Quarterlytics / Technology / Information Technology Services / Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC

Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC

arbb · LSE Technology
Claim this profile
Ticker arbb
Exchange LSE
Sector Technology
Industry Information Technology Services
Employees 501-1000
← All annual reports
FY2009 Annual Report · Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC
ANNUAL REPORT 2009

Arbuthnot Latham offers outstanding Private Banking and Wealth 
Management services with an emphasis on individual attention.

Arbuthnot Securities provides integrated Investment Banking 
services, creating value for its clients with market-leading advice.

Secure Trust Bank provides banking and insurance products both 
direct to the consumer and through its branch network.

Contents

1 
2 
4 

6 
8 
10 
12 
16 
18 
20  
22 
24 
26  
27  
28  
29  
31  
32  
33  
34 
43 
78  
79  
81  

Corporate Philosophy
Group Highlights
 Chairman’s Statement
Business Review
Private Banking – Arbuthnot Latham & Co.
Retail Banking – Secure Trust Bank
Investment Banking – Arbuthnot Securities
Financial Review
Group Board
Directors’ Report
Corporate Governance
Remuneration Report
Independent Auditors’ Report
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
Company Statement of Financial Position
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Company Statement of Cash Flows
Principal Accounting Policies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Five Year Summary
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Corporate Contacts & Advisers

 
C
O
R
P
O
R
A
T
E

P
h
i
L
O
S
O
P
h
y

“ He whose ranks are united in purpose  
will be victorious” 

Sun Tzu 
The Art of War  
circa 500 BC

Corporate Philosophy

Arbuthnot has a 177 year history of serving its customers, as well 
as a long track record of profitability against the background of 
a continually changing environment. The ability of Arbuthnot 
to adapt and grow has come from managing the business through 
seven key principles developed over time. These principles, always 
applied with pragmatism and common sense, govern the activities 
of the Group, ranging from major strategic issues to smaller 
day-to-day operational matters.

1. Arbuthnot serves its shareholders, its customers and its employees 
with integrity and high ethical standards. This is expressed in a 
progressive dividend policy, in fair pricing and pay for performance.

2.  Arbuthnot attaches great importance to good relations with customers 

and business partners, and treating them fairly and promptly. 
Arbuthnot believes in reciprocity.

3.  Arbuthnot is independent, and profit and growth oriented while 

maintaining a controlled risk profile.

4.  Arbuthnot’s approach is based on diversification, a long-term  

view, empowerment of management and a culture of rewards  
for achievements.

5.  Arbuthnot’s business is conducted in an innovative, flexible and 
entrepreneurial manner, with an opportunistic and counter-
cyclical attitude.

6.  Arbuthnot does not sacrifice long term prospects for short term 

gains – nor sacrifice stability for quick profits.

7.  Ultimately, the success of Arbuthnot depends on the teamwork, 

commitment, and performance of its employees, combined with 
the determination to win.

The continued application of these principles will allow the 
business to pursue growth in a controlled manner, providing  
a high quality service to its customers whilst delivering good 
returns to shareholders and securing the well-being of its 
employees. 

henry Angest 
Chairman & CEO 
10 March 2010

AnnUAl rEPOrT & ACCOUnTS 2009 

  

 
 
 
 
   
Group Highlights

Operating income

2009 

               £5.7m

2008 

                   £4.9m

Profit before tax/(loss)

 2009                                      £5.m

 2008        (£2.2)m

Profit attributable to 
Equity holders of the Company

2009                                     £3.5m

2008   £0.5m 

Basic earnings per share

2009                                         23.4p

2008  3.5p

Total dividend per share

2009                                  22.0p

2008                                  2.0p

Total assets

2009                                £452.5m

2008 

                £359.8m 

Regulatory capital

2009 

              £44.3m

2008 

                              £45.5m

Private Banking  
Despite the well documented turmoil in 
the economy and the financial services 
sector, the Private Banking Division 
delivered a pleasing growth in its 
underlying core profitability.

Retail Banking  
The retail Banking Division had a good 
year generating pre tax profits of £10.2m, 
an increase of 40% on the previous year.

investment Banking  
Arbuthnot Securities saw a strong 
turnaround and returned to profit in  
the second half.

2   

             ArBUTHnOT BAnKInG GrOUP PlC    

   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
This result reflects a marked improvement in the 
performance of the Group during the second half 
of the year.
henry Angest, Chairman, Arbuthnot Banking Group

i

G
R
O
U
P
h
G
h
L
i
G
h
T
S

Private Banking 
Private banking comprises current 
accounts, deposit accounts, loans, 
overdrafts and foreign exchange. Each 
client deals with a dedicated Private 
Banker who is key to providing an 
individual service. 

investment Management
Our investment management 
service comprises discretionary fund 
management, developing tailored 
investment strategies to ensure that  
each client’s specific investment 
objectives are met.

Arbuthnot latham provides a high quality 
private banking and wealth management 
service, consisting of three core elements:

Financial Planning
The financial planning service is  
built on long-term relationships  
and bespoke financial strategies.  
The service is independent and fee,  
not commission based, with clients 
receiving a service covering estate and 
tax planning, pensions and wealth 
preservation and generation.

secURe TRUsT BANK

Secure Trust Bank provides retail financial 
products through retail branches and 
directly via call centres. The business was 
rebranded Moneyway in 2007. The core 
products are the “OneBill” household 
account, unsecured lending and savings 
accounts. 

“OneBill” household Account 
The core product of Secure Trust Bank 
is the Moneyway “OneBill” account 
that enables customers to keep track of 
exactly how much of their money is spent 
on bills by offering a single bill solution 
and just one regular weekly or monthly 
payment. The account is typically 
used for utility bills, council tax bills, 
mortgage payments, subscriptions and 
insurance payments. 

Retail Banking 
Secure Trust Bank also provides a full 
range of banking services including 
personal loans, current and savings 
accounts, financial advice and its new 
Prepaid Current Account. Combining 
these services with the “OneBill” 
account provides added convenience 
for customers in managing their 
financial affairs. 

ARBUTHNOT secURiTies

Arbuthnot Securities is a full service, 
integrated investment bank providing a 
full range of institutional stockbroking 
and corporate advisory services focused 
on UK growth companies comprising:

Corporate Finance
The Corporate Finance team specialises 
in providing financing and advisory 
solutions including stock market 
listings, mergers and acquisitions and 
public-to-private transactions. 

Corporate Broking 
Provides advice and guidance to 
corporate clients on how to manage 
relationships and communicate with 
major institutional shareholders and 
advises on compliance in an ever 
increasing regulatory environment. 

Research 
Research provides a deep understanding 
of companies, the valuation of their 
securities and the environment in which 
they operate. 

Sales and Sales Trading 
The sales team maintains relationships and 
provides a specialist dealing service to 
all the significant institutional owners 
of equity in the UK and key international 
investors.

Market Making      
Provides liquidity to facilitate the 
execution of client business, as well as 
trading with other banks and brokers 
in the market for the firm’s own account.

AnnUAl rEPOrT & ACCOUnTS 2009 

  3

   
 
Chairman’s statement

Arbuthnot Banking Group recorded a 
profit before tax of £5.1m for the year 
ended 31 December 2009 (2008: loss 
£2.2m). This result reflects a marked 
improvement in the performance of the 
Group during the second half of the year. 
It is an encouraging outturn, considering 
that the economic environment remains 
tough and that the results bear the cost 
of the investment the Group made in new 
business initiatives in 2009.  
We continue to manage our business 
prudently and without any expectation 
of external support, and I am pleased  
to report that the Group is in robust 
financial health, with strong capital 
ratios, liquidity and balance sheets.  
This strength is, for once, reflected in  
the share price which has grown by 
47% over the last 12 months and 
outperformed the FTSE Financial  
index by 7%.

We remain committed to a progressive 
dividend policy and we are proposing  
a 1p increase in the dividend, paying  
a final dividend of 11.5p per share, 
making it 22p for 2009 (2008: 21p).

In 2009, some of the consequences of 
the financial crisis have become clearer. 
On the positive side, it has provided us 
with opportunities to be corporately 
active. As a small banking group, it is  
our strategy to behave counter-cyclically 
and invest in people, products and 
businesses at the bottom of the cycle. 
We have taken full advantage of our 
opportunity by hiring high quality 
people, buying two books of consumer 
loans and investing in new business 
ventures. The market continues to 
present opportunities for us to grow  
our business.

On the negative side, the response to 
this crisis by government and regulators 
has produced some challenges both to 
us as a Group and to the wider financial 
services industry. The bank payroll tax, 
for example, fell indiscriminately on the 
banking sector, affecting both banks 
which required government assistance 
and those, like us, which managed  
their businesses prudently and forewent 
short-term profits to ensure stability. 
This grossly unfair tax epitomises 
government’s policy on the financial 
crisis: all banks and bankers are regarded 
as equally culpable, and “one-size-fits-
all” where taxation and regulation are 
concerned.

With an impending General Election in 
the UK, the development of President 
Obama’s plans for the regulation of US 
banks and the increased regulation for 
banks proposed by the European Union, 
this is a critical year for the UK financial 
services industry. The threats to the 
industry are very real. Damage has already 
been done, and if a general heavy-handed 
approach continues, London’s place as an 
international financial centre will continue 
to be seriously damaged. I believe strongly 
that banking regulations should be 
bespoke, case specific, based on a real 
appreciation of the individual banking 
business, its risks, management culture 
and the corresponding capital 
requirements.

The other threats to London are of 
course the punitive tax system, both 
personal and corporate and the ever 
increasing dead hand of excessive 
regulation, with employment laws  
being the most expensive.

4   

ArBUTHnOT BAnKInG GrOUP PlC    

’

i

C
h
A
R
M
A
N
S
S
T
A
T
E
M
E
N
T

Arbuthnot Banking Group looks forward with confidence 
to 2010 and beyond, provided the economy holds up 
and the UK does not experience a double dip. We are in 
the hands of the politicians.
henry Angest, Chairman, Arbuthnot Banking Group

Board Changes and Personnel
Apart from Mr. D.M. Proctor who was 
appointed a director on 3 November 2009 
and Mr. M.A. Bussey who resigned 
from the Board on 3 November 2009, 
all directors served throughout the year.

These results once again reflect the 
continuing dedication and commitment 
of our employees who have done well in 
the current environment. On behalf of 
the Board I extend our thanks to all staff 
for their commitment and contributions 
made to the Group in 2009.

Dividend
The Board is proposing a final dividend 
of 11.5p, an increase of 1p on last year, 
making a total dividend for the year  
of 22p (2008: 21p). If approved, the 
dividend will be paid on 14 May 2010 
to shareholders on the register as at  
16 April 2010.

Outlook
Arbuthnot Banking Group looks forward 
with confidence to 2010 and beyond, 
provided the economy holds up and the 
UK does not experience a double dip. 
We are in the hands of the politicians.

henry Angest
Chairman & CEO
10 March 2010

The new motor finance business launched 
early in the year has steadily increased its 
business volumes and achieved a monthly 
lending runrate of £1m by the year end. 
This activity also made a positive profit 
contribution in 2009. The roll-out of the 
Prepaid Current Account has proceeded in 
line with plan and by the year end 2,740 
accounts had been opened.

Secure Trust Bank has been able, without 
significant marketing spend, to generate 
customer deposits to finance lending 
activity. At 31 December, deposits stood 
at £93.4m, up 160% on the previous 
year end.

investment Banking Division
Arbuthnot Securities moved strongly 
back into profit in the second half of the 
year after the disappointing first half 
and finished with a small full year loss 
of £0.1m (2008: loss of £5.2m). Corporate 
finance business improved markedly in 
the second half, with 15 transactions 
being completed compared with 2 in the 
first half. Arbuthnot Securities now has 
98 clients and remains the firm with the 
second largest number of nominated 
adviser appointments on the AIM market. 
Strong results were achieved by the 
secondary market business, improving 
from £1.6m in 2008 to £7.8m in 2009.

During this difficult phase of the market, 
Arbuthnot Securities has taken advantage 
of the hiring window to substantially 
upgrade its people. Although staff 
numbers have remained stable at 72, 
approximately one third of staff have 
been hired since the middle of 2008.

Private Banking Division
Arbuthnot Latham recorded a profit  
of £0.2m (2008: £2.1m). Although it is 
disappointing to report only a small 
profit in this division, it needs to be 
recognised that the result was heavily 
affected this year by two factors. In the 
first place, Arbuthnot Latham’s results 
include £0.5m as part fo the start-up cost 
associated with our structured products 
business, which began hiring staff in 
July 2009. 

The second factor affecting Arbuthnot 
Latham’s result is the reduced return 
generated by surplus liquidity invested 
in the money market. The bank continued 
to operate with a loan to deposit ratio 
of approximately 60% as its policy is to 
retain strong liquidity. The rates earned 
on this surplus liquidity declined from 
an average of 5.8% in 2008 to 2.7% in 
2009. Although the interest rate spread 
between customer loans and deposits 
improved in 2010, the low money 
market rates had a negative effect on 
profitability.

Despite the severity of the economic 
recession, the quality of Arbuthnot 
Latham’s loan book was demonstrated 
by the low level of provisions made for 
bad debts, which were less than 1%  
of the book.

Retail Banking Division
Pre-tax profits for Secure Trust Bank 
improved significantly to £10.2m 
(2008: £7.3m). The Bank has taken full 
advantage of the opportunity created  
by the financial crisis to re-enter the 
consumer lending market. It acquired 
two portfolios of loans in 2009 from 
Liverpool Victoria and Citigroup for 
considerations of £16.7m and £21.1m 
respectively, in both cases at a discount 
to the gross value of the loans. These 
portfolios have performed in line with 
expectations in terms of credit quality 
and have contributed strongly to profits 
in 2009.

AnnUAl rEPOrT & ACCOUnTS 2009 

  5

 
   
Arbuthnot Latham & Co.

The loan to deposit ratio was maintained 
at a conservative level of approximately 
60%. The bank continued to keep a 
strong liquidity ratio despite the relatively 
low yield on treasury assets, compared 
to the cost of new deposits, and believes 
this is the right strategy going forward. 
Being part of the Arbuthnot Group allows 
the bank to adopt an opportunistic 
approach and this was seen clearly in 
the launch during the year of Gilliat 
Financial Solutions. This business 
packages and distributes structured 
products to the financial intermediary 
market. The investment resulted in  
a £0.5m cost for the bank.

After a number of years of trying to build 
a scalable platform with the Musical 
Instrument Finance business, the bank 
decided to exit this business line and as 
a result the consumer lending book was 
transferred within the Group to the 
retail banking division which is much 
better placed to operate this book as part 
of its asset finance book.

Arbuthnot Latham seeks to provide 
sound wealth management solutions to 
its clients through financial planning and 
discretionary investment management, 
and to grow its lending book with caution.

Despite the well documented turmoil in 
the economy and financial services sector, 
the Private Banking Division delivered a 
pleasing growth in its underlying core 
profitability. When the impacts of the 
prior year gain on the disposal of 
Arbuthnot Commercial Finance and the 
current year investment in the launch of 
Gilliat Financial Solutions are removed, 
the core business grew by £0.7m. This 
achievement reflects the continued 
fundamental strategy of maintaining a 
strong balance sheet and liquidity

During 2009 deposit balances returned 
to growth following the small decline  
in 2008 caused by the financial crisis. 
Customer balances grew by a net £19m 
to £292m. This achievement reflects  
the bank’s ability to provide a quality 
service to its clients.

Loans grew by £18m to £177.7m, 11% 
growth over 2008 (£159.9m). The bank 
continued to lend throughout the credit 
cycle, and was able to achieve slightly 
wider lending margins on new business. 
The bank also ensured that this lending 
was of high quality and credit losses 
remained at less than 1% of the asset 
book.

Operating income

2009 

             £3.m

2008 

                                 £4.6m

Operating expenses

2009                              £.6m

2008 

                 £3.4m

Profit before tax

2009   £0.2m

2008 

                      £2.m

Customer loans

2009                                     £77.7m

2008 

           £59.9m

Customer deposits

2009                                     £292.0m

2008 

              £272.6m

Total assets

2009                                     £370.m

2008 

        £3.4m 

Net interest margin

2009 

               2.6%

2008 

                                       3.%

Loan to deposit ratio

2009                                             0.6

2008 

                       0.59

   

ArBUTHnOT BAnKInG GrOUP PlC    

   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
i
i

P
P
R
R
v
v
A
A
T
T
E
E
B
B
A
A
N
N
k
k
N
N
G
G
–
–

i
i

A
A
R
R
B
B
U
U
T
T
h
h
N
N
O
O
T
T

L
L
A
A
T
T
h
h
A
A
M
M
&
&
C
C
O
O

.
.

Arbuthnot latham remains strong, profitable with 
We ended the year with a strong capital 
growth led by enhanced client service. 
position, high liquidity reserves, a robust 
funding base and a profit before tax. We enter 
200 with a much more focused business 
and a positive outlook.

AnnUAl rEPOrT & ACCOUnTS 2009 

ARBUThNOT BANkiNG GROUP PLC  2009 
ARBUThNOT BANkiNG GROUP PLC  2009 

  7
  
  

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Secure Trust Bank

Operating income

2009 

                    £22.m

2008 

                           £9.7m

Operating expenses

2009                             £.8m

2008 

                   £4.0m

Profit before tax

2009                                      £0.2m

2008 

                  £7.3m 

Customer loans – unsecured

2009                                      £5.4m

2008 

    £2.8m

Customer deposits

2009                                       £93.4m

2008 £35.8m

Customer numbers (‘000)

2009                                               70

2008 

    42

Net interest margin

2009                                5.%

2008 

                    7.8% 

Cost income ratio

2009 

        0.45

2008 

                                      0.63

Despite the difficult economic environment 
the Retail Banking Division had a good 
year, generating pre tax profits of £10.2m, 
an increase of 40% on the previous year. 
This is mainly the result of two loan 
portfolio acquisitions and the positive 
impact of the strategy put in place since 
2007.

The lending business has grown significantly 
as a result of the acquisition of discounted 
loan portfolios which have contributed 
substantially to the increased profit 
performance. Both of these books are 
performing in line with expectations. 
Additionally, the business has found 
that there is a marked opportunity  
to cross sell to these newly acquired 
customers.

In addition to the purchased loan books 
the bank now provides point of sale 
vendor finance to the motor and music 
industries and loans to customers of 
affinity partners. These are provided 
through automated credit decision 
systems, which are integrated with  
the retailer. The combination of these 
different lending activities has brought 
in a new customer base which in turn 
has started to create a sustainable 
lending business with critical mass.

The lending book grew to £51m (after 
provisions) in December 2009 up from 
£13m the previous year. In spite of this 
increase the impairment charge remained 
in line with expectations. All lending is 
entirely funded through retail deposit 
accounts which are predominantly in the 
form of 60, 90 and 120 day notice accounts. 
The deposit balances have risen from 
£36m to £93m during the year.

During 2009 the bank successfully 
launched a new fee based current 
account with a Mastercard prepaid 
card. This provides a highly functional 
account with full web and telephone 
banking capability. The product does 
not provide credit to the customer.  
The business had 2,740 customers in 
December 2009 and the numbers are 
growing.

The core product of OneBill has become 
less crucial to the business. In spite of 
the total customer base increasing from 
42,000 in January to 70,000 in December 
the OneBill customer numbers have 
continued to decline. The business 
strategy will be to migrate the OneBill 
customer base to the more functional 
prepaid accounts over the next couple  
of years.

The 2008 exit from insurance broking 
had a further one-off impact of £1.1m 
in 2009. This was achieved from a 
combination of deferred consideration 
on the Swinton deal and the release of 
operational provisions that were no 
longer required following the cessation 
of the business.

The intention is to continue with this 
combined lending and Prepaid Current 
Account strategy during 2010. The division 
will remain alert to further opportunities 
to acquire loan portfolios but will focus 
on growing its organic loan portfolios 
through additional point of sale vendor 
finance schemes.

It will also seek to build out its distribution 
capabilities for its Prepaid Current 
Account and its newly introduced on-
line account opening process will help 
to maintain this momentum.

8   

ArBUTHnOT BAnKInG GrOUP PlC    

   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
i

R
E
T
A
i
L
B
A
N
k
N
G
–
S
E
C
U
R
E

T
R
U
S
T
B
A
N
k

Secure Trust Bank is positioning itself as a successful 
niche lender, while maintaining fee income via its 
leading Prepaid Current Account.

Mortgage broking was anticipated to 
make an important contribution to the 
overall income statement in the year, but 
the unprecedented decline in the housing 
and mortgage market meant that the  
final outcome was below expectations.  
As stated, this did not prevent a significant 
uplift in overall profits for the business. 
Costs in the mortgage broking area will 
continue to be appropriately managed 
until the market picks up again.

During the year the division has evolved  
to be much more efficient and profitable. 
The focus of 2009 will be on acquiring 
new customers and diversifying sources  
of revenue. Secure Trust Bank has become  
a Principal Member of MasterCard 
International in the year as well as 
acquiring an e-Money Licence and this 
will enable the business to launch a new 
Prepaid card linked to a current account 
in 2009. We also launched our motor 
finance business and completed the purchase 
of a consumer loan portfolio from LV in 
February of 2009. The portfolio was 
purchased at a discount for £16.7m and 
none of the accounts were in arrears. 
Given the advantage of the group’s funding 
position, the division will be seeking to 
exploit opportunities within the consumer 
finance market, that arise from both reduced 
competition and a return to  appropriate 
levels of pricing. 

Despite unprecedented turmoil in the 
financial markets, the turnaround in  
the Retail Banking Division continued 
strongly in 2008. Profits before tax of 
£7.3m up 60% on the previous year reflect 
the positive impact of the strategy put in 
place by the new management team in 
2007. The sale of the loss-making 
insurance broking business (held in OBC 
Insurance Consultants), including all the 
associated people and the bulk of the 
branch network, to Swinton generated a 
gain on sale of £2.4m, which coupled with 
a continued focus on cost management 
had a significantly positive impact on the 
cost:income ratio which reduced from 
68% at the end of 2007 to 63% at the 
end of 2008. The Moneyway brand is 
now fully established and will increase in 
prominence nationally rather than just 
regionally during 2009.

The decision to outsource part of the 
unsecured lending activity to EveryDay 
Loans continued to deliver benefit 
throughout the year with the impairment 
charge reducing from £1.4m in 2007  
to £0.5m in 2008, a reduction of 63%. 
This outsourcing prevented Secure Trust 
Bank from suffering losses associated  
with lending in the run-up to the recession 
when most lenders rates did not adequately 
reflect the real risk. This, coupled with the 
dramatic reduction in competition in the 
lending market as a result of the credit 
crunch in the second half of the year, has 
provided an excellent opportunity to return 
lending back in house and the business 
will be cautiously returning to the consumer 
finance market with appropriate pricing 
levels.

OneBill customer numbers have continued 
to decline. However, a number of important 
efficiencies have been delivered in the OneBill 
processing environment. The focus on new 
customer acquisition will now be via 
customer referral and affinity distribution 
opportunities. 

AnnUAl rEPOrT & ACCOUnTS 2009 

  9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Arbuthnot Securities

Arbuthnot Securities’ performance in 2009 
was a story of two halves. The first half, 
impacted by continuing market uncertainty 
and low levels of corporate activity, 
produced a pre-tax loss of £1.3m. The 
second half, benefiting both from more 
benign market conditions and the 
initiatives undertaken by management 
to improve the performance of the 
business, returned a profit of £1.2m. 
Overall, whilst it is clearly disappointing 
that the full year outturn was a small 
loss, the trends in the business, both in 
terms of financial results and operating 
performance, were positive and 
encouraging.

The number of corporate clients at the 
year end was 93, a slight fall attributable 
mainly to a number of clients de-listing. 
Arbuthnot Securities continues to have 
the second largest number of clients of 
any AIM nominated adviser. Notwithstanding 
our strong position in the AIM market, 
the average market capitalisation of our 
clients is now £147m.

Corporate Finance activity picked up 
strongly in the second half after a quiet 
start to the year. The main transaction 
type was secondary issues by listed 
companies; IPO’s remained scarce in  
the AIM market throughout the year.  
In total, the company participated in 
raising £320m for clients. Corporate 
finance fee income totalled £9.2m 
(2008: £7.2m).

The secondary market continues to be 
very competitive. Nevertheless, we have 
invested to upgrade both our distribution 
and research, as well as building our 
connectivity to a number of trading 
platforms. We have positioned our 
execution capability to operate at the 
highest possible level for the benefit of 
our clients.

The trading book performed very strongly 
turning a loss of £3.1m in 2008 into a 
profit of £3.7m. This was achieved 
largely through tighter management 
control and improved trading discipline. 
The book remained at the low level to 
which it was reduced by management 
actions in 2008.

Corporate finance fees

2009                                         £9.2m

2008 

        £7.2m

Brokerage fees

2009                                £4.m

2008 

                      £4.7m 

Gains less losses from dealing 
in securities

2009                                         £3.7m

2008 

 (£3.)m

Operating expenses

2009                                            £7.0m

2008 

         £4.0m

(Loss)/profit before tax

2009  (£0.m)

2008 

                                 (£5.2)m

Corporate clients

2009                                            93

2008 

                            97 

Aggregate book

2009                                    £3.6m

2008 

                                    £4.6m

headcount

2009                                               72

2008 

                           72

0   

ArBUTHnOT BAnKInG GrOUP PlC    

  
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The secondary business has positioned its 
execution capabilities to operate at the highest 
possible level for the benefit of its clients. 

i

N
v
E
S
T
M
E
N
T
B
A
N
k
N
G
–

i

A
R
B
U
T
h
N
O
T
S
E
C
U
R
i
T
i

E
S

AnnUAl rEPOrT & ACCOUnTS 2009 

  

 
 
 
 
   
Financial Review

Arbuthnot Banking Group adopts a conservative approach  
to risk taking and seeks to maximise long term revenues  
and returns. Given its relative size, it is able to remain 
entrepreneurial and capable of taking advantage of market 
opportunities when they arise.

It provides a range of financial services to customers and clients 
in its three chosen niche markets of Private Banking (Arbuthnot 
Latham), Investment Banking (Arbuthnot Securities) and Retail 
Banking (Secure Trust Bank). The Group’s revenues are derived 
from a combination of net interest income from its lending, 
deposit-taking and money market activities, fees for services 
provided to customers and clients, commissions earned on the 
sale of financial instruments and products and equity market-
making profits. 

Summarised income Statement 

Net interest income 
Net fee and commission income 
Gains less losses from dealing in securities 
(Group and Arbuthnot Securities) 

Operating income 
Other income 
Operating expenses 
FSCS levy 
Gain on sale of business assets 
Gain on sale of subsidiary 
Impairment losses 

Profit / (loss) on continuing activities 
before income tax 

Basic earnings per share (pence) 

2009 
£000 

16,052  
31,885  

2008
£000

11,404  
34,280 

3,763  

(3,818) 

51,700  
2,118  
(46,290)  
(110)  
– 
– 
(2,368)  

41,866 
–
(47,153)
(491) 
3,077 
1,528  
(977)

5,050  

(2,150) 

23.4  

3.5 

In the light of the deepest and longest economic recession in 
living memory, the fact that the Group was able to return a 
healthy profit was extremely encouraging and an indication  
of the business’s ability to act opportunistically.

The year started slowly and we were cautiously optimistic  
at the time of publishing our interim results. The level of 
profitability accelerated in the second half as the purchased 
loans portfolios and the strengthening of our corporate 
pipeline began to impact our returns positively. The continued 
positive market sentiment allowed the trading book to deliver 
healthy gains, despite its much reduced size, reversing the 
losses suffered in the prior year. The net effect of this was that 
operating income grew to £51.7m, an increase of 23%.

During the second half of the year the Group also took the 
opportunity to invest in two new start up ventures, Gilliat 
Financial Solutions and Arbuthnot Real Estate Investment 
Management. Despite the additional cost associated with these 
ventures, the operating expense line reduced by 2% as continuing 
cost control and the full year impact of the prior year’s disposals 
took effect.

Impairment losses increased during the year to £2.4m which 
was in line with the balance sheet growth and as a percentage 
of assets remains consistent at 1%.

The profit before tax of the Group for the full year was £5.1m 
compared to a loss of £2.2m in the prior year, which represents 
a £7.3m improvement.

In response to the Bank Payroll Tax, the Group adopted a policy 
of not awarding any discretionary bonuses above £25,000. While 
the legislation remains in draft form, it is our expectation that our 
financial results will not be affected by this indiscriminate tax.

Summarised Balance Sheet 

Assets 
Loans and advances to customers 
Liquid assets 
Other assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities 

Customer deposits 
Other liabilities 

Total liabilities 
Equity 

2009 
£000 

2008
£000

229,722  
182,677  
40,116  

163,734
159,947 
36,074 

452,515  

359,755

385,999  
32,373  

418,372  
34,143  

292,890
32,451 

325,341 
34,414 

Total equity and liabilities 

452,515  

359,755 

Balance Sheet Strength 
The total assets of the Group increased by 26% to £452.5m 
(2008: £359.8m) as a result of a return to lending in the Retail 
Banking Division via purchases of two personal loan portfolios 
from Liverpool Victoria and Citigroup and organic growth in 
its asset finance portfolios launched in the year.

Following the small outflow of customer deposits in 2008, the 
Group is pleased to note that customer deposit balances showed 
strong growth of 32% to £386m (2008: £292.9m).

The Group continues with its conservative funding policy, remaining 
entirely funded by retail deposits and has maintained a loan 
to deposit ratio of 59% (2008: 56%). The surplus funding is 
invested in the liquid interbank certificate of deposit market 
with balances growing by 14% to £182.7m (2008: £159.9m).  

2   

ArBUTHnOT BAnKInG GrOUP PlC    

 
 
 
	
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
i

F
i
N
A
N
C
A
L
R
E
v
E
W

i

Assets 
Advances  
Liquid assets 
Other assets (including Group companies) 

Total assets 

Liabilities 
Customer deposits  
Other liabilities
(including Group companies) 

Total liabilities 
Capital 

Total equity and liabilities 

2009 
£000 

2008
£000

177,745  
164,913  
27,410  

159,908 
132,237 
19,412 

370,068  

311,557 

292,026  

272,614 

54,997  

15,447 

347,023  
23,045  

288,061 
23,496 

370,068  

311,557 

Total assets increased by 19% to £370.1m (2008: £311.6m) 
with the customer loan portfolio increasing by 11%.

The liability side of the balance sheet saw strong growth in 
both customer and group deposits. Customer deposits grew  
by 7% to £292m (2008: £272.6m) as the business saw good 
inflows of new deposits.

The Private Bank remains well capitalised and funded, maintaining 
a total capital ratio of 11.2% and a core tier 1 ratio of 8.8% 
and a loan to deposit ratio of approximately 60%.

international Private Banking – Arbuthnot AG 
Costs associated with establishing the Swiss Bank totalled 
£0.5m in the year (2008: £1.2m). The reduction is a result in  
a slowdown in expenditure by the Group while a partner is 
found to help launch the bank.  

Retail Banking – Secure Trust Bank 

Net interest income 
Net fee and commission income 

2009 
£000 

8,587  
13,505  

22,092  
–  

Operating income 
Gain on sale of business assets 
Gain on sale of 
Provision released relating to sale of 
1,132  
business in prior year 
(11,786)  
Operating expenses 
Impairment losses 
(1,189)  
Financial Services Compensation Scheme Levy  (30)  
–  
Restructuring costs 

2008
£000

4,214
15,498 

19,712 
2,419 

– 
(13,960)
(533)
(41) 
(320) 

Profit before tax 

10,219  

7,277 

Profit Before tax in the business increased by 40% to £10.2m 
(2008: £7.3m).

Segmental Analysis 
The segmental analysis in note 36 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements to the Annual Report highlights the disclosures 
required under IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’. The operating 
segments are Private Banking (Arbuthnot Latham), International 
Private Banking (Arbuthnot AG), Investment Banking (Arbuthnot 
Securities) and Retail Banking (Secure Trust Bank). Group costs 
and intercompany elimination journals are shown separately to 
reconcile back to the Group consolidated result. The analysis 
presented below is prior to any consolidation adjustments to 
remove the impact of intergroup operating activities and is a 
fair reflection of the way the directors manage the Group. 

Private Banking – Arbuthnot Latham 

Net interest income 
Net fee and commission income 

Operating income 
Gain on sale of business assets 
Gain on sale of 
Arbuthnot Commercial Finance Limited 
Operating expenses 
Impairment losses 
Financial Services Compensation Scheme Levy 
Restructuring costs 

2009 
£000 

8,880  
4,184  

13,064  
–  

–  
(11,598)  
(1,179)  
(81)  
–  

2008
£000

8,225
6,367 

14,592 
658 

1,528 
(13,352)
(444)
(450) 
(413) 

Profit before tax 

206  

2,119 

The profit before tax fell to £0.2m (2008: £2.1m) largely due 
to two significant items. First, the prior year profit included  
a one-off gain on sale of business assets totalling £2.1m that 
was not repeated in 2009. Second, the bank invested £1m in 
the start up venture, Gilliat Financial Solutions. The Group 
entity contributed 50% to this investment which resulted in  
a net cost to the bank of £0.5m in the second half of the year.

Net fee and commission income fell by £1.3m mainly due  
to the disposal of Arbuthnot Commercial Finance in the prior 
year. It is worthwhile noting that the business had managed to 
improve its lending margins throughout the year, this however 
was offset by the decline in returns earned on its surplus 
liquidity in the interbank market and the increasing cost of 
raising deposits in the retail market.

Operating expenses continued to decline as the full year effect of 
the prior year business disposals and restructuring actions took effect.

Impairment losses picked up in the year largely due to the failure 
of one customer in the musical instrument financing portfolio. 
Other than this the portfolio remains stable with loses under 
1% of asset levels. The secured loan portfolio maintained an 
average loan to the collateral value of 54%.

AnnUAl rEPOrT & ACCOUnTS 2009 

  3

 
 
	
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
   
Financial Review

The prior year results included the gain on sale of the 
insurance business to Swinton, which contributed £2.4m. 
Excluding this item the profits grew from £4.9m to £10.2m, 
an increase of £5.3m.

The fees earned by corporate finance transactions were £2m 
higher than in the prior year, however, 87% of the fees were 
earned in the second half of the year as the level of corporate 
activity increased during the year.

The purchase of the loan portfolios from LV and Citigroup 
contributed £5.5m to revenues. The profit also benefited by 
£1.1m as a result of the release of provisions related to the sale 
of the insurance business, these were offset by the investment 
in new business lines, the attrition in the OneBill account 
numbers and additional cost of surplus funding resulting 
from the continued conservative liquidity strategy. 

2009 
£000 

2008
£000

Assets 
Advances – Personal lending & asset finance  25,960  
25,465  
Advances – Acquired portfolios 
Liquid assets 
16,615  
Other assets (including Group companies)  46,027  

12,551 
– 
24,725 
14,193 

Total assets 

114,067  

51,469 

Liabilities 
Customer deposits  
Other liabilities
(including Group companies) 

Total liabilities 
Capital 

93,350  

35,836 

6,177  

4,589 

99,527  
14,540  

40,425 
11,044 

Total equity and liabilities 

114,067  

51,469 

The personal lending asset balances ended the year at £51.4m 
(2008: £12.5m) a growth rate in excess of 300%. Excluding 
the purchased portfolios, the growth rate on the organic 
portfolios was still approximately 107%.

Customer deposit balances increased by 160% to £93.4m 
(2008: £35.8m).

investment Banking – Arbuthnot Securities 

2009 
£000 

Net interest income  
Net fee and commission income  
Gains less losses from dealing in securities  

(152)  
13,350  
3,662  

2008
£000

(486)
12,415
(3,116)

Operating income  
Operating expenses  
Restructuring costs  

Loss before tax  

16,860  
(17,007)  
–  

8,813
(14,038)
(691)

(147)  

(5,225) 

The business returned a loss before tax of (£0.1m) compared to 
the prior year loss of (£5.2m). The key item was the performance 
of the trading book which in the prior year suffered losses of 
£3.1m in revenues.

The non-controlling interest remained unchanged at 40.4% 
and therefore the Group’s resultant share is 59.6%.

Group & Other Costs 

Operating Income  

Group costs  
Group head office property costs 
Subordinated loan stock interest 

Total group & other costs  

Loss before tax  

2009 
£000 

452  

(3,583)  
 (973)  
(618)  

2008
£000

(287)

(2,921)
(989)
(964)

(5,174)  

(4,874)

(4,722)  

(5,161) 

The Group and other costs decreased by 9% to £4.7m (2008: 
£5.2m) as the Group saw a positive change to the fair value  
of the investment securities it holds on its account, offset  
by the £0.5m contribution it made to the launch of Gilliat 
Financial Solutions.

Capital
The Group’s capital management policy is focused on optimising 
shareholder value over the long term. There is a clear focus on 
delivering organic growth and ensuring capital resources are 
sufficient to support planned levels of growth. The Board 
regularly reviews the capital position.

In accordance with the EU’s Capital Requirements Directive (CRD) 
and the required parameters set out in the FSA Handbook (BIPRU 
2.2), the Individual Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) 
is embedded in the risk management framework of the Group and 
is subject to ongoing updates and revisions when necessary. However, 
at a minimum, the ICAAP is updated annually as part of the 
business planning process. The ICAAP is a process that brings 
together management framework (i.e. the policies, procedures, 
strategies, and systems that the Group has implemented to identify, 
manage and mitigate its risks) and the financial disciplines of business 
planning and capital management. The Group’s regulated entities 
are also the principal trading subsidiaries as detailed in Note 35.

Not all material risks can be mitigated by capital, but where 
capital is appropriate the Board has adopted a “Pillar I plus” 
approach to determine the level of capital the Group needs to 
hold. This method takes the Pillar I capital formula calculations 
(standardised approach for credit, market and operational 
risk) as a starting point, and then considers whether each of 
the calculations delivers a sufficient capital sum adequately to 
cover management’s anticipated risks. Where the Board 
considered that the Pillar I calculations did not reflect the risk, 
an additional capital add-on in Pillar II is applied.

4   

ArBUTHnOT BAnKInG GrOUP PlC    

 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
	
i

F
i
N
A
N
C
A
L
R
E
v
E
W

i

Market risk arises in relation to movements in interest rates, 
currencies and equity markets. The Group’s treasury function 
operates mainly to provide a service to clients and does not 
take significant unmatched positions in any markets for its own 
account. Hence, the Group’s exposure to adverse movements 
in interest rates and currencies is limited to the interest earnings 
on its free cash and interest rate repricing mismatches.

Through Arbuthnot Securities, the Group is also involved in 
market-making and underwriting in UK equities. The market-
making book is subject to Group-approved limits, both in 
aggregate and in relation to individual stocks. Outstanding 
positions are monitored against these limits both intraday and 
overnight. All significant underwriting transactions are 
individually approved by the Group Risk Committee.

A conservative approach is also taken to managing the liquidity 
profile and capital of the Group. Both of the banking subsidiaries 
operate with liquidity margins and capital ratios in excess of 
the minimum levels set by the regulators.

Dividend
The Board proposes a final dividend of 11.5 pence per share 
to be paid on 14 May 2010, giving a total dividend for the 
year of 22 pence (2008: 21 pence) per share.

Accounting Policies
This is the fourth set of Group consolidated financial statements 
prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS). This is the second set of accounts to include 
the disclosure requirements under IFRS 7 Financial Instruments.

Going Concern
After making appropriate enquiries which assessed strategy, 
profitability, funding, risk management (see note 4) and capital 
resources (see note 5), the directors are satisfied that the Company 
and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operation 
for the foreseeable future. The financial statements are, 
therefore, prepared on the going concern basis.

James Cobb
Group Finance Director

The Group’s regulatory capital is divided into two tiers:

•   Tier 1 comprises mainly shareholders’ funds, non-

controlling interest, after deducting goodwill and other 
intangible assets.

•   Lower Tier 2 comprises qualifying subordinated loan 
capital and revaluation reserves. Lower Tier 2 capital 
cannot exceed 50% of tier 1 capital.

The ICAAP includes a summary of the capital required to 
mitigate the identified risks in its regulated entities and the 
amount of capital that the Group has available. The FSA’s last 
review of the Group’s ICAAP was conducted in December 
2007 (the next review is scheduled to be completed in Q1  
of 2010). All regulated entities have complied with all of the 
externally imposed capital requirements to which they are 
subject.

Core Tier 1 capital  

Tier 1 capital after deductions  
Tier 2  

Total capital  

Core Tier 1 capital ratio 
(Net Core Tier 1 capital / Basel 2 RWAs)  

Total capital ratio (Capital/Basel 2 RWAs) 

2009
£000

33,885

30,979
13,280

44,259

9.3%

13.3%

Risk Management
The Group regards the monitoring and controlling of risks as 
a fundamental part of the management process. Consequently, 
senior management are involved in the development of risk 
management policies and in monitoring their application. The 
Group’s overall approach to managing internal control and 
financial reporting is described in the Corporate Governance 
section of the Annual Report.

The principal non-operational risks inherent in the Group’s business 
are credit, liquidity and market risks. A detailed description 
of the risk management policies in these areas is set out in 
Note 4 to the financial statements. Credit risk is managed 
through the Credit Committees of Secure Trust Bank and 
Arbuthnot Latham & Co., Limited with significant exposures 
also being approved by the Group Risk Committee. Of the total 
gross loan book of £236.4 million at 31 December 2009, some 
£57.2 million represents largely unsecured loans to customers 
of Secure Trust Bank and £179.2 million represents the lending 
portfolio of Arbuthnot Latham, most of which is well secured 
against cash, property or other assets. A provision of £7.2 million 
(3.1% of total lending) is carried against the loan book.

AnnUAl rEPOrT & ACCOUnTS 2009 

  5

 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Group Board

henry Angest
Chairman and Chief Executive of the 
Group and Chairman of Secure Trust 
Bank PLC, Arbuthnot Latham & Co., 
Limited and Arbuthnot Securities 
Limited. He is a past Master of the 
Worshipful Company of International 
Bankers.

James Cobb ACA 
James Cobb joined the Board on 1 
November 2008 as Group Finance 
Director. He was previously Deputy Chief 
Financial Officer and Controller of 
Citigroup’s Global Consumer Group in 
Europe, Middle East and Africa and 
qualified as a Chartered Accountant with 
Price Waterhouse.

Gary Jennison
Gary Jennison joined the Board on  
25 September 2006 as Chief Executive  
of Secure Trust Bank. He was previously 
Managing Director of Barclays Bank’s 
branch network and has held senior 
positions at Lex Vehicle Leasing, GE 
Capital Auto Financial Services Europe 
and Hitachi Credit (UK) PLC.

Neil kirton
Neil Kirton joined the Board on 1 June 
2008 as Chief Executive of Arbuthnot 
Securities having joined Arbuthnot 
Securities as Deputy Chief Executive in 
January 2006. Prior to this he was with 
ABN Amro Hoare Govett from 1985 to 
2002 where he was Global Head of 
Equity Sales, Deputy Chief Executive of 
Hoare Govett (UK) Limited and a 
Managing Director of ABN Amro Bank 
NV. He was also Head of Equities at 
Bridgewell Securities from 2002 to 2004.

Ruth Lea
Independent non-executive director since  
1 November 2005 and Economic Adviser 
to the Group. She is the director of Global 
Vision and was previously director of the 
Centre for Policy Studies, Head of the 
Policy Unit at the Institute of Directors, 
Economics Editor at ITN, Chief UK 
Economist at Lehman Brothers and Chief 
Economist at Mitsubishi Bank. She also 
spent 16 years in the Civil Service in the 
Treasury, the Department of Trade and 
Industry, the General Statistical Office  
and the Civil Service College.

Sir Christopher Meyer
Independent non-executive director since  
1 October 2007. He retired as Chairman  
of the Press Complaints Commission  
on 30 March 2009. He had a distinguished 
diplomatic career, in 1997 he was appointed 
as Ambassador to Germany and from 
1997 – 2003 he was Ambassador to the 
USA. Between 1994 and 1996, he was 
Press Secretary to Prime Minister John 
Major. He is also non-executive director 
of GKN PLC and is on the International 
Advisory boards of Fleishman-Hillard 
and British American Business Inc.

6   

ArBUTHnOT BAnKInG GrOUP PlC    

G
R
O
U
P
B
O
A
R
D

Sir Michael Peat
Independent non-executive director 
appointed on 15 January 2008. He is 
currently Principal Private Secretary to 
TRH The Prince of Wales and The 
Duchess of Cornwall. Previously he was 
Keeper of the Privy Purse and Treasurer to 
the Queen and Receiver General of the 
Duchy of Lancaster. Prior to being 
appointed to work for the Royal 
Household Sir Michael was with KPMG 
for over 20 years and was a partner from 
1985 to 1993.

Dean Proctor
Dean Proctor joined the Board on  
3 November 2009 as Chief Executive 
Officer of Arbuthnot Latham & Co., 
Limited. Before, he was at Citi for 3 
years and most recently was Managing 
Director of Wealth Management and 
Retail Banking for Citibank & Egg in 
the UK. Prior to Citi Dean worked at 
LloydsTSB Bank Plc for 13 years in 
various management positions in both 
Corporate and Consumer businesses.

Andrew Salmon  ACA 
Appointed a director on 8 March 2004. 
He joined the Company in 1997 and is 
Chief Operating Officer and Head of 
Business Development. He was previously 
a director of Hambros Bank Limited 
and qualified as a Chartered Accountant 
with KPMG.

Atholl Turrell ACA
Appointed a director on 1 March 2004. 
He was formerly Head of Corporate 
Stockbroking at Schroder Salomon  
Smith Barney. He is Vice-Chairman  
of Arbuthnot Securities Limited. 

Robert Wickham
Deputy Chairman and senior independent 
non-executive director. He was formerly 
on the Management Board of Bank of 
Scotland. He is also an independent 
non-executive director of Secure Trust 
Bank PLC and Arbuthnot Latham & 
Co., Limited. 

Jeremy Robin kaye FCiS 
Secretary.

AnnUAl rEPOrT & ACCOUnTS 2009 

  7

 
   
Directors’ Report

The directors submit their annual report and the audited 
consolidated financial statements for the year ended  
31 December 2009.

Substantial Shareholders
The Company was aware at 9 March 2010 of the following 
substantial holdings in the ordinary shares of the Company, 
other than those held by one director shown below:

Principal Activities And Review
The principal activities of the Group are banking and financial 
services. A business review in accordance with Section 417 of 
the Companies Act 2006 forming part of this report is set out 
on pages 6 to 15.

holder  

Prudential plc  
Mr R Paston  

Ordinary Shares  

775,403  
529,130  

%

5.2
3.5 

Chairman
Deputy Chairman

Results And Dividends
The results for the year are shown on page 26. The profit after 
tax for the year of £3.4 million (2008: Loss of £1.0 million) is 
included in reserves.

The directors recommend the payment of a final dividend of 
11.5 pence on the ordinary shares which, together with the 
interim dividend of 10.5 pence paid on 2 October 2009, 
represents a total dividend for the year of 22 pence (2008:  
21 pence). A scrip dividend alternative is not being offered  
in respect of half of the final dividend for 2009. The final 
dividend, if approved by members at the Annual General 
Meeting, will be paid on 14 May 2010 to shareholders on  
the register at close of business on 16 April 2010.

Share Capital
Between 25 June, 2009 and 7 January 2010 the Company 
repurchased a total of 57,500 ordinary shares at prices ranging 
between 303p and 390p in accordance with the authority 
given by shareholders on 13 May 2009, such shares being held 
as Treasury Shares.

At the Annual General Meeting shareholders will be asked  
to approve two Special Resolutions; the authority granted  
by each of them will expire at the conclusion of the Annual 
General Meeting in 2011.

The first continues the authority of the directors to issue shares 
in nominal value equal to 5% of the existing share capital for 
cash, otherwise than to existing shareholders pro rata to their 
holdings. The directors have no present intention of issuing 
any shares and will not issue shares which would effectively 
change the control of the Company without the prior approval 
of shareholders in General Meeting.

The second renews the authority of the directors to make market 
purchases of shares not exceeding 10% of the existing issued 
share capital. The directors will keep the position under 
review in order to maximise the Company’s resources in the 
best interests of shareholders.

Directors
H Angest  
R J J Wickham  
J R Cobb
G A Jennison
N W Kirton
Ms R J Lea
Sir Christopher Meyer
Sir Michael Peat
D M Proctor
A A Salmon
Dr A D Turrell

Apart from Mr. D.M. Proctor who was appointed a director  
on 3 November 2009 and Mr. M.A. Bussey who resigned from 
the Board on 3 November 2009, all directors served throughout 
the year.

Mr. Proctor retires under Article 77 of the Articles of Association 
and, being eligible, offers himself for re-election. Mr. Proctor has 
a service agreement with a subsidiary company, terminable on 
six months’ notice until 1 October 2010 and thereafter terminable 
on twelve months’ notice.

Mr. H. Angest, Sir Christopher Meyer and Mr. A.A. Salmon 
retire under Article 80 of the Articles of Association and, being 
eligible, offer themselves for re-election. Mr. Angest and Mr. 
Salmon have service agreements with the Company terminable 
on twelve months notice. Sir Christopher Meyer does not have  
a service agreement.

According to the information kept under Section 3 of the 
Disclosure and Transparency Rules 2006, the interests of 
directors and their families in the ordinary 1p shares of the 
Company at the dates shown were, and the percentage of the 
current issued share capital held is, as follows:

Beneficial interests 

H Angest  
G A Jennison  
N W Kirton  
A A Salmon  
A D Turrell  
R J J Wickham  

 January   3 December 
2009  

2009  

9 March

200  

7,917,862   7,917,862   7,917,862  
25,000  
25,000  
22,000  
22,000  
50,000  
50,000  
21,402  
21,402  
3,600  
3,600  

-  
12,000  
50,000  
21,402  
3,600  

%

52.8
0.2
0.1
0.3
0.1
-

8   

ArBUTHnOT BAnKInG GrOUP PlC    

 
i

D
R
E
C
T
O
R
S

’

R
E
P
O
R
T

Mr. Kirton and Dr. Turrell held 40,000 and 10,000 ordinary £1 
shares respectively in Arbuthnot Securities Limited under that 
company’s Long Term Incentive Plan at 31 December 2009.

Charitable Donations
The Company made charitable donations of £27,000 during the 
year (2008: £20,000).

On 21 May 2008 Mr. Salmon was granted an option to 
subscribe between May 2011 and May 2015 for 100,000 
ordinary 1p shares in the Company at 337.5p.

The Company made political donations of £25,472 to the 
Conservative Party and £3,000 to the Centre of Social Justice 
during the year (2008: total political donations £10,000).

On 5 November 2008 Mr. Cobb was granted an option to 
subscribe between November 2011 and November 2015 for 
50,000 ordinary 1p shares in the Company at 320p.

Status
The Company is not a close company as defined in the Income 
and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.

Auditors
Following the resignation of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as 
auditors on 11 August 2009, the directors appointed KPMG 
Audit Plc in their place.

A resolution to reappoint KPMG Audit Plc as auditors of the 
Company will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General 
Meeting at a fee to be agreed in due course by the directors.

The directors have disclosed to the auditors to the best of their 
knowledge and belief all relevant information necessary to assist 
the auditors in the preparation of their report.

By order of the Board.

J R kaye
Secretary
10 March 2010

On 22 December 2009 Dr. Turrell was granted an option to 
subscribe between December 2012 and December 2016 for 
50,000 ordinary 1p shares in the Company at 380p.

Apart from the interests disclosed above, no director was interested 
at any time in the year in the share capital of Group companies.

No director, either during or at the end of the financial year, was 
materially interested in any contract with the Company or any of 
its subsidiaries, which was significant in relation to the Group’s 
business. At 31 December 2009 one director had a loan from 
Secure Trust Bank PLC amounting to £213,000 and three 
directors had loans from Arbuthnot Latham & Co., Limited 
amounting to £2,723,000, all on normal commercial terms as 
disclosed in note 34 to the financial statements. At 31 December 
2009 five directors had deposits with Secure Trust Bank PLC 
amounting to £497,000 and seven directors had deposits with 
Arbuthnot Latham & Co,. Limited amounting to £1,383,000, 
all on normal commercial terms as disclosed in note 34 to the 
financial statements.

The Company maintains insurance to provide liability cover  
for directors and officers of the Company.

Board Committees
The report of the Remuneration Committee on pages 22 to 23 
will be the subject of an Ordinary Resolution at the Annual 
General Meeting.

Information on the Audit Committee, Nomination Committee, 
Risk Committee and Donations Committee is included in the 
Corporate Governance section of the Annual Report on page 20.

Employees
The Company gives due consideration to the employment of 
disabled persons and is an equal opportunities employer. It also 
regularly provides employees with information on matters of 
concern to them, consults on decisions likely to affect their 
interests and encourages their involvement in the performance  
of the Company through share participation and in other ways.

Supplier Payment Policy
The Company’s policy is to make payment in line with terms 
agreed with individual suppliers, payment being effected on 
average within 30 days of invoice.

AnnUAl rEPOrT & ACCOUnTS 2009 

  9

 
   
Corporate Governance

AIM companies are not required to comply with The Combined 
Code. Nevertheless, the Board endorses the principles of 
openness, integrity and accountability which underlie good 
corporate governance and intends to take into account the 
provisions of The Combined Code in so far as they are 
appropriate to the Group’s size and circumstances. Moreover, 
the Group contains subsidiaries authorised to undertake 
regulated business under the Financial Services and Markets 
Act 2000 and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, 
including two which are authorised deposit taking businesses. 
Accordingly, the Group operates to the high standards of 
corporate accountability and regulatory compliance 
appropriate for such businesses.

Directors
The Group is led and controlled by an effective Board which 
comprises seven executive directors and four non-executive 
directors.

The senior independent non-executive director is Robert 
Wickham, who in addition is Deputy Chairman. Although 
Mr Wickham has served on the Board for sixteen years from 
the date of his first election, he displays independence in both 
character and judgement and there are no other relationships 
or circumstances which could affect his judgement. 
Accordingly, the Board considers him to be independent.

The Board
The Board meets regularly throughout the year. Substantive 
agenda items have briefing papers, which are circulated in a 
timely manner before each meeting. The Board is satisfied  
that it is supplied with all the information that it requires and 
requests, in a form and of a quality to enable it to discharge 
its duties. In addition to ongoing matters concerning the 
strategy and management of the Company and of the Group, 
the Board has determined certain items which are reserved for 
decision by itself. These matters include the acquisition and 
disposal of other than minor businesses, the issue of capital 
by any Group company and any transaction by a subsidiary 
company that cannot be made within its own resources, or 
that is not in the normal course of its business.

The Company Secretary is responsible for ensuring that Board 
processes and procedures are appropriately followed and 
support effective decision making. All directors have access  
to the Company Secretary’s advice and services and there is 
an agreed procedure for directors to obtain independent 
professional advice in the course of their duties, if necessary, 
at the Company’s expense.

The Board has delegated certain of its responsibilities to 
Committees. All Committees have written terms of reference.

Audit Committee
Membership of the Audit Committee is limited to non-executive 
directors and comprises Robert Wickham (as Chairman), 
Ruth Lea, Sir Christopher Meyer and Sir Michael Peat.

The Audit Committee provides a forum for discussing with 
the Group’s external auditors their report on the annual 
accounts, reviewing the scope, results and effectiveness of the 
internal audit work programme and considering any other 
matters which might have a financial impact on the Company, 
including the Group’s arrangements by which staff may, in 
confidence, raise concerns about possible improprieties in 
matters of financial reporting or other matters. The Audit 
Committee’s responsibilities include reviewing the Group’s 
system of internal control and the process for evaluating and 
monitoring risk. The Committee also reviews the appointment, 
terms of engagement and objectivity of the external auditors, 
including the level of non-audit services provided, and ensures 
that there is an appropriate audit relationship.

Remuneration Committee
Information on the Remuneration Committee and details of 
the directors’ remuneration are set out in the separate 
Remuneration Report.

Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee is chaired by Henry Angest and 
its other members are Robert Wickham and Ruth Lea. Before 
a Board appointment is made the skills, knowledge and experience 
required for a particular appointment are evaluated.

Risk Committee
The Risk Committee is chaired by Henry Angest and its other 
members are James Cobb, Dean Proctor, John Reed, Andrew 
Salmon, Atholl Turrell and Robert Wickham. The role of the 
Risk Committee is to approve specific risk policies for Group 
subsidiaries and significant individual credit or other exposures.

Donations Committee
The Donations Committee is chaired by Henry Angest and its 
other members are Robert Wickham and Ruth Lea. The Committee 
considers any political donation or expenditure as defined 
within the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 
2000.

Shareholder Communications
The Company maintains a regular dialogue with its shareholders 
and makes full use of the Annual General Meeting and any 
other General Meetings to communicate with investors.

The Company aims to present a balanced and understandable 
assessment in all its reports to shareholders, its regulators and 
the wider public. Key announcements and other information 
can be found at www.arbuthnotgroup.com.

20   

ArBUTHnOT BAnKInG GrOUP PlC    

C
O
R
P
O
R
A
T
E
G
O
v
E
R
N
A
N
C
E

internal Control and Financial Reporting
The Board of directors has overall responsibility for the Group’s 
system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness. 
Such a system is designed to manage rather than eliminate 
risk of failure to achieve business objectives and can only 
provide reasonable but not absolute assurance against the  
risk of material misstatement or loss.

The directors and senior management of the Group have formally 
adopted a Group Risk and Controls Policy which sets out the 
Board’s attitude to risk and internal control. Key risks identified 
by the directors are formally reviewed and assessed at least 
once a year by the Board, in addition to which key business 
risks are identified, evaluated and managed by operating 
management on an ongoing basis by means of procedures 
such as physical controls, credit and other authorisation limits 
and segregation of duties. The Board also receives regular 
reports on any risk matters that need to be brought to its 
attention. Significant risks identified in connection with the 
development of new activities are subject to consideration by 
the Board. There are well-established budgeting procedures in 
place and reports are presented regularly to the Board detailing 
the results of each principal business unit, variances against 
budget and prior year, and other performance data.

The effectiveness of the internal control system is reviewed 
regularly by the Board and the Audit Committee, which also 
receives reports of reviews undertaken by the internal audit 
function which was outsourced to Ernst & Young. The Audit 
Committee also receives reports from the external auditors, 
KPMG Audit Plc, which include details of internal control 
matters that they have identified. Certain aspects of the system 
of internal control are also subject to regulatory supervision, 
the results of which are monitored closely by the Board.

Going Concern
After making appropriate enquiries which assessed strategy, 
profitability, funding and capital resources, the directors are 
satisfied that the Company and the Group have adequate 
resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future.  
The financial statements are, therefore, prepared on the going 
concern basis.

Under company law the directors must not approve the 
financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give  
a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the group and 
parent company and of their profit or loss for that period.  
In preparing each of the group and parent company financial 
statements, the directors are required to:

•   select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

consistently;

•   make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and 

prudent;

•   state whether they have been prepared in accordance with 

IFRSs as adopted by the EU; and

•   prepare the financial statements on the going concern 

basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the group 
and the parent company will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the parent company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any 
time the financial position of the parent company and enable 
them to ensure that its financial statements comply with the 
Companies Act 2006. They have general responsibility for 
taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard 
the assets of the group and to prevent and detect fraud and 
other irregularities.

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity  
of the corporate and financial information included on the 
Company’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the 
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may 
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Statement of disclosure of information to auditors
The directors confirm that:

•   so far as each director is aware, there is no relevant audit 

information of which the Company’s auditors are 
unaware; and

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report 
and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law 
and regulations.

•   the directors have taken all the steps they ought to have 
taken as directors to make themselves aware of any 
relevant audit information and to establish that the 
Company’s auditors are aware of that information.

Company law requires the directors to prepare group and 
parent company financial statements for each financial year. 
As required by the AIM Rules of the London Stock Exchange 
they are required to prepare the group financial statements in 
accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU and applicable 
law and have elected to prepare the parent company financial 
statements on the same basis.

AnnUAl rEPOrT & ACCOUnTS 2009 

  2

 
   
Remuneration Report

Remuneration Committee
Membership of the Remuneration Committee is limited to 
non–executive directors together with Henry Angest as Chairman. 
The present members of the Committee are Henry Angest, 
Robert Wickham and Ruth Lea.

The Committee has responsibility for producing recommendations 
on the overall remuneration policy for directors and for setting 
the remuneration of individual directors, both for review by 
the Board. Members of the Committee do not vote on their 
own remuneration.

Remuneration Policy
The Remuneration Committee determines the remuneration 
of individual directors having regard to the size and nature  
of the business; the importance of attracting, retaining and 
motivating management of the appropriate calibre without 
paying more than is necessary for this purpose; remuneration 
data for comparable positions; the need to align the interests 
of executives with those of shareholders; and an appropriate 
balance between current remuneration and longer term 
performance–related rewards. The remuneration package can 
comprise a combination of basic annual salary and benefits 
(including pension), a discretionary annual bonus award 
related to the Committee’s assessment of the contribution 
made by the executive during the year and longer term 
incentives, including executive share options. Pension benefits 
take the form of annual contributions paid by the Company 
to individual money purchase schemes. The Remuneration 
Committee reviews salary levels each year based on the 
performance of the Group during the preceding financial 
period. This review does not necessarily lead to increases  
in salary levels. The Group is increasingly changing the 
remuneration policy from fixed salaries to a more flexible 
system with lower base salaries and a bigger bonus element 
which can be discretionary or formulaic. The purpose of this 
policy is to align costs more closely with income. The payment  
of bonuses, some transactional and some formulaic but both 
based on income to the company is common in the banking 
industry.

Directors’ Service Contracts
Henry Angest, Gary Jennison, Neil Kirton and Andrew 
Salmon each have service contracts terminable at any time on 
12 months’ notice in writing by either party. James Cobb has 
a service contract terminable at any time on 6 months’ notice 
in writing by either party. Dean Proctor has a service agreement 
terminable at any time on 6 months’ notice in writing until 10 
October 2010 and thereafter on 12 months’ notice.

Share Option and Long Term incentive Schemes
This part of the remuneration report is audited information.

In May 2005, the Company extended its Unapproved Executive 
Share Option Scheme for a further period of 10 years.

The Company has an ESOP (“the Arbuthnot ESOP Trust”) 
under which trustees may purchase shares in the Company to 
satisfy the exercise of share options by employees including 
executive directors.

At the date of this remuneration report, the only outstanding 
options to directors under the Unapproved Executive Share 
Option Scheme are those in relation to 100,000 shares for 
Andrew Salmon and 50,000 shares each for James Cobb and 
Atholl Turrell. 150,000 shares are held in the Arbuthnot 
ESOP Trust.

In January 2005, shareholders approved a long term incentive 
plan for employees of Arbuthnot Securities Limited, which 
involves the purchase by such employees of shares in Arbuthnot 
Securities Limited. This scheme is open to employees of 
Arbuthnot Securities Limited including those who are also 
directors of Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC. On 31 March 
2005, Atholl Turrell acquired 10,000 shares in Arbuthnot 
Securities Limited under the plan at a price of £2.35 per share. 
On 31 May 2006 Neil Kirton acquired 40,000 shares at a 
price of £2.35 and on 20 July 2007 20,000 shares at a price 
of £8.45.

Directors’ Emoluments
This part of the remuneration report is audited information.

2009  
£000  

Fees (including benefits in kind)  
195  
Salary payments (including benefits in kind)  1,728  
155  
Pension contributions  

2,078 

2008
£000

193
2,204
172

2,569

22   

ArBUTHnOT BAnKInG GrOUP PlC    

 
 
 
R
E
M
U
N
E
R
A
T
i
O
N
R
E
P
O
R
T

Total  
2009  
 £000  

394  
–  
209  
251  
257  
272  
60  
–  
287  
–  
153  

70  
40  
40  
45  

Total
2008
£000

386
110
351
106
558
167
–
99
258
188
153

70
40
38
45

H Angest  
MF Brown (to 01/06/08)  
MA Bussey (to 03/11/09)  
JR Cobb (from 20/10/08)  
GA Jennison  
NW Kirton (from 01/06/08)  
DM Proctor (from 03/11/09)  
J Reed (to 01/06/08)  
AA Salmon  
PN Sheriff (to 31/10/08)  
AD Turrell  
Non–executive
Ms RJ Lea  
Sir Christopher Meyer  
Sir Michael Peat (from 15/01/08)  
RJJW Wickham  

Salary  
£000 

318  
–  
208  
175  
200  
225  
33  
–  
200  
–  
153  

–  
–  
–  
–  

1,512  

–  
–  
–  
25  
–  
–  
27  
–  
25  
–  
–  

–  
–  
–  
–  

77  

Bonus  
 £000  

Benefits  
£000 

Pension  
 £000  

Fees  
£000 

76  
–  
1  
16  
7  
12  
–  
–  
27  
–  
–  

–  
–  
–  
–  

–  
–  
–  
35  
50  
35  
–  
–  
35  
–  
–  

–  
–  
–  
–  

–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  

70  
40  
40  
45  

139  

155  

195  

2,078  

2,569

Details of any shares or options held by directors are presented on pages 18 and 19.

The emoluments of the Chairman were £394,000 (2008: £386,000). The emoluments of the highest paid director were £394,000 
(2008: £558,000) including pension contributions of £nil (2008: £nil).

Mr R J J Wickham is a director of Calando Finance Limited which received an annual fee of £45,000 (2008: £45,000) in respect of 
his services to the Group.

These amounts are included in the above figures.

Retirement benefits are accruing under money purchase schemes for five directors who served during 2009 (2008: seven directors).

henry Angest
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
10 March 2010

AnnUAl rEPOrT & ACCOUnTS 2009 

  23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Independent auditors’ report 
to the members of Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC

We have audited the financial statements of Arbuthnot Banking 
Group PLC for the year ended 31 December 2009 set out on 
pages 26 to 77. The financial reporting framework that has 
been applied in their preparation is applicable law and 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as 
adopted by the EU and, as regards the parent company 
financial statements, as applied in accordance with the 
provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, 
in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies 
Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we 
might state to the company’s members those matters we are 
required to state to them in an auditors’ report and for no 
other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do 
not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the 
company and the company’s members, as a body, for our audit 
work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement 
set out on page 21, the directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied 
that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to 
audit the financial statements in accordance with applicable 
law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). 
Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing 
Practices Board’s (APB’s) Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements
A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements 
is provided on the APB’s web-site at www.frc.org.uk/apb/
scope/UKNP.

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion:

•   the financial statements give a true and fair view of the 

state of the group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as 
at 31 December 2009 and of the group’s profit for the year 
then ended;

•   the group financial statements have been properly prepared 

in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU;

•   the parent company financial statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU 
and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the 
Companies Act 2006; and

•   the financial statements have been prepared in accordance 

with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

24   

ArBUTHnOT BAnKInG GrOUP PlC    

i

N
D
E
P
E
N
D
E
N
T

A
U
D
i
T
O
R
S

’

R
E
P
O
R
T

Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 
2006
In our opinion the information given in the Directors’ Report 
for the financial year for which the financial statements are 
prepared is consistent with the financial statements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters 
where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, 
in our opinion:

•   adequate accounting records have not been kept by the 
parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have 
not been received from branches not visited by us; or

•   the parent company financial statements are not in 

agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

•   certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by 

law are not made; or

•   we have not received all the information and explanations 

we require for our audit.

ian A Dewar (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of kPMG Audit Plc, Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants

One Canada Square
London
E14 5AG
10 March 2010

AnnUAl rEPOrT & ACCOUnTS 2009 

  25

 
 
   
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Interest and similar income 
Interest expense and similar charges 
Net interest income 
Fee and commission income 
Fee and commission expense 
Net fee and commission income 
Gains less losses from dealing in securities 
Operating income 
Impairment losses on loans and advances 
Other income 
Gain on sale of business assets 
Gain on sale of subsidiary 
Operating expenses 
Profit/(loss) before income tax 
Income tax (expense)/credit 

Profit/(loss) for the year 

Foreign currency translation reserve 
Revaluation reserve
– Revaluation of freehold premises 
– Amount transferred to profit or loss on sale 
Other comprehensive income for the period, net of income tax 

Total comprehensive income for the period 

Profit attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company 
Non-controlling interests 

Total comprehensive income attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company 
Non-controlling interests 

Year ended 
31 December 
2009 
£000 

Year ended
31 December
2008
£000

Note 

6 

17 
7 
8 
37 
9 

11 

22,464 
(5,548) 
16,916 
31,816 
(795) 
31,021 
3,763 
51,700 
(2,368) 
2,118 
– 
– 
(46,400) 
5,050 
(1,679) 

3,371 

23,799
(12,395)
11,404
35,241
(961)
34,280
(3,818)
41,866
(977)
–
3,077
1,528
(47,644)
(2,150)
1,152

(998)

41 

(299)

– 
(108) 
(67) 

3,304 

3,507 
(136) 

3,371 

3,440 
(136) 

3,304 

(974)
–
(1,273)

(2,271)

519
(1,517)

(998)

(754)
(1,517)

(2,271)

Earnings per share for profit attributable to the equity holders of the Company during the year
(expressed in pence per share):
– basic and fully diluted 

12 

23.4p 

3.5p

The notes on pages 34 to 77 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

26   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of financial position

i

F
i
n
a
n
c
a
l
s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

ASSETS
Cash 
Derivative financial instruments 
Loans and advances to banks 
Loans and advances to customers 
Trading securities – long positions 
Debt securities held-to-maturity 
Current tax asset 
Other assets 
Financial investments 
Intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Deferred tax asset 

Total assets 

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity attributable to owners of the parent
Share capital 
Share premium account 
Retained earnings 
Other reserves 
Non-controlling interests 
Total equity 

LIABILITIES
Deposits from banks 
Trading securities – short positions 
Derivative financial instruments 
Deposits from customers 
Current tax liability 
Other liabilities 
Deferred tax liability 
Debt securities in issue 
Total liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

Note 

At 31 December

2009 
£000 

2008(1)
£000

13 
24 
14 
16 
15 
18 

22 
19 
20 
21 
28 

30 
30 
31 
31 

23 
15 
24 

26 
28 
27 

230 
236 
54,614 
229,722 
2,659 
127,597 
1,805 
18,754 
5,057 
2,906 
8,552 
383 

452,515 

150 
21,085 
11,684 
(920) 
2,144 
34,143 

2,886 
959 
– 
385,999 
2,208 
13,217 
81 
13,022 
418,372 

452,515 

3,369
–
15,939
163,734
3,523
140,639
1,679
15,053
3,434
2,831
9,448
106

359,755

150
21,085
11,257
(358)
2,280
34,414

2,898
1,036
942
292,890
–
13,603
–
13,972
325,341

359,755

(1)  The comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation (see note 39).

The financial statements on pages 26 to 77 were approved by the Board of directors on 10 March 2010 and were signed on behalf by:

H Angest Director
JR Cobb Director

The notes on pages 34 to 77 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 
ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  27
  27

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Company statement of financial position

ASSETS
Current assets
Due from subsidiary undertakings 
Financial investments 
Other debtors 
Non-current assets
Shares in subsidiary undertakings 
Property, plant and equipment 
Due from subsidiary undertakings 

Total assets 

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity
Share capital 
Share premium account 
Other reserves 
Retained earnings 

Total equity 

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Deposits from banks 
Due to subsidiary undertakings 
Accruals 
Non-current liabilities
Debt securities in issue 
Total liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

Note 

At 31 December

2009 
£000 

2008
£000

19 

35 
21 

30 
30 
31 
31 

27 

6,781 
465 
1,703 

28,624 
78 
7,750 

45,401 

150 
21,085 
(920) 
1,862 

22,177 

2,618 
6,954 
630 

13,022 
23,224 

45,401 

7,414
364
2,087

28,524
74
6,350

44,813

150
21,085
(425)
3,927

24,737

2,609
2,664
831

13,972
20,076

44,813

The Company has elected to take the exemption under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present the Parent Company profit  
and loss account. The profit for the Parent Company for the year is presented in the Statement of changes in equity.

The financial statements on pages 26 to 77 were approved by the Board of directors on 10 March 2010 and were signed on behalf by:

H Angest Director
JR Cobb Director

The notes on pages 34 to 77 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

28   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity

i

F
i
n
a
n
c
a
l
s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Attributable to equity holders of the Company

share 
capital 
£000 

share 
premium 
account 
£000 

Foreign
currency 
translation 
reserve 
£000 

Revaluation 
reserve 
£000 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£000 

Treasury 
shares 
£000 

Retained 
earnings 
£000 

Non-
controlling
interests 
£000 

Total
£000

Balance at 1 January 2009 

150 

21,085 

(299) 

366 

20 

(445) 

11,257 

2,280 

34,414

Total comprehensive income  
for the period
Profit/(loss) for 2009 

Other comprehensive income,  
net of income tax
Foreign currency translation reserve 
Revaluation reserve
– Amount transferred to  
profit and loss on sale 
Total other comprehensive income 
Total comprehensive income  
for the period 

Transactions with owners,  
recorded directly in equity 
Contributions by and  
distributions to owners
Purchase of own shares 
Final dividend relating to 2008 
Interim dividend relating to 2009 
Total contributions by and  
distributions to owners 
Balance at 31 December 2009 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

41 

– 
41 

41 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

(108) 
(108) 

(108) 

– 
– 
– 

– 
150 

– 
21,085 

– 
(258) 

– 
258 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
20 

– 

3,507 

(136) 

3,371

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

41

(108)
(67)

3,507 

(136) 

3,304

(495) 
– 
– 

– 
(1,541) 
(1,539) 

– 
– 
– 

(495)
(1,541)
(1,539)

(495) 
(940) 

(3,080) 
11,684 

– 
2,144 

(3,575)
34,143

The notes on pages 34 to 77 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  29

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity continued

Attributable to equity holders of the Company

share 
capital 
£000 

share 
premium 
account 
£000 

Foreign
currency 
translation 
reserve 
£000 

Revaluation 
reserve 
£000 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£000 

Treasury 
shares 
£000 

Retained 
earnings 
£000 

Non-
controlling
interests 
£000 

Total
£000

150 

21,085 

– 

1,382 

20 

– 

15,419 

4,430 

42,486

Balance at 1 January 2008 
Total comprehensive income  
for the period
Profit/(loss) for 2008 

– 

Other comprehensive income,  
net of income tax
Foreign currency translation reserve 
Revaluation reserve
– Revaluation of freehold premises 
– Amount transferred to  
– 
profit or loss on sale 
Total other comprehensive income 
– 
Total comprehensive income for the period  – 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

(299) 

– 

– 

– 

(974) 

– 
(299) 
(299) 

(42) 
(1,016) 
(1,016) 

Transactions with owners,  
recorded directly in equity
Contributions by and  
distributions to owners
Sale of Arbuthnot Commercial 
Finance Limited 
Purchase of own shares 
Final dividend relating to 2007 
New share capital subscribed 
Transfer to retained earnings  
in lieu of cash dividends 
Interim dividend relating to 2008 
Total contributions by and  
distributions to owners 
Balance at 31 December 2008 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
213 

(213) 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

519 

(1,517) 

(998)

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(299)

(974)

42 
42 
561 

– 
- 
(1,517) 

–
(1,273)
(2,271)

– 
(445) 
– 
– 

– 
– 
(3,361) 
– 

(26) 
– 
(607) 
– 

(26)
(445)
(3,968)
213

– 
– 

213 
(1,575) 

– 
– 

–
(1,575)

– 
150 

– 
21,085 

– 
(299) 

– 
366 

– 
20 

(445) 
(445) 

(4,723) 
11,257 

(633) 
2,280 

(5,801)
34,414

The notes on pages 34 to 77 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

30   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity continued

Company statement of changes in equity

i

F
i
n
a
n
c
a
l
s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Attributable to equity holders of the Company

share 
capital 
£000 

share 
premium 
account 
£000 

Capital
redemption 
reserve 
£000 

Balance at 1 January 2008 

Total comprehensive income for the period 

Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Contributions by and distributions to owners
Purchase of own shares 
Final dividend relating to 2007 
New share capital subscribed 
Transfer to retained earnings in lieu of cash dividends 
Interim dividend relating to 2008 
Total contributions by and distributions to owners 
Balance at 1 January 2009 

150 

21,085 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
150 

– 
– 
213 
(213) 
– 
– 
21,085 

Total comprehensive income for the period 

– 

– 

Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity
Contributions by and distributions to owners
Purchase of own shares 
Final dividend relating to 2008 
Interim dividend relating to 2009 
Total contributions by and distributions to owners 
Balance at 31 December 2009 

– 
– 
– 
– 
150 

– 
– 
– 
– 
21,085 

20 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
20 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
20 

Treasury 
shares 
£000 

Retained
earnings 
£000 

Total
£000

– 

– 

5,000 

26,255

3,650 

3,650

(445) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(445) 
(445) 

– 
(3,361) 
– 
213 
(1,575) 
(4,723) 
3,927 

(445)
(3,361)
213
–
(1,575)
(5,168)
24,737

– 

1,015 

1,015

(495) 
– 
– 
(495) 
(940) 

– 
(1,541) 
(1,539) 
(3,080) 
1,862 

(495)
(1,541)
(1,539)
(3,575)
22,177

The notes on pages 34 to 77 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  31

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of cash flows

Year ended 
31 December 
2009 
£000 

Year ended
31 December

2008(1)
£000

Note 

22,464 
(5,548) 
31,021 
5,881 
202 
(46,183) 
207 

8,044 

787 
(1,178) 
(68,369) 
(3,701) 
(12) 
93,109 
(494) 

28,294 

(1,623) 
(426) 
(543) 
– 
– 
367 
(248,688) 
253,730 

23,663
(12,185)
34,280
(3,818)
213
(45,636)
1,280

(2,203)

15,478
–
6,442
20,661
(9,828)
(8,030)
(27,746)

(5,226)

2,767
(255)
(1,318)
3,565
2,996
659
(277,343)
251,305

2,817 

(17,624)

(495) 
(3,080) 
(3,575) 

27,536 
27,308 

54,844 

(445)
(5,330)
(5,775)

(28,625)
55,933

27,308

20 
21 

37 

33 

Cash flows from operating activities
Interest and similar income received 
Interest and similar charges paid 
Fees and commissions received 
Net trading and other income 
Recoveries on loans previously written off 
Cash payments to employees and suppliers 
Taxation received 

Cash flows from operating profits/(losses) before changes in operating assets and liabilities 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
– net decrease in trading securities 
– net increase in derivative financial instruments 
– net (increase)/decrease in loans and advances to customers 
– net (increase)/decrease in other assets 
– net decrease in deposits from other banks 
– net increase/(decrease) in amounts due to customers 
– net decrease in other liabilities 

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities
(Acquisition)/disposal of financial investments 
Purchase of computer software 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Proceeds from disposal of businesses 
Disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash and cash equivalents disposed 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 
Purchases of debt securities 
Proceeds from sale of debt securities 

Net cash from investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities
Purchase of treasury shares 
Dividends paid 
Net cash used in financing activities 

Net incerease/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 

(1)  The comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation (see note 39).

The notes on pages 34 to 77 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

32   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company statement of cash flows

Cash flows from operating activities
Dividends received from subsidiaries 
Interest and similar income received 
Interest and similar charges paid 
Net trading and other income 
Cash payments to employees and suppliers 
Taxation received 
Cash flows from operating profits before changes in operating assets and liabilities 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
– net decrease/(increase) in group company balances 
– net decrease in other assets 
– net increase in other liabilities 

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities
Loans to subsidiary companies 
Increase investment in subsidiary 
Disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash and cash equivalents disposed 
(Acquisition)/disposal of financial investments 
Disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

Net cash from investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities
Purchase of treasury shares 
Dividends paid 
Net cash used in financing activities 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 

i

F
i
n
a
n
c
a
l
s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Year ended 
31 December 
2009 
£000 

Year ended
31 December
2008
£000

Note 

4,126 
359 
(747) 
741 
(5,549) 
1,121 
51 

4,923 
384 
(201) 

5,157 

(1,400) 
(100) 
– 
(101) 
17 
(7) 

(1,591) 

(495) 
(3,080) 
3,575) 

(9) 
(2,609) 

(2,618) 

5,627
912
(1,461)
(702)
(1,332)
1,632
4,676

(6,793)
58
(378)

(2,437)

2,000
–
2,842
1,409
25
(3)

6,273

(445)
(4,724)
5,169)

(1,333)
(1,276)

(2,609)

21 

33 

The notes on pages 34 to 77 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  33

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal accounting policies

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below. These policies have been 
consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

1.1. Reporting entity
Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC is a company domiciled in the United Kingdom. The registered address of the Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC is 
One Arleston Way, Solihull B90 4LH. The consolidated financial statements of the Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC as at and for the year ended 
31 December 2009 comprise the Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “Group” and individually as 
“subsidiaries”). The Company is primarily involved in banking and financial services.

1.2. Basis of presentation
The Group’s consolidated financial statements and the Company’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs as adopted and endorsed by the EU), IFRIC Interpretations and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to 
companies reporting under IFRS. They have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of land and 
buildings, available-for-sale financial assets, and financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires 
management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement 
or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements are disclosed in note 2.

The Group’s business activities and financial position, the factors likely to affect its future development and performance, and its objectives and 
policies in managing the financial risks to which it is exposed and its capital are discussed in the Financial Review. The Directors have assessed, 
in the light of current and anticipated economic conditions, the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Directors confirm they are 
satisfied that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in business for the forseeable future. For this reason, they 
continue to adopt the ‘going concern’ basis for preparing accounts.

(a) Standards, interpretations and amendments effective in 2009 – relevant to the Group
•

IAS 1 (Revised), ‘Presentation of financial statements’. Revises the overall requirements for the presentation of financial statements, guidance 
for their structure and minimum content requirements. The revised standard requires the presentation of all non-owner changes in equity 
within a statement of comprehensive income.

•

•

•

•

IFRS 2 (Amendment), ‘Share-based payment’. The amendment restricts the definition of vesting conditions to include only service conditions 
and performance conditions and deals with the accounting consequences of a failure to meet a condition other than a vesting condition 
including how to deal with cancellations by the counterparty and circumstances where neither the entity nor the counterparty is in a position 
to choose whether or not to meet a vesting condition.

IAS 32 (Amendment), ‘Financial instruments: Presentation’, and IAS 1 (Amendment), ‘Presentation of financial statements’ – ‘Puttable 
financial instruments and obligations arising on liquidation’. The amended standards require entities to classify puttable financial 
instruments and instruments, or components of instruments that impose on the entity an obligation to deliver to another party a pro rata 
share of the net assets of the entity only on liquidation as equity, provided the financial instruments have particular features and meet specific 
conditions.

IFRS 7 (Amendment), ‘Financial instruments: Disclosure’. The amendment requires enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements  
and liquidity risk in respect of financial instruments. The main change relates to fair value measurements which should now be disclosed  
in a 3 level hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs. Specific disclosures are required for Level 3 (significant unobservable inputs), 
movements between level 1 and 2, and around changes in valuation techniques between different periods.

IFRS 8, ‘Operating segments’. IFRS 8 replaces IAS 14 Segment Reporting and requires a ‘management approach’, under which segment 
information is presented on the same basis as that used for internal reporting purposes.

•

Improvements to IFRSs. Sets out minor amendments to IFRS standards as part of annual improvements process.

34   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

n
o
t
e
s

1.2. Basis of presentation continued
(b)  Standards, interpretations and amendments to existing standards that are not yet effective and have not been early adopted by the Group
The following standards, interpretations and amendments to existing standards have been published and are mandatory for the Group’s 
accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010 or later periods, but the Group has not early adopted them:

•

•

•

•

IFRS 3 (Revised), ‘Business combinations’ (effective from 1 July 2009). The revised standard continues to apply the acquisition method to 
business combinations, however, all payments to purchase a business are to be recorded at fair value at the acquisition date, with contingent 
payments classified as debt subsequently re-measured through the statement of comprehensive income. There is a choice on an acquisition-
by-acquisition basis to measure the non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair vale or at the non-controlling interest’s 
proportionate share of the acquiree’s net assets. All acquisition-related costs should be expensed.

IAS 27 (Revised), ‘Consolidated and separate financial statements’ (effective from 1 July 2009). The revised standard requires the effects of 
all transactions with non-controlling interests to be recorded in equity if there is no change in control. Any remaining interest in an investee 
is re-measured to fair value in determining the gain or loss recognised in profit or loss where control over the investee is lost.

IAS 24 (Revised), ‘Related party disclosures’ (effective from 1 January 2011). The revised standard includes an exemption from the 
disclosure requirements for related party transactions between “state-controlled” entities and includes a revised definition for related parties. 
The revised standard will not have a material impact on the Group’s financial accounts.*

IFRS 9, ‘Financial instruments’ (effective from 1 January 2013). This standard deals with the classification and measurement of financial 
assets and will replace IAS 39. The requirements of this standard represent a significant change from the existing requirements in IAS 39. 
The standard contains two primary measurement categories for financial assets: amortised cost and fair value. The standard eliminates  
the existing IAS 39 categories of ‘held to maturity’, ‘available for sale’ and ‘ loans and receivables’. The potential effect of this standard is 
currently being evaluated but it is expected to have a pervasive impact on the Group’s financial statements, due to the nature of the Group’s 
operations.*

* The revised IAS 24 and IFRS 9 have not yet been endorsed by the EU.

1.3. consolidation
(a) Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are all entities (including special purpose entities) over which the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating 
policies, generally accompanying a shareholding of more than one-half of the voting rights. The existence and effect of potential voting rights 
that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing whether the Group controls another entity. Subsidiaries are fully 
consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are de-consolidated from the date that control ceases.

The purchase method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group. The cost of an acquisition is measured  
as the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange, plus costs directly 
attributable to the acquisition. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are 
measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any non-controlling interest. The excess of the cost of 
acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s shares of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less 
than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognised directly in the statement of comprehensive income.

Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also 
eliminated. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

(b) Special purpose entities
Special purpose entities (SPEs) are entities that are created to accomplish a narrow and well-defined objective such as the securitisation of 
particular assets, or the execution of a specific borrowing or lending transaction. SPEs are consolidated when the substance of the relationship 
between the Group and the entity and the evaluation of the Group’s exposure to the risks and rewards of the SPE indicates control. The 
following circumstances may indicate control by the Group and would therefore require consolidation of the SPE:

•

•

in substance, the activities of the SPE are being conducted on behalf of the entity according to its specific business needs so that the entity 
obtains benefits from the SPE’s operation;

in substance, the entity has the decision-making powers to obtain the majority of the benefits of the activities of the SPE or, by setting up an 
‘autopilot’ mechanism, the entity has delegated these decision-making powers;

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  35

   
Principal accounting policies

1.3. consolidation continued
(b) Special purpose entities continued
•

in substance, the entity has rights to obtain the majority of the benefits of the SPE and therefore may be exposed to risks incident to the 
activities of the SPE; or

•

in substance, the entity retains the majority of the residual or ownership risks related to the SPE or its assets in order to obtain benefits from 
its activities.

The assessment of whether the Group has control over an SPE is carried out at inception and the initial assessment is only reconsidered at a  
later date if there were any changes to the structure or terms of the SPE, or there were additional transactions between the Group and the SPE.

(c) Transactions and non-controlling interests
The Group applies a policy of treating transactions with non-controlling interests as transactions with parties external to the Group. Disposals  
to non-controlling interests results in gains and losses for the Group that are recorded in the statement of comprehensive income. Purchases from 
non-controlling interests result in goodwill, being the difference between any consideration paid and the relevant share acquired of the carrying 
value of net assets of the subsidiary.

1.4. segment reporting
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Group Board. The Group Board, which  
is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the chief operating decision 
maker. All transactions between segments are conducted on an arm’s length basis. Income and expenses directly associated with each segment 
are included in determining segment performance. There are four main operating segments:

•
•
•
•

Retail Banking
International Private Banking
UK Private Banking
Investment Banking

1.5. Foreign currency translation
(a) Functional and presentational currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment 
in which the entity operates (‘the functional currency’). The consolidated financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, which is the 
Company’s functional and the Group’s presentational currency.

(b) Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions  
or valuation where items are remeasured. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the 
translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the statement of 
comprehensive income.

c) Group companies
The results and financial position of all the Group entities (none of which has the currency of a hyperinflationary economy) that have a 
functional currency different from the presentational currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

•

•

assets and liabilities for each statement of financial position presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that statement of 
financial position;

income and expenses for each statement of comprehensive income are translated at average exchange rates (unless this average is not a 
reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses  
are translated at the rate on the dates of the transactions); and

•

all resulting exchange differences are recognised as a separate component of equity.

36   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

n
o
t
e
s

1.5. Foreign currency translation continued
c) Group companies continued
On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations, and of borrowings and other 
currency instruments designated as hedges of such investments, are taken to shareholders’ equity. When a foreign operation is partially disposed 
of or sold, exchange differences that were recorded in equity are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income as part of the gain or loss 
on sale.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and 
translated at the closing rate.

1.6. interest income and expense
Interest income and expense are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income for all instruments measured at amortised cost using the 
effective interest method.

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset or a financial liability and of allocating the interest 
income or interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments  
or receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument or, when appropriate, a shorter period to the net carrying amount of the financial 
asset or financial liability. When calculating the effective interest rate, the Group takes into account all contractual terms of the financial instrument 
but does not consider future credit losses. The calculation includes all fees paid or received between parties to the contract that are an integral 
part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and all other premiums or discounts.

Once a financial asset or a group of similar financial assets has been written down as a result of an impairment loss, interest income is recognised 
using the rate of interest used to discount the future cash flows for the purpose of measuring the impairment loss.

1.7. Fee and commission income
Fees and commissions which are not considered integral to the effective interest rate are generally recognised on an accrual basis when the service 
has been provided. Loan commitment fees are deferred and recognised as an adjustment to the effective interest rate on the loan. Commission 
and fees arising from negotiating, or participating in the negotiation of, a transaction for a third party — such as the issue or the acquisition of 
shares or other securities or the purchase or sale of businesses — are recognised on completion of the underlying transaction. Asset and other 
management, advisory and service fees are recognised based on the applicable service contracts, usually on a time apportioned basis. The same 
principle is applied for financial planning and insurance services that are continuously provided over an extended period of time.

1.8. Gains less losses arising from dealing in securities
This includes the net gains arising from both buying and selling securities and from positions held in securities, including related interest income 
and dividends, recognised on trade-date – the date on which the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset.

1.9. Financial assets and financial liabilities
The Group classifies its financial assets and financial liabilities in the following categories: financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value 
through profit or loss; loans and receivables; held-to-maturity investments; available-for-sale financial assets and other financial liabilities. 
Management determines the classification of its investments at initial recognition. A financial asset or financial liability is measured initially  
at fair value plus, for an item not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to its acquisition or issue.

(a) Financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
This category comprises financial assets and financial liabilities held for trading and listed securities. All listed securities are held for trading. 
Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are initially recognised on trade-date – the date on which the Group becomes  
a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are subsequently 
carried at fair value.

(b) 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 arise 
when the Group provides money, goods or services directly to a debtor with no intention of trading the receivable. Loans are recognised when 
cash is advanced to the borrowers. Loans and receivables are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

(c) Held-to-maturity
Held-to-maturity investments are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturities that the Group’s 
management has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity. Held-to-maturity investments are carried at amortised cost using the 
effective interest method.

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  37

   
Principal accounting policies

1.9. Financial assets and financial liabilities continued
(d) Available-for-sale
Available-for-sale investments are those intended to be held for an indefinite period of time, which may be sold in response to needs for liquidity 
or changes in interest rates exchange rates, or equity prices. Included in available-for-sale are equity investments, in special purpose vehicles set 
up to acquire and enhance the value of commercial properties and equity investments in unquoted vehicles. These investments are of a medium 
term nature. There is no open market for these assets and there are no available-for-sale debt securities. Unquoted equity securities whose fair 
value cannot reliably be measured are carried at cost. All other available-for-sale investments are carried at fair value. Fair value changes on the 
equity securities are recognised in other comprehensive income (fair value reserve) until the investment is sold or impaired. Once sold or impaired 
the cumulative gains or losses previously recognised in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss.

(e) Other financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities are non-derivative financial liabilities with fixed or determinable payments. Other financial liabilities are recognised 
when cash is received from the depositors. Other financial liabilities are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition
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. Any interest in transferred financial assets that qualify for derecognition that is created or 
retained by the Group is recognised as a separate asset or liability in the statement of financial position. In transactions in which the Group 
neither retains nor transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a financial asset and it retains control over the asset, the 
Group continues to recognise the asset to the extent of its continuing involvement, determined by the extent to which it is exposed to changes  
in the value of the transferred asset. There has not been any instances where assets have only been partially derecognised.

The Group derecognises a financial liability when its contractual obligations are discharged or cancelled or expire.

Amortised cost measurement
The amortised cost of a financial asset or financial liability is the amount at which the financial asset or financial liability is measured at initial 
recognition, minus principal payments, plus or minus the cumulative amortisation using the effective interest method of any difference between 
the initial amount recognised and the maturity amount, minus any reduction for impairment.

Fair value measurement
Fair value is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged, or a liability settled, between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm’s length 
transaction on the measurement date. The fair value of assets and liabilities traded in active markets are based on current bid and offer prices 
respectively. If the market is not active the Group establishes a fair value by using appropriate valuation techniques. These include the use of 
recent arm’s length transactions, reference to other instruments that are substantially the same for which market observable prices exist, net 
present value and discounted cash flow analysis.

1.10. Derivative financial instruments
All derivatives are recognised at their fair value. Fair values are obtained from quoted market prices in active markets, including recent arm’s 
length transactions. Derivatives are shown in the statement of financial position as assets when their fair value is positive and as liabilities when 
their fair value is negative. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognised immediately in the statement of comprehensive income.

1.11. offsetting financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the statement of financial position 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.

1.12. impairment of financial assets
(a) Assets carried at amortised cost
On an ongoing basis the Group assesses whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired.  
A financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired and impairment losses are incurred if, and only if, there is objective evidence  
of impairment as a result of one or more events that 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.

38   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

n
o
t
e
s

1.12. impairment of financial assets continued
(a) Assets carried at amortised cost continued
The criteria that the Group uses to determine that there is objective evidence of an impairment loss include, but are not limited to, the following:

•
•
•
•
•

Delinquency in contractual payments of principal or interest;
Cash flow difficulties experienced by the borrower;
Initiation of bankruptcy proceedings;
Deterioration in the value of collateral;
Deterioration of the borrower’s competitive position.

If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss on loans and receivables or held-to-maturity investments carried at amortised cost 
has been incurred, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of 
estimated future cash flows discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced 
through the use of an allowance account and the amount of the loss is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. If a loan  
or held-to maturity investment has a variable interest rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment loss is the current effective 
interest rate determined under the contract. When a loan is uncollectible it is written off against the related provision for loan impairment. 
Such loans are written off after all the necessary procedures have been completed and the amount of the loss has been determined. 
Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off decrease the amount of the provision for loan impairment in the statement of 
comprehensive income.

(b) Assets classified as available-for-sale
The Group assesses at each statement of financial position date whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of 
financial assets is impaired. In the case of equity investments classified as available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair 
value of the security below its cost is considered as an indicator that the securities are impaired. If any such evidence exists for available-
for-sale financial assets, the cumulative loss – measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and the current fair value, less any 
impairment loss on that financial asset previously recognised in profit or loss – is removed from equity and recognised in the statement of 
comprehensive income. Impairment losses recognised in the statement of comprehensive income on equity instruments are not reversed 
through the statement of comprehensive income.

(c) Renegotiated loans
Loans that are either subject to collective impairment assessment or individually significant and whose terms have been renegotiated are no 
longer considered to be past due but are treated as new loans.

1.13. intangible assets
(a) 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 at the date of acquisition. Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries is included in ‘intangible assets’. Gains and losses on the disposal of 
an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

The Group reviews the goodwill for impairment at least annually or when events or changes in economic circumstances indicate that impairment 
may have taken place and carry goodwill at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Assets are grouped together into the smallest group of assets 
that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets (the “cash-
generating unit” or “CGU”). For impairment testing purposes goodwill cannot be allocated to a CGU that is greater than a reported operating 
segment. CGUs to which goodwill has been allocated are aggregated so that the level at which impairment is tested reflects the lowest level at 
which goodwill is monitored for internal reporting purposes. Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to groups of CGUs that 
are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination.

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  39

   
Principal accounting policies

1.13. intangible assets continued
(a) Goodwill continued
The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. Management considers the 
value in use for the core Arbuthnot Latham CGU (currently the only CGU with goodwill attached to it) to be the discounted cash flow over 
5 years with a terminal value (2008: 5 years with a terminal value). The 5 year plan with a terminal value is considered to be appropriate 
as the goodwill relates to an ongoing well established business and not underlying assets with finite lives. A growth rate of 7% (2008: 7%) 
was used for income and 4% (2008: 4%) for expenditure from 2010 to 2012 (these rates were the best estimate of future forecasted performance), 
while a 4% (2008: 4%) percent growth rate for income and expenditure (a more conservative approach was taken for latter years as these 
were not budgeted for in detail as per the three year plan approved by the Board of Directors) was used for cash flows after the approved 
three year plan. Cash flows were discounted at a pre-tax rate of 12% (2008: 12%) to their net present value. The discount rate of 12% is 
considered to be appropriate after evaluating current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the assets or CGUs.

Impairment losses are recognised in profit and loss if the carrying amounts exceed the recoverable amounts.

(b) Computer software
Acquired computer software licences are capitalised on the basis of the costs incurred to acquire and bring to use the specific software.  
These costs are amortised on the basis of the expected useful lives (three to five years).

Costs associated with developing or maintaining computer software programs are recognised as an expense as incurred.

1.14. Property, plant and equipment
Land and buildings comprise mainly branches and offices and are stated at the latest valuation with subsequent additions at cost less 
depreciation. Plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less depreciation. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable  
to the acquisition of the items.

Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on other assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost to their residual values 
over their estimated useful lives, applying the following annual rates, which are subject to regular review:

Freehold buildings 
Office equipment 
Computer equipment 
Motor vehicles 

2%
5% to 15%
20% to 33%
25%

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amounts. These are included in the statement of 
comprehensive income. Depreciation on revalued freehold buildings is calculated using the straight-line method over the remaining useful life.

1.15. leases
(a) As a lessor
Assets leased to customers under agreements which transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership, with or without ultimate legal 
title, are classified as finance leases. When assets are held subject to finance leases, the present value of the lease payments is recognised as a 
receivable. The difference between the gross receivable and the present value of the receivable is recognised as unearned finance income. Lease 
income is recognised over the term of the lease using the net investment method, which reflects a constant periodic rate of return.

Assets leased to customers under agreements which do not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as operating 
leases. When assets are held subject to operating leases, the underlying assets are held at cost less accumulated depreciation. The assets are 
depreciated down to their estimated residual values on a straight line basis over the lease term. Lease rental income is recognised on a straight 
line basis over the lease term.

(b) As a lessee
Rentals made under operating leases are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.

40   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

n
o
t
e
s

1.16. cash and cash equivalents
For the purposes of the statement of cash flow, cash and cash equivalents comprises cash on hand and demand deposits, and cash equivalents 
comprise highly liquid investments that are convertible into cash with an insignificant risk of changes in value with a maturity of three months or 
less at the date of acquisition, including certain loans and advances to banks and building societies and short-term highly liquid debt securities.

1.17. employee benefits
(a) Post-retirement obligations
The Group contributes to a defined contribution scheme and to individual defined contribution schemes for the benefit of certain employees.  
The schemes are funded through payments to insurance companies or trustee-administered funds at the contribution rates agreed with  
individual employees.

The Group has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognised as an employee benefit 
expense when they are due. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in the future 
payments is available.

There are no post-retirement benefits other than pensions.

(b) Share-based compensation
The Group operates a number of equity-settled, share-based compensation plans. The fair value of the employee services received in exchange  
for the grant of the options is recognised as an expense. The total amount to be expensed over the vesting period is determined by reference to 
the fair value of the options granted, excluding the impact of any non-market vesting conditions (for example, profitability and sales growth 
targets). Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options that are expected to vest. At each statement of 
financial position date, the entity revises its estimates of the number of options that are expected to vest. It recognises the impact of the revision 
to original estimates, if any, in the statement of comprehensive income, with a corresponding adjustment to equity.

The proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium when  
the options are exercised.

The grant by the Company of options over its equity instruments to the employees of subsidiary undertakings in the Group is treated as a capital 
contribution. The fair value of employee services received, measured by reference to the grant date fair value, is recognised over the investing 
period as an increase to investment in subsidiary undertakings, with a corresponding credit to equity.

1.18. taxation
Current income tax which is payable on taxable profits is recognised as an expense in the period in which the profits arise. Income tax 
recoverable on tax allowable losses is recognised as an asset only to the extent that it is regarded as recoverable by offset against current or 
future taxable profits.

Deferred tax is provided in full on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the 
consolidated financial statements. However, deferred tax is not accounted for if it arises from the initial recognition of goodwill, the initial 
recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting 
nor taxable profit or loss, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they probably will not reverse in the foreseeable 
future. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the statement of financial position 
date and are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred tax liability is settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognised where it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary differences can 
be utilised.

1.19. issued debt and equity securities
Issued financial instruments or their components are classified as liabilities where the contractual arrangement results in the Group having a 
present obligation to either deliver cash or another financial asset to the holder; to exchange financial instruments on terms that are potentially 
unfavourable. Issued financial instruments, or their components, are classified as equity where they meet the definition of equity and confer on 
the holder a residual interest in the assets of the Company. The components of issued financial instruments that contain both liability and equity 
elements are accounted for separately with the equity component being assigned the residual amount after deducting from the instrument as a 
whole the amount separately determined as the fair value of the liability component.

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  41

   
Principal accounting policies

1.19. issued debt and equity securities continued
Financial liabilities, other than trading liabilities and financial liabilities designated at fair value, are carried at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method as set out in policy 1.6. Equity instruments, including share capital, are initially recognised at net proceeds, after deducting 
transaction costs and any related income tax. Dividend and other payments to equity holders are deducted from equity, net of any related tax.

1.20. share capital
(a) Share issue costs
Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options or to the acquisition of a business are shown in equity as a deduction, 
net of tax, from the proceeds.

(b) Dividends on ordinary shares
Dividends on ordinary shares are recognised in equity in the period in which they are approved.

(c) Share buybacks
Where any Group company purchases the Company’s equity share capital (treasury shares), the consideration paid, including any directly 
attributable incremental costs (net of income taxes) is deducted from equity attributable to the Company’s equity holders until the shares are 
cancelled or reissued.

1.21. Fiduciary activities
The Group commonly acts as trustees and in other fiduciary capacities that result in the holding or placing of assets on behalf of individuals, 
trusts, retirement benefit plans and other institutions. These assets and income arising thereon are excluded from these financial statements, as 
they are not assets of the Group.

42   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

n
o
t
e
s

2. critical accounting estimates and judgements in applying accounting policies
The Group makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year. Estimates 
and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that 
are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

2.1. estimation uncertainty
Credit losses
The Group reviews its loan portfolios and held-to-maturity investments to assess impairment at least on a half-yearly basis. The basis for 
evaluating impairment losses is described in accounting policy 1.12. Where financial assets are individually evaluated for impairment, 
management uses their best estimates in calculating the net present value of future cash flows. Management has to make judgements on the 
financial position of the counterparty and the net realisable value of collateral, in determining the expected future cash flows.

In determining whether an impairment loss should be recorded in the statement of comprehensive income, the Group makes judgements as to 
whether there is any observable data indicating that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows from a portfolio of loans or 
held-to-maturity investments with similar credit characteristics, before the decrease can be identified with an individual loan in that portfolio. 
This evidence may include observable data indicating that there has been an adverse change in the payment status of borrowers in a group, or 
national or local economic conditions that correlate with defaults on assets in the group. Management uses estimates based on historical loss 
experience for assets with credit risk characteristics and objective evidence of impairment similar to those in the portfolio when scheduling its 
future cash flows. The methodology and assumptions used for estimating both the amount and timing of future cash flows are reviewed 
regularly to reduce any differences between loss estimates and actual loss experience.

Goodwill impairment
The accounting policy for goodwill is described in note 1.13 (a). The Company reviews the goodwill for impairment at least annually or when 
events or changes in economic circumstances indicate that impairment may have taken place. Significant management judgements are made in 
estimations, to evaluate whether an impairment of goodwill is necessary. Impairment testing is done at CGU level and the following two items, 
with judgements surrounding them, have a significant impact on the estimations used in determining the necessity of an impairment charge:

•

•

Future cash flows – Cash flow forecasts reflect managements view of future business forecasts at the time of the assessment. A detailed three 
year budget is done every year and management also uses judgement in applying a growth rate. The accuracy of future cash flows is subject 
to a high degree of uncertainty in volatile market conditions. During such conditions, management would do impairment testing more 
frequently than annually to ensure that the assumptions applied are still valid in the current market conditions.

Discount rate – Management also apply judgement in determining the discount rate used to discount future expected cash flows.  
The discount rate is derived from the cost of capital for each CGU.

At the time of the impairment testing, if the future expected cash flows decline and/or the cost of capital has increased, then the recoverable 
amount will reduce.

2.2. Judgements
Impairment of equity securities
A significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of an equity security is objective evidence of impairment. The Group regards a decline of more 
than 20 percent in fair value as “significant” and a decline in the quoted market price that persists for nine months or longer as “prolonged”.

Valuation of financial instruments
Fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities that are traded in active markets are based on quoted market prices. If the market is not 
active the Group establishes a fair value by using appropriate valuation techniques. These include the use of recent arm’s length transactions, 
reference to other instruments that are substantially the same for which market observable prices exist, net present value and discounted cash 
flow analysis. The objective of valuation techniques is to determine the fair value of the financial instrument at the reporting date as the price 
that would have been agreed between active market participants in an arm’s length transaction.

The Group measure fair value using the following fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making measurements:

•
•

•

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices)  
or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  43

   
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

2.2. Judgements continued
Valuation of financial instruments continued
The tables below analyse financial instruments measured at fair value by the level in the fair value hierarchy into which the measurement  
is categorised:

At 31 December 2009 

Trading securities – long positions 
Derivative financial instruments 

Trading securities – short positions 

At 31 December 2008 

Trading securities – long positions 

Trading securities – short positions 
Derivative financial instruments 

Level 1 
£000 

2,633 
– 
2,633 

959 
959 

Level 1 
£000 

3,093 
3,093 

1,036 
– 
1,036 

Level 2 
£000 

26 
236 
162 

– 
– 

Level 2 
£000 

158 
158 

– 
942 
942 

There were no significant transfers between level 1 and level 2 during the year.

The following table reconciles the movement in level 3 financial instruments during the year:

Movement in level 3 

At 1 January 
Losses recognised in the profit and loss 

At 31 December 

Level 3 
£000 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

Level 3 
£000 

272 
272 

– 
– 
– 

2009 
£000 

272 
(272) 

– 

Total
£000

2,659
236
2,895

959
959

Total
£000

3,523
3,523

1,036
942
1,978

2008
£000

272
–

272

44   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
n
o
t
e
s

Due within 
one year 
£000 

230 
236 
54,614 
203,751 
2,659 
119,559 
1,805 
16,674 
1,533 
– 
– 
– 

401,061 

2,886 
959 
384,583 
2,208 
13,214 
– 
81 

403,931 

Due after
more than
one year 
£000 

– 
– 
– 
25,971 
– 
8,038 
– 
2,080 
3,524 
2,906 
8,552 
383 

51,454 

– 
– 
1,416 
– 
3 
13,022 
– 

 14,441  

Total
£000

230
236
54,614
229,722
2,659
127,597
1,805
18,754
5,057
2,906
8,552
383

452,515

2,886
959
385,999
2,208
13,217
13,022
81

418,372

3. maturity analysis of assets and liabilities
The table below shows the maturity analysis of assets and liabilities as at 31 December 2009:

At 31 December 2009 

ASSETS
Cash 
Derivative financial instruments 
Loans and advances to banks 
Loans and advances to customers 
Trading securities – long positions 
Debt securities held-to-maturity 
Current tax asset 
Other assets 
Financial investments 
Intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Deferred tax asset 

Total assets 

LIABILITIES
Deposits from banks 
Trading securities – short positions 
Deposits from customers 
Current tax liability 
Other liabilities 
Debt securities in issue 
Deferred tax liabilities 

Total liabilities  

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  45

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

3. maturity analysis of assets and liabilities (continued)
The table below shows the maturity analysis of assets and liabilities as at 31 December 2009:

At 31 December 2008 

ASSETS
Cash 
Loans and advances to banks 
Loans and advances to customers 
Trading securities – long positions 
Debt securities held-to-maturity 
Current tax asset 
Other assets 
Financial investments 
Intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Deferred tax asset 

Total assets 

LIABILITIES
Deposits from banks 
Trading securities – short positions 
Derivative financial instruments 
Deposits from customers 
Other liabilities 
Debt securities in issue 

Total liabilities 

Due within 
one year 
£000 

3,369 
15,939 
141,547 
3,523 
140,639 
1,679 
14,348 
– 
– 
– 
– 

321,044 

2,898 
1,036 
942 
292,054 
9,771 
– 

306,701 

Due after
more than
one year 
£000 

– 
– 
22,187 
– 
– 
– 
705 
3,434 
2,831 
9,448 
106 

38,711 

– 
– 
– 
836 
3,832 
13,972 

18,640 

Total
£000

3,369
15,939
163,734
3,523
140,639
1,679
15,053
3,434
2,831
9,448
106

359,755

2,898
1,036
942
292,890
13,603
13,972

325,341

The comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation (see note 39).

4. Financial risk management
Strategy
By their nature, the Group’s activities are principally related to the use of financial instruments. The Directors and senior management of the 
Group have formally adopted a Group Risk and Controls Policy which sets out the Board’s attitude to risk and internal controls. Key risks 
identified by the Directors are formally reviewed and assessed at least once a year by the Board, in addition to which key business risks are 
identified, evaluated and managed by operating management on an ongoing basis by means of procedures such as physical controls, credit and 
other authorisation limits and segregation of duties. The Board also receives regular reports on any risk matters that need to be brought to its 
attention. Significant risks identified in connection with the development of new activities are subject to consideration by the Board. There are 
budgeting procedures in place and reports are presented regularly to the Board detailing the results of each principal business unit, variances 
against budget and prior year, and other performance data.

The principal non-operational risks inherent in the Group’s business are credit, market and liquidity risks.

(a) Credit risk
The Company and Group takes on exposure to credit risk, which is the risk that a counterparty will be unable to pay amounts in full when due. 
Impairment provisions are provided for losses that have been incurred at the statement of financial position date. Significant changes in the 
economy, or in the health of a particular industry segment that represents a concentration in the Company and Group’s portfolio, could result 
in losses that are different from those provided for at the statement of financial position date. Credit risk is managed through the Credit 
Committees of the banking subsidiaries, with significant exposures also being approved by the Group Risk Committee.

46   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
n
o
t
e
s

4. Financial risk management continued
(a) Credit risk continued
The Company and Group structure the levels of credit risk they undertake by placing limits on the amount of risk accepted in relation to one 
borrower or groups of borrowers. Such risks are monitored on a revolving basis and subject to an annual or more frequent review. The limits  
are approved periodically by the Board of Directors and actual exposures against limits are monitored daily.

Exposure to credit risk is managed through regular analysis of the ability of borrowers and potential borrowers to meet interest and capital 
repayment obligations and by changing these lending limits where appropriate. Exposure to credit risk is also managed in part by obtaining 
collateral and corporate and personal guarantees.

The Group employs a range of policies and practices to mitigate credit risk. The most traditional of these is the taking of collateral for fund 
advances, which is common practice. The principal collateral types for loans and advances include, but are not limited to:

•
•
•
•
•

Charges over residential and commercial properties;
Charges over business assets such as premises, inventory and accounts receivable;
Charges over financial instruments such as debt securities and equities;
Personal guarantees; and
Charges over other chattels.

Upon initial recognition of loans and advances, the fair value of collateral is based on valuation techniques commonly used for the corresponding 
assets. In order to minimise any potential credit loss the Group will seek additional collateral from the counterparty as soon as impairment 
indicators are noticed for the relevant individual loans and advances. Repossessed collateral, not readily convertible into cash, is made available 
for sale in an orderly fashion, with the proceeds used to reduce or repay the outstanding indebtedness. Where excess funds are available after  
the debt has been repaid, they are available either for other secured lenders with lower priority or are returned to the customer.

Commitments to extend credit represent unused portions of authorisations to extend credit in the form of loans, guarantees or letters of credit. 
With respect to credit risk on commitments to extend credit, the Group is potentially exposed to loss in an amount equal to the total unused 
commitments. However, the likely amount of loss is less than the total unused commitments, as most commitments to extend credit are 
contingent upon customers maintaining specific credit standards.

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  47

   
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

4. Financial risk management continued
(a) Credit risk continued
The Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk before collateral held or other credit enhancements is as follows:

Credit risk exposures relating to on-balance sheet assets are as follows:
Cash 
Derivative financial instruments 
Loans and advances to banks 
Loans and advances to customers – Arbuthnot Latham 
Loan and advances to customers – Secure Trust Bank 
Trading securities – long positions 
Debt securities held-to-maturity 
Financial investments 
Other assets 

Credit risk exposures relating to off-balance sheet assets are as follows:
Guarantees 
Loan commitments and other credit related liabilities 

At 31 December 

(1)  The comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation (see note 39).

The Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk before collateral held or other credit enhancements is as follows:

Credit risk exposures relating to on-balance sheet assets are as follows:
Due from subsidiary undertakings 
Financial investments 
Other debtors 

Credit risk exposures relating to off-balance sheet assets are as follows:
Guarantees 

At 31 December 

2009 
£000 

2008(1)
£000

230 
236 
54,614 
177,744 
51,425 
2,659 
127,597 
5,057 
15,657 

3,369
–
15,939
151,183
12,551
3,523
140,639
3,434
8,762

1,135 
14,163 

816
15,596

450,517 

355,812

2009 
£000 

2008
£000

23,198 
465 
1,703 

20,960
364
2,087

2,500 

27,866 

2,500

25,911

The above tables represents the maximum credit risk exposure (net of impairment) to the Group and Company at 31 December 2009 and 2008 
without taking account of any collateral held or other credit enhancements attached. For on-balance-sheet assets, the exposures are based on 
the net carrying amounts as reported in the statement of financial position.

Concentration risk
The Group is well diversified in the UK, being exposed to retail banking, private banking and investment banking. Management assesses the 
potential concentration risk from a number of areas including:

•
•
•

geographical concentration;
product concentration; and
high value residential properties.

Due to the well diversified nature of the Group and the significant collateral held against the loan book, the Directors do not consider there to 
be a potential material exposure arising from concentration risk.

48   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
n
o
t
e
s

4. Financial risk management continued
(b) Operational risk
The Group’s objective is to manage operational risk so as to balance the avoidance of financial losses and damage to the Group’s reputation  
with overall cost effectiveness and to avoid control procedures that restrict initiatives and creativity. Operational risk arises from all of the 
Group’s operations.

The primary responsibility for the development and implementation of controls to address operational risk is assigned to the senior management 
within each subsidiary.

Compliance with Group standards is supported by a programme of periodic reviews undertaken by Internal Audit. The results of the Internal Audit 
reviews are discussed with the Company’s senior management, with summaries submitted to the Arbuthnot Banking Group Audit Committee.

(c) Market risk
Price risk
The Company and Group is exposed to equity securities price risk because of investments held by the Group and classified on the consolidated 
statement of financial position either as available-for-sale or at fair value through the statement of comprehensive income. The Group is not 
exposed to commodity price risk. To manage its price risk arising from investments in equity securities, the Group diversifies its portfolio. 
Diversification of the portfolio is done in accordance with the limits set by the Group.

Based upon the trading book exposure given in note 15 and the financial investment exposure (in note 19), a stress test scenario of a 10%  
(2008: 10%) decline in market prices, with all other things being equal, would result in a £250,000(2008: £158,000) decrease in the Group’s 
income and equity.

Based upon the financial investment exposure given in note 19, a stress test scenario of a 10% (2008: 10%) decline in market prices, with all 
other things being equal, would result in a £46,500 (2008: £42,100) decrease in the Company’s income and equity.

Currency risk
The Company and Group takes on exposure to the effects of fluctuations in the prevailing foreign currency exchange rates on its financial 
position and cash flows. The Board sets limits on the level of exposure for both overnight and intra-day positions, which are monitored daily. 
The table below summarises the Group’s exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk at 31 December 2009. Included in the table overleaf 
are the Group’s assets and liabilities at carrying amounts, categorised by currency.

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  49

   
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

4. Financial risk management continued
(c) Market risk continued
Currency risk continued

At 31 December 2009 

ASSETS
Cash 
Derivative financial instruments 
Loans and advances to banks 
Loans and advances to customers 
Trading securities – long positions 
Debt securities held-to-maturity 
Financial investments 
Other assets 

Total assets 

LIABILITIES
Deposits from banks 
Trading securities – short positions 
Deposits from customers 
Other liabilities 
Debt securities in issue 

Total liabilities 

Net on-balance sheet position 

Credit commitments 

GBP (£) 

£000 

UsD ($) 
£000 

euro (€)  
£000 

Other 
£000 

Total
£000

230 
236 
48,002 
192,681 
2,199 
127,597 
18,577 
8,552 

398,074 

1,241 
959 
370,600 
13,107 
– 

386,015 

12,059 

13,865 

– 
– 
4,587 
3,579 
460 
– 
41 
– 

8,667 

7 
– 
8,720 
1 
– 

8,728 

(61) 

3 

– 
– 
816 
31,430 
– 
– 
136 
– 

32,382 

21 
– 
5,475 
1 
13,022 

18,519 

13,863 

295 

– 
– 
1,209 
2,032 
– 
– 
– 
– 

3,241 

1,617 
– 
1,204 
– 
– 

2,821 

420 

– 

230
236
54,614
229,722
2,659
127,597
18,754
8,552

442,364

2,886
959
385,999
13,109
13,022

416,083

26,281

14,163

50   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
n
o
t
e
s

4. Financial risk management continued
(c) Market risk continued
Currency risk continued
The table below summarises the Group’s exposure to foreign currency exchange risk at 31 December 2008:

At 31 December 2008 

ASSETS
Cash 
Loans and advances to banks 
Loans and advances to customers 
Trading securities – long positions 
Debt securities held-to-maturity 
Financial investments 
Other assets 

Total assets 

LIABILITIES
Deposits from banks 
Trading securities – short positions 
Deposits from customers 
Derivative financial instruments 
Other liabilities 
Debt securities in issue 

Total liabilities 
Net on-balance sheet position 
Credit commitments 

GBP (£) 

£000 

UsD ($) 
£000 

euro (€)  
£000 

Other 
£000 

Total
£000

3,369 
10,381 
136,940 
3,067 
140,639 
364 
13,575 

308,335 

2,823 
1,036 
279,652 
942 
13,389 
– 

297,842 
10,493 
15,231 

– 
4,410 
3,159 
456 
– 
57 
370 

8,452 

11 
– 
7,905 
– 
33 
– 

7,949 
503 
1 

– 
1,092 
23,635 
– 
– 
3,013 
1,108 

28,848 

64 
– 
5,292 
– 
181 
13,972 

19,509 
9,339 
364 

– 
56 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

56 

– 
– 
41 
– 
– 
– 

41 
15 
– 

3,369
15,939
163,734
3,523
140,639
3,434
15,053

345,691

2,898
1,036
292,890
942
13,603
13,972

325,341
20,350
15,596

* 

 The 2008 Group comparative schedule has been expanded to include the categories as per the statement of financial position, previously Cash, Trading 
securities – long positions, Current tax asset, Intangible assets, Property, plant and equipment and Deferred tax asset was shown as part of Other assets  
and Trading securities – short positions and Derivative financial instruments were shown as part of Other liabilities. The 2008 comparatives have also been 
reclassified to align with the current year presentation (see note 39) and there was also a reclassification of £14,598,000 from GBP to Euro under Loans  
and advances to customers.

A 10% strengthening of the pound against the US dollar would lead to a negligible (2008: £50,000) decrease in Group profits and equity, while 
a 10% weakening of the pound against the US dollar would lead to the same increase in Group profits and equity. Similarly a 10% 
strengthening of the pound against the Euro would lead to £42,000 (2008: £52,000) decrease in Group profits and equity, while a 10% 
weakening of the pound against the Euro would lead to the same increase in Group profits and equity. The above results are after taking into 
account the effect of derivative financial instruments (see note 24), which covers most of the net exposure in each currency.

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  51

   
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

4. Financial risk management continued
(c) Market risk continued
Currency risk continued
The table below summarises the Company’s exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk at 31 December 2009:

At 31 December 2009 

ASSETS
Due from subsidiary undertakings 
Financial investments 
Other debtors 
Shares in subsidiary undertakings 

Total assets 

LIABILITIES
Deposits from banks 
Due to subsidiary undertakings 
Debt securities in issue 

Total liabilities 

Net on-balance sheet position 

GBP (£) 

£000 

UsD ($) 
£000 

euro (€)  
£000 

Other 
£000 

7,814 
465 
1,703 
28,624 

38,606 

1,001 
15,621 
(297) 

16,325 

22,281 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

13,352 
– 
– 
– 

13,352 

– 
– 
13,319 

13,319 

33  

2,032 
– 
– 
– 

2,032  

1,617 
– 
– 

1,617 

415 

The table below summarises the Company’s exposure to foreign currency exchange risk at 31 December 2008:

At 31 December 2008 

ASSETS
Due from subsidiary undertakings 
Financial investments 
Other debtors 
Shares in subsidiary undertakings 

Total assets 

LIABILITIES
Deposits from banks 
Due to subsidiary undertakings 
Debt securities in issue 

Total liabilities 

Net on-balance sheet position 

GBP (£) 

£000 

UsD ($) 
£000 

euro (€)  
£000 

Other 
£000 

4,727 
364 
2,087 
28,524 

35,702 

1,004 
9,860 
(310) 

10,554 

25,148 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

14,598 
– 
– 
– 

14,598 

– 
– 
14,282 

14,282 

316 

1,635 
– 
– 
– 

1,635 

1,605 
– 
– 

1,605 

30 

A 10% strengthening of the pound against the Euro would lead to £3,000 (2008: £32,000) decrease in the Company profits and equity, 
conversely a 10% weakening of the pound against the Euro would lead to the same increase in the Company profits and equity. A 10% 
strengthening of the pound against the Swiss Franc would lead to £43,000 (2008: £3,000) decrease in the Company profits and equity, 
conversely a 10% weakening of the pound against the Swiss Franc would lead to the same increase in the Company profits and equity.

Total
£000

23,198
465
1,703
28,624

53,990

2,618
15,621
13,022

31,261

22,729

Total
£000

20,960
364
2,087
28,524

51,935

2,609
9,860
13,972

26,441

25,494

52   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
 
n
o
t
e
s

4. Financial risk management continued
(c) Market risk continued
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the potential adverse impact on the Company and Group’s future cash flows from adverse changes in interest rates; and  
arises from the differing interest rate risk characteristics of the Company and Group’s assets and liabilities. In particular, fixed rate savings and 
borrowing products expose the Group to the risk that a change in interest rates could cause either a reduction in interest income or an increase 
in interest expense relative to variable rate interest flows. The Group seeks to “match” interest rate risk on either side of the statement of 
financial position. However, this is not a perfect match and interest rate risk is present on: Money market deposits of a fixed rate nature, Fixed 
rate loans and Fixed rate savings accounts. The principal interest rate mismatch is in Arbuthnot Latham and this is monitored on a daily basis 
in conjunction with liquidity and capital. The interest rate mismatch is daily monitored, throughout the maturity bandings of the book on a 
parallel scenario for both 50 and 100 basis points movement. This typically results in a pre-tax mismatch of £0.1m (2008: £0.1m to £0.2m) 
for the Group, with the same impact to equity pre-tax. The Company has no fixed rate exposures, but a change of 50 basis points on variable 
rates would impact pre-tax profits and equity by £7,000 (2008: £7,000).

(d) Liquidity risk
The Company and Group is exposed to daily calls on its available cash resources from overnight deposits, current accounts, maturing deposits, 
loan draw downs and guarantees, and from margin and other calls on cash-settled trading securities. The Group does not maintain cash resources 
to meet all of these needs, as experience shows that a minimum level of reinvestment of maturing funds can be predicted with a high level of 
certainty. The Group’s liquidity is therefore managed on a mismatch basis, the mismatch being the difference between the levels of assets and 
liabilities in the same maturity bands. The Group’s aim is to maintain a prudent liquidity margin when compared with the mismatch criteria  
set by the regulators. The Company and Group maintains long-term committed bank facilities and use is made of certificates of deposit (debt 
securities) in the management of liquidity. The matching and controlled mismatching of the maturities and interest rates of assets and liabilities 
is fundamental to the management of the Group. It is normal practice for banks to operate liquidity on a mismatch basis.

The table below analyses the contractual undiscounted cash flows for the Group into relevant maturity groupings at 31 December 2009:

At 31 December 2009 

Non-derivative liabilities
Deposits from banks 
Trading securities – short positions 
Deposits from customers 
Other liabilities 
Debt securities in issue 
Issued financial guarantee contracts 
Unrecognised loan commitments 

Derivative liabilities
Risk management: 
- Inflows 
- Outflows 

Carrying 
amount 
£000 

2,886 
959 
385,999 
13,217 
13,022 

Gross 
nominal 
inflow/ 
(outflow) 
£000 

(2,886) 
(959) 
(386,177) 
(13,475) 
(13,022) 
(1,135) 
(14,163) 

Not more than 
3 months 
£000 

(2,886) 
(959) 
(317,736) 
(4,672) 
– 
(1,135) 
(14,163) 

416,083 

(431,817) 

(341,551) 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

More than
3 months but 
less than 
1 year 
£000 

More than
1 year but less 
than 5 years 
£000 

– 
– 
(66,931) 
(8,303) 
– 
– 
– 

(75,234) 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
(1,510) 
(500) 
– 
– 
– 

(2,010) 

– 
– 
– 

– 

More than
5 years
£000

–
–
–
–
(13,022)
–
–

(13,022)

–

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  53

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

4. Financial risk management continued
The table below analyses the contractual undiscounted cash flows for the Group into relevant maturity groupings at 31 December 2008:
(d) Liquidity risk continued

At 31 December 2008 

Non-derivative liabilities
Deposits from banks 
Trading securities – short positions 
Deposits from customers 
Other liabilities 
Debt securities in issue 
Issued guarantee contracts 
Unrecognised loan commitments 

Derivative liabilities
Risk management: 
– Inflows 
– Outflows 

Carrying 
amount 
£000 

2,898 
1,036 
292,890 
13,603 
13,972 

Gross 
nominal 
inflow/ 
(outflow) 
£000 

(6,023) 
(1,036) 
(293,097) 
(14,592) 
(13,972) 
(816) 
(15,596) 

Not more than 
3 months 
£000 

(2,956) 
(1,036) 
(219,266) 
(12,771) 
– 
(816) 
(15,596) 

324,399 

(345,132) 

(252,441) 

942 

942 

– 
9,188 
(10,130) 

(942) 

– 
8,980 
(9,927) 

(947) 

More than
3 months but 
less than 
1 year 
£000 

More than
1 year but less 
than 5 years 
£000 

(3,067) 
– 
(72,881) 
(1,435) 
– 
– 
– 

(77,383) 

– 
208 
(203) 

5 

– 
– 
(950) 
(386) 
– 
– 
– 

(1,336) 

– 
– 
– 

– 

More than
5 years
£000

–
–
–
–
(13,972)
–
–

(13,972)

–
–
–

–

The comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation (see note 39).

The table below analyses the contractual undiscounted cash flows for the Company into relevant maturity groupings at 31 December 2009:

At 31 December 2009 

Non-derivative liabilities
Deposits from banks 
Due to subsidiary undertakings 
Accruals 
Debt securities in issue 
Issued guarantee contracts 

Carrying 
amount 
£000 

2,618 
15,621 
630 
13,022 
– 

31,891 

Gross 
nominal 
inflow/ 
(outflow) 
£000 

(2,618) 
(15,621) 
(630) 
(13,022) 
(2,500) 

(34,391) 

Not more than 
3 months 
£000 

More than
3 months but 
less than 
1 year 
£000 

More than
1 year but less 
than 5 years 
£000 

(2,618) 
(15,621) 
– 
– 
(2,500) 

(20,739) 

– 
– 
(630) 
– 
– 

(630) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

More than
5 years
£000

–
–
–
(13,022)
–

(13,022)

54   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
n
o
t
e
s

4. Financial risk management continued
(d) Liquidity risk continued
The table below analyses the contractual undiscounted cash flows for the Company into relevant maturity groupings at 31 December 2008:

At 31 December 2008 

Non-derivative liabilities
Deposits from banks 
Due to subsidiary undertakings 
Accruals 
Debt securities in issue 
Issued financial guarantee contracts 

Carrying 
amount 
£000 

2,609 
9,860 
831 
13,972 
– 

27,272 

Gross 
nominal 
inflow/ 
(outflow) 
£000 

(2,609) 
(9,860) 
(831) 
(13,972) 
(2,500) 

(29,772) 

Not more than 
3 months 
£000 

More than
3 months but 
less than 
1 year 
£000 

More than
1 year but less 
than 5 years 
£000 

(2,609) 
(9,860) 
– 
– 
(2,500) 

(14,969) 

– 
– 
(831) 
– 
– 

(831) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

More than
5 years
£000

–
–
–
(13,972)
–

(13,972)

The maturities of assets and liabilities and the ability to replace, at an acceptable cost, interest-bearing liabilities as they mature are important 
factors in assessing the liquidity of the Group and its exposure to changes in interest rates and exchange rates.

Fiduciary activities
The Group provides trustee, investment management and advisory services to third parties, which involve the Group making allocation  
and purchase and sale decisions in relation to a wide range of financial instruments. Those assets that are held in a fiduciary capacity are  
not included in these financial statements. These services give rise to the risk that the Group may be accused of maladministration or 
underperformance. At the statement of financial position date, the Group had investment management accounts amounting to approximately 
£179 million (2008: £156 million). Additionally the Group provides investment advisory services.

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  55

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

4. Financial risk management continued
(e) Financial assets and liabilities
The tables below set out the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities into the respective classifications:

At 31 December 2009 
Cash 
Derivative financial instruments 
Loans and advances to banks 
Loans and advances to customers 
Trading securities – long positions 
Debt securities held-to-maturity 
Financial investments 

Deposits from banks 
Trading securities – short positions 
Deposits from customers 
Debt securities in issue 

At 31 December 2008 
Cash 
Loans and advances to banks 
Loans and advances to customers 
Trading securities – long positions 
Debt securities held-to-maturity 
Financial investments 

Deposits from banks 
Trading securities – short positions 
Derivative financial instruments 
Deposits from customers 
Debt securities in issue 

Note 
13 
24 
14 
16 
15 
18 
19 

23 
15 
25 
27 

Note 
13 
14 
16 
15 
18 
19 

23 
15 
24 
25 
27 

Trading 
£000 
– 
236 
– 
– 
2,659 
– 
465 
3,360 

– 
959 
– 
– 
959 

Trading 
£000 
– 
– 
– 
3,523 
– 
421 
3,944 

– 
1,036 
942 
– 
– 
1,978 

Held-to- 
maturity 
£000 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
127,597 
– 
127,597 

Loans and 
advances 
£000 
230 
– 
54,614 
229,722 
– 
– 
– 
284,566 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Held-to- 
maturity 
£000 
– 
– 
– 
– 
140,639 
– 
140,639 

Loans and 
advances 
£000 
3,369 
15,939 
163,734 
– 
– 
– 
183,042 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Available- 
 for-sale 
£000 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
4,592 
4,592 

Other
amortised 
cost 
£000 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

2,886 
– 
385,999 
13,022 
401,907 

Available- 
 for-sale 
£000 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
3,013 
3,013 

Other
amortised 
cost 
£000 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

2,898 
– 
– 
292,890 
13,972 
309,760 

Total carrying
amount 
£000 
230 
236 
54,614 
229,722 
2,659 
127,597 
5,057 
420,115 

2,886 
959 
385,999 
13,022 
402,866 

Total carrying
amount 
£000 
3,369 
15,939 
163,734 
3,523 
140,639 
3,434 
330,638 

2,898 
1,036 
942 
292,890 
13,972 
311,738 

Fair value
£000
230
236
54,614
229,722
2,659
127,597
5,057
420,115

2,886
959
385,999
13,022
402,866

Fair value
£000
3,369
15,939
163,734
3,523
140,639
3,434
330,638

2,898
1,036
942
292,890
13,972
311,738

56   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
n
o
t
e
s

5. capital management
The Group’s capital management policy is focused on optimising shareholder value. There is a clear focus on delivering organic growth and 
ensuring capital resources are sufficient to support planned levels of growth. The Board regularly reviews the capital position.

In accordance with the EU’s Capital Requirements Directive (CRD) and the required parameters set out in the FSA Handbook (BIPRU 2.2), the 
Individual Capital Assessment Process (ICAAP) is embedded in the risk management framework of the Group and is subject to ongoing updates 
and revisions when necessary. However, at a minimum, the ICAAP is updated annually as part of the business planning process. The ICAAP is  
a process that brings together management framework (i.e. the policies, procedures, strategies, and systems that the Group has implemented to 
identify, manage and mitigate its risks) and the financial disciplines of business planning and capital management. The Group’s regulated entities 
are also the principal trading subsidiaries as detailed in Note 35.

Not all material risks can be mitigated by capital, but where capital is appropriate the Board has adopted a “Pillar I plus” approach to determine 
the level of capital the Group needs to hold. This method takes the Pillar I capital formula calculations (standardised approach for credit, 
market and operational risk) as a starting point, and then considers whether each of the calculations deliver a sufficient capital sum adequately 
to cover managements’ anticipated risks. Where the Board considered that the Pillar I calculations did not reflect the risk, an additional capital 
add-on in Pillar II is applied, as per the Individual Capital Guidance (ICG) issued by the FSA.

The Group’s regulatory capital is divided into two tiers:

•

•

Tier 1 comprises mainly shareholders’ funds, non-controlling interests, after deducting goodwill and other intangible assets.

Lower Tier 2 comprises qualifying subordinated loan capital and revaluation reserves. Lower Tier 2 capital cannot exceed 50% of  
tier 1 capital.

The following table shows the regulatory capital resources as managed by the Group:

Tier 1
Share capital 
Share premium account 
Retained earnings 
Other reserves 
Non-controlling 
Goodwill 
Other deductions 

Total tier 1 capital 

Tier 2
Revaluation reserve 
Debt securities in issue 

Total tier 2 capital  

2009 
£000 

2008
£000

150 
21,085 
11,684 
(1,178) 
2,144 
(1,991) 
(915) 

30,979 

258 
13,022 

13,280 

150
21,085
11,257
(724)
2,280
(1,991)
(840)

31,217

366
13,972

14,338

Total tier 1 & tier 2 capital 

44,259 

45,555

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  57

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

5. capital management continued
The ICAAP includes a summary of the capital required to mitigate the identified risks in its regulated entities and the amount of capital that the 
Group has available. The FSA’s last review of the Group’s ICAAP was last conducted in December 2007 and the regulatory capital requirements 
for all entities have subsequently been agreed, as part of the ICG issued by the FSA. The FSA sets ICG for each UK bank calibrated by references 
to its Capital Resources Requirement, broadly equivalent to 8 percent of risk weighted assets and thus representing the capital required under 
Pillar I of the Basel II framework. The ICAAP is a key input into the FSA’s ICG setting process, which addresses the requirements of Pillar II  
of the Basel II framework. The FSA’s approach is to monitor the available capital resources in relation to the ICG requirement. Each entity 
maintains an extra internal buffer and capital ratios are reviewed on a monthly basis to ensure that external requirements are adhered to.  
All regulated entities have complied with all of the externally imposed capital requirements to which they are subject.

6. Fee and commission income

Fee and commission income
Trust and other fiduciary fee income 
Stockbroking fee and commission income 
Other fee income 

2009 
£000 

2008
£000

1,922 
13,580 
16,314 

31,816 

1,997
12,818
20,426

35,241

7. other income
Other income mainly consist of a contribution of £0.5m towards the cost of the Swiss entity received from a possible investor, and provisions 
released relating to business assets sold in the prior year of £1.1m (see note 8).

8. Gain on sale of business assets
In June 2008, the Group announced that its subsidiary, Secure Trust Bank PLC, as part of its restructuring process, sold its insurance branch 
network to the UK’s leading high street insurance retailer, Swinton. At a Group level, this generated a gain on disposal of business assets of 
£2,419,100.

Also in June 2008, the Group announced that its subsidiary, Arbuthnot Latham & Co., Ltd, sold its pension administration business to Premier 
Pension Services. At a Group level, this generated a gain on disposal of business assets of £658,300.

As part of the sale of business assets during 2008, accruals and deferred income included a provision in respect of various warranties included 
in the respective Sale and Purchase Agreements, refer to Note 26 for further details. During 2009 these warranties (£482,000) were written 
back to the profit and loss account as they expired and £688,000 of trade payables were written off.

58   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
n
o
t
e
s

2009 
£000 

2008
£000

23,255 
2,458 
1,448 
351 
1,171 
(99) 
258 
27 
2,249 
127 
15,155 

46,400 

21,761
2,556
1,640
366
1,215
(168)
491
20
2,312
1,458
15,993

47,644

9. operating profit on ordinary activities before tax

Operating expenses comprise: 

Staff costs, including Directors:

Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Pension costs 

Amortisation of computer software (Note 20) 
Depreciation (Note 21) 
Profit on disposals of property, plant and equipment 
Financial Services Compensation Scheme Levy 
Charitable donations 
Operating lease rentals 
Restructuring costs 
Other administrative expenses 

Total operating expenses 

The auditors’ remuneration for the audit of the Company’s accounts was £70,000 (2008: £41,000) and fees payable for the audit of the 
accounts of subsidiaries of the Company was £205,000 (2008: £316,000). Remuneration of the auditors for non-audit services was: services 
related to taxation £15,000 (2008: £24,000) and all other services £25,000 (2008: £46,000).

10. average number of employees

Retail banking 
Private banking 
Investment banking 
Group 

2009 

208 
121 
72 
14 

415 

2008

257
126
72
14

469

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  59

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

11. income tax expense/(credit)

United Kingdom corporation tax at 28% (2008: 28.5%)

Current taxation
Corporation tax charge – current year 
Corporation tax charge – adjustments in respect of prior years 

Deferred taxation
Origination and reversal of temporary differences 
Adjustments in respect of prior years 

Income tax expense/(credit) 

Tax reconciliation
Profit/(loss) before tax 
Tax at 28% (2008: 28.5%) 
Permanent differences 
Tax rate change 
Prior period adjustments 

Corporation tax charge/(credit) for the year 

2009 
£000 

2008
£000

1,691 
95 

1,786 

(212) 
105 
(107) 

(916)
(288)

(1,204)

52
–
52

1,679 

(1,152)

5,050 
1,414 
65 
– 
200 

1,679 

(2,150)
(613)
(251)
–
(288)

(1,152)

During 2008, as a result of the change in UK Corporation Tax rates which was effective from 1 April 2008, deferred tax balances were 
remeasured. Deferred tax relating to temporary differences which were expected to reverse prior to 1 April 2008 were measured at 30% and 
deferred tax relating to temporary differences expected to reverse after 1 April 2008 are measured at the tax rate of 28% as these are the tax 
rates that apply on reversal.

12. earnings per ordinary share
Basic and fully diluted
Earnings per ordinary share are calculated on the net basis by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the Company of £3,507,000 
(2008: £519,000) by the weighted average number of ordinary shares 14,999,619 (2008: 14,976,421) in issue during the year. There is no 
difference between basic and fully diluted earnings per ordinary share.

13. cash

Cash in hand included in cash and cash equivalents (Note 33)  

2009 
£000 

230  

2008
£000

3,369

60   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
n
o
t
e
s

14. loans and advances to banks

Placements with banks included in cash and cash equivalents (Note 33)  

(1)  The comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation (see note 39).

2009 
£000 

2008(1)
£000

54,614  

15,939

The table below presents an analysis of loans and advances to banks by rating agency designation as at 31 December, based on Moody’s  
long term ratings:

Aaa 
Aa1 
Aa2 
Aa3 
A1 
A2 

(1)  The comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation (see note 39).

None of the loans and advances to banks is either past due or impaired.

15. trading securities, all held at fair value through profit and loss

Unlisted equity securities:
Long positions 
Listed equity securities:
Long positions 
Short positions 

2009 
£000 

– 
– 
31 
54,583 
– 
– 

54,614 

2008(1)
£000

5,973
4,517
5,381
68
–
–

15,939

2009 
£000 

80 

2008
£000

430

2,579 
(959) 

3,093
(1,036)

The following table shows the Group’s trading book exposure to market price risk for the year ended 31 December 2009:

Equities:

Long 
Short 

Highest 
exposure 
£000 

4,298 
(1,976) 

Lowest 
exposure 
£000 

1,575 
(516) 

Average 
exposure 
£000 

2,824 
(1,131) 

The following table shows the Group’s trading book exposure to market price risk for the year ended 31 December 2008:

Highest 
exposure 
£000 

Lowest 
exposure 
£000 

Average 
exposure 
£000 

exposure as
at 31
December
£000

2,659
(959)

exposure as
at 31
December
£000

Equities:

Long 
Short 

23,070 
(7,505) 

2,921 
(669) 

11,767 
(4,628) 

3,523
(1,036)

The average exposure has been calculated on a daily basis. The highest and lowest exposures occurred on different dates and therefore a net 
position of these exposures does not reflect a spread of the trading book. The basis on which the trading book is valued each day is given in the 
accounting policies in note 1.9.

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  61

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

16. loans and advances to customers

Gross loans and advances 
Less: allowances for impairment on loans and advances (Note 17) 

(1)  The comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation (see note 39).

For a maturity profile of loans and advances to customers, refer to Note 4.

Loans and advances to customers include finance lease receivables as follows: 

Gross investment in finance lease receivables:
– No later than 1 year 
– Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years 
– Later than 5 years 

Unearned future finance income on finance leases 

Net investment in finance leases 

The net investment in finance leases may be analysed as follows:
– No later than 1 year 
– Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years 
– Later than 5 years 

Loans and advances to customers can be further summarised as follows: 

Neither past due nor impaired 
Past due but not impaired 
Impaired 
Gross 
Less: allowance for impairment 

Net 

(1)  The comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation (see note 39).

(a) Loans and advances past due but not impaired

Gross amounts of loans and advances to customers that were past due but not impaired were as follows: 

Past due up to 30 days 
Past due 30 - 60 days 
Past due 60 - 90 days 
Over 90 days 

Total 

2009 
£000 

237,023 
(7,301) 

229,722 

2008(1)
£000 

168,856
(5,122)

163,734

2009 
£000 

158 
111 
2 
271 
(14) 

257 

150 
105 
2 

257 

2009 
£000 

212,455 
15,748 
8,820 
237,023 
(7,301) 

229,722 

2008
£000 

1,485
108
–
1,593
(96)

1,497

1,396
101
–

1,497

2008(1)
£000 

147,876
12,044
8,936
168,856
(5,122)

163,734

2009 
£000 

3,460 
1,587 
2,295 
8,406 

2008
£000 

1,907
559
3,336
6,242

15,748 

12,044

Loans and advances normally fall into this category when there is a delay in either the sale of the underlying collateral or the completion of 
formalities to extend the credit facilities for a further period. Management have no material concerns regarding the quality of the collateral  
that secures the lending.

62   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
n
o
t
e
s

16. loans and advances to customers continued
(b) Loans and advances renegotiated
Restructuring activities include external payment arrangements, modification and deferral of payments. Following restructuring, a previously 
overdue customer account is reset to a normal status and managed together with other similar accounts. Restructuring policies and practices are 
based on indicators or criteria which, in the judgement of management, indicate that payment will most likely continue. These policies are kept 
under continuous review. Renegotiated loans that would otherwise be past due or impaired totalled £nil (2008: £nil).

(c) Collateral held 
An analysis of loans and advances to customers past due or impaired by reference to the fair value of the underlying collateral is as follows: 

Past due but not impaired 
Impaired 

Fair value of collateral held 

2009 
£000 

20,215 
1,275 

21,490 

2008
£000

31,657
3,420

35,077

The fair value of the collateral held is £21,490,000 against £13,312,000 secured loans, giving an average loan-to-value of 62% (2008: 41%).

The gross amount of individually impaired loans and advances to customers before taking into account the cash flows from collateral held is 
£8,820,000 (2008: £8,936,000).

Interest income on loans classified as impaired totalled £644,000 (2008: £338,000).

17. allowances for impairment of loans and advances

A reconciliation of the allowance account for losses on loans and advances by class is as follows: 

At 1 January 
Adjustments for disposals 
Impairment losses 
Loans written off during the year as uncollectible 
Amounts recovered during the year 

At 31 December 

A further analysis of allowances for impairment of loans and advances is as follows: 

Loans and advances to customers – Arbuthnot Latham 
Loan and advances to customers – unsecured – Secure Trust Bank 

At 31 December 

2009 
£000 

5,122 
– 
2,368 
(391) 
202 

7,301 

2009 
£000 

1,472 
5,829 

7,301 

2008
£000

5,381
(1,264)
977
(185)
213

5,122

2008
£000

684
4,438

5,122

18. Debt securities held-to-maturity
Debt securities represent certificates of deposit. The Group’s intention is to hold them to maturity and, therefore, they are stated in the statement 
of financial position at amortised cost. Amounts include £nil (2008: £8,000,000) with a maturity, when placed, of 3 months or less included in 
cash and cash equivalents (Note 33).

The movement in debt securities held to maturity may be summarised as follows: 

At 1 January 
Exchange difference on monetary assets 
Additions 
Redemptions 

At 31 December 

(1) The comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation (see note 39).

2009 
£000 

140,639 
– 
248,688 
(261,730) 

2008(1)
£000

122,306
61
277,343
(259,071)

127,597 

140,639

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  63

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

18. Debt securities held-to-maturity continued
The table below presents an analysis of debt securities by rating agency designation at 31 December, based on Moody’s long term ratings:

Aaa 
Aa1 
Aa2 
Aa3 
A1 

(1)  The comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation (see note 39).

None of the debt securities held-to-maturity are either past due or impaired.

19. Financial investments

Group 

Financial investments comprise:
– Listed securities (at fair value through profit and loss) 
– Unlisted securities (available-for-sale) 

Total financial investments 

2009 
£000 

– 
– 
20,132 
107,465 
– 

127,597 

2008(1)
£000

–
44,868
82,849
12,922
–

140,639

2009 
£000 

465 
4,592 

5,057 

2008
£000

421
3,013

3,434

(a) Unlisted securities
The Group has made equity investments in unlisted special purpose vehicles set up to acquire and enhance the value of commercial properties. 
These investments are of a medium term nature. There is no open market for these investments therefore the Group has valued them using 
appropriate valuation methodologies.

The Directors intend to dispose of these assets when a suitable buyer has been identified and when the Directors believe that the underlying 
assets have reached their maximum value.

Company 

Financial investments comprise:

– Listed securities (at fair value through profit and loss)  

2009 
£000 

465  

2008
£000

364

64   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
n
o
t
e
s

2009 
£000 

1,991 
– 

1,991 

2009 
£000  

1,991 
915 

2,906 

2008
£000

2,042
(51)

1,991

£000

3,187
255
(143)

3,299

426

3,725

(2,091)
(366)
(2)

(2,459)

(351)

(2,810)

840

915

2008
£000

1,991
840

2,831

20. intangible assets

Goodwill

Group 

Opening net book amount 
On disposal (Note 37) 

Closing net book amount 

Computer software

Group 

Cost
At 1 January 2008 
Additions 
Disposals 

At 31 December 2008 

Additions 

At 31 December 2009 

Accumulated amortisation
At 1 January 2008 
Amortisation charge 
Disposals 

At 31 December 2008 

Amortisation charge 

At 31 December 2009 

Net book amount

At 31 December 2008 

At 31 December 2009 

Total intangible assets 

Goodwill 
Computer software 

Net book amount at 31 December 

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  65

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

21. Property, plant and equipment

Group 

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2008 
Additions 
Revaluation 
Disposals 

At 31 December 2008 

Additions 
Revaluation 
Disposals 

At 31 December 2009 

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2008 
Depreciation charge 
Disposals 

At 31 December 2008 

Depreciation charge 
Disposals 

At 31 December 2009 

Net book amount

At 31 December 2008 

At 31 December 2009 

Freehold land 
and buildings 
£000  

Computer and
other 
equipment 
£000 

Operating 
leases 
£000 

Motor
vehicles 
£000 

6,581 
– 
(1,380) 
(101) 

5,100 

– 
– 
(250) 

4,850 

(365) 
(118) 
– 

(483) 

(80) 
34 

(529) 

12,008 
875 
– 
(702) 

12,181 

500 
– 
(1,187) 

11,494 

(8,762) 
(874) 
330 

(9,306) 

(879) 
1,188 

(8,997) 

1,934 
157 
– 
– 

2,091 

4 
– 
– 

2,095 

(161) 
(151) 
– 

(312) 

(156) 
– 

(468) 

928 
286 
– 
(660) 

554 

39 
– 
(265) 

328 

(712) 
(72) 
407 

(377) 

(56) 
212 

(221) 

Total
£000

21,451
1,318
(1,380)
(1,463)

19,926

543
–
(1,702)

18,767

(10,000)
(1,215)
737

(10,478)

(1,171)
1,434

(10,215)

4,617 

4,321 

2,875 

2,497 

1,779 

1,627 

177 

107 

9,448

8,552

The Group’s freehold property at 1 Arleston Way, Solihull, 890 4LH, was valued on 17 December 2008 by an External Valuer, Graham Piercy, 
FRICS, of DWD2 Limited, Property Consultants.

The Valuation was in accordance with the requirements of the RICS Valuation Standards 6th Edition and the International Valuation 
Standards. The Valuation of the property was on the basis and assumption it is an Owner/Occupied property, valued to Market Value assuming 
that the property will be sold as part of the continuing business.

The Valuer’s opinion of Market Value was primarily derived using comparable recent market transactions on arms-length terms.

As a Regulated Purpose Valuation, the Valuer, Graham Piercy FRICS, confirms this was the first occasion on which he had provided a Valuation 
of the Property. DWD2 Limited had had no previous relationship with the Company and accordingly received no fees in DWD2 Limited’s 
preceding financial year.

The Directors do not believe that the fair value of freehold property is materially different from the carrying value.

All freehold land and buildings are occupied and used by Group companies. The carrying value of freehold land not depreciated is £0.5 million 
(2008: £0.5 million).

66   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
 
 
 
 
 
n
o
t
e
s

2009 
£000 

3,778 
(753) 

3,025 

2009 
£000 

160 
(53) 

107 

Motor
vehicles 
£000 

164 
– 
(164) 

– 

– 

– 

(137) 
(10) 
147 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

2008
£000

3,980
(731)

3,249

2008
£000

206
(29)

177

Total
£000

280
3
(164)

119

7

126

(178)
(14)
147

(45)

(3)

(48)

74

78

21. Property, plant and equipment continued
The historical cost of freehold property included at valuation is as follows:

Cost 
Accumulated depreciation 

Net book amount 

Motor vehicles include the following amounts where the Group is a lessee under a finance lease:

Cost – capitalised finance leases 
Accumulated depreciation 

Net book amount 

The Group leases various vehicles under non-cancellable finance lease agreements with original lease terms of three years.

Company 

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2008 
Additions 
Disposals 

At 31 December 2008 

Additions 

At 31 December 2009 

Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2008 
Depreciation charge 
Disposals 

At 31 December 2008 

Depreciation charge 

At 31 December 2009 

Net book amount

At 31 December 2008 

At 31 December 2009 

Computer and
other 
equipment 
£000 

116 
3 
– 

119 

7 

126 

(41) 
(4) 
– 

(45) 

(3) 

(48) 

74 

78 

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  67

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

22. other assets

Trade receivables 
Repossessed collateral – Held-for-sale 
Prepayments and accrued income 

(1)  The comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation (see note 39).

23. Deposits from banks

Deposits from other banks 

For a maturity profile of deposits from banks, refer to Note 4.

24. Derivative financial instruments

2009 
£000 

15,090 
1,950 
1,714 

18,754 

2008(1)
£000

9,965
1,913
3,175

15,053

2009 
£000 

2,886 

2008
£000

2,898

Currency swaps 

Contract/ 
notional 
amount 
£000 

16,516 

16,516 

2009 

Fair value 
assets 
£000 

236 

236 

Fair value 
liabilities 
£000 

– 

– 

Contract/
notional 
amount 
£000 

8,817 

8,817 

2008

Fair value 
assets 
£000 

– 

– 

Fair value
liabilities
£000

942

942

The principal derivatives used by the Group are exchange rate contracts. Exchange rate related contracts include forward foreign exchange 
contracts and currency swaps. A forward foreign exchange contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specified amount of foreign currency on a 
specified future date at an agreed rate. Currency swaps generally involve the exchange of interest payment obligations denominated in different 
currencies; exchange of principal can be notional or actual.

The table below presents an analysis of derivative financial instruments contract/notional amounts by rating agency designation at 31 December, 
based on Moody’s long term ratings:

Aaa 
Aa1 
Aa2 
Aa3 
A1 

2009 
£000 
– 
– 
– 
16,516 
– 

16,516 

2008
£000
–
8,817
–
–
–

8,817

68   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
25. Deposits from customers

Retail customers:
– current/demand accounts 
– term deposits 

n
o
t
e
s

2009 
£000 

2008(1)
£000

131,649 
254,350 

385,999 

105,662
187,228

292,890

(1)  The comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation (see note 39).

Included in customer accounts are deposits of £10,035,000 (2008: £11,185,000) held as collateral for loans and advances. The fair value of 
these deposits approximates the carrying value.

For a maturity profile of deposits from customers, refer to Note 4.

26. other liabilities

Trade payables 
Finance lease liabilities 
Accruals and deferred income 

2009 
£000 

4,449 
112 
8,656 

13,217 

2008(1)
£000

3,002
181
10,420

13,603

(1)  The comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation (see note 39).

As part of the sale of business assets during the prior year, accruals and deferred income include a provision of £nil (2008: £482,000) in respect 
of various warranties included in the respective Sale and Purchase Agreements, as of the year end no claims have been made against this 
provision.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme provides compensation to customers of financial institutions in the event that an institution  
is unable, or is likely to be unable, to pay claims against it. During 2008, a number of institutions failed. In order to meet its obligations 
to the depositors of these institutions, the FSCS has borrowed £19.7 billion from HM Treasury, which is on an interest only basis until 
September 2011. These borrowings are anticipated to be repaid wholly or substantially from the realisation of the assets of the above 
institutions. The FSCS raises annual levies from the banking industry to meet its management expenses and compensation costs. 
Individual institutions make payments based on their level of market participation (in the case of deposits, the proportion that their 
protected deposits represent of total market protected deposits) at 31st December each year. If an institution is a market participant on 
this date it is obligated to pay a levy. Banking subsidiaries of Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC were market participants at 31st December 
2008 and 2009. The Group has accrued £443,000 for its share of levies that will be raised by the FSCS including the interest on the loan 
from HM Treasury in respect of the levy years to 31st March 2011. The accrual includes the directors’ estimates for the interest FSCS 
will pay on the loan and estimates of the Group’s market participation in the relevant periods. Interest will continue to accrue on the HM 
Treasury loan to the FSCS until September 2011 and will form part of future FSCS management expenses levies. If the assets of the failed 
institutions are insufficient to repay the HM Treasury loan in 2011, the FSCS will agree a schedule of repayments with HM Treasury, 
which will be recouped from the industry in the form of additional levies. At the date of these financial statements, it is not possible to 
estimate the quantum and timing of additional levies on the industry, the level of Group’s market participation or other factors that may 
affect the amounts or timing of amounts that may ultimately become payable, nor the effect that such levies may have upon operating 
results in any particular financial period.

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  69

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

26. other liabilities continued
(a) Finance lease liabilities
Lease liabilities are effectively secured as the rights to the leased asset revert to the lessor in the event of default.

Gross finance lease liabilities – minimum lease payments
Within 1 year 
Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years 

Future finance charges on finance leases 

Present value of finance lease liabilities 

The present value of finance lease liabilities is as follows:
Within 1 year 
Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years 

27. Debt securities in issue

Subordinated loan notes 2035 

2009 
£000 

61 
58 

119 

(7) 

112 

58 
54 

112 

2009 
£000 

2008
£000

95
95

190

(9)

181

90
91

181

2008
£000

13,022 

13,972

The subordinated loan notes 2035 were issued on 7 November 2005 and are denominated in Euros. The principal amount outstanding at 31 
December 2009 was €15,000,000 (2008: €15,000,000). The notes carry interest at 3% over the interbank rate for three month deposits in euros 
and are repayable at par in August 2035 unless redeemed or repurchased earlier by the Company.

The contractual undiscounted amount that will be required to be paid at maturity of the above debt securities is €15,000,000.

Given the fact that the Group has never been subject to a published credit rating by any of the relevant agencies and the notes in issue are not 
quoted, it is not considered possible to approximate a fair value for these notes. The Directors do not believe the users of the accounts would be 
able to draw any meaningful conclusions from the information if it were practical to derive it.

70   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28. Deferred taxation

The deferred tax asset comprises:

Unrealised surplus on revaluation of freehold property 
Accelerated capital allowances and other short-term timing differences 
Tax losses 

Deferred tax asset 

At 1 January 
Revaluation reserve 
Profit and loss account – accelerated capital allowances and other short-term timing differences 
Profit and loss account – tax losses 

Deferred tax asset 

The above balance is made up as follows:

Deferred tax assets within the Group 
Deferred tax liabilities within the Group 

n
o
t
e
s

2009 
£000 

(56) 
259 
99 

302 

106 
(20) 
117 
99 

302 

2009 
£000 

383 
(81) 

302 

2008
£000

(90)
196
–

106

(274)
430
(50)
–

106

2008
£000

106
–

106

Deferred tax assets are recognised for tax losses to the extent that the realisation of the related tax benefit through future taxable profits  
is probable.

29. contingent liabilities and commitments
Capital commitments
At 31 December 2009, the Group had capital commitments of £nil (2008: £nil) in respect of equipment purchases.

Credit commitments
The contractual amounts of the Group’s off-balance sheet financial instruments that commit it to extend credit to customers are as follows:

Guarantees and other contingent liabilities 
Commitments to extend credit:
– Original term to maturity of one year or less 

2009 
£000 

1,135 

14,163 

15,298 

2008
£000

816

15,596

16,412

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  71

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

29. contingent liabilities and commitments continued

Operating lease commitments
Where a Group company is the lessee, the future aggregate lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Expiring:
Within 1 year 
Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years 
Later than 5 years 

2009 
£000 

1,862 
2,168 
89 

4,119 

2008
£000

2,040
4,016
120

6,176

Other commitments
At 31 December 2009 a commitment exists to make further payments with regard to the Financial Compensation Scheme Levy for 2011 and 
thereafter. Due to uncertainties regarding the calculation of the levy and the Group’s share thereof, the directors consider this cost to be unquantifiable.

30. share capital

At 1 January 2008 

New share capital subscribed 
Transfer to retained earnings in lieu of cash dividends 

At 31 December 2008 and 31 December 2009  

Number of 
shares 

14,943,944 

55,675 
– 

Ordinary 
shares 
£000 

150 

– 
– 

share
premium
£000

21,085

213
(213)

14,999,619 

150 

21,085

The total authorised number of ordinary shares at 31 December 2009 and 31 December 2008 was 418,439,000 with a par value of 1 pence per 
share (2008: 1 pence per share). All issued shares are fully paid.

At 31 December 2009 the Company held 340,274 shares (2008: 141,699) in treasury.

31. Reserves and retained earnings

Group 

Revaluation reserve 
Foreign exchange translation reserve 
Capital redemption reserve 
Treasury shares 
Retained earnings 

Total reserves at 31 December 

2009 
£000 

258 
(258) 
20 
(940) 
11,684 

10,764 

2008
£000

366
(299)
20
(445)
11,257

10,899

The revaluation reserve represents the unrealised change in the fair value of properties.

The foreign exchange translation reserve represents the cumulative gains and losses on the retranslation of the Group’s and the Company’s net 
investment in foreign operations, net of the effects of hedging.

The capital redemption reserve represents a reserve created after the Company purchased its own shares which resulted in a reduction of share capital.

There is currently no available-for-sale reserve as the recognition criteria set out in note 2.2 (impairment of equity securities) has not been met. 

Company 
Capital redemption reserve  
Treasury shares 
Retained earnings  

Total reserves at 31 December  

72   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

2009 
£000 
20  
 (940)  
1,862  

942  

2008
£000
20
(445)
3,927

3,502

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
n
o
t
e
s

32. Dividends per share
Final dividends are not accounted for until they have been approved at the Annual General Meeting. At the meeting on 12 May 2010, a dividend 
in respect of 2009 of 11.5 pence per share (2008: 10.5 pence per share) amounting to a total of £1,685,825 (2008: £1,560,082) is to be 
proposed. The financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2009 do not reflect the final dividend which will be accounted for in 
shareholders’ equity as an appropriation of retained profits in the year ending 31 December 2010.

33. cash and cash equivalents
For the purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprises the following balances with less than three months 
maturity from the date of acquisition.

Cash (Note 13) 
Loans and advances to banks (Note 14) 
Debt securities held to maturity (Note 18) 

2009 
£000 

230 
54,614 
– 

54,844 

2008(1)
£000

3,369
15,939
8,000

27,308

(1)  The comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation (see note 39).

34. Related-party transactions
Related parties of the Company and Group include subsidiaries, Key Management Personnel, close family members of Key Management 
Personnel and entities which are controlled, jointly controlled or significantly influenced, or for which significant voting power is held, by Key 
Management Personnel or their close family members.

Other than the Directors’ remuneration, payment of dividends and transactions with subsidiaries, there were no related party transactions 
within the Parent Company. A number of banking transactions are entered into with related parties in the normal course of business on normal 
commercial terms. These include loans and deposits. Except for the directors’ disclosures, there were no other Key Management Personnel 
disclosures; therefore the tables below relate to directors.

Loans
Loans outstanding at 1 January 
Loans issued during the year 
Loan repayments during the year 

Loans outstanding at 31 December 

Interest income earned 

Directors

2009 
£000 

2008
£000

1,459 
1,754 
(277) 

2,936 

117 

1,438
1,067
(1,046)

1,459

69

The loans to directors are secured on property or shares and bear interest at rates linked to base rate. No provisions have been recognised in 
respect of loans given to related parties (2008: £nil). Details of directors’ remuneration are given in the Remuneration Report. The directors do 
not believe that any other key management disclosures are required.

Deposits
Deposits at 1 January 
Deposits received during the year 
Deposits repaid during the year 

Deposits at 31 December 

Interest expense on deposits 

Directors

2009 
£000 

2008
£000

864 
4,790 
(3,774) 

1,880 

40 

1,569
1,307
(2,012)

864

81

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  73

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

34. Related-party transactions continued
Details of principal subsidiaries are given in note 35. Transactions and balances with subsidiaries are shown below:

ASSETS
Due from subsidiary undertakings 
Shares in subsidiary undertakings 

Total assets 

LIABILITIES
Due to subsidiary undertakings 

Total liabilities 

Issued guarantee contracts 

2009 

2008

subsidiaries

Highest 
balance 
during the 
year 
£000 

23,645 
28,624 

52,269 

15,621 

15,621 

2,500 

Balance at 
31 December 
£000 

23,198 
28,624 

51,822 

15,621 

15,621 

2,500 

Highest
balance
during the 
year 
£000 

22,605 
28,524 

51,129 

15,302 

15,302 

2,500 

Balance at 31
December
£000

20,960
28,524

49,484

9,860

9,860

2,500

The disclosure of the year-end balance and the highest balance during the year is considered the most meaningful information to represent the 
transactions during the year. The above transactions arose during the normal course of business and are on substantially the same terms as for 
comparable transactions with third-parties. Arbuthnot Securities Limited received a fee of £15,000 in 2008 in its capacity as stockbroker for  
the Group, it ceased to be stockbroker to the Group on 10th December 2008.

Share-based payment options
At 31 December 2009, the Company had the following equity settled share-based payment awards outstanding:

On 21 May 2008 Mr. Salmon was granted an option to subscribe between May 2011 and May 2015 for 100,000 ordinary 1p shares in the 
Company at 337.5p. The fair value of the option at grant date was £nil.

On 5 November 2008 Mr. Cobb was granted an option to subscribe between November 2011 and November 2015 for 50,000 ordinary 1p 
shares in the Company at 320p. The fair value of the option at grant date was £nil.

On 22 December 2009 Dr. Turrell was granted an option to subscribe between December 2012 and December 2016 for 50,000 ordinary 1p 
shares in the Company at 380p. The fair value of the option at grant date was £nil.

35. shares in subsidiary undertakings

At 1 January 2009 
Purchase of shares in Arbuthnot Unit Trust Management Limited 

At 31 December 2009 

Subsidiary undertakings:
Banks 
Other 

Total unlisted 

shares at cost 

£000 

31,503 
100 

31,603 

Impairment
provisions 
£000 

(2,979) 
– 

(2,979) 

2009 
£000 

24,486 
4,138 

28,624 

Net
£000

28,524
100

28,624

2008
£000

24,486
4,038

28,524

On 31 July 2008, the Group sold 100% of its investment in Arbuthnot Commercial Finance Limited for a total consideration of £2,996,314. 
These shares represent 98% of the issued ordinary share capital of Arbuthnot Commercial Finance Limited, refer to Note 37 for further details.

74   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
n
o
t
e
s

35. shares in subsidiary undertakings continued
The principal subsidiary undertakings of Arbuthnot Banking group PLC at 31 December 2009 were:

Secure Trust Bank PLC 
Arbuthnot Latham & Co., Limited 
Arbuthnot AG 
Arbuthnot Securities Limited 

Country of
incorporation 

UK 
UK 
Switzerland 
UK 

Interest % 

Principal activity

100 
100 
100 
59.6 

Retail banking
Private banking
Private banking
Investment banking

(i)  All the above subsidiary undertakings are included in the consolidated financial statements and have an accounting reference date of 31 December.
(ii)  All the above interests relate wholly to ordinary shares.

36. operating segments
The Group is organised into four main operating segments, arranged over four separate companies with each having its own specialised 
banking service, as disclosed below:

1)  Retail banking — incorporating household cash management, personal lending and banking and insurance services.
2)  International Private banking — incorporating private banking and wealth management outside the UK.
3)  UK Private banking — incorporating private banking and wealth management.
4)  Investment banking — incorporating institutional stockbroking, equity trading and corporate finance advice.

Transactions between the operating segments are on normal commercial terms. Centrally incurred expenses are charged to operating segments 
on an appropriate pro-rata basis. Segment assets and liabilities comprise operating assets and liabilities, being the majority of the statement of 
financial position.

Year ended 31 December 2009 

Interest revenue 
Inter-segment revenue 
Interest revenue from external customers 
Fee and commission income 

Revenue from external customers 

Interest expense 
Subordinated loan note interest 
Segment operating income 
Impairment losses 

Segment profit/(loss) before exceptional items 
Exceptional items 
Segment profit/(loss) before tax  
Income tax (expense)/income 

Segment profit/(loss) after tax 

Retail banking 
£000 

International 
Private 
banking 
£000 

9,932 
– 
9,932 
13,505 

23,437 

(1,345) 
– 
22,092 
(1,189) 

10,219 
– 
10,219 
(2,903) 

7,316 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

(506) 
– 
(506) 
– 

(506) 

UK Private 
banking 
£000 

13,061 
(611) 
12,450 
4,731 

17,181 

(4,163) 
– 
13,064 
(1,179) 

206 
– 
206 
(33) 

173 

Investment 
banking 
£000 

82 
– 
82 
13,580 

13,662 

(234) 
– 
16,860 
– 

(147) 
– 
(147) 
132 

(15) 

Group
(reconciling

items) 
£000 

359 
(359) 
– 
– 

– 

812 
(618) 
(316) 
– 

(4,722) 
– 
(4,722) 
1,125 

(3,597) 

Group Total
£000

23,434
(970)
22,464
31,816

54,280

(4,930)
(618)
51,700
(2,368)

5,050
–
5,050
(1,679)

3,371

Segment total assets 
Segment total liabilities 
Other segment items:
Capital expenditure 

Depreciation and amortisation 

114,067 
99,527 

162 
2,081 

370,068 
347,023 

17,710 
11,258 

(49,492) 
(41,517) 

452,515
418,372

(485) 

(727) 

– 

(71) 

(357) 

(662) 

(119) 

(59) 

(8) 

(3) 

(969)

(1,522)

The “Group” segment above includes the parent entity and all intercompany eliminations and fulfils the requirement of IFRS8.28.

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  75

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

36. operating segments continued

Year ended 31 December 2008 

Interest revenue 
Inter-segment revenue 
Interest revenue from external customers 
Fee and commission income 

Revenue from external customers 

Interest expense 
Subordinated loan note interest 
Segment operating income 
Impairment losses 

Segment profit/(loss) before exceptional items 
Exceptional items 

Segment profit/(loss) before tax 
Income tax (expense)/income 

Segment profit/(loss) after tax 

Segment total assets 
Segment total liabilities 
Other segment items:
Capital expenditure 
Depreciation and amortisation 

Retail banking 
£000 

International 
Private 
banking 
£000 

4,981 
– 
4,981 
15,498 

20,479 

(767) 
– 
19,712 
(533) 

4,858 
2,419 

7,277 
(1,898) 

5,379 

46,209 
35,165 

(665) 
(699) 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

(1,160) 
– 

(1,160) 
– 

(1,160) 

– 
1,453 

(199) 
(49) 

UK Private 
banking 
£000 

19,204 
(576) 
18,628 
6,925 

25,553 

(10,455) 
– 
14,592 
(444) 

1,461 
658 

2,119 
(11) 

2,108 

Investment 
banking 
£000 

190 
– 
190 
12,818 

13,008 

(676) 
– 
8,813 
– 

(5,225) 
– 

(5,225) 
1,465 

(3,760) 

Group
(reconciling

items) 
£000 

912 
(912) 
– 
– 

– 

467 
(964) 
(287) 
– 

(6,689) 
1,528 

(5,161) 
1,596 

(3,565) 

Group Total
£000

25,287
(1,488)
23,799
35,241

59,040

(11,431)
(964)
42,830
(977)

(6,755)
4,605

(2,150)
1,152

(998)

311,363 
287,967 

16,391 
9,602 

(14,208) 
(8,846) 

359,755
325,341

(652) 
(724) 

(54) 
(94) 

(3) 
(14) 

(1,573)
(1,580)

Segment profit is shown prior to any intra-group eliminations.

Other than the International private banking operations which are in Switzerland, all the Group’s other operations are conducted wholly within 
the United Kingdom and geographical information is therefore not presented.

37. Disposals
On 31 July 2008, the Group disposed of 100% of its interest in its subsidiary, Arbuthnot Commercial Finance Limited.

The net asset position of Arbuthnot Commercial Finance Limited at 31 July 2008, together with the resulting profit on disposal of shares and 
related net cash inflow, is shown below:

Loans and advances to customers 
Property, plant and equipment 
Other assets 
Deposits from banks 
Other liabilities 

Net assets 
Add: Goodwill 
Less: Non-controlling interests 
Net assets disposed 
Net gain on disposal 
Costs accrued 

Net cash inflow on sale 

76   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

£000

26,277
106
63
(10,466)
(14,695)

1,285
51
(26)
1,310
1,528
158

2,996

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
n
o
t
e
s

38. Ultimate controlling party
The Company regards Henry Angest, the group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, who has a beneficial interest in 52.8% of the issued 
share capital of the Company, as the ultimate controlling party. Details of his remuneration are given in the Remuneration Report and Note 34 
of the consolidated financial statements includes related party transactions with Mr Angest.

39. Reclassification of 2008 numbers
The following reclassifications took place on the consolidated statement of financial position for 2008:

ASSETS
Loans and advances to banks 
Loans and advances to customers 
Debt securities held-to-maturity 
Other assets 

LIABILITIES

Deposits from customers 
Other liabilities 

The following reclassifications took place on the consolidated statement of cash flows for 2008:

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
– net decrease/(increase) in loans and advances to customers 
– net decrease in other assets 
– net (decrease)/increase in amounts due to customers 
– net decrease in other liabilities 
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities 
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of debt securities 
Net cash from investing activities 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

Balance as 
per 2008 
financial 
statements 

15,930 
163,350 
137,916 
18,169 

335,365 

Interest 
reclassification 

9 
384 
2,723 
(3,116) 

– 

Comparative
balance 2009
financial
statements

15,939
163,734
140,639
15,053

335,365

291,742 
15,693 

307,435 

1,148 
(1,148) 

– 

292,890
14,545

307,435

Balance as 
per 2008 
financial 
statements 

6,826 
17,545 
(9,178) 
(26,598) 
(7,958) 

(274,620) 
(14,901) 
(28,634) 
27,299 

Interest 
reclassification 

(384) 
3,116 
1,148 
(1,148) 
2,732 

(2,723) 
(2,723) 
9 
9 

Comparative
balance 2009
financial
statements

6,442
20,661
(8,030)
(27,746)
(5,226)

(277,343)
(17,624)
(28,625)
27,308

The above reclassifications took place to align with the current year presentation. Interest receivable was reclassified from other assets to loans 
and advances to banks, loans and advances to customers and debt securities held-to-maturity. Interest payable was reclassified from other 
liabilities to deposits from customers. Interest receivable and payable is now reflected with the principal amount outstanding.

40. events after the balance sheet date
There were no material post balance sheet events.

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  77

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Five year summary

In the table below, all the figures are presented in accordance with IFRS.

Profit/(Loss) before tax and exceptional items* 
Profit/(Loss) before tax 
Earnings per share
Basic (p) 
Adjusted* (p) 
Dividends per share (p) 

2005 
£000(i) 

7,367 
7,676 

45.8 
32.6 
32.0 

2006 
£000 

7,551 
14,062 

63.0 
32.0 
32.5 

2007 
£000 

8,579 
8,579 

23.8 
23.8 
33.0 

2008 
£000 

(2,150) 
(2,150) 

3.5 
3.5 
21.0 

2009
£000

5,050
5,050

23.4
23.4
22.0

*  In 2005 exceptional items included reorganisation and redundancy costs of £486,000, the costs of moving to AIM of £55,000 and a profit  
on the sale to non-controlling interests of £850,000 and in 2006 exceptional items include the profit on disposal of Arbuthnot House of 
£12,623,000, long term bonuses of £1,900,000, restructuring costs of £1,312,000 and affinity bad debt of £2,900,000.

(i) 

 The prior year adjustments, referred to in Note 9 of the 2007 Annual Report, of £1,028,000 relating to years earlier than 2006 have not been included in  
the pre 2006 figures disclosed in the table above.

78   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
 
F
i
v
e

y
e
a
R
s
U
m
m
a
R
y

/

n
o
t
i
c
e
o
F

a
n
n
U
a
l
G
e
n
e
R
a
l
m
e
e
t
i
n
G

Notice of Annual General Meeting

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the twenty-fourth Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at Arbuthnot House,  
20 Ropemaker Street, London EC2Y 9AR on 12 May 2010 at 3pm for the following purposes:

ORDINARY BUSINESS

To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions which will be proposed as ordinary resolutions:

1.  To receive and adopt the report of the directors and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2009.

2.  To receive the report of the Remuneration Committee.

3. 

 To declare a final dividend in respect of the year ended 31 December 2009 which the directors propose should be 11.5p per ordinary share, 
payable on 14 May 2010 to shareholders on the register of members at the close of business on 16 April 2010.

4. 

 To re-elect Mr. D.M. Proctor as a director who, having been appointed as a director since the last annual general meeting, offers himself for 
re-election in accordance with Article 77 of the Articles of Association.

5. 

 To re-elect Mr. H. Angest as a director who retires by rotation in accordance with Article 80 of the Articles of Association and offers himself 
for re-election.

6. 

 To re-elect Sir Christopher Meyer as a director who retires by rotation in accordance with Article 80 of the Articles of Association and offers 
himself for re-election.

7. 

 To re-elect Mr. A.A. Salmon as a director who retires by rotation in accordance with Article 80 of the Articles of Association and offers 
himself for re-election.

8.  To re-appoint KPMG Audit Plc as Auditors and to authorise the directors to fix their remuneration.

SPECIAL BUSINESS

To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions which will be proposed as special resolutions:

9. 

 That, in substitution for all subsisting authorities to the extent unused, the directors be and they are hereby empowered to allot or make 
offers or agreements to allot equity securities (as defined in Section 560 of the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”) for cash either pursuant to 
the authority conferred by the resolution of the Company passed at the Annual General Meeting held on 13 May 2009 or by way of  
a sale of treasury shares as if Section 561(1) of the Act did not apply to any such allotment provided that this power shall be limited to:

(a)   the allotment or sale of equity securities in connection with any issue of shares to holders of relevant shares or relevant employee shares, 

or in connection with any other form of issue of such securities in which such holders are offered the right to participate, in proportion 
(as nearly as may be) to their respective holdings, but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the directors consider necessary 
or expedient to deal with any fractional entitlements or any legal or practical problems under the laws of any territory or the 
requirements of any stock exchange or regulatory authority; and

(b)   the allotment or sale (otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph (a) above) of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal amount  

of £7,350 (being approximately 5% of the issued share capital of the Company as at 10 March 2010)

 and this authority shall expire on 31 May 2011, or, if earlier, on the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company save 
that the Company may before such expiry make an offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after 
such expiry and the directors may allot equity securities in pursuance of such an offer or agreement as if the authority conferred hereby  
had not expired.

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  79

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notice of Annual General Meeting

10.  That the Company be generally and unconditionally authorised to make market purchases (as defined in section 693(4) of the Companies 

Act 2006) of ordinary shares of 1p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) provided that:

(a) 

 the maximum number of ordinary shares hereby authorised to be purchased shall be 1,460,000 (being approximately 10% of the 
issued share capital of the Company as at 10 March 2010);

(b)  the minimum price which may be paid for an ordinary share shall be 1p;

(c)   The maximum price which may be paid for an ordinary share shall be 5% above the average of the closing middle market price of the 
ordinary shares (as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List) for the 10 business days prior to the day the purchase 
is made;

(d)   the authority hereby conferred shall expire on 31 May 2011 or, if earlier, on the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the 

Company unless such authority is renewed prior to such time; and

(e)   the Company may enter into contracts to purchase ordinary shares under the authority hereby conferred prior to the expiry of such 

authority, which contracts will or may be executed wholly or partly after the expiry of such authority, and may make purchases of 
ordinary shares pursuant to any such contracts.

By order of the Board 
J.R. Kaye 
Company Secretary 

31 March 2010 

Notes:

Registered Office 
One Arleston Way 
Solihull B90 4LH

1.  In accordance with Regulation 41 of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001, the Company gives notion that only those shareholders 

entered on the relevant register of members (the ‘Register”) for certificated or uncertificated shares of the Company (as the case may be) at 
6.00 p.m. on 10 May 2010 (the ‘Specified Time’) will be entitled to attend or vote at the Annual General Meeting in respect of the number 
of shares registered in their name at that time. Changes to entries on the Register after the Specified Time will be disregarded in determining 
the rights of any person to attend or vote at the Annual General Meeting. Should the Annual General Meeting be adjourned to a time not 
more than 48 hours after the Specified Time, that time will also apply for the purpose of determining the entitlement of members to attend 
and vote (and for the purpose of determining the number of votes they may cast) at the adjourned Annual General Meeting. Should the 
Annual General Meeting be adjourned for a longer period, then to be so entitled, members must be entered on the Register at the time which 
is 48 hours before the time fixed for the adjourned Annual General Meeting or, if the Company gives notice of the adjourned Annual 
General Meeting, at the time specified in the notice.

2.  Any member may appoint a proxy to attend, speak and vote on his/her behalf. A member may appoint more than one proxy in relation  
to the Annual General Meeting provided that each proxy is appointed to exercise the rights attached to a different share or shares of the 
member, but must attend the meeting in person. A proxy need not be a member. Proxy Forms should be lodged with the Company’s 
Registrar or submitted not later than 48 hours before the time for which the Annual General Meeting is convened. Completion of the 
appropriate Proxy Form does not prevent a member from attending and voting in person if he/she is entitled to do so and so wishes.

3.  There are no service contracts of directors other than ones which may be terminated on 12 months’ notice at any time. Copies of these 

service agreements will be available for inspection at the registered office during usual business hours on any weekday (Saturdays and public 
holidays excepted) from the date of this notice until the date of the meeting and at the place of meeting for 15 minutes prior to and during 
the meeting.

80   

ARBUTHNOT BANKING GROUP PLC    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
n
o
t
i
c
e
o
F

a
n
n
U
a
l
G
e
n
e
R
a
l
m
e
e
t
i
n
G

/

c
o
R
P
o
R
a
t
e
c
o
n
t
a
c
t
s
&
a
D
v
s
e
R
s

i

Corporate contacts & advisers

Group address
Arbuthnot Banking Group
Arbuthnot House
20 Ropemaker Street
London EC2Y 9AR
T 020 7012 2400
E info@arbuthnotgroup.com
www.arbuthnotgroup.com

Registered office
One Arleston Way
Solihull B90 4LH
T 0121 693 9100
F 0121 693 9124

corporate contacts
Secure Trust Bank
One Arleston Way
Solihull B90 4LH
T 0121 693 9100
F 0121 693 9124
E banking@securetrustbank.com
www.securetrustbank.com

Arbuthnot Securities
Arbuthnot House
20 Ropemaker Street
London EC2Y 9AR
T 020 7012 2000
F 020 7012 2001
E investmentbanking@arbuthnot.co.uk
www.arbuthnot.co.uk

Arbuthnot Latham & Co 
Arbuthnot House
20 Ropemaker Street
London EC2Y 9AR
T 020 7012 2500
F 020 7012 2501
E banking@arbuthnot.co.uk
www.arbuthnot.co.uk

Bartle House, Oxford Court
Manchester M2 3WQ
T 0161 236 4431
F 0161 236 4432

17 Southernhay West
Exeter EX1 1PJ
T 01392 496061
F 01392 495313

advisers 
Auditors:
KPMG Audit Plc

Principal Bankers:
Barclays Bank PLC
Lloyds TSB plc

Stockbrokers:
Numis Securities Limited

Nominated Advisor:
Hawkpoint Partners Limited

Registrars:
Capita Registrars
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU

ANNUAL RePORT & ACCOUNTs 2009 

  81