December 2013 and 29 May 

Professor Lawrence Juen-Yee Lau (4)

2014. Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee resigned as Independent Non-

Dr. Qin Xiao (5)

executive Director of the Company with effect from 1 September 

Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee (5) 

2014 and his remuneration was paid in respect of the period 

between 1 December 2013 and 31 August 2014. Mr. Mohamed 

Total

2014 Directors’  
remuneration

668,009

220,000

205,000

235,000

207,425

141,918

38,521

91,233

142,630

1,949,736

Azman Yahya and Professor Lawrence Juen-Yee Lau were 

appointed as Independent Non-executive Directors with effect 

from 24 February 2014 and 18 September 2014 respectively 

Notes:
(1)  US$24,126 which represents the remuneration for Mr. Tse in respect of his 

services as a Director of a subsidiary of the Company.

(2)  Mr. Yeo was appointed as a member of the Remuneration Committee with 

and their remuneration was paid in respect of the period from 

effect from 17 January 2014.

their respective date of appointment to 30 November 2014 on 

(3)  Mr. Yahya was appointed as Independent Non-executive Director of the 

a pro-rata basis. Mr. George Yong-Boon Yeo was appointed as 

a member of the Remuneration Committee with effect from 

17 January 2014 and was entitled for an additional annual fee 

of US$20,000 for his services provided to the Remuneration 

Company and a member of the Remuneration Committee and Nomination 
Committee with effect from 24 February 2014.

(4)  Professor Lau was appointed as Independent Non-executive Director of the 

Company and a member of the Risk Committee and Nomination Committee 
with effect from 18 September 2014.

Committee during the year on a pro-rata basis. Details of the 

(5)  Dr. Qin and Dr. Narongchai resigned as Independent Non-executive Directors of 

changes have been set out on pages 86 to 87 of this Annual 

Report.

the Company with effect from 30 May 2014 and 1 September 2014 
respectively.

All remuneration of the Non-executive Director and Independent 

Non-executive Directors was on a flat annual fee basis, with 

no variable component linked to either corporate or individual 

performance and therefore with no financial incentive to promote 

the assumption by the Group of inappropriate levels of risk.

098

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Service Contracts 
No Director proposed for re-election at the forthcoming AGM 

has any service contract which is not determinable by the 

Company or any of its subsidiaries within one year without 

payment of compensation (other than statutory compensation).

Key Management Personnel
The total remuneration cost charged to the consolidated 

income statement for the Key Management Personnel during 

the year ended 30 November 2014 is US$46,464,005. Details 

of remuneration during the year are included in note 41 to the 

financial statements.

EMPLOYEE SHARE PURCHASE PLAN
Under the Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP), in year 2014 the 

employees of the Company and its subsidiaries participated in the 

plan to purchase shares and received a matching offer of shares 

from the Company. The objectives of the ESPP are to facilitate 

and motivate share ownership by employees and to align their 

interests with those of the Company’s shareholders. Currently the 

ESPP is designed such that participants are eligible to contribute 

up to 5 per cent of their basic salary or the plan maximum 

limit of US$15,000 per annum approved by the Remuneration 

Committee, whichever is lower, to purchase shares. For every two 

shares purchased by a participant, the Company will match with 

one additional share.

Performance Measures and Vesting
The ESPP has no performance conditions and vesting occurs after 

three years, at which time participants receive ownership over 

the matching shares. For employees that leave prior to the end 

of the vesting period, matching shares will generally be forfeited, 

subject to certain special circumstances, in which case pro rata 

vesting may be permitted. 

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

099

 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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Independent Auditor’s Report ..............101

22. Derivative financial instruments

Consolidated Income Statement ......... 103

23. Fair value measurement

Consolidated Statement of  
Comprehensive Income ....................... 104

Consolidated Statement of  
Financial Position ..................................105

Consolidated Statement of  
Changes in Equity  .................................107

Consolidated Statement of  
Cash Flows .............................................109

Notes to the Consolidated  
Financial Statements and Significant 
Accounting Policies ............................... 111

1.  Corporate information

24. Other assets

25. Impairment of financial assets

26. Cash and cash equivalents

27. Insurance contract liabilities

28. Investment contract liabilities

29. Effect of changes in assumptions  

and estimates

30. Borrowings

31. Obligations under securities lending  

and repurchase agreements

32. Offsetting of financial assets and 

2.  Significant accounting policies

financial liabilities

3.  Critical accounting estimates  

33. Provisions

and judgements

4.  Exchange rates

5.  Changes in group composition

6.  Operating profit after tax

7.  Total weighted premium income  
and annualised new premium

8.  Segment information

9.  Revenue

10. Expenses

11. Income tax

12. Earnings per share

13. Dividends

14. Intangible assets

15. Investments in associates  

and joint venture

16. Property, plant and equipment

17. Investment property

18. Fair value of investment property  

and property held for use

19. Reinsurance assets

20. Deferred acquisition and  

origination costs

21. Financial investments

34. Other liabilities

35. Share capital and reserves 

36. Non-controlling interests

37. Group capital structure

38. Risk management

39. Employee benefits

40. Share-based compensation

41. Remuneration of directors and  
key management personnel

42. Related party transactions

43. Commitments and contingencies

44. Subsidiaries

45. Events after the reporting period

46. Effect of adoption of new and revised 

accounting standards

Financial Statements of the Company ...211

Statement of Financial Position  
of the Company

Notes to the Financial Statements  
of the Company

Supplementary Embedded Value 
Information ............................................214

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor’s Report

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TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF AIA GROUP LIMITED
(incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability)

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of AIA Group Limited (the “Company”) and 
its subsidiaries (together, the “Group”) set out on pages 103 to 213, which comprise the consolidated 
and company statements of financial position as at 30 November 2014, and the consolidated income 
statement,  the  consolidated  statement  of  comprehensive  income,  the  consolidated  statement  of 
changes  in  equity  and  the  consolidated  statement  of  cash  flows  for  the  year  then  ended,  and  a 
summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

Directors’ responsibility for the consolidated financial statements
The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of consolidated financial statements 
that give a true and fair view in accordance with Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards issued by 
the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA), and with the International Financial 
Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the Hong 
Kong Companies Ordinance, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to 
enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our 
audit and to report our opinion solely to you, as a body, in accordance with section 80 of Schedule 11 
to the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and for no other purpose. We do not assume responsibility 
towards or accept liability to any other person for the contents of this report.

We conducted our audit in accordance with Hong Kong Standards on Auditing issued by the HKICPA. 
Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit 
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from 
material misstatement.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

101

 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor’s Report

Auditor’s responsibility (continued)
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures 
in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, 
including  the  assessment  of  the  risks  of  material  misstatement  of  the  consolidated  financial 
statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers 
internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation of consolidated financial statements that give a 
true and fair view in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but 
not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An 
audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness 
of accounting estimates made by the directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the 
consolidated financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
for our audit opinion.

Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of affairs 
of the Company and of the Group as at 30 November 2014 and of the Group’s profit and cash flows 
for the year then ended in accordance with both Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards issued by 
the HKICPA and with International Financial Reporting Standards issued by the IASB and have been 
properly prepared in accordance with the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance.

PricewaterhouseCoopers
Certified Public Accountants

Hong Kong
26 February 2015

102

AIA GROUP LIMITED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Income Statement

US$m

Revenue
Turnover

Premiums and fee income

Premiums ceded to reinsurers

Net premiums and fee income

Investment return

Other operating revenue

Total revenue

Expenses
Insurance and investment contract benefits

Insurance and investment contract benefits ceded

Net insurance and investment contract benefits

Commission and other acquisition expenses

Operating expenses

Finance costs

Other expenses

Total expenses

Profit before share of profit from associates and joint venture

Share of profit from associates and joint venture

Profit before tax

Income tax expense attributable to policyholders’ returns

Profit before tax attributable to shareholders’ profits

Tax expense

Tax attributable to policyholders’ returns

Tax expense attributable to shareholders’ profits

Net profit

Net profit attributable to:

  Shareholders of AIA Group Limited

  Non-controlling interests

Earnings per share (US$)
Basic

Diluted

Dividends to shareholders of the Company attributable to the year:

US$m

Interim dividend declared and paid of 16.00 Hong Kong cents 
  per share (2013: 13.93 Hong Kong cents per share)

Final dividend proposed after the reporting date of 34.00 Hong Kong 
  cents per share (2013: 28.62 Hong Kong cents per share)

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Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

Notes

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9

9

10

11

12

12

Notes

13

13

18,225

(1,173)

17,052

8,204

177

25,433

17,828

(1,024)

16,804

2,139

1,636

103

420

21,102

4,331

14

4,345

(125)

4,220

(877)

125

(752)

3,468

3,450

18

0.29

0.29

16,666

(959)

15,707

6,030

155

21,892

15,299

(816)

14,483

1,934

1,537

71

340

18,365

3,527

14

3,541

(47)

3,494

(692)

47

(645)

2,849

2,824

25

0.24

0.24

Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013

247

525

772

215

442

657

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

103

 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

US$m

Net profit

Other comprehensive income/(expense)
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Fair value gains/(losses) on available for sale financial assets 

(net of tax of: 2014: US$(694)m; 2013: US$555m)

Fair value gains on available for sale financial assets transferred to 
income on disposal (net of tax of: 2014: US$3m; 2013: US$2m)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

Cash flow hedges

Share of other comprehensive income/(expense) from associates and joint venture

Subtotal

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Effect of remeasurement of net liability of defined benefit 
  schemes (net of tax of: 2014: US$(1)m; 2013: US$(3)m)

Subtotal

Total other comprehensive income/(expense)

Total comprehensive income/(expense)

Total comprehensive income/(expense) attributable to:

  Shareholders of AIA Group Limited

  Non-controlling interests

Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

3,468

2,849

3,813

(3,671)

(29)

(433)

4

22

(23)

(505)

–

(23)

3,377

(4,222)

(10)

(10)

3,367

6,835

6,821

14

29

29

(4,193)

(1,344)

(1,367)

23

104

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

US$m

Assets
Intangible assets

Investments in associates and joint venture

Property, plant and equipment

Investment property

Reinsurance assets

Deferred acquisition and origination costs

Financial investments:

  Loans and deposits

  Available for sale

  Debt securities

  At fair value through profit or loss

  Debt securities

  Equity securities

  Derivative financial instruments

Deferred tax assets

Current tax recoverable

Other assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Liabilities
Insurance contract liabilities

Investment contract liabilities

Borrowings

Obligations under securities lending and repurchase agreements

Derivative financial instruments

Provisions

Deferred tax liabilities

Current tax liabilities

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Notes

14

15

16

17, 18

19

20

21, 23

22

11

24

26

27

28

30

31

22

33

11

34

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As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

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2,152

131

541

1,384

1,657

16,593

1,321

93

480

1,128

1,379

15,738

7,654

7,484

77,744

64,763

24,319

28,827

265

22,560

26,102

445

138,809

121,354

10

54

3,753

1,835

6

44

3,543

2,316

166,919

147,402

113,097

103,436

7,937

2,934

3,753

211

213

3,079

198

4,542

8,698

1,950

1,889

89

187

2,030

242

4,054

135,964

122,575

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

US$m

Equity
Share capital

Share premium

Employee share-based trusts

Other reserves

Retained earnings

  Fair value reserve

  Foreign currency translation reserve

  Others

Amounts reflected in other comprehensive income

Total equity attributable to:

  Shareholders of AIA Group Limited

  Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

Notes

35

35

35

35

35

35

36

13,962

–

(286)

12,044

1,914

(274)

(11,994)

(11,995)

22,831

6,076

227

(10)

6,293

30,806

149

30,955

166,919

20,070

2,270

657

(4)

2,923

24,682

145

24,827

147,402

Approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 26 February 2015.

Mark Edward Tucker 
Director 

Edmund Sze-Wing Tse
Director

106

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

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US$m

Notes

Share
capital
and
share
premium

Employee
share-
based
trusts

Other
reserves

Retained
earnings

Fair value
reserve

Foreign
currency
translation
reserve

Non-
controlling
interests

Others

Total
equity

Other comprehensive income

Balance at 1 December 2013, 
  as previously reported

Effect of adoption of IAS 19 

(as revised in 2011)

Balance at 1 December 2013, 
  as adjusted

Net profit

Fair value gains/(losses) 
  on available for sale 

financial assets

Fair value gains on available 
for sale financial assets 
transferred to income 

  on disposal

Foreign currency translation 
  adjustments

Cash flow hedges

Share of other comprehensive 
income from associates 

  and joint venture

Effect of remeasurement 
  of net liability of defined 
  benefit schemes

Total comprehensive income/

(expense) for the year

Dividends

13

Shares issued under share 
  option scheme

Acquisition of non-controlling 

interests

Share-based compensation

Purchase of shares held by 
  employee share-based trusts

Transfer of vested shares from 
  employee share-based trusts

Others

13,958

(274)

(11,995)

20,070

2,270

657

–

–

–

–

–

–

13,958

(274)

(11,995)

20,070

2,270

657

3,450

–

–

(4)

(4)

–

–

–

–

4

–

(10)

–

–

–

(430)

–

–

–

3,814

(29)

–

–

22

–

3,807

(430)

(6)

–

–

(1)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

145

24,831

–

(4)

145

18

24,827

3,468

(1)

3,813

–

(3)

–

–

–

(29)

(433)

4

22

(10)

14

(11)

6,835

(700)

–

1

–

–

–

–

4

–

83

(91)

–

(3)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(91)

79

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

83

–

(79)

(3)

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,450

(689)

–

–

–

–

–

–

Balance at 30 November 2014

13,962

(286)

(11,994)

22,831

6,076

227

(10)

149

30,955

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

107

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A
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I

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A
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G
E
T
A
R
O
P
R
O
C

S
T
N
E
M
E
T
A
T
S
L
A
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N
A
N
I
F

I

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A
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A
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

US$m

Notes

Share
capital
and
share
premium

Employee
share-
based
trusts

Other
reserves

Retained
earnings

Fair value
reserve

Foreign
currency
translation
reserve

Non-
controlling
interests

Others

Total
equity

Other comprehensive income

13,958

(188)

(12,060)

17,843

5,979

1,165

–

131

26,828

–

–

–

(2)

–

–

13,958

(188)

(12,060)

17,841

5,979

1,165

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(87)

1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(8)

75

–

–

(2)

–

–

–

2,824

–

–

(3,676)

–

–

–

–

(23)

–

(498)

(13)

(10)

–

–

2,824

(3,712)

(508)

(595)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(33)

(33)

–

–

–

–

–

29

29

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(35)

131

25

26,793

2,849

5

(3,671)

–

(7)

–

–

23

(9)

16

(16)

–

–

–

–

(23)

(505)

(23)

29

(1,344)

(604)

16

(21)

75

(87)

1

(2)

13,958

(274)

(11,995)

20,070

2,270

657

(4)

145

24,827

Balance at 1 December 2012, 
  as previously reported

Effect of adoption of IAS 19 

(as revised in 2011)

Balance at 1 December 2012, 
  as adjusted

Net profit

Fair value (losses)/gains
  on available for sale 

financial assets

Fair value gains on available 
for sale financial assets 
transferred to income 

  on disposal

Foreign currency translation 
  adjustments

Share of other comprehensive 
  expense from associates

Effect of remeasurement 
  of net liability of defined 
  benefit schemes

Total comprehensive income/

(expense) for the year

Dividends

13

Acquisition of subsidiaries

Acquisition of non-controlling 

interests

Share-based compensation

Purchase of shares held by 
  employee share-based trusts

Transfer of vested shares from 
  employee share-based trusts

Others

Balance at 30 November 2013,
  as adjusted

108

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

US$m

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax

Adjustments for:

  Financial investments

Insurance and investment contract liabilities

  Obligations under securities lending and repurchase agreements

31

  Other non-cash operating items, including investment income

  Operating cash items:

Interest received

  Dividends received

Interest paid

  Tax paid

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Payments for intangible assets

Contribution to a joint venture

Loans to a joint venture

Distribution from investments in associates

Payments for investment property and property, plant and equipment

Payments for leasehold land

Proceeds from sale of investment property and property, plant and equipment

Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of medium term notes and drawdown of acquisition credit facility

Repayment of acquisition credit facility

Interest paid on medium term notes and acquisition credit facility

Proceeds from other borrowings

Repayment of other borrowings

Dividends paid during the year

Purchase of shares held by employee share-based trusts

Shares issued under share option scheme

Acquisition of non-controlling interests

Net cash provided by financing activities

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the financial year

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the financial year

14

15

15

16, 17

24

30

30

30

30

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O

Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

Notes

4,345

3,541

(15,479)

(10,190)

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I

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E
V
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E
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A
R
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P
R
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C

S
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S
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I

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A
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A
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O
I
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I
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A

10,430

1,892

(5,084)

4,678

535

(57)

(516)

744

(911)

–

(16)

–

(456)

–

35

–

(1,348)

990

–

(49)

347

(348)

(700)

(91)

4

–

153

(451)

2,140

(58)

1,631

8,342

121

(5,052)

4,330

472

(47)

(451)

1,066

(65)

(30)

–

1

(176)

(296)

82

(1,802)

(2,286)

2,868

(1,725)

(23)

324

(8)

(604)

(87)

–

(21)

724

(496)

2,709

(73)

2,140

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

109

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Cash and cash equivalents in the above consolidated statement of cash flows can be further analysed as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated statement of financial position

Bank overdrafts

Cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated statement of cash flows

Notes

26

Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

1,835

(204)

1,631

2,316

(176)

2,140

110

AIA GROUP LIMITED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and 
Significant Accounting Policies

W
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1. CORPORATE INFORMATION
AIA  Group  Limited  (the  “Company”)  was  established  as  a  company  with  limited  liability  incorporated  in  Hong  Kong  on 
24 August 2009. The address of its registered office is 35/F, AIA Central, No. 1 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong.

AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock code “1299” with 
American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) being traded on the over-the-counter market (ticker symbol: “AAGIY”).

AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) is a life insurance based financial services provider 
operating in 17 jurisdictions throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The Group’s principal activity is the writing of life insurance 
business, providing life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans throughout Asia, and distributing related 
investment and other financial services products to its customers.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
2.1 Basis of preparation and statement of compliance
The  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards 
(IFRS), Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards (HKFRS) and the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance. Hong Kong Companies 
Ordinance for this financial year and the comparative period continue to be those of the predecessor Companies Ordinance (Cap. 
32), in accordance with transitional and saving arrangements for Part 9 of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), 
‘Accounts and Audit’, which are set out in sections 76 to 87 of Schedule 11 to that Ordinance. HKFRS is substantially consistent 
with IFRS and the accounting policy selections that the Group has made in preparing these consolidated financial statements are 
such that the Group is able to comply with both IFRS and HKFRS. References to IFRS, International Accounting Standards (IAS) 
and Interpretations developed by the IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) in these consolidated financial statements should 
be read as referring to the equivalent HKFRS, Hong Kong Accounting Standards (HKAS) and Hong Kong (IFRIC) Interpretations 
(HK(IFRIC) – Int) as the case may be. Accordingly, there are no differences of accounting practice between IFRS and HKFRS 
affecting these consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements have been approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 26 February 2015.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation 
of available for sale financial assets, certain financial assets and liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss and 
derivative financial instruments, all of which are carried at fair value.

Items included in the consolidated financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured in the currency of the 
primary economic environment in which that entity operates (the functional currency). The consolidated financial statements 
are presented in millions of US dollars (US$m) unless otherwise stated, which is the Company’s functional currency, and the 
presentation currency of the Company and the Group.

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial year, except as described below. In addition, 
the Group reclassified bank overdrafts of US$176m from “Borrowings” to “Other liabilities” in the consolidated statement of 
financial position as of 30 November 2013 and expenses of US$37m from “Operating expenses” to “Other expenses” in the 
consolidated income statement for the year ended 30 November 2013 to be consistent with current year presentation. In prior 
years, cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated statement of cash flows was the same as cash and cash equivalents in the 
consolidated statement of financial position. The Group has reassessed the composition of cash and cash equivalents in the 
consolidated statement of cash flows and included bank overdrafts within the definition of cash and cash equivalents in the 
consolidated statement of cash flows.

(a)  New and revised standards adopted by the Group

• 

IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements, replaces the consolidation guidance in IAS 27, Consolidated and separate 
financial statements and SIC 12, Consolidation – Special purpose entities. It builds on existing principles by identifying 
the  concept  of  control  as  the  determining  factor  in  whether  an  entity  should  be  included  within  the  consolidated 
financial statements of the parent company. The standard provides additional guidance to assist in the determination 
of control where this is difficult to assess. The adoption of IFRS 10 resulted in the consolidation of certain funds and 
deconsolidation of certain others which led to a net increase of US$809m in total assets and total liabilities with no 
impact on shareholders’ equity as at 30 November 2013. It also led to a net decrease of US$34m in investment return, a 
decrease of US$30m in other expenses and a decrease of US$4m in net insurance and investment contract benefits with 
no impact on the net profit for the year ended 30 November 2013.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

111

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.1 Basis of preparation and statement of compliance (continued)
(a)  New and revised standards adopted by the Group (continued)

• 

IAS 19, Employee Benefits (as revised in 2011), eliminates the corridor approach and calculates finance costs on a net 
funding basis. It also requires recognition of all actuarial gains and losses in other comprehensive income as they occur 
and of all past service costs in profit or loss. The amendments replace interest cost and expected return on plan assets 
with a net interest amount that is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liability/(asset). The 
adoption of the amendments resulted in the recognition of additional remeasurement loss, net of tax, of US$4m in other 
comprehensive income as at 30 November 2013. It also resulted in a remeasurement gain, net of tax, of US$29m in 
other comprehensive income and the reduction of operating expenses, net of tax, of US$2m in profit or loss for the year 
ended 30 November 2013.

Additional information on the quantitative effect of the adoption of the new and revised accounting standards on the 
Group’s consolidated financial statements is provided in note 46.

(b)  The  following  relevant  new  standards  and  amendments  to  standards  are  mandatory  for  the  first  time  (except  for  the 
amendments to IAS 36 which have been early adopted) for the financial year beginning 1 December 2013 and have no 
material impact to the Group (some new standards do require additional disclosures):

• 

IFRS 11, Joint Arrangements;

• 

IFRS 12, Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities;

• 

IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement;

• 

IAS 27, Separate Financial Statements (as revised in 2011);

• 

IAS 28, Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (as revised in 2011);

•  Amendments  to  IAS  1,  Presentation  of  Financial  Statements,  Clarification  of  the  requirements  for  comparative 

information;

•  Amendments to IAS 32, Financial Instruments: Presentation, Tax effect of distributions to holders of equity instruments;

•  Amendments to IAS 36, Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets;

•  Amendments to IFRS 7, Financial Instruments: Disclosures on offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities;

•  Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 11 and IFRS 12: Consolidated Financial Statements, Joint Arrangements and Disclosure of 

Interests in Other Entities: Transition Guidance;

•  Amendment to IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement, Scope of portfolio exception; and

•  Amendment to IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement, Short-term receivables and payables.

112

AIA GROUP LIMITED

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.1 Basis of preparation and statement of compliance (continued)
(c)  The following relevant new standards, interpretation and amendments to standards have been issued but are not effective 
for the financial year ended 30 November 2014 and have not been early adopted (the financial years for which the adoption 
is planned and required are stated in parentheses). The Group has assessed the full impact of these new standards on its 
financial position and results of operations and they are not expected to have a material impact on the financial position or 
results of operations of the Group but may require additional disclosures:

• 

IFRIC 21, Levies (2015);

• 

IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (2018);

•  Amendments to IAS 1, Disclosure Initiative (2017);

•  Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38, Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation (2017);

•  Amendments to IAS 19, Employee Benefits, Discount rate: regional market issue (2017);

•  Amendment to IAS 24, Related Parties Disclosures, Key management personnel (2015);

•  Amendments to IAS 27, Equity Method in Separate Financial Statements (2017);

•  Amendments to IAS 32, Financial Instruments: Presentation on offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities (2015);

•  Amendments to IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting, Disclosure of information ‘elsewhere in the interim financial report’ 

(2017);

•  Amendment to IAS 40, Investment Property, Clarifying the interrelationship between IFRS 3 and IAS 40 when classifying 

property as investment property or owner-occupied property (2015);

•  Amendment to IFRS 2, Share-based Payment, Definition of vesting condition (2015);

•  Amendment to IFRS 3, Business Combinations, Accounting for contingent consideration in a business combination (2015);

•  Amendments to IFRS 5, Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, Changes in methods of disposal 

(2017);

•  Amendments to IFRS 7, Financial Instruments: Disclosure, Servicing contracts and applicability of the amendments to IFRS 

7 to condensed interim financial statements (2017);

•  Amendments to IFRS 8, Operating Segments, Aggregation of operating segments and Reconciliation of the total of the 

reportable segments’ assets to the entity’s assets (2015);

•  Amendments  to  IFRS  10  and  IAS  28,  Sale  or  Contribution  of  Assets  between  an  Investor  and  its  Associate  or  Joint 

Venture (2017);

•  Amendments to IFRS 11, Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations (2017); and

•  The annual report requirements of Part 9 ‘Accounts and Audit’ of the new Hong Kong Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) 
come into operation as from the company’s first financial year commencing on or after 3 March 2014 in accordance with 
section 358 of that Ordinance.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

113

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.1 Basis of preparation and statement of compliance (continued)
(d)  The following relevant new standard and requirements have been issued but are not effective for the financial year ended 30 

November 2014 and have not been early adopted:

• 

IFRS 9, Financial Instruments, addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and financial 
liabilities. IFRS 9 requires financial assets to be classified into two measurement categories: those measured as at fair 
value and those measured at amortised cost. The determination is made at initial recognition. The classification depends 
on the entity’s business model for managing its financial instruments and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the 
instrument. In addition, a revised expected credit losses model will replace the incurred loss impairment model in IAS 39. 
For financial liabilities, the standard retains most of the IAS 39 requirements. The main change is that, in cases where the 
fair value option is taken for financial liabilities, part of the fair value change due to an entity’s own credit risk is recorded 
in other comprehensive income rather than profit or loss, unless this creates an accounting mismatch. In addition, the 
new standard revises the hedge accounting model to more closely align with the entity’s risk management strategies. The 
Group is yet to assess the full impact of the standard on its financial position and results of operations. The standard is 
mandatorily effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018.

The significant accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the Group’s consolidated financial statements are set out 
below. These policies have been applied consistently in all periods presented.

2.2 Operating profit
The  long-term  nature  of  much  of  the  Group’s  operations  means  that,  for  management’s  decision-making  and  internal 
performance management purposes, the Group evaluates its results and its operating segments using a financial performance 
measure  referred  to  as  “operating  profit”.  The  Group  defines  operating  profit  before  and  after  tax  respectively  as  profit 
excluding the following non-operating items:

• 

investment experience (which consists of realised gains and losses, foreign exchange gains and losses, impairments and 
unrealised gains and losses on investments held at fair value through profit or loss);

• 

investment income related to unit-linked contracts (consisting of dividends, interest income and rental income);

• 

investment management expenses related to unit-linked contracts;

•  corresponding changes in insurance and investment contract liabilities in respect of unit-linked contracts and participating 

funds (see note 2.4) and changes in third-party interests in consolidated investment funds;

•  policyholders’ share of tax relating to changes in insurance and investment contract liabilities; and

•  other significant items that management considers to be non-operating income and expenses.

Whilst  these excluded non-operating items are significant components of the Group’s profit, the Group considers that the 
presentation of operating profit enhances the understanding and comparability of its performance and that of its operating 
segments. The Group considers that trends can be more clearly identified without the fluctuating effects of these non-operating 
items, many of which are largely dependent on market factors.

Operating profit is provided as additional information to assist in the comparison of business trends in different reporting periods 
on a consistent basis and enhance overall understanding of financial performance.

114

AIA GROUP LIMITED

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.3 Basis of consolidation
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which the Group has control. A structured entity is an entity 
that has been designed so that voting or similar rights are not the dominant factor in deciding who controls the entity, such 
as when any voting rights relate to administrative tasks only, and the relevant activities are directed by means of contractual 
arrangements.  The  Group  has  determined  that  the  investment  funds  and  structured  securities,  such  as  collateralised  debt 
obligations, mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities that the Group has interest are structured entities.

The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the 
entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on 
which control is transferred to the Group and are excluded from consolidation from the date at which the Group no longer has 
control. Intercompany transactions are eliminated.

The Group utilises the acquisition method of accounting to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries, unless the acquisition 
forms part of the Group reorganisation of entities under common control. Under this method, the cost of an acquisition is 
measured as the fair value of consideration payable, shares issued or liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The excess of 
the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired is recorded as goodwill (see 2.10 below). 
The Group recognises, separately from goodwill, the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling 
interest in the subsidiary. Any surplus of the acquirer’s interest in the subsidiary’s net assets over the cost of acquisition is credited 
to the consolidated income statement.

The consolidated financial statements of the Group include the assets, liabilities and results of the Company and subsidiaries in 
which AIA Group Limited has a controlling interest, using accounts drawn up to the reporting date.

Investment funds
Investment funds in which the Group has interests and power to direct their relevant activities that affect the return of the 
funds are consolidated in the financial statements. In conducting the assessment, the Group considers substantive contractual 
rights as well as de facto control. De facto control of an entity may arise from circumstances where the Group does not have 
more than 50% of the voting power but it has the practical ability to direct the relevant activities of the entity. If the Group has 
power to remove or control over the party having the ability to direct the relevant activities of the fund based on the facts and 
circumstances and that the Group has exposure to variable returns of the investment funds, they are consolidated. Variable 
returns include both rights to the profits or distributions as well as the obligation to absorb losses of the investees.

Employee share-based trusts
Trusts are set up to acquire shares of the Company for distribution to participants in future periods through the share-based 
compensation schemes. The consolidation of these trusts is evaluated in accordance with IFRS 10; where the Group is deemed 
to control the trusts, they are consolidated. Shares acquired by the trusts to the extent not provided to the participants upon 
vesting are carried at cost and reported as “employee share-based trusts” in the consolidated statement of financial position, 
and as a deduction from the equity in the consolidated statement of changes in equity.

Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests are presented within equity except when they arise through the minority’s interest in puttable liabilities 
such as the unit holders’ interest in consolidated investment funds, when they are recognised as a liability, reflecting the net 
assets of the consolidated entity.

Acquisitions  and  disposals  of  non-controlling  interests,  except  when  they  arise  through  the  minority’s  interest  in  puttable 
liabilities, are treated as transactions between equity holders. As a result, any difference between the acquisition cost or sale 
price  of  the  non-controlling  interest  and  the  carrying  value  of  the  non-controlling  interest  is  recognised  as  an  increase  or 
decrease in equity.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

115

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.3 Basis of consolidation (continued)
Associates and joint ventures
Associates are entities over which the Group has significant influence, but which it does not control. Generally, it is presumed 
that the Group has significant influence if it has between 20 per cent and 50 per cent of voting rights. Joint ventures are entities 
whereby the Group and other parties undertake an economic activity which is subject to joint control arising from a contractual 
agreement.

Gains on transactions between the Group and its associates and joint ventures are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s 
interest  in  the  associates  and  joint  ventures.  Losses  are  also  eliminated,  unless  the  transaction  provides  evidence  of  an 
impairment of an asset transferred between entities.

Investments in associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under this method, the 
cost of the investment in an associate or joint venture, together with the Group’s share of that entity’s post-acquisition changes 
to equity, is included as an asset in the consolidated statement of financial position. Cost includes goodwill arising on acquisition. 
The Group’s share of post-acquisition profits or losses is recognised in the consolidated income statement and its share of 
post-acquisition movement in equity is recognised in other comprehensive income. Equity accounting is discontinued when 
the Group no longer has significant influence over the investment. If the Group’s share of losses in an associate or joint venture 
equals or exceeds its interest in the undertaking, additional losses are provided for, and a liability recognised, only to the extent 
that the Group has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate or joint venture. The 
Group also accounts for investments in joint ventures that are subject to joint control using the equity method of accounting.

The Company’s investments
In the Company’s statement of financial position, subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures are stated at cost, unless impaired. 
The Company’s interests in investment funds such as mutual funds and unit trusts are designated at fair value through profit or 
loss.

2.4 Insurance and investment contracts
Consistent accounting policies for the measurement and recognition of insurance and investment contracts have been adopted 
throughout the Group to substantially all of its business.

In a limited number of cases, the Group measures insurance contract liabilities with reference to statutory requirements in the 
applicable jurisdiction, without deferral of acquisition costs.

Product classification
The  Group  classified  its  contracts  written  as  either  insurance  contracts  or  investment  contracts,  depending  on  the  level  of 
insurance risk. Insurance contracts are those contracts that transfer significant insurance risk, while investment contracts are 
those contracts without significant insurance risk. Some insurance and investment contracts, referred to as participating business, 
have discretionary participation features, “DPF”, which may entitle the customer to receive, as a supplement to guaranteed 
benefits, additional non-guaranteed benefits, such as policyholder dividends or bonuses. The Group applies the same accounting 
policies for the recognition and measurement of obligations arising from investment contracts with DPF as it does for insurance 
contracts.

In the event that a scenario (other than those lacking commercial substance) exists in which an insured event would require 
the Group to pay significant additional benefits to its customers, the contract is accounted for as an insurance contract. For 
investment contracts that do not contain DPF, IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Measurement and Recognition, and, if the contract 
includes an investment management element, IAS 18, Revenue Recognition, are applied. IFRS 4 permits the continued use 
of previously applied accounting policies for insurance contracts and investment contracts with DPF, and this basis has been 
adopted by the Group in accounting for such contracts. Once a contract has been classified as an insurance or investment 
contract, no reclassification is subsequently performed unless the terms of the agreement are later amended.

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2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.4 Insurance and investment contracts (continued)
Product classification (continued)
Certain contracts with DPF supplement the amount of guaranteed benefits due to policyholders. These contracts are distinct 
from other insurance and investment contracts as the Group has discretion in the amount and/or timing of the benefits declared, 
and how such benefits are allocated between groups of policyholders. Customers may be entitled to receive, as a supplement to 
guaranteed benefits, additional benefits or bonuses:

• 

that are likely to be a significant portion of the total contractual benefits;

•  whose amount or timing is contractually at the discretion of the Group; and

• 

that are contractually based on:

– 

the performance of a specified pool of contracts or a specified type of contract;

– 

realised and/or unrealised investment returns on a specified pool of assets held by the issuer; or

– 

the profit or loss of the Company, fund or other entity that issues the contract.

The  Group  applies  the  same  accounting  policies  for  the  recognition  and  measurement  of  obligations  and  the  deferral  of 
acquisition costs arising from investment contracts with DPF as it does to insurance contracts. The Group refers to such contracts 
as participating business. In some jurisdictions participating business is written in a participating fund which is distinct from the 
other assets of the Company or branch. The allocation of benefits from the assets held in such participating funds is subject to 
minimum policyholder participation mechanisms which are established by regulation. The extent of such policy participation may 
change over time. The current policyholder participation in declared dividends for locations with participating funds is set out 
below:

Country

Singapore

Malaysia

China

Australia

Brunei

Current policyholder participation

90%

90%

70%

80%

80%

In some jurisdictions participating business is not written in a distinct fund and the Group refers to this as other participating 
business.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.4 Insurance and investment contracts (continued)
Product classification (continued)
The Group’s products may be divided into the following main categories:

Policy type

Description of benefits payable

Basis of accounting for:

Insurance contract
liabilities

Investment contract
liabilities

Traditional participating 
life assurance with DPF

Participating funds

Other participating 
business

Non-participating life 
assurance, annuities and 
other protection products

Universal life

Participating products combine 
protection with a savings element. 
The basic sum assured, payable on 
death or maturity, may be enhanced 
by dividends or bonuses, the 
aggregate amount of which is 
determined by the performance of a 
distinct fund of assets and liabilities

The timing of dividend and bonus 
declarations is at the discretion of the 
insurer. Local regulations generally 
prescribe a minimum proportion of 
policyholder participation in declared 
dividends

Participating products combine 
protection with a savings element. 
The basic sum assured, payable on 
death or maturity, may be enhanced 
by dividends or bonuses, the timing or 
amount of which are at the discretion 
of the insurer taking into account 
factors such as investment experience

Benefits payable are not at the 
discretion of the insurer

Benefits are based on an account 
balance, credited with interest at a 
rate set by the insurer, and a death 
benefit, which may be varied by the 
customer

Unit-linked

These may be primarily savings 
products or may combine savings with 
an element of protection

Not applicable, as IFRS  
4 permits contracts with  
DPF to be accounted for  
as insurance contracts

Insurance contract liabilities make 
provision for the present value of 
guaranteed benefits less 
estimated future net premiums to 
be collected from policyholders. 
In addition, an insurance liability 
is recorded for the proportion of 
the net assets of the participating 
fund that would be allocated to 
policyholders, assuming all 
performance would be declared 
as a dividend based upon local 
regulations

Insurance contract liabilities make 
provision for the present value of 
guaranteed benefits and 
non-guaranteed participation less 
estimated future net premiums to 
be collected from policyholders

Not applicable, as IFRS  
4 permits contracts with  
DPF to be accounted for  
as insurance contracts

Investment contract 
liabilities are measured 
at amortised cost

Not applicable as such 
contracts generally 
contain significant 
insurance risk

Investment contract 
liabilities are measured 
at fair value (determined 
with reference to the 
accumulation value)

Insurance contract liabilities 
reflect the present value of future 
policy benefits to be paid less the 
present value of estimated future 
net premiums to be collected 
from policyholders. In addition, 
deferred profit liabilities for 
limited payment contracts are 
recognised

Insurance contract liabilities 
reflect the accumulation value, 
representing premiums received 
and investment return credited, 
less deductions for front-end 
loads, mortality and morbidity 
costs and expense charges. In 
addition, liabilities for unearned 
revenue and additional insurance 
benefits are recorded

Insurance contract liabilities 
reflect the accumulation value, 
representing premiums received 
and investment return credited, 
less deductions for front-end 
loads, mortality and morbidity 
costs and expense charges. In 
addition, liabilities for unearned 
revenue and additional insurance 
benefits are recorded

In the notes to the financial statements, unit-linked contracts are presented together with pension contracts for disclosure 
purposes.

The basis of accounting for insurance and investment contracts is discussed in notes 2.4.1 and 2.4.2 below.

118

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2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.4 Insurance and investment contracts (continued)
2.4.1 Insurance contracts and investment contracts with DPF
Premiums
Premiums  from  life  insurance  contracts,  including  participating  policies  and  annuity  policies  with  life  contingencies,  are 
recognised as revenue when due from the policyholder. Benefits and expenses are provided in respect of such revenue so as 
to recognise profits over the estimated life of the policies. For limited pay contracts, premiums are recognised in profit or loss 
when due, with any excess profit deferred and recognised in income in a constant relationship to the insurance in-force or, for 
annuities, the amount of expected benefit payments.

Amounts collected as premiums from insurance contracts with investment features but with sufficient insurance risk to be 
considered insurance contracts, such as universal life, and certain unit-linked contracts, are accumulated as deposits. Revenue 
from these contracts consists of policy fees for the cost of insurance, administration, and surrenders during the period.

Upfront fees are recognised over the estimated life of the contracts to which they relate. Policy benefits and claims that are 
charged to expenses include benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related policyholder contract deposits and interest 
credited to policyholder deposits.

Unearned revenue liability
Unearned revenue liability arising from insurance contracts representing upfront fees and other non-level charges is deferred and 
released to the consolidated income statement over the estimated life of the business.

Deferred acquisition costs
The costs of acquiring new insurance contracts, including commissions and distribution costs, underwriting and other policy 
issue expenses which vary with and are primarily related to the production of new business or renewal of existing business, are 
deferred as an asset. Deferred acquisition costs are assessed for recoverability in the year of policy issue to ensure that these 
costs are recoverable out of the estimated future margins to be earned on the policy. Deferred acquisition costs are assessed 
for recoverability at least annually thereafter. Future investment income is also taken into account in assessing recoverability. To 
the extent that acquisition costs are not considered to be recoverable at inception or thereafter, these costs are expensed in the 
consolidated income statement.

Deferred acquisition costs for life insurance and annuity policies are amortised over the expected life of the contracts as a 
constant percentage of expected premiums. Expected premiums are estimated at the date of policy issue and are consistently 
applied throughout the life of the contract unless a deficiency occurs when performing liability adequacy testing (see below).

Deferred acquisition costs for universal life and unit-linked contracts are amortised over the expected life of the contracts based 
on a constant percentage of the present value of estimated gross profits expected to be realised over the life of the contract or 
on a straight-line basis. Estimated gross profits include expected amounts to be assessed for mortality, administration, investment 
and surrenders, less benefit claims in excess of policyholder balances, administrative expenses and interest credited. Estimated 
gross profits are revised regularly. The interest rate used to compute the present value of revised estimates of expected gross 
profits is the latest revised rate applied to the remaining benefit period. Deviations of actual results from estimated experience 
are reflected in earnings.

Deferred sales inducements
Deferred sales inducements, consisting of day one bonuses, persistency bonuses and enhanced crediting rates are deferred and 
amortised using the same methodology and assumptions used to amortise acquisition costs when:

• 

the sales inducements are recognised as part of insurance contract liabilities;

• 

they are explicitly identified in the contract on inception;

• 

they are incremental to amounts credited on similar contracts without sales inducements; and

• 

they are higher than the expected ongoing crediting rates for periods after the inducement.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.4 Insurance and investment contracts (continued)
2.4.1 Insurance contracts and investment contracts with DPF (continued)
Unbundling
The deposit component of an insurance contract is unbundled when both of the following conditions are met:

• 

• 

the deposit component (including any embedded surrender option) can be measured separately (i.e. without taking into 
account the insurance component); and

the Group’s accounting policies do not otherwise require the recognition of all obligations and rights arising from the deposit 
component.

Bifurcation
To the extent that certain of the Group’s insurance contracts include embedded derivatives that are not clearly and closely related 
to the host contract, these are bifurcated from the insurance contracts and accounted for as derivatives.

Benefits and claims
Insurance contract benefits reflect the cost of all maturities, surrenders, withdrawals and claims arising during the year, as well as 
policyholder dividends accrued in anticipation of dividend declarations.

Accident and health claims incurred include all losses occurring during the year, whether reported or not, related handling costs, 
a reduction for recoveries, and any adjustments to claims outstanding from previous years.

Claims handling costs include internal and external costs incurred in connection with the negotiation and settlement of claims, 
and are included in operating expenses.

Insurance contract liabilities (including liabilities in respect of investment contracts with DPF)
Insurance contract liabilities represent the estimated future policyholder benefit liability for life insurance policies.

Future policy benefits for life insurance policies are calculated using a net level premium valuation method which represents 
the present value of estimated future policy benefits to be paid, less the present value of estimated future net premiums to be 
collected from policyholders.

For contracts with an explicit account balance, such as universal life and unit-linked contracts, insurance contract liabilities 
are equal to the accumulation value, which represents premiums received and investment returns credited to the policy less 
deductions for mortality and morbidity costs and expense charges.

Settlement options are accounted for as an integral component of the underlying insurance or investment contract unless they 
provide annuitisation benefits, in which case an additional liability is established to the extent that the present value of expected 
annuitisation payments at the expected annuitisation date exceeds the expected account balance at that date. Where settlement 
options have been issued with guaranteed rates less than market interest rates, the insurance or investment contract liability 
does not reflect any provision for subsequent declines in market interest rates unless a deficiency is identified through liability 
adequacy testing.

The  Group  accounts  for  participating  policies  within  participating  funds  by  establishing  a  liability  for  the  present  value  of 
guaranteed benefits less estimated future net premiums to be collected from policyholders. In addition, an insurance liability 
is recorded for the proportion of the net assets of the participating fund that would be allocated to policyholders assuming 
all performance were to be declared as a dividend based upon local regulations. The Group accounts for other participating 
business by establishing a liability for the present value of guaranteed benefits and non-guaranteed participation, less estimated 
future net premiums to be collected from policyholders.

120

AIA GROUP LIMITED

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.4 Insurance and investment contracts (continued)
2.4.1 Insurance contracts and investment contracts with DPF (continued)
Liability adequacy testing
The adequacy of liabilities is assessed by portfolio of contracts, in accordance with the Group’s manner of acquiring, servicing 
and measuring the profitability of its insurance contracts. Liability adequacy testing is performed for each geographical market.

For traditional life insurance contracts, insurance contract liabilities reduced by deferred acquisition costs and value of business 
acquired on acquired insurance contracts, are compared to the gross premium valuation calculated on a best estimate basis, as 
of the valuation date. If there is a deficiency, the unamortised balance of deferred acquisition cost and value of business acquired 
on acquired insurance contracts are written down to the extent of the deficiency. If, after writing down the unamortised balance 
for the specific portfolio of contracts to nil, a deficiency still exists, the net liability is increased by the amount of the remaining 
deficiency.

For universal life and investment contracts, deferred acquisition costs, net of unearned revenue liabilities, are compared to 
estimated gross profits. If a deficiency exists, deferred acquisition costs are written down.

Financial guarantees
Financial guarantees are regarded as insurance contracts. Liabilities in respect of such contracts are recognised as loss is incurred 
by a holder.

2.4.2 Investment contracts
Investment contracts do not contain sufficient insurance risk to be considered insurance contracts and are accounted for as a 
financial liability, other than investment contracts with DPF which are excluded from the scope of IAS 39 and are accounted for 
as insurance contracts.

Revenue from these contracts consists of various charges (policy fees, handling fees, management fees and surrender charges) 
made against the contract for the cost of insurance, expenses and early surrender. First year charges are amortised over the life 
of the contract as the services are provided.

Investment contract fee revenue
Customers  are  charged  fees  for  policy  administration,  investment  management,  surrenders  or  other  contract  services.  The 
fees may be fixed amounts or vary with the amounts being managed, and will generally be charged as an adjustment to the 
policyholder’s account balance. The fees are recognised as revenue in the period in which they are received unless they relate to 
services to be provided in future periods, in which case they are deferred and recognised as the service is provided.

Origination and other “upfront” fees (fees that are assessed against the account balance as consideration for origination of 
the  contract)  are  charged  on  some  non-participating  investment  and  pension  contracts.  Where  the  investment  contract  is 
recorded at amortised cost, these fees are amortised and recognised over the expected term of the policy as an adjustment to 
the effective yield. Where the investment contract is measured at fair value, the front-end fees that relate to the provision of 
investment management services are amortised and recognised as the services are provided.

Deferred origination costs
The costs of acquiring investment contracts with investment management services, including commissions and other incremental 
expenses  directly  related  to  the  issue  of  each  new  contract,  are  deferred  and  amortised  over  the  period  that  services  are 
provided. Deferred origination costs are tested for recoverability at each reporting date.

The costs of acquiring new investment contracts without investment management services are included as part of the effective 
interest rate used to calculate the amortised cost of the related investment contract liabilities.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.4 Insurance and investment contracts (continued)
2.4.2 Investment contracts (continued)
Investment contract liabilities
Deposits received in respect of investment contracts are not accounted for through the consolidated income statement, except 
for the investment income and fees attributable to those contracts, but are accounted for directly through the consolidated 
statement of financial position as an adjustment to the investment contract liability, which reflects the account balance.

The majority of the Group’s contracts classified as investment contracts are unit-linked contracts, with measurement directly 
linked  to  the  underlying  investment  assets.  These  represent  investment  portfolios  maintained  to  meet  specific  investment 
objectives of policyholders who generally bear the credit and market risks on those investments. The liabilities are carried at 
fair value determined with reference to the accumulation value (current unit value) with changes recognised in profit or loss. 
The costs of policy administration, investment management, surrender charges and certain policyholder taxes assessed against 
customers’ account balances are included in revenue, and accounted for as described under “Investment contract fee revenue” 
above.

Non unit-linked investment contract liabilities are carried at amortised cost, being the fair value of consideration received at the 
date of initial recognition, less the net effect of principal payments such as transaction costs and front-end fees, plus or minus 
the cumulative amortisation using the effective interest method of any difference between that initial amount and the maturity 
value, and less any write-down for surrender payments. The effective interest rate equates the discounted cash payments to 
the initial amount. At each reporting date, the unearned revenue liability is determined as the value of the future best estimate 
cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate. Any adjustment is immediately recognised as income or expense in the 
consolidated income statement.

The amortised cost of the financial liability is never recorded at less than the amount payable on surrender, discounted for the 
time value of money where applicable, if the investment contract is subject to a surrender option.

2.4.3 Insurance and investment contracts
Reinsurance
The  Group  cedes  reinsurance  in  the  normal  course  of  business,  with  retentions  varying  by  line  of  business.  The  cost  of 
reinsurance is accounted for over the life of the underlying reinsured policies, using assumptions consistent with those used to 
account for such policies.

Premiums ceded and claims reimbursed are presented on a gross basis in the consolidated income statement and statement of 
financial position.

Reinsurance assets consist of amounts receivable in respect of ceded insurance liabilities. Amounts recoverable from reinsurers 
are estimated in a manner consistent with the reinsured insurance or investment contract liabilities or benefits paid and in 
accordance with the relevant reinsurance contract.

To the extent that reinsurance contracts principally transfer financial risk (as opposed to insurance risk) they are accounted 
for directly through the consolidated statement of financial position and are not included in reinsurance assets or liabilities. A 
deposit asset or liability is recognised, based on the consideration paid or received less any explicitly identified premiums or fees 
to be retained by the reinsured.

If a reinsurance asset is impaired, the Group reduces the carrying amount accordingly and recognises that impairment loss in 
the consolidated income statement. A reinsurance asset is impaired if there is objective evidence, as a result of an event that 
occurred after initial recognition of the reinsurance asset, that the Group may not receive all amounts due to it under the terms 
of the contract, and the impact on the amounts that the Group will receive from the reinsurer can be reliably measured.

Value of business acquired (VOBA)
The VOBA in respect of a portfolio of long-term insurance and investment contracts, either directly or through the purchase 
of a subsidiary, is recognised as an asset. If this results from the acquisition of an investment in a joint venture or an associate, 
the VOBA is held within the carrying amount of that investment. In all cases, the VOBA is amortised over the estimated life 
of the contracts in the acquired portfolio on a systematic basis. The rate of amortisation reflects the profile of the value of 
in-force business acquired. The carrying value of VOBA is reviewed annually for impairment and any reduction is charged to the 
consolidated income statement.

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2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.4 Insurance and investment contracts (continued)
2.4.3 Insurance and investment contracts (continued)
Shadow accounting
Shadow accounting is applied to insurance and certain investment contracts with discretionary participation feature where 
financial assets backing insurance and investment contract liabilities are classified as available for sale. Shadow accounting is 
applied to deferred acquisition costs, VOBA, deferred origination costs and the contract liabilities for investment contracts with 
DPF to take into account the effect of unrealised gains or losses on insurance liabilities or assets that are recognised in other 
comprehensive income in the same way as for a realised gain or loss recognised in the consolidated income statement. Such 
assets or liabilities are adjusted with corresponding charges or credits recognised directly in shareholders’ equity as a component 
of the related unrealised gains and losses.

Other assessments and levies
The Group is potentially subject to various periodic insurance-related assessments or guarantee fund levies. Related provisions 
are established where there is a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event. Such amounts are not 
included in insurance or investment contract liabilities but are included under “Provisions” in the consolidated statement of 
financial position.

2.5 Financial instruments
2.5.1 Classification of and designation of financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss comprise two categories:

• 

financial assets or liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss upon initial recognition; and

• 

financial assets or liabilities classified as held for trading.

Management  designates  financial  assets  and  liabilities  at  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss  if  this  eliminates  a  measurement 
inconsistency or if the related assets and liabilities are actively managed on a fair value basis, including:

• 

financial assets held to back unit-linked contracts and participating funds;

•  other financial assets managed on a fair value basis; consisting of the Group’s equity portfolio and investments held by the 

Group’s fully consolidated investment funds; and

•  compound  instruments  containing  an  embedded  derivative,  where  the  embedded  derivative  would  otherwise  require 

bifurcation.

Financial assets and liabilities classified as held for trading include financial assets acquired principally for the purpose of selling 
them in the near future and those that form part of a portfolio of financial assets in which there is evidence of short-term profit 
taking, as well as derivative assets and liabilities.

Dividend income from equity instruments designated at fair value through profit or loss is recognised in investment income in the 
consolidated income statement, generally when the security becomes ex-dividend. Interest income is recognised on an accrued 
basis. For all financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss, changes in fair value are recognised in investment 
experience.

Transaction costs in respect of financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are expensed as they are incurred.

Available for sale financial assets
Financial assets, other than those at fair value through profit or loss, and loans and receivables, are classified as available for sale.

The available for sale category is used where the relevant investments backing insurance and investment contract liabilities and 
shareholders’ equity are not managed on a fair value basis. These principally consist of the Group’s debt securities (other than 
those backing participating funds and unit-linked contracts). Available for sale financial assets are initially recognised at fair 
value plus attributable transaction costs. For available for sale debt securities, the difference between their cost and par value 
is amortised. Available for sale financial assets are subsequently measured at fair value. Interest income from debt securities 
classified as available for sale is recognised in investment income in the consolidated income statement using the effective 
interest method.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.5 Financial instruments (continued)
2.5.1 Classification of and designation of financial instruments (continued)
Available for sale financial assets (continued)
Unrealised  gains  and  losses  on  securities  classified  as  available  for  sale  are  analysed  between  differences  resulting  from 
foreign currency translation, and other fair value changes. Foreign currency translation differences on monetary available for 
sale investments, such as debt securities are calculated as if they were carried at amortised cost and so are recognised in the 
consolidated income statement as investment experience. For impairments of available for sale financial assets, reference is made 
to the section “Impairment of financial assets”.

Changes in the fair value of securities classified as available for sale, except for impairment losses and relevant foreign exchange 
gains and losses, are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in a separate fair value reserve within equity. 
Impairment losses and relevant foreign exchange gains and losses are recognised in the income statement.

Realised gains and losses on financial assets
Realised gains and losses on available for sale financial assets are determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and 
amortised cost. Cost is determined by specific identification.

Recognition of financial instruments
Purchases and sales of financial instruments are recognised on the trade date, which is the date at which the Group commits to 
purchase or sell the assets.

Derecognition and offset of financial assets
Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or where the 
Group has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. If the Group neither transfers nor retains substantially 
all the risks and rewards of ownership of a financial asset, it derecognises the financial asset if it no longer has control over 
the asset. In transfers where control over the asset is retained, the Group continues to recognise the asset to the extent of its 
continuing involvement. The extent of continuing involvement is determined by the extent to which the Group is exposed to 
changes in the fair value of the asset.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the consolidated statement of financial position only 
when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or 
realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active 
market. They are initially recognised at fair value plus transaction costs. Subsequently, they are carried at amortised cost using 
the effective interest method less any impairment losses. Interest income from loans and receivables is recognised in investment 
income in the consolidated income statement using the effective interest method.

Term deposits
Deposits include time deposits with financial institutions which do not meet the definition of cash and cash equivalents as their 
maturity at acquisition exceeds three months. Certain of these balances are subject to regulatory or other restriction as disclosed 
in note 21 Loans and Deposits. Deposits are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments 
with maturities at acquisition of three months or less, which are held for cash management purposes. Cash and cash equivalents 
also include cash received as collateral for derivative transactions, securities lending transactions, and repo and reverse repo 
transactions, as well as cash and cash equivalents held for the benefit of policyholders in connection with unit-linked products. 
Cash and cash equivalents are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

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2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.5 Financial instruments (continued)
2.5.2 Fair values of non-derivative financial assets
The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an 
orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, having regard to the specific characteristics of the 
asset or liability concerned, assuming that the transfer takes place in the most advantageous market to which the Group has 
access. The fair values of financial instruments traded in active markets (such as financial instruments at fair value through profit 
or loss and available for sale securities) are based on quoted market prices at the date of the consolidated statement of financial 
position. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Group is the current bid price, which is considered to be 
the price within the bid-ask spread that is most representative of the fair value in the circumstances. The fair values of financial 
instruments  that  are  not  traded  in  active  markets  are  determined  using  valuation  techniques.  The  Group  uses  a  variety  of 
methods and makes assumptions that are based on market conditions at the date of each consolidated statement of financial 
position. The objective of using a valuation technique is to estimate the price at which an orderly transaction would take place 
between market participants at the date of the consolidated statement of financial position.

Financial instruments carried at fair value are measured using a fair value hierarchy described in note 23.

2.5.3 Impairment of financial assets
General
Financial assets are assessed for impairment on a regular basis. The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there is 
objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset, or group of financial assets, is 
impaired and impairment losses are incurred only if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events 
that have occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a loss event) and that loss event (or events) has an impact on the 
estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated.

For loans and receivables, the Group first assesses whether objective evidence of impairment exists for financial assets that are 
individually significant. If the Group determines that no objective evidence of impairment exists for an individually assessed 
financial asset, whether significant or not, it includes the asset in a group of financial assets with similar credit risk characteristics 
and collectively assesses them for impairment. Assets that are individually assessed for impairment and for which an impairment 
loss is or continues to be recognised are not included in a collective assessment of impairment.

Available for sale financial instruments
When a decline in the fair value of an available for sale asset has been recognised in other comprehensive income and there is 
objective evidence that the asset is impaired, the cumulative loss already recognised directly in other comprehensive income is 
recognised in current period profit or loss.

If the fair value of a debt instrument classified as available for sale increases in a subsequent period, and the increase can 
be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised in profit or loss, the impairment loss is 
reversed through profit or loss. Where, following the recognition of an impairment loss in respect of an available for sale debt 
security, the asset suffers further falls in value, such further falls are recognised as an impairment only in the case when objective 
evidence exists of a further impairment event to which the losses can be attributed.

Loans and receivables
For loans and receivables, impairment is considered to have taken place if it is probable that the Group will not be able to 
collect principal and/or interest due according to the contractual terms of the instrument. When impairment is determined to 
have occurred, the carrying amount is decreased through a charge to profit or loss. The carrying amount of mortgage loans 
or  receivables is reduced through the use of an allowance account, and the amount of any allowance is recognised as an 
impairment loss in profit or loss.

2.5.4 Derivative financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments primarily include foreign exchange contracts and interest rate swaps that derive their value 
mainly from underlying foreign exchange rates and interest rates. All derivatives are initially recognised in the consolidated 
statement of financial position at their fair value, which represents their cost excluding transaction costs, which are expensed, 
giving rise to a day one loss. They are subsequently remeasured at their fair value, with movements in this value recognised in 
profit or loss. Fair values are obtained from quoted market prices or, if these are not available, by using valuation techniques such 
as discounted cash flow models or option pricing models. All derivatives are carried as assets when the fair values are positive 
and as liabilities when the fair values are negative.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.5 Financial instruments (continued)
2.5.4 Derivative financial instruments (continued)
Derivative instruments for economic hedging
Whilst the Group enters into derivative transactions to provide economic hedges under the Group’s risk management framework, 
it adopts hedge accounting to these transactions only in limited circumstances. This is either because the transactions would not 
meet the specific IFRS rules to be eligible for hedge accounting or the documentation requirements to meet hedge accounting 
criteria would be unduly onerous. Where hedge accounting does not apply, these transactions are treated as held for trading 
and fair value movements are recognised immediately in investment experience.

Embedded derivatives
Embedded  derivatives  are  derivatives  embedded  within  other  non-derivative  host  financial  instruments  to  create  hybrid 
instruments. Where the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivatives are not closely related to the economic 
characteristics and risks of the host instrument, and where the hybrid instrument is not measured at fair value with changes in 
fair value recognised in profit or loss, the embedded derivative is bifurcated and carried at fair value as a derivative in accordance 
with IAS 39.

2.6 Segment reporting
An operating segment is a component of the Group that engages in business activity from which it earns revenues and incurs 
expenses and, for which, discrete financial information is available, and whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the 
Group’s chief operating decision-maker, considered to be the Executive Committee of the Group (ExCo).

2.7 Foreign currency translation
Income statements and cash flows of foreign entities are translated into the Group’s presentation currency at average exchange 
rates for the year as this approximates to the exchange rates prevailing at the transaction date. Their statements of financial 
position  are  translated  at  year  or  period  end  exchange  rates.  Exchange  differences  arising  from  the  translation  of  the  net 
investment in foreign operations, are taken to the currency translation reserve within equity. On disposal of a foreign operation, 
such exchange differences are transferred out of this reserve and are recognised in the consolidated income statement as part of 
the gain or loss on sale.

Foreign currency transactions are accounted for at the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transactions. Gains and losses 
resulting from the settlement of such transactions, and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in 
foreign currencies into functional currency, are recognised in the consolidated income statement.

Translation differences on financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss are included in investment experience. 
For monetary financial assets classified as available for sale, translation differences are calculated as if they were carried at 
amortised cost and so are recognised in the consolidated income statement. Foreign exchange movements on non-monetary 
equities that are accounted for as available for sale are included in the fair value reserve.

2.8 Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. 
Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. Depreciation is calculated using 
the straight-line method to allocate cost less any residual value over the estimated useful life, generally:

Furniture, fixtures and office equipment

Buildings

Other assets

Freehold land

5 years

20-40 years

3-5 years

No depreciation

Subsequent costs are included in the carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, when it is probable that 
future economic benefits will flow to the Group. Repairs and maintenance are charged to the consolidated income statement 
during the financial period in which they are incurred.

Residual values and useful lives are reviewed and adjusted, if applicable, at each reporting date. An asset is written down to its 
recoverable amount if the carrying value is greater than the estimated recoverable amount.

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2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.8 Property, plant and equipment (continued)
Any gain and loss arising on disposal of property, plant and equipment is measured as the difference between the net sale 
proceeds and the carrying amount of the relevant asset, and is recognised in the consolidated income statement.

Where the cost of the Group’s leasehold land is known, or can be reliably determined at the inception of the lease, the Group 
records its interest in leasehold land and land use rights separately as operating leases or finance leases depending on whether 
substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the land are transferred to the Group. These leases are recorded 
at original cost and amortised over the term of the lease (see 2.19).

2.9 Investment property
Property held for long-term rental that is not occupied by the Group is classified as investment property, and is carried at cost 
less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.

Investment property comprises freehold or leasehold land and buildings. Buildings located on leasehold land are classified as 
investment property if held for long-term rental and not occupied by the Group. Where the cost of the land is known, or can be 
reliably determined at the inception of the lease, the Group records its interest in leasehold land and land use rights separately 
as operating leases or finance leases depending on whether substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the 
land are transferred to the Group (see 2.19). These leases are recorded at original cost and amortised over the term of the lease. 
Buildings that are held as investment properties are amortised on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of 20 to 
40 years.

If an investment property becomes held for use, it is reclassified as property, plant and equipment. Where a property is partly 
used as an investment property and partly for the use of the Group, these elements are recorded separately within investment 
property and property, plant and equipment respectively, where the component used as investment property would be capable 
of separate sale or finance lease.

The fair value of investment property and property held for use is disclosed under note 18. It is the Group’s policy to obtain 
external property valuations annually except in the case of a discrete event occurring in the interim that has a significant impact 
on the fair value of the properties.

2.10 Goodwill and other intangible assets
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets 
of the acquired subsidiary, associate or joint venture at the date of acquisition. Goodwill on acquisitions prior to 1 December 
2006 (the date of transition to IFRS) is carried at book value (original cost less cumulative amortisation) on that date, less any 
impairment subsequently incurred. Goodwill arising on the Group’s investment in subsidiaries since that date is shown as a 
separate asset and is carried at cost less any accumulated impairment losses, whilst that on associates and joint ventures is 
included within the carrying value of those investments. All acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

Other intangible assets
Other  intangible  assets  consist  primarily  of  acquired  computer  software  and  contractual  relationships,  such  as  access  to 
distribution  networks,  and  are  amortised  over  their  estimated  useful  lives.  The  amortisation  charge  for  rights  to  access 
distribution networks is included in the consolidated income statement under “Commission and other acquisition expenses”.

Acquired computer software licences are capitalised on the basis of the costs incurred to acquire and bring to use the specific 
software. Costs directly associated with the internal production of identifiable and unique software by the Group that will 
generate economic benefits exceeding those costs over a period greater than a year, are recognised as intangible assets. All 
other costs associated with developing or maintaining computer software programmes are recognised as an expense as incurred. 
Costs of acquiring computer software licences and incurred in the internal production of computer software are amortised using 
the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software, which does not generally exceed a period of 3 to 15 
years. The amortisation charge for the year is included in the consolidated income statement under “Operating expenses”.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.11 Impairment of non-financial assets
Property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other non-financial assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes 
in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised to the extent that 
the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of the fair value of the asset less cost to 
sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped into cash-generating units at the level of the 
Group’s operating segments, the lowest level for which separately identifiable cash flows are reported. The carrying values of 
goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are reviewed at least annually or when circumstances or events indicate 
that there may be uncertainty over this value.

The Group assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is any objective evidence that its investments in associates 
and joint ventures are impaired. Such objective evidence includes whether there has been any significant adverse changes in 
the technological, market, economic or legal environment in which the associates and joint ventures operate or whether there 
has been a significant or prolonged decline in value below their cost. If there is an indication that an interest in an associate or 
a joint venture is impaired, the Group assesses whether the entire carrying amount of the investment (including goodwill) is 
recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss for the amount by which the carrying amount is lower than the 
higher of the investment’s fair value less costs to sell or value in use. Any reversal of such impairment loss in subsequent periods 
is reversed through profit or loss.

In the separate financial statements of the Company, impairment testing of the investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint 
ventures is required upon receiving dividends from these investments if the dividend exceeds the total comprehensive income 
of the subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures in the period the dividend is declared or if the carrying amount of the relevant 
investment in the Company’s statement of financial position exceeds its carrying amount in the consolidated financial statements 
of the investees’ net assets including goodwill.

2.12 Securities lending including repurchase agreements
The Group has been a party to various securities lending agreements under which securities are loaned to third parties on a 
short-term basis. The loaned securities are not derecognised and so they continue to be recognised within the appropriate 
investment classification.

Assets sold under repurchase agreements (repos)
Assets sold under repurchase agreements continue to be recognised and a liability is established for the consideration received. 
The Group may be required to provide additional collateral based on the fair value of the underlying assets, and such collateral 
assets remain on the consolidated statement of financial position.

Assets purchased under agreements to resell (reverse repos)
The Group enters into purchases of assets under agreements to resell (reverse repos). Reverse repos are initially recorded at 
the cost of the loan or collateral advanced within the caption “Loans and deposits” in the consolidated statement of financial 
position. In the event of failure by the counterparty to repay the loan, the Group has the right to the underlying assets.

2.13 Collateral
The Group receives and pledges collateral in the form of cash or non-cash assets in respect of derivative transactions, securities 
lending transactions, and repo and reverse repo transactions, in order to reduce the credit risk of these transactions. The amount 
and type of collateral depends on an assessment of the credit risk of the counterparty. Collateral received in the form of cash, 
which is not legally segregated from the Group, is recognised as an asset in the consolidated statement of financial position 
with a corresponding liability for the repayment. Non-cash collateral received is not recognised on the consolidated statement of 
financial position unless the Group either sells or repledges these assets in the absence of default, at which point the obligation 
to return this collateral is recognised as a liability. To further minimise credit risk, the financial condition of counterparties is 
monitored on a regular basis.

Collateral  pledged  in  the  form  of  cash  which  is  legally  segregated  from  the  Group  is  derecognised  from  the  consolidated 
statement of financial position and a corresponding receivable established for its return. Non-cash collateral pledged is not 
derecognised (except in the event of default) and therefore continues to be recognised in the consolidated statement of financial 
position within the appropriate financial instrument classification.

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2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.14 Borrowings
Borrowings are recognised initially at their issue proceeds less transaction costs incurred. Subsequently, borrowings are stated 
at amortised cost, and any difference between net proceeds and redemption value is recognised in the consolidated income 
statement over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. All borrowing costs are expensed as they are 
incurred, except for borrowing costs directly attributable to the development of investment properties and other qualifying 
assets, which are capitalised as part of the cost of the asset.

2.15 Income taxes
The current tax expense is based on the taxable profits for the year, including any adjustments in respect of prior years. Tax is 
allocated to profit or loss before taxation and amounts charged or credited to equity as appropriate.

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying 
amounts in the consolidated financial statements, except as described below.

The  principal  temporary  differences  arise  from  the  basis  of  recognition  of  insurance  and  investment  contract  liabilities, 
revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities including derivative contracts, deferred acquisition costs and the future taxes 
arising on the surplus in life funds where the relevant local tax regime is distributions-based. The rates enacted or substantively 
enacted at the date of the consolidated statement of financial position are used to determine deferred tax.

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the 
temporary differences can be utilised. In countries where there is a history of tax losses, deferred tax assets are only recognised in 
excess of deferred tax liabilities if there is evidence that future profits will be available.

Deferred taxes are not provided in respect of temporary differences arising from the initial recognition of goodwill or from 
goodwill for which amortisation is not deductible for tax purposes, or from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a 
transaction which is not a business combination and which affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss at the time of 
the transaction.

Deferred tax related to fair value remeasurement of available for sale investments and other amounts taken directly to equity, 
is  recognised  initially  within  the  applicable  component  of  equity.  It  is  subsequently  recognised  in  the  consolidated  income 
statement, together with the gain or loss arising on the underlying item.

In addition to paying tax on shareholders’ profits, certain of the Group’s life insurance businesses pay tax on policyholders’ 
investment returns (policyholder tax) at policyholder tax rates. Policyholder tax is accounted for as an income tax and is included 
in the total tax expense and disclosed separately.

2.16 Revenue
Investment return
Investment income consists of dividends, interest and rents receivable for the reporting period. Investment experience comprises 
realised  gains  and  losses,  impairments  and  unrealised  gains  and  losses  on  investments  held  at  fair  value  through  profit  or 
loss.  Interest  income  is  recognised  as  it  accrues,  taking  into  account  the  effective  yield  on  the  investment.  Rental  income 
on investment property is recognised on an accrual basis. Investment return consists of investment income and investment 
experience.

The realised gain or loss on disposal of an investment is the difference between the proceeds received, net of transaction costs, 
and its original cost or amortised cost as appropriate. Unrealised gains and losses represent the difference between the carrying 
value at the year end and the carrying value at the previous year end or purchase price if purchased during the year, less the 
reversal of previously recognised unrealised gains and losses in respect of disposals made during the year.

Other fee and commission income
Other fee and commission income consists primarily of fund management fees, income from any incidental non-insurance 
activities, distribution fees from mutual funds, commissions on reinsurance ceded and commission revenue from the sale of 
mutual fund shares. Reinsurance commissions receivable are deferred in the same way as acquisition costs. All other fee and 
commission income is recognised as the services are provided.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.17 Employee benefits
Annual leave and long service leave
Employee entitlements to annual leave and long service leave are recognised when they accrue to employees. A provision is 
made for the estimated liability for annual leave and long service leave as a result of services rendered by employees up to the 
reporting date.

Post-retirement benefit obligations
The Group operates a number of funded and unfunded post-retirement employee benefit schemes, whose members receive 
benefits on either a defined benefit basis (generally related to salary and length of service) or a defined contribution basis (generally 
related  to  the  amount  invested,  investment  return  and  annuity  rates),  the  assets  of  which  are  generally  held  in  separate 
trustee-administered funds. The defined benefit plans provide life and medical benefits for employees after retirement and a 
lump sum benefit on cessation of employment, and the defined contribution plans provide post-retirement pension benefits.

For defined benefit plans, the costs are assessed using the projected unit credit method. Under this method, the cost of providing 
benefits is charged to the consolidated income statement so as to spread the regular cost over the service lives of employees, in 
accordance with the advice of qualified actuaries. The obligation is measured as the present value of the estimated future cash 
outflows, using a discount rate based on market yields for high-quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in 
which the benefits will be paid and that have terms to maturity approximating to the terms of the related liability. The resulting 
scheme surplus or deficit appears as an asset or liability in the consolidated statement of financial position.

Remeasurements arising from defined benefit plans comprise actuarial gains and losses, the return on plan assets (excluding 
interest)  and  the  effect  of  the  asset  ceiling  (if  any,  excluding  interest).  The  Group  recognises  them  immediately  in  other 
comprehensive  income  and  all  other  expenses  related  to  defined  benefit  plans  in  staff  costs  in  the  consolidated  income 
statement.

When the benefits of a plan are changed, or when a plan is curtailed, the portion of the changed benefit related to past service 
by employees, or the gain or loss on curtailment, is recognised immediately in consolidated income statement when the plan 
amendment or curtailment occurs.

For defined contribution plans, the Group pays contributions to publicly or privately administered pension plans. Once the 
contributions  have  been  paid,  the  Group,  as  employer,  has  no  further  payment  obligations.  The  Group’s  contributions  are 
charged to the consolidated income statement in the reporting period to which they relate and are included in staff costs.

Share-based compensation and cash incentive plans
The  Group  launched  a  number  of  share-based  compensation  plans,  under  which  the  Group  receives  services  from  the 
employees,  directors,  officers  and  agents  as  consideration  for  the  shares  and/or  share  options  of  the  Company.  These 
share-based  compensation  plans  comprise  the  Share  Option  Scheme  (SO  Scheme),  the  Restricted  Share  Unit  Scheme  (RSU 
Scheme), the Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP) and the Agency Share Purchase Plan (ASPP).

The  Group’s  share-based  compensation  plans  are  predominantly  equity-settled  plans.  Under  equity-settled  share-based 
compensation plan, the fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of shares and/or share options is 
recognised as an expense in profit or loss over the vesting period with a corresponding amount recorded in equity.

The total  amount  to be expensed over the vesting period is determined by reference to the fair value of the share and/or 
share options awarded. Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of shares and/or share 
options that are expected to be vested. At each period end, the Group revises its estimates of the number of shares and/or 
share options that are expected to be vested. Any impact of the revision to original estimates is recognised in profit or loss with 
a corresponding adjustment to equity. Where awards of share-based payment arrangements have graded vesting terms, each 
tranche is recognised as a separate award, and therefore the fair value of each tranche is recognised over the applicable vesting 
period.

The Group estimates the fair value of share options using a binomial lattice model. This model requires inputs such as share 
price, implied volatility, risk-free interest rate, expected dividend rate and the expected life of the share option.

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2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.17 Employee benefits (continued)
Share-based compensation and cash incentive plans (continued)
Where  modification  or  cancellation  of  an  equity-settled  share-based  compensation  plan  occurs,  the  grant  date  fair  value 
continues to be recognised, together with any incremental value arising on the date of modification if non-market conditions are 
met.

For  cash-settled  share-based  compensation  plans,  the  fair  value  of  the  employee  services  in  exchange  for  the  grant  of 
cash-settled award is recognised as an expense in profit or loss, with a corresponding amount recognised in liability. At the end 
of each reporting period, any unsettled award is remeasured based on the change in fair value of the underlying asset and the 
liability and expense are adjusted accordingly.

2.18 Provisions and contingencies
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable 
that an outflow of economic resources will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the amount of the 
obligation can be made. Where the Group expects a provision to be reimbursed, for example under an insurance contract held, 
the reimbursement is recognised as a separate asset only when the reimbursement is virtually certain.

The Group recognises a provision for onerous contracts when the expected benefits to be derived from a contract are less than 
the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under the contract.

Contingencies are disclosed if material and if there is a possible future obligation as a result of a past event, or if there is a 
present obligation as a result of a past event, but either a payment is not probable or the amount cannot be reliably estimated.

2.19 Leases
Leases, where a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership is retained by the Group as a lessor, are classified as 
operating leases. Assets subject to such leases are included in property, plant and equipment or investment property, and are 
depreciated to their residual values over their estimated useful lives. Rentals from such leases are credited to the consolidated 
income statement on a straight-line basis over the period of the relevant lease. Payments made by the Group as lessee under 
operating  leases  (net  of  any  incentives  received  from  the  lessor)  are  charged  to  the  consolidated  income  statement  on  a 
straight-line basis over the period of the relevant lease. The Group classifies amounts paid to acquire leasehold land either as an 
operating lease prepayment or as a component of property, plant and equipment or investment property depending on whether 
substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to the ownership of the land are transferred to the Group.

There are no freehold land interests in Hong Kong. The Group classifies the amounts paid to acquire leasehold land under 
operating leases and finance leases as operating lease prepayments and property, plant and equipment or investment property 
respectively. Operating lease prepayments are included within “Other assets”. Amortisation is calculated to write off the cost of 
the land on a straight-line basis over the terms of the lease.

2.20 Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified in equity when there is no obligation to transfer cash or other assets to the holders.

Share issue costs
Incremental external costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from 
the proceeds of the issue.

Dividends
Interim dividends on ordinary shares are recognised when they have been paid. Final dividends on ordinary shares are recognised 
when they have been approved by shareholders.

2.21 Presentation of the consolidated statement of financial position
The Group’s insurance and investment contract liabilities and related assets are realised and settled over periods of several 
years, reflecting the long-term nature of the Group’s products. Accordingly, the Group presents the assets and liabilities in its 
consolidated statement of financial position in approximate order of liquidity, rather than distinguishing current and non-current 
assets and liabilities. The Group regards its intangible assets, investments in associates and joint ventures, property, plant and 
equipment, investment property and deferred acquisition and origination costs as non-current assets as these are held for the 
longer-term use of the Group.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
2.22 Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net profit available to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number 
of ordinary shares in issue during the year.

Earnings per share has also been calculated on the operating profit before adjusting items, attributable to ordinary shareholders, 
as the Directors believe this figure provides a better indication of operating performance.

For diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume conversion of all 
dilutive potential ordinary shares, such as share options granted to employees.

Potential or contingent share issuances are treated as dilutive when their conversion to shares would decrease net earnings per 
share.

2.23 Fiduciary activities
Assets and income arising from fiduciary activities, together with related undertakings to return such assets to customers, are 
excluded from these consolidated financial statements where the Group has no contractual rights to the assets and acts in a 
fiduciary capacity such as nominee, trustee or agent.

2.24 Consolidated statement of cash flow
The consolidated statement of cash flow presents movements in cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts as shown in the 
consolidated statement of financial position.

Purchases and sales of financial investments are included in operating cash flows as the purchases are funded from cash flows 
associated with the origination of insurance and investment contracts, net of payments of related benefits and claims. Purchases 
and sales of investment property are included within cash flows from investing activities.

2.25 Related party transactions
Transactions  with  related  parties  are  recorded  at  amounts  mutually  agreed  and  transacted  between  the  parties  to  the 
arrangement.

3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS
The Group makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and revenue and expenses. 
All estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current facts and circumstances, assumptions based on that knowledge 
and predictions of future events and actions. Actual results can always differ from those estimates, possibly significantly.

Items that are considered particularly sensitive to changes in estimates and assumptions, and the relevant accounting policies are 
those which relate to product classification, insurance contract liabilities (including liabilities in respect of investment contracts 
with DPF), deferred acquisition and origination costs, liability adequacy testing, fair value of financial assets, impairment of 
financial assets, impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets and share-based compensation.

3.1 Product classification
The Group issues contracts that transfer insurance risk or financial risk or both. Insurance contracts are those contracts that 
transfer significant insurance risk, while investment contracts are those contracts without significant insurance risk. The Group 
exercises  significant  judgement  to  determine  whether  there  is  a  scenario  (other  than  those  lacking  commercial  substance) 
in which an insured event would require the Group to pay significant additional benefits to its customers. In the event the 
Group has to pay significant additional benefits to its customers, the contract is accounted for as an insurance contract. The 
judgements exercised in determining the level of insurance risk in product classification affect the amounts recognised in the 
consolidated financial statements as insurance and investment contract liabilities and deferred acquisition and origination costs. 
The accounting policy on product classification is described in note 2.4.

132

AIA GROUP LIMITED

3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS (continued)
3.2 Insurance contract liabilities (including liabilities in respect of investment contracts with DPF)
The Group calculates the insurance contract liabilities for traditional life insurance using a net level premium valuation method, 
whereby  the  liability  represents  the  present  value  of  estimated  future  policy  benefits  to  be  paid,  less  the  present  value  of 
estimated future net premiums to be collected from policyholders. This method uses best estimate assumptions at inception 
adjusted  for  a  provision  for  the  risk  of  adverse  deviation  for  mortality,  morbidity,  expected  investment  yields,  policyholder 
dividends (for other participating business), surrenders and expenses set at the policy inception date. These assumptions remain 
locked in thereafter, unless a deficiency arises on liability adequacy testing. Interest rate assumptions can vary by geographical 
market, year of issuance and product. Mortality, surrender and expense assumptions are based on actual experience by each 
geographical market, modified to allow for variations in policy form. The Group exercises significant judgement in making 
appropriate assumptions.

For contracts with an explicit account balance, such as universal life and unit-linked contracts, insurance contract liabilities 
represent  the  accumulation  value,  which  represents  premiums  received  and  investment  returns  credited  to  the  policy  less 
deductions for mortality and morbidity costs and expense charges. Significant judgement is exercised in making appropriate 
estimates of gross profits which are based on historical and anticipated future experiences, these estimates are regularly reviewed 
by the Group.

The Group accounts for insurance contract liabilities for participating business written in participating funds by establishing a 
liability for the present value of guaranteed benefits less estimated future net premiums to be collected from policyholders. In 
addition, an insurance liability is recorded for the proportion of the net assets of the participating fund that would be allocated 
to policyholders assuming all relevant surplus at the date of the consolidated statement of financial position were to be declared 
as a policyholder dividend based upon applicable regulations. Establishing these liabilities requires the exercise of significant 
judgement. In addition, the assumption that all relevant performance is declared as a policyholder dividend may not be borne 
out in practice. The Group accounts for other participating business by establishing a liability for the present value of guaranteed 
benefits and non-guaranteed participation, less estimated future net premiums to be collected from policyholders.

The judgements exercised in the valuation of insurance contract liabilities (including investment contracts with DPF) affect the 
amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements as insurance contract benefits and insurance contract liabilities. 
Further details of the related accounting policy, key risk and variables, and the sensitivities of assumptions to the key variables in 
respect of insurance contract liabilities are provided in notes 2.4, 27 and 29.

3.3 Deferred acquisition and origination costs
The judgements exercised in the deferral and amortisation of acquisition and origination costs affect amounts recognised in the 
consolidated financial statements as deferred acquisition and origination costs and insurance and investment contract benefits.

As noted in note 2.4.1, deferred acquisition costs for traditional life insurance and annuity policies are amortised over the 
expected life of the contracts as a constant percentage of expected premiums. Expected premiums are estimated at the date of 
policy issue and are applied consistently throughout the life of the contract unless a deficiency occurs when performing liability 
adequacy testing.

As noted in note 2.4.1, deferred acquisition costs for universal life and unit-linked contracts are amortised over the expected 
life of the contracts based on a constant percentage of the present value of estimated gross profits expected to be realised over 
the life of the contract or on a straight-line basis. As noted in note 3.2, significant judgement is exercised in making appropriate 
estimates of gross profits. The expensing of acquisition costs is accelerated following adverse investment performance. Likewise, 
in periods of favourable investment performance, previously expensed acquisition costs are reversed, not exceeding the amount 
initially deferred.

Additional details of deferred acquisition and origination costs are provided in notes 2.4 and 20.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS (continued)
3.4 Liability adequacy testing
The Group evaluates the adequacy of its insurance and investment contract liabilities with DPF at least annually. Significant 
judgement is exercised in determining the level of aggregation at which liability adequacy testing is performed and in selecting 
best estimate assumptions. Liability adequacy is assessed by portfolio of contracts in accordance with the Group’s manner of 
acquiring, servicing and measuring the profitability of its insurance contracts. The Group performs liability adequacy testing 
separately for each geographical market in which it operates.

The judgements exercised in liability adequacy testing affect amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements as 
commission and other acquisition expenses, deferred acquisition costs, insurance contract benefits and insurance and investment 
contract liabilities.

3.5 Fair values of financial assets
The Group determines the fair values of financial assets traded in active markets using quoted bid prices as of each reporting 
date. The fair values of financial assets that are not traded in active markets are typically determined using a variety of other 
valuation techniques, such as prices observed in recent transactions and values obtained from current bid prices of comparable 
investments. More judgement is used in measuring the fair value of financial assets for which market observable prices are not 
available or are available only infrequently.

The degree of judgement used in measuring the fair value of financial instruments generally correlates with the level of pricing 
observability. Pricing observability is affected by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, whether the 
financial instrument is new to the market and not yet established, the characteristics specific to the transaction and general 
market conditions.

Changes in the fair value of financial assets held by the Group’s participating funds affect not only the value of financial assets, 
but are also reflected in corresponding movements in insurance and investment contract liabilities. This is due to an insurance 
liability being recorded for the proportion of the net assets of the participating funds that would be allocated to policyholders if 
all relevant surplus at the date of the consolidated statement of financial position were to be declared as a policyholder dividend 
based on current local regulations. Both of the foregoing changes are reflected in the consolidated income statement.

Changes in the fair value of financial assets held to back the Group’s unit-linked contracts result in a corresponding change 
in insurance and investment contract liabilities. Both of the foregoing changes are also reflected in the consolidated income 
statement.

Further details of the fair value of financial assets and the sensitivity analysis to interest rates and equity prices are provided in 
notes 23 and 38.

134

AIA GROUP LIMITED

3. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS (continued)
3.6 Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets, other than those at fair value through profit or loss, are assessed for impairment regularly. This requires the 
exercise of significant judgement. The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there is objective evidence that a financial 
asset or a group of financial assets is impaired. Objective evidence that a financial asset, or group of assets, is impaired includes 
observable data that comes to the attention of the Group about the following events:

• 

significant financial difficulty of the issuer or debtor;

•  a breach of contract, such as a default or delinquency in payments;

• 

it becomes probable that the issuer or debtor will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation;

• 

the disappearance of an active market for that financial asset because of financial difficulties; or

•  observable data, including market prices, indicating that there is a potential decrease in the estimated future cash flows since 

the initial recognition of those assets, including:

–  adverse changes in the payment status of issuers; or

–  national or local economic conditions that correlate with increased default risk.

For loans and receivables, impairment loss is determined using an analytical method based on knowledge of each loan group or 
receivable. The method is usually based on historical statistics, adjusted for trends in the group of financial assets or individual 
accounts.

Further details of the impairment of financial assets during the year are provided in note 25.

3.7 Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill and other intangible assets are grouped into cash-generating units. These 
assets are tested for impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the cash-generating unit, including goodwill, to the 
recoverable amount of that cash-generating unit. The determination of the recoverable amount requires significant judgement 
regarding the selection of appropriate valuation techniques and assumptions. Further details of the impairment of goodwill 
during the year are provided in note 14.

3.8 Share-based compensation
The Group has adopted a number of share-based compensation plans to retain, motivate and align the interests of eligible 
employees, directors, officers and agents with those of the Group. These share-based compensation plans are predominantly 
accounted for as equity-settled plans under which shares or options to purchase shares are awarded. The Group utilises a 
binomial lattice model to calculate the fair value of the share option grants, a Monte-Carlo simulation model and/or discounted 
cash flow technique to calculate the fair value of the other share awards. These models require assumption inputs that may 
differ from actual results due to changes in economic conditions. Further details of share-based compensation are provided in 
notes 2.17 and 40.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

4. EXCHANGE RATES
The Group’s principal overseas operations during the reporting period were located within the Asia-Pacific region. The results 
and cash flows of these operations have been translated into US dollars at the following average rates:

Hong Kong

Thailand

Singapore

Malaysia

China

Korea

Assets and liabilities have been translated at the following year-end rates:

Hong Kong

Thailand

Singapore

Malaysia

China

Korea

US dollar exchange rates

Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013

7.75

32.43

1.26

3.25

6.15

7.76

30.58

1.25

3.13

6.16

1,048.22

1,095.29

US dollar exchange rates

As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013

7.75

32.82

1.30

3.38

6.15

7.75

32.10

1.25

3.22

6.09

1,107.65

1,058.51

Exchange rates are expressed in units of local currency per US$1.

5. CHANGES IN GROUP COMPOSITION
This note provides details of the acquisitions of subsidiaries that the Group has made during the year ended 30 November 2014.

Acquisition
In March 2014, the Group acquired a further 10 per cent of the equity interest in AIA PUBLIC Takaful Bhd.

136

AIA GROUP LIMITED

6. OPERATING PROFIT AFTER TAX
Operating profit after tax may be reconciled to net profit as follows:

US$m

Operating profit after tax

Non-operating items, net of related changes in insurance and 

investment contract liabilities:

  Net gains from equity securities (net of tax of 2014: US$(111)m; 

  2013: US$(89)m)

  Other non-operating investment experience and other items 

(net of tax of 2014: US$(62)m; 2013: US$11m)

Net profit

Operating profit after tax attributable to:

  Shareholders of AIA Group Limited

  Non-controlling interests

Net profit attributable to:

  Shareholders of AIA Group Limited

  Non-controlling interests

Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013

2,925

2,516

Note

8

508

35

3,468

2,910

15

3,450

18

424

(91)

2,849

2,506

10

2,824

25

7. TOTAL WEIGHTED PREMIUM INCOME AND ANNUALISED NEW PREMIUM
For management decision-making and internal performance management purposes, the Group measures business volumes 
during the year using a performance measure referred to as total weighted premium income (TWPI), while the Group measures 
new business activity using a performance measure referred to as annualised new premium (ANP).

TWPI consists of 100 per cent of renewal premiums, 100 per cent of first year premiums and 10 per cent of single premiums, 
before reinsurance ceded, and includes deposits and contributions for contracts that are accounted for as deposits in accordance 
with the Group’s accounting policies.

Management considers that TWPI provides an indicative volume measure of transactions undertaken in the reporting period that 
have the potential to generate profits for shareholders. The amounts shown are not intended to be indicative of premium and 
fee income recorded in the consolidated income statement.

ANP is a key internal measure of new business activities, which consists of 100 per cent of annualised first year premiums and 
10 per cent of single premiums, before reinsurance ceded. ANP excludes new business of pension business, personal lines and 
motor insurance.

TWPI
US$m

TWPI by geography

Hong Kong

Thailand

Singapore

Malaysia

China

Korea

Other Markets

Total

Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013

4,330

3,334

2,339

2,084

1,786

2,205

3,133

3,770

3,364

2,150

2,036

1,599

2,049

2,840

19,211

17,808

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

7. TOTAL WEIGHTED PREMIUM INCOME AND ANNUALISED NEW PREMIUM (continued)

TWPI
US$m

First year premiums by geography

Hong Kong

Thailand

Singapore

Malaysia

China

Korea

Other Markets

Total

Single premiums by geography

Hong Kong

Thailand

Singapore

Malaysia

China

Korea

Other Markets

Total

Renewal premiums by geography

Hong Kong

Thailand

Singapore

Malaysia

China

Korea

Other Markets

Total

ANP
US$m

ANP by geography

Hong Kong

Thailand

Singapore

Malaysia

China

Korea

Other Markets

Total

138

AIA GROUP LIMITED

Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013

772

498

300

259

297

286

675

659

501

257

241

233

256

668

3,087

2,815

1,585

209

1,684

202

27

309

481

897

285

1,079

193

29

201

641

4,497

3,325

3,400

2,816

1,870

1,804

1,486

1,888

2,410

3,021

2,834

1,785

1,776

1,363

1,773

2,108

15,674

14,660

Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013

952

572

489

320

311

380

676

781

565

400

319

249

338

689

3,700

3,341

8. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Group’s operating segments, based on the reports received by the ExCo, are each of the geographical markets in which 
the Group operates. Each of the reportable segments, other than the “Group Corporate Centre” segment, writes life insurance 
business,  providing  life  insurance,  accident  and  health  insurance  and  savings  plans  to  customers  in  its  local  market,  and 
distributes related investment and other financial services products. The reportable segments are Hong Kong (including Macau), 
Thailand, Singapore (including Brunei), Malaysia, China, Korea, Other Markets and Group Corporate Centre. Other Markets 
includes the Group’s operations in Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Vietnam and India. The 
activities of the Group Corporate Centre segment consist of the Group’s corporate functions, shared services and eliminations of 
intragroup transactions.

Because each reportable segment other than the Group Corporate Centre segment focuses on serving the life insurance needs 
of its local market, there are limited transactions between reportable segments. The key performance indicators reported in 
respect of each segment are:

•  ANP;

•  TWPI;

• 

investment income (excluding investment income in respect of unit-linked contracts);

•  operating expenses;

•  operating profit after tax attributable to shareholders of AIA Group Limited;

•  expense ratio, measured as operating expenses divided by TWPI;

•  operating margin, measured as operating profit before tax (see above) expressed as a percentage of TWPI; and

•  operating return on allocated equity, measured as operating profit after tax attributable to shareholders of AIA Group Limited 
expressed as a percentage of the simple average of opening and closing allocated segment equity (being the segment assets 
less segment liabilities in respect of each reportable segment less non-controlling interests, fair value and foreign currency 
translation reserves and others, and adjusted for intercompany debt).

In presenting net capital in/(out) flows to reportable segments, capital outflows consist of dividends and profit distributions to 
the Group Corporate Centre segment and capital inflows consist of capital injections into reportable segments by the Group 
Corporate Centre segment. For the Group, net capital in/(out) flows reflect the net amount received from shareholders by way 
of capital contributions less amounts distributed by way of dividends.

Business volumes in respect of the Group’s five largest customers are less than 30 per cent of premiums and fee income.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

8. SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

US$m

Year ended 30 November 2014

ANP

TWPI

Net premiums, fee income and 
  other operating revenue 
(net of reinsurance ceded)

Investment income(1)

Total revenue

Net insurance and investment 
  contract benefits(2)

Commission and other acquisition 
  expenses

Operating expenses

Investment management expenses 
  and finance costs(3)

Hong
Kong Thailand Singapore Malaysia

China

Korea

Other
Markets

Group
Corporate
Centre

Total

952

572

489

320

311

380

676

4,330

3,334

2,339

2,084

1,786

2,205

3,133

–

3,700

– 19,211

4,138

1,280

5,418

3,391

2,685

1,888

1,668

1,602

1,855

2 17,229

933

838

552

536

426

555

232

5,352

4,324

3,523

2,440

2,204

2,028

2,410

234 22,581

3,635

2,817

2,579

1,764

1,486

1,403

1,298

(2) 14,980

473

223

575

174

265

158

141

180

144

210

240

155

301

373

–

163

2,139

1,636

99

44

20

22

27

13

37

74

336

Total expenses

4,430

3,610

3,022

2,107

1,867

1,811

2,009

235 19,091

–

988

(79)

909

–

714

(170)

544

–

501

(72)

429

1

334

(53)

281

–

337

(54)

283

–

217

(52)

165

17

418

(94)

324

(4)

(5)

(5)

14

3,504

(579)

(10)

2,925

905

4

544

–

429

–

280

1

283

–

165

–

314

10

5.2% 5.2% 6.8% 8.6% 11.8% 7.0% 11.9%

22.8% 21.4% 21.4% 16.0% 18.9% 9.8% 13.3%

(10)

2,910

–

–

–

–

15

8.5%

18.2%

12.6%

Operating return on allocated equity

21.6% 13.1% 21.9% 10.8% 17.1% 9.0% 12.1%

Operating profit/(loss) before tax 

includes:

Finance costs

Depreciation and amortisation

17

12

7

12

2

13

5

17

18

10

–

8

2

30

52

16

103

118

Notes:

(1)  Excludes investment income related to unit-linked contracts.

(2)  Excludes corresponding changes in insurance and investment contract liabilities from investment experience for unit-linked contracts and participating 
funds and investment income and investment management expenses related to unit-linked contracts. It also excludes policyholders’ share of tax 
relating to the change in insurance and investment contract liabilities.

(3)  Excludes investment management expenses related to unit-linked contracts.

140

AIA GROUP LIMITED

Share of profit/(loss) from associates 
  and joint venture

Operating profit/(loss) before tax

Tax on operating profit/(loss) before tax

Operating profit/(loss) after tax

Operating profit/(loss) after tax 
  attributable to:

  Shareholders of AIA Group 

  Limited

  Non-controlling interests

Key operating ratios:

Expense ratio

Operating margin

 
 
 
8. SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)
Allocated equity may be analysed as follows:

US$m

30 November 2014

Assets before investments in 
  associates and joint venture

Investments in associates 
  and joint venture

Total assets

Total liabilities

Total equity

Allocated equity

Hong
Kong Thailand Singapore Malaysia

China

Korea

Other
Markets

Group
Corporate
Centre

Total

41,687 25,920 30,030 16,460 15,661 13,768 16,411

6,851 166,788

–

–

1

7

–

–

123

–

131

41,687 25,920 30,031 16,467 15,661 13,768 16,534

6,851 166,919

34,477 20,567 27,311 13,821 13,397 11,342 12,494

2,555 135,964

7,210

4,497

5,353

4,243

2,720

2,120

2,646

2,679

2,264

1,965

2,426

1,902

4,040

2,851

4,296 30,955

4,256 24,513

Net capital (out)/in flows

(752)

(641)

(267)

(112)

100

(24)

(22)

1,022

(696)

Segment information may be reconciled to the consolidated income statement as shown below:

US$m

Segment
information

Investment
experience

Investment
income
related to
unit-linked
contracts

Investment
management
expenses
related to
unit-linked
contracts

Other
non-
operating
items

Unit-linked
contracts

Participating
funds

Third-party
interests in
consolidated
investment
funds

Consolidated
income
statement

Related changes in
insurance and investment
contract benefits

Year ended 30 November 2014

Total revenue

22,581

2,634

218

Of which:

  Net premiums, fee 

income and other 
  operating revenue

17,229

–

Investment return

5,352

2,634

Total expenses

19,091

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

25,433

Total revenue

Of which:

Net premiums, fee

income and other
  operating revenue

17,229

8,204

Investment return

–

–

103

(19)

1,281

604

42

21,102

Total expenses

–

218

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Of which:

  Net insurance 

  and investment 
  contract benefits

  Restructuring 
  and other 
  non-operating costs

Investment 
  management 
  expenses and 
finance costs

  Change in third-party 

interests in 
  consolidated 

investment funds

Share of profit from 
  associates 
  and joint venture

Operating profit 
  before tax

14,980

–

336

–

14

(71)

1,281

604

10

16,804

–

–

55

103

(3)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Of which:

Net insurance
  and investment
  contract benefits

Restructuring
  and other
  non-operating costs

Investment
  management
  expenses and
finance costs

Change in third-party

interests in
  consolidated

–

–

55

436

32

32

investment funds

Share of profit from
  associates
  and joint venture

–

14

3,504

2,634

218

(103)

19

(1,281)

(604)

(42)

4,345

Profit before tax

Other non-operating items in 2014 consist of restructuring and other non-operating costs of US$55m (see note 10).

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

141

W
E
I
V
R
E
V
O

W
E
I
V
E
R
G
N
I
T
A
R
E
P
O
D
N
A
L
A
C
N
A
N
F

I

I

E
C
N
A
N
R
E
V
O
G
E
T
A
R
O
P
R
O
C

S
T
N
E
M
E
T
A
T
S
L
A
C
N
A
N
I
F

I

N
O
I
T
A
M
R
O
F
N

I

L
A
N
O
I
T
I
D
D
A

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

8. SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

US$m

Year ended 30 November 2013 – As adjusted

ANP

TWPI

Net premiums, fee income and 
  other operating revenue 
(net of reinsurance ceded)

Investment income(1)

Total revenue

Net insurance and investment 
  contract benefits(2)

Commission and other acquisition 
  expenses

Operating expenses

Investment management expenses 
  and finance costs(3)

Hong
Kong (5) Thailand Singapore Malaysia

China

Korea

Other
Markets

Group
Corporate
Centre

Total

781

565

400

319

249

338

689

3,770

3,364

2,150

2,036

1,599

2,049

2,840

–

3,341

– 17,808

3,344

1,121

4,465

3,498

2,369

1,899

1,498

1,504

1,740

10 15,862

943

791

525

437

389

564

188

4,958

4,441

3,160

2,424

1,935

1,893

2,304

198 20,820

2,959

2,959

2,345

1,768

1,342

1,345

1,286

(2) 14,002

381

191

559

185

191

153

144

172

145

194

206

138

308

361

–

143

1,934

1,537

92

45

17

19

19

6

35

46

279

Total expenses

3,623

3,748

2,706

2,103

1,700

1,695

1,990

187 17,752

–

842

(65)

777

–

693

(165)

528

–

454

(58)

396

1

322

(72)

250

–

235

(30)

205

–

198

(48)

150

19

333

(88)

245

(6)

5

(40)

(35)

14

3,082

(566)

2,516

773

4

528

–

396

–

250

–

205

–

150

–

239

6

5.1% 5.5% 7.1% 8.4% 12.1% 6.7% 12.7%

22.3% 20.6% 21.1% 15.8% 14.7% 9.7% 11.7%

(35)

2,506

–

–

–

–

10

8.6%

17.3%

12.1%

Operating return on allocated equity

20.1% 12.9% 22.9% 16.1% 17.4% 8.9% 11.4%

Operating profit before tax includes:

Finance costs

Depreciation and amortisation

16

10

10

12

2

13

2

16

12

9

–

6

3

26

26

15

71

107

Notes:

(1)  Excludes investment income related to unit-linked contracts.

(2)  Excludes corresponding changes in insurance and investment contract liabilities from investment experience for unit-linked contracts and participating 
funds and investment income and investment management expenses related to unit-linked contracts. It also excludes policyholders’ share of tax 
relating to the change in insurance and investment contract liabilities.

(3)  Excludes investment management expenses related to unit-linked contracts.

(4)  Due to the retrospective application of certain new and revised accounting standards, the Group’s operating expenses have been reduced by US$3m, 
tax on operating profit before tax has been increased by US$1m and operating profit after tax has been increased by US$2m for the year ended 30 
November 2013. Please refer to note 2.1(a) and note 46 for further information of these new and revised accounting standards.

(5)  US$37m expenses of the Hong Kong segment have been reclassified from operating expenses to investment management expenses for the year 

ended 30 November 2013 to be consistent with current year presentation.

142

AIA GROUP LIMITED

Share of profit/(loss) from associates 
  and joint venture

Operating profit before tax(4)

Tax on operating profit before tax(4)

Operating profit/(loss) after tax(4)

Operating profit/(loss) after tax 
  attributable to:

  Shareholders of AIA Group 

  Limited(4)

  Non-controlling interests

Key operating ratios:

Expense ratio

Operating margin

 
 
8. SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)
Allocated equity may be analysed as follows:

W
E
I
V
R
E
V
O

US$m

As at 30 November 2013 – As adjusted

Assets before investments in 
  associates and joint venture

Investments in associates 
  and joint venture

Total assets(6)

Total liabilities(6)

Total equity(6)

Allocated equity

Hong
Kong

Thailand Singapore Malaysia

China

Korea

Other
Markets

Group
Corporate
Centre

Total

35,495 24,026 27,547 15,774 11,728 12,631 14,360

5,748 147,309

–

–

1

7

–

–

81

4

93

35,495 24,026 27,548 15,781 11,728 12,631 14,441

5,752 147,402

30,517 19,433 25,314 13,272 10,601 10,675 10,941

1,822 122,575

4,978

3,892

4,593

4,036

2,234

1,792

2,509

2,494

1,127

1,347

101

1,956

1,753

3,500

2,336

3,930 24,827

4,109 21,759

(27)

183

(748)

(616)

Net capital (out)/in flows

(839)

(700)

(222)

1,636

Notes:

(6)  Due to the retrospective application of certain new and revised accounting standards, the Group’s total assets have been increased by US$817m, total 
liabilities have been increased by US$821m and total equity has been reduced by US$4m for the year ended 30 November 2013. Please refer to note 
2.1(a) and note 46 for further information of these new and revised accounting standards.

Segment information may be reconciled to the consolidated income statement as shown below:

Related changes in
insurance and investment
contract benefits

Investment
income
related to
unit-linked
contracts

Investment
management
expenses
related to
unit-linked
contracts

Other
non-
operating
items

Unit-linked
contracts

Participating
funds

Third-party
interests in
consolidated
investment
funds

Consolidated
income
statement

US$m

Segment
information

Investment
experience

Year ended 30 November 2013 
  –  As adjusted

Total revenue

20,820

870

202

–

Of which:

  Net premiums, fee 

income and other 
  operating revenue

Investment return

Total expenses

Of which:

  Net insurance 

  and investment 
  contract benefits

  Restructuring 
  and other 
  non-operating costs

Investment 
  management 
  expenses and 
finance costs

  Change in third-party 

interests in 
  consolidated 

investment funds

Share of profit 

from associates 
  and joint venture

Operating profit 
  before tax

15,862

4,958

17,752

–

870

–

–

202

–

14,002

–

279

–

14

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

89

–

–

89

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

21,892

Total revenue

Of which:

Net premiums, fee 

income and other 
  operating revenue

15,862

6,030

Investment return

–

–

(16)

861

(306)

(15)

18,365

Total expenses

(70)

861

(306)

(4)

14,483

Of which:

Net insurance 
  and investment 
  contract benefits

Restructuring 
  and other 
  non-operating costs

Investment 
  management 
  expenses and 
finance costs

Change in third-party

interests in 
  consolidated 

–

–

54

368

(11)

(11)

investment funds

–

14

Share of profit 

from associates 
  and joint venture

54

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,082

870

202

(89)

16

(861)

306

15

3,541

Profit before tax

Other non-operating items in 2013 consist of restructuring and other non-operating costs of US$54m (see note 10).

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

143

W
E
I
V
E
R
G
N
I
T
A
R
E
P
O
D
N
A
L
A
C
N
A
N
F

I

I

E
C
N
A
N
R
E
V
O
G
E
T
A
R
O
P
R
O
C

S
T
N
E
M
E
T
A
T
S
L
A
C
N
A
N
I
F

I

N
O
I
T
A
M
R
O
F
N

I

L
A
N
O
I
T
I
D
D
A

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

9. REVENUE
Investment return

US$m

Interest income

Dividend income

Rental income

Investment income

Available for sale

Net realised gains from debt securities

Net gains of available for sale financial assets reflected in the consolidated 

income statement

At fair value through profit or loss

Net gains/(losses) of financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss

Net gains/(losses) of debt securities

Net gains of equity securities

Net gains/(losses) of financial instruments held for trading

Net gains of debt investments

Net fair value movement on derivatives

Net gains in respect of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss

Net foreign exchange gains

Other net realised (losses)/gains

Investment experience

Investment return

Investment income

US$m

Income from listed investments

Income from unlisted investments

Total

Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

4,901

546

123

5,570

32

32

653

1,996

–

(206)

2,443

188

(29)

2,634

8,204

4,539

506

115

5,160

25

25

(903)

1,589

1

(81)

606

167

72

870

6,030

Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013

3,542

2,028

5,570

3,248

1,912

5,160

Other net realised (losses)/gains include gains on disposal of properties of US$5m (2013: US$114m).

Foreign currency movements resulted in the following gains recognised in the consolidated income statement (other than gains 
and losses arising on items measured at fair value through profit or loss):

US$m

Foreign exchange gains

Other operating revenue
The balance of other operating revenue largely consists of asset management fees.

Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013

76

94

144

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
10. EXPENSES

US$m

Insurance contract benefits

Change in insurance contract liabilities

Investment contract benefits

Insurance and investment contract benefits

Insurance and investment contract benefits ceded

Insurance and investment contract benefits, net of reinsurance ceded

Commission and other acquisition expenses incurred

Deferral and amortisation of acquisition costs

Commission and other acquisition expenses

Employee benefit expenses

Depreciation

Amortisation

Operating lease rentals

Other operating expenses

Operating expenses

Investment management expenses and others

Restructuring and other non-operating costs(1)

Change in third-party interests in consolidated investment funds

Other expenses

Finance costs

Total

Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

9,711

7,773

344

17,828

(1,024)

16,804

3,747

(1,608)

2,139

1,088

75

29

111

333

1,636

333

55

32

420

103

9,067

5,931

301

15,299

(816)

14,483

3,357

(1,423)

1,934

1,015

70

27

103

322

1,537

297

54

(11)

340

71

21,102

18,365

Other operating expenses include auditors’ remuneration of US$15m (2013: US$13m).

Note:

(1)  Restructuring costs represent costs related to restructuring programmes and are primarily comprised of redundancy and contract termination costs. 

Other non-operating costs primarily consist of acquisition-related and integration expenses.

Investment management expenses and others may be analysed as:

US$m

Investment management expenses

Depreciation on investment property

Total

Finance costs may be analysed as:

US$m

Securities lending and repurchase agreements (see note 31 for details)

Bank and other loans

Total

Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

312

21

333

281

16

297

Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013

34

69

103

30

41

71

Finance costs include interest expense of US$35m (2013: US$29m) on bank loans, overdrafts and other loans wholly repayable 
within five years and US$34m (2013: US$12m) on bank loans, overdrafts and other loans not wholly repayable within five years.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

145

W
E
I
V
R
E
V
O

W
E
I
V
E
R
G
N
I
T
A
R
E
P
O
D
N
A
L
A
C
N
A
N
F

I

I

E
C
N
A
N
R
E
V
O
G
E
T
A
R
O
P
R
O
C

S
T
N
E
M
E
T
A
T
S
L
A
C
N
A
N
I
F

I

N
O
I
T
A
M
R
O
F
N

I

L
A
N
O
I
T
I
D
D
A

 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

10. EXPENSES (continued)
Employee benefit expenses consist of:

US$m

Wages and salaries

Share-based compensation

Pension costs – defined contribution plans

Pension costs – defined benefit plans

Other employee benefit expenses

Total

11. INCOME TAX

US$m

Tax charged in the consolidated income statement

Current income tax – Hong Kong Profits Tax

Current income tax – overseas

Deferred income tax on temporary differences

Total

Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

875

80

60

14

59

813

75

54

12

61

1,088

1,015

Year ended 
30 November
2014

Year ended 
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

73

391

413

877

67

311

314

692

The tax benefit or expense attributable to Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines life 
insurance policyholder returns is included in the tax charge or credit and is analysed separately in the consolidated income 
statement in order to permit comparison of the underlying effective rate of tax attributable to shareholders from year to year. 
The tax attributable to policyholders’ returns included above is US$125m (2013: US$47m).

The provision for Hong Kong Profits Tax is calculated at 16.5 per cent. Taxation for overseas subsidiaries and branches is charged 
at the appropriate current rates of taxation ruling in the relevant jurisdictions of which the most significant jurisdictions are 
outlined below.

Hong Kong

Thailand

Singapore

Malaysia

China

Korea

Others

Year ended 
30 November
2014

Year ended 
30 November
2013

16.5%

16.5%

20%

17%

25%

25%

20%

17%

25%

25%

24.2%

24.2%

12% – 30% 12% – 30%

The table above  reflects the principal rate of corporate income taxes, as at the end of each year. The rate changes reflect 
changes to the enacted or substantively enacted corporate tax rates throughout the year in each jurisdiction. For Thailand, the 
corporate income tax rate is assumed to be 20 per cent in assessment years 2014 and 2015 and 30 per cent thereafter. The 
corporate income tax rate for Malaysia will reduce to 24 per cent from assessment year 2016 onward. The corporate income tax 
rate for Vietnam is 22 per cent for the assessment years 2014 and 2015 and 20 per cent from assessment year 2016 onward.

146

AIA GROUP LIMITED

11. INCOME TAX (continued)

US$m

Income tax reconciliation

Profit before income tax

Tax calculated at domestic tax rates applicable to profits/(losses) in the respective jurisdictions

Reduction in tax payable from:

  Life insurance tax(1)

  Exempt investment income

  Amount over-provided in prior years

  Changes in tax rate and law

  Others

Increase in tax payable from:

  Life insurance tax(1)

  Withholding taxes

  Disallowed expenses

  Amounts under-provided in prior years

  Unrecognised deferred tax assets

  Provisions for uncertain tax positions

  Others

Total income tax expense

Note:

Year ended 
30 November
2014

Year ended 
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

4,345

821

–

(91)

(9)

–

(43)

(143)

54

–

39

–

27

79

–

199

877

3,541

672

(25)

(76)

–

(10)

–

(111)

–

37

27

1

10

7

49

131

692

(1)  Life insurance tax refers to the permanent differences which arise where the tax regime specific to the life insurance business does not adopt net 

income as the basis for calculating taxable profit, for example Hong Kong, where life business taxable profit is derived from life premiums.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

147

W
E
I
V
R
E
V
O

W
E
I
V
E
R
G
N
I
T
A
R
E
P
O
D
N
A
L
A
C
N
A
N
F

I

I

E
C
N
A
N
R
E
V
O
G
E
T
A
R
O
P
R
O
C

S
T
N
E
M
E
T
A
T
S
L
A
C
N
A
N
I
F

I

N
O
I
T
A
M
R
O
F
N

I

L
A
N
O
I
T
I
D
D
A

 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

11. INCOME TAX (continued)
The movement in net deferred tax liabilities in the period may be analysed as set out below:

Net deferred 
tax asset/
(liability) at 
1 December

Acquisition of 
subsidiaries (2)

Credited/
(charged) to 
the income 
statement

Fair value 
reserve (3)

Foreign 
exchange

Others

Net deferred 
tax asset/
(liability) 
at year end

Credited/(charged) to other 
comprehensive income

(593)

(2,296)

1,568

(139)

135

15

(579)

(135)

(2,024)

(1,210)

(2,099)

1,678

(115)

129

25

(517)

(105)

(2,214)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(21)

(3)

–

–

3

–

(97)

–

(118)

(286)

(184)

50

–

6

3

(56)

54

(413)

57

(277)

(37)

(37)

9

(10)

10

(29)

(314)

(691)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(691)

557

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

557

18

63

(44)

–

(3)

–

25

1

60

24

83

(73)

13

(3)

–

25

(1)

68

–

–

–

–

(1)

–

–

–

(1,552)

(2,417)

1,574

(139)

137

18

(610)

(80)

(1)

(3,069)

–

–

–

–

(3)

–

–

–

(593)

(2,296)

1,568

(139)

135

15

(579)

(135)

(3)

(2,024)

US$m

30 November 2014

Revaluation of financial 

instruments

Deferred acquisition costs

Insurance and investment 
  contract liabilities

Withholding taxes

Provision for expenses

Losses available for offset 
  against future taxable 

income

Life surplus(1)

Others

Total

30 November 2013 – As adjusted

Revaluation of financial 

instruments

Deferred acquisition costs

Insurance and investment 
  contract liabilities

Withholding taxes

Provision for expenses

Losses available for offset 
  against future taxable 

income

Life surplus(1)

Others

Total

Notes:

(1)  Life surplus relates to the temporary difference which arises where the taxable profits are based on actual distributions from the long-term fund. This 

primarily relates to Singapore and Malaysia.

(2)  The amount of US$118m represents a one-time adjustment in respect of the acquisition of ING Malaysia and ANI.

(3)  Of the fair value reserve deferred tax (credit)/charge of US$691m (2013: US$(557)m) for 2014, US$694m (2013: US$(555)m) relates to fair value 
gains and losses on available for sale financial assets and US$(3)m (2013: US$(2)m) relates to fair value gains and losses on available for sale financial 
assets transferred to income on disposal.

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that sufficient future taxable profits will be available for realisation. The Group 
has not recognised deferred tax assets on tax losses and the temporary difference on insurance and investment contract liabilities 
arising from different accounting and statutory/tax reserving methodology for certain branches and subsidiaries on the basis that 
they have histories of tax losses and there is insufficient evidence that future profits will be available.

148

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
 
 
11. INCOME TAX (continued)
Temporary differences not recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position are:

US$m

Tax losses

Insurance and investment contract liabilities

Total

Year ended 
30 November
2014

Year ended 
30 November
2013

53

30

83

105

21

126

The Group has not provided deferred tax liabilities of US$97m (2013: US$47m) in respect of unremitted earnings of operations 
in three jurisdictions from which a withholding tax charge would be incurred upon distribution as the Group does not consider it 
probable that this portion of accumulated earnings will be remitted in the foreseeable future.

The  Group  has  unused  income  tax  losses  carried  forward  in  Hong  Kong,  Macau,  Thailand,  Malaysia,  China,  Korea,  the 
Philippines, Taiwan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. The tax losses of Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka can be 
carried forward indefinitely. The tax losses of remaining branches and subsidiaries are due to expire within the periods ending 
2017 (Macau and the Philippines), 2018 (China), 2019 (Thailand) and 2024 (Korea and Taiwan).

12. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic
Basic  earnings  per  share  is  calculated  by  dividing  the  net  profit  attributable  to  shareholders  of  AIA  Group  Limited  by  the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year. The shares held by employee share-based trusts are not 
considered to be outstanding from the date of the purchase for purposes of computing basic and diluted earnings per share.

Net profit attributable to shareholders of AIA Group Limited (US$m)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (million)

Basic earnings per share (US cents per share)

Year ended 
30 November
2014

Year ended 
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

3,450

11,968

28.83

2,824

11,974

23.58

Diluted
Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume 
conversion  of  all  dilutive  potential  ordinary  shares.  As  of  30  November  2014  and  2013,  the  Group  has  potentially  dilutive 
instruments which are the share options, restricted share units, restricted stock purchase units and restricted stock subscription 
units granted to eligible employees, directors, officers and agents under various share-based compensation plans as described in 
note 40.

Net profit attributable to shareholders of AIA Group Limited (US$m)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (million)

Adjustment for share options, restricted share units, restricted stock purchase units and 
restricted stock subscription units granted under share-based compensation plans

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for diluted earnings per share (million)

Diluted earnings per share (US cents per share)

Year ended 
30 November
2014

Year ended 
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

3,450

11,968

41

12,009

28.73

2,824

11,974

32

12,006

23.52

At 30 November 2014, 13,414,360 share options (2013: 6,919,294) were excluded from the diluted weighted average number 
of ordinary shares calculation as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

12. EARNINGS PER SHARE (continued)
Operating profit after tax per share
Operating profit after tax (see note 6) per share is calculated by dividing the operating profit after tax attributable to shareholders 
of AIA Group Limited by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year. As of 30 November 2014 
and 2013, the Group has potentially dilutive instruments which are the share options, restricted share units, restricted stock 
purchase units and restricted stock subscription units granted to eligible employees, directors, officers and agents under various 
share-based compensation plans as described in note 40.

Basic (US cents per share)

Diluted (US cents per share)

13. DIVIDENDS
Dividends to shareholders of the Company attributable to the year:

US$m

Interim dividend declared and paid of 16.00 Hong Kong cents per share 

(2013: 13.93 Hong Kong cents per share)

Final dividend proposed after the reporting date of 34.00 Hong Kong cents per share 

(2013: 28.62 Hong Kong cents per share)(1)

Year ended 
30 November
2014

Year ended 
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

24.31

24.23

20.93

20.87

Year ended 
30 November
2014

Year ended 
30 November
2013

247

525

772

215

442

657

Note:

(1)  Based upon shares outstanding at 30 November 2014 and 2013 that are entitled to a dividend, other than those held by employee share-based 

trusts.

The above final dividend was proposed by the Board on 26 February 2015 subject to shareholders’ approval at the AGM to be 
held on 8 May 2015. The proposed final dividend has not been recognised as a liability at the reporting date.

Dividends to shareholders of the Company attributable to the previous financial year, approved and paid during the year:

US$m

Year ended 
30 November
2014

Year ended 
30 November
2013

Final dividend in respect of the previous financial year, approved and paid during 

the year of 28.62 Hong Kong cents per share (2013: 24.67 Hong Kong cents per share)

442

380

150

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
 
14. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

US$m

Cost

At 1 December 2012

  Additions

  Acquisition of subsidiaries

  Disposals

  Foreign exchange movements

At 30 November 2013

  Additions

  Disposals

  Foreign exchange movements

At 30 November 2014

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

At 1 December 2012

  Amortisation charge for the year

  Disposals

  Foreign exchange movements

At 30 November 2013

  Amortisation charge for the year

  Disposals

  Foreign exchange movements

At 30 November 2014

Net book value

At 30 November 2013

At 30 November 2014

Goodwill

Computer 
software

Distribution 
and other 
rights

126

–

1,009

–

–

1,135

–

–

–

1,135

(6)

–

–

–

(6)

–

–

–

(6)

1,129

1,129

263

33

3

(1)

(9)

289

48

(1)

(11)

325

(163)

(26)

1

7

(181)

(28)

1

7

(201)

108

124

66

2

48

(5)

(7)

104

831

–

(2)

933

(14)

(11)

5

–

(20)

(15)

–

1

(34)

84

899

Total

455

35

1,060

(6)

(16)

1,528

879

(1)

(13)

2,393

(183)

(37)

6

7

(207)

(43)

1

8

(241)

1,321

2,152

Of the above, US$2,109m (2013: US$1,284m) is expected to be recovered more than 12 months after the end of the reporting 
period.

During the year ended 30 November 2014, the Group entered into an agreement with Citibank to enter into an exclusive, 
long-term bancassurance partnership for a 15-year period. The agreement provided for a payment of US$800m to Citibank 
upon signing, which was capitalised as an intangible asset.

Impairment tests for goodwill
Goodwill  arises  primarily  in  respect  of  the  Group’s  insurance  business  in  Malaysia.  Goodwill  is  tested  for  impairment  by 
comparing  the  carrying  amount  of  the  cash-generating  unit,  including  goodwill,  to  the  recoverable  amount  of  that  cash-
generating unit. If the recoverable amount of the unit exceeds the carrying amount of the unit, the goodwill allocated to that 
unit shall be regarded as not impaired. The recoverable amount is the value in use of the cash-generating unit unless otherwise 
stated. The value in use is determined by calculating the present value of expected future cash flows plus a multiple of the 
present value of the new business generated.

Value in use is calculated as an actuarially determined appraisal value, based on the embedded value of the business and the 
value from future new business.

The key assumptions used in the embedded value calculations include investment returns, mortality, morbidity, persistency, 
expenses, and inflation. The value from future new business is calculated based on a combination of indicators which include, 
among others, a multiple of the projected one-year value of new business (VONB), taking into account recent production mix, 
business strategy and market trends. The Group may apply alternative method to estimate the value of future new business if 
the described method is not appropriate under the circumstances.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

15. INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURE

US$m

Group

Investments in associates

Investment in joint venture

Total

Year ended 
30 November
2014

Year ended 
30 November
2013

131

–

131

89

4

93

Investments in associates and joint venture are held for their long-term contribution to the Group’s performance and so all 
amounts are expected to be realised more than 12 months after the end of the reporting period.

The Group’s interest in its principal associates and joint venture is as follows:

Place of
incorporation

Principal
activity

Type of
shares held

Group’s interest %

As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013

Tata AIA Life Insurance
  Company Limited

India

Insurance

– Ordinary

26%

26%

AIA Vitality Company Limited(1)

Hong Kong

Development of wellness
  programmes

– Ordinary
– Preference

50%
100%

50%
100%

Note:

(1)  The economic interest is 35%.

All associates and joint venture are unlisted.

Aggregated financial information of associates
The investment in the associate is measured using the equity method. The following table analyses, in aggregate, the carrying 
amount and share of profit and other comprehensive income of these associates.

US$m

Carrying amount in the statement of financial position

Profit from continuing operations

Other comprehensive income/(expense)

Total comprehensive income/(expense)

Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013

131

18

22

40

89

20

(23)

(3)

152

AIA GROUP LIMITED

16. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

US$m

Cost

At 1 December 2012

  Additions

  Acquisition of subsidiaries

  Disposals

  Net transfers from investment property

  Foreign exchange movements

At 30 November 2013

  Additions

  Disposals

  Net transfers from investment property

  Foreign exchange movements

At 30 November 2014

Accumulated depreciation

At 1 December 2012

  Depreciation charge for the year

  Disposals

  Net transfers from investment property

  Foreign exchange movements

At 30 November 2013

  Depreciation charge for the year

  Disposals

  Net transfers to investment property

  Foreign exchange movements

At 30 November 2014

Net book value

At 30 November 2013

At 30 November 2014

Property
held for use

Computer
hardware

Fixtures and
fittings and 
others

457

13

33

(28)

35

(17)

493

24

(2)

61

(19)

557

(195)

(15)

15

(2)

7

(190)

(15)

1

1

7

207

29

4

(17)

–

(7)

216

26

(13)

–

(5)

224

(164)

(23)

10

–

6

(171)

(26)

11

–

5

325

59

1

(32)

–

(4)

349

43

(15)

–

(7)

370

(218)

(32)

30

–

3

(217)

(34)

13

–

5

Total

989

101

38

(77)

35

(28)

1,058

93

(30)

61

(31)

1,151

(577)

(70)

55

(2)

16

(578)

(75)

25

1

17

(196)

(181)

(233)

(610)

303

361

45

43

132

137

480

541

The Group holds freehold land outside Hong Kong and leasehold land under finance lease in the form of property, plant and 
equipment. An analysis of the carrying value of the Group’s interest in those land and land use rights is set out in note 24.

The  Group  holds  property,  plant  and  equipment  for  its  long-term  use  and,  accordingly,  the  annual  depreciation  charge 
approximates to the amount expected to be recovered through consumption within 12 months after the end of the reporting 
period.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

17. INVESTMENT PROPERTY

US$m

Cost

At 1 December 2012

  Additions

  Acquisition of subsidiaries

  Disposals

  Net transfers to property, plant and equipment

  Foreign exchange movements

At 30 November 2013

  Additions

  Disposals

  Net transfers to property, plant and equipment

  Foreign exchange movements

At 30 November 2014

Accumulated depreciation

At 1 December 2012

  Charge for the year

  Disposals

  Net transfers to property, plant and equipment

  Foreign exchange movements

At 30 November 2013

  Charge for the year

  Disposals

  Net transfers from property, plant and equipment

  Foreign exchange movements

At 30 November 2014

Net book value

At 30 November 2013

At 30 November 2014

1,100

42

115

(3)

(35)

(18)

1,201

358

(2)

(61)

(19)

1,477

(65)

(16)

2

2

4

(73)

(21)

1

(1)

1

(93)

1,128

1,384

The Group holds investment property for long-term use, and so the annual amortisation charge approximates to the amount 
expected to be recovered within 12 months after the reporting period.

The Group leases out its investment property under operating leases. The leases typically run for an initial period of one to 
twelve years, with an option to renew the lease based on future negotiations. Lease payments are usually negotiated every one 
to three years to reflect market rentals. There were no material contingent rentals earned as income for the year. Rental income 
generated from investment properties amounted to US$123m (2013: US$115m). Direct operating expenses (including repair 
and maintenance) on investment property that generates rental income amounted to US$29m (2013: US$25m).

The Group owns investment property in the form of freehold land outside Hong Kong and leasehold land under finance lease. 
The Group does not hold freehold land in Hong Kong. An analysis of the carrying value of the Group’s interest in those land and 
land use right is set out in note 24.

154

AIA GROUP LIMITED

17. INVESTMENT PROPERTY (continued)
The future minimum operating lease rental income under non-cancellable operating leases that the Group expects to receive in 
future periods may be analysed as follows:

US$m

Leases of investment property

Expiring no later than one year

Expiring later than one year and no later than five years

Expiring after five years or more

Total

As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013

99

140

5

244

86

100

5

191

18. FAIR VALUE OF INVESTMENT PROPERTY AND PROPERTY HELD FOR USE

US$m

Carrying value(1)

Investment property

Property held for use (classified as property, plant and equipment)

Leasehold land under operating lease (classified as prepayments in other assets)

Total

Fair value(1)

Investment property (including land)

Property held for use (including land)

Total

Note:

As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013

1,384

361

442

2,187

3,639

1,492

5,131

1,128

303

453

1,884

3,180

1,388

4,568

(1)  Carrying and fair values are presented before non-controlling interests and, for assets held in participating funds, before allocation to policyholders.

19. REINSURANCE ASSETS

US$m

Amounts recoverable from reinsurers

Ceded insurance and investment contract liabilities

Total

As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013

240

1,417

1,657

141

1,238

1,379

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

20. DEFERRED ACQUISITION AND ORIGINATION COSTS

US$m

Carrying amount

Deferred acquisition costs on insurance contracts

Deferred origination costs on investment contracts

Value of business acquired

Total

Movements in the year

At beginning of financial year

Deferral and amortisation of acquisition and origination costs

Acquisition of subsidiaries

Foreign exchange movements

Impact of assumption changes

Other movements

At end of financial year

As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013

15,793

14,836

534

266

603

299

16,593

15,738

Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013

15,738

1,631

–

(385)

(23)

(368)

14,161

1,432

322

(414)

(9)

246

16,593

15,738

Deferred acquisition and origination costs are expected to be recoverable over the mean term of the Group’s insurance and 
investment contracts, and liability adequacy testing is performed at least annually to confirm their recoverability. Accordingly, 
the annual amortisation charge, which varies with investment performance for certain universal life and unit-linked products, 
approximates to the amount which is expected to be realised within 12 months of the end of the reporting period.

21. FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS
The following tables analyse the Group’s financial investments by type and nature. The Group manages its financial investments 
in two distinct categories: Unit-linked Investments and Policyholder and Shareholder Investments. The investment risk in respect 
of Unit-linked Investments is generally wholly borne by our customers, and does not directly affect the profit for the year before 
tax. Furthermore, unit-linked contract holders are responsible for allocation of their policy values amongst investment options 
offered by the Group. Although profit for the year before tax is not affected by Unit-linked Investments, the investment return 
from such financial investments is included in the Group’s profit for the year before tax, as the Group has elected the fair value 
option for all Unit-linked Investments with corresponding changes in insurance and investment contract liabilities for unit-linked 
contracts. Policyholder and Shareholder Investments include all financial investments other than Unit-linked Investments. The 
investment risk in respect of Policyholder and Shareholder Investments is partially or wholly borne by the Group.

Policyholder and Shareholder Investments are further categorised as Participating Funds and Other Policyholder and Shareholder. 
The  Group  has  elected  to  separately  analyse  financial  investments  held  by  Participating  Funds  within  Policyholder  and 
Shareholder Investments as they are subject to local regulations that generally prescribe a minimum proportion of policyholder 
participation in declared dividends. The Group has elected the fair value option for debt and equity securities of Participating 
Funds. The Group’s accounting policy is to record an insurance liability for the proportion of net assets of the Participating Fund 
that would be allocated to policyholders assuming all performance would be declared as a dividend based upon local regulations 
as at the date of the statement of financial position. As a result the Group’s net profit for the year before tax is impacted by the 
proportion of investment return that would be allocated to shareholders as described above.

156

AIA GROUP LIMITED

21. FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS (continued)
Other Policyholder and Shareholder Investments are distinct from Unit-linked Investments and Participating Funds as there is 
no direct contractual or regulatory requirement governing the amount, if any, for allocation to policyholders. The Group has 
elected to apply the fair value option for equity securities in this category and the available for sale classification in respect of 
the majority of debt securities in this category. The investment risk from investments in this category directly impacts the Group’s 
financial  statements.  Although  a  proportion  of  investment  return  may  be  allocated  to  policyholders  through  policyholder 
dividends, the Group’s accounting policy for insurance and certain investment contract liabilities utilises a net level premium 
methodology that includes best estimates as at the date of issue for non-guaranteed participation. To the extent investment 
return from these investments either is not allocated to participating contracts or varies from the best estimates, it will impact 
the Group’s profit before tax.

In the following tables, “FVTPL” indicates financial investments classified at fair value through profit or loss and “AFS” indicates 
financial investments classified as available for sale.

Debt securities
In compiling the tables, external ratings have been used where available. Where external ratings are not readily available an 
internal rating methodology has been adopted. The following conventions have been adopted to conform the various ratings.

External ratings

Standard and Poor’s

AAA

AA+ to AA-

A+ to A-

BBB+ to BBB-

BB+ and below

Moody’s

Aaa

Aa1 to Aa3

A1 to A3

Baa1 to Baa3

Ba1 and below

Internal ratings

Reported as

1

2+ to 2-

3+ to 3-

4+ to 4-

AAA

AA

A

BBB

5+ and below

Below investment grade (1)

Note:

(1)  Unless otherwise identified individually.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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F
N

I

L
A
N
O
I
T
I
D
D
A

 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

21. FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS (continued)
Debt securities (continued)
Debt securities by type comprise the following:

Policyholder and shareholder

Participating
funds

Other policyholder and
shareholder

Unit-linked

US$m

Rating

FVTPL

FVTPL

AFS

Subtotal

FVTPL

Consolidated
investment

funds (3)

FVTPL

Total

A

AA

AA

AAA

BBB

A

BB

BBB

BB

AA

BBB

A

A

BBB

BBB

30 November 2014

Government bonds
  – issued in local currency

Thailand

China

Korea

Singapore

Philippines

Malaysia

Indonesia

Other(1)

Subtotal

Government bonds 
  – foreign currency

Philippines

Indonesia

Qatar

Mexico

Malaysia

Korea

Russia

South Africa

Other(1)

Subtotal

Government agency 
  bonds(2)

AAA

AA

A

BBB

Below investment grade

Not rated

Subtotal

Notes:

–

1,099

–

1,768

–

2,149

23

16

5,055

–

86

–

7

73

19

19

–

–

204

1,321

612

803

253

23

–

3,012

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2

2

9

16

–

15

–

–

15

18

121

194

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

11,002

11,002

4,211

3,543

1,175

2,879

541

632

575

5,310

3,543

2,943

2,879

2,690

655

593

–

18

202

435

75

24

55

2

24,558

29,615

811

397

357

318

228

91

135

104

103

161

406

459

318

250

164

154

138

121

282

1,894

2,292

1,070

1,926

4,721

1,439

179

–

2,391

2,538

5,524

1,692

202

–

89

5

3

–

2

7

–

–

12

118

116

83

18

6

6

6

9,335

12,347

235

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

39

61

50

–

–

61

211

11,002

5,328

3,745

3,378

2,954

2,714

710

595

30,426

495

464

321

250

166

161

138

121

294

2,410

2,546

2,682

5,592

1,698

208

67

12,793

(1)  Of the total government bonds listed as “Other” at 30 November 2014, 61 per cent are rated as investment grade and a further 21 per cent are 

rated BB- and above. The remaining are rated below BB- or not rated.

(2)  Government agency bonds comprise bonds issued by government-sponsored institutions such as national, provincial and municipal authorities; 

government-related entities; multilateral development banks and supranational organisations.

(3)  Consolidated investment funds reflect 100 per cent of assets and liabilities held by such funds.

158

AIA GROUP LIMITED

21. FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS (continued)
Debt securities (continued)

Policyholder and shareholder

Participating 
funds

Other policyholder and 
shareholder

Consolidated 
investment 
funds (3)

Unit-linked

US$m

FVTPL

FVTPL

AFS

Subtotal

FVTPL

FVTPL

Total

W
E
I
V
R
E
V
O

30 November 2014

Corporate bonds

AAA

AA

A

BBB

Below investment grade

Not rated

Subtotal

Structured securities(4)

AAA

AA

A

BBB

Below investment grade

Not rated

Subtotal

Total(5)

Notes:

66

1,100

4,980

3,933

864

18

–

8

61

76

–

1

81

4,457

16,778

17,150

2,701

149

147

5,565

21,819

21,159

3,565

168

5

23

638

462

75

108

52

186

531

246

33

473

204

5,774

22,988

21,867

3,673

749

10,961

146

41,316

52,423

1,311

1,521

55,255

–

6

10

308

29

7

360

19,592

–

20

–

38

56

56

170

512

10

18

438

150

–

25

641

77,744

10

44

448

496

85

88

1,171

97,848

–

–

–

2

–

1

3

–

–

–

5

–

–

5

10

44

448

503

85

89

1,179

2,478

1,737

102,063

(3)  Consolidated investment funds reflect 100 per cent of assets and liabilities held by such funds.

(4)  Structured securities include collateralised debt obligations, mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities.

(5)  Debt securities of US$2,920m are restricted due to local regulatory requirements.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

159

W
E
I
V
E
R
G
N
I
T
A
R
E
P
O
D
N
A
L
A
C
N
A
N
F

I

I

E
C
N
A
N
R
E
V
O
G
E
T
A
R
O
P
R
O
C

S
T
N
E
M
E
T
A
T
S
L
A
C
N
A
N
I
F

I

N
O
I
T
A
M
R
O
F
N

I

L
A
N
O
I
T
I
D
D
A

 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

21. FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS (continued)
Debt securities (continued)

Policyholder and shareholder

Participating 
funds

Other policyholder and 
shareholder

Unit-linked

US$m

Rating

FVTPL

FVTPL

AFS

Subtotal

FVTPL

Consolidated 
investment

funds (3)

FVTPL

A

AA

AA

AAA

BBB

A

BB

BBB

BB

AA

BBB

A

A

BBB

BBB

30 November 2013 – As adjusted

Government bonds
  – issued in local currency

Thailand

China

Korea

Singapore

Philippines

Malaysia

Indonesia

Other(1)

Subtotal

Government bonds 
  – foreign currency

Philippines

Indonesia

Qatar

Mexico

Malaysia

Korea

Russia

South Africa

Other(1)

Subtotal

Government agency 
  bonds(2)

AAA

AA

A

BBB

Below investment grade

Not rated

Subtotal

Notes:

–

390

–

1,694

–

2,288

2

13

4,387

–

71

–

7

75

17

20

–

–

190

1,112

486

574

275

17

–

2,464

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5

5

16

8

–

12

–

–

17

8

117

178

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

10,217

10,217

2,072

3,189

1,305

3,016

674

555

552

2,462

3,189

2,999

3,016

2,962

557

570

–

10

154

281

57

5

99

4

21,580

25,972

610

409

296

272

171

98

219

108

131

139

425

375

272

190

173

236

145

139

256

1,843

2,211

914

1,597

4,597

1,247

148

–

2,026

2,083

5,171

1,522

165

–

81

4

3

–

2

8

–

–

13

111

120

57

22

10

2

2

8,503

10,967

213

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

43

–

5

–

–

62

110

Total

10,217

2,472

3,343

3,280

3,073

2,967

656

574

26,582

506

379

275

190

175

244

145

139

269

2,322

2,189

2,140

5,198

1,532

167

64

11,290

(1)  Of the total government bonds listed as “Other” at 30 November 2013, 68 per cent are rated as investment grade and a further 15 per cent are 

rated BB- and above. The remaining are rated below BB- or not rated.

(2)  Government agency bonds comprise bonds issued by government-sponsored institutions such as national, provincial and municipal authorities; 

government-related entities; multilateral development banks and supranational organisations.

(3)  Consolidated investment funds reflect 100 per cent of assets and liabilities held by such funds.

160

AIA GROUP LIMITED

21. FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS (continued)
Debt securities (continued)

Policyholder and shareholder

Participating 
funds

Other policyholder and 
shareholder

Consolidated 
investment 
funds (3)

Unit-linked

US$m

FVTPL

FVTPL

AFS

Subtotal

FVTPL

FVTPL

Total

W
E
I
V
R
E
V
O

30 November 2013 – As adjusted

Corporate bonds

AAA

AA

A

BBB

Below investment grade

Not rated

Subtotal

Structured securities(4)

AAA

AA

A

BBB

Below investment grade

Not rated

Subtotal

Total(5)

Notes:

108

806

4,857

4,184

653

64

–

8

190

71

–

10

115

2,799

14,018

12,953

2,050

104

223

3,613

19,065

17,208

2,703

178

5

7

677

348

51

141

47

142

407

189

2

644

275

3,762

20,149

17,745

2,756

963

10,672

279

32,039

42,990

1,229

1,431

45,650

–

16

43

328

51

40

478

18,191

–

–

19

–

108

40

167

629

–

15

581

157

–

45

798

64,763

–

31

643

485

159

125

1,443

83,583

–

–

–

3

–

2

5

–

–

–

–

31

–

31

2,168

1,572

–

31

643

488

190

127

1,479

87,323

(3)  Consolidated investment funds reflect 100 per cent of assets and liabilities held by such funds.

(4)  Structured securities include collateralised debt obligations, mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities.

(5)  Debt securities of US$2,067m are restricted due to local regulatory requirements.

The Group’s debt securities classified at fair value through profit or loss can be analysed as follows:

US$m

Debt securities – FVTPL

Designated at fair value through profit or loss

Held for trading

Total

As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

24,297

22

24,319

22,516

44

22,560

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

161

W
E
I
V
E
R
G
N
I
T
A
R
E
P
O
D
N
A
L
A
C
N
A
N
F

I

I

E
C
N
A
N
R
E
V
O
G
E
T
A
R
O
P
R
O
C

S
T
N
E
M
E
T
A
T
S
L
A
C
N
A
N
I
F

I

N
O
I
T
A
M
R
O
F
N

I

L
A
N
O
I
T
I
D
D
A

 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

21. FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS (continued)
Equity securities
Equity securities by type comprise the following:

Policyholder and
shareholder

Participating
funds

Other
policyholder
and
shareholder

Unit-linked

FVTPL

FVTPL

Subtotal

FVTPL

Consolidated
investment

funds (1)

FVTPL

3,476

1,568

5,044

6,005

1,702

7,707

9,481

3,270

12,751

3,948

12,124

16,072

1

3

4

US$m

30 November 2014

Equity shares

Interests in investment funds

Total

Policyholder and
shareholder

Participating
funds

Other
policyholder
and
shareholder

Unit-linked

US$m

FVTPL

FVTPL

Subtotal

FVTPL

Consolidated
investment

funds (1)

FVTPL

30 November 2013 – As adjusted

Equity shares

Interests in investment funds

Total

Note:

3,032

1,537

4,569

5,026

1,289

6,315

8,058

2,826

10,884

3,325

11,890

15,215

1

2

3

(1)  Consolidated investment funds reflect 100 per cent of assets and liabilities held by such funds.

Debt and equity securities

Total

13,430

15,397

28,827

Total

11,384

14,718

26,102

US$m

Debt securities

Listed

  Hong Kong

  Overseas

Unlisted

Total

Equity securities

Listed

  Hong Kong

  Overseas

Unlisted

Total

162

AIA GROUP LIMITED

As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

8,489

63,528

72,017

30,046

102,063

1,661

13,615

15,276

13,551

28,827

5,222

55,447

60,669

26,654

87,323

1,225

11,992

13,217

12,885

26,102

21. FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS (continued)
Interests in structured entities
The  Group  has  determined  that  the  investment  funds  and  structured  securities,  such  as  collateralised  debt  obligations, 
mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities that the Group has interest are structured entities.

The Group has consolidated certain investment funds for which the Group provides guarantee on capital or rate of return to the 
investors and deemed to have control based on an analysis of the guidance in IFRS 10. For these investment funds, the Group 
has the ability to reduce the guaranteed rates of return, subject to obtaining approvals of applicable regulators. The Group has 
an obligation to absorb losses in the event that the returns of the funds are insufficient to cover the capital or rate of return 
guarantee provided to the investors.

The following table summarises the Group’s interest in unconsolidated structured entities as at 30 November 2014:

US$m

Available for sale debt securities

Debt securities at fair value through profit or loss

Equity securities at fair value through profit or loss

Total

Notes:

Investment 
funds

Structured 
securities (1)

577 (2)

360 (2)

15,397

16,334

641

538

–

1,179

(1)  Structured securities include collateralised debt obligation, mortgage-backed securities and other asset-backed securities.

(2)  Balance represents the Group’s interests in loans to real estate investment trusts.

The Group’s maximum exposure to loss arising from its interests in these unconsolidated structured entities is limited to the 
carrying amount of the assets. Dividend income and interest income are received during the reporting period from these interests 
in unconsolidated structured entities.

In  addition,  the  Group  receives  management  fees  and  trustee  fees  in  respect  of  providing  trustee,  management  and 
administrative services to certain retirement scheme funds and investment funds. These funds are not held and the associated 
investment risks are not borne by the Group, the Group does not have exposure to loss in these funds.

Loans and deposits

US$m

Policy loans

Mortgage loans on residential real estate

Mortgage loans on commercial real estate

Other loans

Allowance for loan losses

Loans

Term deposits

Promissory notes(1)

Total

Note:

As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013

2,433

2,384

645

14

808

(16)

3,884

2,201

1,569

7,654

650

15

718

(14)

3,753

2,127

1,604

7,484

(1)  The promissory notes are issued by a government.

Certain term deposits with financial institutions and promissory notes are restricted due to local regulatory requirements or other 
pledge restrictions. The restricted balance held within term deposits and promissory notes is US$1,757m (2013: US$1,772m).

Other loans include receivables from reverse repurchase agreements under which the Group does not take physical possession 
of securities purchased under the agreements. Sales or transfers of securities are not permitted by the respective clearing house 
on which they are registered while the loan is outstanding. In the event of default by the counterparty to repay the loan, the 
Group has the right to the underlying securities held by the clearing house. At 30 November 2014, the carrying value of such 
receivables is US$101m (2013: US$81m).

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

163

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E
I
V
R
E
V
O

W
E
I
V
E
R
G
N
I
T
A
R
E
P
O
D
N
A
L
A
C
N
A
N
F

I

I

E
C
N
A
N
R
E
V
O
G
E
T
A
R
O
P
R
O
C

S
T
N
E
M
E
T
A
T
S
L
A
C
N
A
N
I
F

I

N
O
I
T
A
M
R
O
F
N

I

L
A
N
O
I
T
I
D
D
A

 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

22. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Group’s non-hedge derivative exposure was as follows:

US$m

30 November 2014

Foreign exchange contracts

  Forwards

  Cross-currency swaps

  Foreign exchange futures

  Currency options

Total foreign exchange contracts

Interest rate contracts

Interest rate swaps

Other

  Warrants and options

Netting

Total

30 November 2013

Foreign exchange contracts

  Forwards

  Cross-currency swaps

  Foreign exchange futures

  Currency options

Total foreign exchange contracts

Interest rate contracts

Interest rate swaps

Other

  Warrants and options

  Equity index futures

Netting

Total

Notional amount

Assets

Liabilities

Fair value

622

6,142

177

20

6,961

157

144

(177)

7,085

665

5,278

182

19

6,144

320

140

5

(187)

6,422

4

246

–

–

250

7

8

–

(12)

(198)

–

–

(210)

(1)

–

–

265

(211)

4

428

–

1

433

5

7

–

–

(3)

(86)

–

–

(89)

–

–

–

–

445

(89)

The column “notional amount” in the above table represents the pay leg of derivative transactions.

Of the total derivatives, US$7m (2013: US$3m) are listed in exchange or dealer markets and the rest are over-the-counter 
(OTC) derivatives. OTC derivative contracts are individually negotiated between contracting parties and not cleared through 
an exchange. OTC derivatives include forwards, swaps, and options. Derivatives are subject to various risks including market, 
liquidity and credit risk, similar to those related to the underlying financial instruments.

Derivative assets and derivative liabilities are recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position as financial assets at 
fair value through profit or loss and derivative financial liabilities respectively. The Group’s derivative contracts are established to 
economic hedge financial exposures. The Group adopts hedge accounting in limited circumstances. The notional or contractual 
amounts associated with derivative financial instruments are not recorded as assets or liabilities in the consolidated statement 
of financial position as they do not represent the fair value of these transactions. The notional amounts in the previous table 
reflect the aggregate of individual derivative positions on a gross basis and so give an indication of the overall scale of derivative 
transactions.

164

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
22. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)
Foreign exchange contracts
Foreign exchange forward and futures contracts represent agreements to exchange the currency of one country for the currency 
of another country at an agreed price and settlement date. Currency options are agreements that give the buyer the right to 
exchange the currency of one country for the currency of another country at agreed prices and settlement dates. Currency 
swaps are contractual agreements that involve the exchange of both periodic and final amounts in two different currencies. 
Exposure to gain and loss on the foreign exchange contracts will increase or decrease over their respective lives as a function of 
maturity dates, interest and foreign exchange rates, implied volatilities of the underlying indices, and the timing of payments.

Interest rate swaps
Interest rate swaps are contractual agreements between two parties to exchange periodic payments in the same currency, each 
of which is computed on a different interest rate basis, on a specified notional amount. Most interest rate swaps involve the net 
exchange of payments calculated as the difference between the fixed and floating rate interest payments.

Other derivatives
Warrants and options are option agreements that give the owner the right to buy or sell securities at an agreed price and 
settlement date. Equity index futures contracts are exchange-traded cash-settled contracts on the value of particular stock 
market index. The Group entered into equity index futures contracts to manage its equity market exposure.

Netting adjustment
The netting adjustment is related to futures contracts executed through clearing house where the settlement arrangement 
satisfied the netting criteria under IFRS.

Collateral under derivative transactions
At 30 November 2014, the Group had posted cash collateral of US$20m (2013: US$21m) and pledged debt securities with 
carrying  value  of  US$96m  (2013:  US$31m)  for  liabilities  and  held  cash  collateral  of  US$122m  (2013:  US$230m),  deposit 
collateral of US$25m (2013: US$6m) and debt securities collateral with carrying value of US$2m (2013: US$24m) for assets in 
respect of derivative transactions. The Group did not sell or repledge the collateral received. These transactions are conducted 
under terms that are usual and customary to collateralised transactions including, where relevant, standard securities lending 
and repurchase agreements.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

165

W
E
I
V
R
E
V
O

W
E
I
V
E
R
G
N
I
T
A
R
E
P
O
D
N
A
L
A
C
N
A
N
F

I

I

E
C
N
A
N
R
E
V
O
G
E
T
A
R
O
P
R
O
C

S
T
N
E
M
E
T
A
T
S
L
A
C
N
A
N
I
F

I

N
O
I
T
A
M
R
O
F
N

I

L
A
N
O
I
T
I
D
D
A

 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

23. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
Fair value of financial instruments
The Group classifies all financial assets as either at fair value through profit or loss, or as available for sale, which are carried at 
fair value, or as loans and receivables, which are carried at amortised cost. Financial liabilities are classified as either at fair value 
through profit or loss or at amortised cost, except for investment contracts with DPF which are accounted for under IFRS 4.

The following tables present the fair values of the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities:

US$m

Notes

30 November 2014

Financial investments

  Loans and deposits

  Debt securities

  Equity securities

  Derivative financial instruments

Reinsurance receivables

Other receivables

Accrued investment income

Cash and cash equivalents

Financial assets

21

22

19

24

24

26

Financial liabilities

Investment contract liabilities

  Borrowings

  Obligations under securities lending and

repurchase agreements

  Derivative financial instruments

  Other liabilities

Financial liabilities

Fair value

Fair value
through
profit or
loss

Available
for sale

Cost/
amortised
cost

Total
carrying
value

Total fair
value

–

24,319

28,827

265

–

–

–

–

–

7,654

77,744

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

240

1,632

1,345

1,835

7,654

102,063

28,827

265

240

1,632

1,345

1,835

7,675

102,063

28,827

265

240

1,632

1,345

1,835

53,411

77,744

12,706

143,861

143,882

Notes

28

30

31

22

34

Fair value
through
profit or
loss

7,315

–

–

211

1,221

8,747

Cost/
amortised
cost

Total
carrying
value

Total fair
value

622

2,934

3,753

–

3,321

10,630

7,937

2,934

3,753

211

4,542

7,937

3,005

3,753

211

4,542

19,377

19,448

166

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
 
23. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (continued)
Fair value of financial instruments (continued)

US$m

Notes

30 November 2013 – As adjusted

Financial investments

  Loans and deposits

  Debt securities

  Equity securities

  Derivative financial instruments

Reinsurance receivables

Other receivables

Accrued investment income

Cash and cash equivalents

Financial assets

21

22

19

24

24

26

Financial liabilities

Investment contract liabilities

  Borrowings

  Obligations under securities lending and 

repurchase agreements

  Derivative financial instruments

  Other liabilities

Financial liabilities

Fair value

Fair value
through
profit or
loss

Available
for sale

Cost/
amortised
cost

Total
carrying
value

Total fair
value

–

22,560

26,102

445

–

–

–

–

–

7,484

64,763

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

141

1,473

1,368

2,316

7,484

87,323

26,102

445

141

1,473

1,368

2,316

7,517

87,323

26,102

445

141

1,473

1,368

2,316

49,107

64,763

12,782

126,652

126,685

Notes

28

30

31

22

34

Fair value
through
profit or
loss

7,429

–

–

89

1,197

8,715

Cost/
amortised
cost

Total
carrying
value

1,269

1,950

1,889

–

2,857

7,965

8,698

1,950

1,889

89

4,054

16,680

Total fair
value

8,698

1,915

1,889

89

4,054

16,645

The carrying amount of assets included in the above tables represents the maximum credit exposure.

Foreign currency exposure, including the net notional amount of foreign currency derivative positions, is shown in note 38 for 
the Group’s key foreign exchange exposures.

The fair value of investment contract liabilities measured at amortised cost is not considered to be materially different from the 
amortised cost carrying value.

The  carrying  value  of  financial  instruments  expected  to  be  settled  within  12  months  (after  taking  into  account  valuation 
allowances, where applicable) is not considered to be materially different from the fair value.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

167

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

23. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (continued)
Fair value measurements on a recurring basis
The Group measures at fair value financial instruments classified at fair value through profit or loss, available for sale securities 
portfolios,  derivative  assets  and  liabilities,  investments  held  by  investment  funds  which  are  consolidated,  investments  in 
non-consolidated investment funds and certain investment contract liabilities on a recurring basis. The fair value of a financial 
instrument is the amount that would be received on sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction 
between market participants at the measurement date.

The degree of judgement used in measuring the fair value of financial instruments generally correlates with the level of pricing 
observability.  Financial  instruments  with  quoted  prices  in  active  markets  generally  have  more  pricing  observability  and  less 
judgement is used in measuring fair value. Conversely, financial instruments traded in other than active markets or that do not 
have quoted prices have less observability and are measured at fair value using valuation models or other pricing techniques that 
require more judgement. An active market is one in which transactions for the asset or liability being valued occur with sufficient 
frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

An  other  than  active  market  is  one  in  which  there  are  few  transactions,  the  prices  are  not  current,  price  quotations  vary 
substantially either over time or among market makers, or in which little information is released publicly for the asset or liability 
being valued. Pricing observability is affected by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, whether the 
financial instrument is new to the market and not yet established, the characteristics specific to the transaction and general 
market conditions.

The Group does not have assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the year ended 30 November 
2014.

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Group to estimate the fair value of financial instruments.

Determination of fair value for financial instruments
Loans and receivables
For  loans  and  advances  that  are  repriced  frequently  and  have  had  no  significant  changes  in  credit  risk,  carrying  amounts 
represent a reasonable estimate of fair values. The fair values of other loans are estimated by discounting expected future cash 
flows using interest rates offered for similar loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings.

The fair values of mortgage loans are estimated by discounting future cash flows using interest rates currently being offered 
in  respect  of  similar  loans  to  borrowers  with  similar  credit  ratings.  The  fair  values  of  fixed  rate  policy  loans  are  estimated 
by discounting cash flows at the interest rates charged on policy loans of similar policies currently being issued. Loans with 
similar characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations. The carrying values of policy loans with variable rates 
approximate to their fair values.

Debt securities and equity securities
The fair values of equity securities are based on quoted market prices or, if unquoted, on estimated market values generally 
based on quoted prices for similar securities. Fair values for fixed interest securities are based on quoted market prices, where 
available. For those securities not actively traded, fair values are estimated using values obtained from brokers, private pricing 
services or by discounting expected future cash flows using a current market rate applicable to the yield, credit quality and 
maturity of the investment. Priority is given to values from independent sources when available, but overall the source of pricing 
and/or valuation technique is chosen with the objective of arriving at the price at which an orderly transaction would take place 
between market participants on the measurement date. The inputs to determining fair value that are relevant to fixed interest 
securities include, but not limited to risk-free interest rates, the obligor’s credit spreads, foreign exchange rates, and credit 
default rates. For holdings in hedge funds and limited partnerships, fair values are determined based on the net asset values 
provided by the general partner or manager of each investment, the accounts of which are generally audited on an annual basis. 
The transaction price is used as the best estimate of fair value at inception.

168

AIA GROUP LIMITED

23. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (continued)
Determination of fair value for financial instruments (continued)
Derivative financial instruments
The Group values its derivative financial assets and liabilities using market transactions and other market evidence whenever 
possible, including market-based inputs to models, model calibration to market clearing transactions, broker or dealer quotations 
or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. When models are used, the selection of a particular 
model to value a derivative depends on the contract terms of, and specific risks inherent in, the instrument as well as the 
availability of pricing information in the market. The Group generally uses similar models to value similar instruments. Valuation 
models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices and rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of 
volatility, prepayment rates and correlations of such inputs. For derivatives that trade in liquid markets, such as generic forwards, 
swaps  and  options,  model  inputs  can  generally  be  verified  and  model  selection  does  not  involve  significant  management 
judgement. Examples of inputs that are generally observable include foreign exchange spot and forward rates, benchmark 
interest rate curves and volatilities for commonly traded option products. Examples of inputs that may be unobservable include 
volatilities for less commonly traded option products and correlations between market factors.

When the Group holds a group of derivative assets and derivative liabilities entered into with a particular counterparty, the 
Group takes into account the arrangements that mitigate credit risk exposure in the event of default (e.g. International Swap 
and Derivatives Association (ISDA) Master Agreements and Credit Support Annex (CSA) that require the exchange of collateral 
on the basis of each party’s net credit risk exposure). The Group measures the fair value of the group of financial assets and 
financial liabilities on the basis of its net exposure to the credit risk of that counterparty or the counterparty’s net exposure to 
our credit risk that reflects market participants’ expectations about the likelihood that such an arrangement would be legally 
enforceable in the event of default.

Cash and cash equivalents
The carrying amount of cash approximates its fair value.

Reinsurance receivables
The carrying amount of amounts receivable from reinsurers is not considered materially different to their fair value.

Fair value of securities sold under repurchase agreements and the associated payables
The contract values of payables under repurchase agreements approximate their fair value as these obligations are short-term in 
nature.

Other assets
The carrying amount of other financial assets is not materially different to their fair value. The fair values of deposits with 
banks are generally based on quoted market prices or, if unquoted, on estimates based on discounting future cash flows using 
available market interest rates offered for receivables with similar characteristics.

Investment contract liabilities
For investment contract liabilities, the fair values have been estimated using a discounted cash flow approach based on interest 
rates currently being offered for similar contracts with maturities consistent with those remaining for the contracts being valued. 
For investment contracts where the investment risk is borne by the policyholder, the fair value generally approximates to the fair 
value of the underlying assets.

Investment contracts with DPF enable the contract holder to receive additional benefits as a supplement to guaranteed benefits. 
These are referred to as participating business and are measured and classified according to the Group practice for insurance 
contract liabilities and hence are disclosed within note 27. These are not measured at fair value as there is currently no agreed 
definition of fair value for investment and insurance contracts with DPF under IFRS. In the absence of any agreed methodology, 
it is not possible to provide a range of estimates within which fair value is likely to fall. The IASB is expecting to address this issue 
in Phase II of its insurance contracts project.

Borrowings
The fair values of borrowings with stated maturities have been estimated based on discounting future cash flows using the 
interest rates currently applicable to deposits of similar maturities or prices obtained from brokers.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

169

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

23. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (continued)
Determination of fair value for financial instruments (continued)
Other liabilities
The fair values of other unquoted financial liabilities is estimated by discounting expected future cash flows using current market 
rates applicable to their yield, credit quality and maturity, except for those with no stated maturity, where the carrying value 
approximates to fair value.

Fair value hierarchy for fair value measurement on a recurring basis
Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated statement of financial position are measured and classified in a 
hierarchy for disclosure purposes consisting of three “levels” based on the observability of inputs available in the marketplace 
used to measure their fair values as discussed below:

•  Level 1: Fair value measurements that are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that 
the Group has the ability to access as of the measurement date. Market price data is generally obtained from exchange 
or dealer markets. The Group does not adjust the quoted price for such instruments. Assets measured at fair value on 
a recurring basis and classified as Level 1 are actively traded listed equities. The Group considers that government debt 
securities issued by G7 countries (the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom) and traded 
in a dealer market to be Level 1, until they no longer trade with sufficient frequency and volume to be considered actively 
traded.

•  Level 2: Fair value measurements based on inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the 
asset or liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices). Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar 
assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active 
and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset and liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that 
are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and classified 
as Level 2 generally include government securities issued by non-G7 countries, most investment grade corporate bonds, 
hedge fund investments and derivative contracts.

•  Level  3:  Fair  value  measurements  based  on  valuation  techniques  that  use  significant  inputs  that  are  unobservable. 
Unobservable inputs are only used to measure fair value to the extent that relevant observable inputs are not available, 
allowing  for  circumstances  in  which  there  is  little,  if  any,  market  activity  for  the  asset  or  liability.  Assets  and  liabilities 
measured at fair value on a recurring basis and classified as Level 3 include certain classes of structured securities, certain 
derivative contracts, private equity and real estate fund investments, and direct private equity investments.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the 
level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest 
level input that is  significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Group’s assessment of the significance of a 
particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgement. In making the assessment, the Group considers 
factors specific to the asset or liability.

170

AIA GROUP LIMITED

23. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (continued)
Fair value hierarchy for fair value measurement on a recurring basis (continued)
A summary of assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis according to fair value hierarchy is given below.

W
E
I
V
R
E
V
O

US$m

30 November 2014

Recurring fair value measurements

Financial assets

Available for sale

  Debt securities

At fair value through profit or loss

  Debt securities

  Participating funds

  Unit-linked and consolidated investment funds

  Other policyholder and shareholder

  Equity securities

  Participating funds

  Unit-linked and consolidated investment funds

  Other policyholder and shareholder

Derivative financial instruments

  Foreign exchange contracts

Interest rate contracts

  Other contracts

Total assets on a recurring fair 
  value measurement basis

Total %

Financial liabilities

Investment contract liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

  Foreign exchange contracts

Interest rate contracts

Other liabilities

Total liabilities on a recurring fair 
  value measurement basis

Total %

Fair value hierarchy

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

–

–

–

–

4,704

15,177

7,019

–

–

7

76,993

751

77,744

19,323

3,888

281

111

899

343

250

7

1

269

327

231

229

–

345

–

–

–

19,592

4,215

512

5,044

16,076

7,707

250

7

8

26,907
20.5

102,096
77.9

2,152
1.6

131,155
100.0

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

7,315

7,315

210

1

1,221

1,432
16.4

–

–

–

7,315
83.6

210

1

1,221

8,747
100.0

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

23. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (continued)
Fair value hierarchy for fair value measurement on a recurring basis (continued)

US$m

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Fair value hierarchy

30 November 2013 – As adjusted

Recurring fair value measurements

Financial assets

Available for sale

  Debt securities

At fair value through profit or loss

  Debt securities

  Participating funds

  Unit-linked and consolidated investment funds

  Other policyholder and shareholder

  Equity securities

  Participating funds

  Unit-linked and consolidated investment funds

  Other policyholder and shareholder

Derivative financial instruments

  Foreign exchange contracts

Interest rate contracts

  Other contracts

Total assets on a recurring fair 
  value measurement basis

Total %

Financial liabilities

Investment contract liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

  Foreign exchange contracts

Other liabilities

Total liabilities on a recurring fair 
  value measurement basis

Total %

–

–

–

–

4,359

13,943

5,965

–

–

1

63,983

780

64,763

17,826

3,344

399

11

1,275

86

432

5

5

365

396

230

199

–

264

1

–

1

18,191

3,740

629

4,569

15,218

6,315

433

5

7

24,268

21.3

87,366

76.7

2,236

2.0

113,870

100.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

7,429

7,429

89

1,197

1,286

14.8

–

–

7,429

85.2

89

1,197

8,715

100.0

172

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
 
 
 
 
23. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (continued)
Fair value hierarchy for fair value measurement on a recurring basis (continued)
The Group’s policy is to recognise transfers of assets and liabilities between Level 1 and Level 2 at their fair values as at the end 
of each reporting period, consistent with the date of the determination of fair value. Assets are transferred out of Level 1 when 
they are no longer transacted with sufficient frequency and volume in an active market. During the year ended 30 November 
2014, the Group transferred US$55m of assets measured at fair value from Level 1 to Level 2 during the year. Conversely, assets 
are transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 when transaction volume and frequency are indicative of an active market. The Company 
transferred $483m of assets from Level 2 to Level 1 during the year ended 30 November 2014.

The Group’s Level 2 financial instruments include debt securities, equity securities and derivative instruments. The fair values of 
Level 2 financial instruments are estimated using values obtained from private pricing services and brokers corroborated with 
internal review as necessary. When the quotes from third-party pricing services and brokers are not available, internal valuation 
techniques and inputs will be used to derive the fair value for the financial instruments.

The tables below set out a summary of changes in the Group’s Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring 
basis for the year ended 30 November 2014 and 2013. The tables reflect gains and losses, including gains and losses on financial 
assets and liabilities categorised as Level 3 as at 30 November 2014 and 2013.

Level 3 financial assets and liabilities

US$m

At 1 December 2013 – As adjusted

Net movement on investment contract liabilities

Total gains/(losses)

  Reported under investment return in the consolidated 

income statement

  Reported under fair value reserve and foreign currency 
translation reserve in the consolidated statement of 

  comprehensive income

Purchases

Sales

Settlements

Transfer into Level 3

Transfer out of Level 3

At 30 November 2014

Change in unrealised gains or losses included in the 
  consolidated income statement for assets and 

liabilities held at the end of the reporting period, 

  under investment return

Debt
securities

Equity
securities

1,771

–

463

–

87

80

(12)

504

(202)

(149)

–

(421)

1,578

(12)

78

(35)

–

–

–

574

70

82

Derivative
financial 
assets/
(liabilities)

2

–

(1)

–

–

–

(1)

–

–

–

(1)

Investment 
contracts

(7,429)

114

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(7,315)

–

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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I

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

23. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (continued)
Level 3 financial assets and liabilities (continued)

US$m

At 1 December 2012 – As adjusted

Net movement on investment contract liabilities

Total gains/(losses)

  Reported under investment return in the consolidated

income statement

  Reported under fair value reserve and foreign currency 
translation reserve in the consolidated statement of 

  comprehensive income

Acquisition of subsidiaries

Purchases

Sales

Settlements

Transfer into Level 3

Transfer out of Level 3

At 30 November 2013 – As adjusted

Change in unrealised gains or losses included in the 
  consolidated income statement for assets and 

liabilities held at the end of the reporting period, 

  under investment return

Debt
securities

1,341

–

66

(25)

133

450

(23)

(70)

26

(127)

1,771

Equity
securities

406

–

9

(8)

48

42

(34)

–

–

–

463

60

4

Derivative
financial
assets/
(liabilities)

4

–

2

–

–

1

–

(5)

–

–

2

1

Investment
contracts

(7,533)

104

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(7,429)

–

Movements in investment contract liabilities at fair value are offset by movements in the underlying portfolio of matching assets. 
Details of the movement in investment contract liabilities are provided in note 28.

Assets  transferred  out  of  Level  3  mainly  relate  to  corporate  debt  instruments  of  which  market-observable  inputs  became 
available during the year and were used in determining the fair value.

There are no differences between the fair values on initial recognition and the amounts determined using valuation techniques 
since the models adopted are calibrated using initial transaction prices.

Significant unobservable inputs for level 3 fair value measurements 
As at 30 November 2014, the valuation techniques and applicable unobservable inputs used to measure the Group’s Level 3 
financial instruments are summarised as follows:

Description

Fair value at 30 November 2014 (US$m)

Valuation techniques

Unobservable inputs

Range

Debt securities

548

Discounted cash flows

Discount rate for liquidity 5.28% – 11.49%

Valuation processes
The Group has the valuation policies, procedures and analyses in place to govern the valuation of financial assets required for 
financial reporting purposes, including Level 3 fair values. In determining the fair values of financial assets, the Group in general 
uses third-party pricing providers and, only in rare cases when no third-party prices exist, will use prices derived from internal 
models. Chief Investment Officers of each business units are required to review the reasonableness of the prices used and 
report price exceptions, if any. Group Investment team analyses reported price exceptions and reviews price challenge responses 
from third party pricing providers and provides the final recommendation on the appropriate price to be used. Any changes in 
valuation policies are reviewed and approved by the Group Pricing Committee (GPC) which is part of the Group’s wider financial 
risk governance processes. Changes in Level 2 and 3 fair values are analysed at each reporting date.

174

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
 
 
 
 
23. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (continued)
Valuation processes (continued)
The main Level 3 input used by the Group pertains to the discount rate for the fixed income securities and investment contracts. 
The unobservable inputs to determining the fair value of these instruments include the obligor’s credit spread and/or the liquidity 
spread. A significant increase/(decrease) in any of the unobservable input may result in a significantly lower/(higher) fair value 
measurement. The Group has subscriptions to private pricing services for gathering such information. If the information from 
private pricing services is not available, the Group uses the proxy pricing method based on internally-developed valuation inputs.

Fair value for assets and liabilities for which the fair value is disclosed at reporting date
A summary of fair value hierarchy of assets and liabilities not carried at fair value but for which the fair value is disclosed as at 30 
November 2014 is given below.

Fair value hierarchy

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

US$m

30 November 2014

Assets for which the fair value is disclosed

Financial assets

Loans and deposits

Reinsurance receivables

Other receivables

Accrued investment income

Cash and cash equivalents

Investment property and property held for use

Investment property (including land)

Property held for use (including land)

632

–

–

15

1,835

–

–

3,293

240

1,534

1,330

–

–

–

Total assets for which the fair value is disclosed

2,482

6,397

Liabilities for which the fair value is disclosed

Financial liabilities

Investment contract liabilities

Borrowings

Obligations under securities lending and repurchase 
  agreements

Other liabilities

Total liabilities for which the fair value is disclosed

–

2,046

–

204

2,250

–

959

3,753

3,027

7,739

3,750

–

98

–

–

3,639

1,492

8,979

622

–

–

90

712

7,675

240

1,632

1,345

1,835

3,639

1,492

17,858

622

3,005

3,753

3,321

10,701

The Group engaged external, independent and qualified valuers to determine the fair value of the Group’s properties at the 
end of every financial year. The valuation on open market value basis by independent professional valuer for certain investment 
properties  was  calculated  by  reference  to  net  rental  income  allowing  for  reversionary  income  potential.  The  fair  values  of 
other properties were derived using the Market Data Approach. In this approach, the values are based on sales and listing of 
comparable property registered in the vicinity.

In valuing the investment properties and properties in use, the current use of the properties are considered to be its highest and 
best use; records of recent sales and offerings of similar property are analysed and comparison made for such factors as size, 
location, quality and prospective use.

The investment properties and properties in use are valued on the basis of the highest and best use of the properties that 
is physically possible, legally permissible and financially feasible. Records of recent sales and offerings of similar property are 
analysed and comparison made for such factors as size, location, quality and prospective use. In limited occasions, potential 
redevelopment of the properties in use would be taken into account when they would maximise the fair value of the properties; 
the Group is occupying these properties for operational purposes.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

175

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E
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V
E
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G
N
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A
R
E
P
O
D
N
A
L
A
C
N
A
N
F

I

I

E
C
N
A
N
R
E
V
O
G
E
T
A
R
O
P
R
O
C

S
T
N
E
M
E
T
A
T
S
L
A
C
N
A
N
I
F

I

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O
I
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A
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

24. OTHER ASSETS

US$m

Accrued investment income

Pension scheme assets

  Defined benefit pension scheme surpluses

Insurance receivables due from insurance and investment contract holders

Others

Total

As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

1,345

1,368

25

998

1,385

3,753

22

870

1,283

3,543

All amounts other than prepayments in respect of operating leases of leasehold land are generally expected to be recovered 
within 12 months after the end of the reporting period. Prepayments in respect of operating leases of land are expected to be 
recovered over the period of the leases shown below.

Below sets out an analysis of the Group’s interest in land and land use rights:

As at 30 November 2014

As at 30 November 2013

Property,
plant and
equipment

Investment
property

Prepayments
of operating
leases

Property,
plant and
equipment

Investment
property

Prepayments
of operating
leases

Total

Total

US$m

Land held in Hong Kong

Long-term leases (>50 years)

43

588

288

919

43

589

292

924

Medium-term leases
(10 to 50 years)

Short-term leases (<10 years)

Land held outside
  Hong Kong

Freehold

Long-term leases (>50 years)

Medium-term leases
(10 to 50 years)

Short-term leases (<10 years)

–

–

–

–

88

225

2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

54

100

–

–

–

313

56

100

–

–

–

–

–

75

157

2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

56

105

–

–

–

232

58

105

–

Total

133

813

442

1,388

120

746

453

1,319

25. IMPAIRMENT OF FINANCIAL ASSETS
In accordance with the Group’s accounting policies, impairment reviews were performed for available for sale securities and 
loans and receivables.

Available for sale debt securities
During the year ended 30 November 2014, no impairment losses (2013: US$nil) were recognised in respect of available for sale 
debt securities.

The carrying amounts of available for sale debt securities that are individually determined to be impaired at 30 November 2014 
was US$48m (2013: US$66m).

176

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
25. IMPAIRMENT OF FINANCIAL ASSETS (continued)
Loans and receivables
The Group’s primary potential credit risk exposure in respect of loans and receivables arises in respect of policy loans and a 
portfolio of mortgage loans on residential and commercial real estate (see note 21 Financial investments for further details). The 
Group’s credit exposure on policy loans is mitigated because, if and when the total indebtedness on any policy, including interest 
due and accrued, exceeds the cash surrender value, the policy terminates and becomes void. The Group has a first lien on all 
policies which are subject to policy loans.

The  carrying  amounts  of  loans  and  receivables  that  are  individually  determined  to  be  impaired  at  30  November  2014  was 
US$25m (2013: US$22m).

The Group has a portfolio of residential and commercial mortgage loans which it originates. To the extent that any such loans 
are  past  their  due  dates  specific  allowance  is  made,  together  with  a  collective  allowance,  based  on  historical  delinquency. 
Insurance receivables are short-term in nature and cover is not provided if consideration is not received. An ageing of accounts 
receivable is not provided as all amounts are due within one year and cover is cancelled if consideration is not received.

26. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

US$m

Cash

Cash equivalents

Total(1)

Note:

As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

1,067

768

1,835

1,248

1,068

2,316

(1)  Of  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  US$467m  (2013:  US$428m)  are  held  to  back  unit-linked  contracts  and  US$29m  (2013:  US$88m)  are  held  by 

consolidated investment funds.

Cash  comprises  cash  at  bank  and  cash  in  hand.  Cash  equivalents  comprise  bank  deposits  and  highly  liquid  short-term 
investments with maturities at acquisition of three months or less and money market funds. Accordingly, all such amounts are 
expected to be realised within 12 months after the end of the reporting period.

27. INSURANCE CONTRACT LIABILITIES
The movement of insurance contract liabilities (including liabilities in respect of investment contracts with DPF) is shown as 
follows:

US$m

At beginning of financial year

Valuation premiums and deposits

Liabilities released for policy termination or other policy benefits paid and related expenses

Fees from account balances

Accretion of interest

Foreign exchange movements

Change in net asset values attributable to policyholders

Acquisition of subsidiaries

Other movements

At end of financial year

Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

103,436

20,273

(12,170)

(954)

3,442

(2,699)

2,055

–

(286)

90,613

17,755

(10,917)

(843)

3,288

(2,674)

702

5,396

116

113,097

103,436

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

177

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N
A
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A
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N
A
N
F

I

I

E
C
N
A
N
R
E
V
O
G
E
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A
R
O
P
R
O
C

S
T
N
E
M
E
T
A
T
S
L
A
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N
A
N
I
F

I

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O
I
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A
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F
N

I

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

27. INSURANCE CONTRACT LIABILITIES (continued)
Business description
The table below summarises the key variables on which insurance and investment contract cash flows depend.

Type of contract

Material terms and conditions

Traditional 
participating 
life assurance 
with DPF

Participating 
funds

Other 
participating 
business

Traditional non-participating life

Participating products combine 
protection with a savings element. The 
basic sum assured, payable on death or 
maturity, may be enhanced by dividends, 
the aggregate amount of which is 
determined by the performance of a 
distinct fund of assets and liabilities. The 
timing of dividend declarations is at the 
discretion of the insurer. Local 
regulations generally prescribe a 
minimum proportion of policyholder 
participation in declared dividends

Participating products combine 
protection with a savings element. The 
basic sum assured, payable on death or 
maturity, may be enhanced by dividends, 
the timing or amount of which is at the 
discretion of the insurer taking into 
account factors such as investment 
experience

Benefits paid on death, maturity, sickness 
or disability that are fixed and 
guaranteed and not at the discretion of 
the insurer

Accident and health

These products provide morbidity or 
sickness benefits and include health, 
disability, critical illness and accident 
cover

Nature of benefits and 
compensation for claims

Minimum guaranteed benefits 
may be enhanced based on 
investment experience and 
other considerations

Factors
affecting
contract cash
flows

• Investment 
performance

• Expenses
• Mortality
• Surrenders

Key
reportable
segments

Singapore,  
China,  
Malaysia

Minimum guaranteed benefits 
may be enhanced based on 
investment experience and 
other considerations

• Investment 
performance

• Expenses
• Mortality
• Surrenders

Hong Kong, 
Thailand,  
Other Markets

Benefits, defined in the 
insurance contract, are 
determined by the contract and 
are not affected by investment 
performance or the 
performance of the contract as 
a whole

• Mortality
• Morbidity
• Lapses
• Expenses

Benefits, defined in the 
insurance contract, are 
determined by the contract and 
are not affected by investment 
performance or the 
performance of the contract as 
a whole

• Mortality
• Morbidity
• Lapses
• Expenses
• Claims 

experience

All(1)

All(1)

All(1)

All(1)

Unit-linked

Universal life

Unit-linked contracts combine savings 
with protection, the cash value of the 
policy depending on the value of unitised 
funds

Benefits are based on the value 
of the unitised funds and death 
benefits

The customer pays flexible premiums 
subject to specified limits accumulated in 
an account balance which are credited 
with interest at a rate set by the insurer, 
and a death benefit which may be varied 
by the customer

Benefits are based on the 
account balance and death 
benefit

• Investment 
performance

• Lapses
• Expenses
• Mortality

• Investment 
performance
• Crediting rates
• Lapses
• Expenses
• Mortality

Note:

(1)  Other than the Group Corporate Centre segment.

178

AIA GROUP LIMITED

27. INSURANCE CONTRACT LIABILITIES (continued)
Methodology and assumptions
The most significant items to which profit for the year and shareholders’ equity are sensitive are market, insurance and lapse 
risks which are shown in the table below. Indirect exposure indicates that there is a second order impact. For example, whilst the 
profit for the year attributable to shareholders is not directly affected by investment income earned where the investment risk is 
borne by policyholders (for example, in respect of unit-linked contracts), there is a second-order effect through the investment 
management fees which the Group earns by managing such investments. The distinction between direct and indirect exposure 
is not intended to indicate the relative sensitivity to each of these items. Where the direct exposure is shown as being “net 
neutral”, this is because the exposure to market and credit risk is offset by a corresponding movement in insurance contract 
liabilities.

Type of contract

Traditional 
participating 
life assurance 
with DPF

Market and credit risk

Direct exposure

Insurance and
investment contract
liabilities

Risks associated with
related investment
portfolio

Indirect exposure

Significant insurance
and lapse risks

Participating 
funds

• Net neutral except for the 

insurer’s share of 
participating investment 
performance

• Net neutral except for  
the insurer’s share of 
participating investment 
performance

• Investment  

performance subject to 
smoothing through 
dividend declarations

• Impact of persistency  
on future dividends

• Mortality

• Guarantees

• Guarantees

Other 
participating 
business

• Net neutral except for  
the insurer’s share of 
participating investment 
performance

• Net neutral except for  
the insurer’s share of 
participating investment 
performance

• Guarantees

• Guarantees

• Investment performance  • Impact of persistency on 

future dividends

• Mortality

Traditional non-participating life 
assurance

• Investment performance
• Credit risk 
• Asset-liability  
mismatch risk

• Guarantees 
• Asset-liability  
mismatch risk

• Not applicable

• Mortality
• Persistency
• Morbidity

Accident and health

• Loss ratio
• Asset-liability  
mismatch risk

• Investment performance
• Credit risk
• Asset-liability  
mismatch risk

• Not applicable

• Claims experience
• Morbidity
• Persistency

Pension

• Net neutral
• Asset-liability  
mismatch risk

• Net neutral
• Asset-liability  
mismatch risk

• Performance-related 

• Persistency

investment  
management fees

Unit-linked

• Net neutral

• Net neutral

• Performance-related 

investment  
management fees

• Persistency
• Mortality

Universal life

• Guarantees 
• Asset-liability  
mismatch risk

• Investment performance
• Credit risk
• Asset-liability  
mismatch risk

• Spread between earned 
rate and crediting rate to 
policyholders

• Mortality
• Persistency
• Withdrawals

The Group is also exposed to foreign exchange rate risk in respect of its operations, and to interest rate risk, credit risk and 
equity price risk on assets representing net shareholders’ equity, and to expense risk to the extent that actual expenses exceed 
those that can be charged to insurance and investment contract holders on non-participating business. Expense assumptions 
applied in the Group’s actuarial valuation models assume a continuing level of business volumes.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

179

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N
I
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A
R
E
P
O
D
N
A
L
A
C
N
A
N
F

I

I

E
C
N
A
N
R
E
V
O
G
E
T
A
R
O
P
R
O
C

S
T
N
E
M
E
T
A
T
S
L
A
C
N
A
N
I
F

I

N
O
I
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A
M
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F
N

I

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A
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

27. INSURANCE CONTRACT LIABILITIES (continued)
Methodology and assumptions (continued)
Valuation interest rates
As at 30 November 2014 and 2013, the ranges of applicable valuation interest rates for traditional insurance contracts, which 
vary by territory, year of issuance and products, within the first 20 years are as follows:

Hong Kong

Thailand

Singapore

Malaysia

China

Korea

Philippines

Indonesia

Vietnam

Australia

New Zealand

Taiwan

Sri Lanka

28. INVESTMENT CONTRACT LIABILITIES

US$m

At beginning of financial year

Effect of foreign exchange movements

Investment contract benefits

Fees charged

Net withdrawals and other movements

At end of financial year

As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013

3.50% – 7.50%

3.50% – 7.50%

3.25% – 9.00%

3.25% – 9.00%

2.00% – 7.25%

2.00% – 7.25%

3.70% – 8.90%

3.70% – 8.90%

2.75% – 7.00%

2.75% – 7.00%

3.33% – 6.50%

3.33% – 6.50%

2.20% – 9.20%

2.20% – 9.20%

3.10% – 10.80%

3.10% – 10.80%

5.07% – 12.25%

5.07% – 12.25%

3.83% – 7.11%

3.83% – 7.11%

3.83% – 5.75%

3.83% – 5.75%

1.75% – 6.50%

1.75% – 6.50%

9.30% – 11.90%

9.69% – 12.69%

Year ended
30 November
2014

Year ended
30 November
2013

8,698

8,865

(71)

344

(174)

(860)

(83)

301

(187)

(198)

7,937

8,698

29. EFFECT OF CHANGES IN ASSUMPTIONS AND ESTIMATES
The table below sets out the sensitivities of the assumptions in respect of insurance and investment contracts with DPF to key 
variables. This disclosure only allows for the impact on liabilities and related assets, such as reinsurance, and deferred acquisition 
costs and does not allow for offsetting movements in the fair value of financial assets backing those liabilities.

US$m

(Increase)/decrease in insurance contract liabilities, increase/(decrease) 

in equity and profit before tax

0.5 pps increase in investment return

0.5 pps decrease in investment return

10% increase in expenses

10% increase in mortality rates

10% increase in lapse/discontinuance rates

180

AIA GROUP LIMITED

As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013

14

(14)

(4)

(21)

(16)

12

(15)

(3)

(19)

(18)

 
29. EFFECT OF CHANGES IN ASSUMPTIONS AND ESTIMATES (continued)
Future policy benefits for traditional life insurance policies (including investment contracts with DPF) are calculated using a net 
level premium valuation method with reference to best estimate assumptions set at policy inception date unless a deficiency 
arises on liability adequacy testing. There is no impact of the above assumption sensitivities on the carrying amount of traditional 
life insurance liabilities as the sensitivities presented would not have triggered a liability adequacy adjustment. During the years 
presented there was no effect of changes in assumptions and estimates on the Group’s traditional life products.

For interest sensitive insurance contracts, such as universal life products and unit-linked contracts, assumptions are made at each 
reporting date including mortality, persistency, expenses, future investment earnings and future crediting rates.

The impact of changes in assumptions on the valuation of insurance and investment contracts with DPF was US$3m decrease in 
profit (2013: US$9m decrease).

30. BORROWINGS

US$m

Bank loans and bank credit facilities

Medium term notes

Total

As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013

808

2,126

2,934

809

1,141

1,950

Properties  with  a  book  value  of  US$874m  at  30  November  2014  (2013:  US$882m)  and  a  fair  value  of  US$2,135m  at  30 
November 2014 (2013: US$2,020m) and cash and cash equivalents and term deposits with a book value of US$21m (2013: 
US$19m) are pledged as security with respect to amounts disclosed as bank loans and bank credit facilities above. Interest 
on loans reflects market rates of interest. Interest expense on borrowings is shown in note 10. Further information relating to 
interest rates and the maturity profile of borrowings is presented in note 38.

On 30 November 2012, the Group obtained a 12-month bank loan facility of HK$2,507m (approximately US$323m). The loan 
bore interest based upon HIBOR. Subsequently on 9 July 2013, the Group entered into a 3-year multicurrency bank facility in an 
aggregate amount equal to US$323m with floating rate interest for refinancing the existing loan.

On 13 March 2013, the Group issued a 5-year and a 10-year fixed rate medium term notes at nominal amount of US$500m 
each; these notes bear annual interest of 1.750 per cent and 3.125 per cent respectively. On 4 November 2013, the Group 
issued a 3-year floating rate medium term note at nominal amount of HK$1,160m (approximately US$150m); the note bears 
interest based upon HIBOR. On 11 March 2014, the Group issued a 5-year and a 30-year fixed rate medium term notes at 
nominal amount of US$500m each; these notes bear annual interest of 2.250 per cent and 4.875 per cent respectively. The four 
US dollar medium term notes at nominal amount of US$500m each are listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. 
The net proceeds from these notes are used for general corporate purposes.

On 8 October 2013, the Group entered into a committed multicurrency revolving credit facility in an aggregate amount equal to 
US$300m. The revolving credit facility bears floating rate interest. No facility was drawn down as at 30 November 2014.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

181

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E
I
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E
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N
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A
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P
O
D
N
A
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A
C
N
A
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F

I

I

E
C
N
A
N
R
E
V
O
G
E
T
A
R
O
P
R
O
C

S
T
N
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M
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A
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S
L
A
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N
A
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I
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I

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A
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N

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

31. OBLIGATIONS UNDER SECURITIES LENDING AND REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Group has entered into securities lending agreement whereby securities are loaned to a national monetary authority. In 
addition, the Group has entered into repurchase agreements whereby securities are sold to third parties with a concurrent 
agreement to repurchase the securities at a specified date.

The securities related to these agreements are not derecognised from the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position, 
but are retained within the appropriate financial asset classification. During the term of the securities lending and repurchase 
agreements, the Group is restricted from selling or pledging the transferred debt securities. The following table specifies the 
amounts included within financial investments subject to securities lending or repurchase agreements which do not qualify for 
derecognition at each year end:

US$m

Debt securities – AFS

  Repurchase agreements

Debt securities – FVTPL

  Securities lending

  Repurchase agreements

Total

As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013

3,243

1,552

299

598

4,140

312

332

2,196

Collateral
At 30 November 2014, the Group had pledged debt securities with carrying value of US$5m (2013: US$10m) and held cash 
collateral of US$10m (2013: US$nil) and debt securities collateral of US$2m (2013: US$2m) based on the initial market value of 
the securities transferred. In the absence of default, the Group does not sell or repledge the debt securities collateral received 
and they are not recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position.

The securities lending transactions outstanding as at 30 November 2014 are conducted with a national monetary authority on 
securities denominated in local currency issued by the same authority.

The following table shows the obligations under repurchase agreements at each year end:

US$m

Repurchase agreements

As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013

3,753

1,889

182

AIA GROUP LIMITED

32. OFFSETTING OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Offsetting, enforceable master netting agreements and similar agreements
The  following  table  shows  the  assets  that  are  subject  to  offsetting,  enforceable  master  netting  agreements  and  similar 
arrangements at each year end:

Gross 
amount of 
recognised 
financial 
liabilities 
set off in the 
consolidated 
statement 
of financial 
position

Net amount 
of financial 
assets 
presented 
in the 
consolidated 
statement 
of financial 
position

Gross 
amount of 
recognised 
financial 
assets

Related amounts 
not set off in the 
consolidated statement 
of financial position

Financial 
instruments

Cash 
collateral 
received

Net 
amount

265

101

366

–

–

–

265

101

366

(2)

(101)

(103)

(147)

–

(147)

116

–

116

Gross 
amount of 
recognised 
financial 
liabilities 
set off in the 
consolidated 
statement 
of financial 
position

Net amount 
of financial 
assets 
presented 
in the 
consolidated 
statement 
of financial 
position

Gross 
amount of 
recognised 
financial 
assets

Related amounts 
not set off in the 
consolidated statement 
of financial position

Financial 
instruments

Cash 
collateral 
received

Net 
amount

445

81

526

–

–

–

445

81

526

(24)

(81)

(105)

(236)

–

(236)

185

–

185

US$m

30 November 2014

Financial assets:

  Derivative assets

  Reverse repurchase agreements

US$m

30 November 2013

Financial assets:

  Derivative assets

  Reverse repurchase agreements

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

183

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E
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N
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A
R
E
P
O
D
N
A
L
A
C
N
A
N
F

I

I

E
C
N
A
N
R
E
V
O
G
E
T
A
R
O
P
R
O
C

S
T
N
E
M
E
T
A
T
S
L
A
C
N
A
N
I
F

I

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O
I
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A
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F
N

I

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

32. OFFSETTING OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES (continued)
Offsetting, enforceable master netting agreements and similar agreements (continued)
The  following  table  shows  the  liabilities  that  are  subject  to  offsetting,  enforceable  master  netting  agreements  and  similar 
arrangements at each year end:

Gross 
amount of 
recognised 
financial 
assets 
set off in the 
consolidated 
statement 
of financial 
position

Net amount 
of financial 
liabilities 
presented 
in the 
consolidated 
statement 
of financial 
position

Gross 
amount of 
recognised 
financial 
liabilities

Related amounts 
not set off in the 
consolidated statement 
of financial position

Financial 
instruments

Cash 
collateral 
pledged

Net 
amount

211

3,753

3,964

–

–

–

211

(96)

(20)

3,753

3,964

(3,753)

(3,849)

–

(20)

95

–

95

Gross 
amount of 
recognised 
financial 
assets 
set off in the 
consolidated 
statement 
of financial 
position

Net amount 
of financial 
liabilities 
presented 
in the 
consolidated 
statement 
of financial 
position

Related amounts 
not set off in the 
consolidated statement 
of financial position

Financial 
instruments

Cash 
collateral 
pledged

Net 
amount

–

–

–

89

(31)

(21)

1,889

1,978

(1,889)

(1,920)

–

(21)

37

–

37

Gross 
amount of 
recognised 
financial 
liabilities

89

1,889

1,978

US$m

30 November 2014

Financial liabilities:

  Derivative liabilities

  Repurchase agreements, 
  securities lending, and 
  similar arrangements

US$m

30 November 2013

Financial liabilities:

  Derivative liabilities

  Repurchase agreements, 
  securities lending, and 
  similar arrangements

The Group entered into enforceable master netting agreements for derivative transactions, as well as the repurchase agreements 
and securities lending agreements for debt instruments with various counterparties. Except for certain futures contracts executed 
through clearing house mechanism where the settlement arrangement satisfied the IFRS netting criteria, the transactions under 
the enforceable master netting agreements and similar agreements involving the exchange of financial instruments or cash as 
collateral do not satisfy the IFRS netting criteria. The provision in the master netting agreement and similar agreements enables a 
party to terminate transactions early and settle at a net amount if a default or termination event occurs.

184

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
 
 
33. PROVISIONS

US$m

At 1 December 2012 – As adjusted

Charged to the consolidated income statement

Credited to other comprehensive income

Acquisition of subsidiaries

Exchange differences

Released during the year

Utilised during the year

Other movements

At 30 November 2013 – As adjusted

Charged to the consolidated income statement

Charged to other comprehensive income

Exchange differences

Released during the year

Utilised during the year

Other movements

At 30 November 2014

Employee 
benefits

133

12

(32)

2

(3)

(11)

(4)

9

106

15

9

(3)

(3)

(3)

3

124

Other

118

59

–

10

(2)

(15)

(89)

–

81

61

–

(2)

(19)

(32)

–

89

Total

251

71

(32)

12

(5)

(26)

(93)

9

187

76

9

(5)

(22)

(35)

3

213

Other provisions
Other provisions comprise provisions in respect of regulatory matters, litigation, reorganisation and restructuring. In view of the 
diverse nature of the matters provided for and the contingent nature of the matters to which they relate, the Group is unable to 
provide an accurate assessment of the term over which provisions are expected to be utilised.

34. OTHER LIABILITIES

US$m

Trade and other payables

Third-party interests in consolidated investment funds

Reinsurance payables

Total

As at 
30 November
2014

As at 
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

2,926

1,221

395

4,542

2,556

1,197

301

4,054

Third-party interests in consolidated investment funds consist of third-party unit holders’ interests in consolidated investment 
funds which are reflected as a liability since they can be put back to the Group for cash.

Trade and other payables are generally expected to be settled within 12 months after the end of the reporting period. The 
realisation of third-party interests in investment funds cannot be predicted with accuracy since these represent the interests 
of third-party unit holders in consolidated investment funds held to back insurance and investment contract liabilities and are 
subject to market risk and the actions of third-party investors.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

35. SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Share capital

At beginning of the financial year

Transfers from share premium on 3 March 2014

Shares issued under share option scheme

At end of the financial year

Share premium

As at 30 November 2014

As at 30 November 2013

Million shares

US$m

Million shares

US$m

12,044

–

1

12,044

1,914

4

12,045

13,962

12,044

–

12,044

12,044

–

–

–

–

12,044

1,914

There were 1,117,224 shares issued under share option schemes during the year ended 30 November 2014 (2013: nil).

Except for 19,404,804 shares (2013: 21,274,914 shares) of the Company purchased by and 320,390 shares (2013: nil) of the 
Company sold by the employee share-based trusts, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries purchased, sold or redeemed 
any of the Company’s listed securities during the year ended 30 November 2014. These purchases and sales were made by 
the relevant scheme trustees on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. These shares are held on trust for participants of the relevant 
schemes and therefore were not cancelled. As at 30 November 2014, 73,219,060 shares (2013: 74,598,995 shares) of the 
Company were held by the employee share-based trusts.

During the year ended 30 November 2014, 20,464,365 vested shares were transferred to eligible employees, directors and 
officers of the Group under share-based compensation plans. Please refer to note 40 for details.

The transfer of share premium to share capital resulted from the abolition of nominal value of shares under the New Companies 
Ordinance which is effective from 3 March 2014. There is no impact on the number of shares in issue or the relative entitlement of 
any of the members as a result of this transition.

Reserves
Fair value reserve
The fair value reserve comprises the cumulative net change in the fair value of available for sale securities held at the end of the 
reporting period.

Foreign currency translation reserve
The foreign currency translation reserve comprises all foreign currency exchange differences arising from the translation of the 
financial statements of foreign operations.

Employee share-based trusts
Trusts have been established to acquire shares of the Company for distribution to participants in future periods through the 
share-based compensation schemes. Those shares acquired by the trusts, to the extent not transferred to the participants upon 
vesting, are reported as “Employee share-based trusts”.

Other reserves
Other  reserves  mainly  include  the  impact  of  merger  accounting  for  business  combinations  under  common  control  and 
share-based compensation.

186

AIA GROUP LIMITED

36. NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

US$m

Equity shares in subsidiaries

Share of earnings

Share of other reserves

Total

As at 
30 November
2014

As at 
30 November
2013

59

52

38

149

63

45

37

145

37. GROUP CAPITAL STRUCTURE
Capital Management Approach
The  Group’s  capital  management  objectives  focus  on  maintaining  a  strong  capital  base  to  support  the  development  of  its 
business, maintaining the ability to move capital freely and satisfying regulatory capital requirements at all times.

The Group’s capital management function oversees all capital-related activities of the Group and assists senior management 
in making capital decisions. The capital management function participates in decisions concerning asset-liability management, 
strategic asset allocation and ongoing solvency management. This includes ensuring capital considerations are paramount in the 
strategy and business planning processes and when determining the AIA’s capacity to pay dividends to shareholders.

Regulatory Solvency
The Group is in compliance with the solvency and capital adequacy requirements applied by its regulators. The Group’s primary 
insurance regulator at the AIA Company Limited (AIA Co.) and AIA International Limited (AIA International) levels is the Hong 
Kong Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (HKOCI), which requires that AIA Co. and AIA International meet the solvency 
margin  requirements  of  the  Hong  Kong  Insurance  Companies  Ordinance  (HKICO).  The  HKICO  (among  other  matters)  sets 
minimum solvency margin requirements that an insurer must meet in order to be authorised to carry on insurance business in 
or from Hong Kong. The HKOCI requires AIA Co. and AIA International to maintain an excess of assets over liabilities of not less 
than the required minimum solvency margin. The amount required under the HKICO is 100 per cent of the required minimum 
solvency margin. The excess of assets over liabilities to be maintained by AIA Co. and AIA International required by the HKOCI is 
not less than 150 per cent of the required minimum solvency margin.

The capital positions of the Group’s two principal operating companies as of 30 November 2014 and 2013 are as follows:

US$m

AIA Co.

AIA International

30 November 2014

30 November 2013

Total 
available 
capital

Regulatory
minimum
capital

6,730

6,319

1,577

1,641

Solvency 
ratio

427%

385%

Total 
available 
capital

6,057

4,752

Regulatory
minimum
capital

1,399

1,422

Solvency 
ratio

433%

334%

For  these  purposes,  the  Group  defines  total  available  capital  as  the  amount  of  assets  in  excess  of  liabilities  measured  in 
accordance  with  the  HKICO  and  “regulatory  minimum  capital”  as  the  minimum  required  margin  of  solvency  calculated  in 
accordance with the HKICO. The solvency ratio is the ratio of total available capital to regulatory minimum capital.

The Group’s individual branches and subsidiaries are also subject to the supervision of government regulators in the jurisdictions 
in which those branches and subsidiaries operate and, in relation to subsidiaries, in which they are incorporated. The various 
regulators overseeing the Group actively monitor our local solvency positions. AIA Co. and AIA International submit annual 
filings to the HKOCI of their solvency margin position based on their annual audited accounts, and the Group’s other operating 
units perform similar annual filings with their respective local regulators.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

37. GROUP CAPITAL STRUCTURE (continued)
Regulatory Solvency (continued)
The ability of the Company to pay dividends to shareholders and to meet other obligations depends ultimately on dividends and 
other payments being received from its operating subsidiaries and branches, which are subject to contractual, regulatory and 
other limitations. The various regulators overseeing the individual branches and subsidiaries of the Group have the discretion 
to impose additional restrictions on the ability of those regulated subsidiaries and branches to make payment of dividends 
or other distributions and payments to AIA Co., including increasing the required margin of solvency that an operating unit 
must maintain. For example, capital may not be remitted from Thailand without the consent of the Office of the Insurance 
Commission in Thailand. The payment of dividends, distributions and other payments to shareholders is subject to the oversight 
of the HKOCI.

Capital and Regulatory Orders Specific to the Group
As of 30 November 2014, the requirements and restrictions summarised below may be considered material to the Group and 
remain in effect unless otherwise stated.

Hong Kong Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
AIA Group Limited has given to the Insurance Authority an undertaking that AIA Group Limited will:

(i)  ensure that (a) AIA Co. and AIA International will at all times maintain a solvency ratio of not less than 150 per cent, both on 
an individual insurer basis and on an AIA Co./AIA International consolidated basis; (b) it will not withdraw capital or transfer 
any funds or assets out of either AIA Co. or AIA International that will cause AIA Co.’s or AIA International’s solvency ratio to 
fall below 150 per cent, except with, in either case, the prior written consent of the Insurance Authority; and (c) should the 
solvency ratio of either AIA Co. or AIA International fall below 150 per cent, AIA Group Limited will take steps as soon as 
possible to restore it to at least 150 per cent in a manner acceptable to the Insurance Authority;

(ii)  notify the Insurance Authority in writing as soon as the Company becomes aware of any person (a) becoming a controller 
(within the meaning of Section 9(1)(c)(ii) of the HKICO) of AIA Co. and AIA International through the acquisition of our 
shares traded on the HKSE; or (b) ceasing to be a controller (within the meaning of Section 9(1)(c)(ii) of the HKICO) of AIA 
Co. and AIA International through the disposal of our shares traded on the HKSE;

(iii) be subject to the supervision of the Insurance Authority and AIA Group Limited will be required to continually comply with 
the Insurance Authority’s guidance on the “fit and proper” standards of a controller pursuant to Section 8(2) of the HKICO. 
The Insurance Authority is empowered by the HKICO to raise objection if it appears to it that any person is not fit and 
proper to be a controller or director of an authorised insurer. These standards include the sufficiency of a holding company’s 
financial resources; the viability of a holding company’s business plan for its insurance subsidiaries which are regulated by 
the Insurance Authority; the clarity of the Group’s legal, managerial and operational structures; the identities of any other 
holding companies or major regulated subsidiaries; whether the holding company, its directors or controllers is subject to 
receivership, administration, liquidation or other similar proceedings or failed to satisfy any judgement debt under a court 
order or the subject of any criminal convictions or in breach of any statutory or regulatory requirements; the soundness of the 
Group’s corporate governance; the soundness of the Group’s risk management framework; the receipt of information from 
its insurance subsidiaries which are regulated by the Insurance Authority to ensure that they are managed in compliance with 
applicable laws, rules and regulation; and its role in overseeing and managing the operations of its insurance subsidiaries 
which are regulated by the Insurance Authority; and

(iv) fulfil all enhancements or improvements to the guidance referred to in subparagraph (iii) above, as well as administrative 
measures issued from time to time by the Insurance Authority or requirements that may be prescribed by the Insurance 
Authority in accordance with the HKICO, regulations under the HKICO or guidance notes issued by the Insurance Authority 
from time to time.

188

AIA GROUP LIMITED

38. RISK MANAGEMENT
Risk management framework
AIA recognises the importance of sound risk management in every aspect of our business and for all our stakeholders. The Risk 
Management Framework (RMF) provides the structure for identifying, quantifying and mitigating risk across the Group. An 
effective RMF is the key to avoiding the financial and reputational damage that arises from inadequate or ineffective control of 
the risks in the business.

Insurance risk
Insurance risk is the potential loss resulting from mortality, morbidity, persistency, longevity and adverse expense experience. This 
includes the potential impacts from catastrophic events such as pandemics and natural disasters.

The Group manages its exposure to insurance risk at each stage of the process, which includes:

•  Product design;

•  Underwriting, claims & expense discipline;

•  Sales quality;

•  Experience management;

•  Research; and

•  Reinsurance.

Product design
The  Group  manages  product  design  risk  through  the  New  Product  Approval  Process  where  products  are  reviewed  against 
pricing, design and operational risk benchmarks agreed by the Group’s Financial Risk Committee (FRC). Local business units work 
closely with a number of Group functions including product management, actuarial, legal, compliance, risk and underwriting. 
The Group monitors closely the performance of new products and focuses on actively managing each part of the actuarial 
control cycle to minimise risk in the in-force book as well as for new products.

Underwriting, claims & expense discipline
Professional underwriting together with active management of expenses reduces the risk of actual experience being adverse 
compared  with  the  assumptions  used  in  the  pricing  of  products.  The  Group  adheres  to  well-defined  market-oriented 
underwriting and claims guidelines and practices that have been developed based on extensive historical experience. Daily 
operations also follow a disciplined budgeting and control process that allows for the management of expenses within pricing 
estimates based on the Group’s very substantial experience within the markets in which we operate.

Sales quality
Ensuring customers buy products that meet their needs is central to the Group’s operating philosophy. Through comprehensive 
sales  training  programmes  and  active  monitoring  and  management  of  sales  activities  and  persistency,  the  Group  seeks  to 
ensure that appropriate products are sold by sales representatives and that standards of service consistently meet or exceed our 
customers’ reasonable expectations. This allows the Group to meet customer needs while also delivering sustainable value to 
shareholders through the consistent income derived from a large and predictable in-force book of business across a broad set of 
markets.

Experience management
The  Group  conducts  regular  experience  studies  of  all  the  insurance  risk  factors  in  its  in-force  book.  These  internal  studies 
together with external data are used to identify emerging trends which can then be used to inform product design, pricing, 
underwriting, claims management and reinsurance needs.

Research
Through monitoring the development of both local and global trends in medical technology, health and wellness, the impact of 
legislation and general social, political and economic conditions the Group seeks to anticipate and respond promptly to potential 
adverse experience impacts on its products.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

38. RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
Insurance risk (continued)
Reinsurance
The Group uses reinsurance solutions to help reduce concentration and volatility risk, especially with large policies or new risks, 
and as protection against catastrophic events such as pandemics or natural disasters.

Financial risks
Financial risk is the potential loss resulting from adverse movements in financial markets, changes in the financial condition of 
counterparties and in market liquidity to buy and sell investments. The Group is exposed to a range of financial risks, including 
credit risk, market risk, and liquidity risk. The Group manages its exposure to financial risk within tolerances agreed by the FRC.

The following section summarises the Group’s key risk exposures and the primary policies and processes used by the Group to 
manage its exposures to these risks.

Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that third parties fail to meet their obligations to the Group when they fall due. Credit risk occurs wherever 
reliance is placed on a third party to satisfy a financial obligation. Although the primary source of credit risk is the Group’s 
investment portfolio, such risk can also arise through reinsurance, procurement and treasury activities.

The management of all credit risk occurs on two levels within AIA. The Credit Research team in the Investment Department 
performs  a  detailed  analysis  of  individual  counterparties  and  recommends  a  rating  within  the  internal  ratings  framework. 
The Group Risk function manages the Group’s internal ratings framework and reviews these recommendations and, where 
appropriate, makes recommendations for revisions from time to time. Agreed internal ratings are then used to determine the 
Group’s appetite for exposure to each counterparty.

A matrix of risk tolerances has been approved by the FRC that ensures that credit risk in the investment portfolio is contained 
within AIA’s Risk Appetite. These tolerances cover individual counterparty, segmental concentration and cross-border exposures. 
The Investment Department has discretion to shape the portfolio within those risk tolerances, seeking further Group approvals 
through the risk governance framework where they wish to invest outside those tolerances. If certain investments are technically 
within risk tolerances but there is a specific concern, Group Risk brings these to the attention of the FRC for inclusion in the 
Group Watch List.

Market risk
Market risk is the risk of financial loss from adverse movements in the value of assets owing to market factors, including changes 
in interest and foreign exchange rates, as well as movements in the spread of credit instruments to corresponding government 
bonds, or credit spread risk, and in equity and property prices.

The FRC approves all policies and metrics associated with the evaluation of market risk exposures.

190

AIA GROUP LIMITED

38. RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
Financial risks (continued)
Market risk (continued)
Interest rate risk
The Group’s exposure to interest rate risk predominantly arises from any difference between the duration of the Group’s liabilities 
and assets, in particular in relation to the reinvestment of maturing assets to meet the Group’s commitments, predominantly its 
insurance liabilities. This exposure can be heightened in products with inherent interest rate options or guarantees.

The Group manages interest rate risk by ensuring appropriate insurance product design and underlying assumptions as part 
of the product approval process and by matching, to the extent possible and appropriate, the duration of investment assets 
with the duration of insurance liabilities. For in-force policies, we regularly review the policyholder bonus payout and crediting 
rates applicable to policyholder account balances, considering amongst other things bond yields and policyholders’ reasonable 
expectations.

Exposure to interest rate risk
The  table  below  summarises  the  nature  of  the  interest  rate  risk  associated  with  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities.  In 
preparing this analysis, fixed rate interest bearing instruments that mature or reprice within 12 months of the reporting date 
have been disclosed as variable rate instruments.

US$m

30 November 2014

Financial assets

  Loans and deposits

  Other receivables

  Debt securities

  Equity securities

  Reinsurance receivables

  Accrued investment income

  Cash and cash equivalents

  Derivative financial instruments

Total financial assets

Financial liabilities

Investment contract liabilities

  Borrowings

  Obligations under securities lending 

  and repurchase agreements

  Other liabilities

  Derivative financial instruments

Total financial liabilities

Variable 
interest rate

Fixed 
interest rate

Non-interest 
bearing

Total

1,062

18

7,156

–

–

–

1,674

–

6,570

–

94,907

–

–

–

–

–

22

1,589

–

28,827

240

1,345

161

265

7,654

1,607

102,063

28,827

240

1,345

1,835

265

9,910

101,477

32,449

143,836

–

958

3,753

159

–

4,870

–

1,976

–

–

–

1,976

7,937

–

–

4,383

211

12,531

7,937

2,934

3,753

4,542

211

19,377

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

38. RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
Financial risks (continued)
Market risk (continued)
Exposure to interest rate risk (continued)

US$m

30 November 2013 – As adjusted

Financial assets

  Loans and deposits

  Other receivables

  Debt securities

  Equity securities

  Reinsurance receivables

  Accrued investment income

  Cash and cash equivalents

  Derivative financial instruments

Total financial assets

Financial liabilities

Investment contract liabilities

  Borrowings

  Obligations under securities lending 

  and repurchase agreements

  Other liabilities

  Derivative financial instruments

Total financial liabilities

Variable 
interest rate

Fixed 
interest rate

Non-interest 
bearing

Total

1,258

3

7,202

–

–

–

2,165

–

10,628

–

991

1,889

–

–

6,198

29

80,121

–

–

114

–

–

28

1,441

–

26,102

141

1,254

151

445

7,484

1,473

87,323

26,102

141

1,368

2,316

445

86,462

29,562

126,652

–

959

–

–

–

8,698

–

–

4,054

89

12,841

8,698

1,950

1,889

4,054

89

16,680

2,880

959

Equity price risk
Equity price risk arises from changes in the market value of equity securities and equity funds. Investment in equity assets on a 
long-term basis is expected to provide diversification benefits and enhance returns.

Sensitivity analysis
Sensitivity analysis to the key variables affecting financial assets and liabilities is set out in the table below. Information relating 
to sensitivity of insurance and investment contracts with DPF is provided in note 29. The carrying values of other financial assets 
are not subject to changes in response to movements in interest rates or equity prices. In calculating the sensitivity of debt and 
equity instruments to changes in interest rates and equity prices, the Group has made assumptions about the corresponding 
impact of asset valuations on liabilities to policyholders. Assets held to support unit-linked contracts have been excluded on 
the basis that changes in fair value are wholly borne by policyholders. Sensitivity analysis for assets held in participating funds 
has been calculated after allocation of returns to policyholders using the applicable minimum policyholders’ participation ratios 
described in note 2. Information is presented to illustrate the estimated impact on profits and net assets arising from a change in 
a single variable before taking into account the effects of taxation.

192

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
38. RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
Financial risks (continued)
Market risk (continued)
Sensitivity analysis (continued)
The impact of any impairments of financial assets has been ignored for the purpose of illustrating the sensitivity of profit before 
tax and net assets before the effects of taxation to changes in interest rates and equity prices on the grounds that default events 
reflect the characteristics of individual issuers. Because the Group’s accounting policies lock in interest rate assumptions on policy 
inception and the Group’s assumptions incorporate a provision for adverse deviations, the level of movement illustrated in this 
sensitivity analysis does not result in loss recognition and so there is no corresponding effect on liabilities.

US$m

Equity price risk

10 per cent increase in equity prices

10 per cent decrease in equity prices

Interest rate risk

+ 50 basis points shift in yield curves

- 50 basis points shift in yield curves

30 November 2014

30 November 2013

Impact 
on profit 
before tax

Impact on 
net assets 
(before the 
effects of 
taxation)

Impact 
on profit 
before tax

Impact on 
net assets 
(before the 
effects of 
taxation)

836

(836)

(121)

121

836

(836)

(3,868)

3,868

691

(691)

(98)

98

691

(691)

(2,827)

2,827

Foreign exchange rate risk
At the Group level, foreign exchange rate risk arises mainly from our operations in multiple geographical markets in the Asia-
Pacific region and the translation of multiple currencies to US dollars for financial reporting purposes. Generally, the Group seeks 
to match the currency applicable to its local liabilities and assets.

The Group’s net foreign currency exposures and the estimated impact of changes in foreign exchange rates are set out in the 
tables below after taking into account derivative contracts entered into to hedge foreign exchange rate risk. Currencies for 
which net exposure is not significant are excluded from the analysis below. In compiling the table below the impact of a 5 per 
cent strengthening of original currency is stated relative to the functional currency of the relevant operation of the Group. The 
impact of a 5 per cent strengthening of the US dollar is also stated relative to functional currency. Currency exposure reflects the 
net notional amount of currency derivative positions as well as net equity by currency.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

193

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

38. RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
Financial risks (continued)
Market risk (continued)
Net exposure

United 
States 
Dollar

Hong 
Kong 
Dollar

Thai 
Baht

Singapore 
Dollar

Malaysian 
Ringgit

China 
Renminbi

Korean 
Won

19,256

(6,180)

13,076

144

(144)

–

144

(144)

–

United 
States 
Dollar

14,867

(5,683)

9,184

78

(78)

–

78

(78)

–

309

601

910

17

(8)

9

8

(17)

(9)

Hong 
Kong 
Dollar

200

401

601

(13)

7

(6)

28

(22)

6

3,189

(2,472)

1,535

2,575

2,306

1,665

4,854

3,228

756

–

1,535

19

2,594

573

2,879

5

238

243

(4)

(239)

(243)

26

11

37

(9)

(28)

(37)

2

75

77

(1)

(76)

(77)

23

107

130

30

114

144

(16)

(24)

(114)

(130)

(120)

(144)

Thai 
Baht

Singapore 
Dollar

Malaysian 
Ringgit

China 
Renminbi

Korean 
Won

2,894

(2,380)

1,495

1,533

2,327

1,830

4,724

3,566

1,186

–

1,495

19

1,552

162

2,489

5

231

236

(4)

(232)

(236)

28

32

60

(11)

(49)

(60)

4

71

75

(3)

(72)

(75)

24

54

78

(17)

(61)

(78)

30

95

125

(24)

(101)

(125)

US$m

30 November 2014

Equity analysed by original 
  currency

Net notional amounts of
  currency derivative positions

Currency exposure

5% strengthening of 
  original currency

Impact on profit before tax

Impact on other comprehensive 

income

Impact on total equity

5% strengthening of the 
  US dollar

Impact on profit before tax

Impact on other comprehensive 

income

Impact on total equity

US$m

30 November 2013 – As adjusted

Equity analysed by original 
  currency

Net notional amounts of 
  currency derivative positions

Currency exposure

5% strengthening of 
  original currency

Impact on profit before tax

Impact on other comprehensive 

income

Impact on total equity

5% strengthening of the 
  US dollar

Impact on profit before tax

Impact on other comprehensive 

income

Impact on total equity

194

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
 
 
38. RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
Financial risks (continued)
Market risk (continued)
Liquidity risk
AIA identifies liquidity risk as occurring in two ways, Funding Liquidity Risk and Investment Liquidity Risk. Funding Liquidity Risk 
is the risk that insufficient cash is available to meet payment obligations to counterparties as they fall due. This covers the need 
to ensure that cash or cash equivalent assets are available to cover expected insurance liabilities including any volatility in those 
liabilities arising from experience variance or from insurance products that permit surrender, withdrawal or other forms of early 
termination for a cash surrender value.

The local business units manage liquidity risk through insurance product design and by matching near-term expected cash flows 
from liabilities and assets. In this respect, the positive cash flows from the business provide an important source of liquidity.

At the Group level we hold sufficient cash and liquid assets to cover expected Group obligations and commitments.

Investment Liquidity Risk occurs in relation to our ability to buy and sell investments. This is a function of the size of the Group’s 
holdings relative to the availability of counterparties willing to buy or sell these holdings at any given time. In times of stress, 
market losses will generally be compounded by forced sellers seeking unwilling buyers. While life insurance companies benefit 
from the relatively low need for liquidity to cover those of their liabilities which are directly linked to mortality and morbidity, this 
risk is managed by regularly assessing the relative liquidity of the Group’s assets and managing the size of individual holdings 
through risk tolerances. As disclosed in note 21 to the financial statements, most assets are in the form of marketable securities, 
which can typically be converted to cash quickly should the need arise.

Total

No fixed 
maturity

Due in 
one year 
or less

Due after 
one year 
through 
five years

Due after 
five years 
through 
ten years

Due after 
ten years

US$m

30 November 2014

Financial assets

  Loans and deposits

  Other receivables

  Debt securities

  Equity securities

  Reinsurance receivables

  Accrued investment income

  Cash and cash equivalents

  Derivative financial instruments

7,654

1,607

102,063

28,827

240

1,345

1,835

265

2,437

48

–

28,827

–

4

–

–

Total

143,836

31,316

Financial and insurance contract liabilities

Insurance and investment contract 
liabilities (net of reinsurance)

  Borrowings

  Obligations under securities lending 

  and repurchase agreements

  Other liabilities

  Derivative financial instruments

Total

Note:

119,592

2,934

3,753

4,542

211

–

–

–

1,221

–

131,032

1,221

(1)  Includes amounts of US$1,390m falling due after 2 years through 5 years.

797

1,525

3,322

–

240

1,335

1,835

102

9,156

(967)

410

3,753

3,248

13

6,457

1,477

25

602

2

2,341

7

18,724

26,689

53,328

–

–

6

–

151

–

–

–

–

7

–

–

–

–

5

20,383

27,300

55,681

937

8,763

110,859

1,537 (1)

497

490

–

33

58

–

1

132

–

39

8

2,565

9,393

111,396

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

195

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

38. RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
Financial risks (continued)
Market risk (continued)
Liquidity risk (continued)

US$m

30 November 2013 – As adjusted

Financial assets

  Loans and deposits

  Other receivables

  Debt securities

  Equity securities

  Reinsurance receivables

  Accrued investment income

  Cash and cash equivalents

  Derivative financial instruments

Financial and insurance contract liabilities

Insurance and investment contract 
liabilities (net of reinsurance)

  Borrowings

  Obligations under securities lending 

  and repurchase agreements

  Other liabilities

  Derivative financial instruments

Total

Note:

Total

No fixed 
maturity

Due in 
one year 
or less

Due after 
one year 
through 
five years

Due after 
five years 
through 
ten years

Due after 
ten years

7,484

1,473

87,323

26,102

141

1,368

2,316

445

2,387

70

–

26,102

–

–

–

–

110,896

1,950

1,889

4,054

89

–

–

–

1,197

–

952

1,297

3,686

–

141

1,258

2,316

124

9,774

(699)

322

1,889

2,857

–

1,139

97

818

2

2,188

7

17,461

24,520

41,656

–

–

43

–

311

–

–

67

–

10

–

–

–

–

–

19,051

25,417

43,851

694

9,077

101,824

1,130 (1)

498

–

–

29

–

–

54

–

–

–

6

118,878

1,197

4,369

1,853

9,629

101,830

Total

126,652

28,559

(1)  Includes amounts of US$719m falling due after 2 years through 5 years.

39. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Defined benefit plans
The Group operates funded and unfunded defined benefit plans that provide life and medical benefits for participating employees 
after retirement and a lump sum benefit on cessation of employment. The locations covered by these plans include Hong Kong, 
Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Korea and Vietnam. The latest independent actuarial 
valuations of the plans were at 30 November 2014 and were prepared by credentialed actuaries of Mercer (Hong Kong) Limited. All 
the actuaries are qualified members of professional actuarial organisations to render the actuarial opinions. The actuarial valuations 
indicate that the Group’s obligations under these defined benefit retirement plans are 46 per cent (2013: 51 per cent) covered by the 
plan assets held by the trustees. The fair value of plan assets as at year end at the date of valuation was US$83m (2013: US$87m). 
The total expenses relating to these plans recognised in the consolidated income statement was US$14m (2013 as adjusted: 
US$12m).

Defined contribution plans
The Group operates a number of defined contribution pension plans. The total expense relating to these plans in the current 
year was US$60m (2013: US$54m). Employees and the employer are required to make monthly contributions equal to 2 per 
cent to 21 per cent of the employees’ monthly basic salaries, depending on years of service and subject to any applicable caps of 
monthly relevant income in different jurisdictions. For defined contribution pension plans with vesting conditions, any forfeited 
contributions by employers on behalf of employees who leave the scheme prior to vesting fully in such contributions are used 
by the employer to reduce any future contributions. The amount of forfeited contributions used to reduce the existing level of 
contributions is not material.

196

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
 
 
40. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Share-based compensation plans
During the year ended 30 November 2014, the Group made further grants of share options, restricted share units (RSUs) and 
restricted stock purchase units to certain employees, directors and officers of the Group under the Share Option Scheme (SO 
Scheme), the Restricted Share Unit Scheme (RSU Scheme) and the Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP). As well, the Group 
made further grants of restricted stock subscription units to eligible agents under the Agency Share Purchase Plan (ASPP).

RSU Scheme
Under the RSU Scheme, the vesting of the granted RSUs is conditional upon the eligible participants remaining in employment 
with the Group during the respective vesting periods. RSU grants are vested either entirely after a specific period of time or in 
tranches over the vesting period. For RSU grants that are vested in tranches, each vesting tranche is accounted for as a separate 
grant for the purposes of recognising the expense over the vesting period. For certain RSUs, performance conditions are also 
attached which include both market and non-market conditions. RSUs subject to performance conditions are released to the 
participants at the end of the vesting period depending on the actual achievement of the performance conditions. During the 
vesting period, the participants are not entitled to dividends of the underlying shares. Except in jurisdictions where restrictions 
apply, the granted RSUs are expected to be settled in equity; grants that the Group has the legal or constructive obligation 
to settle in cash are insignificant to the Group. The maximum number of shares that can be granted under this scheme is 
301,100,000  (2013:  301,100,000),  representing  2.5  per  cent  (2013:  2.5  per  cent)  of  the  number  of  shares  in  issue  at  30 
November 2014.

Number of shares

Restricted Share Units

Outstanding at beginning of financial year

Granted

Forfeited

Vested

Outstanding at end of financial year

Year ended 
30 November 
2014

Year ended 
30 November 
2013

64,002,086

50,450,631

19,086,387

20,645,534

(4,585,447)

(6,767,954)

(19,912,607)

(326,125)

58,590,419

64,002,086

SO Scheme
The objectives of the SO Scheme are to align eligible participants’ interests with those of the shareholders of the Company by 
allowing eligible participants to share in the value created at the point they exercise their options. Share option (SO) grants are 
vested either entirely after a specific period of time or in tranches over the vesting period approximately three to five years, 
during which, the eligible participants are required to remain in employment with the Group. For SO grants vested in tranches, 
each vesting tranche is accounted for as a separate grant for the purposes of recognising the expense over the vesting period. 
The granted share options expire 10 years from the date of grant and each share option entitles the eligible participant to 
subscribe for one ordinary share. Except in jurisdictions where restrictions apply, the granted share options are expected to 
be settled in equity; grants that the Group has the legal or constructive obligation to settle in cash are insignificant to the 
Group. The total number of shares under options that can be granted under the scheme is 301,100,000 (2013: 301,100,000), 
representing 2.5 per cent (2013: 2.5 per cent) of the number of shares in issue at 30 November 2014. The measurement dates 
for share option grants made in June 2011, March 2012, March 2013, March 2014 and April 2014 were determined to be  
15 June 2011, 15 March 2012, 11 March 2013, 5 March 2014 and 14 April 2014 respectively, in accordance with IFRS 2.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

197

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

40. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)
Share-based compensation plans (continued)
SO Scheme (continued)
Information about share options outstanding and share options exercisable by the Group’s employees and directors as at the end 
of the reporting period is as follows:

Share options

Outstanding at beginning of financial year

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited or expired

Outstanding at end of financial year

Share options exercisable at end of financial year

Year ended 
30 November 2014

Year ended 
30 November 2013

Number of 
share options

Weighted 
average 
exercise price
(HK$)

32,291,121

6,678,445

(1,117,224)

(746,423)

37,105,919

9,663,878

29.08

37.65

27.35

29.34

30.67

27.36

Number of 
share options

28,171,257

7,490,459

–

(3,370,595)

32,291,121

–

Weighted 
average 
exercise price
(HK$)

27.64

34.35

–

28.77

29.08

–

The weighted average share price of the Group at the date the share option was exercised was HK$39.68 for the year ended 30 
November 2014 (2013: nil).

The range of exercise prices for the share options outstanding as of 30 November 2014 and 2013 is summarised in the table 
below.

Year ended 
30 November 2014

Year ended 
30 November 2013

Number of 
share options 
outstanding

Weighted 
average 
remaining 
contractual life
(years)

Number of 
share options 
outstanding

Weighted 
average 
remaining 
contractual life
(years)

30,427,474

6,678,445

37,105,919

7.07
9.27  
7.47

32,291,121

–

32,291,121

8.05

–

8.05

Range of exercise price

HK$26 – HK$35

HK$36 – HK$45

Outstanding at end of financial year

ESPP
Under  the  plan,  eligible  employees  of  the  Group  can  purchase  ordinary  shares  of  the  Company  with  qualified  employee 
contributions and the Company will award one matching restricted stock purchase unit to them at the end of the vesting period 
for each two shares purchased through the qualified employee contributions (contribution shares). Contribution shares are 
purchased from the open market. During the vesting period, the eligible employees must hold the contribution shares purchased 
during the plan cycle and remain employed by the Group. The level of qualified employee contribution is limited to not more 
than 5 per cent of the annual basic salary subject to a maximum of US$15,000 per annum. The granted matching restricted 
stock  purchase  units  are  expected  to  be  settled  in  equity.  For  the  year  ended  30  November  2014,  eligible  employees  paid 
US$10m (2013: US$8m) to purchase 1,893,088 ordinary shares (2013: 1,745,775 ordinary shares) of the Company.

198

AIA GROUP LIMITED

40. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)
Share-based compensation plans (continued)
ASPP
The structure of the ASPP generally follows that of the ESPP, the key difference being that the eligible agents are required to 
pay a subscription price of US$1 to subscribe for each new share in the Company at the end of the vesting period. Under the 
plan, eligible agents of the Group can purchase ordinary shares of the Company with qualified agent contributions and the 
Company will award one matching restricted stock subscription unit to them at the end of the vesting period for each two 
shares purchased through the qualified agent contributions (agent contribution shares). Each restricted stock subscription unit 
entitles eligible agents to subscribe for one new share of the Company. Agent contribution shares are purchased from the open 
market. During the vesting period, the eligible agents must hold the contribution shares purchased during the plan cycle and 
maintain their agent contracts with the Group. The granted matching restricted stock subscription units are expected to be 
settled in equity. The level of qualified agent contribution is subject to a maximum of US$15,000 per annum. For the year ended 
30 November 2014, eligible agents paid US$12m (2013: US$11m) to purchase 2,222,176 ordinary shares (2013: 2,365,707 
ordinary shares) of the Company.

Valuation methodology
The Group utilises a binomial lattice model to calculate the fair value of the share option grants, a Monte-Carlo simulation 
model and/or discounted cash flow technique to calculate the fair value of the RSU, ESPP and ASPP awards, taking into account 
the terms and conditions upon which the awards were granted. The price volatility is estimated on the basis of implied volatility 
of the Company’s shares which is based on an analysis of historical data since they are traded in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange 
and takes into consideration the historical volatility of peer companies (the constituent companies in Dow Jones Insurance Titans 
30 Index) in view of the short trading history of the Company’s shares on the measurement date. The expected life of the share 
options is derived from the output of the valuation model and is calculated based on an analysis of expected exercise behaviour 
of the Company’s employees. The estimate of market condition for performance-based RSUs is based on one-year historical data 
preceding the grant date. No allowance for forfeiture prior to vesting is included in the valuation of the awards.

The fair value calculated for share options is inherently subjective due to the assumptions made and the limitations of the model 
utilised.

Year ended 30 November 2014

Share 
options

Restricted 
share units

ESPP 
Restricted 
stock 
purchase 
units

ASPP 
Restricted 
stock 
subscription 
units

2.14% – 2.22% 0.51% – 0.59%*

0.37% – 0.94%

Assumptions

Risk-free interest rate

Volatility

Dividend yield

Exercise price (HK$)

Share option life (in years)

Expected life (in years)

Weighted average fair value per option/unit at 
  measurement date (HK$)

25%

1.2%

37.56 – 39.45

10

7.54

10.43

25%

1.2%

n/a

n/a

n/a

30.77

25% – 26%

1.2%

n/a

n/a

n/a

0.64%

25%

1.2%

n/a

n/a

n/a

38.85

30.64

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

199

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

40. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)
Valuation methodology (continued)

Year ended 30 November 2013

Share 
options

Restricted 
share units

ESPP 
Restricted 
stock 
purchase 
units

ASPP 
Restricted 
stock 
subscription 
units

Assumptions

Risk-free interest rate

Volatility

Dividend yield

Exercise price (HK$)

Share option life (in years)

Expected life (in years)

Weighted average fair value 
  per option/unit at measurement date (HK$)

*  Applicable to RSU with market conditions.

1.26% 0.25% – 0.37%*

0.12% – 0.66%

30%

1.1%

34.35

10

7.41

10.54

30%

1.1%

n/a

n/a

n/a

28.94

26% – 30%

1.1% – 1.3%

n/a

n/a

n/a

0.34%

30%

1.1%

n/a

n/a

n/a

35.69

24.51

The weighted average share price for share option valuation for grants made during the year ended 30 November 2014 is 
HK$37.50 (2013: HK$34.35). The total fair value of share options granted during the year ended 30 November 2014 is US$9m 
(2013: US$9m).

Recognised compensation cost
The  total  recognised  compensation  cost  (net  of  expected  forfeitures)  related  to  various  share-based  compensation  awards 
granted under the RSU Scheme, SO Scheme, ESPP and ASPP by the Group for the year ended 30 November 2014 is US$84m 
(2013: US$77m).

41. REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
Directors’ remuneration
The Executive Director receives compensation in the form of salaries, bonuses, contributions to pension schemes, long-term 
incentives,  housing  and  other  allowances,  and  benefits  in  kind  subject  to  applicable  laws,  rules  and  regulations.  Bonuses 
and long-term incentives represent the variable components in the Executive Director’s compensation and are linked to the 
performance of the Group and the Executive Director. Details of share-based payment schemes are described in note 40.

Salaries, 
allowances 
and benefits 
in kind

Director’s 
fees

Pension 
scheme 
contributions

Post- 
employment 
benefits

Bonuses

Share-based 
payments (1)

Inducement 
fees

Termination 
fees

Total

–

–

2,052,688

4,244,400

2,052,688

4,244,400

83,876

83,876

–

–

8,896,950

8,896,950

–

–

– 15,277,914

– 15,277,914

US$

Year ended 30 November 2014

Executive Director

Mr. Mark Edward Tucker

Total

Note:

(1)  Include SOs and RSUs awarded based upon the fair value at grant date assuming maximum performance levels are achieved.

200

AIA GROUP LIMITED

41. REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL (continued)
Directors’ remuneration (continued)

Salaries, 
allowances 
and benefits 
in kind

Director’s 
fees

Pension 
scheme 
contributions

Post- 
employment 
benefits

Bonuses

Share-based 
payments (1)

Inducement 
fees

Termination 
fees

Total

–

–

1,943,664

4,042,000

1,943,664

4,042,000

80,250

80,250

–

–

8,660,080 (2)

8,660,080

–

–

– 14,725,994

– 14,725,994

US$

Year ended 30 November 2013

Executive Director

Mr. Mark Edward Tucker

Total

Notes:

(1)  Include SOs and RSUs awarded based upon the fair value at grant date assuming maximum performance levels are achieved.

(2)  The comparative information has been adjusted to conform to current year presentation.

The remuneration of Non-executive Director and Independent Non-executive Directors of the Company at 30 November 2014 
and 2013 are included in the tables below:

Salaries, 
allowances 
and benefits 
in kind

Directors’ 
fees

Pension 
scheme 
contributions

Post- 
employment 
benefits

Bonuses

Share-based 
payments

Inducement 
fees

Termination 
fees

Total

US$

Year ended 30 November 2014

Non-executive Director

Mr. Edmund Sze-Wing Tse(1)

575,126

92,883

Independent Non-executive 
  Directors

Mr. Jack Chak-Kwong So

Mr. Chung-Kong Chow

Mr. John Barrie Harrison

Mr. George Yong-Boon Yeo

Mr. Mohamed Azman 
  Yahya(2)

Professor Lawrence 
Juen-Yee Lau(2)

Dr. Qin Xiao(3)

220,000

205,000

235,000

207,425

141,918

38,521

91,233

Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee(3)

142,630

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total

Notes:

1,856,853

92,883

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

668,009

220,000

205,000

235,000

207,425

141,918

38,521

91,233

142,630

1,949,736

(1)  US$24,126 which represents remuneration to Mr. Edmund Sze-Wing Tse in respect of his services as director of a subsidiary of the Company is 

included in his fees.

(2)  Mr. Mohamed Azman Yahya and Professor Lawrence Juen-Yee Lau were appointed as Independent Non-executive Directors of the Company on 24 

February 2014 and 18 September 2014, respectively.

(3)  Dr. Qin Xiao and Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee resigned as Independent Non-executive Directors of the Company with effect from 30 May 2014 and 1 

September 2014, respectively.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

41. REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL (continued)
Directors’ remuneration (continued)

Salaries, 
allowances 
and benefits 
in kind

Directors’ 
fees

Pension 
scheme 
contributions

Post- 
employment 
benefits

Bonuses

Share-based 
payments

Inducement 
fees

Termination 
fees

Total

US$

Year ended 30 November 2013

Non-executive Director

Mr. Edmund Sze-Wing Tse(1)

564,922

81,615

Independent Non-executive 
  Directors

Mr. Jack Chak-Kwong So

Mr. Chung-Kong Chow

Dr. Qin Xiao

Mr. John Barrie Harrison

Mr. George Yong-Boon Yeo

Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee

Mr. Barry Chun-Yuen 
  Cheung(2)

Total

Notes:

220,000

205,000

190,890

235,000

190,000

190,000

100,685

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,896,497

81,615

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

646,537

220,000

205,000

190,890

235,000

190,000

190,000

100,685

1,978,112

(1)  US$19,813 which represents remuneration to Mr. Edmund Sze-Wing Tse in respect of his services as director of a subsidiary of the Company is 

included in his fees.

(2)  Mr. Barry Chun-Yuen Cheung resigned as Independent Non-executive Director of the Company with effect from 25 May 2013.

Remuneration of five highest paid individuals
The  aggregate  remuneration  of  the  five  highest  paid  individuals  employed  by  the  Group  in  each  of  the  years  ended  30 
November 2014 and 2013 is presented in the table below.

Salaries, 
allowances 
and benefits 
in kind

Pension 
scheme 
contributions

Post- 
employment 
benefits

Bonuses

Share-based 
payments (1)

Inducement 
fees

Termination 
fees

Total

US$

Year ended

30 November 2014

5,840,510

8,584,077

30 November 2013

6,371,858

8,281,530

197,286

189,753

–

–

18,816,073

19,169,227 (2)

–

–

–

–

33,437,946

34,012,368

Notes:

(1)  Include SOs and RSUs awarded to the five highest paid individuals based upon the fair value at grant date assuming maximum performance levels are 

achieved.

(2)  The comparative information has been adjusted to conform to current year presentation.

202

AIA GROUP LIMITED

41. REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL (continued)
Remuneration of five highest paid individuals (continued)
The emoluments of the five individuals with the highest emoluments are within the following bands:

W
E
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O

HK$

27,500,001 to 28,000,000

28,500,001 to 29,000,000

31,500,001 to 32,000,000

37,000,001 to 37,500,000

40,000,001 to 40,500,000

46,500,001 to 47,000,000

49,000,001 to 49,500,000

114,000,001 to 114,500,000

118,000,001 to 118,500,000

Note:

Year ended 
30 November
2014

Year ended 
30 November

2013 (1)

1

1

–

1

–

1

–

–

1

–

1

1

–

1

–

1

1

–

(1)  The comparative information has been adjusted to conform to current year presentation.

Key management personnel remuneration
Key management personnel have been identified as the members of the Group’s Executive Committee.

US$

Key management compensation and other expenses

Salaries and other short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits – defined contribution

Post-employment benefits – medical & life

Other long-term benefits

Share-based payments(1)

Total

Notes:

Year ended 
30 November
2014

Year ended 
30 November
2013

22,012,074

21,695,497

420,921

397,034

–

–

–

180,911

24,031,010

21,667,247 (2)

46,464,005

43,940,689

(1)  Include SOs and RSUs awarded to the key management personnel based upon the fair value at grant date assuming maximum performance levels are 

achieved.

(2)  The comparative information has been adjusted to conform to current year presentation.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

203

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

41. REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL (continued)
Key management personnel remuneration (continued)
The emoluments of the Key Management Personnel are within the following bands:

US$

1,500,001 to 2,000,000

2,000,001 to 2,500,000

3,000,001 to 3,500,000

3,500,001 to 4,000,000

4,000,001 to 4,500,000

4,500,001 to 5,000,000

5,000,001 to 5,500,000

6,000,001 to 6,500,000

14,500,001 to 15,000,000

15,000,001 to 15,500,000

Note:

Year ended 
30 November
2014

Year ended 
30 November

2013 (1)

2

–

4

1

–

1

–

1

–

1

2

1

3

–

1

–

1

1

1

–

(1)  The comparative information has been adjusted to conform to current year presentation.

42. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Remuneration of directors and key management personnel is disclosed in note 41.

43. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments under operating leases
Total future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

US$m

Properties and others expiring

Not later than one year

Later than one and not later than five years

Later than five years

Total

As at 
30 November
2014

As at 
30 November
2013

89

131

56

276

86

125

31

242

The Group is the lessee in respect of a number of properties and items of office equipment held under operating leases. The 
leases typically run for an initial period of one to ten years, with an option to renew the lease when all terms are renegotiated. 
Lease payments are usually reviewed at the end of the lease term to reflect market rates. None of the leases include contingent 
rentals.

204

AIA GROUP LIMITED

43. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued)
Investment and capital commitments

US$m

Not later than one year

Later than one and not later than five years

Later than five years

Total

As at 
30 November
2014

As at 
30 November
2013

427

6

–

433

693

14

1

708

Investment and capital commitments consist of commitments to invest in private equity partnerships and other assets.

Contingencies
The Group is subject to regulation in each of the geographical markets in which it operates from insurance, securities, capital 
markets, pension, data privacy and other regulators and is exposed to the risk of regulatory actions in response to perceived or 
actual non-compliance with regulations relating to suitability, sales or underwriting practices, claims payments and procedures, 
product design, disclosure, administration, denial or delay of benefits and breaches of fiduciary or other duties. The Group 
believes that these matters have been adequately provided for in these financial statements.

The  Group  is  exposed  to  legal  proceedings,  complaints  and  other  actions  from  its  activities  including  those  arising  from 
commercial activities, sales practices, suitability of products, policies and claims. The Group believes that these matters are 
adequately provided for in these financial statements.

The Group is the reinsurer in a residential mortgage credit reinsurance agreement covering residential mortgages in Australia. 
Due to a change in law, further cessions under this contract ended in July 2008. This reinsurance was fully retroceded to a 
subsidiary of AIG and this retrocession was terminated in February 2012 on a run-off basis. The Group is exposed to the risk of 
losses in the event of the failure of the counterparty retrocessionaire to honour its outstanding obligations which is mitigated by 
a trust agreement put in place after the aforesaid termination. The principal balance outstanding of mortgage loans to which 
the reinsurance agreement relates were approximately US$924m at 30 November 2014 (2013: US$1,248m). The liabilities and 
related reinsurance assets, which totalled US$4m (2013: US$6m), respectively, arising from these agreements are reflected and 
presented on a gross basis in these financial statements in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies. The Group expects 
to fully recover amounts outstanding at the reporting date under the terms of this agreement from the retrocessionaire.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

205

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

44. SUBSIDIARIES
The principal subsidiary companies which materially contribute to the net income of the Group or hold a material element of its 
assets and liabilities are:

Name of entity

Place of 
incorporation 
and operation

Principal 
activity

Issued share capital

Group’s 
interest %

NCI’s 
interest %

Group’s 
interest %

NCI’s 
interest %

As at 
30 November 2014

As at 
30 November 2013

AIA Company Limited(1)

Hong Kong

Insurance

AIA International Limited

Bermuda

Insurance

AIA Australia Limited

Australia

Insurance

1,151,049,861 ordinary shares 
for US$5,962,084,000 issued 

100%

  share capital

3,000,000 ordinary shares 
  of US$1.20 each

112,068,300 ordinary 
  shares of A$1 each

100%

100%

AIA Pension and Trustee Co. Ltd.

British Virgin 
Islands

Trusteeship 1,300,000 ordinary shares 

100%

AIA Bhd.

Malaysia

Insurance

AIA Singapore Private Limited

Singapore

Insurance

PT. AIA Financial

Indonesia

Insurance

The Philippine American Life 
  and General Insurance Company

Philippines

Insurance

  of US$1 each

767,438,174 ordinary 
  shares of RM1 each

1,374,000,001 ordinary 
  shares of S$1 each

477,711,032 ordinary 
  shares of Rp1,000 each

199,560,671 ordinary 
  shares of PHP10 each 
  and 439,329 treasury 
  shares

100%

100%

100%

100%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

AIA (Vietnam) Life Insurance 
  Company Limited

Vietnam

Insurance

Contributed capital of 
  VND1,264,300,000,000

100%

AIA Insurance Lanka PLC

Sri Lanka

Insurance

Contributed capital of
  LKR300,000,000

97.15% 2.85%

97.15% 2.85%

Bayshore Development Group 
  Limited

British Virgin 
Islands

Investment 
  holding 
  company

100 ordinary shares of 
  US$1 each

90%

10%

90%

10%

BPI-Philam Life Assurance 
  Corporation

Philippines

Insurance

749,993,979 ordinary 
  shares of PHP1 each 
  and 6,000 treasury shares

51%

49%

51%

49%

AIA Reinsurance Limited

Bermuda

Reinsurance 250,000 common 

100%

–

100%

–

  shares of US$1 each

Notes:

(1)  The Company’s subsidiary.

(2)  All of the above subsidiaries are audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

All subsidiaries are unlisted except AIA Insurance Lanka PLC which is listed on the Main Board of the Colombo Stock Exchange.

206

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
 
45. EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD
On 26 February 2015, the Board of Directors proposed a final dividend of 34.00 Hong Kong cents per share (2013: 28.62 Hong 
Kong cents per share).

46. EFFECT OF ADOPTION OF NEW AND REVISED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
The new and revised accounting standards adopted by the Group in 2014 are explained in note 2.1(a). The tables below show 
the quantitative effect of the adoption of these new and revised standards on the consolidated financial statements.

(a) Consolidated Income Statement

US$m

Revenue
Turnover

Premiums and fee income

Premiums ceded to reinsurers

Net premiums and fee income

Investment return

Other operating revenue

Total revenue

Expenses
Insurance and investment contract benefits

Insurance and investment contract benefits ceded

Net insurance and investment contract benefits

Commission and other acquisition expenses

Operating expenses

Finance costs

Other expenses

Total expenses

Profit before share of profit from associates 
  and joint venture

Share of profit from associates and joint venture

Profit before tax

Income tax expense attributable to 
  policyholders’ returns

Profit before tax attributable to 
  shareholders’ profits

Tax expense

Tax attributable to policyholders’ returns

Tax expense attributable to shareholders’ profits

Net profit

Net profit attributable to:

  Shareholders of AIA Group Limited

  Non-controlling interests

Year ended 
30 November
2013
(As previously 
reported)

Retrospective adjustments for

Reclassifications

IFRS 10

IAS 19

Year ended 
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

16,666

(959)

15,707

6,064

155

21,926

15,303

(816)

14,487

1,934

1,577

71

333

18,402

3,524

14

3,538

(47)

3,491

(691)

47

(644)

2,847

2,822

25

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(37)

–

37

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(34)

–

(34)

(4)

–

(4)

–

–

–

(30)

(34)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(3)

–

–

(3)

3

–

3

–

3

(1)

–

(1)

2

2

–

16,666

(959)

15,707

6,030

155

21,892

15,299

(816)

14,483

1,934

1,537

71

340

18,365

3,527

14

3,541

(47)

3,494

(692)

47

(645)

2,849

2,824

25

The adoption of new accounting policy had an immaterial impact on earnings per share for the comparative year ended 30 
November 2013.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

207

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

46. EFFECT OF ADOPTION OF NEW AND REVISED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (continued)
(b) Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

US$m

Assets
Intangible assets
Investments in associates and joint venture
Property, plant and equipment
Investment property
Reinsurance assets
Deferred acquisition and origination costs
Financial investments:
  Loans and deposits
  Available for sale
  Debt securities

  At fair value through profit or loss

  Debt securities
  Equity securities
  Derivative financial instruments

Deferred tax assets
Current tax recoverable
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Total assets

Liabilities
Insurance contract liabilities
Investment contract liabilities
Borrowings
Obligations under securities lending and 

repurchase agreements

Derivative financial instruments
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities
Current tax liabilities
Other liabilities
Total liabilities

Equity
Share capital
Share premium
Employee share-based trusts
Other reserves
Retained earnings
  Fair value reserve
  Foreign currency translation reserve
  Others
Amounts reflected in other comprehensive income
Total equity attributable to:
  Shareholders of AIA Group Limited
  Non-controlling interests
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity

208

AIA GROUP LIMITED

As at 
1 December
2012
(As previously 
reported)

Retrospective adjustments for

Reclassifications

IFRS 10

IAS 19

As at 
1 December
2012
(As adjusted)

272
91
412
1,035
1,153
14,161

6,425

62,268

18,594
23,656
638
111,581
5
46
2,735
2,948
134,439

90,574
8,865
766

1,792
41
204
2,229
328
2,812
107,611

12,044
1,914
(188)
(12,060)
17,843
5,979
1,165
–
7,144

26,697
131
26,828
134,439

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
(273)

–
–
–
–
–
273
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

1,543
(555)
–
988
–
–
15
34
1,037

39
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
998
1,037

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
1,037

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
2
–
2

–
–
–

–
–
47
(10)
–
–
37

–
–
–
–
(2)
–
–
(33)
(33)

(35)
–
(35)
2

272
91
412
1,035
1,153
14,161

6,425

62,268

20,137
23,101
638
112,569
5
46
2,752
2,982
135,478

90,613
8,865
493

1,792
41
251
2,219
328
4,083
108,685

12,044
1,914
(188)
(12,060)
17,841
5,979
1,165
(33)
7,111

26,662
131
26,793
135,478

 
 
 
 
 
46. EFFECT OF ADOPTION OF NEW AND REVISED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (continued)
(b) Consolidated Statement of Financial Position (continued)
As at 
30 November
2013
(As previously
reported)

Retrospective adjustments for

Reclassifications

IFRS 10

US$m

IAS 19

Assets
Intangible assets
Investments in associates and joint venture
Property, plant and equipment
Investment property
Reinsurance assets
Deferred acquisition and origination costs
Financial investments:
  Loans and deposits
  Available for sale
  Debt securities

  At fair value through profit or loss

  Debt securities
  Equity securities
  Derivative financial instruments

Deferred tax assets
Current tax recoverable
Other assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Total assets
Liabilities
Insurance contract liabilities
Investment contract liabilities
Borrowings
Obligations under securities lending and 

repurchase agreements

Derivative financial instruments
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities
Current tax liabilities
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Equity
Share capital
Share premium
Employee share-based trusts
Other reserves
Retained earnings
  Fair value reserve
  Foreign currency translation reserve
  Others
Amounts reflected in other comprehensive income
Total equity attributable to:
  Shareholders of AIA Group Limited
  Non-controlling interests
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity

1,321
93
480
1,128
1,379
15,738

7,484

64,763

20,988
26,968
445
120,648
6
44
3,520
2,228
146,585

103,401
8,698
2,126

1,889
89
169
2,036
242
3,104
121,754

12,044
1,914
(274)
(11,995)
20,070
2,270
657
–
2,927

24,686
145
24,831
146,585

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
(176)

–
–
–
–
–
176
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

1,572
(866)
–
706
–
–
15
88
809

35
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
774
809

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
809

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
8
–
8

–
–
–

–
–
18
(6)
–
–
12

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(4)
(4)

(4)
–
(4)
8

As at 
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

1,321
93
480
1,128
1,379
15,738

7,484

64,763

22,560
26,102
445
121,354
6
44
3,543
2,316
147,402

103,436
8,698
1,950

1,889
89
187
2,030
242
4,054
122,575

12,044
1,914
(274)
(11,995)
20,070
2,270
657
(4)
2,923

24,682
145
24,827
147,402

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies

46. EFFECT OF ADOPTION OF NEW AND REVISED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (continued)
(C) Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

US$m

Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash 
  and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of 

the financial year

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 
  and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at end of 
  the financial year

Year ended
30 November
2013
(As previously
reported)

Retrospective adjustments for

Reclassifications

IFRS 10

IAS 19

Year ended
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

915

97

54

(2,286)

724

(647)

–

–

97

2,948

(273)

(73)

–

2,228

(176)

–

–

54

34

–

88

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,066

(2,286)

724

(496)

2,709

(73)

2,140

Cash and cash equivalents in the above consolidated statement of cash flows can be further analysed as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated 
  statement of financial position

Bank overdrafts

Cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated 
  statement of cash flows

Year ended
30 November
2013
(As previously 
reported)

2,228

–

2,228

Retrospective adjustments for

Reclassifications

IFRS 10

IAS 19

Year ended
30 November
2013
(As adjusted)

–

(176)

(176)

88

–

88

–

–

–

2,316

(176)

2,140

210

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Financial Statements of the Company

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMPANY

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US$m

Assets
Investment in a subsidiary

Amounts due from subsidiaries

Other assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Liabilities
Borrowings

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Equity
Share capital

Share premium

Employee share-based trusts

Retained earnings

Other reserves

Amounts reflected in other comprehensive income

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013

Notes

2

3

4

5

6

6

6

7

8

15,741

2,345

35

45

15,741

910

22

10

18,166

16,683

2,226

19

2,245

13,962

–

(286)

2,102

139

4

15,921

18,166

1,201

11

1,212

12,044

1,914

(274)

1,652

135

–

15,471

16,683

Notes:

(1)  The financial information of the Company should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Group.

(2)  Net profit of the Company for the years ended 30 November 2014 and 2013 were US$1,139m and US$944m, respectively.

Approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 26 February 2015.

Mark Edward Tucker 
Director 

Edmund Sze-Wing Tse
Director

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Financial Statements of the Company

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE COMPANY

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Where applicable, the accounting policies of the Company are the same as for the Group as set out on pages 111 to 132. The 
Company’s financial statements comply with both IFRS and HKFRS.

2. INVESTMENT IN A SUBSIDIARY

US$m

Unlisted shares, at cost

As at

As at

30 November

30 November

2014

2013

15,741

15,741

See note 44 to the Group’s consolidated financial statements for further information of the Company’s subsidiary.

3. AMOUNTS DUE FROM SUBSIDIARIES
Of the total amounts due from subsidiaries, US$985m is unsecured and interest-bearing at 2.51 per cent per annum which will 
be recoverable in March 2019. The remaining balance is unsecured, interest-free and repayable on demand.

4. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The cash and cash equivalents balance consists of cash of US$45m (2013: US$10m).

5. BORROWINGS
Details of the borrowings of the Company are provided in note 30 to the Group’s consolidated financial statements. On 22 
November 2013, the Company issued the first tranche of a 10-year unsecured floating rate medium term note series to a 
subsidiary at a nominal value of US$60m. On 7 August 2014, the Company issued the second tranche of the same floating rate 
medium term note series to the subsidiary at a nominal value of US$40m. The medium term note bears interest upon LIBOR 
and will be fully repaid in November 2023. The medium term note has been eliminated in the Group’s consolidated financial 
statements.

6. SHARE CAPITAL, SHARE PREMIUM AND EMPLOYEE SHARE-BASED TRUSTS
Details of share capital, share premium and employee share-based trusts are presented in note 35 to the Group’s consolidated 
financial statements.

7. OTHER RESERVES
Other reserves comprise share-based compensation recognised under the RSU Scheme, ESPP, ASPP and Share Option Scheme.

8. AMOUNTS REFLECTED IN OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Amounts reflected in other comprehensive income comprise cash flow hedge reserve.

9. RISK MANAGEMENT
Risk management in the context of the Group is discussed in note 38 to the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

The  business  of  the  Company  is  managing  its  investments  in  subsidiaries,  associates  and  joint  venture  operations.  Its  risks 
are considered to be the same as those described in the context of the consolidated group. Such investments are held by the 
Company at cost in accordance with accounting policy discussed in note 2.3 to the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

Financial assets, other than investment in a subsidiary, largely consist of amounts due from subsidiaries and cash and cash 
equivalents.

212

AIA GROUP LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE COMPANY (continued)
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company receives dividend from subsidiaries and pays interest and expenses to those subsidiaries in the normal course of 
business.

Except as disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements, there are no other material related party transactions.

11. CONTINGENCIES
The Company has issued a guarantee to financial institutions in respect of a 3-year multicurrency bank facility of HK$2,507m 
(approximately US$323m) borrowed by its subsidiary. The Company is exposed to the risk in the event of default payment by its 
subsidiary.

12. EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD
Details of the events after the reporting period of the Company are presented in note 45 to the Group’s consolidated financial 
statements.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Supplementary Embedded Value Information

TOWERS  WATSON  REPORT  ON  THE  REVIEW  OF  THE  SUPPLEMENTARY  EMBEDDED  VALUE 
INFORMATION
AIA  Group  Limited  (the  “Company”)  and  its  subsidiaries  (together,  “AIA”  or  the  “Group”)  have  prepared  supplementary 
embedded value results (EV Results) for the year ended 30 November 2014 (the Period). These EV Results, together with a 
description  of  the  methodology  and  assumptions  that  have  been  used,  are  shown  in  the  Supplementary  Embedded  Value 
Information section of this report.

Towers Watson Hong Kong Limited, trading as Towers Watson (Towers Watson), has been engaged to review the Group’s EV 
Results and prior year comparisons. This opinion is made solely to the Company and, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable 
law, Towers Watson does not accept or assume any responsibility, duty of care or liability to any third party for or in connection 
with its review work, the opinions it has formed, or for any statement set forth in this opinion.

SCOPE OF WORK
Our scope of work covered:

•  A review of the methodology used to calculate the embedded value and the equity attributable to shareholders of the 
Company on the embedded value basis as at 30 November 2014, and the value of new business for the 12-month period 1 
December 2013 to 30 November 2014;

•  A review of the economic and operating assumptions used to calculate the embedded value as at 30 November 2014 and 

the value of new business for the 12-month period 1 December 2013 to 30 November 2014; and

•  A review of the results of AIA’s calculation of the EV Results.

In carrying out our review, Towers Watson has relied on data and information provided by the Group.

OPINION
Towers Watson has concluded that:

•  The methodology used to calculate the embedded value and value of new business is consistent with recent industry practice 
for publicly listed companies in Hong Kong as regards traditional embedded value calculations based on discounted values of 
projected deterministic after-tax cash flows. This methodology makes an overall allowance for risk for the Group through the 
use of risk discount rates which incorporate risk margins and vary by Business Unit, together with an explicit allowance for 
the cost of holding required capital;

•  The economic assumptions are internally consistent and have been set with regard to current economic conditions; and

•  The operating assumptions have been set with appropriate regard to past, current and expected future experience, taking 

into account the nature of the business conducted by each Business Unit.

Towers Watson has performed a number of high-level checks on the models, processes and the results of the calculations, and 
has confirmed that no issues have been discovered that have a material impact on the disclosed embedded value and the equity 
attributable to shareholders of the Company on the embedded value basis as at 30 November 2014, the value of new business 
for  the  12-month  period  1  December  2013  to  30  November  2014,  the  analysis  of  movement  in  embedded  value  for  the 
12-month period ended 30 November 2014, and the sensitivity analysis.

Towers Watson

26 February 2015

214

AIA GROUP LIMITED

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS CONCERNING SUPPLEMENTARY EMBEDDED VALUE INFORMATION
This report includes non-IFRS financial measures and should not be viewed as a substitute for IFRS financial measures.

The results shown in this report are not intended to represent an opinion of market value and should not be interpreted in that 
manner. This report does not purport to encompass all of the many factors that may bear upon a market value.

The results shown in this report are based on a series of assumptions as to the future. It should be recognised that actual future 
results may differ from those shown, on account of changes in the operating and economic environments and natural variations 
in experience. The results shown are presented at the valuation dates stated in this report and no warranty is given by the Group 
that future experience after these valuation dates will be in line with the assumptions made.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Supplementary Embedded Value Information

1. HIGHLIGHTS
The embedded value (EV) is a measure of the value of shareholders’ interests in the earnings distributable from assets allocated 
to the in-force business after allowance for the aggregate risks in that business. The Group uses a traditional deterministic 
discounted cash flow methodology for determining its EV and value of new business (VONB). This methodology makes implicit 
allowance for all sources of risk including the cost of investment return guarantees and policyholder options, asset-liability 
mismatch risk, credit risk, the risk that actual experience in future years differs from that assumed, and for the economic cost 
of capital, through the use of a risk-adjusted discount rate. The equity attributable to shareholders of the Company on the 
embedded value basis (EV Equity) is the total of EV, goodwill and other intangible assets attributable to shareholders of the 
Company. More details of the EV Results, methodology and assumptions are covered in later sections of this report.

2013 EV and EV Equity have been adjusted to reflect the adoption of new and revised accounting standards by AIA in 2014. For 
a description of the new and revised accounting standards and a reconciliation of the adjustments made to the 2013 financial 
information as previously reported, see our 2014 audited consolidated financial statements.

Table 1.1 summarises the key results including the adjusted net worth (ANW) and value of in-force business (VIF).

Table 1.1
Summary of Key Metrics(1) (US$ millions)

Equity attributable to shareholders of the Company on the embedded 
  value basis (EV Equity)

Embedded value (EV)

Adjusted net worth (ANW)

Value of in-force business (VIF)

Value of new business (VONB)

Annualised new premium (ANP)(2) (3)

VONB margin(3)

Notes:

As at 
30 November 
2014

As at 
30 November 
2013

39,042

37,153

15,351

21,802

34,871

33,818

13,462

20,356

12 months 
ended 
30 November 
2014

12 months 
ended 
30 November 
2013

1,845

3,700

49.1%

1,490

3,341

44.1%

Growth

12%

10%

14%

7%

YoY

24%

11%

5.0 pps

(1)  The results are after adjustments to reflect additional Hong Kong reserving and capital requirements and the after-tax value of unallocated Group 

Office expenses.

(2)  ANP represents 100 per cent of annualised first year premiums and 10 per cent of single premiums, before reinsurance ceded.

(3)  ANP and VONB margin exclude pension business.

VONB grew by 24 per cent to US$1,845 million, an increase of US$355 million compared with 2013. ANP grew by 11 per cent 
to US$3,700 million compared with US$3,341 million in 2013. VONB margin increased by 5.0 pps to 49.1 per cent compared 
with 44.1 per cent in 2013.

EV Equity grew by US$4,171 million to US$39,042 million at 30 November 2014, an increase of 12 per cent over the year from 
US$34,871 million at 30 November 2013. EV Equity included goodwill and other intangible assets of US$1,889 million at 30 
November 2014 compared with US$1,053 million at 30 November 2013.

EV grew to US$37,153 million at 30 November 2014. The growth in EV of US$3,335 million is shown after a deduction for 
the Citibank Upfront Payment and the payment of shareholder dividends. Underlying growth excluding the Citibank Upfront 
Payment was US$4,135 million.

216

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1. HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
EV operating profit grew by 14 per cent to US$4,535 million compared with 2013. The growth reflected a combination of 
a higher VONB of US$1,845 million, an increased expected return on EV of US$2,635 million from a higher opening EV and 
overall positive operating experience variances and operating assumption changes which totalled US$108 million, less finance 
costs of US$53 million on medium term notes.

Non-operating EV movements included positive investment return variances of US$720 million, positive effect of changes in 
economic assumptions of US$122 million and positive other non-operating variances of US$23 million. This was offset by the 
payment of shareholder dividends totalling US$689 million, negative other capital movements of US$14 million and negative 
foreign exchange movements of US$562 million.

EV as at 30 November 2014 included ANW of US$15,351 million and VIF of US$21,802 million, up 14 per cent and 7 per cent 
respectively compared with 30 November 2013.

2. EV RESULTS
2.1 Embedded Value by Business Unit
The EV as at 30 November 2014 is detailed in Table 2.1 below. Results are presented separately for the six largest Business Units, 
with those for the remaining Business Units presented together under the category “Other Markets”. This is consistent with the 
segment information in the IFRS financial statements. Section 4.1 of this report contains a full list of the entities included in this 
report and the mapping of these entities to Business Units for the purpose of this report.

Table 2.1
Summary of EV by Business Unit (US$ millions)

Business Unit

AIA Hong Kong

AIA Thailand

AIA Singapore

AIA Malaysia

AIA China

AIA Korea

Other Markets

Group Corporate Centre

Subtotal

As at 30 November 2014

As at 
30 November 
2013

ANW(1)

VIF before 
CoC(2)

CoC(2)

VIF after 
CoC(2)

EV

EV

5,529

5,370

1,741

1,375

1,482

1,805

3,331

4,874

7,515

2,476

3,095

1,398

2,779

748

1,492

(102)

572

724

561

260

196

401

270

–

6,943

1,752

2,534

1,138

2,583

347

1,222

(102)

12,472

10,716

7,122

4,275

2,513

4,065

2,152

4,553

4,772

6,854

4,007

2,440

3,106

1,907

3,973

4,405

25,507

19,401

2,984

16,417

41,924

37,408

Adjustment to reflect additional Hong Kong 

reserving and capital requirements(3)

(10,156)

6,281

219

6,062

(4,094)

(2,940)

After-tax value of unallocated Group 
  Office expenses

Total

Notes:

–

(677)

–

(677)

(677)

15,351

25,005

3,203

21,802

37,153

(650)

33,818

(1)  ANW by Business Unit is after net capital flows between Business Units and Group Corporate Centre as reported in the IFRS financial statements.

(2)  CoC refers to the cost arising from holding the required capital as described in Section 4.2 of this report.

(3)  Adjustment to EV for the branches of AIA Co. and AIA International, as described in Section 4.4 of this report.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Supplementary Embedded Value Information

2. EV RESULTS (continued)
2.2 Reconciliation of ANW to IFRS Equity
Table 2.2 sets out the derivation of ANW from IFRS equity as at 30 November 2014.

Table 2.2
Derivation of the Group ANW from IFRS equity (US$ millions)

IFRS equity attributable to shareholders of the Company

Elimination of IFRS deferred acquisition and origination costs assets

Difference between IFRS policy liabilities and local statutory policy liabilities 

(for entities included in the EV Results)

Difference between net IFRS policy liabilities and local statutory policy liabilities 

(for entities included in the EV Results)

Mark-to-market adjustment for property and mortgage loan investments, 
  net of amounts attributable to participating funds

Elimination of intangible assets

Recognition of deferred tax impacts of the above adjustments

Recognition of non-controlling interests impacts of the above adjustments

Group ANW (local statutory basis)

Adjustment to reflect additional Hong Kong reserving requirements, net of tax

Group ANW (after additional Hong Kong reserving requirements)

As at 
30 November 
2014

As at 
30 November 
2013

30,806

(16,593)

24,682

(15,738)

9,894

10,725

(6,699)

(5,013)

2,509

(2,152)

1,175

(132)

25,507

(10,156)

15,351

2,250

(1,321)

1,006

(138)

21,466

(8,004)

13,462

218

AIA GROUP LIMITED

 
 
2. EV RESULTS (continued)
2.3 Breakdown of ANW
Table 2.3 shows the breakdown of the ANW for the Group between the required capital, as defined in Section 4.6 of this report, 
and the free surplus, which is the ANW in excess of the required capital.

Table 2.3
Free surplus and required capital for the Group (US$ millions)

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Required capital

ANW

As at 30 November 2014

As at 30 November 2013

Hong Kong 
basis for 
branches 
of AIA Co. 
and AIA 
International

7,794

7,557

15,351

Local 
statutory 
basis

18,884

6,623

25,507

Hong Kong 
basis for 
branches of 
AIA Co. 
and AIA 
International

6,727

6,735

13,462

Local 
statutory 
basis

15,644

5,822

21,466

The  Company’s  subsidiaries,  AIA  Co.  and  AIA  International,  are  both  Hong  Kong-regulated  entities  subject  to  Hong  Kong 
statutory requirements. The business written in the branches of AIA Co. and AIA International is subject to both the local 
reserving and capital requirements in the relevant territory and the Hong Kong reserving and capital requirements applicable to 
AIA Co. and AIA International at the entity level.

At 30 November 2014, the more onerous reserving basis for both AIA Co. and AIA International was the Hong Kong basis. 
Therefore, the Group’s free surplus at 30 November 2014 reduced by US$11,090 million (2013: US$8,917 million) under the 
Hong Kong basis compared with the local statutory basis, reflecting US$10,156 million (2013: US$8,004 million) higher reserving 
requirements and US$934 million (2013: US$913 million) higher required capital under the Hong Kong basis for branches of AIA 
Co. and AIA International.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Supplementary Embedded Value Information

2. EV RESULTS (continued)
2.4 Earnings Profile
Table 2.4 shows how the after-tax distributable earnings from the assets backing the statutory reserves and required capital 
of the in-force business of the Group are projected to emerge over future years. The projected values reflect the Hong Kong 
reserving and capital requirements for the branches of AIA Co. and AIA International.

Table 2.4
Profile of projected after-tax distributable earnings for the Group’s in-force business (US$ millions)

Financial year

2015 – 2019

2020 – 2024

2025 – 2029

2030 – 2034

2035 and thereafter

Total

As at 30 November 2014

Undiscounted

Discounted

13,732

12,692

11,935

10,843

46,261

95,463

11,311

6,884

4,410

2,749

4,005

29,359

The profile of distributable earnings is shown on an undiscounted and discounted basis. The discounted value of after-tax 
distributable  earnings  of  US$29,359  million  (2013:  US$27,091  million)  plus  the  free  surplus  of  US$7,794  million  (2013: 
US$6,727 million) shown in Table 2.3 is equal to the EV of US$37,153 million (2013: US$33,818 million) shown in Table 2.1.

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2. EV RESULTS (continued)
2.5 Value of New Business
The VONB for the Group for the 12-month period from 1 December 2013 to 30 November 2014 is summarised in Table 2.5 
below. The VONB is defined as the present value, at the point of sale, of the projected after-tax statutory profits less the cost of 
required capital. Results are presented separately for the six largest Business Units, with those for the remaining Business Units 
presented together under the category “Other Markets”. This is consistent with the segment information in the IFRS financial 
statements. Section 4.1 of this report contains a full list of the entities included in this report and the mapping of these entities 
to Business Units for the purpose of this report.

The Group VONB for the 12 months ended 30 November 2014 was US$1,845 million, an increase of US$355 million, or 24 per 
cent, from US$1,490 million for the same period in 2013.

Table 2.5
Summary of VONB by Business Unit (US$ millions)

Business Unit

AIA Hong Kong

AIA Thailand

AIA Singapore

AIA Malaysia

AIA China

AIA Korea

Other Markets

Total before unallocated Group Office expenses 

(local statutory basis)

Adjustment to reflect additional Hong Kong reserving and 
  capital requirements(2)

Total before unallocated Group Office expenses 
(after additional Hong Kong reserving and 

  capital requirements)

After-tax value of unallocated Group Office expenses

Total

Notes:

12 months ended 
30 November 2014

12 months 
ended 
30 November 
2013

VONB before 
CoC(1)

VONB after 

VONB after 

CoC(1)

CoC(1) (3)

CoC(1) (3)

720

422

338

181

282

104

233

101

61

39

20

24

22

21

619

361

299

161

258

82

212

2,280

288

1,992

(68)

(18)

(50)

2,212

(97)

2,115

270

–

270

1,942

(97)

1,845

468

319

269

120

166

91

220

1,653

(67)

1,586

(96)

1,490

(1)  CoC refers to the cost arising from holding the required capital as described in Section 4.2 of this report.

(2)  Adjustment to VONB for the branches of AIA Co. and AIA International, as described in Section 4.4 of this report.

(3)  VONB for the Group is calculated before deducting the amount attributable to non-controlling interests. The amounts of VONB attributable to 
non-controlling interests for the 12 months ended 30 November 2014 and 30 November 2013 were US$13 million and US$11 million respectively.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Supplementary Embedded Value Information

2. EV RESULTS (continued)
2.5 Value of New Business (continued)
Table 2.6 shows the VONB margin for the Group. The VONB margin is defined as VONB, excluding pension business, expressed 
as a percentage of ANP. The VONB for pension business is excluded from the margin calculation to be consistent with the 
definition of ANP.

The Group VONB margin for the 12 months ended 30 November 2014 was 49.1 per cent compared with 44.1 per cent for the 
same period in 2013.

Table 2.6
Summary of VONB Margin by Business Unit (US$ millions)

Business Unit

AIA Hong Kong

AIA Thailand

AIA Singapore

AIA Malaysia

AIA China

AIA Korea

Other Markets

Total before unallocated Group Office expenses 

(local statutory basis)

Adjustment to reflect additional Hong Kong reserving and 
  capital requirements(2)

Total before unallocated Group Office expenses 
(after additional Hong Kong reserving and 

  capital requirements)

After-tax value of unallocated Group Office expenses

Total

Notes:

12 months ended 
30 November 2014

12 months 
ended 
30 November 
2013

VONB 
Excluding 
Pension

ANP(1)

VONB 
Margin(1)

VONB 
Margin(1)

593

361

299

160

258

82

212

952

572

489

320

311

380

676

62.3%

63.2%

61.2%

50.1%

83.1%

21.7%

31.3%

57.6%

56.3%

67.3%

37.8%

66.4%

26.8%

32.0%

1,965

3,700

53.1%

48.9%

(50)

–

1,915

(97)

1,818

3,700

–

3,700

51.8%

46.9%

49.1%

44.1%

(1)  ANP and VONB margin exclude pension business.

(2)  Adjustment to VONB for the branches of AIA Co. and AIA International, as described in Section 4.4 of this report.

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2. EV RESULTS (continued)
2.5 Value of New Business (continued)
Table 2.7 shows the breakdown of the VONB, ANP and VONB margin for the Group by quarter for business written in the 12 
months to 30 November 2014. For comparison purposes, the quarterly VONB, ANP and VONB margin for business written in the 
12 months to 30 November 2013 are also shown in the same table.

Table 2.7
Summary of VONB, ANP and VONB Margin by quarter for the Group (US$ millions)

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Values for 2014

3 months ended 28 February 2014

3 months ended 31 May 2014

3 months ended 31 August 2014

3 months ended 30 November 2014

Values for 2013

3 months ended 28 February 2013

3 months ended 31 May 2013

3 months ended 31 August 2013

3 months ended 30 November 2013

Notes:

VONB after 
CoC(1)

ANP(2)

VONB 
Margin(2)

354

438

468

585

291

354

379

466

799

891

944

1,066

745

782

839

975

43.8%

48.4%

48.7%

54.2%

38.4%

44.7%

44.7%

47.3%

(1)  CoC refers to the cost arising from holding the required capital as described in Section 4.2 of this report.

(2)  ANP and VONB margin exclude pension business.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Supplementary Embedded Value Information

2. EV RESULTS (continued)
2.6 Analysis of EV Movement
Table 2.8 shows the analysis of movement in EV from 30 November 2013 to 30 November 2014.

Table 2.8
Analysis of movement in EV (US$ millions)

Opening EV

Effect of acquisitions

Citibank Upfront Payment

Adjusted Opening EV

Value of new business

Expected return on EV

Operating experience variances

Operating assumption changes

Finance costs on medium term notes 
  and acquisition credit facility

EV operating profit

Investment return variances

Effect of changes in economic assumptions

Other non-operating variances

Total EV profit

Dividends

Other capital movements

Effect of changes in exchange rates

Closing EV

12 months ended 
30 November 2014

12 months 
ended 
30 November 
2013

ANW

VIF

EV

EV

13,462

20,356

33,818

31,373

–

(800)

12,662

(995)

3,531

(126)

(13)

(53)

2,344

610

6

530

3,490

(689)

(14)

(98)

15,351

–

–

20,356

2,840

(896)

314

(67)

–

2,191

110

116

(507)

1,910

–

–

(464)

21,802

–

(800)

33,018

1,845

2,635

188

(80)

(53)

4,535

720

122

23

5,400

(689)

(14)

(562)

(808)

–

30,565

1,490

2,389

114

10

(26)

3,977

345

429

(154)

4,597

(595)

11

(760)

37,153

33,818

YoY

EV

8%

n/m

n/m

8%

24%

10%

65%

n/m

104%

14%

109%

(72)%

n/m

17%

16%

n/m

(26)%

10%

EV  operating  profit  grew  by  14  per  cent  to  US$4,535  million  (2013:  US$3,977  million)  compared  with  2013.  The  growth 
reflected a combination of a higher VONB of US$1,845 million (2013: US$1,490 million), an increased expected return on EV of 
US$2,635 million (2013: US$2,389 million) from a higher opening EV and overall positive operating experience variances and 
operating assumption changes which totalled US$108 million (2013: US$124 million), less finance costs of US$53 million (2013: 
US$26 million) on medium term notes.

The VONB shown in Table 2.8 is calculated at the point of sale for business written during the Period before deducting the 
amount attributable to non-controlling interests. The expected return on EV is the expected change in the EV over the Period 
plus the expected return on the VONB from the point of sale to 30 November 2014 less the VONB attributable to non-controlling 
interests. Operating experience variances reflect the impact on the ANW and VIF from differences between the actual experience 
over the Period and that expected based on the operating assumptions.

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2. EV RESULTS (continued)
2.6 Analysis of EV Movement (continued)
The main operating experience variances, net of tax, are:

•  Expense variances of US$16 million (2013: US$1 million) including non-recurring project expenses of US$(14) million (2013: 

US$(9) million);

•  Mortality and morbidity claims variances of US$124 million (2013: US$116 million); and

•  Persistency and other variances of US$48 million (2013: US$(3) million).

The effect of changes to operating assumptions during the Period was US$(80) million (2013: US$10 million).

The EV profit of US$5,400 million (2013: US$4,597 million) is the total of EV operating profit, investment return variances, the 
effect of changes in economic assumptions and other non-operating variances.

The investment return variances arise from the impact of differences between the actual investment returns in the Period and 
the expected investment returns. This includes the impact on the EV of changes in the market values and market yields on 
existing fixed income assets, and the impact on the EV of changes in the economic assumptions used in the statutory reserving 
bases for the Group. The investment return variances of US$720 million (2013: US$345 million) were largely caused by positive 
market movements offset by negative statutory reserve movements compared with the assumptions used in the EV calculation 
at the start of the Period.

The effect of changes in economic assumptions of US$122 million (2013: US$429 million) includes the impact of changes in 
long-term investment return assumptions of US$(337) million (2013: US$161 million) and the impact of changes in risk discount 
rates of US$459 million (2013: US$268 million).

Other non-operating variances amounted to US$23 million (2013: US$(154) million) and included:

•  Positive tax-related adjustments of US$24 million (2013: US$195 million);

•  Restructuring and other non-operating costs of US$52 million (2013: US$44 million); and

•  Modelling enhancements, accounting for the majority of the balance.

The Group paid total shareholder dividends of US$689 million (2013: US$595 million). Other capital movements of US$(14) 
million (2013: US$11 million) were mainly due to the purchase of shares held by employee share-based trusts.

There were negative foreign exchange movements of US$562 million during the Period (2013: US$760 million).

2.7 EV Equity
The EV as at 30 November 2014 included a deduction of US$800 million for the Citibank Upfront Payment. The EV Equity grew 
to US$39,042 million at 30 November 2014, an increase of 12 per cent from US$34,871 million at 30 November 2013. Table 2.9 
sets out the derivation of EV Equity from EV as at 30 November 2014.

Table 2.9
Derivation of EV Equity from EV (US$ millions)

EV

Goodwill and other intangible assets(1)

EV Equity

Note:

As at 
30 November 
2014

As at 
30 November 
2013

37,153

1,889

39,042

33,818

1,053

34,871

Growth

10%

79%

12%

(1)  Consistent with the IFRS financial statements, net of tax, amounts attributable to participating funds and non-controlling interests.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Supplementary Embedded Value Information

3. SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
The EV as at 30 November 2014 and the VONB for the 12-month period 1 December 2013 to 30 November 2014 have been 
recalculated to illustrate the sensitivity of the results to changes in certain central assumptions discussed in Section 5.

The sensitivities analysed were:

•  Risk discount rates 200 basis points per annum higher than the central assumptions;

•  Risk discount rates 200 basis points per annum lower than the central assumptions;

• 

• 

Interest rates 50 basis points per annum higher than the central assumptions;

Interest rates 50 basis points per annum lower than the central assumptions;

•  The presentation currency (as explained below) appreciated by 5 per cent;

•  The presentation currency depreciated by 5 per cent;

•  Lapse  and  premium  discontinuance  rates  increased  proportionally  by  10  per  cent  (i.e.  110  per  cent  of  the  central 

assumptions);

•  Lapse  and  premium  discontinuance  rates  decreased  proportionally  by  10  per  cent  (i.e.  90  per  cent  of  the  central 

assumptions);

•  Mortality/morbidity rates increased proportionally by 10 per cent (i.e. 110 per cent of the central assumptions);

•  Mortality/morbidity rates decreased proportionally by 10 per cent (i.e. 90 per cent of the central assumptions);

•  Maintenance expenses 10 per cent lower (i.e. 90 per cent of the central assumptions); and

•  Expense inflation set to 0 per cent.

The EV as at 30 November 2014 has been further analysed for the following sensitivities:

•  Equity prices increased proportionally by 10 per cent (i.e. 110 per cent of the prices at 30 November 2014); and

•  Equity prices decreased proportionally by 10 per cent (i.e. 90 per cent of the prices at 30 November 2014).

For the interest rate sensitivities, the investment return assumptions and the risk discount rates were changed by 50 basis points 
per annum; the projected bonus rates on participating business, the statutory reserving bases at 30 November 2014 and the 
values of debt instruments held at 30 November 2014 were changed to be consistent with the interest rate assumptions in the 
sensitivity analysis, while all the other assumptions were unchanged.

The EV Results of each entity in Section 4.1 are measured in the currency of the primary economic environment in which that 
entity operates (the functional currency) and presented in US dollars (the presentation currency). In order to provide sensitivity 
results for EV and VONB of the impact of foreign currency movements to the translation from functional currencies, a change of 
5 per cent to the presentation currency is included. This sensitivity does not include the impact of currency movements on the 
translation of transactions denominated in a foreign currency of an entity into its functional currency (including any impacts on 
VIF).

For the equity price sensitivities, the projected bonus rates on participating business and the values of equity securities and equity 
funds held at 30 November 2014 were changed to be consistent with the equity price assumptions in the sensitivity analysis, 
while all the other assumptions were unchanged.

For each of the remaining sensitivity analyses, the statutory reserving bases at 30 November 2014 and the projected bonus rates 
on participating business were changed to be consistent with the sensitivity analysis assumptions, while all the other assumptions 
remain unchanged.

The results of the above sensitivity analysis are shown below in Table 3.1 for the EV and in Table 3.2 for the VONB.

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3. SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS (continued)
The sensitivities chosen do not represent the boundaries of possible outcomes, but instead illustrate how certain alternative 
assumptions would affect the results.

Table 3.1
Sensitivity of EV as at 30 November 2014 (US$ millions)

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Central value

200 bps increase in risk discount rates

200 bps decrease in risk discount rates

10% increase in equity prices

10% decrease in equity prices

50 bps increase in interest rates

50 bps decrease in interest rates

5% appreciation in the presentation currency

5% depreciation in the presentation currency

10% increase in lapse/discontinuance rates

10% decrease in lapse/discontinuance rates

10% increase in mortality/morbidity rates

10% decrease in mortality/morbidity rates

10% decrease in maintenance expenses

Expense inflation set to 0%

Table 3.2
Sensitivity of VONB for the 12 months ended 30 November 2014 (US$ millions)

Scenario

Central value

200 bps increase in risk discount rates

200 bps decrease in risk discount rates

50 bps increase in interest rates

50 bps decrease in interest rates

5% appreciation in the presentation currency

5% depreciation in the presentation currency

10% increase in lapse rates

10% decrease in lapse rates

10% increase in mortality/morbidity rates

10% decrease in mortality/morbidity rates

10% decrease in maintenance expenses

Expense inflation set to 0%

EV

37,153

32,590

43,822

37,914

36,377

37,232

37,014

36,157

38,149

36,771

37,613

34,384

40,048

37,627

37,578

VONB

1,845

1,373

2,539

1,923

1,748

1,779

1,911

1,719

1,984

1,550

2,139

1,910

1,891

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Supplementary Embedded Value Information

4. METHODOLOGY
4.1 Entities Included in This Report
The Group operates through a number of subsidiaries and branches. Its two main operating subsidiaries are AIA Company 
Limited  (AIA  Co.),  a  subsidiary  of  the  Company,  and  AIA  International  Limited  (AIA  International),  a  subsidiary  of  AIA  Co. 
Furthermore, AIA Co. has branches located in Brunei, China and Thailand and AIA International has branches located in Hong 
Kong, Korea, Macau, New Zealand and Taiwan.

The following is a full list of the entities and their mapping to Business Units for the purpose of this report.

•  AIA Australia refers to AIA Australia Limited, a subsidiary of AIA Co.;

•  AIA China refers to the China branches of AIA Co.;

•  AIA Hong Kong refers to the total of the following three entities:

• 

the Hong Kong and Macau branches of AIA International;

• 

the Hong Kong and Macau business written by AIA Co.; and

•  AIA Pension and Trustee Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of AIA Co.

•  AIA Indonesia refers to PT. AIA Financial, a subsidiary of AIA International;

•  AIA Korea refers to the Korea branch of AIA International;

•  AIA Malaysia refers to AIA Bhd., a subsidiary of AIA Co., its subsidiary Green Health Certification Berhad (formerly known as 

AIA AFG Takaful Bhd.), and AIA PUBLIC Takaful Bhd., a 70 per cent owned subsidiary of AIA Co.;

•  AIA New Zealand refers to the New Zealand branch of AIA International;

•  Philam Life refers to The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company, a subsidiary of AIA Co. and its 51 per 

cent owned subsidiary BPI-Philam Life Assurance Corporation;

•  AIA Singapore refers to AIA Singapore Private Limited, a subsidiary of AIA Co., and Brunei branch of AIA Co.;

•  AIA Sri Lanka refers to AIA Insurance Lanka PLC, a 97.15 per cent owned subsidiary of AIA Co.;

•  AIA Taiwan refers to the Taiwan branch of AIA International;

•  AIA Thailand refers to the Thailand branches of AIA Co.; and

•  AIA Vietnam refers to AIA (Vietnam) Life Insurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of AIA International.

AIA’s  previously-announced  acquisitions  of  ING  Management  Holdings  (Malaysia)  Sdn.  Bhd.  (ING  Malaysia)  and  Aviva  NDB 
Insurance (ANI) in Sri Lanka completed in December 2012. The financial results of these two newly-acquired businesses are 
accounted for in the Group’s 2013 results from the respective dates of completion.

In March 2014, the Group acquired a further 10 per cent of the equity interest in AIA PUBLIC Takaful Bhd.

In addition, the entity Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Limited, which is 26 per cent owned by AIA International, has been 
included in the Group ANW presented in this report on an equity method accounting basis.

The summary of the EV of the Group by Business Unit in this report also includes a segment for “Group Corporate Centre” 
results. The results shown for this segment consist of the ANW for the Group’s corporate functions and the present value of 
remittance taxes payable on distributable profits to Hong Kong. The ANW has been derived as the IFRS equity for this segment 
plus mark-to-market adjustments less the value of excluded intangible assets.

Results are presented separately for the six largest Business Units, with those for the remaining Business Units presented together 
under the category “Other Markets”. This is consistent with the segment information in the IFRS financial statements. For the 
VONB, “Other Markets” includes the present value of allowance for remittance taxes payable on distributable profits to Hong 
Kong.

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4. METHODOLOGY (continued)
4.2 Embedded Value and Value of New Business
The  Group  uses  a  traditional  deterministic  discounted  cash  flow  methodology  for  determining  its  EV  and  VONB.  This 
methodology makes implicit allowance for all sources of risk including the cost of investment return guarantees and policyholder 
options, asset-liability mismatch risk, credit risk, the risk that actual experience in future years differs from that assumed, and 
for the economic cost of capital, through the use of a risk-adjusted discount rate. Typically, the higher the risk discount rate, 
the greater the allowance for these factors. This is a common methodology used by life insurance companies in Asia currently. 
Alternative valuation methodologies and approaches continue to emerge and may be considered by AIA.

The business included in the VIF and VONB calculations includes all life business written by the Business Units of the Group, plus 
other lines of business which may not be classified as life business but have similar characteristics. These include accident and 
health, group and pension businesses. The projected in-force business included in the VIF also incorporates expected renewals 
on short-term business with a term of one year or less.

The EV is the sum of the ANW and VIF. The ANW is the market value of assets in excess of the assets backing the policy reserves 
and other liabilities of the life (and similar) business of the Group, plus the IFRS equity value (excluding the value of intangible 
assets) of other activities, such as general insurance business. It excludes any amounts not attributable to shareholders of the 
Company. The market value of investment property and property held for own use that is used to determine the ANW is based 
on the fair value disclosed in the Group’s IFRS financial statements as at the valuation date. It is the Group’s policy to obtain 
external property valuations annually except in the case of a discrete event occurring in the interim that has a significant impact 
on the fair value of the properties.

The VIF is the present value of projected after-tax statutory profits emerging in the future from the current in-force business less 
the cost arising from holding the required capital (CoC) to support the in-force business. CoC is calculated as the face value of 
the required capital as at the valuation date less the present value of the net-of-tax investment return on the shareholder assets 
backing required capital and the present value of projected releases from the assets backing the required capital. Where the 
required capital may be covered by policyholder assets such as surplus assets in a participating fund there is no associated cost of 
capital included in the VIF or VONB.

EV Equity is the total of EV, goodwill and other intangible assets attributable to shareholders of the Company.

The VONB is the present value, measured at point of sale, of projected after-tax statutory profits emerging in the future from 
new business sold in the period less the cost of holding required capital in excess of regulatory reserves to support this business. 
The VONB for the Group is calculated based on assumptions applicable at the point of measurement and before deducting the 
amount attributable to non-controlling interests. The VONB attributable to non-controlling interests was US$13 million for the 
12 months ended 30 November 2014 (2013: US$11 million).

A deduction has been made from the EV and VONB for the present value of future after-tax unallocated Group Office expenses, 
representing the expenses incurred by the Group Office which are not allocated to the Business Units. These unallocated Group 
Office expenses have been allocated to acquisition and maintenance activities, and a deduction made from the VONB and VIF 
respectively.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Supplementary Embedded Value Information

4. METHODOLOGY (continued)
4.3 Definition of New Business
New business includes the sale of new contracts during the period, additional single premium payments on recurrent single 
premium contracts and increments to existing contracts where these are not variations allowed for in the calculation of the VIF. 
The VONB also includes the present value of cash flows associated with new policies written during the reporting period but 
subsequently terminated before the valuation date.

For group renewable business including group yearly renewable term business, new business is composed of new schemes set 
up during the period plus any premium payable on existing schemes that exceeds the prior year’s premium.

For short-term accident and health business with a term of one year or less, renewals of existing contracts are not considered 
new business, and the value of expected renewals on this business is included in the VIF.

For pension business, sales of new contracts during the period and any new contributions, including assets transferred in, are 
considered as new business for the calculation of the VONB.

New business volumes shown in this report are measured using annualised new premium (ANP), which is an internal measure of 
new business sales. This represents 100 per cent of annualised first year premiums and 10 per cent of single premiums, before 
reinsurance ceded. It excludes new business sales for pension business.

4.4 Consolidation of Hong Kong Branches
The Group’s subsidiaries, AIA Co. and AIA International, are both Hong Kong-regulated entities. AIA operates in a number of 
territories as branches of these entities. Therefore, the business written in these branches is subject to the local reserving and 
capital requirements in the relevant territory and the Hong Kong reserving and capital requirements applicable to AIA Co. and 
AIA International at the entity level.

For these branches, the EV Results shown in Section 2 have been calculated reflecting the more onerous of the Hong Kong and 
branch level local regulatory reserving and capital requirements. This was done because the ultimate distribution of profits to 
shareholders of the Company from AIA Co. and AIA International will depend on both the Hong Kong and the local regulatory 
reserving and capital requirements. At the end of November 2014, the more onerous reserving basis for both AIA Co. and AIA 
International was the Hong Kong regulatory basis. This impact is shown as a Group-level adjustment to the EV and VONB. The 
EV and VONB for each Business Unit reflect only the local reserving and capital requirements, as discussed in Section 4.6.

4.5 Valuation of Future Statutory Losses
For certain lines of business, projected future statutory profits are negative due to the local statutory reserves being insufficient 
to meet the value of future policyholder cash flows. Within a traditional embedded value framework, there are a number of 
acceptable methods for determining the value of a combination of positive and negative statutory profits for different lines of 
business.

For the purposes of this valuation, future projected statutory losses have been valued by discounting them at the risk discount 
rate for the relevant Business Unit. This has been done because the allowance for risk in the range of selected risk discount 
rates for each Business Unit has been set taking into account the presence of any such business lines with projected statutory 
losses. Also, the currently more onerous Hong Kong regulatory reserving requirements for the branches of AIA Co. and AIA 
International have the effect of reducing the level of any future projected statutory losses for these Business Units. Based on 
the assumptions described in Section 5, and allowing for the Hong Kong statutory reserving and capital requirements for the 
branches of AIA Co. and AIA International, the overall projected annual distributable profits from the current in-force business 
and the assets backing the required capital of the Group are positive over the remaining lifetime of the business. Therefore, it is 
not considered necessary to change the discounting approach described above.

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4. METHODOLOGY (continued)
4.6 Required Capital
Each  of  the  Business  Units  has  a  regulatory  requirement  to  hold  shareholder  capital  in  addition  to  the  assets  backing  the 
insurance liabilities. The Group’s assumed levels of required capital for each Business Unit are set out in Table 4.1 below. Further, 
the consolidated EV Results for the Group have been calculated reflecting the more onerous of the Hong Kong and branch level 
local regulatory reserving and capital requirements for AIA Co. and AIA International.

Table 4.1
Required Capital by Business Unit

Business Unit

Required Capital

AIA Australia

AIA China

AIA Hong Kong

AIA Indonesia

AIA Korea

AIA Malaysia

AIA New Zealand

Philam Life

AIA Singapore

AIA Sri Lanka

AIA Taiwan

AIA Thailand

AIA Vietnam

Note:

100% of the regulatory capital adequacy requirement

100% of required minimum solvency margin

150% of required minimum solvency margin(1)

120% of regulatory Risk-Based Capital requirement

150% of regulatory Risk-Based Capital requirement

170% of regulatory Risk-Based Capital requirement

100% of the local regulatory requirement

100% of regulatory Risk-Based Capital requirement

180% of regulatory Risk-Based Capital requirement

120% of proposed Risk-Based Capital requirement

250% of regulatory Risk-Based Capital requirement

140% of regulatory Risk-Based Capital requirement

100% of required minimum solvency margin

(1)  The assumed level of required capital for AIA Hong Kong is also used for the branches of AIA Co. and AIA International in the calculation of the 

consolidated EV Results.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Supplementary Embedded Value Information

5. ASSUMPTIONS
5.1 Introduction
This section summarises the assumptions used by the Group to determine the EV as at 30 November 2014 and the VONB for the 
12 months to 30 November 2014 and highlights certain differences in assumptions between the EV as at 30 November 2013 
and the EV as at 30 November 2014.

5.2 Economic Assumptions
Investment returns
The Group has set the assumed long-term future returns for fixed income assets to reflect its view of expected returns having 
regard to historical returns, estimates of long-term forward rates from yields available on government bonds and current bond 
yields. In determining returns on fixed income assets the Group allows for the risk of default, and this allowance varies by the 
credit rating of the underlying asset.

Where these long-term views of investment return assumptions differ from current market yields on existing fixed income assets 
such that there would be a significant impact on value, an adjustment was made to make some allowance for the current 
market yields. In these cases, in calculating the VIF, adjustment was made to the investment return assumptions such that the 
investment returns on existing fixed income assets were set consistently with the current market yield on these assets for their 
full term, to be consistent with the valuation of the assets backing the policy liabilities.

The Group has set the equity return assumptions by reference to the return on 10-year government bonds, allowing for an 
internal assessment of equity risk premia that vary by territory.

For each Business Unit, the non-linked portfolio is divided into a number of distinct product groups, and the returns for each of 
these product groups have been derived by considering current and future targeted asset allocations and associated investment 
returns for major investment classes.

For unit-linked business, fund growth assumptions have been determined based on actual fund mixes at the valuation date and 
expected long-term returns for major asset classes.

Risk discount rates
The risk discount rates for each Business Unit can be considered as the sum of the appropriate risk-free interest rate, to reflect 
the time value of money, and a risk margin to make allowance for the risk profile of the business.

The Group has generally set the risk discount rates to be equal to the estimated cost of equity capital for each Business Unit 
within the Group. The cost of equity capital is derived using an estimated long-term risk-free interest rate, an equity risk premium 
and a market risk factor. In some cases, adjustments have been made to reflect territorial or Business Unit-specific factors.

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5. ASSUMPTIONS (continued)
5.2 Economic Assumptions (continued)
Risk discount rates (continued)
Table 5.1 summarises the risk discount rates and assumed long-term investment returns for the major asset classes for each 
Business  Unit  as  at  30  November  2014.  The  investment  returns  on  existing  fixed  income  assets  were  set  consistently  with 
the market yields on these assets. Note that VONB results were calculated based on start-of-quarter economic assumptions 
consistent with the measurement at point of sale. The same risk discount rates were used for all the EV Results shown in Section 
1 and Section 2 of this report. In particular, for the branches of AIA Co. and AIA International, the consolidated EV Results 
reflecting the Hong Kong reserving and capital requirements were calculated using the branch-specific risk discount rates shown 
in the table. The present value of unallocated Group Office expenses was calculated using the AIA Hong Kong risk discount rate. 
The investment returns shown are gross of tax and investment expenses.

Table 5.1
Risk discount rates and long-term investment return assumptions by Business Unit (%)

Risk discount rates

10-year government bonds

Local equities

Business Unit

AIA Australia

AIA China

AIA Hong Kong(1)

AIA Indonesia

AIA Korea

AIA Malaysia

AIA New Zealand

Philam Life

AIA Singapore

AIA Sri Lanka

AIA Taiwan

AIA Thailand

AIA Vietnam

Notes:

As at
30 Nov
2014

7.75

9.75

7.00

13.00

9.50

8.75

8.25

10.50 (3)

6.75

18.00

7.75

9.00

13.80

As at
30 Nov
2013

7.75

9.75

7.25

13.00

9.75

8.75

8.25

11.50

6.75

19.00

7.75

9.25

14.80

As at
30 Nov
2014

3.37

3.74

2.50

7.50

3.60

4.20

3.99

4.00

2.23

12.33

1.48

3.62

8.00

As at
30 Nov
2013

3.37

3.74

2.68

6.50

3.85

4.20

3.99

4.00

2.23

13.33

1.48

3.87

9.00

As at
30 Nov
2014

7.15

9.49

7.55

12.25

6.94

8.75

As at
30 Nov
2013

7.15

9.49

7.73

11.25

7.19

8.75

n/a (2)

n/a (2)

9.16

7.00

14.00

6.62

9.37

13.80

9.16

7.00

15.00

6.62

9.62

14.80

(1)  The  majority  of  AIA  Hong  Kong’s  assets  and  liabilities  are  denominated  in  US  dollars.  The  10-year  government  bond  assumption  is  for  US 

dollar-denominated bonds.

(2)  The assumed asset allocations do not include equities.

(3)  Philippine long term sovereign debt was raised to investment grade in a series of upgrades over 2013 and 2014 by the major international rating 

agencies.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Supplementary Embedded Value Information

5. ASSUMPTIONS (continued)
5.3 Persistency
Persistency  covers  the  assumptions  required,  where  relevant,  for  policy  lapse  (including  surrender),  premium  persistency, 
premium holidays, partial withdrawals and retirement rates for pension products.

Assumptions have been developed by each of the Business Units based on their recent historical experience, and their best 
estimate expectations of current and expected future experience. Persistency assumptions vary by policy year and product type 
with different rates for regular and single premium products.

Where  experience  for  a  particular  product  was  not  credible  enough  to  allow  any  meaningful  analysis  to  be  performed, 
experience for similar products was used as a basis for future persistency experience assumptions.

In the case of surrenders, the valuation assumes that current surrender value bases will continue to apply in the future.

5.4 Expenses
The expense assumptions have been set based on the most recent expense analysis. The purpose of the expense analysis is 
to allocate firstly total expenses between acquisition and maintenance activities, and then to allocate these acquisition and 
maintenance expenses to various product categories to derive unit cost assumptions.

Where the expenses associated with certain activities have been identified as being one-off, these expenses have been excluded 
from the expense analysis.

Expense assumptions have been determined for acquisition and maintenance activities, split by product type, and unit costs 
expressed as a percentage of premium, sum assured and an amount per policy. Where relevant, expense assumptions have been 
calculated per distribution channel.

Expense assumptions do not make allowance for any anticipated future expense savings as a result of any strategic initiatives 
aimed at improving policy administration and claims handling efficiency.

Assumptions for commission rates and other sales-related payments have been set in line with actual experience.

Group Office expenses
Group Office expense assumptions have been set, after excluding non-recurring expenses, based on actual acquisition and 
maintenance  expenses  in  the  12-month  period  to  30  November  2014.  The  Group  Office  acquisition  expenses  have  been 
deducted from the VONB. The present value of the projected future Group Office maintenance expenses has been deducted 
from the Group EV. The maintenance expense assumptions in the VONB also allow for the allocation of Group Office expenses.

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5. ASSUMPTIONS (continued)
5.5 Expense Inflation
The assumed expense inflation rates are based on expectations of long-term consumer price and salary inflation. The expense 
inflation assumptions are shown in Table 5.2 below.

Table 5.2
Expense inflation assumptions by Business Unit (%)

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Business Unit

AIA Australia

AIA China

AIA Hong Kong

AIA Indonesia

AIA Korea

AIA Malaysia

AIA New Zealand

Philam Life

AIA Singapore

AIA Sri Lanka

AIA Taiwan

AIA Thailand

AIA Vietnam

As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013

3.25

3.25

2.0

2.0

6.0

3.5

3.0

2.5

3.5

2.0

6.5

1.0

2.0

5.0

2.0

2.0

6.0

3.5

3.0

2.5

3.5

2.0

6.5

1.0

2.5

5.0

Unallocated Group Office expenses are assumed to inflate by the weighted average of the Business Unit expense inflation rates.

5.6 Mortality
Assumptions have been developed by each Business Unit based on their recent historical experience, and their expectations 
of current and expected future experience. Where historical experience is not credible, reference has been made to pricing 
assumptions supplemented by market data, where available.

Mortality assumptions have been expressed as a percentage of either standard industry experience tables or, where experience is 
sufficiently credible, as a percentage of tables that have been developed internally by the Group.

For products that are exposed to longevity risk, an allowance has been made for expected improvements in mortality; otherwise 
no allowance has been made for mortality improvements.

5.7 Morbidity
Assumptions have been developed by each Business Unit based on their recent historical experience, and their expectations of 
current and expected future experience. Morbidity rate assumptions have been expressed as a percentage of standard industry 
experience tables or as expected claims ratios.

5.8 Reinsurance
Reinsurance assumptions have been developed by each Business Unit based on the reinsurance arrangements in force as at the 
valuation date and the recent historical and expected future experience.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Supplementary Embedded Value Information

5. ASSUMPTIONS (continued)
5.9 Policyholder Dividends, Profit Sharing and Interest Crediting
The projected policyholder dividends, profit sharing and interest crediting assumptions set by each Business Unit that have 
been used in calculating the EV Results presented in this report, reflect contractual and regulatory requirements, policyholders’ 
reasonable  expectations  (where  clearly  defined)  and  each  Business  Unit’s  best  estimate  of  future  policies,  strategies  and 
operations consistent with the investment return assumptions used in the EV Results.

Participating  fund  surpluses  have  been  assumed  to  be  distributed  between  policyholders  and  shareholders  via  future  final 
bonuses or at the end of the projection period so that there are no residual assets at the end of the projection period.

5.10 Taxation
The projections of distributable earnings underlying the values presented in this report are net of corporate tax, based on current 
taxation legislation and corporate tax rates. The projected amount of tax payable in any year allows, where relevant, for the 
benefits arising from any tax loss carried forward.

The local corporate tax rates used by each Business Unit are set out in Table 5.3 below.

Table 5.3
Local corporate tax rates by Business Unit (%)

Business Unit

AIA Australia

AIA China

AIA Hong Kong

AIA Indonesia

AIA Korea

AIA Malaysia(1)

AIA New Zealand

Philam Life

AIA Singapore

AIA Sri Lanka

AIA Taiwan

AIA Thailand(2)

AIA Vietnam

Notes:

As at
30 November
2014

As at
30 November
2013

30.0

25.0

16.5

25.0

24.2

30.0

25.0

16.5

25.0

24.2

25.0 for assessment
years 2014 to 2015;
24.0 thereafter

25.0 for assessment
years 2013 to 2015;
24.0 thereafter

28.0

30.0

17.0

28.0

17.0

28.0

30.0

17.0

28.0

17.0

20.0 for assessment
years 2014 and 2015;
30.0 thereafter

22.0 for assessment
years 2014 and 2015;
20.0 thereafter

20.0 for assessment
years 2013 and 2014;
30.0 thereafter

25.0 for assessment
year 2013; 22.0 for
assessment years 2014
and 2015; 20.0 thereafter

(1)  The Malaysian Government announced a corporate tax rate change in the Federal Government Budget 2014 which will be effective from assessment 

year 2016.

(2)  During the year, Thailand extended the 20% corporate income tax rate reduction for assessment year 2015. The best estimate corporate tax rates for 

future assessment years remain uncertain and will continue to be evaluated.

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5. ASSUMPTIONS (continued)
5.10 Taxation (continued)
The tax assumptions used in the valuation reflect the local corporate tax rates set out above. Where applicable, tax payable on 
investment income has been reflected in projected investment returns.

The EV of the Group as at 30 November 2014 is calculated after deducting any remittance taxes payable on the anticipated 
distribution of both the ANW and VIF.

Where territories have an imputation credit system in place, e.g. Australia, no allowance has been made for the value of the 
imputation credits in the results shown in this report.

5.11 Statutory Valuation Bases
The projection of regulatory liabilities at future points in time assumes the continuation of the reserving methodologies used to 
value policyholder liabilities as at the valuation date.

5.12 Product Charges
Management fees and product charges reflected in the VIF and VONB have been assumed to follow existing scales.

5.13 Foreign Exchange
The EV as at 30 November 2014 and 30 November 2013 have been translated into US dollars using exchange rates as at each 
valuation date. The VONB results shown in this report have been translated into US dollars using the corresponding average 
exchange rates for each quarter. The other components of the EV profit shown in the analysis of movement in EV have been 
translated using average exchange rates for the period.

6. EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD
On 26 December 2014, the Financial Supervisory Service of Korea announced changes to the Risk-Based Capital requirement. 
These changes are effective 31 December 2014. The impact of these changes is not expected to be significant.

On  30  December  2014,  the  Financial  Supervisory  Commission  of  Taiwan  announced  changes  to  the  Risk-Based  Capital 
requirement. These changes are effective 1 January 2015. The impact of these changes is not expected to be significant.

On 26 February 2015, the Board of Directors proposed a final dividend of 34.00 Hong Kong cents per share (2013: 28.62 Hong 
Kong cents per share).

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Information for Shareholders

ANALYSIS OF REGISTERED SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNTS

Size of registered shareholding

1,000 shares or below

1,001 – 5,000 shares

5,001 – 10,000 shares

10,001 – 100,000 shares

100,001 shares or above

30 November 2014

Number of 
shareholder 
accounts

% of total 
number of 
shareholder 
accounts

18,931

4,075

444

231

7

79.92

17.20

1.87

0.98

0.03

Number of Shares

7,143,481

9,376,033

3,407,000

5,150,800

12,020,039,911

23,688

100.00

12,045,117,225

% of total 
number of 
shares

0.06

0.08

0.03

0.04

99.79

100.00

FINANCIAL CALENDAR
Announcement of 2014 Full Year Results 
Book Close Period for 2015 Annual General Meeting 
2015 Annual General Meeting 
Announcement of 2015 Interim Results 

26 February 2015
6 May 2015 to 8 May 2015 (both days inclusive)
8 May 2015
24 July 2015

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The 2015 Annual General Meeting will be held at 11:00 a.m. Hong Kong time on Friday, 8 May 2015 at the Grand Ballroom, 
2/F, New World Millennium Hong Kong Hotel, 72 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Details of the business 
to be transacted at the AGM are set out in the circular to the shareholders of the Company to be sent together with this Annual 
Report.

Details of voting results at the AGM can be found on the website of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange at www.hkex.com.hk and 
the Company’s website at www.aia.com on Friday, 8 May 2015.

FINAL DIVIDEND
The Board has recommended a final dividend of 34.00 Hong Kong cents per share (2013: 28.62 Hong Kong cents per share) in 
respect of the year ended 30 November 2014. If approved, the proposed final dividend together with the interim dividend will 
represent a total dividend of 50.00 Hong Kong cents per share (2013: 42.55 Hong Kong cents per share) in respect of the year 
ended 30 November 2014.

Subject to shareholders’ approval at the AGM, the final dividend will be payable on Friday, 29 May 2015 to shareholders whose 
names appear on the register of members of the Company at the close of business on Wednesday, 13 May 2015.

Relevant Dates for the proposed 2014 Final Dividend Payment
Ex-dividend date 
Record date 
Payment date 

12 May 2015
13 May 2015
29 May 2015

SHARE REGISTRAR
If you have any enquiries relating to your shareholding, please contact the Company’s share registrar at the contact given below:

Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited
17M Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Telephone: 852 2862 8555
Email: hkinfo@computershare.com.hk
Website: www.computershare.com

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ANNUAL REPORT AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
This Annual Report is printed in English and Chinese and is available at the website of the Company. If you would like to have a 
printed version of this Annual Report, please contact the Company’s share registrar using the contact details given below:

Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited
17M Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Email: aia.ecom@computershare.com.hk

The  Company  makes  every  effort  to  ensure  consistency  between  the  Chinese  and  English  version  of  this  Annual  Report. 
However, in the event of any inconsistency, the English version shall prevail.

Shareholders are encouraged to elect to receive shareholder documents electronically which provides environmental benefits as 
well as reducing printing and distribution costs. You may at any time send written notice to the Company c/o the Company’s 
share  registrar  specifying  your  name,  address  and  request  to  change  your  choice  of  language  or  means  of  receipt  of  all 
shareholder documents.

INVESTMENT COMMUNITY AND NEWS MEDIA
Enquiries may be directed to:

Investment Community

Paul Lloyd

Feon Lee

Joel Lieginger

+852 2832 6160

+852 2832 4704

+852 2832 4703

News Media

Stephen Thomas

Sonia Tsang

Emerald Ng

+852 2832 6178

+852 2832 1868

+852 2832 4720

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This document contains certain forward-looking statements relating to the Group that are based on the beliefs of the Group’s 
management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Group’s management. These forward-
looking statements are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, 
without limitation, statements relating to the Group’s business prospects, future developments, trends and conditions in the 
industry and geographical markets in which the Group operates, its strategies, plans, objectives and goals, its ability to control 
costs, statements relating to prices, volumes, operations, margins, overall market trends, risk management and exchange rates.

When used in this document, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “going forward”, “intend”, 
“may”,  “ought  to”,  “plan”,  “project”,  “seek”,  “should”,  “will”,  “would”  and  similar  expressions,  as  they  relate  to  the 
Group or the Group’s management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements 
reflect the Group’s views as of the date hereof with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance or 
developments. You are strongly cautioned that reliance on any forward-looking statements involves known and unknown risks 
and uncertainties. Actual results and events may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements 
as a result of a number of factors, including any changes in the laws, rules and regulations relating to any aspects of the Group’s 
business operations, general economic, market and business conditions, including capital market developments, changes or 
volatility in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices or other rates or prices, the actions and developments of the 
Group’s competitors and the effects of competition in the insurance industry on the demand for, and price of, the Group’s 
products and services, various business opportunities that the Group may or may not pursue, changes in population growth and 
other demographic trends, including mortality, morbidity and longevity rates, persistency levels, the Group’s ability to identify, 
measure, monitor and control risks in the Group’s business, including its ability to manage and adapt its overall risk profile 
and risk management practices, its ability to properly price its products and services and establish reserves for future policy 
benefits and claims, seasonal fluctuations and factors beyond the Group’s control. Subject to the requirements of the Listing 
Rules, the Group does not intend to update or otherwise revise the forward-looking statements in this document, whether as 
a result of new information, future events or otherwise. As a result of these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions, 
the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this document might not occur in the way the Group expects, or at 
all. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information or statements. All forward-looking 
statements in this document are qualified by reference to the cautionary statements set forth in this section.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

239

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Registered Office
35/F, AIA Central
No. 1 Connaught Road Central
Hong Kong

Website
www.aia.com

Company Secretary
Ms. Wing-Nga Lai, FCIS, FCS

Authorised Representatives
Mr. Mark Edward Tucker
Ms. Wing-Nga Lai

Share Registrar
Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited
17M Floor
Hopewell Centre
183 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai
Hong Kong

Principal Bankers
Citibank, N.A.
Standard Chartered Bank

Auditor
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Certified Public Accountants

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Corporate Information

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Non-executive Chairman and
Non-executive Director
Mr. Edmund Sze-Wing Tse

Executive Director
Mr. Mark Edward Tucker

Independent Non-executive Directors
Mr. Jack Chak-Kwong So
Mr. Chung-Kong Chow
Mr. John Barrie Harrison
Mr. George Yong-Boon Yeo
Mr. Mohamed Azman Yahya
Professor Lawrence Juen-Yee Lau

Audit Committee
Mr. John Barrie Harrison (Chairman)
Mr. Jack Chak-Kwong So
Mr. George Yong-Boon Yeo
Mr. Edmund Sze-Wing Tse

Nomination Committee
Mr. Edmund Sze-Wing Tse (Chairman)
Mr. Jack Chak-Kwong So
Mr. Chung-Kong Chow
Mr. John Barrie Harrison
Mr. George Yong-Boon Yeo
Mr. Mohamed Azman Yahya
Professor Lawrence Juen-Yee Lau

Remuneration Committee
Mr. Jack Chak-Kwong So (Chairman)
Mr. George Yong-Boon Yeo
Mr. Mohamed Azman Yahya
Mr. Mark Edward Tucker

Risk Committee
Mr. Chung-Kong Chow (Chairman)
Mr. John Barrie Harrison
Professor Lawrence Juen-Yee Lau
Mr. Edmund Sze-Wing Tse
Mr. Mark Edward Tucker

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AIA GROUP LIMITED

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Glossary

Accident and health (A&H)

insurance products

A&H insurance products provide morbidity or sickness benefits and include health, 
disability, critical illness and accident cover. A&H insurance products are sold both as 
stand-alone policies and as riders that can be attached to our individual life insurance 
policies.

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Acquisition cost

(of a financial instrument)

The amount of cash or cash equivalents paid or the fair value of other consideration 
provided, in order to acquire an asset at the date of its acquisition.

Active agent

Active market

An agent who sells at least one policy per month.

A market in which all the following conditions exist:

• 

the items traded within the market are homogeneous;

•  willing buyers and sellers can normally be found at any time; and

•  prices are available to the public.

A financial instrument is regarded as quoted in an active market if quoted prices are 
readily  and  regularly  available  from  an  exchange,  dealer,  broker,  industry  group, 
pricing service or regulatory agency, and those prices represent actual and regularly 
occurring market transactions on an arm’s length basis.

ANW is the market value of assets in excess of the assets backing the policy reserves 
and other liabilities of the life (and similar) business of AIA, plus the IFRS equity value 
(excluding the value of intangible assets) of other activities, such as general insurance 
business.  It  excludes  any  amounts  not  attributable  to  shareholders  of  AIA  Group 
Limited. The market value of investment property and property held for use used to 
determine  the  ANW  is  based  on  the  fair  value  disclosed  in  AIA’s  IFRS  financial 
statements  as  at  the  valuation  date.  It  is  AIA’s  policy  to  obtain  external  property 
valuations annually except in the case of a discrete event occurring in the interim that 
has a significant impact on the fair value of the properties.

Adjusted net worth (ANW)

AGM

2015 Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held at 11:00 a.m. Hong Kong 
time on Friday, 8 May 2015.

AIA or the Group

AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries.

AIA Co.

AIA Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Company.

AIA International

AIA International Limited, a subsidiary of AIA Co.

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AIA Vitality

AIG

ALICO

A science-backed wellness programme that provides participants with the knowledge, 
tools and motivation to help them achieve their personal health goals. The programme 
is a joint venture between AIA and Discovery Limited, a specialist insurer headquartered 
in South Africa.

American International Group, Inc.

American Life Insurance Company.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Glossary

Amortised cost

The  amount  at  which  the  financial  asset  or  financial  liability  is  measured  at  initial 
recognition minus principal repayments, plus or minus the cumulative amortisation 
using the effective interest method of any difference between the initial amount and 
the maturity amount, and minus any reduction for impairment or uncollectibility.

ANI

Aviva NDB Insurance.

Annualised new premium (ANP)

ANP represents 100 per cent of annualised first year premiums and 10 per cent of 
single premiums, before reinsurance ceded. It is an internally used measure of new 
business sales or activity for all entities within AIA. ANP excludes new business of 
pension business, personal lines and motor insurance.

Annuity

ASPP

A savings product where the accumulated amount can be paid out to the customer 
in a variety of income streams.

Agency Share Purchase Plan.

Asset-liability management (ALM)

ALM is the management of the relative risk profiles of assets and liabilities.

Available for sale (AFS) financial assets

Financial assets that may be sold before maturity and that are used to back insurance 
and  investment  contract  liabilities  and  shareholders’  equity,  and  which  are  not 
managed on a fair value basis. Non-derivative financial assets that are designated as 
available  for  sale  or  are  not  classified  as  loans  and  receivables  or  as  at  fair  value 
through profit or loss. Available for sale financial instruments are measured at fair 
value, with movements in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income.

Bancassurance

The distribution of insurance products through banks or other financial institutions.

Common control

A  business  combination  involving  entities  under  common  control  is  a  business 
combination  in  which  all  of  the  combining  entities  or  businesses  are  ultimately 
controlled  by  the  same  party  or  parties  both  before  and  after  the  business 
combination.

The Company

AIA Group Limited.

Corporate Governance Code

Corporate Governance Code set out in Appendix 14 to the Listing Rules.

Cost of capital (CoC)

CoC is calculated as the face value of the required capital as at the valuation date less 
the  present  value  of  the  net-of-tax  investment  return  on  the  shareholder  assets 
backing  the  required  capital  and  the  present  value  of  projected  releases  from  the 
assets backing the required capital. Where the required capital may be covered by 
policyholder assets such as surplus assets in a participating fund, there is no associated 
cost of capital included in the VIF or VONB.

Credit risk

The risk that third parties fail to meet their obligations to the Group when they fall 
due.

Deferred acquisition costs (DAC)

DAC are expenses of an insurer which are incurred in connection with the acquisition 
of  new  insurance  contracts  or  the  renewal  of  existing  insurance  contracts.  They 
include  commissions  and  other  variable  sales  inducements  and  the  direct  costs  of 
issuing the policy, such as underwriting and other policy issue expenses. These costs 
are deferred and expensed to the consolidated income statement on a systematic 
basis  over  the  life  of  the  policy.  DAC  assets  are  tested  for  recoverability  at  least 
annually.

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AIA GROUP LIMITED

Deferred origination costs (DOC)

Defined benefit plans

Defined contribution plans

Origination costs are expenses which are incurred in connection with the origination 
of  new  investment  contracts  or  the  renewal  of  existing  investment  contracts.  For 
contracts  that  involve  the  provision  of  investment  management  services,  these 
include commissions and other incremental expenses directly related to the issue of 
each  new  contract.  Origination  costs  on  contracts  with  investment  management 
services are deferred and recognised as an asset in the consolidated statement of 
financial position and expensed to the consolidated income statement on a systematic 
basis  in  line  with  the  revenue  generated  by  the  investment  management  services 
provided. Such assets are tested for recoverability.

Post-employment benefit plans under which amounts to be paid or services to be 
provided as post-retirement benefits are determined by reference to a formula usually 
based on employees’ earnings and/or years of service.

Post-employment benefit plans under which amounts to be paid as post-retirement 
benefits are determined by contributions to a fund together with earnings thereon. 
The Group has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions if the 
fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay the post-retirement benefits.

Discretionary participation features (DPF)

A contractual right to receive, as a supplement to guaranteed benefits, additional 
benefits or bonuses:

• 

that are likely to be a significant portion of the total contractual benefits;

•  whose amount or timing is contractually at the discretion of the Group; and

• 

that are contractually based on:

– 

– 

the  performance  of  a  specified  pool  of  contracts  or  a  specified  type  of 
contract;

realised  and/or  unrealised  investment  returns  on  a  specified  pool  of  assets 
held by the issuer; or

– 

the profit or loss of the Company, fund or other entity that issues the contract.

A method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset or financial liability 
and  of  allocating  the  interest  income  or  expense  over  the  relevant  period.  The 
effective  interest  rate  is  the  rate  that  exactly  discounts  future  cash  payments  or 
receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument, or when appropriate, 
a shorter period, to the net carrying value of the financial asset or financial liability.

Effective interest method

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Embedded value (EV)

An actuarially determined estimate of the economic value of a life insurance business 
based  on  a  particular  set  of  assumptions  as  to  future  experience,  excluding  any 
economic value attributable to future new business.

EPS

Earnings per share.

Equity attributable to
  shareholders of the Company
  on the embedded value basis

(EV Equity)

EV  Equity  is  the  total  of  embedded  value,  goodwill  and  other  intangible  assets 
attributable to shareholders of the Company.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Glossary

ESPP

ExCo

Fair value

Fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)

Employee Share Purchase Plan.

The Executive Committee of the Group.

The amount for which an asset could be exchanged, or a liability settled, between 
knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm’s length transaction.

Financial assets that are held to back unit-linked contracts and participating funds or 
financial assets and liabilities that are held for trading. A financial asset or financial 
liability that is measured at fair value in the statement of financial position with gains 
and losses arising from movements in fair value being presented in the consolidated 
income statement as a component of the profit or loss for the year.

First year premiums

First year premiums are premiums received in the first year of a recurring premium 
policy, and include the amount of premium that is expected to be required to provide 
insurance coverage until maturity.

Foreign exchange rate risk

The risk that the Company’s value may be affected by changes in exchange rates.

FRC

Free surplus

Financial Risk Committee.

ANW in excess of the required capital.

Functional currency

The currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates.

The  risk  that  insufficient  cash  is  available  to  meet  payment  obligations  to 
counterparties as they fall due.

A worldwide association serving the professional development needs of field leaders 
in the insurance, investment and financial services industry.

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquisition over the fair 
value  of  the  Group’s  share  of  the  net  identifiable  assets  including  VOBA  of  the 
acquired subsidiary, associate or joint venture at the date of acquisition.

An  insurance  scheme  whereby  individual  participants  are  covered  by  a  master 
contract held by a single group or entity on their behalf.

Group  Office  includes  the  activities  of  the  Group  Corporate  Centre  segment 
consisting  of  the  Group’s  corporate  functions,  shared  services  and  eliminations  of 
intragroup transactions.

Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate.

Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards.

Hong Kong Office of the Commissioner of Insurance.

The  Hong  Kong  Special  Administrative  Region  of  the  PRC;  in  the  context  of  our 
reportable segments, Hong Kong includes Macau.

Funding Liquidity Risk

GAMA International

Goodwill

Group insurance

Group Office

HIBOR

HKFRS

HKOCI

Hong Kong

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Hong Kong Companies Ordinance/
  Companies Ordinance

A substantial part of the Companies Ordinance (Laws of Hong Kong, Chapter 622) 
which came into force on 3 March 2014.

Hong Kong Insurance Companies
  Ordinance (HKICO)

The  Insurance  Companies  Ordinance  (Laws  of  Hong  Kong,  Chapter  41)  (HKICO) 
provides  a  legislative  framework  for  the  prudential  supervision  of  the  insurance 
industry in Hong Kong. The objectives of the HKICO are to protect the interests of 
the insuring public and to promote the general stability of the insurance industry.

Hong Kong Stock Exchange

The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

(HKSE)

IAS

IASB

IFA

IFRS

International Accounting Standards.

International Accounting Standards Board.

Independent financial adviser.

Standards  and  interpretations  adopted  by  the  International  Accounting  Standards 
Board (IASB) comprising:

• 

International Financial Reporting Standards;

• 

International Accounting Standards; and

• 

Interpretations developed by the IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) or the 
former Standing Interpretations Committee (SIC).

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ING Malaysia

ING Management Holdings (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

Insurance contract

Insurance risk

Interactive Mobile Office (iMO)

Interactive Point of Sales (iPoS)

A  contract  under  which  the  insurer  accepts  significant  insurance  risk  from  the 
policyholder by agreeing to compensate the policyholder if specified uncertain future 
events adversely affect the policyholder.

The  potential  loss  resulting  from  inappropriate  underwriting,  mispricing,  adverse 
expense,  lapse,  mortality  and  morbidity  experiences.  Under  IFRS,  insurance  risk 
means risk, other than financial risk, transferred from the holder of a contract to the 
issuer.

iMO is a mobile office platform with a comprehensive suite of applications that allow 
agents and agency leaders to manage their daily activities from lead generation, sales 
productivity and recruitment activity through to development training and customer 
analytics.

iPoS  is  a  secure,  mobile  point-of-sale  technology  that  features  a  paperless  sales 
process from the completion of the customer’s financial-needs analysis to proposal 
generation with electronic biometric signature of life insurance applications on tablet 
devices.

Investment contract

An investment contract is an insurance policy that, whilst structured and regulated as 
a  contract  of  insurance,  does  not  meet  the  accounting  definition  of  an  insurance 
contract because it does not transfer significant insurance risk.

Investment experience

Realised and unrealised investment gains and losses recognised in the consolidated 
income statement.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Glossary

Investment income

Investment income comprises interest income, dividend income and rental income.

Investment Liquidity Risk

The risk that the Group will be unable to buy and sell securities. This risk generally 
occurs where our actual or required holdings are greater than market appetite.

Investment property

Property  (land  and/or  a  building  or  part  of  a  building)  held  to  earn  rentals  or  for 
capital appreciation or both rather than for use by AIA.

Investment return

Investment return consists of investment income plus investment experience.

IPO

Lapse risk

Initial public offering.

The  risk  that,  having  purchased  an  insurance  policy  from  AIA,  customers  either 
surrender the policy or cease paying premiums on it and so the expected stream of 
future premiums ceases. Lapse risk is taken into account in formulating projections 
of future premium revenues, for example when testing for liability adequacy and the 
recoverability of deferred acquisition and origination costs.

LEED

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

Liability adequacy testing

An assessment of whether the carrying amount of an insurance liability needs to be 
increased  or  the  carrying  amount  of  related  deferred  acquisition  and  origination 
costs or related intangible assets decreased based on a review of future cash flows.

LIBOR

London Interbank Offered Rate.

Life Insurance and Market
  Research Association (LIMRA)

A  worldwide  research,  consulting  and  professional  development  organisation, 
established to help its member companies from life insurance and financial services 
industries improve their marketing and distribution effectiveness.

Liquidity risk

Listing Rules

LTI

Market risk

A general term for the risks that companies may be unable to meet their obligations 
to counterparties as they fall due or to buy and sell securities as required. See also 
Funding Liquidity Risk and Investment Liquidity Risk.

Rules  Governing  the  Listing  of  Securities  on  The  Stock  Exchange  of  Hong  Kong 
Limited.

Long-term incentive.

The  risk  of  loss  from  adverse  movements  in  the  value  of  assets  owing  to  market 
factors,  including  changes  in  interest  and  foreign  exchange  rates,  as  well  as 
movements in credit, equity and property prices.

Million Dollar Round Table

(MDRT)

MDRT is a global professional trade association of life insurance and financial services 
professionals  that  recognises  significant  sales  achievements  and  high  service 
standards.

Model Code

Monetary items

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AIA GROUP LIMITED

Model  Code  for  Securities  Transactions  by  Directors  of  Listed  Issuers  set  out  in 
Appendix 10 to the Listing Rules.

Units of currency held and assets and liabilities to be received or paid in a fixed or 
determinable number of units of currency.

 
Net book value

The net value of an asset. Equal to its original cost (its book value) minus depreciation 
and amortisation.

Net funds to Group Corporate Centre

In  presenting  net  capital  in/(out)  flows  to  reportable  segments,  capital  outflows 
consist of dividends and profit distributions to the Group Corporate Centre segment 
and  capital  inflows  consist  of  capital  injections  into  reportable  segments  by  the 
Group Corporate Centre segment. For the Group, net capital in/(out) flows reflect 
the  net  amount  received  from  shareholders  by  way  of  capital  contributions  less 
amounts distributed by way of dividends.

Net profit

Net profit is calculated by subtracting a company’s total expenses from total revenue, 
including share of profit/(loss) from associates and joint venture and after tax.

Non-controlling interests

The  equity  in  a  subsidiary  not  attributable,  directly  or  indirectly,  to  a  parent.  Also 
referred to as “minority interests”.

Non-participating life assurance

Contracts of insurance with no DPF.

n/a

n/m

OPAT

Operating profit before tax and
  after tax

Operating return on allocated equity

Not available.

Not meaningful.

Operating profit after tax attributable to shareholders of AIA Group Limited.

The  Group  defines  operating  profit  before  and  after  tax  excluding  investment 
experience;  investment  income  and  investment  management  expenses  related  to 
unit-linked contracts; corresponding changes in insurance and investment contract 
benefits in respect of unit-linked contracts and participating fund; changes in third-
party interests in consolidated investment funds, policyholders’ share of tax relating 
to the change in insurance and investment contract liabilities and other significant 
items of non-operating income and expenditure.

Operating  return  on  allocated  equity  is  calculated  as  operating  profit  after  tax 
attributable to shareholders of the Company, expressed as a percentage of the simple 
average  of  opening  and  closing  total  equity  attributable  to  shareholders  of  the 
Company, less the fair value and foreign currency translation reserves and others, 
and adjusted for intercompany debt.

Operating segment

A component of an entity that:

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•  engages  in  business  activities  from  which  it  may  earn  revenues  and  incur 

expenses;

•  whose  operating  results  are  regularly  reviewed  by  the  entity’s  chief  operating 
decision-maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment 
and assess its performance; and

• 

for which discrete financial information is available.

Operational risk

The  potential  direct  or  indirect  loss  (including  reputational  loss)  resulting  from 
inadequate  or  failed  internal  processes,  personnel  and  systems;  or  from  external 
events.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Glossary

ORC

OTC

Operational Risk Committee.

Over-the-counter.

Other comprehensive income

Items of income and expense that form part of total comprehensive income but, as 
required or permitted by IFRS, do not form part of profit or loss for the year, such as 
fair value gains and losses on available for sale financial assets.

Participating funds

Participating policies

Persistency

Philam Life

Participating funds are distinct portfolios where the policyholders have a contractual 
right to receive at the discretion of the insurer additional benefits based on factors 
such as the performance of a pool of assets held within the fund, as a supplement to 
any guaranteed benefits. The Group may either have discretion as to the timing of 
the allocation of those benefits to participating policyholders or may have discretion 
as to the timing and the amount of the additional benefits.

Participating  policies  are  contracts  with  DPF.  Participating  policies  may  either  be 
written within participating funds or may be written within the Company’s general 
account, whereby the investment performance is determined for a group of assets or 
contracts,  or  by  reference  to  the  Company’s  overall  investment  performance  and 
other factors. The latter is referred to by the Group as “other participating business”. 
Whether participating policies are written within a separate participating fund or not 
largely depends on matters of local practice and regulation.

The percentage of insurance policies remaining in force from month to month in the 
past 12 months, as measured by premiums.

The Philippine American Life and General Insurance Company, a subsidiary of AIA 
Co.; in the context of the Supplementary Embedded Value Information, Philam Life 
includes BPI-Philam Life Assurance Corporation.

Policyholder and shareholder

Investments other than those held to back unit-linked contracts.

investments

Policyholder dividends

Policyholder  dividends  are  the  means  of  participating  policyholders  receiving  the 
non-guaranteed element of the discretionary benefits, through which they participate 
in the investment return of the reference portfolio or pool of assets.

pps

PRC

Percentage points.

The People’s Republic of China.

Property held for use

Property held for use in AIA’s business.

The difference between the resources needed and resources available to maintain 
dependants’ living standards after the death of the primary wage-earner.

A puttable financial instrument is one in which the holder of the instrument has the 
right to put the instrument back to the issuer for cash (or another financial asset). 
Units  in  investment  funds  such  as  mutual  funds  and  open-ended  investment 
companies are typically puttable instruments. As these can be put back to the issuer 
for cash, the non-controlling interest in any such funds which have to be consolidated 
by AIA are treated as financial liabilities.

Protection gap

Puttable liabilities

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RCSA

Risk and Control Self-Assessment.

Regulatory minimum capital

Net assets held to meet the minimum solvency margin requirement set by the HKICO 
that an insurer must meet in order to be authorised to carry on insurance business in 
or from Hong Kong.

Related parties

Related parties may be related to AIA for any of the following reasons:

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they are directly or indirectly controlled by an AIA entity;

•  an AIA entity has significant influence on the party;

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they are in a joint venture arrangement with an AIA entity;

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they are part of AIA’s key management or a close member of the family of any 
key management or any entity that is controlled by these persons; or

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they are a post-retirement benefit plan for the employees of AIA.

Renewal premiums

Premiums receivable in subsequent years of a recurring premium policy.

Repurchase agreements

(repos)

Reverse repurchase agreements

(reverse repos)

Rider

Risk-adjusted return

Risk appetite

A  repurchase  transaction  involves  the  sale  of  financial  investments  by  AIA  to  a 
counterparty, subject to a simultaneous agreement to repurchase those securities at 
a later date at an agreed price. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the securities 
are retained on AIA’s consolidated statement of financial position for the life of the 
transaction,  valued  in  accordance  with  AIA’s  policy  for  assets  of  that  nature.  The 
proceeds of the transaction are reported in the caption “Obligations under securities 
lending  and  repurchase  agreements”.  Interest  expense  from  repo  transactions  is 
reported within finance costs in the consolidated income statement.

A  reverse  repurchase  transaction  (reverse  repo)  involves  the  purchase  of  financial 
investments with a simultaneous obligation to sell the assets at a future date, at an 
agreed  price.  Such  transactions  are  reported  within  “Loans  and  deposits”  in  the 
consolidated statement of financial position. The interest income from reverse repo 
transactions  is  reported  within  investment  return  in  the  consolidated  income 
statement.

A supplemental plan that can be attached to a basic insurance policy, typically with 
payment of additional premium.

The  return  produced  by  an  investment  after  accounting  for  the  risks  involved  in 
producing that return.

Risk  appetite  is  the  amount  of  risk  that  companies  are  willing  to  take  in  order  to 
achieve their business objectives.

RAS

Risk Appetite Statement.

Risk-Based Capital (RBC)

RBC represents an amount of capital based on an assessment of risks that a company 
should hold to protect customers against adverse developments.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Glossary

RMF

RSUs

Risk Management Framework.

Restricted share units.

RSU Scheme

Restricted Share Unit Scheme.

Securities lending

SFO

Shadow accounting

Singapore

Single premiums

SME

SO Scheme

Solvency

Solvency ratio

Securities lending consists of the loan of certain securities within the Group’s financial 
investments to third parties on a short-term basis. The loaned securities continue to 
be  recognised  within  the  appropriate  financial  investment  classifications  in  the 
Group’s consolidated statement of financial position.

The Securities and Futures Ordinance (Laws of Hong Kong, Chapter 571), as amended 
from time to time.

Investment  experience  (realised  and  unrealised  investment  gains  and  losses)  has  a 
direct effect on the measurement of insurance contract liabilities and related deferred 
acquisition costs and intangible assets, such as VOBA (see below). Shadow accounting 
permits  adjustments  to  insurance  contract  liabilities  and  the  related  assets  to  be 
reflected in other comprehensive income to match the extent to which unrealised 
investment gains and losses are recognised in other comprehensive income.

The  Republic  of  Singapore;  in  the  context  of  our  reportable  segments,  Singapore 
includes Brunei.

Single premiums are the lump sum payments from a policyholder, excluding first year 
premiums and renewal premiums.

Small-and-medium sized enterprise.

Share Option Scheme.

The ability of an insurance company to satisfy its policyholder benefits and claims 
obligations.

The ratio of the total available capital to the regulatory minimum capital applicable 
to the insurer pursuant to relevant regulations.

Statement of financial position

Formerly referred to as the balance sheet.

Strategic asset allocation (SAA)

SAA is the setting of strategic asset allocation targets, based on long-term capital 
market assumptions, to meet long-term requirements of the insurance business and 
shareholders.

Strategic risk

Stress tests

Takaful

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The risk of unexpected changes in the regulatory, market and competitive environment 
in which the Group operates.

The application of shocks to the assumptions underlying valuations. Stress tests are 
used to observe the resilience of the Company to stress events and the volatility of 
those valuations.

Islamic  insurance  which  is  based  on  the  principles  of  mutual  assistance  and  risk 
sharing.

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Total weighted premium income

(TWPI)

TWPI  consists  of  100  per  cent  of  renewal  premiums,  100  per  cent  of  first  year 
premiums and 10 per cent of single premiums, before reinsurance ceded. As such it 
provides  an  indication  of  AIA’s  longer-term  business  volumes  as  it  smoothes  the 
peaks and troughs in single premiums.

Underwriting

The  process  of  examining,  accepting  or  rejecting  insurance  risks,  and  classifying 
those accepted, in order to charge an appropriate premium for each accepted risk.

Unit-linked investments

Financial investments held to back unit-linked contracts.

Unit-linked products

Universal life

Value of business acquired (VOBA)

Unit-linked products are insurance products where the policy value is linked to the 
value  of  underlying  investments  (such  as  collective  investment  schemes,  internal 
investment  pools  or  other  property)  or  fluctuations  in  the  value  of  underlying 
investment or indices. Investment risk associated with the product is usually borne by 
the  policyholder.  Insurance  coverage,  investment  and  administration  services  are 
provided  for  which  the  charges  are  deducted  from  the  investment  fund  assets. 
Benefits payable will depend on the price of the units prevailing at the time of death 
of the insured or surrender or maturity of the policy, subject to surrender charges.

A type of insurance product where the customer pays flexible premiums, subject to 
specified  limits,  which  are  accumulated  in  an  account  balance  which  are  credited 
with  interest  at  a  rate  either  set  by  the  insurer  or  reflecting  returns  on  a  pool  of 
matching  assets.  The  customer  may  vary  the  death  benefit  and  the  contract  may 
permit  the  policyholder  to  withdraw  the  account  balance,  typically  subject  to  a 
surrender charge.

VOBA  in  respect  of  a  portfolio  of  long-term  insurance  and  investment  contracts 
acquired is recognised as an asset, calculated using discounted cash flow techniques, 
reflecting all future cash flows expected to be realised from the portfolio. VOBA is 
amortised  over  the  estimated  life  of  the  contracts  in  the  acquired  portfolio  on  a 
systematic basis. The rate of amortisation reflects the profile of the additional value 
of  the  business  acquired.  The  carrying  value  of  VOBA  is  reviewed  annually  for 
impairment and any impairment is charged to the consolidated income statement.

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Value of in-force business (VIF)

VIF is the present value of projected after-tax statutory profits emerging in the future 
from  the  current  in-force  business  less  the  cost  arising  from  holding  the  required 
capital (CoC) to support the in-force business.

Value of new business (VONB)

VONB margin

VONB  is  the  present  value,  measured  at  the  point  of  sale,  of  projected  after-tax 
statutory profits emerging in the future from new business sold in the period less the 
cost of holding the required capital in excess of regulatory reserves to support this 
business. VONB for AIA is stated after adjustments to reflect additional Hong Kong 
reserving  and  capital  requirements  and  the  after-tax  value  of  unallocated  Group 
Office expenses. VONB by market is stated before adjustments to reflect additional 
Hong  Kong  reserving  and  capital  requirements  and  unallocated  Group  Office 
expenses, and presented on a local statutory basis.

VONB excluding pension business, expressed as a percentage of ANP. VONB margin 
for  AIA  is  stated  after  adjustments  to  reflect  additional  Hong  Kong  reserving  and 
capital requirements and the after-tax value of unallocated Group Office expenses. 
VONB  margin  by  market  is  stated  before  adjustments  to  reflect  additional  Hong 
Kong  reserving  and  capital  requirements  and  unallocated  Group  Office  expenses, 
and presented on a local statutory basis.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Glossary

Withholding tax

Working capital

When  a  payment  is  made  to  a  party  in  another  country,  the  laws  of  the  payer’s 
country  may  require  withholding  tax  to  be  applied  to  the  payment.  International 
withholding tax may be required for payments of dividends or interest. A double tax 
treaty  may  reduce  the  amount  of  withholding  tax  required,  depending  upon  the 
jurisdiction in which the recipient is tax resident.

Working capital comprises debt and equity securities, deposits and cash and cash 
equivalents held at the Group Corporate Centre. These liquid assets are available to 
invest in building the Group’s business operations.

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